Devotionals for the Heart: God cares about every single tear you cry

Tears in a Bottle
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”—Psalm 56:8 (NLT)

When I was a little girl, I used to enjoy spending time with my family, especially on summer vacations. One of our favorite places to visit was a town called Chincoteague in Virginia. We used to travel by car from my home state of New Jersey to Virginia and just spend time doing family activites in the area, including visiting the beach.

Although we visited other beaches, Chincoteague Beach was significant to me because this was the place where I started my first collection of seashells. Most people enjoy the beach for the water or possibly relaxing in the sun, but my objective was different.

I vividly remember walking along the beach, gathering shells that were sprinkled all over the sand. One thing I noticed was that none of the shells were the same. Even though the seashells may have been the same type of shell, there were still variations either in the hard exterior or the smooth interior of the shell. Each seashell was unique and each seashell had a story, depending on where I found it. I placed them in a bottle where I was able to admire their beauty.

My time collecting seashells at the beach and placing them in a special bottle reminds me of God, our Father in Heaven, having a special bottle that holds a collection of our tears.

God cares about us so much that He keeps track of all of our sorrows and records them in a book. Every tear we cry after a difficult situation comes our way is significant to God. Not even one tear is overlooked. Instead, He collects them all and attends to each one. Every heartache is unique and touches the heart of God. It may be the result of similar situations, but each situation is distinctive in its own way. God knows your story. 

Tears are a language that God understands and we can be certain that we can find healing in His loving care.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, It comforts me just to know that You are collecting my tears and recording my sorrow. There is never a moment when You are not aware of the pain that I am feeling. Thank you for Your healing touch and Your peace in the middle of my storm. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Every Single Tear” by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey.

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood.

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/

Note: Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Harmony

How To Live In Harmony
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”—1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT

The Apostle Paul wrote the above words to a church that is mirrored in our western churches today. Paul was instrumental in the formation of the Corinthian congregation, spending over a year bringing together people who were used to living self-serving, indulgent, and sinful lives. In his absence, they reverted into disunity. Like them, today’s church needs Paul’s preaching on living in harmony, as we too unravel in disagreement.

Paul begins by telling the Corinthian church how grateful he is for them and how in Jesus Christ they’ve been gifted “eloquent words” and all knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:5 NLT). But then he points out that they are using their gifts against one another by quarreling (verse11) and arguing over who is following the better leader (verse 12). Somewhere along the line the members regressed from a “we mentality” to a “me mentality.”

Does the world know we are Christians by our love for one another? Or are we better known for being argumentative? Are we using scripture and our spiritual gifts against one another in a “me first” mindset? Have we stunted the growth of the church by our divisions? Christ implores us to live in harmony.

What does it mean to live “of one mind, united in thought and purpose”? Paul’s letter to the Corinthians informs us today in this “one mind” way. Chapter by chapter the Apostle lays out truths that are applicable now.

Let’s read some of those truths found in God’s Word (The Holy Bible):

• Jesus is the foundation of our collective, everything we bring to the church must be supported and aligned with Him (1 Corinthians 3).
• There’s no human hierarchy. Leaders are no better than followers. We’re all following Christ’s lead (1 Corinthians 4).
• Behaviors that do not build up others, but promote self over others, destroy the community. Normalizing these behaviors creates a cancer with the Body (1 Corinthians 5).
• The physical body is sacred and is to be treated with respect and mutuality in relationships. (1 Corinthians 6-7).
• We are each in various stages of maturity and need to be both mindful and respectful of the maturation process of others, giving them the same freedom to grow as God gives us (1 Corinthians 8-9).
• When we want more than what God deems good for us, we create idols that destroy. Everything we do is to seek not our own advantage, but God’s glory (1 Corinthians 9-10).
• Neither men nor women are made independent of one another (1 Corinthians 11).
• God has imparted spiritual gifts on His followers, unique to the individual, but for the purpose of common good (1 Corinthians 12).
• Love is the core of everything, revealing itself in patience and kindness, lacking in envy, pride, arrogance, or rudeness. Love does not demand its own way, nor is it irritable or resentful. It is not happy with injustice, but thrills with truth. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (1 Corinthians 13).
• Pursue with eagerness putting your spiritual gifts to use for the edification of the community, to increase it. And in doing so, be considerate of others in an orderly and appropriate way (1 Corinthians 14).

When Paul heard of the discord within the church, he quickly addressed them with the loving heart of a Godly overseer. He told them how valuable they were, how much they meant to him, and then redirected them with instructions in these basics of harmonious living. We need to follow suit with one another, because without unity we fail to live out Christ’s calling.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, we submit to You. We ask your forgiveness for our self-serving, indulgent, and sinful lives. Create in us a desire to live in Christian unity and to prioritize others as Christ modeled. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is studying Christian fiction writing.

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Connect with Sharon:
Website: Sharonmusgrove.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060

Devotionals for the Heart: A life lesson on your worth and wanting to belong

Establishing Your Worth
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God...”–Colossians 1:10 (ESV)

What does worth mean to you? What makes you feel worthy? By the world’s standards the worth of something or someone is established by is value, usefulness, or importance.

What does belonging mean to you? By the world’s standards belonging occurs when we feel welcome, respected, accepted, and treated fairly.

We want support and understanding and help when we need it. This establishes self-worth. The culture of belonging means an environment that supports these three elements: connection, contribution, and confidence.

As Christians, our sense of belonging is being a part of the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV) says, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

When we lose our sense of belonging we tend to lose our sense of worth too.

So, what does Satan do to keep us from belonging? He attacks our identity, purpose, and confidence.

Ask yourself this question: Who am I? The first thing most people answer with is their name. Your name is part of your identity. Identity gives us connection. Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV) affirms our identity in Jesus Christ with these words: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

Now ask yourself: What am I? Consider your best skill (writer, teacher, contractor, manager, etc.). Your best skill provides your contribution to the world. It gives you purpose. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) invites our skillful work forth with “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Next ask: Whose am I? The first thing to come to your mind should be God. Knowing to whom you belong gives comfort and security. Our belonging to God gives us confidence.

Who you are, what you are, and to whom you belong is wrapped up in God’s gifts of worth and belonging. But remember, we all have an enemy, and he doesn’t like who you are, what you do, or to whom you belong. This is why 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) warns us to, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

When Satan tries to destroy who you are, he’s trying to steal your identity. When he tries to destroy what you are, he’s trying to steal your purpose. When he tries to destroy whose you are, he’s trying to steal your confidence. He wants to make you feel unworthy. But all he can do is try. He can’t make you unworthy.

When you turn things over to and open up to God, He will give you His perspective. He’s always there to remind you that you are forever “worthy” of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for your salvation. He made you and called you by name. He has a purpose and plan for you, and nothing can destroy your security in His hands.

So, whenever you feel doubt or wavery in your identity, purpose, or confidence (because you will), look again to God for His ultimately perspective of your worth because when you see fully, you’ll discover it’s not really about your worth at all. It’s about His desire to spend eternity with you.

Finally, worthy one, do as Colossians 1:10-12 (ESV) commands, and “...walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Amen!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for establishing my worth in You and giving me a place in Your heart to belong for all eternity. In you I live, and move, and having my being. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Worthy” by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer. She resides in Northern Virginia with her feline Shiloh and loves hiking through Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Forest.

She earned her M.F.A. in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program. Mirachelle is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers’ National Chapter and Virginia Chapter where she serves as the treasurer. She hones her writing skills through The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and Your Novel Blueprint.

Along with her devotional contributions and occasional novelettes, she is working on her first historical fiction novel set in pre-WWII London, about an American vocal prodigy caught up in espionage, secret musical codes, and double agents disguised as friends.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope for when you are suffering and bitter

For My Welfare
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“Behold, it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.”—Isaiah 38:17 ESV

When we look at the opening phrase of this verse, we wonder, How can bitterness possibly be for my good? Psalm 107 answers this question beautifully. It describes four groups of people whom God delivers out of times of suffering.

It is easy to think that we are suffering because we have sinned, and the enemy of our souls is more than happy to encourage us to think that way. Take comfort! In Psalm 107, the author describes both those who suffer because they have sinned, and those who suffer though they have not sinned.

Indeed, there are those who have rebelled against God and spurned His counsel (Psalm 107:11). He allows them to be burdened with grief and heavy labor until they cry out to Him in their misery. There are also those whose suffering is a natural consequence of their foolish and sinful choices (verse 17). Yet when they cry out to God, He sends His Word and delivers them out of their distress (verse 19). Like raw gold placed in a furnace, God turns up the heat in order that the impurities might rise to the surface and be skimmed off.

In Psalm 119:67 (ESV), King David says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.” David both sinned and suffered much, but he was fully confident of God’s love for him. He knew that suffering was not meant to destroy him, but rather make him more fit for God’s use!

It is in these dark times that God prepares us to meet the needs of others. If we have never been through the depths of sorrow ourselves, can we truly relate to those whose lives are steeped in suffering? Some of us are born with the gift of mercy; others must be trained in it.

I spent years of my life in deep depression. Unfortunately many people made me feel as though it were all in my head. Others tried to express their sympathy, or bring comfort in ways that, while well intentioned, only made me more keenly aware that no one understood.

When we have walked in someone else’s shoes, we find that we go from having sympathy to having empathy. It is the difference between saying, “I’m sorry about your circumstances,” and truly bearing one another’s burdens because we have borne those things ourselves.

If you are in a time of suffering, take comfort. God wants to use it for good, both for you and for others. Cry out to Him, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Why?”

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, I confess that I am in a time of suffering and cannot see Your purpose just yet. I trust Your loving care for me, and even though I may not feel it, I know deep down inside that You have my best interest at heart. So today I simply ask how You might want to strengthen my relationship with You, and make me more able to show Your love to others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Why” by Crystal Lewis. 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! Her current long-term project is Gott Mit Uns, a German-perspective 20th century historical fiction series.

Aubrey lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. She’s busy keeping the home, caring for her family, doing research for and writing her books.

Aubrey enjoys music and is involved with the worship ministry at her church as well as a German choral group. She also plays gigs occasionally with friends as a singer and acoustic guitarist. After all that, she finds time to sketch, craft, and hike.

She is a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats.

Aubrey has a special heart for those who struggle with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD.

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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/

Devotionals for the Heart: Hate

Allowable Hate
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“O you who love the Lord, hate evil!” 

–Psalm 97:10 ESV

One of the most declarative statements in the Bible is this phrase in Psalm 97:10.

There are two broad categories of evil. They are natural and moral. Natural evil is like the horror of a tornado, the destruction of floods and fires, or the unpredictability of the circle of life. Moral evil is the carnage of human depravity. Car jackings, murders, abuses of all kinds typify moral evil. 

Evil is to good what darkness is to light. One is devoid of and opposed to the other. Where light shines, darkness dissipates. The presence of godly good dissolves evil.

A few years ago, I worked as the Navy Chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). My job was to facilitate dignified funerals for sailors who were being buried at ANC. One day, having completed a ceremony and returning to the Administration building to meet another family, I was distracted by evil. A man and a woman were arguing, loudly. He punched her, hard, in the face. I saw her stumble backward. I was aghast, but I had another family to attend to.

I did not want to get involved because it could become protracted or potentially more violent. Yet, as the man moved toward the woman to assault her again, my feet and legs propelled me to intervene. Upon arrival, my stern presence forced the man to dissipate his anger in other ways until police arrived.

When we are reflexively repelled by evil, that is a good sign that the love of God resides in your soul. This declaration of the Psalmist is a clear test of personal devotion, commitment, focus and mission. Love God and hate evil! Evil is easily described, but how do you quantify loving God?

This verse is a simple and definitive test. The love of God that resides in you will serve as a siren of warning. It can be like a spiritual thermometer and thermostat that signals a need to raise or lower your spiritual discipline and discernment. This verse can be like a spiritual light switch that shines clarity into our own motivations.

It is a mandate that requires a person to start their day with a fierce internal audit. Do you love God? How can you know? Test your affinity to evil. How do you align yourself with evil? Do you embrace it, flirt with it or flee from it?

Loving God, fundamentally, is to live in a state of awareness and alignment with the revealed will of God. As the alignment matures within us, it becomes affinity. The affinity leads to expectation. In time, preference, relationship, and identity are formed. The ultimate goal is congruence. We fit His will and He shapes our souls.

As we reflexively eschew, abstain from, avoid, swear off and renounce the evils that we know and can identify, we become more like our redeemer. But remember, hate the evil not the person. Compassion toward the victims of evil is commanded. If you have been victimized, seek and expect justice, but leave the vengeance to God.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, may today hold for us some metrics to test our resolve to resist any evil that surfaces in our sphere of influence. Bless us to shine when evil darkens our space. Help us to stand up and speak out against immorality and depravity. Use us to help somebody who may be overwhelmed through no fault of their own. Let us be your hands, heart, legs, feet and voice to those in need. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Plan

His Plan, Not Mine
A devotional by Casey Wayne

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

A few years ago I decided to start gardening as a new hobby.

It was meant to be something to bring me peace and a sense of accomplishment. I was excited to have something new to try and I was determined to do the research to make it a successful endeavor. To my surprise, it became a more frustrating learning experience than I expected. It quickly started to feel like every time I resolved one potential issue then something else arose. Pests, water management, pruning, etc. It started to leave my head spinning as I tried to control every detail.

By season two and three I started to realize the best thing I could do was create the best conditions I could but let go of the ultimate outcome. I couldn’t control every factor and would exhaust myself trying. To top it off, in the midst of trying to control it all I certainly wasn’t able to enjoy the parts of the garden that was successfully growing.

Even this year, I had a vision and plan for how it would go. Vegetables and wildflowers alongside fruiting bushes was my goal. My hope. My plan. In the end, it turned out different. Pests, little rain, and distractions of life changed the plan. Pivots were made and I began focusing more on the butterfly garden with its beautiful daily visitors. I had a plan, but have learned to not hold so tightly to it that I miss the beauty when plans change.

Are you like me and sometimes hold too tightly to your plans in life?

I have a tendency to be so focused on my vision and plan for my life that I become oblivious to what God has for me. Over the years, the Holy Spirit has taught me to hold my plans loosely. To prioritize giving God the space to pivot my steps, to guide my heart, and provide wisdom for my life. James 3:17 (ESV) tells us, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

There is peace and hope for the future, but we have to be willing to release our control over it and intentionally place it in the hands of our Lord and Savior.

I've learned how important it is to trust God’s faithfulness and guidance. Each day there is a choice to live in faith, trusting God’s wisdom for our lives, or to live based on the world’s wisdom. Scripture reminds us to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not to rely on our own thoughts or feelings (Proverbs 3:5). Our sinful nature draws us into Satan’s lie that having more control will bring us more peace in our life. This is your reminder of God’s truth that a life surrendered to Father’s will brings life and an indescribable peace even in the middle of life’s storms (Philippians 4:7).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your faithfulness yesterday, today, and all of my tomorrows. As I release my plans and my future to You, give me peace, wisdom and discernment to guide my daily steps. I pray for the strength to wake up each morning and choose to place my hope and trust in my Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ).

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Your Way Yahweh” Jeremy and Adrienne Camp. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

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Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne

Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ became human like you and me

The Staggering Miracle of ‘Word Became Flesh’
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 (NIV)

Has a phrase ever settled upon your heart because it expressed the most beautiful, poignant, tender, and inexplicable concept in just a few poetic words?

For me, that phrase is “Word became flesh.”

We find it in the Gospel of John 1:14. In the start of this chapter, John (the writer) is summarizing the entirety of the Trinity and all God did for this world and for His people. Sometimes it just makes me want to cry when I really, truly think about it.

Take a look if you will at the start of this beautiful book in the Bible. As John explains, in the beginning was the Word. The Word was God, everything! And one day, God decided His people needed something far more personal in order to understand His message. So a part of Him—His Son, Jesus Christ, part of the Word, the Trinity, part of everything that is creation and eternity—was somehow miraculously born to human flesh (John 1:1-14).

Flesh. Think about that word! Skin! Blood, muscles, saliva, hormones, and angst and joy and struggle. All the things about us as we are, walking around in these bodies, that’s what God did.

Somehow His Holy Spirit impregnated a blessed young woman named Mary. The child Jesus, part God and part human, was born into humble circumstances. He spent part of his childhood as an immigrant in Egypt because the king in Israel wanted to kill all young boys his age because they were perceived as a threat to the throne. His family tried to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and they raised him well, steeped in all the traditions of holy, righteous Jewish culture.

And when Jesus was a man, upon his baptism, we’re told the Holy Spirit settled upon him “as a dove” (John 1:32).

We don’t know exactly what this means. It likely doesn’t mean a literal, actual dove flew down from Heaven and sat upon Jesus’s shoulders. The phrase used is “as a” dove, meaning “much like” or “similar to.” In Matthew 3:16 (NIV), the phrase is, “He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” A dove had great biblical significance, both a symbol and a tool signifying peace, comfort, and the fulfillment of promises. The word choice here clearly meant something special.

Then, filled with the Spirit, Jesus spent the rest of his life teaching the Gospel, caring for others, healing and driving out demons, raising some from the dead, and ultimately went it was revealed he claimed to be the son of God, the religious leaders decided that was too much—blasphemy—and they orchestrated his execution. Of course the end of the story is the best part, for as songs proclaim, death could not hold him and the grave could not keep him, and he resurrected from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father. And he will come again one day to judge the living and the dead and bring about God’s glory, forever and ever.

Just thinking about that concept, “Word became flesh,” is incredibly personal to me. Right now I’m looking down at my own body as I write this. I’m just a person, one soul in a sea of infinite others. I’ve felt God’s hand upon my heart my whole life. I was raised to know and to love God, and while I am tremendously imperfect in so many ways, as we all are, I strive to model my Lord in my life. I read His Word (The Holy Bible) and pray. I do what I can to keep the Holy Spirit burning fiercely in my core. I try to represent the love of God in the world. That’s what we all do, we who believe and follow Jesus.

But looking down at my body now—the bones in my hand, the skin on my calf, the freckle on my arm, the steady thrum of heartbeat I feel and see pulsing at my wrist—it’s staggering to think that God, our Almighty God, Creator of the Universe, walked around the Earth, just like me. Became flesh, flesh like me.

And He died, but death was not the end.

Sometimes all the stories of God and all we read in the Bible and sing about on the radio and in church, and pray about and walk through life knowing … sometimes it can seem impersonal, like these are all mere facts. We proclaim them, and they are wonderful and magnificent facts, and they apply to us all.

But then we wake up in the morning, maybe a little sore or tired from all we’re doing in life, and the intimate and personal nature of what God did seems far away. Sometimes God himself seems far away. And while we’re told He’s never far away, that God is bigger than our feelings, still as a human being it’s difficult, because we often confuse our feelings with the truth.

But here’s the truth: God became flesh, just like you and me. He did this because He loves us and because He wanted to make a path to Heaven for those who chose Him. He knew we couldn’t do it on our own and we needed help, and so He did what He needed to do.

It’s personal, my friends. We have a personal, living Jesus, and a personal, living Holy Spirit alive in us right this moment. We are all connected, powerfully and mightily. This is God at work in the world.

Think on this a minute. Let this sink in. Marvel at this.

Consider the words of Psalm 46:10 where God says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Be still with me now in the knowledge and the gift of what God did, and what He’s still doing now. Praise Him, praise Him, for He is so good. And we are so blessed.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for all You do and for how fiercely You love us. Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son. The fact that Jesus understands intimately what it means to have flesh and blood and all the things of humanity makes His sacrifice and His Way so much more personal. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Forever” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

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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.

She 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.

Jessica has released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God. Find it at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent.