God is Love: New Living Translation (NLT)

Showing posts with label New Living Translation (NLT). Show all posts

Friday, August 7, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope for when you're struggling to trust God

When You’re Struggling to Trust
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.”—Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT)

Have you ever entrusted someone with something precious—your heart, a dream, a secret, or even your reputation—only to have them betray your trust?

I’d say most of us have. Those moments leave a mark. They change the way we approach relationships, and if we're not careful, they even influence the way we approach God. I remember several years ago when my husband and I were attending a conference with other leaders. Somehow the conversation led to being carried “over the threshold”. One of the leaders smiled confidently and said, “I'm sure I could carry you.” Before I had time to respond, he picked me up, took a few steps then dropped me.

I wasn’t injured, but my pride and dignity were. One thing was certain: He was never going to get another opportunity to carry me again. Trust, once dropped, is not easily handed back. Seems I'm not the only one who’s ever been dropped.

In 2 Samuel 4:4, we’re told about the child Mephibosheth. When news came that his father, Jonathan and grandfather Saul had been killed, his nurse picked him up and fled in fear. Her intentions were good. She wasn't trying to hurt him; she was trying to save him. But in her haste, she dropped him, and from that day forward, Mephibosheth lived with the consequences. He became crippled not because of something he had done, but because someone else dropped what had been entrusted to them. It was an event that shaped the rest of his life.

Perhaps that’s your story today. Maybe you weren’t physically dropped, but somewhere along life's journey someone failed to carry what you entrusted to them. That experience has an impact on how you see people, and if you’re not careful, it may even affect how you see God. Trust takes time to build. It’s done over time by consistency and strengthened through experience. The Lord has such a proven reputation of trustworthiness that has been built before time began.

I remember a teacher saying, “Trust must be earned.” God has earned the right to be trusted. God understands that trust develops over time. We can see how He has remained faithful through the highs and the lows of life. That’s why our walk with God is a journey; it’s a relationship. He has a track record that speaks to the fact that He can be trusted.

Throughout my lifetime I have proven the hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” written by Thomas O. Chisholm and composed by William M. Runyan. My favorite lyrics in the song are from the refrain that says how great God’s faithfulness to us is and how every morning brings us new mercies from Him.

If you’re struggling today and questioning God’s commitment to standing with you in the hard times, I want to encourage you to trust Him. You can lean into His faithfulness and receive the blessing that comes from placing your confidence in Him.

Remember Mephibosheth. Although wounded from his past, he was not forgotten. In fact, he was protected and cared for—not because of anything he had done, but because of a promise King David had made to his father, Jonathan, long before Mephibosheth was even born. His future rested on a covenant he didn’t initiate and couldn't earn.

In the same way, God is faithful toward us, and it’s not based on our circumstances but because of His unchanging character. He keeps his promises. We can rest and trust that the God who made the promise is the same one who remains faithful to fulfill it.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your faithfulness toward us. Morning by morning, new mercies we see. You are the same yesterday, today and forever, and we can depend on you completely. You are God and God alone! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Trust Me” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Trust in You” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Austin Stone Worship Live from TGC. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “It's Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “I'll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: If you are lost, Jesus Christ is looking for you

Seeking the Lost
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”—Matthew 18:12-14 (NLT)

A few weeks ago, as I was on a flight returning from my mission trip, I heard in my spirit that the mission was not finished.

I knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to me. I said, “Lord, what now?” I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Tell the person on the right and the one on your left: Jesus loves you, and for you He died.” Fear gripped me. I thought of the length of time for this flight and of me sitting between the two people who God wanted me to witness to. I whispered, “Father, I am scared.”

A few days earlier when I was in conversation with the host Pastor, something he said has been resonating with me ever since. He said we must keep going for the one. The one soul that needs Jesus, His grace and mercy. When we feel like giving up in our ministry or the areas God has called us to serve, we seldom think of the one person who needs to hear the message God has given to us for that person.

As I struggled to get the message out, I quietly started praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help and show me what to do. A thought came to my mind: Write the message in the memo section of your phone and share the message. I wrote the message: “Jesus loves you, and for you He died.” Below those words I also wrote, “The Lord wants me to share this message with you, but I am scared, and this is the least scary option.” I finally shared the message.

And today, I want to share the same message with you! Jesus loves you. If you are a believer who went astray and became lost, He left the 99 saved sheep who were safe in His care, to search for you. Jesus wants us to have the same love and compassion for each other as He has for us. It is the same agape love that we would have to step out of our comfort zone to tell one person, “Jesus loves you and for you, He died.”

Recently, two of my dearest friends lost loved ones. One parent said to me, “My prayer is that in that moment he asked the Lord back into His life. We don’t know His final resting place, but one thing we are assured of: God loved him and gave His life for Him.” Now consider this in your own life: Someone who is important to you—a child, parent, sibling, friend, colleague, spouse, neighbor—whoever that person is, is the Lord is placing them on your heart to reconcile with them or invite them into a relationship with Jesus Christ? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you then help you do what He says.

In the passage above, we know the shepherd originally had 100 sheep, but one wandered away. The shepherd didn’t say the one was important, and he had 99 remaining, so it made no sense to go after the one. Yet, Jesus Christ as our Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18) seeks after the one who is lost—whether the one is a backslider who needs to return to his Heavenly Father or the one who needs to make the Lord His Savior. If we are to be like Jesus, then that is our role: to love as He does, to see others as He does, and to invite them into a relationship with Him.

Let’s return to my first story about how God’s Holy Spirit prompted me to share His message of salvation with the people who I was seated in between on the airplane. As I shared the message with the gentleman on my left, he read it, said thank you and patted my hand. I relaxed in my seat and under my breath, I said “Thank you, Lord.” While it took me longer to share with the young lady on my right, I did. She read the message, looked me in the eye and said thank you. As the pilot prepared us for descent, I wondered if I shared the message in the way the Lord wanted me to, and immediately, I heard one word in my spirit: Obedience. That’s what matters—not the method, but the doing—as we follow prompts from God’s Holy Spirit and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today, you may be in a space where you don’t know the Lord as Savior. Jesus loves you, and for you He died. You might have wandered away from Him. But He still loves you, and for you He died. You may have someone on your heart whom the Holy Spirit is nudging you to speak to. If you can’t speak it, write it or do whatever you need to do. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you because He will.

In closing, remember this Bible verse found in John 3:16 (NLT). It says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that You love each of us with an everlasting love. Remind us that You gave your only Son (Jesus Christ) to pay the price for our sins on the Cross, so that we can have everlasting life and be reconciled to You. Give us strength to endure so that we can fulfill your plans and purpose for our lives. May your peace and presence flood our hearts and cause us to know that You love us, and You died for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Lost Sheep | Jesus Finds Me Again” by True Faith Studio. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God So Loved” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Seeking the Lost” by KUSDA Church Choir. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “I Am Not Ashamed” by Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Each One, Reach One” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team.

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Monday, July 6, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: What a squirrel taught me about God's love

What a Terrified Squirrel Reminded Me About God’s Love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”—Psalm 104:24 (NLT)

Eye to eye outside my front door window, we watched each other. Me, sleepy in my workout clothes, ready to head upstairs to hop on the treadmill. Him, a terrified brown squirrel, clinging to the tree outside my door in terror.

I froze in my tracks, gazing at him. He didn’t move a muscle as his brown eyes locked on mine. I could almost see the thoughts coming from his brain: “Does she see me? Am I in danger? Maybe if I don’t move then she’ll think I’m part of the tree. Wait, is that nut still up there?”

Seconds ticked by. A full minute. I didn’t want to terrify the poor creature further, so in a moment I would slink away, letting him know he was truly safe after all. Yet I couldn’t help but marvel at him. His muscles bunched tight. His luminous brown eyes. The way his fingers, so childlike and delicate, clung to the slender tree trunk. He was a marvel, that squirrel! God’s precious creation. And for a moment, we saw each other. Fully. Finally, guilt set in at how scared I was probably making him, and I broke our eye contact and retreated upstairs.

Yet as I walked on that treadmill belt, I couldn’t stop thinking about that squirrel. About his tender, almost human-like hands. About those wide, chocolate-brown eyes. To God, that squirrel is likely as precious as I am. As you are. As that bird in the sky is. As that lonely man in the alley is, chasing away his demons in a bottle of something toxic. As that angry-eyed girl on the street is, keeping the world at arm’s length with her scowl and her fierce clothing.

All of us, every single one of us, is handcrafted in the image of God. Even the animals are perfectly designed—not necessarily, as humans—in the full image of God, but with that same amount of care and love and painstaking architecture. It doesn’t take much to look around and see God’s love everywhere. Even a leaf, with its delicate symmetry, shows that love, that attention, from our glorious Creator.

Our Father God cares for us, every one of us. Yet what do we do in return?

Sometimes we take that love for granted, becoming so consumed by our own lives and selfish concerns that we forget to be grateful for the breath in our lungs and the simple gift of our bodies. Sometimes we treat other people with disdain or show a complete lack of admiration and care for the world around us. We trash our forests and fill our air with toxins. We push our animals out into increasingly fewer spaces outdoors with overbuilding and urban sprawl. We overhunt and overindulge to our heart’s content. But if we only open our eyes, we will realize that loving God means loving others. It means loving His creation as much as we love ourselves.

Here are a few scriptures that point to God’s care:

- Genesis 1:31 (NLT) says, “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!”

- Psalm 24:1 (NLT) says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”

- Romans 1:20 (NLT) says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

We have no excuse. So, let’s open our eyes and see God all around us. And in return, let us celebrate His creation—from the animals to the earth to the people around us—with love and deep gratitude.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the great love You have for me and all your creation. Help me honor You with my life and with all the love I can muster. Instill in me a heart of gratitude and care, now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Maker” by Chris August. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Barlow Girl. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "God So Loved" by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach.

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers and her third novel, Hidden Seeds, is out now and is a top release. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Jessica is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: When you are struggling to trust God

Why We Can Always Trust God
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

I woke up in the middle of the night and remembered the current deadline I couldn’t meet and all its implications.

I had no idea what would happen for the rest of the month or the months ahead. Fear came over me in the dark as I wondered where God was and how long He would take to respond to my prayer. My heart broke, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Then I heard a gentle, caring voice say, “Trust Me.” As my mind returned to the situation, I heard it again, even more softly: “Trust Me.” The second time, something changed within me, and peace filled my soul. My body relaxed, and my thoughts settled on my Heavenly Father’s invitation to trust Him. This is what I’ve learned: It is easy to lose sight of God in the middle of a trial or a difficult season. It is easy to forget His words and His promises to us.

Isaiah 41:10 was a reminder to the children of Israel who were in exile in Babylon. They were taken away from their homes, hundreds of miles away in a foreign land, to be oppressed by the Babylonians. They burned their cities down, including their place of worship—the temple where God dwelt among them. I can only imagine how they must have felt, abandoned and wondering if God cared for them. This was the place I was at, and possibly, it is the same place you are as well. My sweet friend, God has not and will not abandon you. His love carries us. His Word (The Holy Bible) reassures us of His promises, and His covenant is unbroken toward us.

It’s not easy to trust God when bills are due and the finances are lacking, a health crisis looms, and there seems to be no way out of your current circumstances. I know I have been there. God reassured the children of Israel by saying these words in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” God is lovingly reassuring and comforting you with those same words. Truth be told, God, our Heavenly Father, is trustworthy. His words are His bond, and it's impossible for Him to go back on what He says.

As I leaned into the comfort of the words the Lord whispered to me this morning and the subsequent peace they gave me, I refocused my prayer instead on the promises of God. Instead of “Woe is me”, I used back His words to Him, “And 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).

Those are His words to me. What words has He spoken to you as you wrestle with the weight and burden? Are you able to trust that God is well able and more than capable to meet your needs—whatever they may be?

Sometimes the way in which we want our prayers answered, God knows that’s not the best option for us right now. In that, He still says trust Him. It is amazing to know that we have a Heavenly Father who has the absolute best plans for us, but our impatience sometimes robs us of His best.

Although I believe and pray for the best outcome, my God knows what’s best for me and what’s best for you. Today, trust Him. He knows the needs that must be met and the right path to take. The same God who loved and cared for the children of Israel cares for you in the same way. In the darkest of the night, let us trust Him, when it seems not to make sense, still trust Him. When you feel like letting go, trust Him. His ways are past finding out, and though it may seem as if He is taking a long time to come through, please know that what He is preparing for you and me is His absolute best for us.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to trust You even when the path does not seem clear. Help us to lean on You and know that You love us. As we wait, help us to trust that You are working all things out for our good. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Trust Me” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “More Than Able” (feat. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson) by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team.

Monday, June 8, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: Why being kind to everyone is powerful

The Power of Kindness
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”—1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

Kindness is a timeless virtue. It can brighten someone’s day, mend a fence, even change someone’s outlook on life. God has gifted us to be tender, benevolent, and useful to others.

My mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s disease. She was widowed a few years ago and couldn’t live alone. My husband and I got involved with her caregiving and there were many sacrifices that came with our decision. The biggest lesson I learned in this experience is that the smallest act of kindness can go a very long way.

Sometimes it’s as simple as saying hello, or giving a smile. You never know what someone is going through. We all have something to give—maybe it’s our time, a kind word, or a listening ear.

We live in a world that seems so polarized. As Christians, we need to make an effort to reach out to others as Jesus Christ reached out to us. We need to extend grace to people with whom we may not share anything in common.

Here are three ways we can show kindness:

Way #1: Be merciful. As Christians, we are called to extend grace to those who can be difficult and underserving. Romans 12:20 (NIV) says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”

Way #2: Serve the hurting. Matthew 25:40 (NLT) says in the words of Jesus Christ, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Way #3: Forgive freely. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) says, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

People are hurting. One small act of kindness can greatly affect others. It’s not the size of the gift that matters, only the gift. Sometimes kindness calls us to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to those who are different from us. God wants us to embrace agape love—to serve, forgive, and uplift others even when they are being difficult.

At one point in my career, I had a boss who was extremely demanding. I was often the one asked to stay late, take on difficult assignments, or handle the work no one else wanted to do. There were moments when I felt overlooked, frustrated, and honestly resentful. What challenged me most wasn’t the workload; it was my attitude. I realized I was keeping score internally: who was appreciated, who got treated more gently, who got away with doing less. And I felt hurt.

But during that season, I began learning what “agape love” really means. Not just kindness when things are easy, but choosing patience, excellence, and grace even when it isn’t reciprocated the way you want. I started seeing my boss less as ‘the difficult person in my life’ and more as a human being carrying pressures I couldn’t fully see.

That didn’t mean becoming a doormat or pretending everything felt good. It meant deciding that bitterness would not define me. I learned to serve with integrity, speak respectfully, and keep my spirit clean even when I was tired or stretched.

Looking back, that experience taught me that agape love is not based on how someone treats you; it’s based on choosing to allow Jesus to make me into the person He wants me to be.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that your kindness that leads us to repentance. Thank You for teaching us to love others even when we don’t feel like it. Thank You for your grace and your word that guides us in these challenging times. We love You, Lord.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection: “Show Me How to Love” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer.

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

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, May 11, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: How God taught me to lead my children to Jesus

It Begins with Me
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.”

—Luke 2:52 (NLT)

It seems like yesterday I was holding my newborn sons in my arms.

Now as I am reminiscing, they are both school-aged children. So much has happened over the years that it seems like a blur. I am thankful that my husband and I took countless photos of them and that their milestones are recorded in journals and photo albums.

More important than photos, videos, journals, and scrapbooks are the moments spent with my sons in prayer. My husband and I started praying for our sons while they were still in the womb. We knew that God had something special in store for us and we wanted to be sure that their lives were in line with their Creator.

When our sons were born, we prayed right there in the delivery room, and we continued to pray with them every morning and every night. While they are sleeping, I sneak into their rooms and quietly breathe a mother’s prayer over my sons. I ask God to protect them from evil as they develop, and to grant them wisdom, favor and discernment to make the right decisions in life. I pray that God will show my sons their purpose in this life and that one day my sons will whole-heartedly receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Even now, I can see the results of my prayers. I was so proud and at the same time humbled when both of my sons decided to get baptized at church. When I hear the comments of teachers who are pleased to have my sons in their classroom, or when I am told that my sons are responsible for their age, or they have caring attributes and are well behaved among their peers, this lets me know that my prayers from over the years have come to fruition.

Recently, it occurred to me that I should be praying just as fervently for myself and the life that I am leading as a parent. Praying over my sons is a necessity, but what kind of example would I be if I am not covered in prayer? I cannot effectively make a disciple for Jesus Christ if I am not an effective disciple myself.

As a parent, I have quickly learned that children will do what they see more than what they are told. I can tell my youngest son not to throw an object in the house, but he is taking mental notes as I unconsciously toss my shoes into the closet. As trivial as this may seem, it equates to circumstances on a larger scale later in his life such as the words I speak, the way I treat others, my attitude in my home, and my relationship with God. I pray that as my sons grow into men and that they will pattern their lives after Jesus. I also pray that when my sons look at me, they see Jesus living in me and working through me.

The most important element is the legacy that I will leave behind to my children: A life devoted to Christ. I am so glad that Christ covers me and stands in the gap where I fall short. It begins with me.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, I thank You for the privilege of being a parent. I ask You for wisdom and discernment as I raise my children to be Your disciples. May I not be a hindrance but an example of Your love. Lead me as I lead my children. I dedicate our lives to You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Legacy” by First Call. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Standing in the Gap” by Babbie Mason with Helen Baylor and Cindy Morgan. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Lead Me Lord” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey.

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God and she is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s sixth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 21 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 13) and Ryan (age 8). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here:

www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook author page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Friday, May 1, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ taught His disciples about prayer

Principles of Prayer
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”—Luke 18:1 (NLT)

Many years ago, a woman in our church made a statement that has stayed with me. She said, “Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power.” Prayer is like gasoline in a car. For the car to move forward, it needs fuel. Likewise, we need prayer to fuel our lives every day.

First, prayer is communication between us and God. The disciples of Jesus Christ had seen Jesus pull away from them on several occasions to go and pray. They saw that His ability to do all He did and function the way He did was clearly because He received his power from His Father (God). They heard Jesus talk repeatedly about His Father. They heard and could see there was a connection between Him and God. Keep in mind that communication involves speaking as well as listening. Jesus was willing to teach them how to do this. He did so and taught them what we know as the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:2-4).

Jesus taught His disciples to pray to their Heavenly Father by first acknowledging the most important things: Praise God and honor His holy name then ask Him to provide for your daily need. Daily repent of sin asking God to forgive you and pray to stay alert to temptation. This was a basic framework on how to pray. This doesn’t seem complicated, does it? So why don’t we pray?

Secondly, prayer requires persistence. Prayer requires hope that what we are praying for will happen. We must not give up. The Bible tells us that we must believe that God can do what we are asking. It is a requirement to believe that He is who He says He is (Hebrews 11:6). Belief in Him comes from reading His Word (The Holy Bible) and praying. Like any great relationship, you have to be consistent and persistent. Jesus taught His disciples persistence in a parable about a friend going to another’s friend seeking assistance because an unexpected visitor has come to visit. His friend tells him to come back tomorrow. But he keeps knocking on the friend’s door until the friend finally gives in, not because of the relationship but because of the persistent knocking on the door. How can you ignore a persistent cry for help? The lesson is don’t stop asking, be persistent in prayer (Luke 11:5-9).

Thirdly, prayer requires persistent faith. As mentioned, when we pray to the Lord we come to Him believing He is God and He is able to do what we ask. Jesus said in Luke 18:1 (KJV), “Men ought always to pray.” The passage goes on to share an illustration of widow who refused to give up on getting the justice she needed. She needed an answer. So, she went to the only one she knew who had the power to change her situation. She was completely focused on going to the judge who was the only one who can respond to her need. Jesus wants us to do the same for us. Go to the One (God) who can do something about your situation. The widow was unrelenting, focused and determined. Her story is a prime example of the fact that seeing and receiving the answers to our prayers requires persistent faith.

How is your communication with the Lord? Do you only speak to Him when you need something from Him or is He the first person you speak to in the morning, during the day and before you to go sleep at night? We put time and energy into our earthly relationships. Is the Lord the center of your life so that He is not an afterthought but a priority in your life? We can be so busy doing the Lord’s work that we forget about the Lord of the work and spend time communing with Him to ensure we are really living and doing what He wants.

Let’s endeavor to grow in our relationship with the Lord. If you’ve struggled in the past, know that He is ready and waiting to hear your cry and answer your prayers of faith. God can send you all the help you need.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for always wanting to keep an open line of communication between us through the gift of prayer. Thank You for always listening to my prayers. Forgive me for looking to others before coming to You first. Thank You for reminding me to never give up and to always pray. Help me to trust You with all my heart and not lean to my own understanding. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Take It to the Lord in Prayer” by Aeolians of Oakwood University. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Pray” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. 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.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: God invites us to be still, quiet and listen to Him

Be Still
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”—Psalms 46:10 (NLT)

Life on this Earth can be incredibly noisy.

There’s so much happening around us, competing for our attention seemingly from minute to minute. There seems to be no end to the demands for our attention. And it is in those moments God is calling us to come away and be still in His presence.

Earlier this year I felt the strong urge to go on a sabbatical, to pull myself away from the noise and the crowd to spend some time with the Lord. I wasn’t quite sure how it would work, with the demands of family, work, and ministry. However, I felt an urgency that this time was needed, and I had to make space, just as I would have to do for anything else. I turned off almost all notifications and disconnected myself from social media. What I needed from God required me to step away from the crowd and to step into His presence, alone and uninterrupted.

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines “stillness” as “freedom from agitation: calmness, serenity”. This definition sums up exactly what I needed. I can recall the first day of this journey and the feeling in that moment of the Holy Spirit with arms open wide saying, “I have been waiting for you.” I felt such joy and love in God’s Presence! I was so excited to see where the remaining days would take me.

Can I tell you something? Being still in God’s Presence is an act of surrender and surrender is holy. We can have so many voices giving their thoughts and opinions that we sometimes don’t know where our thoughts stop and where theirs begin. It is in those moments that we miss what God is saying to us, confusion, doubt and fear steps in when there is a lack of the clear voice of our Heavenly Father.

To be still before God is a choice and it was a decision that I learned to make in my journey through this life on Earth. Each of us have to make that choice on our own because no one else can make for us. My friend, it's a choice worth making!

What are you struggling with that God is calling you to come away from? Do you sense Him inviting you to run to Him and to be still in His presence? Stillness is something that we struggle against because we don’t know how to quiet ourselves and just be. It is in the stillness that we will hear the quiet whispers of God. Read 1 Kings 19:11-13 for a Biblical example of this truth.

To recognize truly who God is happens in the moments that we pause, tune our ears and hearts to Him and choose to listen. In that period of stillness, I heard the Lord speak to me through His words, the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit and in a still small voice that reminded me that obedience is better than sacrifice.

My friend, I want to encourage you today to choose to be in God’s presence, sitting with no agenda and be willing to not only listen but hear what He is saying to you. This is important to help us make it through our life on Earth.

The Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who controls the future, who knows what is ahead of us, calls us away to a time with Him that is more beneficial to us than it is for Him. How can you neglect such a call? Our Heavenly Father (God) beckons with open arms, saying, “Come, my child so I can instruct you, comfort you, give you clarity and the directions you need not just for where you are now but for your next.” But how will you know what He wants to say if you will not be still long enough to hear?

I know you may be facing struggles now and perhaps you are saying, “I don’t know how I am going to do this!” You may also be looking for the perfect time to be still before God, but you can’t find it. How about starting with 15 minutes, in quiet time with God? Silence your notifications, sit in His presence with your Bible and journal, open your heart and create the space for Him to meet you. What would it look like?

Can I tell you? It would look like holy time. It should bring joy to your heart to know that the Eternal King requires your presence and is there waiting on you. Do you require freedom from agitation, calmness and serenity? The only place you and I can receive that is in the stillness of the presence of our Lord.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your call for us to be still before you. Lord, you know the struggles that we face to still the noise around us. Help us surrender our time to You. Help us desire your presence more than anything else so we can hear your still small voice. Father, I pray today will be the day that my friend will be obedient to your voice. Speak, Lord, as they set their hearts to hear you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Make Room” by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Make Room” by Meredith Andrews (feat. Sarah Reeves & Chris McClarney). Listen to it here.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: When you need to adjust your attitude and path

Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment?
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

—Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

I’ve had a variety of teaching assignments in my years as an educator. However, one of the best was teaching Aviation Science at the school district’s Flight Center, which was designated as a field trip for all fifth-grade classes.

Whether you’re the pilot of a private plane or the captain of a major airliner, there are required safety checks before take-off. In addition, the pilot and navigator continually monitor the instrument panel throughout the flight. Each instrument has a specific job and looks for important things such as obstacles in its path, air speed, and altitude. The more time I spent at the Flight Center, the more I realized how safety checks could be applied to our everyday lives.

Do you ever feel as if you’re moving too fast, flying too high, going the wrong direction, or spinning towards a nose-dive? I’ve felt this way from time to time. That’s when I need to remind myself that we have access to the ultimate pilot who can help us avoid disaster. His name is Jesus Christ.

When we allow Jesus to take control of our lives, we can trust Him to know exactly what to do when we’re in danger. Imagine waking up each morning, grabbing a coffee, and spending time with Jesus for a safety check regarding your faith walk. This will make a difference in everything we do, because we’re putting God back into his rightful place as the captain of our lives.

There is one instrument on the flight deck that requires continual monitoring. This instrument shows when the plane is level, banked, climbing, or descending. It’s called the attitude indicator, which provides the pilot with critical information needed for the plane to arrive safely at its destination. It reminds me of a phrase repeated by teachers and parents at one time or another. They would say to the young people, “You need an attitude adjustment!” But isn’t it possible that grown-ups need an attitude adjustment from time to time?

The airplane pilot is responsible for safely getting passengers to their destinations, just as Christ is the director of our lives. As followers of Christ, we might want to consider this question: “Is Jesus the pilot of my life, or am I continually fighting for control?” Why do we tend to negotiate with God in attempt to take control and be the pilot of our own life when we are inexperienced and ill-equipped? Who are we to assume we should be in control? Why do we have such a need for control, knowing it will most likely lead us down the wrong path?

The attitude of our hearts should be level and heading straight toward Jesus. We need our Savior! As Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) tells us, “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.”

Before flying into your day, position yourself before God and ask Him to check your attitude indicator. Approach Him with gratitude and humility, and He will make the necessary adjustments. When we put our trust in Him, then our heavenly destination is ensured.

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, I come before You today, knowing that You are the Creator of the universe. You are aware of our inadequacies, and yet thanks to Jesus, we are flawless in your eyes. Help me to step out of your way, to give you all my heart, soul, and mind. Thank You for your faithfulness to me. I know that You will guide me on the path You have set for me, which ultimately leads to You. It’s in you alone I put my trust. Praise be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Shane & Shane. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Honey in the Rock” by Brooke Ligertwood. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of heaven.

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has 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 Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should patiently wait on the Lord

Waiting on God
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”

—Psalms 40:1 (NLT)

I don’t believe there is ever a time when people who believe in God aren’t waiting on God for something. Whether it’s for the opening of a door, salvation for family and friends, a breakthrough or something else. There seems to always be a season when we have to wait for God’s response to our petitions.

There are times when God answers our prayers immediately and there are times when we have to wait. But if you are like me, we like the immediate responses to our prayers because it feels good. On the other hand, when we have to wait and the answer seems so long in coming, we lean toward giving up.

There have been times in my life when waiting on the Lord seemed to last forever and I felt that God hadn’t heard and wasn’t mindful of my pleas for help. In those moments I can recall persisting in prayer even when the pleas weren’t as intense as when I just started. The biggest things that I noticed is that during those moments, my faith was being built up.

King David told us in Psalm 40:1 that he waited patiently on God. This couldn’t have been easy, but David knew the God he prayed to would deliver him. When we wait on the Lord like David, our patience can be tested. In the Bible it is recorded that King David started praying to God about a certain matter several chapters before Psalm 40 started. If you read chapter 37 through chapter 39 then you can hear David’s original pleas for help. Like David, we who pray to God have a track record with Him. Over time, we understand that He responds in His perfect time and according to His perfect will for our lives. God is never late and never early. He is always right on time. We limit Him with our physical idea of time when we forget that God exists outside of time.

God already knows the petitions of your heart, the urgency of your need, the dire straits that you are in. He sees you. God cares for all humankind and understands our struggles. Therefore, He gives comfort to us about this practice of waiting on Him. The Bible says in Isaiah 40:31 (NLT), “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

What can we take from the posture of waiting? The fact that it requires patience. It’s not something we necessarily like to hear, but it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) that we need in our Christian journey. We can take hope in the fact that the Lord inclined His ear to David and heard his cry then and it’s the same for us today. As long as what we are praying for is in alignment to the word and will of God for our lives, God will not only hear but will deliver us.

The requirement is patience, and if that’s an area that you are struggling with then let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us to not grow weary, to reflect on what God has done for us in the past and be reminded that He is still the unchanging God.

Before I close this devotional, I’d like to leave you with a word of encouragement: There are prayers that I have been praying that have taken decades to come through. There were moments when I wondered if they would ever be answered. But God did answer me in His perfect time, and He was always right on time.

Friends, don’t look at the length of time it takes to receive a response from God. Instead, look at what He is producing within you as you wait.

Let’s Pray: Spirit of the Living God, I pray today that You will meet us at the point of our needs. Strengthen those who are weak and feel like giving up. Remind them that You are still the unchanging God and there’s absolutely nothing that’s too hard for you to do. Show up today, Lord. Put a new song in their mouth. May You, gracious God, be magnified today. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

Song of Reflection #2: “Spirit of the Living God” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Promises” by Maverick City feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team.

Friday, March 20, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: For when you're searching and praying for peace

Need Peace?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”—Luke 2:14 (NIV)

We sing songs with these words. We read these words. We want these words to be a reflection of our life. We want peace. We want God’s favor. We want peace in our homes, at work, school, in our personal lives. Above all else, we just want peace.

Is it only the quiet we crave? The silence of the forest, the roaring of the ocean waves, the absence of people? Are we so busy with our daily to-do lists that time away from it all is most desired? Is that what we equate with peace?

Or is it much deeper?

This word “peace”, in the Greek is “Eirene” and it means peace—literally and figuratively. It also means a state of national tranquility, exemption from war, peace between individuals, harmony and security. According to the Blue Letter Bible, there is a connotation of prosperity, there is peace, and there is peace. There is peace after the small children go to bed, and there is peace on a larger scale when the weapons of war are laid down and a peace treaty is signed. There is peace when forgiveness is sought and given. There is peace when we lay down our desires to God and allow Him to have full reign in our lives.

If we look closely at Luke 2:14, God’s peace is for those on whom His favor rests. It is not a one-size-fits-all type of peace. We all crave this peace, but there is a condition: God’s favor. God’s pleasure. It does not say God’s love. We know from John 3:16 that God so loves the world that He gave His only Son to die for our sins and in turn we receive eternal life with Him. His pleasure is another matter.

For years, I have sought to find passages in the Bible that speak of God’s pleasure. This has been a quest for me ever since I came across Ephesians 5:10 (NLT), that tells us to carefully determine what pleases the Lord. The Apostle Paul is telling us to search for this pleasure. We can find it by searching the Scriptures and seeing what God has to say to us as we read His Word.

First and foremost, we have the best definition: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

It’s about faith. It’s about belief. It’s about belief in God and God alone. It is not about me, my ways, my stubborn tenacity, my selfishness. It’s about letting go and letting God. It’s about seeking Him and pleasing Him in the seeking. This starts with our believing He is good, kind, compassionate, loving, for us and everyone.

Simple as that.

But it is not always that simple for us to understand and apply to our life because we tend to complicate things. We allow our selfishness to be in the driver’s seat of our lives because it is hard to trust anyone, let alone God, whom we cannot see. But to have this peace we crave, we need to please God with our faith in Him. When we do this then we can receive His peace—and I would say, in abundance.

This begs the question for those of us who know Jesus Christ but are not knowing, nor feeling His peace. Perhaps we are wondering, “What am I doing to cause this lack?” I believe that it boils down to pleasing God and asking ourselves these questions: Have I stepped away from trusting God in all areas of my life? Have I allowed Him in most areas, but not all because I’m not ready, not willing to fully give that over, or because the very thing that gives me pleasure is actually a stumbling block to my having His favor rest upon me? Is this why I don’t have peace?

This is what I’ve learned: When I find I am in turmoil in life, I need to pause and look at my heart and my eyes. Are they on the Lord and in His Word? Am I genuinely seeking God even though I do not fully understand, but fully trust Him?

It is here, on our journey, where we can find, receive and rest in God’s peace.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I need You. I need Your peace and I recognize that I do not have peace because of me. Because of my holding on, my wandering heart, my stubborn rebellion, my independence, and not letting You have full reign in all areas of my life. I fully, finally and completely, give You all. Everything. And I thank You for the peace that is mine because of this step of obedience. Please give me Your perfect peace. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “God and God Alone” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “God's Favor” by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.

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

Friday, March 6, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: What plants taught me about being deeply rooted

How Deep Are Our Roots?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” —Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Whack! Whack! Whack!

This was the sound of the instruments we used to dig up plants. The plants had deep roots and every time we hit the ground with the hoe, we pulled up through the dirt an incredible number of weeds. These weeds ran deep. I had never seen so many attached to one plant.

Our voices echoed each other with deep sighs of, “Oh my goodness. There are more here. Come back, there’s another one!” More than once, we had to return to the same place to chip away at the long stalks of weeds that had wound themselves tightly in the earth. We swung at them, then pulled and put the instrument deeper to dig down to finally see an end to the annoying strands of weeds.

The aspect of being rooted really came alive to me in a new way that day. I felt like I had a practical window into why Jesus Christ spoke often about soil, plants and farming when communicating to the people in The Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian church and in it, he told them to let their roots not only grow but also go deep and be anchored and strong in Christ. What roots was he referring to? Paul was speaking to their faith and confidence in Christ.

He wanted them to ensure that their conviction of who Christ is be so strong and solid that nothing could shake their belief. When you know something is true it will take a lot to shake you out from that belief because you’re deeply rooted. When you read the scripture, meditate on it and understand it in context it is planted in your spirit. However, when that Word is tested by the firestorm of a trial or storm in life, then the depth and security of that root is also tested.

As a child, I developed a love for memorizing scripture even when I didn’t fully understand what those Bible verses meant. As I became a teenager, I would read those passages again and they took on a new meaning to me. Many times, I would be experiencing something in my life and a verse that I had memorized would give me a better understanding and comfort for what I was experiencing in that moment. The Word of God was taking root in my heart.

As an adult, I still face challenges that are common in this life on Earth but because the truth of God’s Word had taken root in my spirit, I am always encouraged and comforted by The Holy Spirit. The Bible stories and verses always give me hope. When I read The Bible, God reminds me that He is with me, so I am never alone.

Day by day, as I spend time with God in Bible study and prayer, I continue to grow stronger. As a result, my heart overflows with gratitude to God. I was thankful for His Word. I can tell you with full confidence today that just like a plant being placed in good soil—watered and nurtured—we each have to do the work to ensure we are grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When the Word of God is rooted deep within us then there is nothing that can uproot us.

The storms will come. The trouble will come. The disappointments will come. Yet, because we have taken the time and care to plant our faith in God’s Word, growing our spiritual roots deep in our Firm Foundation (Jesus Christ) then our faith and trust in God will remain secure and unmovable.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises in your Word that give us hope and confidence. As you told us in Your Word to meditate on your truths day and night, I will meditate on them so I can become strong in You. Thank You for every blessing I receive from hiding your Word in my heart to not only keep me from sinning but also to guide my every step through this life on Earth. I love you, Lord. Thank You for being here for me and all of humankind.

In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Anchor Holds” by Ray Boltz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be disciplined and walk with God

Discipline: Doing the Lord’s Instructions
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“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.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Happy New Year!

As you embrace this new year, you may be filled with hope of the possibility of new beginnings or you may be walking into it, fearing the unknown or still yet have mixed emotions about what to expect. No matter the emotion you may be feeling at this time, in as much as possible we have to prepare ourselves for what lies ahead of us.

Each year for the past eight years, I have been asking the Lord for a word and or scripture that guides my year, and without fail He gives me one. This year is no different. As I prayerfully asked the Lord for the word for this year, it seems the Lord was just waiting for me to ask because before the final words left of the prayer left my lips, I heard the word “discipline”, firm and strong. Immediately I understood what the Lord was saying to me, I smiled to myself and started praying for the strength to do what He called me to do, and to complete the tasks that He gave me that are still unfinished.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “discipline” as “an activity that one engages in regularly to train or improve oneself.” To do what the Lord wants me to do will require action on my part. As I reflect not only on the word, but the underpinning scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6), I thought how do these two relate to each other. It takes discipline to daily read God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and apply it to our lives. And to trust Him requires a deliberate effort on our part. To not do things in our own understanding requires discipline. You and I are not short of knowing what the Lord requires of us (Micah 6:8), neither are we unaware of the instructions God has given us in His Word. I believe that sometimes we fall short of doing what is required.

You may have set some goals you want to accomplish this year or you may have some goals carrying over from 2025. How will they be met if you aren’t willing to move from talking about these goals to achieving them? For every plan you have—personal, professional, spiritual—you have to be willing to develop and stick to a plan of moving forward to achieve your goals.

We know that life is always moving. Challenges, difficulties, hardships will come that can derail our efforts to change for the better. We may wonder: How we can trust God in difficult times? How can I still do what He requires when all hell is breaking loose around us? It is in these times that we make a concerted effort to look at the Lord’s perfect track record and ask: Has He come through for me before? Does He have a good plan for my life? Is He trustworthy? By doing this, we are disciplining our thoughts to reflect on who God is, instead of allowing the enemy to cause us to believe anything other than the truth of the God we serve.

Like an athlete who has to train in good and harsh environments, we have to train ourselves to do what needs to be done. We have to set our faces like a flint and determinedly say, “No matter what I am faced with, I will move forward in order to accomplish the plans the Lord has for my life.” The choice is yours. Will you focus on what your limited understanding knows or in all your ways, will you acknowledge the Almighty God who knows all and has unlimited understanding?

Sometimes we need to simply tell God, “Lord, I don't understand your plans, but I know they are good. Help me to walk in them and help me to do what’s necessary so that your will for my life will be accomplished.” Then watch how God helps us.

Do you have a word or scripture for this year, or has God given you the same word from last year? Discipline might not be your word, but here’s how you can apply it to your life: If your goal is spiritual growth, set a plan to read your Bible daily, if your goal is financial freedom, set a plan to save by opening an account and do an automatic saving, almost everything we do is rooted in action. When you don’t know what to do, choose to trust God for His direction because you know He has the best plan for you.

May you grow this year in good ways as you walk into God’s will for your life with the full assurance that He will show you which path to take and He will walk alongside you as you trust Him with each step.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this new year, thank You for the good plans that You have for your children. Thank You for your words that remind us to trust You with our whole heart. Father, we confess that it’s not always easy to move to do what you have required of us, so I pray that you will help us do Your will. Lord, your children look to You today in awe of your goodness, your faithfulness and your love. Lord whatever You have called us to do, may we trust your heart for our life and walk in purpose towards your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Eyes on the Prize” by Sara Groves. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team.