Devotionals for the Heart: The true treasure of praying to our Creator

The Heart and Power of Praying to the Almighty God
A devotional by Anne Madison

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

—Luke 11:1 (KJV)

Undoubtedly, the most well-known prayer was prayed by Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV), “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Prayer is not merely a ritual or an obligation for believers; it is the critical tie that connects us directly to God. Through prayer, we acknowledge and declare God’s unique position as our Heavenly Father, and embrace our identity as His children. This correlation reminds us of who we are, to whom we belong, and the authority we wield in prayer.

More than a one-time-a-day event, prayer is an ongoing, continual conversation with the Creator of the universe. As we pray, we open ourselves to God’s presence, trusting Him to lead and guide us and to reveal His will for our lives. Through this dialogue, we are invited not only to know God’s will but also to align ourselves to do it, walking in step with his purposes and direction for us.

Corrie Ten Boom, a notable Christian writer, said: “The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love.”

Prayer is far more than bringing our laundry list of needs before God. It is the sacred moment when we turn from our human limitations and look to God’s infinite power and grace. In prayer, we acknowledge both our deep need and our complete dependence on Him. Guidance is found in Paul’s words to the church at Philippi as recorded in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A strong prayer life grows through intention and consistent practice. As we seek to deepen our connection with God, a simple call-to-action guide can help focus our prayers. One helpful tool is the acronym P.R.A.Y., which offers a meaningful way to shape our thoughts about prayer.

P = Pray

· Prayer enables us to step away from the busyness of life, providing a moment to slow down and quiet our minds. God says in Psalm 46:10 (KJV), “Be still and know that I am God.”

· Prayer changes our attitude and vision. 2 Kings 6:17 (KJV) says, “And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

· Prayer draws us to the heart and presence of God. James 4:8 (CSB) says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

R = Remember

· Repent. Psalm 51:1-3 (KJV) says, “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.”

· Restoration comes when we pray. Psalm 51:10 (NIRV) says, “God, create a pure heart in me. Give me a new spirit that is faithful to you.”

· Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (KJV) says, “Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

A = Action

· Approach the throne of grace with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

· Align our will to His. “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.”

· Abide in Him. John 15:4 (NKJV) says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Y= Yearn

· Yearn for God. Psalm 42:1-2 (NKJV) says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?”

· Yoke up. Matthew 11:27-30 (NKJV) says, “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

· Yes (say this) to His promises. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (MSG) says, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit, he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.”

Let's Pray:

Father God,

Teach us to pray not only with words, but with hearts that trust You. Teach us to come to You honestly, boldly, and often. Remind us of who You are when we forget. Shape our desires so they reflect yours. Thank You that nothing is too much for us to bring before You, nor too much for You to manage. As we come before your throne, attend unto our prayers for your glory and our good. We truly need Thee every hour. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Lord's Prayer (It's Yours)” by Matt Maher. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Our Father” by Don Moen. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just Pray” by Shawna Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “When I Kneel to Pray” by Elen Amor. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “In Christ Alone” by Josh Groban. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Draw Me Close to You” by The Katinas. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8: “Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #9: “When We Pray” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #10: “Abide in Me” by Ana Laura. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: You are beloved by your Maker (God)

It Changes Everything to Know You Are Beloved
A devotional by Anne Madison

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”— John 13:34 (KJV)

There is a word that shows up all throughout the Bible. It is easily browsed over without much thought yet deserves a second look. The word is “beloved”.

Beloved is not said casually. It is not a compliment simply thrown around. Beloved, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means “dearly loved” and “dear to the heart”. I would also say that it means you are deeply loved, completely cherished, and fully valued. Most importantly, beloved is what God calls you. Being beloved is not based on accomplishments; it is about who you are at the core of your being. Beloved. Before you even took your first breath, before you did one thing, God loved you. In Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV), God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

God’s everlasting love, like beloved, is not something earned. It is not, “I’ll love you if you get it right” or “I love you because you serve me.” It is simply, “I will love you forever.” No conditions or expectations. Everlasting love is love that is given freely, without requiring anything in return. In a world that is always telling us we must push harder and look better to prove our identity and worth, it is easy to feel like we will never measure up. But God looks at you, just as you are, and says, “You are enough. You are truly cherished and cared for. You are beloved because of my everlasting love for you.”

But what about when you mess up, are in a bad mood, or are plain outright mad at God for something you feel He failed to do for you? The answer is your being beloved does not change. Romans 5:8 (NIV) says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That means God loves you even when you are at your worst. He loves your doubts, flaws, mess, and all.

No need to prove your worth to God your Creator. You do not need to measure up to earn His love or prove your value, because His love and value of you have already been determined. That truth changes everything. It frees you from trying to earn love and instead lets you live from love. It sets you free to live beloved, to show up in the world as someone who is so sure of God’s love that there is not room for proving anything.

What does it look like to live as beloved? Living as beloved means letting go of the striving to be loved. It means reminding yourself that your mistakes do not define you. Living beloved is living as the truest you. It holds space that allows you to live as a beloved child of God. And it means seeing and treating others as beloved too.

Therefore, the truth is you are beloved, so is the cranky neighbor next door that calls animal control every time your dog barks. So is the playground bully trying to find his or her place in the world. So is the struggling single parent who is always late for things, whose kids are unkempt, and who always needs something. Because you are fully loved (flaws and all) you can treat and love others without judgment. Just as in Jesus Christ we are beloved by God, so are those around us.

Right now, take a second. Breathe. Let this truth settle in: You are beloved. Say it aloud. “I am beloved.” Not someday. But right now. Just as you are.

Let knowing that you are beloved by God be your anchor when life feels overwhelming. Let being beloved speak louder than the lies that you do not and never will measure up. Let this truth move you to love others, not to prove anything, but from the fact that you are fully beloved. You are precious. You are priceless. You are beloved. Rest in this status.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for loving me just as I am. Not for what I do, not for how well I perform but because You made me and call me beloved. Somedays it is hard to believe that, so help me hold onto this truth. When I forget, please remind me. Show me how to live fully loved and help me love others the same way. Thank You for calling me beloved. Help me to see myself how You see me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Beloved Let Us Love One Another” by Psalty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “It’s Time to Own Your Belovedness” by Sarah Kroger. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Even at My Worst” by Blanca. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “My Beloved” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: How the presence of Jesus Christ can heal you

The Healing Presence of Christ
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.”

—Mark 5:15 (NKJV)

One encounter with Jesus Christ who is the Living Word changes everything.

The presence of Jesus can heal brokenness, childhood trauma, and many kinds of illnesses. As I emerged from a prayer encounter with God, I opened my eyes and looked into the dark star-filled sky. I stood there in silence, completely in awe of God’s majesty and power. I was surrounded by His presence. A few hours before this happened, I had entered the prayer camp heartbroken and hopeless about many things in my life. After pouring my heart out to God with tears and having an undeniable encounter in His presence, I was changed. As I stood under the stars, I knew that I was healed and forever changed by His love.

In the fifth chapter of Mark (a book in the Bible), there is the story of a man who was not mentally sane due to the trauma that he had experienced. This man was homeless, living in the cemetery as an outcast. He was literally out of his mind. Night and day he spent crying and cutting himself. He was seen as someone to be tamed as an animal, as people tried unsuccessfully to tame him and bind him with fetters and chains several times. This indeed was a hopeless situation that no human could solve. This was a case for Jesus. This man was possessed with many evil spirits, but his day of deliverance had arrived.

When he saw Jesus, he ran to Him and worshiped Him. The presence of Christ brought deliverance that day. This man ruled by unclean spirits could no longer remain the same because the Deliverer was present. Jesus cast the unclean spirits out of the man, restoring him completely. His life was forever changed. He was rescued from a life of torment, insanity, chaos, pain, and unrest. He was able to sit and rest. He was now properly clothed. Most importantly, he was sitting at the feet of Jesus.

There are several points we should remember from this Bible story:

1. The presence of Jesus brings deliverance.

2. Jesus is Lord over every principality and power.

3. Jesus is a miracle worker.

4. Jesus heals mental anguish.

5. Jesus liberates from spiritual bondage.

6. Jesus brings hope to a hopeless situation.

7. Jesus heals what others deem to be permanently broken.

8. Jesus embraces and heals the marginalized and the outcast.

9. Jesus is the solution to our problems.

10. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus comes that we may have abundant life (John 10:10).

Call to Action:

In closing, I encourage you to: Acknowledge your need for a fresh encounter with Christ. Seek the presence of Jesus and worship Him daily. Bring your problems to Him and expect healing by faith. Praise the Lord for His compassion toward you and His healing touch. Remember, healing belongs to God’s children (Mark 7:27).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You sent your only Son (Jesus Christ), that we might live abundant lives. He came to deliver us from the bondage that the enemy put us in. Help us to realize that in the presence of a Jesus-filled life we are entitled to liberty. Where Your Spirit is, there is liberty, and peace. Help us to receive the liberty that we need by faith. Teach us how to walk in that liberty in real ways day to day. Help us to do this by granting us the resources, knowledge, and discipline to practice abiding in your presence, stand in our liberty, and let Jesus heal us. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: 

“You Are the Living Word” by Fred Hammond. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives today.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: The Light

Light of the World
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

–John 8:12 (NIV)

When you're shopping around your book, movie, or even a technical gadget, the experts tell you to be prepared to give an "elevator pitch." That means being able to explain your main idea in the time that it takes for the average elevator ride.

What would be the elevator pitch for Christianity?

The immediate answer is John 3:16, of course. It's the heart of the Gospel, after all. But to get the idea of what it's like to be a Christian, not just to become one, I think John 8:12 does a pretty good job. Boiled down to its essence, Christianity is being brought out of the darkness and into the light. It's beautiful imagery, moving from darkness into the light. In practice, though, what does it mean?

It is now December, and for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the world seems darker as winter approaches. The days are getting shorter and colder. Even the shadows grow longer due to the altered angle of the sun. Gardens and lawns get browner every day, and trees have been reduced to stick figures. It's why our northerly ancestors came up with so many traditions about the winter solstice. They were in darkness, and they craved the light. We need (as they needed) the light that doesn't change with the seasons, the light of eternal life that Jesus Christ offers through repentance and faith in Him as Savior and Lord.

Earlier in this story (John 8:1-11), Jesus was at the temple at dawn, when the people brought to him a woman to be stoned for adultery. Jesus tells the crowd, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." None do, and they leave until only Jesus and the woman are left. Jesus says, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus replied. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Can you imagine how she must have felt? Not only has she escaped a death sentence, but God has declared that she is no longer condemned. He sets her free, telling her to leave the life that brought her to that place.

Forgiveness frees! I would wear that on a T-shirt. Redemption stories are my favorite, both to read and to write. That moment of liberation when the person gives up their sin and throws themselves upon the mercy of Jesus is pure beauty. So is the moment when someone gives up the bitterness of an old wound and forgives the one who gave it to them. Forgiveness even frees the forgiver! The divine forgiveness of sins frees completely.

There are times when we don't feel the light, times when we don't feel free at all. Even in the life of a faithful Christian, some struggles leave us fumbling in the dark. But the difference is that it only looks dark. The light of Christ's grace and mercy is always with us, even when we feel surrounded by darkness, struggling to hold onto our faith.

Believer, whatever it is that has a hold on you, weighing you down, let the light shine on it. Open your heart to God in prayer and let those burdens go. You don't have to be strong enough in that moment to let it go, but at least let the light in. Give the burden a name, confess it has a hold on you, and Jesus will lead you by hand deeper into His light.

Let's Pray: Father God, help us to keep our feet on the straight and narrow path that leads to Heaven. Help our eyes to stay fixed on Jesus. Enable our hearts and minds to focus on Your plan for our lives. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction. 

She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college’s literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house.

Her most recent work, The Redemption Road, finished the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England.

~*~
Connect with Christa:
Website: www.christamacdonald.com
Newsletter: https://christamacdonald.com/connect-with-christa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538432676468229/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33uk329
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CricketMacD
Christa's book publisher: http://mountainbrookink.com/about-us/authors/christa-macdonald/

Devotionals for the Heart: Discipleship

Delving into Discipleship
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

Maybe you’ve seen the adorable video online that opens with an adorable puppy, Daisy, at the top of a flight of stairs. She is scared and apprehensive about going down the stairs.

Despite the encouragement of its owner, this sweet puppy paces across the landing anxiously, unsure of itself. Her whimpers of fear squeak out and this fear keeps her at the top, desperately wanting to join her owner at the bottom of the stairs yet not ready to tackle the mountain of stairs before her. Next thing you know, her older canine brother Simon runs to join her at the top and then bounds back down the stairs, showing her how easy it is. Yet, Daisy still isn’t brave enough to take the steps needed. Her brother runs back to the top of the stairs to show her again. This time, he waits until she takes her two front paws and places them both solidly on the first step. Then he runs down the steps again to show his sweet sister how to take the next steps.

Daisy remains at the top of the stairs, awkwardly paralyzed with her two front paws on the first step and her two back paws still safely planted on the landing. Simon comes back up the stairs and stands in front of her, staring her in the eyes as if to say, “Keep your eyes on me. I’ve got you.” Daisy turns her head and looks back, contemplating just going back to what’s familiar, the safety of the landing. And then she steps back up, just not ready to move forward. Simon bounds back up to the landing with her, not willing to leave her there. After a few more ups and downs, little Daisy finally dares to take one step, then the next, then the next. Simon stays by her side until she is all the way down, and cheering ensues from her family waiting at the bottom for her.

When I first became a Christian I felt a bit like Daisy – scared and unsure of taking steps away from what was familiar. It made no difference how messed up my “familiar” was; it was my comfort zone and I had learned how to survive in it. But God didn’t create us to remain in our comfort zone and He certainly didn’t save us to just survive. His goal is for us to thrive, to give us “more than we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20), “to prosper us and not to harm us” (Jeremiah 29:11). But how was that going to happen for this newly-saved babe in Christ?

While we are guaranteed the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, it helps. But let’s face it, it’s a must to also have fellow Christians to share our walk of faith with. That’s where you and I come in. At some point we were all a Daisy. But God wants and expects us to move into the role of Simon at some point. We need to be an encourager and leader and show a new believer how to take their first steps down the road of faith. We should “think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

Matthew 28:19 tells us to “go and make disciples of all the nations.” The dictionary defines “disciple” as “a follower or a student of a teacher or leader”. When we put our faith in Jesus, we are saved; but to become His disciple we need to start following His example and studying His teaching. Matthew 28 continues on in verse 20 to encourage us to “teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you”. While we are to introduce unbelievers to Jesus, we are also called to link arms with new believers and help them to take their first steps on their faith journey. In fact, we may have to walk with them for a few months or even years until they are ready to walk on their own. Then they too can move from being a Daisy to a Simon.

Where are you in your faith journey? Are you a Daisy – stepping gingerly into your newfound faith? Do you have a Simon in your life – a Christian mentor who can show you what steps to take and how and when to take them? If you need a mentor, start praying and ask God to reveal who that might be for you. Or have you moved out of your Daisy phase and are now ready to become a Simon to someone?

Can you think of someone in your life that needs to meet Jesus? Invite them to church with you. Do you know a new believer who might not yet have a mentor? Consult God and ask if you might be the one He has in mind to step into that role. No matter what stage you find yourself in, you have a role to play and a purpose to fulfill. Doing your part for God’s Kingdom will help others do theirs. And in this way we live out being the body of Christ!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to remember that our primary call while on Earth is to lead others to you and then help them take steps forward in their faith. As followers of Jesus, let us live our lives in a way that makes you attractive to others (Titus 2:10), giving them a desire to get to know you. May the example we set always demonstrate the love and grace that you freely extend and lead others to a deeper, more personal relationship with you. In Jesus’s mighty name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him.  

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: Invitation

The Invitation
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

—Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

When I was young, getting a birthday party invitation from a classmate was a big deal.

In the fourth grade, my parents let me purchase some awesome birthday invitations in the shape of a teddy bear for my tenth birthday – a girls slumber party – that I couldn’t wait to hand out to my friends in class. On the day I handed out the invitations to everyone, I turned to see one of my classmates, Tammy, silently crying in the corner. I immediately realized why. I had passed out all my cute invitations and, because I had forgotten to put her name on my list, Tammy had not received an invitation.

It was a physical mistake that could be fixed, but the emotional damage was done. I knew Tammy felt the pain of being left out, just like those who are forgotten, picked last for a team, or overlooked altogether. I had experienced that feeling myself and knew how bad it feels.

Having a relationship with God and His son, Jesus Christ, means we are invited into fellowship every day, but it is a special invitation that requires an acknowledgement and acceptance. In some cultures, one knock at the door is appropriate and then you may enter at your leisure. However, Jesus is a gentleman who will “stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20). He calls to let us know it is Him, so we can choose to open the door and let Him in.

How often do we miss Jesus’s call and leave Him waiting outside because of life’s distractions that drown out His voice and/or cause us to forget all about Him? It’s important to always make time for Him in our lives no matter the circumstances. He should always be at the top of our guest list.

I will never forget the light that shown in Tammy’s eyes the next day in class when I presented her with a teddy bear invitation and apologized for my oversight. Though she said she understood, I could still sense a bit of sadness at being invited last, so I made it point at my party, when it came time to do a lip sync contest, to pick her as my partner. She had a smile as wide as the ocean.

You see, not matter the oversight, the mistake, or lack of invitation to a friend or to God, it’s important to remember that when we seek to do our best before God and listen for His direction, He will always find a way to honor it. God promises to “come in” to fellowship with us. So be sure to open the door and invite Him in today! 

*Note from Alexis: Mirachelle's message today reminds me of this song, "Look a Little Closer" by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here. 

~*~
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: Mourning

Joy Comes in the “Mourning”
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.” 

–Lamentations 3:21 (NKJV)

Jeremiah is one of the major prophets in the Bible. Some Bible scholars refer to him as the “weeping prophet” as well as the “prophet of judgment.” He authored three books in the Old Testament: Jeremiah, Kings and Lamentations … and all three books exude gloom and doom.

The prophecies of Jeremiah are among the most pessimistic in all Biblical literature. There is vivid imagery of death and dispersion. In that day, the Jews had turned their backs on God and given way to idolatry and faithlessness. Jeremiah warned the Jews about the impending destruction that was coming if they did not repent of their sins and turn from their evil ways.

There was a lot going on that warranted Jeremiah to be sorrowful. He lived during the time of the destruction of the First Temple and the Jews were taken captive by the Babylonians. In addition, when Jeremiah preached, he was beaten, arrested, left in a pit, and imprisoned by King Zedekiah.

Jeremiah’s life reminds me of here and now. We are living in a time that is full of uncertainty. There is so much going on in this world that it makes you want to weep. Not too long ago, this COVID-19 virus reared its ugly head and turned this world upside down in just a matter of days. Life as we know it is vastly different. People have fallen ill, and many have lost their lives. If you have not encountered the virus yourself, you many know someone who has. And let us not forget those who are still experiencing the awful effects of the virus.

The economy has shifted, people are out of jobs, out of money, out of food, and out of their minds! Social distancing has taken its toll on the mental health of not only adults, but our children who are experiencing things that we have never had to undergo in our childhood, such as distance learning, wearing masks, or being “extra” careful. This virus is just one instance of chaos in our society. If we had more time, we could discuss the hostile political climate, inequality in all forms, social unrest, wars and rumors of wars, and the list is continuous. There is a lot to be sorrowful about, just like Jeremiah!

Even though Jeremiah was known as the “weeping prophet,” and the “prophet of judgement,” he was also known as the “prophet of hope.” Within the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations, in the middle of despair, desperation, doubt, destruction, impending doom, and even death, there are rays of hope sprinkled throughout the chapters. 

Some of the texts are the most inspiring and hope-filled of all time:

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV): “‘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.’”

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV): “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV): “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Lamentations 3:21-26 (NKJV): “This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

In times like these we must hold on to hope! Listen to this song “In Times Like These” performed by The Cadet Sisters and be encouraged.

Remember: We have to fill our minds with God’s truth and His promises found in His Word (The Holy Bible). In the face of overwhelming situations, we must retain our faith as though our lives depend on it. In this world we will have tribulation; but remember, God has overcome the world (John 16:33)!

~*~
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.

~*~
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/

A message, song and e-card for your heart on Valentine's Day 2020!

Dearest of Hearts,

Happy Valentine's Day!

Always remember that YOU are LOVED by the Creator of the Universe (GOD)!

Listen to this song and receive your e-card below. 

God bless you!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring

Founder of "God is Love" blog

~*~

A song for your heart:

~*~

And an e-card to celebrate this special day:

What Easter Sunday means for you

What does Easter Sunday mean for you?

It means that if you believe in God and accept Jesus Christ as your Risen Lord and Savior then you have the HOPE of gaining eternal life when your time on Earth is over and Jesus Christ returns to take His people home to Heaven.

I think that this Biblical truth is best described in this song "Forever" by Kari Jobe.

Enjoy this song and know that there is a God who loves YOU with ALL of His divine heart! :)

Know your worth

GOD and His Son Jesus Christ thought YOU were worth dying for! So he made a way for you to be saved! Read all about it in John 3:16.

Why did He do it? Because He thought YOU are worth keeping! He wants you to be FREE (Revelation 1:5) and experience the abundant life (John 10:10).

I hope this song by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy encourages you as much as it has inspired me.

Sincerely,

Alexis

Thankful Thursday: God is Faithful

It's Thursday and today I am forever grateful that God is faithful! He blesses me and you in so many ways--seen and unseen--every single day of our lives.

He's always there for us, no matter what and He loves us with ALL of His divine heart. Yes, you heard me right--God who is the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE loves you! Loves me! And He's not going anywhere. His love lasts forever! Why? Because God is faithful! Read Deuteronomy 7:9 for evidence.

I'd like to share two recent examples of God's faithfulness in my own life:

Example #1: A few weeks ago, it had been on my mind to take my car to the dealership for an early maintenance. It's a new car so I figured I had a few more weeks to go through before I took it in but the thought of getting my car checked would not leave my mind. So I decided to take it in a few weeks earlier than scheduled. 

Now here's where the story gets interesting. On the day of my maintenance appointment, hours before I was due at the car dealership, I was driving and approached a stoplight. A homeless man who frequents that particular stop, was holding his usual cardboard sign that said he was hungry but on that day, beneath the word "Hungry" was written quite clearly, "Check Your Tires." Now that man always frequents that particular stop but never in the past ten years of my seeing him at that particular intersection had he ever written the words "check your tires" on his cardboard sign! I found that to be unusual but it did make me wonder if everything was okay with my tires or if that was just a general message for everyone with no special meaning.

And here is where God's faithfulness comes in...Later on that same day, I arrived at the dealership and checked my car in for maintenance. I brought a book with me and settled into a cushioned leather chair located in the waiting room. Halfway through my reading of the book, one of the dealership's employees asked me to walk with him to my car because he wanted to show me something that needs my approval to fix. Warily, I followed him to the garage and stopped at my car. The service worker pointed to one of my tires which he had removed from my car. He pointed to not one but two medium-sized, thick nails that were embedded into that tire and said he can remove it and "plug" the tire for an extra $35.00. The plug is supposed to last for a lifetime. He also said it's not as bad as it could have been if the nails were located elsewhere on the tire and that he can fix it with a plug.

The words on the sign held by the homeless man flashed across the memory of my mind and I realized that God sent me a message through that man with the cardboard sign. I believe to this day that is a pure example of God's faithfulness to me and all of His children! And it's a great reminder that God can work through anyone in any place at any time to help His people.

Example #2: Yesterday, I saw through a digital reminder on my car's dashboard that my car only had about 92 more miles to travel before I'd need to fill my gas tank. I made a note on my electronic calendar to get gas today but as the activities of the day went on and I hit the road, I forgot. However, as I was eating lunch at one of my favorite little restaurants, one of the patrons standing near me waiting to place his order was talking to someone and in his conversation he mentioned "gas" and immediately, the thought popped into my head, "I need to get gas for my car!" So thankfully this story has a happy ending because after lunch, I did not delay the task-- I drove to the gas station and filled my tank with the gas it needed. Yet another example of God's faithfulness!

In closing, I'd like to share a song by my Mom's ultimate favorite singer, CeCe Winans. She's a beautiful woman blessed with a soothing voice. So tonight, I'm sharing CeCe's song, "Great is Thy Faithfulness." As you listen to this song, I encourage you to reflect on God's faithfulness in your life and the lives of your loved ones.

If you don't recognize God's faithfulness in your life or do not believe in God, I am praying for you. And I want you to know that God loves you just as much as He loves the pastors, preachers, gospel singers and Christian writers in this world. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), He loves us equally! God doesn't play favorites (Romans 2:11) but He knows how to treat each one of His creation as if they are each His favorite person in the world because honestly, we're all His children and He wants what's best for us.

Hence, the reason for His faithfulness! God's not going anywhere. Don't run away from Him, run to Him! You'll find God waiting for you--if not running to you--with His open arms, ready to embrace you, hold you and see you through this life here on Earth. 

Ultimately, I pray that God will show you His faithfulness!

A holiday satire with a special guest

We're four days into the month of December and 21 days away from Christmas Day.

So much planning and preparation goes into these few weeks leading up to this world famous holiday. But sometimes amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas dinner and celebrations with family and loved ones, is it possible that we forget what this holiday season is truly about?

Enter "How Not to Do Christmas," a holiday satire written by Raelee May Carpenter. It may shine a light into your life and cause you to think twice about how you celebrate this holiday season. Enjoy!  :)

~*~
How Not To Do Christmas
A holiday satire written by Raelee May Carpenter

1. Spend money you don’t have to buy people things they don’t need. Even better, go into massive amounts of debt on expensive toys as a substitute for putting thought into the gifts you give. Maybe a home-cooked dinner at home with you is what your loved one really needs, but you don’t have time for that, so spend a month’s salary on a new entertainment system for them instead.

2. Spend days and months planning and tweaking every detail and decoration. Having trouble staying motivated toward holiday perfection? Make it your mantra, “This holiday will be ruined if it’s not perfect. This holiday will be ruined if it’s not absolutely perfect.” Record it and loop it in your sleep, so you can’t rest, and you never forget that the tiniest wrinkle in the gift wrap, the smallest speck of dust on the floor, or a single Christmas ornament out of place can completely destroy Christmas for your entire family, if not the whole world.

3. Eat yourself sick. You should avoid all fruits and vegetables for the whole month of December. Pumpkin and apple are okay, but only in pie form. You must consume at least 5000 calories worth of cakes and cookies everyday. You have to eat every bit of food you’re offered at every party and potluck, or you will destroy Christmas for the people who cooked every dish. If you aren’t constantly on the edge of vomiting from November to January, your holiday spirit is forfeit. If you aren’t a glutton for Christmas, you must not love Jesus.

4. Forget that Christmas is really about Jesus. Pretend it’s about toys, tinsel, food, and gift cards, anything but Emmanuel who was born in a barn so you could be free. Spend your time, energy, and focus on everything else. You can get back to Him after the holidays…or maybe after you get your tax return filed.

How To Do Christmas
1. Remember that God loves you. This time has been set aside to honor the greatest gift we ever could receive. Make that more important than anything else, at the Christmas season…and the rest of the year too.

~*~

Author bio:

Raelee May Carpenter is a Christian who writes novels, shorts, essays and poems. She writes about God's Grace. Raelee loves to work as a storyteller and entertainer and her passion is creating stories with deeper meaning, stories that tell people about the gospel Truth.

Connect with Raelee: 

www.raeleemaycarpenter.com
Twitter.com/raeleecarpenter
Facebook.com/raeleemaycarpenter

A Christmas devotional written by Ada Brownell

It's what American culture calls "The most wonderful time of the year" because Christmastime is here! :) Countless songs, books, blogs and devotionals have been written about this significant holiday on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who is known to Christians and people of faith as the "Savior of the World." 

But as the years go by, is it just me or does Christmastime become more and more commercialized? Christmas music fills the shopping malls as early as the first day of November (yes, before Thanksgiving Day) and with Christmas items go on display as early as mid-October! And who knew such a beautiful holiday would cause concern and issues? By that I mean, there are people who do not want to even mention Jesus Christ or say anything about God during this time of year--even nativity scenes can cause controversy.

So what believers in God do to keep Christ in Christmas without offending people or sounding like a "preachy" Christian?

Today, I invited prolific writer and journalist Ada Brownell to address this topic. Ada's written a devotional about teaching the reason for this Christmas season to a secular world. I hope Ada's words will enlighten you and encourage you during this time of year and always. God bless you and enjoy reading! 

~*~

How to Teach the Reason for Christmas in A Secular World

A holiday devotional written by Ada Brownell

A disabled man who grew up in a Chicago orphanage during the violent prohibition era of the '20s and '30s gave his testimony at our church in Arvada, Colo. He told how the famous bootlegger and gangster, Al Capone, visited the orphanage every Christmas, bearing gifts.

Historians say despite his unlawful activities, Capone became a somewhat respected public figure because of donations to charities. I'm sure most orphans adored the man. Yet, at least one child discovered someone greater. He heard about a Heavenly Father who loved him, and God's gift to this boy was His Son coming to earth—for Jesus brought the gift of eternal life to anyone who would accept it.

The world still needs to hear the wonder of God becoming man that we might have life.

Death is why God came down. Sin caused death. Adam and Eve believed Satan when he said, "You won't die!" So they disobeyed, ate the forbidden fruit, and soon after had to bury a son. They eventually died , too.

The Father promised a Redeemer in the early pages of the Bible, Genesis 3:15, to restore immortality. Jesus, God's Son, was that Redeemer and He suffered on the cross to take away sin.

So, Christmas is about the cross as much as it is about the manger.

How can we share the true message of Christmas with our children and grandchildren?

· Memorize and talk about John 3:16

· Don't talk about Santa as if he compares with the all-knowing, all-powerful God who is everywhere. No one is equal to God.

· Teach about the wonder of "God with us." Jesus has many names, counselor, almighty God, the alpha and omega, the lily of the valley, but "Immanuel," which means God with us, is most significant. Isaiah prophesied that it would be His name 700 years before the Messiah was born (Isaiah 7:14.) Even now, God's presence is with us and if we open our heart to him He is in us "He dwelleth with you and shall be in you" (John 14:17).

· Teach about angels. We should never worship them, but according to Psalm 91, God gives angels charge over us to protect us. They also sometimes deliver messages, as Gabriel did to Mary, when he told her she would be the mother of Jesus.

· Teach about giving and gifts. It is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35).

· Talk about the stable and how Mary and Joseph were content in the humble place.

· Discuss the inn and the innkeeper. What would we have done if we owned the inn? Would we have given our bed so the Son of God wouldn’t be born in a stinky stable?

· Have you opened your heart to Jesus? "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Rev. 3:20).
He will never leave or forsake you, and He’ll guide you and bless your life.

©Copyright Ada Brownell

~*~
Author bio:

Ada Brownell is the author of five books, about 300 stories and articles in Christian publications, and she spent a large chunk of her life as a reporter, mostly for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. She and her husband L.C., have five children, one of them in heaven, eight wonderful grandchildren.and two great-grandchildren.

Among Ada's books: The Lady Fugitive (released July 18, 2014), Imagine the Future You, a youth Bible study (November 2013). Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult (Jan. 15, 2013), Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal (Dec. 6, 2011) and Confessions of a Pentecostal (out of print but released in 2012 for Kindle). All the books are available in paper or for Kindle. Imagine the Future You audio book is available at www.Audible.com Readers can receive a free book with new Audible membership.

Connect with Ada: 

Visit Ada's blog, http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com

Buy Ada's book The Lady Fugitive, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYDWAIW

See Ada on her Amazon author page, http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

"Like" Ada on Facebook, 
https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Follow Ada on Twitter, @adellerella

Subscribe to Ada's blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com for "Stick to Your Soul Encouragement"

31 Days of Prayer: If God wrote you a letter...

If God wrote a letter to you, I believe it would sound like this beautiful Bible-based message (above these words) that speaks for itself. It is a presentation that portrays God the Father's love for us, His children.

Today my prayer is for those all of God's children--those who know him and do not yet know Him--May you be blessed by the Father's love.