Devotionals for the Heart: How to stay humble when God gives us good gifts

Boast in the Lord
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

—2 Corinthians 10:17 (ESV)

It can be so tempting for me, if my circumstances are pleasant and blessed, to boast in my circumstances. Now, boasting in my circumstances doesn’t necessarily mean talking about how great I am or saying the words, “Look at me!”

But it could mean boasting in my mind even if words of pride never leave my lips. It could mean relishing a position I’ve been given so much that I start to look down on others, thinking I’m better than they are.

God loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11), gifts we don’t deserve but that He chooses to give us anyway. Why then should we adopt a mindset of pride and a false belief that we deserve these gifts?

Instead of boasting in the gifts the Lord has given us, we are admonished by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians to “boast in the Lord.” God doesn’t want us to boast in His gifts, in the created things that He gives us. If our sense of pride is found in what changes, be it our circumstances or things of this world, then we shall be sorely disappointed when our circumstances change or things of this world fail us. If we put our security in anything other than the Lord, then it most certainly will crumble. Instead, our sense of security and identity needs to be found in Jesus Christ.

I love making a difference or doing something important. Since I was very young, I wanted to live a purposeful, meaningful life for Jesus. Whenever God chooses to bless me with an amazing opportunity, I can often be tempted to think better of myself than I ought, falsely believing that I am “better” than someone else or that I deserved such an opportunity. I can also struggle with trying to find my worth in those created things, those opportunities, or gifts from God.

I’ve always loved acting and prayed for an opportunity to use that gift. When I was 14 years old, God provided an opportunity when a Biblical theater group started in my area. Through that group, I’ve grown so much as a person in the last seven years and have had the opportunity to combine acting and sharing the love of Jesus with others through my interactions with fellow cast and crew members and through the story told on the stage.

I don’t deserve God’s good gifts and blessed opportunities, such as my wonderful experiences as an actress. However, because of His grace and mercy, God chooses to bless me as He blesses others in different ways. I’ve come to know that identity is not meant to be found in anything other than the Creator Himself. Please don’t find your identity in the things of this world. Instead, find your security in the Lord. If you find yourself starting to boast in the things of this world, turn it around and start boasting in the Lord, declaring His goodness and faithfulness.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, please forgive me for boasting in the things of this world and for finding my security in created things rather than You, my Creator. Please help me to sing Your praises and bring glory to Your holy name all my days. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “All My Boast is in Jesus” by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

~*~
Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/

Devotionals for the Heart: Humility

The Road to Humility
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than to pretend to be somebody and have no food.”—Proverbs 12:9 (NIV)

I love how King Solomon glorified the virtue of humility as stated in the verse above. His contrast here is both humorous and profound. He is saying it’s better to be humble if your humility is part of your success as opposed to trying to “appear successful.”

Every week I sit down to create content for Instagram. However, when life gets tough I want to hide. If I have nothing “impressive” to post then I’d rather not post at all. In today’s image-obsessed society, cultivating a humble heart can be very challenging. The world puts great emphasis on “the pride of life” which is thinking you are special because of what you have, what you know, and what you look like. It glorifies the rich and famous while the poor are often forgotten.

The pride of life also tempts us to focus on ourselves as opposed to focusing on God and serving others. It can create stress and anxiety because when we seek to be the best and don’t succeed, our desire to excel can turn against us. If we fail, it is very normal to become disappointed. But the pride of life can turn our disappointment into a sense of hopeless depression.

The road to humility doesn’t have to be a hard one. If we humble ourselves before God and admit that we need His guidance, He is faithful. Psalm 25:9 (RSV), says “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.”

When we stand before God, we will not be judged by our worldly accomplishments. All that will matter is what we did with the gifts and talents He gave us. It’s great to be successful, but if our success becomes our identity, then it’s an idol.

The temptation to be proud is very subtle. We see it in the Garden of Eden. Eve’s mistake was to setting her sights on what God had commanded not to do rather than on what God had blessed her with such as all the other trees filled with life-giving fruit that He had allowed her to eat.

Here are three questions we can ask ourselves to help keep our hearts in check:

Question #1: Am I truly thankful for all God has given me?

Question #2: Have I acknowledged Him as the Source of all the blessings in my life?

Question #3: Am I careful to seek God daily on how to live a life that is pleasing to Him?

It’s amazing how being humble frees you from the need to impress people. There’s no need to be perfect or compare yourself to anyone. This brings me back to my constant challenge with Instagram. With every post I’m learning to ask myself, “What can I share today that will minister to someone?”

Most of the time it’s the trials and the things I don’t like to talk about that resonate most with people. It’s about taking my captions from a “me” post to a “we” post, showing gratitude to the Lord and the people in my life. It’s about my choosing to encourage others when it’s tempting to brag.

I believe that Micah 6:8 (RSV) says it best: “…and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” 

What will you choose today?

Song of Reflection: “King of Humility” by Justin Tweito. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a New York-based actress and model. Network appearances include Blue Bloods and Bull (CBS), Power (STARZ), and Hunters (Amazon). 

She got her start in modeling at the age of 18 when she was offered a contract to work with an agency in Paris. Over time, she worked for clients such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, Clarins Skincare, Garnier, Lancôme, and Wella.

In recent years, Cherie has been sharing about her faith in God on Instagram where she has an audience of over 30k followers. She is compelled by love to encourage women to understand their identity in Jesus Christ.

It is her goal to bring to light what God’s Word says about our self-worth. She does this by sharing encouraging stories on how she overcame the many struggles that models and actresses typically face.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

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

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

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

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in Upstate New York. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years.

~*~

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Pride

Pride is an Enemy of Love
A devotional by Gena Anderson

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” –James 4:6 (NKJV)

I once prided myself on being my family’s chief financial officer. When I began struggling to maintain, I first attempted to fix our finances by myself, then conceal them, and later blame them on my husband. Like a pudgy dog trying to jump on the couch, the weight of the struggle became too much, and when I fell flat on my face I was forced to see how low my pride had sunken me. Finding humility, I asked God and my husband for help.

Barely making ends meet, buried in debt, my husband and I worked together to rebuild and submit our money to God. I created a tight budget that fit like my Spanx, and prayerfully followed a plan to get into the black. After months of chipping away at bills the time came to revisit the budget and make use of some newfound wiggle room. Reworking the numbers, I yearned to use the new surplus on something indulgent, perhaps a night out or pedicure, but I knew what took priority.

From my view at the bottom of the financial ditch I saw the root issue: tithing. We were giving a comfortable amount, but God wants us to give freely and generously, promising abundance in return as He says to us in Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 11:24. In my realization of complete humility I had asked God to help me increase our tithe to an amount unimaginable in our broken state, and committed to getting there. This was the first opportunity toward generous giving, and I was ready. I allotted almost half of our long-awaited gain to tithe, knowing that investment would pay better dividends than a meal at Chilis.

Later that week I revisited the budget and realized I had miscalculated. Missing a monthly deposit, I undercalculated our income. We actually had a surplus double my original figure. After all the financial stress and penny-pinching this find was a God-sent gift, and I heard God’s message loud and clear: His ways are superior, and we benefit more by submitting and giving to Him than we do by withholding. I learned to love God instead of money and shed the weight of pride, gaining a pressed down, shaken together, running over gift that remains still.

James 4:6 says God resists the proud but blesses the humble beyond what they deserve. Reading that verse, I wondered what God finds so detestable about pride that he resists the prideful. Then I remembered, my pride led to financial destruction and sin, and humility was what ignited reparation. I believe that pride is more divisive in the church than adultery, murder, abortion, and any other headline issue, because it is the fuel behind all of those things and the root of selfish desires.

Pride is . . . trying to do it all and not asking for help . . . putting today’s achievement over eternal investment . . . finding satisfaction and pleasure in self over God . . . wanting to be saved without admitting the need for a Savior.

Christians like to hide our dirty laundry. The world needs to see our brokenness in order to witness God’s work in our lives and know they aren’t the only ones struggling. James reminds us God resists diving into our stinky pile of dirty clothes as long as we hide it, but brings powerful, heavenly-scented detergent to clean it all up when we release pride.

Christians sometimes struggle to work together, taking God’s design of a servant heart and twisting it into overbearing church volunteers that seek control and offer criticism. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says our gifts and talents are useless without love. The humble love of God and others over ourselves is one that collaborates with and offers praise to their brothers and sisters.

People who love others as Jesus loves them (John 15:12) sift out and remove pride. This is not a call to shame, but to repentance. Tara-Leigh Cobble said on The Bible Recap, “confident humility is when you’re not building or beating yourself up.” God loves us enough to forgive and forget any sin that’s confessed and turned from.

Humility is the elevation of God, more than it is the lowering of self, and what is the church if not adept at raising up the name of the one we claim to praise? Ask yourself and God today how you’ve let pride overshadow love. Humble yourself so God can exalt you (James 4:10), and be filled with a love so great it will spill out to the world.

Let’s Pray: Lord, you are the only one who can be and do it all. Open my eyes to see where I’ve allowed pride to divide and destroy my life. Forgive me and help me to do better. Thank you for your never ending love and patience with me, help me to offer the same to those in my path today. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Gena Anderson is a Jesus-lover, writer, nurse practitioner, and blogger who loves to share wellness information and inspiration with the world around her. 

She is the author of The Well Woman: A Journey to Wellness Through Loving Jesus, which is available on Amazon.com.

Gena proudly holds the title of wife, mom, and the world’s most average CrossFitter. She loves writing, reading, traveling, and brownies. She's working on that last one.

Gena lives in Hutto, Texas with her husband and two children.

~*~
Connect with Gena:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellwoman.blog
Website: well-woman-blog.com
Email: wellwomanbook@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Humility

Humble in Heart
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” –Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

The world is in crisis. It’s been there before and will likely be there again, but this is the first worldwide crisis I’ve ever lived through, and it’s...a lot. 

If you, like me, have a high-risk household, you’ve probably been socially isolating. I haven’t seen the inside of anything other than my house, Costco, and my workplace since March. And that last one has been infrequent. I work from home now with my youngest son’s desk next to mine in a work/school amalgamation that has sometimes been challenging, sometimes quite wonderful.

Between politics, social upheaval, and a deadly pandemic, it’s downright fractious in our country right now, even outside a high-risk bubble. Folks are hot-tempered, and shouty, even those of us who claim a saving faith in Jesus Christ. It’s not good. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to live through this mess of existential dread, stress, and difficulty. When faced daily with a new challenge, I keep thinking of how being a Christian must inform my choices and guide my actions. “Jesus take the wheel” is a fine saying, but what does that truly look like in real life?

We need to start with who Jesus is and what He wants from us. The verse above sums it up for me. Jesus is the Son of God, but He’s also humble in heart and gentle. When we give over our lives to Him, we find rest (not more work, more struggle, more strife). Our job is to be as like Him as possible. Over and over, the New Testament calls us to humble ourselves, live in peace, be patient with our brothers and sisters, bear one another’s burden in love. This is what God wants from us. He wants our love for one another to stand out, to show that we are His. “Agape” in the Greek of the New Testament’s writers, means a non-reciprocal, giving love that doesn’t expect anything back. That’s how God loves us, and that’s how He calls us to love others.

What does that look like in real life? For me, it’s a reminder to be patient with others, to be humble, and when tempted to add my voice to the cacophony, to turn off my computer and put down my phone. I have no business putting that out in the world. As a Christian, I have a reason to resist rising to every insult, holding a grudge, or taking offense. Every moment that I walk through this world, I am a witness for Jesus Christ. I need to live my life in a way that tells others that I am under Jesus’ yoke.

When it gets hard, I try to reach for that peace. The peace of knowing that God is provident and whatever happens, it will be for His Glory and that He will be with me through every second of it. Jesus has not abandoned us to work it out for ourselves. We have Scripture and the Holy Spirit to guide us. Prayer is a wonder. 

If you’re struggling right now, and so many of us are, reach out and take hold of the tools that God has given us to dig us out of the deepest of pits. Unburden your heart, trust that God has heard you and that whatever the answer, He is with you. 

You’re not alone, Christian. There are millions of us on this planet with you. 

I’ll be praying for you.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

A native New Englander, she was inspired by her travels through the north woods of Maine to write The Broken Trail, which would become the first in the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

Christa's writing focuses on the real-life challenges of the modern world, love’s sometimes crooked path, and the redemptive power of Grace.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty.

She and her husband live with their three kids, two cats, and one dog along the coast of New England. Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Service

Washing Feet
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” –John 13:14-15 (ESV)

This devotional is being written as I prepare to leave India, traveling home at a time of crisis. My husband and I have been on a two-week tour seeing and experiencing the great history and culture of this country. Our itinerary has not only covered great sites like the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, but included visiting families choosing a more “primitive” lifestyle, homesteading in the country. We peeked into yesterday’s grand India while walking in today’s culture.

When meeting our Tour Director, I expected a guide with great knowledge and an energetic personality, but Mr. Kohli’s demeanor surprised me. He was highly educated and polite, yet reserved. In hindsight, I understand his decorum was appropriate, however initially I was skeptical thinking he was stand-offish.

With only four in the group, it was really more of a private tour. My husband and I were joined by a Canadian woman and her special needs adult child. Our group dynamic was a complete twist from what I had anticipated. Special needs require special attention.

As we traveled from city to city, touring monuments, memorials and museums, the days were long and full. The energy of crowded streets and minimal regimen created a sensory overload. The stress proved difficult, not just for us, but especially our fellow travelers. The growing coronavirus pandemic rolled in like an ominous bank of storm clouds, adding temptation to worry.

It was Mr. Kohli’s calm confidence that made a successful trip possible for us. Had he been one to ride on adrenaline, we’d have been in chaos. This man was our North Star in many ways. He was a teacher. He was an authority. He was our protector. But overall, he was a servant.

Sometimes I have difficulty relating to the stories in the Bible to my everyday life. Are you like me? Jesus Christ’s last supper act of washing feet is hard to identify with because we don’t practice that service in the western world. Remaining focused on that fact, I lose the meaning of what Jesus was conveying.

In a time of great personal distress, Jesus took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves and served. He asked his followers to do the same. Don’t let this timing be lost on you! Jesus was moving toward suffering and death, and yet, he bent low, washing foot after grimy foot, leaving out no one.

Mr. Kohli, though not of Christian faith, has diligently served the four of us foreigners in a time of significant worldwide stress. He has gone above and beyond with our awkward group. He has washed my feet.

As I wrote this devotional, I was preparing to board one of four flights to return home. Each of those planes has a crew whom are not flying home during crisis. They are washing my feet.

I cannot know what will be happening in future weeks, with respect to the Coronavirus pandemic, but I know the position I must take: that of washing feet.

I am not immune to the temptation to worry or be swept up in speculation, therefore I must be intentional in keeping my mind set on the examples of Jesus and those following his example.

Whose feet are before you?

~*~
Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior. 

She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.

Devotionals for the Heart: Gentleness

Gentleness
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 18:35, Colossians 3:12, James 3:13, Galatians 6:1 (NASB)

When you hear the word meek, what do you think?

The misuse of this word to mean weak has caused a lot of confusion over the years. Meek, by definition in the Scriptures, means, “strength in control,” based on Strong’s Concordance. 

We’re told that Christ was meek, and we know He was not weak! So, what does meek have to do with gentleness? Everything. Look at Psalm 18:35. We don’t think of gentleness as something that makes us great, do we?

We are told in Colossians 3:12 to put on, “…a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” as chosen ones of God. In James 3:13, it says that good behavior is shown in deeds of gentleness and wisdom. 

Gentleness and meekness are very intertwined in the Word (The Holy Bible). We don’t always think of gentleness as anything more than a light touch, like we would care for a baby, but it’s so much more. It’s how we treat one another, believer or non-believer. It’s also a sign of how we have allowed the Spirit to work in our lives. We cannot be gentle without the Spirit doing the work in us.

Gentle people draw others in. When you know someone who is a gentle soul, you know that they are unlikely to be hurtful, cruel, or a gossip. They just don’t want others to be damaged by anything they do. That has a lot to do with mercy, I believe, which is another manifestation of God’s work in a person’s life. We are called to be gentle in how we talk to other believers when the Lord calls us to speak into their life. 

The Bible has been used as a weapon by too many of God’s children against God’s children. That goes completely away from what Christ teaches us in Galatians 6:1. The term “Bible thumper” comes to mind when I think of someone who beats people over the head with the Word, expecting them to want to follow Christ after the “beating.” That’s not gentleness, and certainly not how Jesus drew others to Himself.

Gentleness does not mean ignoring sin. It may be that God tells you not to speak about a sin in someone’s life, but rather to pray. God knows what each of us needs, and sometimes that is just His voice speaking into a situation. Other times, He may call you to speak. Be sure you have done what Galatians 6:1 says, though!

Humility and gentleness go hand in hand. To be humble simply means to think less of yourself than of others. That doesn’t mean you think poorly of yourself. God certainly doesn’t! Honoring others above yourself is the hallmark of humility. That takes a laying down of our pride. In order to do that, you have to have taken up the righteousness of Christ. You have to have laid down your filthy rags of the flesh to be clothed with Christ.

Can you see how the progression from love to joy to peace to patience to kindness to goodness to faithfulness to gentleness has worked in your life? This pattern of His growth into the image of Christ is amazing to see unfold. We’re likely going to go through the process many times in our life as God grows us into a more perfect picture of Jesus. Each time you learn more of His Love, the cycle continues to take off the parts of the flesh that have held us back. 

Aren’t you thankful God lets us do this a little at a time over our life with Him? I truly am!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Daddy, May Your gentleness seen through me draw others to You. I want my life to be such a reflection of Who YOU are that they don’t see me at all. Let Your Son shine through as a beacon of hope for a dark world. Show me how to love, gently, as You love us. In the Name of Christ I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of eight with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Service

On Service
A devotional by Lisa Lickel

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15 (ESV)

Before I moved to a new community last fall, I had volunteered for a number of years, driving people to medical appointments or shopping, or helping service organizations or non-profits with bookwork, cleaning, and the like. I helped out with secretarial duties at our church. I enjoyed those activities; they felt like service. But I realize service shouldn’t be relegated to volunteer activities.

The example Jesus gives is for everyday life. To me, in my modern lifestyle, that means actions of kindness like filling the car with gas, washing dishes or laundry, making the bed, taking care of the yard, or cleaning the bathroom. It’s not a matter of your job/my job. It’s a matter of “ought to.” It’s a matter of giving way or giving in to each other. It’s a matter of outdoing each other with showing honor (Romans 12:10, ESV).

A Christian discipline of service rises from gratitude, not from authority. It is seeing a need and meeting it, not forcing “help” on someone just because it would be easier or faster if I performed the task. It is patience, not self-righteousness, never self-serving. Service is Christian humbleness. “When we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge,” Richard Foster says in Celebration of Discipline. “There is great freedom in this.” Amen! When we allow others to direct our efforts we surrender any form of ulterior motive for service. We might even allow others the dignity of seeing their own mistakes and correct them without needing to point it out.

There is great joy in loving Christ so much that it spills all around me. I can’t help but stop and be that third temporary hand, the one who picks up dishes so the conversation can continue, who changes the diaper, who lends a ride, who gives a drink when asked, to shut up and listen. I don’t pretend to hear every internal cry. I haven’t yet done more than meet my own need to volunteer in two areas I love in my new community.

Some days I’m still growly and grumpy when things don’t go my way. I’m unhappy when I don’t feel appreciated. In every sunset, every hymn, every blooming wild geranium, the Lord breaks through and reminds me that life isn’t about me. I’m released from the cage of narrow vision, of narrow-mindedness in which I’ve locked myself. I don’t have to be the greatest (Luke 9:46, ESV) and I can allow myself to be used as the servant of all (Mark 9:35, ESV).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, as it would please you, bring me someone today whom I can serve.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. 

A multi-published and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and workshop leader. 

She is a member of Chicago Writers Association and part of Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., mentoring writers from across the US and Canada. 

~*~
Connect with Lisa:
Website: http://www.LisaLickel.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisalickelauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/lisalickel
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisajlickel
Amazon Author page: http://amzn.to/2bPxi2X

Devotionals for the Heart: Gail's thoughts about forgiveness

Forgiveness
A devotional written by Gail Kittleson

I have yet to read a verse in the Bible that instructs believers to be nice. And the older I get, the more certain characteristics of our role model, Jesus, stand out. Luke chapter seven even reveals how he ignored certain people at times.

But that’s not nice, we may remark. Maybe not, but Jesus did it, and pointedly. Luke tells the story of the town harlot who washed Jesus feet with her tears and anointed them with expensive perfume. Jesus certainly focused on the woman but ignored someone else.

The Pharisee who invited Jesus to his home had a real problem with this woman. First off, we note that Simon recognized her ... now, why should a religious zealot know who she was?

Immediately, he conjectured: Jesus must not be a prophet like I thought—otherwise “...he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him.” (Luke 7:39)

But with far more awareness than Simon could have imagined, Jesus addressed his host right in front of everyone. The story he told Simon compares two forgiven men—one forgiven a little, the other with much in his life requiring mercy. We imagine him setting up the parable and then, in a very meaningful moment, asking Simon, “Which of the two would be more grateful?” (Luke 7:42)

Perhaps Simon shrugged as he replied, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” (Luke 7:43)

Bingo! Jesus launched into teaching about forgiveness and gratitude. He then told the woman he forgave her sins, which shocked the dinner guests. “Who does he think he is ...?” (Luke 7:49)

Now comes the clincher. Jesus ignored them. Instead, he focused on the fallen woman, showering her with promise and peace. We might try to imagine how the others in the room felt, witnessing his extraordinary behavior.

Our Lord was such an intuitive fellow. His spiritual and emotional astuteness saw far beyond the surface, and led him to meet the deepest needs of the human heart. We all need His mercy, his love, and his forgiveness. Some of the dinner guests might not have agreed, but Jesus taught them a lesson by being what might not fit our conceptions of a nice Christian.

Help us, Lord to move beyond our childhood teachings into an obedience that delves deeper into the mystery of your unending love and forgiveness. Teach us to concentrate on your priorities and see people through Your eyes of unconditional love.

~*~
Author Bio: 

When Gail Kittleson's not steeped in World War II research, drafting scenes, or deep in an edit of her 1940’s novels, she does a limited amount of editing for other authors. 

She also facilitates writing and creativity workshops, both in Iowa and Arizona, where she and her husband spend part of the winter in the amazing Ponderosa pine forest under the Mogollon Rim.

Favorites: spending time with grandchildren, walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.

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Devotional by Mary Manners: Pay It Forward

Welcome our friend Mary Manners to the blog today! She started writing at age 4 and never stopped. Today, she's here to share the story about how she began her writing journey. She will also tell you how significant people in her life helped her to grow as a writer and pursue her passion. 

Ultimately, she's here to share a message that will encourage you to "pay it forward." 

Enjoy! :) 

~*~
Pay It Forward
A devotional written by Mary Manners

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." ~ Colossians 3:12 ~

I have been writing since I was old enough to know that words tell a story…about four years old. I have such vivid memories of standing in my basement in Chicago, leaning against the washing machine, and scribbling across a notepad because I had a story to tell. Of course, the scribble was just gibberish, but the story was clear in my mind.

My primary school librarian read wonderful stories from picture books. One of my favorites was Sam, Bangs and Moonshine. I loved the wonderful tale of the inquisitive girl and her cat, and the father whose love was overshadowed by grief over the loss of his wife. So many powerful emotions interwoven with touching illustrations. As you can guess, library hour was my favorite time of the week.

In sixth grade, I had a wonderful teacher who nurtured my writing. She came to school early in the morning and worked with me, and I completed my first full-length novel that year. I will never forget this wonderful woman. We corresponded through my college years before losing touch. I will never forget her, though, or the boundless encouragement she gave me.

In high school, I had an English teacher who loved books as much as I did. He understood my passion for words, and encouraged me to read books with more depth and to appreciate their beautiful imagery. He also began a writers’ group, and published some poems I wrote in a school anthology. It was thrilling!

Without these dedicated teachers, I may not have pursued my love of writing…and might very well not be where I am today. I remember them as I teach my middle-school students, and try to ‘pay forward’ the encouragement I received.

So I ask…has there ever been a teacher who impacted you with compassion, dedication, or encouragement? If so, how did this teacher help you to get where you are today and what would you say to him or her if given the opportunity?

~*~
Author bio:

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters, Lucky and Gus. 

She loves swimming, running, flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary believes everyone has a story to tell, and she loves to share hers. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.