Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should focus on Jesus Christ

The Shift
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”— Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Have you been looking at the past and wondering “Lord, when?”

I know I have done that so many times when life gets hard, the challenges seem overwhelming, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

This is the start of a new year. It carries with it the promise and hope of change. However, not all of us are at the place where we can receive that promise. Instead, we are fixated on what didn’t work, the number of times we have tried and failed, the turmoil we face in our relationships, the loss we suffered, and so on. We complain about what God hasn’t done, and we get upset with Him like petulant children.

Today, the Lord is reminding us through His words advising us to not focus on the past that we are to not to dwell there because He is doing something new in our present. My friends, if our focus remains on the past and on what God didn’t do, then neither you nor I are in a place to “see” what God is doing. We cannot look backward and forward simultaneously, so the decision is ours. Where will your gaze be fixed?

I know it’s not easy to believe that a shift is coming, but it is. In the same way that the Lord gives us seedtime and harvest and reminds us that there is a season for everything under the sun, we can trust that He will keep all of His promises. The promise made to the children of Israel of making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19) can also be claimed by us. They went through judgments and would face even more. However, the Lord reminded them that He was still their God when He said in Isaiah 43:15 (NIV), “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”

The Lord knows you, your challenges, heartache, and pain. He is touched by the feelings of your infirmity, and He understands how you are feeling and sees you right where you are. What I love about this is that the Lord understands the season we are in and where our gaze is fixed. I believe God is saying gently to you, “Look to Me. Focus your attention on Me and then all your cares—everything that is affecting you—will become dim in My presence.”

You may be in the wilderness or approaching it. Wherever you are in that journey, you can be comforted with the promise that as you fix your gaze on the Lord, He will make streams in the wasteland for you (Isaiah 43:19). Last year might have been a very hard year for you. I understand because it was true for me as well. However, as I look forward, I am comforted with the hope of a promise that I know will be fulfilled because He who has promised is faithful.

There is a shift coming, a change. I pray that you will be ready to see it and prepared to receive it. Whatever challenge you may be faced with, God is with you, right by your side, and He has wonderful plans for you. Look up and see that He is doing something new for you! Look back to reflect and express gratitude for what God has done then look forward to continuing to move into what God has for you in the future. Ask Him for spiritual eyes and discernment to see His revelations as they unfold.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that You minister to every soul who needs a gentle reminder to look up to You today and to know that You keep Your promises. May they rest in the fact that what You say You will do, You always will do. Thank You for the shift that is coming. We look forward to the future you have for us with anticipation. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Lemmel (Grace Johnston) | North Palm Worship | Throwback Thursday. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons.

Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettemarie_cm/
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteMarie-cmc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@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: A Life Lesson Learned in a Texas Snowstorm

Nothing Surprises God
A devotional by Kathleen Rouser

“No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

–Romans 8:39 (NLT)

As my husband Jack and I stepped outside of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport terminal, a blast of chilly air hit us. Regardless of the hint of inclement weather, we thought: We’ll still have a good time and find some fun things to do. We’re here to visit our son.

A little abnormally cold weather wasn’t going to ruin my long-awaited special birthday trip. God gave us the window of time where it worked out for all of us. I’d just thought we’d have a break from our usual February dreariness in Michigan. Instead, we met with a record storm of snow and ice.

We had two decent days, so we had some time to see where our son lived and to do a little sightseeing. Then came the ice and unprecedented snowfall. Each day the weather grew more frigid, and the ice and snow continued. In Michigan they know how to handle snow, but in Texas they were completely unprepared—no plows, no salt, water pipes buried too shallow to deal with the freezing cold weather.

We planned on being there for five days, but our return flight was canceled and even our rescheduled flight was canceled, so we were there for ten. Next, we lost water pressure in our hotel room. All stores and restaurants were closed. Amid all of this, our credit card had been hacked and our son got sick. My thyroid medication was running out. I began to ask God, “Why?”

When our first flight was canceled, I started a list of blessings on my memo app to help me keep perspective. Since we were only going to be gone a few days, I hadn’t packed a notebook. I wanted to write my thoughts down on paper. There wasn’t even a notepad in the hotel room, due to COVID-19. I went to the front desk to see if they had anything. The manager brought me a small notebook with a pen. The Lord provided! I could now write down my thankfulness journal.

The hotel brought dinner into the hotel each evening that we were stuck there and unable to get food, while everything was closed. They provided boiled water for brushing our teeth, and we could take pool water up to fill the toilet tank. Somehow, with our few snacks left we had enough to eat. However, for some reason when I awoke in the wee hours of Thursday morning, the day after we lost water, panic consumed me. I couldn’t sleep. Please pardon my dramatic flair, but all I wanted was to return home where they knew how to handle snow, and to not be stuck in a hotel room without running water. Father, I prayed silently, I just want to go home.

Then in His still, small voice He said, "I am your home." Why hadn’t I realized that? What was I worried about? Even if the worst-case scenario happened and I somehow died, I would be with the Lord when He takes me to Heaven (the real home for everyone who follows Jesus Christ). And with that peaceful thought, I returned to sleep.

Later that morning we managed our way through the ice and snow to our son’s house for food and showers and – best of all – to see him. God cared for us in many ways that week. And early on Saturday morning we were finally able to fly to Detroit.

Though our time in Texas didn’t go the way I expected, it didn’t surprise the Lord. It’s a comfort to know wherever I go and in whatever the circumstances, I am home, with my Father (God). As Colossians 3:2-3 (NLT) says, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Let’s Pray: Dear Father, thank you that wherever I go and whatever I do, You are with me. Thank You for providing for me so lovingly, even in times of difficulty. Help me to trust You more with all the details of my life, knowing that each day I can rely on your loving care. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kathleen Rouser is the award-winning author of Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan. She is a multi-published author of historical and contemporary Christian romance.

Kathleen is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers and a current member of Novel Academy. She has loved making up stories since she was a little girl.

She was so enthralled with the books her Mom read to her she wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She’s in the grip of God’s grace and is a fan of the three Cs—cats, coffee, and chocolate.

Kathleen is proud to be the mother of three adult children and mother-in-law to one. She is a former homeschool instructor, a mild-mannered dental assistant, and current Community Bible Study kids’ teacher.

Kathleen lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of thirty-some years, and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

Her writing is represented by Linda S. Glaz of the Hartline Literary Agency.

~*~
Connect with Kathy:
Website: https://kathleenrouser.com
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenRouser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouserkathy/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerouser/_saved/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7427871.Kathleen_Rouser
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-rouser

Devotionals for the Heart: Making a Joyful Noise drives away negativity

Make a Joyful Noise
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” – Psalm 100:1-2 (ESV)

Have you ever been slammed with worries and negative thoughts?

I have.

Sometimes I get woken up in the middle of the night, thoughts of my ever growing to do list keeping me from rest. In the mornings before I dive into my quiet time, negative thoughts attack as I prepare to sit down with the Lord.

Sometimes I forget that I am in a battle. The enemy wants to destroy us and to do that, he’ll go after us in our minds. Those negative thoughts and emotions can be so strong that they cause us to forget that we are children of God, we are loved and we need not to worry about what comes.

I forget that the Lord has equipped us all with weapons to defeat the enemy. The ones He is always reminding me to use is worship and praise. When we sing to God, hell trembles. Darkness flees. The enemy shakes; he hates it. He can’t stand to be near it.

In the middle of another attack on my mind, the Lord whispered to me: “You’re being attacked. I want you to sing.”

Immediately I began to sing. The worries and stress that had such a hold on my mind began to lift. I felt lighter, freer. Soon my worries were gone as I was wrapped in praise and worship for my God.

Friend, praise and worship is such a powerful weapon. There are many instances in the Bible were praise and worship were used to change negative situations into more positive outcomes:

For freedom: Paul and Silas singing praises to God were rescued by an angel while imprisoned in Acts 16:25-34 (ESV)

As a weapon: Joshua and the Israelites defeat Jericho in Joshua 6 ... Jehoshaphat defeated Moab and Ammon without a fight in 2 Chronicles 20:18-23 (ESV)

When we praise God through song, we remind ourselves and the enemy who’s in charge. We remember all the things that the Lord has done for us. We remember how much we are loved by God. Instead of being filled with worry and anger, we become filled with gratitude and love for our God.

We cannot be wrapped up in ourselves or our problems if we are lifting our voices in praise to God. It doesn’t matter if you can carry or tune or not, our praise, our worship is beautiful to Him.

So the next time you find yourself being attacked by the enemy, lift your voice in song to the Lord. He will flee and you will have victory.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA.

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and launched her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A jump-start for my car and my faith

A Jump-Start Kind of Day
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.”

—Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV)

Recently, I had a moment that every driver dreads: I went into the garage to start my wife Debra’s car and nothing happened.

Normally, I turn the key to the right, all the way, then release it. Immediately, the car would crank, then purr. Not today. I tried again. I pressed the horn and nothing happened. We had driven the car the day before and there was no hint of trouble. I was perplexed, but I knew what to do.

For such a time as this, I had bought a policy with the American Automobile Association (AAA) that would allow me to call for assistance if ever I had a problem with our cars. When I called the Customer Care Line, the phone was answered quickly. The attendant asked my name. When I responded, he called me by my name and asked me if I was safe. I responded yes. He then asked, “How may I help you today?”

When I explained the problem, he said that he understood and would dispatch a service truck to help me. He asked me to wait patiently and gave me an approximate time when my help would arrive. I waited and tinkered on some other tasks while waiting. Before too long, the AAA truck drove up to my house. The mechanic was polite and accommodating. His name was Frank. He asked me to turn the key. Again, nothing happened. He knew just what to do.

Frank had a portable device that he called a Hot Shot. He thought that it would give me enough power to jump-start the car. It did not. We laughed while musing about the good old days when you could jump-start a car by putting the transmission in neutral and pushing the car until it was going fast enough to “pop the clutch.” Not this car!

He had another option. It was a long set of cables that he connected to the battery in my car, then plugged into a contraption on the bumper of his truck. He said, “turn the key.” I did and the car turned on without hesitation. I remarked that I wished there was something like that to get me going when I feel tired and depleted.

His eyes lit up. Frank smiled as he said, “There is something you can use.” I replied, “Really?” Frank said, “Yes, the Bible says in Isaiah 40:29-31 that ‘He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.’”

I joined Frank as he was quoting the verse. Frank’s eyes shone brighter and his smile widened further. He asked me, with enthusiasm, “You are a believer?” I responded affirmatively and we ceremoniously bumped elbows. I told Frank that that verse was one of my favorite verses in Scripture.

Frank told me that when he was younger and a Track athlete, that verse was in his mind as he would sprint the last quarter of his races. He said that he rarely lost a race when he focused on that text as he ran.

We reminisced about times when we felt depleted, emotionally, spiritually or physically and intoned that verse. Invariably, we found renewal. Before he left, Frank paused and said something profound to me. He asked me, “What did you do while you waited for me to arrive?” My response was, “I worked on some other projects.” He replied, “That is what you should do when you are waiting on the Lord to renew you. Work on some other of His projects. Waiting on the Lord is not idleness; it is service!”

Frank continued, “You knew I was coming, so you did not just sit and pout, or sulk. You did something productive while you waited. Likewise, you know God is going to show up, at the right time, with just what you need to jump-start you. Just keep doing well and your help will always show up. You might have to wait a while, but your renewal is assured.”

I said, “Frank, you have made my day. Not just because you jump-started my car, but because you have given my faith a jolt too. Thank you.”

If you, dear reader, are feeling depleted, burned out, run down or dispirited, turn your mind to the Word of God (The Holy Bible). If you don’t have a favorite verse that restores your soul, may I commend you to the verse that Frank and I claim? Read Isaiah 40:29-31!

Wait on the Lord and He will jump-start your heart, your vision, your enthusiasm, your potential and your reality. Do something positive for someone else while you wait. Waiting on the Lord is not idleness; it is service.

Strangely, but thankfully, Debra’s car has started every time that we have needed it since that day when God used an agent named Frank to jump-start my car and my faith.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.  

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

Celebrate Lit blog tour for It'll Be Okay (book) by Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner

Welcome to my blog's stop on the Celebrate Lit blog tour for It'll Be Okay (book) by Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner!

Read my review of Sheryl's book below and enjoy your time with her today! 

Remember to enter the fun giveaway contest toward the end of this blog post.

~*~
About the Book:

Is it okay for Christians to doubt?

When we don’t get answers or see God’s guiding hand, it’s hard to keep praying or walking forward in faith. Difficult times often cloud our perspective. Does God see me? Does he hear me? Does he care? Many Christians confuse doubt with unbelief and are afraid to admit those fears, but God is not threatened by our questions, and doubt does not negate our faith.

Our doubts express a yearning to be sure of what—and who—we trust. When our questions are answered by trust, faith is fed and our doubts transform into deeper belief that pushes us toward a decision.

· When we address doubt head-on, faith can grow.

· God has a plan in the good and bad that life brings.

· God can heal our wounds and turn our past mistakes around.

Join nationally-known Bible teacher Sheryl Giesbreacht Turner as she guides you toward a deeper understanding of the role doubt plays in your spiritual growth—and how learning to ‘doubt your doubts’ enables faith to prevail.

~*~
About the Author:

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner holds a bachelor of arts, a master’s in ministry, and a doctorate of theology. 

Her television and radio show, “Transformed Through Truth,” is nationally and internationally syndicated; it’s seen and heard daily by millions of viewers and listeners on audio, internet, Roku, and YouTube networks across the United States and through The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network worldwide. 

Sheryl is the author of three books and hundreds of columns, articles, and devotions. 

As a Lead Like Jesus facilitator, a blogger, and a missionary with Freedom in Christ Ministries she has personally equipped hundreds and facilitated the training of thousands of national and international leaders. 

She and her husband, Dr. Jim Turner, live in California’s Central Valley where she enjoys running 5K races with her eighty-five-year-old mother.

~*~
Author's Note:

I’ve always been the one to ask the questions. 

As a kindergartener, I embarrassed my mother when I inquired, “Where did I come from?” 

Years passed, as a teenager, I made unhealthy life choices, experimented with alcohol and street drugs, and wondered, “What am I here for?” 

As a young adult, in Bible College; I asked God to take control of my life and questioned, “What’s my purpose?” 

Maybe you, too, have had or now have questions? These concerns may even keep you up at night? Doubting ourselves or God may be criticized as a lack of faith. I disagree. Doubt is the in between. Doubts need to be addressed. If doubts are not considered, they will rot our faith from the inside out. When we doubt, we are able to be honest with ourselves and God. We should not be afraid to doubt.

As a delivered drug addict, stage four cancer survivor, and former widow, I’ve faced many types of situations which caused me to question God’s love, goodness and compassion. As I have gone to His word, I’ve discovered He hasn’t changed, His word continues to speak and revives my faith, taking me to a deeper level every single time. 

I am reminded of this in Lamentations 3:21-24 (NIV) Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Thank you so much for being part of this blog tour. I am excited about what God is going to do with His truth in us as we bring our questions to the Answer – Jesus.

Love and prayers, 

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner

~*~
My Review:

One question sets the course for this book. The author asks the reader, "Is it okay for Christians to doubt?"

From there, the book unravels like a ball of yarn as the author peels back the layers of that question like an onion until she reaches its core and at the core is the answer to everything: Jesus (Christ).

I truly enjoyed reading this book! The author's transparency and heart for Jesus could be felt throughout the book. She's not afraid to share the good, the bad and the ugly from her personal life experiences.

Sheryl (the author) writes in a way that encourages the reader and inspires their heart to keep trusting in God through it all. I like how she tells the reader that doubt can be a healthy part of your faith journey with God. I like how she reminds the reader that God is not afraid of your doubting Him and He can handle your honesty. I like how she encourages the reader to go to God with your doubts and trust Him to give you the answers that you need.

I liked the cover of this book. I think that the picture of a person walking through dense fog was appropriate, as was the brightness of the light in the lighthouse that stood in the background. I found it to be metaphorical because it's true to real life! Oftentimes, as believers in God, we feel like we're trying to navigate our way through a spiritual fog that's so dense that we can barely see what's in front of us or around the corner. But all the darkness and fog in the world cannot prevent God's Guiding Light of Love from breaking through (enter the bright yellow light from the lighthouse). I love it!

I also appreciated how the author says, "Our doubts express a yearning to be sure of what—and who—we trust. When our questions are answered by trust, faith is fed and our doubts transform into deeper belief that pushes us toward a decision."

What a powerful truth and life lesson that we can all benefit from learning!

The author taught me a few things that I did not know, mainly this point: "When we address doubt head-on, faith can grow." I didn't know that because prior to reading this book, I always had the impression that doubting God is not a good thing and it should be avoided at all costs. I was taught to praise Jesus through every storm and never question God. But this book reminded me that God is not afraid of our doubts and He can handle our honesty! 

It also reminded me of the Bible story that church people call "Doubting Thomas." He was one of Jesus Christ's followers and he didn't believe that Christ had risen from the dead, saying that he wouldn't believe it until he could see it (see Jesus in person and see the marks on His hands and feet from the nails that the Roman soldiers used to fasten Him to the cross). So what did Jesus do? He showed up! He appeared to Thomas and instructed him to touch His hands and see the scars from the nails. He also ate a piece of fish to prove that He was human and alive. And finally, Thomas believed! 

I like how even to this day, Jesus Christ is patient will all of us because He wants us all to be saved. If we doubt, He's okay with it but He doesn't want us to doubt him forever. So He shows up in so many different and wonderful ways to prove that He's real, He loves us and that He has good plans for the stories of our life (Jeremiah 29:11).

Finally, Sheryl Giesbreacht Turner's career as a Bible teacher truly shines through her storytelling in this book. I was captivated and learned a lot of life lessons from her teaching!

And like any good teacher, she didn't leave me as the reader without writing about how I can apply these principles discussed in her book to my every day life. It was a really worthwhile read, well deserving of five stars!

*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of It'll Be Okay (book). My opinions in this book review are my own.

~*~
Giveaway:

To celebrate her tour, Sheryl is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f465/it-ll-be-okay-celebration-tour-giveaway

~*~

Blog Stops:

Through the Lens of Scripture, January 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 8

janicesbookreviews, January 9

Older & Smarter?, January 10

For the Love of Literature, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Artistic Nobody, January 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 13

God is Love, January 14

Genesis 5020, January 15

Inklings and notions, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Emily Yager, January 18

All 4 and About Books, January 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 19

Beck To Basics, January 20

Devotionals for the Heart: Puzzles

Puzzles and Procrastination
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” –Philippians 2:6-8 (NIV)

Last week I should have been writing.

I needed to get words down on paper for a project I was working on, but often at times like that I become a master of procrastination. (Please tell me I’m not alone in this!) I ended up doing a whole bunch of other ridiculous things in place of what I should have been doing. Some of these were things that needed to get done — like clearing the stack of papers cluttering a bookshelf and cleaning the shower — but others were absolutely not important at all, including “fixing” the Rubik’s cube that’s been sitting in my home, messed up for at least six months.

I risk aging myself with this next statement: this is an original Rubik’s cube I’ve had since I was a teenager. I’ll also risk letting you in on another secret: I’ve never solved it without help.

My bachelor’s degree is in mechanical engineering. I am by nature a problem solver. I love puzzles of all kinds. Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, logic puzzles. But I only love them if I know I can solve them. I like a challenge, but I don’t like to be frustrated. If I think there is no way I can solve a puzzle, then I’m out.

The exception to this for me is the Rubik’s cube. I’m absolutely comfortable knowing that I need help to fix it. I’m okay with pulling out a book or opening up a website to have someone show me the steps to get that cube back to its previously perfect state. I also know that there are people out there solving the thing in way less than a minute and I can’t do it in days. I’m okay with that.

Since I’ve been trying to fix it on my own since the mid-80s, I’m thinking at this point, it’s probably not going to happen. So, it has become a lesson in humility for me.

What an important lesson to learn in life. Humility in our day-to-day interaction with people makes us so much more compassionate with them and keeps us open-minded. We can’t learn anything new or truly listen to another person if we are so wrapped in our own pride that we think we already know it all.

Humility is a big part of our faith as well. If we realize what our place is in the world and in God’s story, we better position ourselves to be used by God to bring the kingdom, unhindered by the need to take credit for the good that happens. We can point to Jesus and honestly say, “You don’t need me. You need Him!”

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility. He is God in all power and strength and glory. Yet He became a baby with all an infant’s frailties and dependencies. Jesus needed someone to feed Him and teach Him to walk. But His humility resulted in the ultimate sacrifice at the cross that led to salvation for all of us.

“But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” – Hebrews 2:9 (NIV)

If Jesus can humble Himself like that, then each day I need to make sure I am humbling myself in a similar way. I think I’ll put that Rubik’s cube somewhere so I can see it often. Whether it’s messed up or perfect, it’s a reminder to me that only in following the direction of Christ, can my life be best used for Him.

Let’s Pray: Father God, give me direction today. Show me the steps to take, even if it’s just one, to follow You more closely in humility, grace, and love. Thank you for your gift of Jesus and the example of humility. I love you. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotional by Laura Thomas on the blessings of inconvenience

The Beauty of Thorns
A devotional by Laura Thomas

“The enemy would have us so blinded by the pain of the thorn that we can’t see the beauty of the rose garden.” ~Ruth Chou Simons

Have you ever picked a rose and been unexpectedly pricked by a whacking great thorn on the stem? I have. Multiple times. You’d think I would know better, but still, I go back to my rosebush enraptured by the beauty of the flower, only to be jolted by that painful little thorn again.

In the big scheme of things, having one’s finger punctured by a thorn is not exactly disastrous, but “thorns in our flesh” can take many forms. The Apostle Paul spoke of his particular thorn and there are many opinions as to whether it was anything from malaria to poor eyesight to epilepsy—regardless, it was a huge issue to Paul as he called it a “messenger of Satan”. Why did God allow him to endure this wretched inconvenience? Why does God allow us to have our own thorns marring the beautiful rose garden of our lives?

“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” 

~2 Corinthians 12:9a (The Message)

These thorns, these pesky pressures, pain, and problems that simply won’t go away, won’t budge they are so deeply embedded, these thorns are there for a reason. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially if it causes debilitating results or a stressful existence. For some, it’s a slight annoyance but for others it’s major, and I don’t want to belittle that. It’s HARD. And yet…

When life is peachy and everything is going perfectly without a hint of anxiety or grief, pain or distress, do we still come to God on our knees desperate for His touch? When every day is gloriously easy-breezy and finances and health are in tip-top condition, do we rely wholly on God for our daily bread and every breath? Surely, we are in danger of becoming totally self-sufficient and even a little self-absorbed.

Oh, how the tide turns when we are in thorny peril! Suddenly we find ourselves praying more, feverishly searching the Scriptures for a word of hope, reaching out to our Heavenly Father because we admit that we NEED Him.

Yes, I’m needy. Are you? It’s okay. Actually, that’s a good thing.

Because of our weaknesses, our thorns, we are able to acknowledge our need for Jesus. This need runs deep and it’s necessary for our growth in Him. It’s our weakness that grows our faith immeasurably because only His grace is enough.

That’s it. His grace at work in our lives. When everything is hunky-dory and plain-sailing, we go on our merry way perhaps with an occasional nod and wave in God’s direction. But that’s not growth or faith or hope or trust. When I lay everything, even my thorns at the feet of Jesus and cry out for help:

“I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.”

~2 Corinthians 10:12b (The Message)

That’s why we have our thorny issues, it’s actually for our good and so that somehow in some way God can be glorified. I cringe when I say that because it may not feel particularly “good” at the time, but I’ve seen lives utterly transformed by thorns. And sometimes we forget that Jesus is an expert on pain. There is no thorn that he does not comprehend— He has complete empathy.

On the cross, wearing that mocking crown fashioned with the sharpest of thorns, he endured every pain and ever sorrow for us.

He knows pain, friend. And he offers grace to us, that we might find our strength in Him alone. We NEED Him. And by His grace, we are not blinded or distracted by the pain of the thorns— but rather, we look ahead and see the beauty of the rose garden of eternity that is to come.

~*~
Author Bio:

Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages. 

She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel. 

Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family…and chocolate!

~*~
Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Laura-Thomas-183771121724664/?ref=hl
Twitter - https://twitter.com/laura_thomas_
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracthomas/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lauracthomas/

14 Days of Sweet Stories: The Introduction

Starting this February from the 1st to the 14th, a new series will be featured and it's inspired by Valentine's Day! :)

The series is called, "14 Days of Sweet Stories", and it's going to encourage your heart.

Every day, a new story and author will visit this blog. They will share insights into their lovely stories of hope, faith, and love through promotional features like interviews, personal essays and book excerpts.

There's something in it for you too because each author agreed to give away one copy of their book featured on my blog. You, my wonderful blogger friends, will have the chance to WIN their book by filling out the book giveaway contest entry form on the Rafflecopter widget which will be present in every blog post for this series.

Sound exciting? I hope so!

I'm looking forward to hosting these seasoned authors on my blog and believe that you will benefit from this celebration of sweet stories.

Until then, take care and God bless your hearts!

Love,

Alexis