Devotionals for the Heart: How Christians can draw people to Christ

A Light So Lovely
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever heard the saying, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”?

There’s something to be said about a sweeter touch when it comes to getting along with people, drawing them to you or your point of view, or simply helping them appreciate your perspective and enabling them somehow to relate to you.

Sweetness, kindness, and general niceness are attributes I’ve always held dear. I don’t believe from reading Scripture that Jesus Christ was always particularly “nice”, but I know He was always good and always merciful. He said some hard things. He overturned tables in the temple when He was angry and blatantly insulted His enemies in front of crowds. But He was Jesus, “Word became flesh” (John 1:14), God born as a man, the son of the Father. He had the clout and the right to behave that way. We, however, are mere human beings. And we don’t know everything, so we’re not allowed to act as though we do with the sort of confidence that comes from knowing we are the son of God.

I was a bit of a know-it-all growing up, though I tried to mask it, and I’m probably still a bit of a know-it-all deep down. I remember sitting next to more obvious know-it-alls at school, bristling at their arrogant little smiles as they insisted that they were right about something, but a lot of times they weren’t right. Whether through tests or teacher instruction, they soon found out they were wrong. As the old saying goes, “They got a slice of humble pie.”

The truth is that none of us knows it all. We are not God, and though as believers we do have the Holy Spirit inside of us, we can’t pretend we know exactly what God meant in Scripture. We can read certain things in the Bible, things that were translated from ancient Greek and Hebrew, and think we know exactly what it meant, but consider how many years have passed and how much the language has changed over the years.

There are certain truths in Scripture we can understand without a shadow of doubt—the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior, our only path to salvation. But some of the other things, some of the things that are in Scripture that are not necessarily the “Gospel truth”? If we feel convicted about them for ourselves, then absolutely we need to follow that conviction! We need to be obedient to God and do what we believe Scripture is telling us to do. But we cannot for a moment believe we are the only ones God is convicting, because every day at every moment, God is convicting other people.

For example, in Christianity, there are differences. For example, recently I saw a video where a woman felt convicted that she needed to cover her head in church at all times. She got this idea from 1 Corinthians 11:4-5. So now she and her daughter wear a hat or headwrap every time they are worshipping God. They’re not part of some sect that is teaching them to do these things. In fact, they’re the only women in their church that do this. They’re not asking anyone else to do it, and they’re trying not to judge anyone else who doesn’t do it. But they are personally convicted that this is what God wants them to do, and for them, this is important.

We Christians fundamentally believe in the same things. But we don’t agree on everything, and that’s not a bad thing. It was this way in the early church also. Some Jewish Christians still followed traditional Jewish ways, while others felt convicted that the old ways had been set aside with the coming of Jesus.

Remember the circumcision strife in Acts? There was a huge issue because many felt the new Gentile believers needed to be circumcised to follow The Way, while others believed this wasn’t essential. Finally, after much prayer and debate, Peter and the other apostles affirmed that we are saved through grace, not because we follow rules like circumcision. Ultimately, they decided to issue a letter settling the matter, telling the Gentiles they didn’t need to worry about this issue any longer. As they wrote in Acts 15:28-29 (NIV), “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.”

They showed tolerance and grace. God is love, and God is truth. God is everything, our Creator who knits us all together. In the Lord, we are perfectly united in the Holy Spirit. As humans, we sometimes have differences, and it’s important to remember to be kind to each other in those differences, to maintain an element of sweetness and niceness and tolerance when it comes to the convictions of other Christian believers.

I believe one day in Heaven, we will know all the answers because we will be perfectly, fully and completely of one mind with God, our Heavenly Father. Until then, let’s keep our sight on Him and not those around us. Let’s heed the words of Jesus when He told us in Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV), “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

In closing, reflect on this quote by Madeleine L'Engle. She said, “We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.”

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us do our best to follow You in the way that we feel convicted is the right way, and not to let culture or different voices and pressures sway us from what You speak into our hearts. Help us to behave kindly to other people and offer grace and mercy whenever we have the opportunity. We are all on a journey. Help strengthen us as we approach the summit that is You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

Jessica has won more than 100 writing awards. She is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie/
Twitter: https://x.com/JessicaJBrodie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jessica-brodie
Download her free e-book:
https://www.jessicabrodie.com/ebook-god-centered

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls us to step out on faith

Count the Cost of Waiting
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Have you ever felt a nudge in your spirit to act but decided to wait instead?

Sometimes, waiting can seem wise. We tell ourselves, “I'm being patient” or “I'm waiting on God.” But the truth is, God never told us to wait. While there are times when God calls us to wait, more often than not, He calls us to move forward in faith.

The Bible gives us clear examples of what happens when people either move ahead of God— like Abraham and Sarah—or hesitate when He calls them to action, like Moses. Abraham and Sarah grew tired of waiting for God's promise of a son, so they took matters into their own hands. The result was conflict, confusion, and long-term consequences. On the other hand, Moses hesitated when God called him to lead the Israelites, offering excuses instead of obedience. These examples remind us that the cost of moving ahead of God is high, but so is the cost of waiting when God has called us to act.

If God is calling you to start that ministry, launch that business, or write that book, it’s time to take a step of faith. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. There are consequences for waiting when God has not told you to wait.

First, when you refuse to take action, you risk missing the windows of opportunity God has prepared for you. God's timing is perfect, and often, His opportunities are time sensitive. God’s plan will always be fulfilled, but you could miss the chance to be a part of it. So, take action in faith, even when you don’t know every detail. You don’t have to have all the answers to say yes to God’s call. Pray for wisdom, but don’t let fear of the unknown cause you to procrastinate.

Next, fear often shows up as “waiting on God”. But in reality, it’s disobedience. When God calls you to step forward, fear will try to convince you that you’re not ready, you’re not equipped, or that you’ll fail. Because here’s the thing: The longer you wait, the stronger fear grows. You’ll find more “logical” reasons to not take action, and you’ll remain stuck. This is how comfort zones are created.

So, take one small step. God will provide what you need along the way, not before you begin. Every time you feel scared, remind yourself that courage is not the absence of fear, but action in spite of feeling afraid. Finally, when God calls you to move and you choose to wait, you can also delay your blessing.

Delayed obedience can lead to missed blessings. So, step out in obedience, even if it’s uncomfortable. Ask yourself, “What simple step can I take today in obedience to God?” Take it one step at a time. If God has been calling you to start that business, take the first step by creating a plan. If He’s calling you to serve in ministry, get wise counsel and volunteer. Do something today that moves you closer to obedience. When God calls you to act, don’t wait.

If you’re unsure whether He is calling you to wait or act, pray and read His Word expecting to get an answer. But if you’ve already heard His voice and you’re still “waiting for confirmation” then it’s time to ask yourself if fear is disguising itself as patience. In that case, you’re not waiting on God, He’s waiting on you.

The cost of waiting is too high. Today, January 1 of a brand-new year, is the day to move forward in faith.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me not lean on my own understanding. I ask for your wisdom and guidance as I step out in faith to do all that you have called me to do. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Walk on the Water” by Britt Nicole. Listen to it here.

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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. It includes Her RICH 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 early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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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

Devotionals for the Heart: Who you can turn to when life is overwhelming

God is Mighty to Save Us
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Sometimes, life feels heavy. The weight can be overwhelming, whether it's the pressure of responsibilities, struggles we didn't see coming, or just feeling like we're not enough. But Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a different perspective—one where God steps in as both a powerful defender and a loving Father.

Think about this for a second: God, the Creator of the universe, not only saves us from trouble but delights in us. He rejoices over us with singing. That kind of love goes far beyond what we usually imagine. We might think God tolerates or is disappointed with our shortcomings, but this verse tells a different story. God sees us, loves us deeply, and finds joy in who we are, even when we don't feel worthy.

It's hard to grasp sometimes. We're used to conditional love—love based on performance, behavior, or how well we “measure up”. But God's love doesn't work like that. He's not distant or detached; He's right here with us as a "Mighty Warrior" who fights for us, saves us, and sings over us with joy. The next time we feel weighed down by the struggles of life, remember that God is with us, loving us every step of the way.

Here are some practical steps to help you during times of struggle:

Step One: Take Time to Be Still. In the middle of the chaos, pause. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and be in God's presence. You don't have to do, say, or prove anything. Just let the truth sink in: God delights in you, and He is with you right now. It might initially feel strange, but this practice can be a powerful reminder that you're not alone.

Step Two: Lean on God's Strength, Not Yours. When you're facing something difficult, remember that you don't have to handle it on your own. God is described as a "Mighty Warrior" for a reason—He's strong enough to fight the battles that overwhelm you. Pray for His strength and trust that He's working for you, even when you can't see it.

Step Three: Practice Receiving Love. This might sound simple, but for many of us, it's hard. We're used to striving, trying to earn approval, or feeling like we're never quite enough. Today, take a deep breath and allow yourself to receive God's love as it is—free, unconditional, and overflowing. Remind yourself throughout the day: “God loves me right now, just as I am.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there a situation where you feel like God is distant or uninterested? How does knowing that He is with you and rejoicing over you change the way you see that situation?

2. What might it look like to fully embrace God's love for you without trying to earn it or feeling like you must prove yourself?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for being a Mighty Warrior who saves and a loving Father who delights in me. Sometimes, believing that You rejoice over me is hard, but I trust Your Word. Help me to rest in Your love, lean on Your strength, and stop striving to earn what You freely give. Let me experience the joy and peace of knowing that You are always with me, even in the most challenging moments. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Mighty to Save” by Laura Story. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Devotionals for the Heart: The power of persistent and faith-filled prayers

When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers
A devotional by Jamie De Silvia

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”—1 John 5:14 (NIV)

I recently witnessed a breakthrough in one of my children’s lives that required nearly two years of daily prayer.

There were days when I was full of hope and days when I feared that God wouldn’t answer my prayers. It quickly became evident that the Lord was not in a hurry. He had a deep transformation planned for my child, not the quick fix I initially began praying for. I hope to share the story in detail someday because God did some truly amazing things! For now, can I share with you what I learned during that season of waiting?

Hang on to every word of encouragement God gives you while you wait. It’s important to consistently seek the Lord Himself and His Word, in addition to seeking answers to our prayers. When we read the Bible, a verse will often stand out as insight to help us continue trusting God and see our circumstances from His point of view. Write down the encouragement He gives you and savor it.

Give it more time. While waiting on the Lord, I am regularly reminded of Mary and Martha’s experience of losing Lazarus in the Bible story you can read by looking up John 11:1-44. Heartbroken, they thought Jesus Christ was too late in arriving to heal their brother. They believed that their circumstances were irreversible. But Jesus wasn’t finished yet! He allowed a delay for God’s glory to be manifest and for the sisters to grow in their faith. Your situation might be painful and messy for much longer than you’d like but keep trusting God to bring the answer in His time. He likely isn’t finished yet!

Consider whether God is answering another prayer that supersedes this one. We pray a lot of prayers! What if God is currently answering a request you made days, months, or even years ago, instead of answering the one you’re currently focused on? Allow Him to show you if this is the case.

Hold back nothing when you talk to God. I joke with friends and family that if you haven’t yelled at God while driving alone in your car, are you even a Christian? I call it “praying at the top of your lungs”. All joking aside, many believers stumble in their faith because they feel they can’t bring every question, fear, and emotion to God. Beloved, there's no need to censor yourself when you talk to Jesus. He can handle your questions and your big feelings, including anger. Releasing pent-up frustrations to God will deepen your trust in Him and help you continue to wait.

When I’m struggling, I look to the Psalms, where writers have written about every big feeling known to man. The Psalms give us the vocabulary for our griefs, fears, doubts, and questions! It’s perfect reading if you’re having a hard time waiting for answers to your prayers.

Watch what God is doing. Sometimes He answers our prayers, but not the way we expect Him to. Your Trust in the Lord should lead to expectancy but hold loosely to very specific outcomes. For example, I’ve seen deep emotional or spiritual healing happen in a person, but not the physical healing that was prayed for. God is good at answering the true need or desire at the root of a prayer, even if He does not grant the specific request. When God doesn’t seem to be doing what you asked, watch for what He is doing and rejoice in that.

Be willing to surrender and live without your answered prayer. We are powerless to change people and control difficult circumstances. This is what creates our great need for prayer! But let’s be honest. How often do we look to prayer as a means of control—to get the outcome we want? We must find the sweet spot of praying fervently for the matter at hand, but then saying, “Lord, have Your way, no matter what that looks like.”

Beloved, we may not understand why God hasn’t answered some of our prayers until we get to Heaven. Until then, we trust that He will always do what is best for us.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I want to trust You more. Teach me to let go and let You have Your way in me, even when it’s not what I prayed for. Help me to understand You and Your ways more. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

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Author Bio:

Jamie De Silvia is an author and speaker from Southern California with a passion for helping women connect with the heart of God. She hosts the “Pressing In” podcast. 

Jamie has authored two devotional books: Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd (a 30-day devotional journey through Psalm 23), and You Shall Be Praised (a 40-day devotional offering a fresh perspective on Proverbs 31).

You can find her on Instagram and Facebook daily, offering encouragement to help you draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Jamie is married with two adult daughters and a teenage son. She is also a homeschooling mom who enjoys oil painting, playing games with her family, and savoring a good chai latte.

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Connect with Jamie:
Website: https://jamiedesilvia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedesilvia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedesilviaauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiedesilvia
Email: jamie@jamiedesilvia.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to not sin when we are feeling angry

Be Angry and Do Not Sin
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.”

—Psalm 4:4 (ESV)

Anger is a normal human emotion and something even Jesus Christ experienced.

Therefore, anger itself is not the problem. The problem is what we do with it. Today, I would like to look at a few verses that can help us to be sure we are righteous in our anger and glorifying God through our response.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) quotes this passage directly before giving added instruction: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Hebrews 12:14-15 (ESV) urges us to “strive for peace with everyone,” and to see to it that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble.”

The Psalmist acknowledges our tendency to “ponder in our own hearts on our beds.” This is where we can work through emotions safely, but the Apostle Paul also warns us not to allow the sun go down on our anger. Sometimes, things need to be dealt with immediately.

I deal with unruly children regularly. Two of my children are going through very difficult and willful seasons of life. Both of them are easily (and frequently) angered. How can I teach them that their feelings are valid, but that the way they choose to express them often leads them into sin?

I can start by modeling self-control and a godly response to my own anger. Have I learned to prevent my anger from getting the best of me, or do I allow myself to say or do things I regret? Perhaps a better question to ask is this: Does my response make things worse?

James 1:20 (ESV) reminds us that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” If my response is borne purely out of anger, and not tempered by self-control and a desire to glorify God, I can rest assured I will not get the result I am hoping for: my child’s humble repentance and future obedience.

It is a balance many of us have a hard time mastering, and not just in family life. I once saw a man strongly criticize a produce worker at a grocery store because of the price of lettuce. Yet the employee does not determine the cost of the lettuce. They simply place the packages the pre-determined price label and are required to pay that price as well if they purchase it.

Yet it is in our more intimate relationships that we risk allowing a bitter root to grow. It can cause a constant state of agitation and hostility where no one can thrive. It may even cause physical illness. Proverbs 12:25 NKJV tells us, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.” Depression can manifest itself in many ways—from a pounding heart to chronic pain to digestive issues. There are many causes of depression but let us not allow our choice to hold onto anger be one of them!

If you are holding onto bitterness or anger, reach out to Jesus today. Seek godly counsel to learn ways to acknowledge feelings of anger without falling into sin or bitterness.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, I acknowledge the ways I’ve allowed anger to lead me into sin. You know the details. I ask You to teach me how I can avoid this in the future. Lead me to texts in the Bible, or to a trusted counselor who will help me learn to make the right choices when I feel angry. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure!

Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, Gott Mit Uns. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or taking care of her home and family, she enjoys singing and dancing with friends from a German choir and a Bavarian folk dancing group. She is also a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats!

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Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8

Devotionals for the Heart: How to live for Jesus Christ and shine for Him

Learning to be Compassionate like Jesus Christ
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”—Matthew 8:10 (ESV)

Recently, I reposted a quote on Facebook from Spartacus who was a Roman politician. A modern-day politician by the name of Cory Booker, a United States Senator, had posted this quote on his social media.

It said, “Don't speak to me about your religion; first show it to me in how you treat other people. Don't tell me how much you love your God; show me in how much you love all God's children. Don't preach to me your passion for your faith; teach me through your compassion for your neighbors. In the end, I'm not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as I am in how you choose to live and give.”

A very conservative Christian minister objected to and chided me for using the words of a Roman politician currently quoted by a liberal American politician as an exhortation to my Facebook friends to be nice and compassionate. I referenced the interaction that Jesus Christ had with a Roman Centurion to justify my use of the quote. He challenged me to reread and restudy the story in Matthew 8:1-10. In a few short thoughts, I’d like to share the fruit of my study.

The passage begins with a striking scene: A leper approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him and saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2 ESV). This simple yet profound declaration encapsulates the essence of faith. The leper acknowledges Christ’s authority and power, expressing confidence in His ability to heal. At the same time, he humbly submits to the Lord’s will, recognizing that his healing is contingent upon the God’s willingness.

As the narrative unfolds, we encounter another demonstration of faith, this time from a centurion—a Roman officer—who approaches Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant. Remarkably, the centurion displays a depth of faith that astonishes Christ. He declares, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8 ESV). The centurion recognizes the authority of Christ's spoken word, believing that His command alone is sufficient to bring about healing.

Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith. He declared, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10 ESV). This unbeliever, an outsider to Judaism, demonstrates a faith that surpasses that of many within Israel. His humility, trust, and recognition of Christ’s authority serves as a powerful example for believers of all ages.

In reflecting on this passage, I invite you to consider the nature of our own faith. Do you approach Jesus with the same confidence and humility? Do you really trust His authority in your life? Are you as willing as was the centurion in this Bible story to acknowledge His sovereignty in every aspect of your life?

Moreover, this passage challenges us to embrace and project the compassion of Christ as we interact with others, especially those whose backgrounds and experiences are radically different from our own. Like Jesus did, let’s extend love and grace to the marginalized, the oppressed, the outcast and those whose choices are not ones that we approve of. Following the example set by Christ, let’s recognize the intrinsic value of those around us. All who live and breathe still have some essence of the image of God. We honor God by safely recognizing His image in them, no matter how dimly or brightly it is reflected.

Please note that your salvation is not won by your good words or works because that was accomplished at the cross on which Christ died on and guaranteed by the empty tomb after Jesus rose victorious over death and the devil. Good deeds and compassion, of which Spartacus was earlier quoted, are not the method of salvation, they are the fruit.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, Help us to see You in others and live so that others may see You in us. In the name of Jesus I ask this blessing. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Do They See Jesus in Me?” by Sandra Entermann. 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: True Beauty

God’s Standard of Beauty
A devotional by Jamie De Silvia

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”—1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

I don’t have to tell you that the world values outward beauty. Society’s unrelenting standard of beauty slams against our self-image every day, making us feel self-conscious about our bodies and our age. We are surrounded by these worldly ideals and images in ads, music, television shows, and social media.

In addition, we often have people in our lives who can't stop talking about their bodies (and perhaps ours, too). Sometimes certain people in church who mean well may say that our bodies should be smaller to be worthy of God’s love and approval. Some people who also mean well, admonish us to care for our bodies by staying fit and slender because the Bible says that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). However, the context of 1 Corinthians 6 is not health, fitness, or physical beauty, but keeping our bodily temples free from sexual immorality! These verses cannot be used to imply that God expects us to maintain a certain body size, BMI, or physical appearance.

Consider God’s own words on the subject. “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) The Bible clearly states where female beauty comes from in our anchor text above (1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV). Our beauty does not come from outward appearances. It doesn’t originate with our hair texture and style, creative and shiny accessories, or fashionable clothes because God intends for our beauty to come from within. It is worth noting that weight and body size are not mentioned at all in this passage either. If the Lord valued a particular body size, wouldn’t it be mentioned here, where the criteria for beauty are outlined so clearly?

The belief that our bodies must look a certain way to glorify God is completely inconsistent with His praise of inner beauty over outer appearance. It’s right there in the Bible. God values the unfading beauty of your inner self. He knows that physical attractiveness fades and bodies change over time, but inner beauty shines and becomes brighter as we are transformed by the Lord year after year.

God is cultivating a gentle and humble beauty in us as we become more and more like Jesus Christ who is the most humble and gentle One of all. God is also developing a quiet beauty in us, as we learn to trust Him more completely and have less need to complain, worry, or control.

Beloved, it’s time to let go of the world’s standard of beauty and embrace the inner beauty that God values. If He wanted you to pursue a smaller body without rolls or wrinkles, He would have said so Himself. Give yourself permission to live life and serve Him in the body you have today. Let Him cultivate an inner beauty in you that continues to shine in the years to come.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s easy to get caught up in the world’s standard for outward appearances and beauty. Help me to shift my focus to the inner beauty You’re cultivating in me. Help me to let go of the fears and insecurities I have about my body. Those thoughts dominate my mind and don’t leave enough room to focus on walking with You. My body is good because You made it and dwell in it with Your Holy Spirit, which shines forth with an unmatched beauty. Thank You, Jesus! In Your Name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Perfectly Loved” by Rachael Lampa featuring TobyMac. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jamie De Silvia is an author and speaker from Southern California with a passion for helping women connect with the heart of God. She hosts the “Pressing In” podcast.

 

Jamie has authored two devotional books: Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd (a 30-day devotional journey through Psalm 23), and You Shall Be Praised (a 40-day devotional offering a fresh perspective on Proverbs 31).

You can find her on Instagram and Facebook daily, offering encouragement to help you draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Jamie is married with two adult daughters and a teenage son. She is also a homeschooling mom who enjoys oil painting, playing games with her family, and savoring a good chai latte.

~*~
Connect with Jamie:
Website: https://jamiedesilvia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedesilvia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedesilviaauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiedesilvia
Email: jamie@jamiedesilvia.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Warfare

Seeing the Warfare
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever been to one of those 4D interactive theaters, the kind where instead of watching a screen and hearing the sound, you get those special glasses that transform the images into an illusion of three-dimensional solidity? Synchronized special effects also occur in the theater, like vibration, mist, wind, and more. It’s a multi-sensory cinematic experience.

But here’s the thing: When you take your special glasses off, the screen is blurry. You can’t see anything. You have a vague sense of what is on the screen, but it’s not clear.

Then, when you put the glasses back on, everything is right again.

This reminds me so much of the spiritual warfare going on all around us every single day, and how many of us can’t really see it—or don’t understand it’s there at all.

A few weeks ago on my blog, I shared about some of the troubles going on in my life lately: car issues, needing to replace our washing machine and refrigerator, a widening hole in my deck, six months spent living in our guest room because our pipes froze and flooded our bedroom, my daughter’s ongoing struggles with debilitating anxiety, and loved ones battling cancer including my nine-year-old niece, Kendall.

I could be tempted to think these are simply “tough times.” But my eyes are now trained to see it for what it is, and I absolutely know beyond the shadow of a doubt that much of this is spiritual warfare. It’s the evil one causing cracks in my life to get my focus off God and the work God intends for me. And because I know what’s going on, I also know how to counter it. I know to stay in prayer and God’s word constantly. I know to keep faith and hope, and I know that God will always triumph over evil.

With my eyes open, I can see so much.

I couldn’t always see this. I grew up in churches that didn’t talk about the enemy (the devil, the evil one) very often, let alone spiritual warfare. But as an adult, my faith has deepened. I have distinctly chosen to follow Jesus Christ, not just in my belief but in the way I live my life. I have committed every area in my life to him, and because of that, I do certain things that help me draw and remain close to him—prayer, worship, daily Bible reading, surrounding myself with other Christians, etc.

I am well aware that good and evil exist in the world, and that there is a vicious battle going on for this world. On one side is God and God’s heavenly armies, fighting to shine his light into the darkness. On the other is the enemy, the devil, using his demons and others to sow seeds of distraction and discord and evil.

Make no mistake: The devil is real. In 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV), we’re told, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

The Gospels tell us Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). Satan entered Judas Iscariot the night of the Last Supper (John 13:27), and Judas went and betrayed Jesus to those seeking to arrest and kill him.

In 1 John 5:19, we’re told “the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

But we are not of the world. As the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

There is a mighty spiritual battle going on, all around us. Some of us cannot yet see it, but some of us can. And it is indeed real.

But there is hope. As Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Because God loves us who are his children—those of us who follow Christ and who believe and repent of their sins—he helps us fight the battle.

In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us about one of those helpful tools: the armor of God, provided by the Lord to help protect us.

As the apostle Paul writes, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13).

This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet readied with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).

God provides this armor of God for our protection. He loves us, and he knows how difficult this world can be.

Jesus talked about that in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The battle is real. We don’t need special 3D glasses to see it. As we grow in our spiritual journey with Jesus and draw closer to the Lord, these “special glasses” of faith gradually begin to replace our regular vision, and we start to see the daily battle clearly.

But take heart: God wins at the last. The One who created time knows how it all ends: with God in control. Some of the people on this earth who are not aware of the spiritual battle might find themselves becoming casualties of war, snapped up in their unsuspecting state by forces of evil who want to steer them away from the Lord.

Don’t be led astray.

In closing, remember this promise from God in James 4:8 (NIV): “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Let’s Pray: Lord, help us see the spiritual battles going on in our lives and use the tools You give us to counter them and draw a cloak of protection around us and our loved ones. Help us stay strong and keep our focus on You in the storms of life. In Jesus’ s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies)" by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. 

Jessica has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to take a step of faith and trust God

Step of Faith
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” –Matthew 6:34 (KJV)

Worry and fear can be nearly paralyzing when considering an unknown future.

There are so many “What ifs?” in this life. Such as, "What if I fail the exam? What if the test comes back positive? What if life never gets better than this? What if God never shows up?" 

These questions make us feel suffocated in our hearts, minds, and souls. If we allow these fears, worries, and doubts to continuously enter our thoughts, we are destined to start believing our future is bleak and hopeless. We begin to believe we are justified in our worries and things will always turn out badly.

But such a negative focus could not be further from the truth. Maybe the test will come back positive. Maybe we will experience the worst possible scenario in our situation. God never promised our lives would not be filled with problems and sorrow. However, God did say that He would never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). Additionally, Jesus promised that the victory is already His because He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

We will face trials, heartache, and failure. No one can claim the remainder of their life will work out perfectly and without problems. Your future does hold difficult seasons, but you were never meant to walk in those seasons alone. Our Heavenly Father walks beside each of His children in the darkest of valleys and the highest of mountaintops.

Lay your future in the hands of the Creator. He knows all things in the past, present, and future. God knows every worry that consumes our thoughts and He is calling us to release them to Him. Today, will you release your fear, your worry, and your doubts? Remember: There is no dark valley along your life journey that God’s Light cannot break through. There is no worry that the peace of God cannot still. The peace of God passes all of our human understanding (Philippians 4:7). His peace is so strong that it can ease our worry even though the situation that is bringing our worry remains.

I know that God is the One who directs my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6) and leads me toward a future that I am uncertain of (Jeremiah 29:11). I also know that God is calling me to release the worry that is weighing me down. He continues to whisper just one simple request, “Trust Me.”

Trust is a choice. It is a step of faith. Will you choose to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and simply take one more step of faith today and every day of your life on Earth?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for offering Your peace and presence to us. Please help us to release our worry and fear to You. Grant us the faith to entrust our future to you and simply take another step of faith. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Trust Me” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five. 

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

~*~
Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning how to hear and discern God's Voice

Understanding the Voice of God
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

The Lord will give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, but your Teacher will no longer hide Himself—with your own eyes you will see Him. And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

—Isaiah 30:20-21 (BSB)

Like the children of Israel, we all have a tendency to complain when problems arise. God will allow us to go through seasons of adversity in order to get our attention.

Hearing the voice of God is a learned skill and over time it can get easier or harder depending on our obedience or disobedience.

I’ll never forget when I first met my husband, Jimmy. We went out on a few dates, but after praying about it, I was unsure if he was “the one.” After our third date, I felt it would only be right for me to break up because I didn’t think it was fair to keep stringing him along.

This was a huge struggle—I had a history of bad experiences with men and a lot of baggage to deal with before I could commit to a serious relationship. It was a very hard decision because deep down inside, I was afraid I would never get married.

So, the day came when I ended our dating relationship. He didn’t take it well but we agreed to part ways. To make things easier we started going to different churches.

A year went by and I kept seeking God on whether or not He was calling me to get married. I started to question if I had made a mistake by breaking up with Jim. To make matters worse, I received a phone call from a friend of mine who said she had just gone on a day trip with Jim. My heart sank! I started to wonder if I missed the boat. Later, I learned that friend who went on the day trip with Jim only went as “friends” and she was actually dating another guy. Phew!

So, at that point I wasn’t sure what to do. I prayed about it and God opened the door for me to see Jim again in a group setting with other friends. Slowly we started to reconnect and by that time I felt God’s peace about our relationship. We dated for a few months and one night he got down on his knee and proposed. We then moved forward and got pre-marital counseling by our pastor and his wife. One of the most beautiful things our pastor’s wife said was that she saw “God’s signature on our marriage.” Three months later we tied the knot.

Now, thirty-one years later, I am still happily married to the man God chose for me. God knew exactly what He was doing. Maybe I needed that year after breaking up for God to heal all the issues in my heart before I could walk down the aisle. God was writing our true love story all along, I just couldn’t see it at that time.

So how does one properly hear God and discern when He is speaking? Let me share what I have learned from over the years. I have found three of the most common ways God speaks to us:

Common Way #1: His Word. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” In order to “hear” from God we need to develop an understanding of His character. We need to know how God honors obedience and punishes disobedience.

Common Way #2: Our Circumstances. Sometimes, God will allow the “bread of adversity and the water of affliction” Isaiah 30:20 (BSB) to get our attention and guide us.

Common Way #3: The Still Small Voice. The Holy Spirit speaks very soft but also very clear. When He speaks we will either have a peace about something or not.

God’s grace towards us never changes. He is always faithful to guide us back on the way of truth. Whether you are in a season of adversity or enjoying a time of prosperity, know that God is always speaking. All He asks is that we listen.

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, I pray that You will help us to be still and quiet before You. Help us to not let the noise of the world distract us from hearing Your voice. I pray that You will give us the eyes to see and the ears to hear Your guidance. Thank You for Your never-ending patience with us. Help us to see beyond our circumstances and keep our eyes on You. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Speak” by Bethany Music. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to forgive everyone who hurt us

Why We Need to Forgive
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”—Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Have you ever been hurt?

If you’ve lived on this Earth for any amount of time, then you’ve probably been wounded in some way. Maybe you’ve been hurt by the words of a friend or their inconsiderate actions. Maybe you were hurt physically. Maybe they meant to hurt you.

Maybe they didn’t.

Either way, you know what I’m talking about. Pain is not fun, especially when it’s caused by another person. Maybe we feel like we were in the right, and they’re the ones who need to apologize. Maybe that’s true. Maybe we did nothing wrong. Maybe, in cases such as abuse, we are the victim. Or maybe we’re seeing the speck in their eye while completely avoiding the log in our own (Matthew 7:3-5). God calls us to forgive one another as Jesus Christ forgave us.

Gulp.

When we really think about it, we have no right to withhold forgiveness from someone. No matter how wronged we’ve been, no one could ever hurt us as deeply as our sins have hurt Jesus. He suffered in every way we do (I would say even more so) and never sinned.

Jesus was unjustly accused. He was beaten. His flesh was torn, and they crucified Him for a crime that He didn’t commit. Even when He was unjustly treated, He did not defend Himself, but He stayed silent. And He forgave them.

Even if we weren’t there physically spitting in Jesus’s face or mocking Him, we have still sinned, and our sins hurt Him. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 (ESV), “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

But Jesus still chose to die for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV) says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even when we were at our worst, Jesus loved us. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, chose to die for us even though we didn’t deserve it.

Why then would we withhold that same forgiveness from others?

Forgiveness is hard. And what do we do if the other person doesn’t even ask for it? It is a truly humbling experience to forgive when the other person doesn’t ask. Maybe they were right to begin with and we must humbly realize our error. Or maybe they are truly wrong, but they still think they’re right. It’s not about right or wrong anymore, is it?

I heard once that we don’t forgive for their sake. We forgive for our own. It’s true because holding on to bitterness and anger will only serve to make us bitter and angry. We should not want that to happen to us! As difficult as it is to forgive, we must. Not simply for the sake of the other person, but so that we may find freedom. Sometimes, we also must forgive ourselves. Is there something that you are angry at yourself for? Do you blame yourself for something that happened this morning? A long time ago?

Dear friend, choose to forgive yourself. Jesus forgave you. He proved it when He shed His blood for you on the Cross as stated in John 3:16 and Ephesians 1:7. Therefore, you must also choose to forgive yourself. Jesus didn’t die so you would live enslaved by unforgiveness, bitterness and anger. He wants you to live in freedom!

Do you think that choosing to forgive the other person and yourself will bring about the freedom your heart longs for? I believe it will because the Bible says so, and forgivness has set me free too!

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, I know that You forgive me for all my sins. You proved it when You sent Your Son to die on that cross for me. Please forgive me for withholding forgiveness from others. They are sinners, as am I. You have died for them, as You have me. You love us all. Please help me to forgive others and even myself as You have forgiven me. Thank You for giving me freedom. Please help me learn to walk in it. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Forgiveness” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to seriously follow God’s calling to write a novel. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has at least four novels in the works. For the past five years, she has been involved with her local Biblical theater company. She wants to show others the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

When she’s not acting or working on her upcoming novel, you can find Hannah laughing with her siblings, cuddling her little fluffy dog, or reading books (usually historical fiction or fantasy stories). You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: A Mission from God for all Christ-followers

How to Tell the World about Jesus Christ
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”—Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

Throughout the Bible, God gives His people jobs He wants them to do.

He begins in Genesis, the first book of the Bible, when He assigns Adam the job of tending the garden God made (Genesis 2:15). From there, Noah is commissioned to build an ark (Genesis 6:9-22). Later, God sends Moses to Egypt to lead His captive people to freedom in the Promised Land (Exodus 3:10). God’s message to work continues throughout the rest of His Word (The Holy Bible).

In the New Testament, God records the many miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is important to note that when Jesus is resurrected after His death on the Cross, God’s work continues in the lives of the followers of Jesus.

One of those followers of Jesus was a man named Paul, a well-educated Pharisee who initially persecuted the young church. After Paul met the risen Lord Jesus, he became a missionary who brought the message of salvation to the nations outside of Israel—the Gentile people.

Mission work is all about preaching the good news of Jesus, discipling believers in Jesus, and then equipping the new believers to also become missionaries. It was hard work. Even today, with airplanes, buses, and cars replacing Paul’s foot travel, missionary work is costly and time-consuming.

Paul was a tradesman who made tents to supplement his missionary journeys (Acts 18:3). All through the letters of Paul, he refers to his labor (1 Corinthians 4:12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:9). Paul knew and understood the value of hard work.

In today’s world, many pastors and missionaries are bi-vocational, just like Paul. They work in a career to tell people about Jesus, and they supplement their living expenses with a job doing something different. The work of Christians may look a little different from the tent-making of Paul, but the commitment to be useful sharing the gospel of Jesus is the same.

So, what is the work that the Lord asks us to do? Telling others about Jesus is our highest calling. And to work with our own hands is part of that calling. It is vital to our opportunities of meeting new people and sharing the hope we have in Jesus.

Here in my city, one of the restaurants is run by people who love the Lord. Their food is fresh, handmade, and always tasty. One of the most impactful things about their establishment is the walls. As you walk in the door, Bible verses are the first things you see. In beautiful hand-lettered script, the words of the Lord testify to His goodness. What started out as a restaurant known for its excellent bread also serves the Bread of Life—God’s Word.

The modern world jobs are myriad, and new job descriptions are being written every day to meet the needs of a growing global economy. But the job of Christians everywhere is to share about Jesus. Whether we are a corporate executive, a computer technician, a teacher, a bread baker, or a tent maker, the job we’ve been given enables us to draw people to our Lord and Savior. It doesn’t matter if it’s stencils on a wall of the workplace, or starting a lunchtime Bible study at work, it’s what the Lord puts in front of us to do.

We can work heartily because our work is for the delight of our Heavenly Father. We work for the King of Glory!

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, help us to take joy in the work You’ve allowed us to do. Please bless the people who will hear about Jesus as we go to work. Please help us to share Your love and Your salvation everywhere we go. Thank You, Lord. It is in Your Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Mission” (song) by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers.

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls you to love Him and the earth

Loving earth and loving God
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

As someone who was born and raised in the city, gardening is absolutely foreign to me. But I’ve always admired it. Deep down, I have a secret fantasy of being a homesteader, and I’m certain if I lived centuries ago, I would’ve been a farmer’s wife—maybe a farmer’s wife who somehow figured out time to write books on the side, but definitely someone on a farm.

I’ve made a couple of minuscule attempts to garden over the years, but they all ended in disaster. I did grow a tomato once, but something ate the rest of them, and I don’t know what I did wrong, but the other vegetables didn’t grow at all. And while I managed to grow one or two dahlias, that was it. I know the problem was with me, of course. I didn’t have a lot of time in that season of my life, and I didn’t put in enough devotion and care to really do it properly. Also, I gave up too quickly.

But in the last few years, for a variety of reasons, I’ve become increasingly convicted that I need to start gardening. More than that, I’m feeling a deep sense that not only my family but all people need to start returning to our roots—literally. By this I mean growing my own food. I’m entirely too dependent on my grocery store for food. Yet our ancestors were not this way. And frankly, between the prices of eggs and the shortage of some grocery items that we saw during the pandemic and its aftermath, it’s kind of scary to realize how dependent I am on stores.

What happens if catastrophe hits? How will I eat? Will I even know how to feed my family? I know God will always provide, and my earthly life is just temporary, but I also want to be equipped to help take care of people as long as God has me on this earth, and while I’m living here, I want to do so responsibly and thoughtfully. And I feel like God is telling me I need to start learning how to do some of these things for myself.

So this summer I’m going to start baby steps toward a garden. I’ll try a few vegetables, and my daughter is really interested in growing some flowers. We’ll see what happens.

It’s completely out of my comfort zone, but I feel like it’s an act of love and faith and obedience to God. Most of the time when I think of love, I think of it in relation to other people, or maybe even to animals. I might think of it as how I relate to my family or those I encounter in my community, and it’s also the wider community of people all around the world. But love also includes the earth. I know God loves the earth because God created it. God intentionally spent much time handcrafting the land and the seas and the heavens, and when He created people, He tasked us to take care of the animals and the land, to manage it well for Him.

As the Bible says in Genesis 2:15 (NIV), “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

I appreciate technology as much as anyone. I use a cell phone, a laptop, electricity, running water, air conditioning, a microwave and stove, a dishwasher … all things of my ancestors did not have.

But let’s face the truth: Many of us are far too disconnected from the natural way of things, myself included. There’s no substitute for touching soil or leaves, for planting our feet in dirt or sand, for breathing in fresh air, for feeling the sun on our skin.

The Holy Spirit is nudging me to start gardening, and so I’ll respond. I’ll see what happens.

Whatever happens, I trust it’s going to help me appreciate creation more and, in turn, appreciate God more. For we are all connected—people, the land, the Lord, everything.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to love the earth as a way of loving You. Help me to honor You as I learn how to garden and tend and till, trusting and remaining open to whatever You wish to teach me. And help me always to love others in Your name. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by BarlowGirl. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. She is the author of Feed My Sheep: A 40-Day Devotional to Develop a Heart for Hunger Ministry (2019) and More Like Jesus: A Devotional Journey (2018) and the editor of a number of other books from her newspaper’s Advocate Press, which she helped found in 2017.

She has won more than 100 writing awards and is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, and BibleStudyTools.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Devotionals for the Heart: Trusting and obeying God without worrying

Don't Worry About The How
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“This is what the Lord says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water! You will see neither wind nor rain, says the Lord, but this valley will be filled with water. You will have plenty for yourselves and your cattle and other animals.”

 –2 Kings 3:16-17 (NLT)

Am I the only one who reads the Bible and starts talking back to it like you would to the television while watching a suspenseful thriller?

Once I was reading the story in 2 Kings chapter 3. The kings of Judah, Israel, and Edom had joined forces to fight against the Moabites. They traveled through the desert for seven days to forge their attack on the Moabite people. 

Along their journey, they realized they had no water for themselves or their animals. The one king who truly knew God, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, asked for a prophet of the Lord to help them. Prophet Elisha was called upon and only helped because of his respect for King Jehoshaphat. The other two kings were not faithful to God.

Elisha went to the Lord on their behalf, and the Lord said, “This dry valley will be filled with water! You will see neither wind nor rain, says the Lord, but this valley will be filled with water” (2 Kings 3:16-17).

This is the part of scripture where I interrogated the Bible. I asked God, “But how, Lord? How will you provide a dry desert with pools of water without evidence of its arrival?”

How often have you asked God for help and wondered how He would help you? Perhaps your questions for God sounded something like: How are you going to do this? How are you going to save my child? How are you going to heal me? How are you going to provide?

You may ask these questions especially when you see no evidence in sight.

God may have confirmed to you that He will do it. He may even have assured that you will have victory in your situations as he did for Elisha in 2 Kings 3:18 (NLT), which reads, “But this is only a simple thing for the Lord, for he will make you victorious over the army of Moab!”

However, the instructions he gives provide no answer as to how God will do what He said He will do. Has God ever given you instructions for a problem that made no sense to you? Does the confusion still make you question Him? Even in the steps He gives us, we still can't see how things will work out. The “how” is not our business, the work is. We need to dig the ditch and prepare for our victory, just like it says in 2 Kings 3:16 NKJV: “And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’”

By obeying God's strange request, the Israelites did not only quenched their thirst, but they sent their enemies into confusion and defeat. When the Moabites arrived at the Israelite's camp, the Israelites attacked, chased them back into their land and destroyed them.

Once God has quenched your thirst and given you victory, does the how matter? You know that it couldn't have been anyone but God. You want to know how He does it, supernaturally, with all power and authority. Therefore, don't concern yourself with the “how” of the matter. Just be obedient.

Remember who God is and give Him the glory.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for taking care of all things. Thank You for not just meeting my needs but exceeding them as well. I am thankful in knowing that because it is in Your hands, I don’t have to worry about how it will get done. I trust that You will provide and give me the victory. I trust You Lord, and praise You for the provision. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Victory” by Yolanda Adams. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019.

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His Word gave her. She felt The Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Jesus Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her: “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all better reflect his image and fulfill His purpose.”

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Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423