Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls us to contribute our resources

Contributing Resources for the Cause of Christ
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.”

—Luke 8:3 (NLT)

Reading biographies about missionaries is something I take great delight in.

There’s something about the faithfulness of God and the faith of believers who experience living in another country or culture. The true stories of these men and women sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people who have never heard of nor experienced Him, are captivating! I sit on the edge of my seat as I read about these missionaries facing their own set of lions and giants and facing impending death, defeat, or destruction. I admire them for always giving God the glory, no matter what the outcome.

Even more amazing, is how God answers the prayers of these missionaries. From seemingly impossible odds, timelines and cultural clashes, God shows Himself mighty. He is powerful and His Name is awesome. So many times when His Name is challenged, He acts extraordinarily. Many missionaries open new territories for Christ though that comes with its own unique challenges for the believers to live their lives following Christ to a people who have not yet heard of Him.

The challenges are immense: language being one of them and culture being another. What we know and understand in our own home, town or country, feels foreign to the locals who we are serving as missionaries. Grasping a new language can take years, and for some, it is elusive. Then, if the Bible is not written in the local language, learning enough to translate it, or sections of it is paramount so the people have the Bible in a language they can understand.

But what if that language has not been written down, or if the people are illiterate? Countless years are spent in translation work as well as teaching literacy to a people who crave to read God’s Word for themselves. It is here where I delight in seeing God move. And also here, where I delight in seeing the missionaries give of themselves immensely so that the Gospel goes out.

In the anchor text at the start of this devotional, Luke mentions a few women (and prominent ones at that) who contributed their own funds to support Jesus and His disciples during Christ’s ministry on Earth. Luke made a point to tell us it was their own funds, their own supplies, their own time, their own resources that these women contributed to sharing the Gospel and building God’s Kingdom.

They gave of themselves so the gospel would go out. And in so doing, they served the Lord. And because it was while Jesus was ministering on earth, they served Him personally. This could be very practical needs they needed such as food and lodging, or it could have been time, friendship, prayer, sharing the good news themselves with those who were in front of them. The possibilities are endless.

It’s like the Bible book of Acts came to life in the 19th century, 20th century and 21st century. So many times, these missionaries needed government officials to approve building construction, churches, schools, hospitals, or runways for planes. Yet, the decision rested solely on the desk of an official who could be corrupt and not willing to deal without the bribe being paid or even because of the lack of understanding, they have an unwillingness to give the approval necessary to move forward. Imagine the scene: piles and piles of household goods and luggage at an airport or at the docks. The wearied travelers who had left home, family and loved ones to follow Christ only to be stuck at the first entrance to the country where they felt called to go. This scenario has been repeated repeatedly—in my own life as well!

How does one act, respond and do so in a foreign language? It’s not easy. Prayer is the only answer. Seriously. Jesus tells us in Mark 11:23 that we can tell the mountains in our lives to move and it will happen. This is what I enjoy reading about in these biographies. I love seeing Jesus’ words come to life. But the backbone behind all of this is prayer.

We remember James as he wrote in James 5:17 (NIV). Elijah was a man just like us and he “prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.” Do we pray earnestly? For the lost? For the impossible? For rain when it’s not the rainy season? Do we pray for money to build churches, hospitals and schools that would be places of opportunities to share the gospel while meeting the needs of the people?

No doubt Joanna did. And Susanna. And many others. Just to name a few: William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Mother Teresa, Jim Elliot, and Billy Graham. These are only a few examples of people who were called to give—and willing to give—of their time, talent and treasure to tell the world about our Savior.

But what about you and me? What is God calling us to do? Is He calling you to go? It could be to Africa where I recently went and found it to be transformative. It could be to drive across the street to meet someone in their need. It could be to walk across the aisle in church or to chat with someone standing next to you in line at the store or anywhere else you go.

What would you contribute? Your time—not only going, but in prayer. Finances, if God lays it on your heart. And what gifts do you have, or skills that you know which can contribute to a project?

Are you willing to prayerfully consider giving of yourself—whether it be time, a talent or two, or treasure? We have been given this immense opportunity to follow Jesus Christ and share this good news. How can you follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you, and those who are currently serving God, giving, and praying?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Reading about what these women and others did to serve You out of their own pocket gives me a strong desire to do so likewise. But I am at a loss of what that could look like. Would You please show me? I am finding myself willing—willing to listen, go, send, do. But I need direction from You. I want to live sold-out for You and experience You in ways I only read about. I want more of You. Help me, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Go” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Will Go” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Mission Field” by Blessid Union of Souls. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Sold Out” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “The Cause of Christ” by Resolved. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Movie Review: He Calls Me Daughter

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review the film titled “He Calls Me Daughter”, I agreed because it looked like a movie that would make a significant difference in the lives of females who are suffering from father wounds and struggling in their faith walk with Jesus Christ. 

Before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a word from Momentum Influencers Network about this film:

A Heavenly Father changes everything. True healing isn’t found in earthly relationships, but a relationship with our heavenly Father. He Calls Me Daughter is for women who have felt unseen, unsupported, or unsure of their worth. Through intimate, first-person stories, viewers follow women as they begin to name the pain they’ve carried for years: father wound. Audiences are invited to reflect on their own story as they walk alongside these women on a journey toward healing. He Calls Me Daughter is an invitation to experience the love of a Father who does not withdraw—One who offers peace, belonging, and restoration.

~*~

My Review of “He Calls Me Daughter” (film):

Captivating. Poignant. Transformational.

Those are three words to accurately describe this film aptly titled “He Calls Me Daughter”. If you are a female who has had a complicated relationship (or no relationship) with your earthly father so much so that it has distorted your view of your Heavenly Father, then this movie is for you.

Filled with real-life stories and testimonies from women in the real world, this movie will touch your heart and transform your mind to see God as who He really is—a loving Heavenly Father who will heal your wounds inflicted by your earthly father if you let Him.

This movie highlights the pain of several women—a few who are not well-known but have influence and the rest who are famous, including Christian comedian Chonda Pierce and Lynsi Lavelle Snyder-Ellingson who the owner and heiress of the In-N-Out Burger company that is most popular in the state of California. The testimonies shared by these ladies are both heart-touching and heart-wrenching at the same time. But the powerful point in everyone’s story is how God has touched the broken hearts of these women and carefully restored their faith in His Love which is greater than the love any earthly father can give his daughter.

I like how this movie showed a full-circle journey for each woman featured. I also appreciated how they featured stories that a variety of women from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds can relate to. This movie leaves no stone unturned in getting their core message across to women who are hurting.

This film was worth the time I spent watching it. At the end of the film, the hosts talk to the audience for a few minutes to point them to a resource you access by scanning a QR code. The resource is a curriculum for women who need help healing from their father wounds. I’ve included the direct download link to this resource toward the end of this blog post today.

He Calls Me Daughter will play in theaters only this March 17 and March 18. You can buy your tickets to see this movie online via this website: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/he-calls-me-daughter/

I highly recommend this movie to all females who are suffering from father wounds and need a healthy dose of hope and healing from their Savior.

~*~

Watch the trailer for "He Calls Me Daughter" here.

Visit the official website for He Calls Me Daughter film here:
https://hecallsmedaughter.org/

Download “Healing the Father Wound” curriculum (free of cost) here:
https://hecallsmedaughter.org/resources

#HeCallsMeDaughterMIN #HeCallsMeDaughter #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Disclosure: Many thanks to "He Calls Me Daughter" for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Devotionals for the Heart: When staying silent hurts and doesn't help

When Silence Hurts
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

*Note for the Reader: This devotional message mentions abuse and domestic violence. Take the care you need as you read it.

~*~

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

—Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

I still remember the day she came into my office.

As a former judge, one of my duties was issuing temporary protective orders for victims of domestic violence. One day, a pastor who I had already issued two protective orders for was back again for her third protective order.

I had previously advised her that it was not God’s intent that she live this way. No one had the right to beat her up whenever he felt like it, even if he was her husband. We even discussed how what she was going through was destroying her ministry, how her calling was being overshadowed by her pain. She nodded through tears and promised she would not allow him back into her life.

But she did. She sat before me once more, bruised in body and spirit, asking for another protective order. As we talked, she admitted something that no piece of paper could fix: She loved the man who abused her. This woman told me how exhausting it was to live a double life, preaching and smiling on Sundays as if everything was wonderful, but living in fear every other day of the week. She felt her ministry slipping away, and she was devastated.

In that moment, I realized her problem wasn’t just domestic violence. I issued another protective order for her, but I knew it wouldn’t be enough. Her root problem went deeper than what the law could fix.

Like so many women I’ve encountered as a judge and now as a coach, this pastor was struggling with low self-worth. She didn’t see herself the way God saw her. That lack of identity and confidence in Jesus Christ was chaining her to abuse, and it was keeping her from fulfilling her God-given destiny. Until she confronted that root issue, she would remain trapped in a cycle of pain.

We don’t like to admit it, but domestic violence exists in the church. There are women who sit in pews every Sunday, serving faithfully, smiling outwardly, but silently suffering behind closed doors. Some are married to men who use Scripture to control, manipulate, and even justify their violence.

Let’s be clear: This is not God’s design for marriage. Ephesians 5:25 (ESV) reminds us, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” The love of Christ is sacrificial, protective, and life-giving. It is not harmful or abusive. Any teaching that suggests otherwise is a distortion of God’s Word.

The Lord has always shown His heart for the oppressed. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God does not turn a blind eye to the suffering of His daughters. He calls the church to be His hands and feet, to stand against injustice, and to help set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1).

For women caught in abuse, the shame and fear can feel overwhelming. But your worth is not defined by what someone has done to you. Your worth is rooted in who you are in Christ. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). You are God’s workmanship, created for purpose (Ephesians 2:10). You are loved with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

If you are experiencing domestic violence, know this: You do not have to stay silent. You do not have to endure abuse in the name of marriage, ministry, or appearances. God values your life, your safety and your calling.

For those of us in the church, we must stop looking away. We must create safe spaces for women to speak up without judgment. We must educate ourselves and our congregations on what abuse looks like, including the subtle forms—emotional, financial, or spiritual—that often go unnoticed. We must be willing to walk alongside survivors with compassion and practical support.

The pastor who came into my courtroom needed more than a protective order. She needed to rediscover her worth in Christ. Healing didn’t start with a legal document; it started when she began to see herself as God’s beloved daughter, worthy of safety, dignity, and love.

That is the invitation to every woman reading this who feels trapped: God has not abandoned you. He is your refuge and strength, “an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV). There is life after abuse. There is hope for healing. And there is a future filled with purpose when you walk in your true identity in Christ.

This October, as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let us remember the women sitting silently in our sanctuaries. Let us commit to being voices of truth, arms of comfort, and advocates for justice. Most of all, let us remind every woman who is hurting: God will never give up on you, and He has called you to live free.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, we lift up every woman who is silently suffering from abuse. Remind her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, precious in Your sight, and worthy of love that mirrors Christ’s love for the church. Cover her with Your protection, surround her with people who will support her, and give her the courage to step into freedom. Heal every wound—seen and unseen—and restore her hope, peace, and purpose. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Resource: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233 or text “BEGIN” to 88788 or visit thehotline.org

Song of Reflection #1: “The Healing Has Begun” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Healing Now” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

~*~

Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

~*~
Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Thankful Thursdays: Lifelines

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for lifelines!

According to Google, a lifeline is “a thing on which someone or something depends or which provides a means of escape from a difficult situation.”

God has placed people here on this earth to be there for us, people who we can turn to when we need help. For some, it may be your Mama or Papa. It may be your Grandma or Grandpa. It may be your Auntie or Uncle. It may be your cousin or closest friend. Sometimes, it may even be a professional counselor, therapist, psychiatrist or another licensed medical professional.

Did you know that as humans, we have a lifeline who will always be there for us? Professionals that you see face to face are limited to their office hours but God is available 24/7/365.

There’s a song by Mandisa called “Lifeline.” It is about how God is our greatest and most reliable lifeline. We can call on Him morning, noon and night. The Bible says that NOTHING can separate us from His love. 

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Now, this isn’t to discourage you from seeking professional help from another human who God placed on this Earth to help you. It’s okay to talk to Jesus AND a therapist (or another mental health professional).

I know that not everybody can afford to pay a professional to help you. So today, I’m including a list of resources that we have within the United States of America that can serve as your lifeline. I know that not all of y0u who read my blog live in America. I would encourage you to find resources within your home country that can be of service to you when you need help. But for those of you who live in the U.S.A. and need help, I hope that you will reach out to the trained professionals who operate the resources that I have listed below. Please note: A few of the resources I’ve listed are not free services but most on the list are free!

My prayer for you is that you won’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. If you’ve ever contemplated suicide, I’d caution you to NOT do it! Yes, it would end your pain but it would also end your hope, your future joy and everything that God wants to send into your life as a blessing. So please do NOT give up but do LOOK up to the One (GOD) who is ready and willing to help you through anything you’re going through! And if you feel like your prayers are not going past the ceiling and you need additional support, then reach out to the trained volunteers in the free services that I’ve listed below.

Please note: I’ve copied and pasted the words from my Google search for each resource with the exception of K-LOVE (I wrote that description).

~*~
 Short List of Resources:

Resource “Crisis Text Line”: The free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741 in the United States.
Website - https://www.crisistextline.org

Resource “K-LOVE” Christian Radio: Reach out to the K-LOVE Pastors, Prayer Ministry and Care Team who want to listen to you and pray for you.
Website - http://www.klove.com/ministry/prayer/

*You should be able to submit a prayer request online even if you live outside of the U.S.A.

Resource “Better Help” (not a free service): Online Therapy with a Licensed Counselor. Available Anytime, Anywhere You Need It. The Time is Now to Put Yourself First. Don't Wait, Start Therapy Today! Therapy On Your Schedule. 100% Private Environment. Make a Positive Change. Get Happy, Start Therapy. Therapy From Your Couch.
Website - https://www.betterhelp.com

Resource “Faithful Counseling” (not a free service): Affordable, Professional Counseling from a Biblical Perspective. Unlimited Counseling. Counselors Available 24/7. Professionally Licensed. Readily Accessible. Therapy Anytime, Anywhere. Types: Depression Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Counseling…
Website - https://www.faithfulcounseling.com

Resource “National Suicide Prevention Lifeline”: We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Website - http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Resource “Hope Line”: Offering caring non-judgmental listening and referrals in times of crisis. Suicide.
Website - https://www.hopeline-nc.org/

Resource “Lines for Life”: We are here 24/7 with free, confidential, and anonymous help! Our highly trained staff and volunteers provide immediate assistance, compassionate support, and resource referrals that can put you on a path to healing. Texting on the Lifeline, Alcohol & Drug Helpline and Military Helpline is available 8am – 11pm PST daily. We’ll reply as soon as we open back up. Please remember help on the phone is always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Website - https://www.linesforlife.org

~*~
Closing Thoughts:

God loves you. Remember that. Reach out to Him. He’s only a prayer away and He’s more present in your life than you may think!

Be encouraged, friends.

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of “God is Love” blog

Devotional: YOU are Always Welcome

Always Welcome
A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

Have you ever been scared of wearing out your welcome?

I’ve been there.

God has blessed me with wonderful friends and family who care about me and want to be there for me. However, I am scared to “wear out my welcome” with these people—as wonderful as they may be—so I keep most of my issues to myself. But lately, God’s impressed this devotional thought on my heart—that with Him, I am always welcome.

Neither you nor I can wear out our welcome when we go to God. He created you so He cares about everything that happens to you…everything.

I thank God for the wonderful people He’s placed in my life who are open to being there for me. My brother has said it’s never too late to call him. My Mom is always there for me even if some of my issues are on repeat. One of my dear friends who is a prayer warrior said I can text her anytime and one of my church friends told me that it’s never TMI because they love me and want to support me.

But still, I realize that they’re human as I am and we as humans can get weary of trying to help someone work through their issues. So I never tell them everything which is wise because the only person who will never fail you is God.

However, I do realize that having my walls up high keeps out hurt but also keeps out love (as a life coach advised me). So I’m working on trying to be more open with the people in my life who care about me. I realized years ago that I’ll never know who can be there for me if I never give them a chance to be there for me.

Most importantly, I realize that God, our Heavenly Father, cares about each and every one of His creation. He loves you and me with a fierce passion and He has endless resources and ways to help us with anything that we may face in this life here on Earth.

Best of all, God is available 24/7/365 for all of eternity. He never sleeps! He’s always awake and working to make all things work together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). And He’s patient with those who do not love Him or know Him because He wants us ALL to be saved!

So, I’d like to encourage you today to yes, go to the people in your life who care about you and can help you with whatever you’re facing but first and foremost, go to God. Ask Him to help you and ask Him to place the people in your life who He wants to help you.

And never, ever, think that God gets tired of your prayers! No! Pray to Him about everything—your joys, your fears, your hopes, your dreams and yes, your problems! Pray to Him any time of the day or night! He’s always available and ready to help you. Best of all, you can never wear our your welcome because with God you are always welcome.

God bless you, my dear friends.

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of “God is Love” blog