Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to ask God to search our heart

The Peril of Presumption
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression."

—Psalm 19:12-13 (NKJV)

The verse above is as a heartfelt plea from King David, a man after God’s own heart, for divine intervention in his battle against sin.

While it is brief, this psalm is packed with profound wisdom for the Christian walk of faith. It reminds us of the danger of presumptuous sins and points us to God’s grace as our only hope for purity and spiritual growth.

Presumptuous sins are those deliberate, willful and often arrogant actions that disregard God’s authority and law. Unlike sins committed in ignorance or weakness, presumptuous sins stem from an attitude of pride, rebellion, or overconfidence. They reveal a heart that says, “I know this is wrong, but I will do it anyway.” Taking action on these sins is an attempt to assert our will over God’s. David’s prayer recognizes how easily such sins can creep into the life of even the most devout believer.

The Danger of Presumptuous Sins

Why are presumptuous sins so dangerous? First, they desensitize our conscience. The more we justify and repeat these sins, the less conviction we feel. What begins as a small, seemingly insignificant choice can snowball into a hardened heart. Over time, we may find ourselves far from God, unable to hear His voice or sense His presence.

Second, presumptuous sins often have a ripple effect. They can lead to greater transgressions, damaging relationships, and tarnishing our witness. David’s fear of “great transgression” points to the fact that unchecked sin escalates.

Finally, presumptuous sins challenge God’s sovereignty. Every time we knowingly disobey Him, we elevate our own judgment above His. This prideful stance puts us in direct opposition to the Creator and invites His discipline. James 4:6 (NLT) reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

David’s prayer, asking God to, “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins”, acknowledges that we cannot overcome sin in our own strength. Human effort alone is insufficient to resist the temptations of the flesh. This plea is both a confession of weakness and a declaration of trust in God’s power.

To guard against presumptuous sins, we must develop a deep dependence on God. This begins with humility—acknowledging our vulnerability and need for His guidance. It also involves immersing ourselves in His Word (The Holy Bible), which reveals God’s will and exposes the lies we might be tempted to believe. Psalm 119:11 (NIV) declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Scripture equips us to discern right from wrong and strengthens us to choose obedience.

Prayer is another vital weapon in the fight against sin. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to convict us, guide us, and empower us to resist temptation. As we cultivate a consistent prayer life, we grow more attuned to God’s voice and more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Freedom in Submission

The second part of Psalm 19:13 reveals a beautiful promise: “Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression.” While none of us can achieve blamelessness on our own, God’s grace makes it possible. When we submit to Him and seek His help, He transforms our hearts and renews our minds. His forgiveness cleanses us from past sins, and His Spirit empowers us to walk in righteousness.

Living Out Psalm 19:13

How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

First, we must examine our hearts every day. Are there areas where we’ve grown complacent or rebellious? Are we justifying actions that we know are contrary to God’s commands? Honest self-reflection, guided by the Holy Spirit, helps us identify and address presumptuous sins before they take root.

Second, we need accountability. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage and challenge us in our faith is crucial. James 5:16 (NIV) encourages us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Accountability fosters humility and provides support in moments of weakness.

Finally, we must cling to God’s promises. When we stumble, the enemy seeks to fill us with guilt and shame, but Romans 8:1 (NIV) assures us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God’s mercy is greater than our failures, and His grace is sufficient for every struggle.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, we echo King David’s prayer: Keep us back from presumptuous sins. Protect our hearts from pride and rebellion and help us to walk humbly before You. Teach us to depend on Your strength, to treasure Your Word, and to seek Your guidance in all things. When we fall short, remind us of Your grace and lead us back to the path of righteousness. May our lives bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’s Name pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Search Me, Oh God, and Know My Heart Today” (hymn). Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Praising God can bring your deliverance

Praising God in Peril and Prosperity
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”—Luke 1:68-71 (NLT)

The United States of America is the country I call home. Recently, we have experienced the highs and lows of a free, democratic and uncontested election. Many of us celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with friends, family and lots of food. Now, we are preparing for Christmas.

As I reviewed the Biblical narrative of the Christmas story, I was struck by the praise filled monologue of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Despite the disappointment that he and his wife endured of not becoming parents, coupled with the concern that they would never have children because they were becoming old in age, Zechariah continued to serve God faithfully. One day, while at work in the temple (he was the High Priest of Israel), he experienced a visitation from an angel named Gabriel. The angel announced that the prayers of Zechariah had been heard in Heaven. Zechariah and his wife would have a son. They were to name him John.

Zechariah asked the angel for a sign. His request was granted in what seems to me to be in a punitive manner: He would not be able to speak until the child was born. Can you imagine how Zechariah explained to his wife, Elizabeth, what had happened to him while serving in the temple? Can you imagine her shock at his speechlessness?

Soon after this visit from Gabriel, Elizabeth became pregnant. Can you imagine her sense of awe when she felt the first flutter in her old womb of the new life that she carried? In due season, the baby was born. When asked what his name would be, Elizabeth answered, faithfully, “His name is John.” Because no one in their family tree was named John, her aides asked Zechariah, who could not speak. He asked for a tablet and wrote the name John.

In that moment, his speech returned! This is where my fascination with this text begins. Zechariah said, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”

Zechariah knew God. He knew the history of Israel and he knew that God was with His people throughout every era. I find comfort in his confidence that throughout history God has had prophets to guide His people through the roughest and toughest of times. The key is to identify them, then heed the prophets.

Even now in this Christmas season, as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I find comfort in the fact that just as God steered his people through troubled times in the past, likewise, He will guide us into and through the future days ahead, whether they are prosperous or perilous.

The divine genius of salvation is that it is assured! In good times, bad times, trials or triumphs, the believer is secure when we act upon the oracles of Heaven. Zechariah was unable to speak for nine months. When he executed his faith and wrote his declaration, as instructed, the impediments to his praise were released.

With a new and confident voice, the first thing he did was praise the Lord! In the next breath he declares that there has been a straight line of prophets in the world since creation. Those prophets proclaimed salvation from enemies and oppressors.

Looking back on the Holocaust and other atrocities in history, the only way I can reconcile that concept of salvation is to believe that God creates Goshen experiences for individual believers who have or might experience duress. You can read about this in the Bible book of Exodus, chapter 10 and chapter 11. Here’s a brief recap: Before the God made a way for the Israelites to be delivered from their trouble-filled life as slaves in Egypt, God told them that their city, Goshen, would be safe from the plagues, except the last one. The last one required a definitive act of faith and praise. We can learn from that Bible story when we face trials today.

Sometimes, we need to praise our way through our pain and problems. We can open the Bible and read real stories about how praise set God’s people free: Praising God before being thrown into a fire-filled furnace delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! Jesus Christ responded to their faith and showed up to keep them safe in the furnace (Daniel 3:16-28). Praise kept Daniel safe when he had to spend the night in a den full of lions (Daniel 6). Praise during torture ushered Stephen into the presence of God (Acts 7:54-60). These are just a few stories in the Bible we can learn from. As we enter the Christmas season, please be assured that the birth of Christ guarantees at least two things for the believer:

1. God is with us! (Exodus 25:8)

2. God inhabits the praises of Israel! (Psalm 22:3)

The faithful execution of God’s revealed will compounded by confident praise, seasons the atmosphere in which we live. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we give You thanks, praise and honor for being in control of the world and all that is in it. Thank You for our salvation through Jesus Christ and the quality of life that it brings. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Guide us through the frustrations and disappointments that we may face today. Help us to see and value the blessing descending even now. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God is with Us” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Planting tomatoes taught me about God's Love

Healed for a Purpose
A devotional by Casey Wayne

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

—2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)

Over the last few years I have started to do some gardening.

Last spring we moved to a new city and I already felt behind on my gardening plans. I wanted the garden to be as successful as possible and excitedly waited for any signs of vegetables to appear.

As blooms transformed into vegetables my excitement increased in anticipation of cooking with them and being able to say I grew them myself. One day, as I rushed out to the backyard to water the garden and check the plants, I noticed some of the tomatoes had busted open. In defeat, I threw a couple over the fence. About a week later I saw a couple more I must have missed. The lines where they had busted were now covered with a grayish, scarring like material. Assuming that it was not worth keeping, I also threw those over the fence.

A few hours later, as my husband and I discussed our day, I started sharing what I had discovered over the last week in the garden. He looked at me confused as I recounted the experience. Then, as I mentioned how I had thrown them over the fence he looked shocked. Before I could finish my story he blurted out, “Why did you do that?” After sharing my logic, he chuckled a bit, and told me how they just busted from an excess of water, but it does not make them unusable. They just burst from too much water but then begin to heal.

I'm so thankful our Heavenly Father (God) sees us the way my husband saw those tomatoes. Psalm 147:3 (ESV) says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Sometimes we get overwhelmed and we start to break under the pain or stress this imperfect world inflicts on us. But the grace and hope of our faithful God redeems, restores and heals us. Just like those tomatoes I found in my garden, the Almighty can heal the damage we experience in this life. Those imperfections and scars leave a mark reminding us of what we have been through, but the important thing to remember is that God can use all things for His glory.

As my husband reassured me that the tomatoes are fine, it reminded me that we are never too far gone to be unlovable or unusable by the Almighty God we serve. Our stories of healing and hope become a light to others who need to connect with Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do that takes us too far for Jesus to heal us or use us for His Kingdom purposes. Let’s read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) where Paul tells the believers in Corinth, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

No matter who you are or what you have been through, God loves you, can restore you and has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). If you are in a season of life where you need healing, come to the feet of Jesus and give Him your pain. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, healing all the brokenness so that, in His timing, your story can become a beautiful testimony of His faithfulness.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your love and hope. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, who saved us from our sin. I humbly ask for Your healing and restoration in my life. Create in me a new creation for Your purposes. Open my heart to the work of the Holy Spirit so that You may redeem my brokenness for Your glory.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

~*~
Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne

Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should stay close to God all the time

Stay Close to God
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” –Psalm 27:5 (NIV)

It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze. I decided to take a walk at the neighboring park which had a lake and plenty of seating area. I also took my journal and a pen with me, just in case I found a nice spot to sit down and write.

The park was full of people, but it wasn’t too crowded. It was as if everyone realized it was too nice outside to stay indoors. I walked around the lake two times, and I passed by the same people who were walking in the opposite direction. We greeted each other with a smile as we continued to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

I saw a picnic table under a gazebo directly next to the lake. I walked off the path, away from the other people who were walking around the lake, and I sat down at the table. I made myself comfortable as I opened my journal and prepared my pen to write down some thoughts.

In less than a minute, I saw a lady walking toward me. She was looking directly at me, and she sped up as she approached my table. She had been walking behind me when I circled the lake, and she noticed that I was sitting by myself. As she drew closer to me, she said hello and she smiled, but she did not sit down. Instead, she told me about a man who was seated on a bench just directly over her shoulder almost behind a tree. She asked me if I noticed him, and I could not remember seeing anyone over there.

She asked me not to look in that direction as she was speaking to me. She explained that the man was talking to himself, and his words were forceful and somewhat violent. She said that he was very animated, and it was rather intimidating. Then she said she followed me to the table because I was isolated and away from the crowd. I was seated alone and that made me vulnerable. She was concerned for my safety. I thanked her as I promptly gathered my belongings and made my way back home.

As I left the park, I was reminded of how similar this instance was to our daily lives as believers in Jesus Christ. During this journey called life, it would behoove us to stay on the path that leads us to Christ. This includes spending quality time with God, praying throughout the day, reading the Word of God (The Holy Bible), and surrounding ourselves with other believers. When we veer off the path away from others and find ourselves alone and vulnerable, we must remember that the enemy is waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack us. He waits patiently like a lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Once we let our guard down, that is when we are the most susceptible to the devil’s schemes.

Whatever the cost, be vigilant and aware. Seek the attention of other caring believers who will look out for you, and by any means necessary, stay close to God.

Let’s Pray: Loving Lord, thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. If we ever wander from your side, Lord, draw us back to you, and keep us safe in Your loving care. Thank you for Your protection. In Jesus’ s name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” (song) by Mahalia Jackson. 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 that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third 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 the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. 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. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

~*~
Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to say "Thank You" to God

Having an Attitude of Gratitude
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

go into his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good.

His unfailing love continues forever,

and his faithfulness

continues to each generation.”

–Psalm 100:4-5 NLT

Just over a year, ago a very dear friend went through a serious health challenge.

She had to have what I consider one of the most dangerous surgeries on her brain.

The brain is the headquarters of our bodies. It’s the command post for our body functions. So, you know this was not just routine surgery. Family and friends prayed and prayed for her safety. She went for tests, researched, and asked questions as she juggled her ministry role as well as mothering a vibrant four-year-old and loving her husband. Week after week there still were no concrete answers until one test and an alert technician, she was finally able to receive a diagnosis.

The first prayer we offered was, “Thank you, Lord” because we now had a name, a label to put on the illness. We said thank you because she could name it and give it to God. We knew He could heal her chronic pain and discomfort which were the first signs she knew something was wrong. Many people go undiagnosed for years with illnesses and it is frustrating to know what the issue is and how can it be treated.

We trusted God, and we rejoiced when she went into the hospital and came out alive! She came out hopeful in trusting that the surgeon was able to remove the tumor which we would come to learn had been growing for several years.

Psalm 100:4 MSG reads:

Enter with the password: “Thank you!”

Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

Thank him. Worship him.

Thank you is the password to enter God’s presence.

Can you imagine coming into your friend’s home and saying thank you right away for having you over or allowing you to visit? What would that do to your heart and mind? I know for me it would tell me you’re grateful to come and be with me.

Gratitude and thanksgiving are what the Lord delights in when His children come into His presence with thanks. It’s like the red carpet rolled out for an award show. Is it easy for you to come before the Lord with a grateful heart or are you ready to unleash a grocery list of requests and concerns? Don’t get me wrong, prayer is all things communication. But just think about someone frequently coming into your home, to a meeting or a dinner opening the conversation with frustrations and all the things going wrong in their day. Would we look forward to being with them? I can say I would not.

I am so thankful that gratitude was taught to my siblings and I at a very early age. We were told to always be grateful. Our mother’s wish was that the gracious words, “Please” and “Thank you” would flow freely on our lips. My mom wanted us to live life grateful for everything we received and in everything wherever we found ourselves.

When my birthday rolls around in August, I am always grateful to be alive! The best gift I’ve received is life and I will be forever grateful. Knowing that I am loved, watched over and have access to the throne of the King of Kings. How great is our God! I’m deeply grateful to know Him as our Heavenly Father. Do you know Him? He loves you and wants to be in your life.

Let’s Pray: Father God, it is a good thing to give thanks to You for all You are and for all You’ve done. I’m so grateful for Your goodness and for all You’ve done for me. Even more, I’m so thankful for the best gift ever received through Your Son (Jesus Christ) coming to this Earth to die on a cruel cross for all mankind. Help us to always be grateful and to always find a way to praise You in every situation we find ourselves in. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Thank You” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach. 

Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body & Spirit (a book that she wrote) was an Amazon Bestseller in October 2020.

Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.

As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Love

The Love of God

A devotional by Patricia Russell

"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." 

– Genesis 45:5 (NIV)

How do you know you are loved?

Do you get text messages, cards, or is your love language when a friend spends time with you just listening and chatting?

I am incredibly grateful for my dad, who showed us that he loved us by doing things for us. We didn’t always see it then, but looking back, it was his way of telling us he loved us. He would prepare our breakfast and leave it on the counter before going off to work.

We could wake up to bowls of porridge or oatmeal covered up for us to dive into before heading out off to school. Like a good father, he prepared for us.

God demonstrated His fatherly love in the book of Genesis. We read about the life of Joseph in the Bible in the full chapters of Genesis 37, Genesis 39 and Genesis 45. Joseph is separated from his family at the hands of his brothers, who were desperately jealous over their father’s love for him, the way that he showed his love and then Joseph’s gift of dreams. Joseph wasn’t totally smart because he constantly shared his dreams, which didn’t make his brothers look good, but that’s beside the point. As a result of their wicked hearts, Joseph’s brothers got rid of Joseph by selling him to some travelers, who sold him to the Egyptians, where he was placed as a slave to Pharaoh. Through a series of events, none of which Joseph could have ever planned himself, God allowed Joseph to be promoted from a prison cell to a position in the palace because of his gift of dream interpretation.

Can I tell you that God loves you so much that he will go ahead of you and prepare opportunities for you to use your gift? Keep in mind though that God is more concerned with building character in our lives because He loves us so much and wants us to reflect the image of His Son. So, when hard times come, when we cry out to Him and ask Him to help us learn the lessons we need from the situations, we grow and develop a greater character that reflects Christ. As this happens, more opportunities can be entrusted to us to use what we’ve learned to receive blessings and be a blessing.

Yes, God will go to such extremes to show us His love. Later on, in the historical account, life would have it that Joseph’s brothers have to come to Egypt, where he is now the distribution director for all the food in Egypt because of a famine that has spread nationwide. The brothers do not recognize Joseph. When Joseph reveals his identity, you can imagine the shock, the fear and the anguish that came over his brothers. Joseph tells his siblings this very important note that we too can hold on to. Let’s read about it in Genesis 45:5-8 (NIV) where Joseph says this to his brothers:

“And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.”

God allowed everything to happen to preserve life. Joseph’s brothers acted in a way they meant for evil, but God used it as part of his plan to send Joseph to Egypt in order to carry out a bigger plan that He had already put into place without them having any comprehension.

Are you struggling right now? Are you concerned about how it’s going to work out? God has gone ahead of you, and He has it all in control. You can trust Him.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank you that I can confidently come to you knowing my life is in your hands. Thank you that you work all things according to your purpose. I don’t have to worry, but I can trust you at all times. Thank you for this hope and this trust. Help me to keep my eyes and heart on the truth of who you are according to your Word. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Note from Alexis: Patricia’s devotional reminds me of this song “How He Loves Us” by Kim Walker-Smith and Jesus Culture. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.

Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body & Spirit (a book that she wrote) was an Amazon Bestseller in October 2020.

Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.

As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline
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Devotionals for the Heart: Trials

Your Current Trial vs. Your Beautiful Future
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” 

– Romans 5:1–5 (KJV)

Merriam-Webster defines the word “trial” as “a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation.”

One thing I always remind others and myself as I undergo trying times is that these periods are a necessary part of life. They do not always feel good, but the reward one reaps after passing the test is worth it. One key biblical figure I typically mention when discussing trials and hardship is Joseph (son of Jacob).

Loved and highly favored by his father, yet despised by his brothers, Joseph suffered through much. He endured betrayal by his kin. He was sold into slavery. He was tossed into prison based on a false accusation. Yet, at the right time, he was released and provided with the opportunity to save a nation. The Lord used every hardship Joseph suffered through as stepping stones to Joseph’s position and his settlement into the palace.

When you are in the middle of a storm, it is often difficult to see what is ahead. Your vision is sometimes clouded by all the challenges you are faced with. You may feel as though things will never improve. However, what many fail to realize is that every single thing in our lives serves a purpose. Also, many forget that God is a healer, a deliverer, and a miracle worker. The marriage that failed, the job you did not get, the job you got but hate, the bills you cannot pay, the abuse you may be subjected to, the illness that seems to never go away—the Lord can repair, restore, and/or bless you with something better.

God can provide you with the emotional, spiritual and mental strength you need to endure your trials. The Lord will give you what you need to endure the process. However, you must be willing to go through the process. Although it may be a long, arduous journey, it will be worth it.

Do not let your current hardship discourage you or make you feel as though life will never get better. Many times, God is allowing your trial to strengthen you and He is using certain circumstances as tools to prepare you for advancement.

Romans 5:1–5 reminds us of the benefits of our trials. Read it for encouragement to persevere.

Do not worry when life gets hard. Trust Jesus Christ.

Believe that your trials are only making you and have faith that a beautiful future awaits you!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for being Lord over all! When we face trials in this life, please give us the strength to endure. Help us to remember with You on our side, we will be able to move forward and persevere no matter what life throws at us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Temeka’s devotional message today reminds me of Jessica Reedy’s song “Better.” Watch the mime interpretation of Reedy’s song here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name “Positivity Inspires,” is an author, speaker, minister, PharmD, multi-state licensed pharmacist, founder and owner of Positivity Inspires, LLC, and most importantly, a servant of the Lord. 

She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily.
​
Dr. Borden has been blessed with a variety of gifts, and she has gained much professional experience in a variety of settings. She also has served in administrative roles in the professional and church settings. In addition to obtaining her PharmD, she also obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology (minor in English), and she is working on her third degree. What’s more, as stated in her words, “I completed a specialty pharmacy residency that prepared me for the workforce and made me a force to be reckoned with.”

Temeka is a long-distance runner, a drummer, a singer, and she has a strong “fashion sense.” She also can read and type at almost supersonic speed in some instances.

Dr. Borden loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to challenge herself.

She loves God and she loves people. She is “crazy about her family,” and she adores her friends. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone.

Temeka loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments.

Dr. Borden loves to laugh and loves to make other people laugh. She also is passionate about giving back to the community. Her favorite sayings are “Speak Up!” and “Watch God Work!”

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Connect with Temeka:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PositivityInspiresPage/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/positivity_inspires/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/pinspires

Devotionals for the Heart: The Plan

Follow the Plan
A devotional written by Angela Anderson

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

It was the second day of sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and a fever. My toddler son had just started daycare and his immune system was not ready for all of the friendly germs that were introduced to his little body.

He started off the week so full of energy and excitement to share with anyone who crossed his path. He told me how much he loved his teachers and he called out a few names of various children who he considered his companions. He was happy and full of life until the end of his first week when everything seemed to gradually change. When he refused to even taste his favorite food, I knew something was wrong.

I tried to get my son to at least drink something. He was not a big fan of water, but I was able to get him to swallow some apple juice. He had trouble falling asleep and I was sure it was his temperature that was preventing him from getting a good night's rest. I knew that he needed something to reduce his fever, so I pulled out the children's formula and I began to administer the cure. I poured the kid-friendly, berry-flavored medicine in a small cup that accompanied the bottle. My son took one look at it, placed his hand over his mouth, and vehemently shook his head. I tried to explain that this medicine would make him feel better, that his temperature would decrease, that his appetite for his favorite meal would soon return.

He reluctantly took the cup in his hand, raised it to his lips, proceeded to taste the medicine, and then quickly put it down on the table. I tried putting the medicine in a syringe, gently inserting it between his pursed lips, and then squirting it toward the back of his throat so that he could avoid tasting any of it. He kicked and screamed as the medicine entered his mouth. Just when I thought he was swallowing it, he was actually collecting it in the back of his mouth, and then all of a sudden, he spit it all out. 

What an impossible mission! I was only trying to help my son feel better because I cared so much about him and I did not want to see him suffering with a fever. My son even told me he wanted to feel better, but there was still so much resistance that proved otherwise.

Do we not behave the same way when God tries to do what is best for us?

We ask Him for guidance, we pray earnestly for His will to be done, but when God shows us the chosen path for our lives, we refuse the plan because it is not what we wanted or expected. We somehow feel that we know what is best so we resort to kicking and screaming instead of accepting God's perfect will which would save us from misery and pain.

Some of us would rather stay in our current situation instead of receiving deliverance from a God who knows and sees all. He was there from the beginning and He stands at the end, but we still resist. We are at times like the paralytic at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-8). When Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well, he offered excuses as to why he was not well.

God is not concerned with why as much as He is concerned with how. He offers us His divine plan for our lives and all we have to do it accept it and follow it. Let's make it a point to choose His plan today!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank you for loving us and caring so much about us. Help us to trust You in all things and to accept Your perfect will for our lives. May we be willing to follow Your plan, believing that You know what is best for us. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. 

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope

The Hope of Flaming Shrubbery
A devotional by Malinda Fugate

Key Scripture: 
Exodus 3 (NIV)

The sun was hot and the air was dry. The shepherd followed his flock over every stone of this wilderness, and they were far from home. He looked up as Mount Horeb, the mountain of God, towered above him. A hush seemed to settle over the valley. As he turned to tend a wayward lamb, something caught his eye.

Suddenly, the shepherd was mesmerized. There was a bush, like many similar bushes he passed along his journey. But unlike the branches that scratched his ankles and tore his robes, this bush was engulfed in flames. Yet the leaves were not reduced to ashes, nor was a single twig going up in smoke. While the shepherd marveled, the Lord called to him from the shrub. This ordinary day just became extraordinary.

The shepherd removed his sandals, for he was on holy ground. He listened intently as God spoke to him from that bush on fire, as his life dramatically changed course. The shepherd had been running from his complicated past, unsure of where he belonged – among the oppressed people of his birth or his adopted Egyptian family – the oppressors. Now he knew that God was watching, and, more importantly, that God had compassion for His persecuted people. It was time for a rescue and the shepherd was chosen to lead the way.

“Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.’” (Exodus 3:16)

From this bush afire came hope. Not because of the miracle in the brambles, but because of Who spoke from the fire. The very source of hope, the Almighty God, made a promise to His people that He would surely keep. They would be released from their slavery and given freedom in a land of promise.

Hope came personally for the shepherd, Moses, too. The Lord had His eyes on Moses since birth, through the brightest days of his Egyptian childhood to the darkest moments of his adulthood. Moses could traipse through the farthest edges of the wilderness and still not be out of the Lord’s sight. Not only would God redeem his past, but the blessings in store for his future were beyond imagination.

Would the weary sheep-tender have believed it if he knew the adventure he was beginning with His loving Heavenly Father? Could he have possibly grasped the confrontation with Pharaoh, the dramatic parting of the sea, or the close friendship with Almighty God that was to come?

At first, all Moses saw was wilderness and then a burning bush. The Israelites only saw the daily torment of slavery. But hope was alive and a rescue was coming. God was watching and never left them. So, too, are we watched in our wilderness. Our complicated pasts and difficult circumstances are in the hands of the same Almighty God who spoke from flames and parted a sea. This God loves us as passionately as He loved Moses. He has purpose for our past and present, with hope for a future beyond our imagination.

Do not despair when you only see wilderness. Many generations later, God’s people were once again captive, this time in exile. But God spoke words of hope to them again: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Our God is a rescuer. We see how He brings His people out of all forms of wilderness over and over. He is faithful to keep His promises and full of compassion. You are His beloved child, He is watching you, and He never leaves you. Because of His love, you have hope.

~*~
Author Bio:

Malinda Fugate writes from the heart.

Though she serves full time as the Children’s Education Director at a church in Southern California, she is also a crafter of words published in books. Her writing includes children's faith resources, commercial copywriting, and various faith-based stage and screenplays.

Malinda invites you to explore the various 3:16s in the Bible with her new book, The Other Three Sixteens (published by Ambassador International in May 2020).

She also invites you to read her previously published books: Bible Time for Active Kids, which is an activities-based devotional that is available for purchase on Amazon.com, and The Pen and the Sword: Connecting With the Word of God, which is an interactive creative writing journal.

Malinda earned a communications degree with a theatre emphasis from Azusa Pacific University, and then worked behind the scenes at the Los Angeles Salem radio stations, including The Fish and KKLA. 

When she's not writing or working at church, Malinda might be creating art, reading, or exploring the many adventures to be found in the Los Angeles area. She lives by the beach with her pup, Yoshi. Visit Malinda online via https://www.malindafugate.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Praise

The Power of Praise
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” 

–Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)

I was in desperate need of help. As a new teacher on a three year probationary contract, I needed to pass the math and reading sections of the teacher exam. I had already taken the math test five times, each time getting a score one point away from passing. One. Stinking. Point. I needed two more points to pass the reading, which I had only attempted once.

This would be the last time I had to take both tests in time for my license review, which meant keeping or losing my job. I knew I had studied and done all I could do to pass the tests, but math was not my strong suit. We’d always had a love-hate relationship. Now it was threatening my future.

Then, just before I was able to register for the tests again, the state suddenly decided to take composite scores, which meant that If I could pass the reading test three points above my last attempt, it would offset the math loss and I would be set.

I was excited but also apprehensive because if this didn’t work, I wouldn’t get another try.

The night before the reading test, I got on my hands and knees and cried out to the Lord. Then I felt the need to give everything over to the Lord and just praise Him, no matter what. So I turned on some praise music and praise aloud for several hours. I got a good night’s rest and had no anxiety about the test the next day.

A few months later, the day arrived to call in and check my results. During my lunch break I took a deep breath and dialed the number. A few of my colleagues waited nearby to support me. When my score resounded in my ear I began to laugh uncontrollably with joy and elation. I had passed.

But I didn’t just pass with the three extra points I needed, God also gave me seven points above that. Seven. My favorite number. A number of perfection. God’s number. I felt the full impact of His God-wink.

The Lord had heard my cry and he answered me. Like the the psalmist says in Psalm 40:1-3, God secured my steps, put a song of praise in my mouth, and taught me what it means to let go and fully trust Him.

Now, whenever I get anxious about an outcome, I take pause and remember what the power of praise can do. It once took down the walls of Jericho in Joshua Chapter 6. Through our praise God can do great and mighty things because He is worthy of all praise.

Have you ever felt desperate? Are you in a current situation that seems hopeless? Do you need encouragement through your situation?

Stop. Take pause. Put your trust in Jesus. Pray over the situation, then lift up your voice or play a worship song, and sing for as long as your heart desires. Let your praise rise to the heavens. God hears your cries but He revels in your praise. It brings all glory and honor to Him. He will bring you through to the other side.

I can’t promise you’ll get my same result but I can promise He won’t disappoint you with His results.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Fear Not

Letting Go Of Fear
A devotional by Julia Wilson

“There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear.” 

–1 John 4:18a (GNB)

Fear immobilizes us and keeps us from living the life that God intended for us.

Many times within the Bible we hear the phrase “fear not.” God knows that we are prone to be afraid but He asks us to fear not and to trust Him.

An acronym for fear is False Expectations Appearing Real. We concoct scenarios in our head that hardly ever happen yet we are still paralyzed by fear.

For much of my life I have been paralyzed by my fear of water. This stems from childhood – on going to my first swimming lesson when I was eight years old, the first thing the swimming instructor did was to get us all to jump into the deep end to show that we would float. You do not float when you panic, and I had to be rescued. My fear of water began. It was a fear that I passed down to our eldest son.

Fast forward nearly fifty years – I was in my church life group and one of the ladies prophesised in September 2016 that this was the year that God was going to cure me of my fear of water and I would learn to swim. I laughed at her, like Sarah in the Bible, and thought, “No chance. Does she not realize how deep my fear is?”

But God had other plans. Whenever we hear the phrase “But God … ,” we know that God is going to move mightily. According to Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” God’s plans are so much greater than ours. We need to ‘fear not’ and trust Him.

In January 2017, I signed up for a 10-week course for people older than 50 who want to learn how to swim. I was very frightened. I nearly did not go. But with the love and care of my swimming instructor Vanessa, I did learn to swim. I faced my fear and trusted Vanessa would not let me down. God asks us to face our fears and to trust Him to hold us up “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life,” as the old hymn says. 

When fear threatens to overwhelm, lift your eyes up to God. As the psalmist says in Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV), "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we are not looking at our fears and we will receive peace that passes all understanding.

When the road of life is dark and fear comes knocking, do not open the door. Run to God! He sees our end from our beginning. He will sustain you and He will not let you go.

When fear rules our lives, we miss out on all that God intends for us.

As a footnote, I had intermediate swimming lessons for six months and now swim four times a week for about ninety minutes and I love it. My only regret is that I did not learn to swim as a child. I missed out for nearly fifty years. Do not miss out on the life that God intends for you through fear. Give fear the elbow. Look to God. He’s got you and will never let you down. As the saying goes “Do not tell God how big your fear is, tell your fear how big your God is!”

Let go of your fear and watch where God will take you. He loves you and He will never let you down!

~*~
Author Bio:

My name is Julia Wilson but I also go by Christian Bookaholic.

I live with my husband and five cats in a small town in Worcestershire on the banks of the River Severn (England). We have four grown up children and three granddaughters.

I have always loved reading and have always been surrounded by books. I used to work as a teaching assistant for special needs in the local high school. Ill health forced me to stop working in December 2015. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (known as M.E.) and fibromyalgia. I now have plenty of time to read and review books!

Our eldest son set up my Christian Bookaholic blog. I review every book I read. I read over 300 books a year. I read Christian and mass market. I prefer stories set from 1850 onwards. My favourite type of books to read is stories set in WWI and WWII, and Russia under Czar Nicholas II.

I am a historian, having a Combined Humanities degree where I majored in History and minored in English. I also love swimming. I only learned how to swim in 2017 and go swimming four mornings a week for 90 minutes before breakfast, it keeps my joints going.

I am also a crazy cat lady. I absolutely love my cats. I have grown up with cats and cannot imagine life without them. My dream is to own an old fashioned seal point Siamese … but not while we have our young rescue cat as she hates other cats!

I love God and love going to a large lively church called Lifecentral. I cannot imagine life without God. He gives a peace even when life does not. He guides my life. He is my Rock.

Deliverance is Available to you!

Dear friends,

Deliverance is available to you!

Take God at His Word.

HE is faithful and true.

Happy Sabbath, dear hearts! <3

May God bless you and keep you close in His care.

Love,

Alexis