Devotionals for the Heart: How to hear God's Voice and follow Him

Hearing God’s Voice
A devotional by Terry Overton

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

—John 10:27 (ESV)

In past years, I have received wonderful birthday presents, such as weekend getaways with my husband, flowers, gift cards, books, and jewelry. But this year my birthday was on Sunday, and I got the perfect present! I got to go to church.

That may sound strange to most people, but as a full-time caregiver for a loved one with early-stage Alzheimer’s, I am usually at home on Sunday mornings watching services on TV. But this week, I was able to attend. Going to church was the perfect present for me. How I missed being able to listen to the message in person.

The music played as I walked down the aisle to a pew near the front. I wanted to see and take in every moment, every sound, every smell of the remaining flowers from Easter that decorated the altar. I sat in awe as The Holy Spirit washed over me and the warmth of knowing I was with fellow believers who received the wonderful message. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of His house for a few minutes longer. I wanted to sing one more song, say one more prayer, and hear one more verse relating to the message.

The message I heard spoke to my heart. It was indeed a message I needed. God knew that. This chapter of my life had only begun a few months before and I still had questions about the role in which I had been placed. I grappled with thoughts like: “Am I doing this right? Are the plans for the day His will? Am I reacting lovingly? Are the decisions I make the best ones for my loved one?” These questions are ones asked by caregivers, parents, grandparents, wives and husbands.

Relying on Scripture has been my source of strength and peace when behaviors are challenging. Scripture can calm the mind and heart of anyone facing life events. Scripture has been my peace of mind, but questions remained about the next steps and the care I am giving. I want to be sure my decisions are consistent with God’s will. I want His love to be reflected in the care I provide.

The service that Sunday focused on how we can know and understand God’s will. How can we discern what He wants us to do? What are the next steps we are to take? We are told that as His followers, we can listen to His voice. But how can we hear Him? We learn to recognize His voice by spending time in His Word.

Like sheep who know their Shepherd’s call, we begin to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. The more time we spend in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), the easier it becomes to identify truth from error, peace from chaos, and wisdom from folly.

The message I heard was meant for me that Sunday. Even after the service, I did not want to leave. I wanted to sit in the peace and calm of God’s house for a few minutes longer. Walking back out to the car, I knew spending more time with the Word would be my best strategy in the coming months.

I realized we’re not called to walk perfectly but faithfully. We are not to know all the next steps; we are to trust that God knows. With Scripture as our roadmap, we can navigate life with purpose and peace no matter what tasks we are given.

Let’s make reading God’s Word our daily habit—not just for knowledge but to better hear the voice of our Shepherd (Jesus Christ).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us Your Word to guide us and provide peace during difficult times. Help me to turn to Scripture when I have doubts and to pray when I need Your help and guidance.

In the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Still Waters (Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology.

 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: Victory

Walking in Victory
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

2 Corinthians 2:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, Romans 8:18, Acts 7:54-60, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Philippians 1:29 (NASB)

The sermon at my church was one that I’ve felt in my heart for so long. 

It’s from 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, where the Apostle Paul tells us that we are always led in triumph in Christ, and that it is everywhere. I meet so many believers who are walking around as the defeated, rather than the victorious, and I believe the enemy rejoices.

What does “led in triumph” mean? Paul tells us that we will be “afflicted in every way, but not crushed.”

What’s your response to affliction? The dictionary defines the word “afflicted” as “grievously affected or troubled (as by a disease): mentally or physically impaired.” Believers suffer in these ways on a daily basis. Few walk in the victory and triumph, though. Why? What is the hindrance? How was Paul, in his own afflictions (beatings, floggings, shipwrecks, imprisonments) able to say he was not crushed?

The Bible tells us the reason for his perseverance and hope in Romans 8:18. He was shown a glimpse of what is to come. He saw what we will experience when we finally see Jesus, face-to-face. Stephen was able to ask the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him. He saw into Heaven and knew triumph was greater than the suffering of the time. (Acts 7:54-60) 

Neither of these men, nor the other Scripture writers, was living for this earthly life. None were looking to be fulfilled here. None expected to have their life be free of conflict, trouble, or persecution. The opposite was true. They reveled in those things! 

They saw their afflictions as badges of honor for the Lord. They rejoiced when persecutions came their way. Praised when they were deemed worthy to share in Christ’s suffering. (Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Philippians 1:29 and many others). Their eyes were fixed on what was to come, not what was happening right now.

That begs the question for those of us who have the Scriptures available to us to read and absorb more readily than Paul or Stephen. Why don’t we have that kind of walk? Why do we allow the enemy to steal the wonder and joy in affliction? Why do we walk around as if we are crushed and weak, when His “power is perfected in weakness”? (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Our eyes are fixed on the here and now, rather than the glory that is to come, and the enemy continues to rejoice. We have the entire Word of God which is filled with His promises of what is to come for us. We can recite some of those promises, but have not allowed them to penetrate our understanding to make changes.

There is nowhere in the Word of God that says our life will be easier once we submit to His authority. If we are honest this is the closest to hell we will get. Let that sink in for a minute. While we don’t get an “easy” life, we receive love, joy, peace, patience, and all the other fruits of the Spirit from Him. Those fruits should be making our lives easier to live. We also receive “perseverance…proven character…and hope”, as we’re told in Romans 5:3-4.

Do you see the difference? We look at suffering through human eyes. We see our discomfort and pain as a bad thing, but the Lord sees it as the molding of our flesh into something more beautiful…the image of His perfect Son. 

When we wallow in our misery and pain, we put the focus back on us. We look just like the dying and sinful world which has no hope, rather than the conquerors He’s created us to be. Take courage, instead, that He has overcome the world and always leads you in triumph.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, remind us that this world is not our home. Give us the courage to believe that suffering is a good thing for the renewing of our minds, and the transformation of our flesh into Your image. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 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.

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

A message to encourage and inspire your heart!

Devotionals for the Heart: A Symbol of Jesus Christ's Promise to Return

The Folded Napkin

A devotional by Nanci Rubin

“And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.” – John 20:7 (KJV)

A few weeks ago, the Christian Church formally and personally celebrated Easter. The resurrection of our Lord is a time of joy, re-birth and appreciation. Within theology and Christology, there is definitely a place for the historical Jesus and the cultural context within which he lived, alongside the divine person of Christ Jesus who gifts us with salvation and eternal life and lives within us through His Spirit.

Many years ago, my pastor at the time preached a sermon on the folded napkin, it so impressed me, that I never forgot. We have to consider that Jesus was a reflection in many ways of the culture within which he was born and lived.

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after his resurrection? The gospel of John 20:7 tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the other grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. I can only imagine her fright and shock as she ran to find Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have laid him!” – John 20:2 (KJV) 

Peter and the other disciple took off running to the tomb so they could see for themselves. The other disciple being faster outran Peter and got there first. Cautiously he stooped and peered in. He saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn’t go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived, breathless and without hesitation, went inside the tomb. He was stunned to see the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, we need to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the master and servant and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating.

The servant would dare not touch the table until the master was finished. Now if the master was finished eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth, clean his beard, and wad up the napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished.”

But if the master got up from the table, folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because the folded napkin meant, “I’m coming back!”

Let us not only remember Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, but the fact that he did leave a folded napkin to symbolize that He is not finished and He is coming back for His faithful servants within His Church.

And Jesus commissioned His disciples after His resurrection and said to them, “I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” –Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

I am mindful when I eat out about the napkin. If I’ve enjoyed the meal and the service has been excellent, I always fold the napkin and place it by my plate. The establishment may not understand the significance of the folded napkin, but it is my way of saying, “I’m coming back.”

We not only have a hope, but a promise, because Jesus said He’s coming back.

My Prayer: Father (God), thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, for all of humanity. Teach us, O Lord, to be kind and to love as Jesus taught. We will be your hands and feet on the earth and share the Good News of Jesus and the promise of the folded napkin. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni who is a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance. She has placed it in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotional by Laura Thomas: Slumber and your wake-up call

Eyes Wide Open

A devotional written by Laura Thomas

“Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.” ~Acts 20:9 (NIV)

Can you imagine? First, falling asleep in a very public place. Secondly, literally tumbling backward through an open window. Thirdly, landing dead on the ground? Poor Eutychus. Just a young guy trying to catch some z’s.

The apostle Paul was in the midst of preaching a lengthy sermon (like hours upon hours), and we’re not told if Eutychus had been dragged to the service by his parents, or if he was there to eagerly glean some truth. But the fact is, he stayed awake as long as he could but by midnight enough was enough. And really who could blame him? (Note to self: Never sit in an open window when sleepy!)

Have you ever unintentionally fallen into that blissful state of slumber whilst in public? You try desperately to keep your eyes wide open, but your eyelids are like lead. Why is it so hard to stay awake sometimes? Especially in our Christian walk. Like when we try to pray or attempt to stay focused on the message being preached, or reach a place where our corporate worship is ablaze and genuine. When we are at home and have the best intentions to follow a Bible devotion plan, or journal our thoughts, or get through a challenging book. Why is it so much easier to take a nap?

Spiritual sleeping is a dangerous pastime, and we do it well. In the comfy western world, we Christians are in dire need of some shaking. It’s a scary thing to even write because we rather like our non-confrontational, peaceful, easy-going faith. But while our eyes are closed WE ARE MISSING OUT ON SO MUCH.

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests we should do “what we can to prevent our being sleepy, not compose ourselves to sleep, but get our hearts affected with the word we hear to such a degree as may drive sleep far enough.”

“…get our hearts affected with the word…”

To be affected with the Word of God, we need to be physically and spiritually awake. Eyes wide open. There has to be a hunger, a drive, a desire to follow where God leads, to obey His command, to seek His face. The Bible isn’t an optional extra for our faith-walk—it isn’t a reference book to consult whenever the need arises. It’s our daily bread. Our sustenance. And when we are truly IN the Word, we won’t be caught napping on a windowsill.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” ~Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Our story with young Eutychus has a happy ending (as long as you are good with being remembered as the guy who fell asleep while Paul was preaching, back-flipped through a third-story window, and died). I’m sure there was a ruckus when the packed household of believers realized what had occurred, but Paul was on the case immediately. By God’s grace, a miracle was performed when Paul “fell on the dead body and embraced it” (verse 10), bringing the boy back to life. Don’t you just love it when God uses even the most unfortunate of events to bring glory to Himself? What a crazy miracle!

Friend, do you need a wake-up call? I know I do. Regularly. The Almighty doesn’t need me to be awake with eyes wide open in order for His perfect plan to evolve. He has the power and authority to do anything He pleases with whomever He chooses. But I want my heart to be affected with the Word and my eyes wide open to what God has in store. How about you?

~*~
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/

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