Devotionals for the Heart: 7 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas

How to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas Season
A devotional by Jamie De Silvia

“The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14 (CEB)

Decorating your house and home, shopping for loved ones, wrapping gifts, baking delicious desserts, and engaging in traditional holiday events can increase our Christmas joy—but they can also steal it! 

The holiday season often feels overwhelming and stressful. It’s easy to get distracted and forget what matters most. But we have hope! It is possible to have a joyful holiday season without experiencing too much stress.

Here are some ways to keep Jesus Christ at the center this Christmas season:

#1: Add an advent devotional to your daily routine. Begin at any time in December and continue into January if needed. We need daily encouragement that realigns our focus. Amazon has a great selection, with advent devotionals under $10. There are also free online devotionals from Lifeway, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and more!

#2: Fast from your phone during the first hour of the day. It's easy to jump on our phones first thing in the morning and start checking texts and emails, online shopping, or scrolling mindlessly. I've committed to keeping the first part of my day phone-free in December to spend time in Christ’s presence and experience His joy and peace.8

#3: Meditate on Christ’s birth by imagining yourself in the stable with Him. Perhaps God gave you an imagination for this very purpose. Consider picturing yourself with the baby Jesus, letting the Holy Spirit guide the interaction. Years ago, the Lord spoke to me through a nativity vision in my mind’s eye. I wrote about it on my blog in 2013 and the Lord urged me last year to record it as a guided meditation. I think it will bless you! Listen to my 15-minute message by looking up this episode “A Moment with Baby Jesus” on my official podcast (https://jamiedesilvia.com/podcast/).

#4: Release the desire or pressure to make everything perfect for the people in your life. Do you struggle with making others happy to the detriment of your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being? Me too. Beware of doing things simply because they are expected. How many traditions are we keeping that won’t be missed if we let them go? Stick with the ones that matter. How concerned are we with perfection? We want the house to look perfect, the gifts to be perfect, and the event to unfold perfectly. What if you are wearing yourself out unnecessarily? Beloved, you are not responsible for the happiness of others this Christmas.

#5: Meditate on the lyrics of your favorite Christmas carols. Some of our favorite carols are rich with words we can use in prayer or for journaling. If you’re unsure where to start, search the internet for the lyrics of “Silent Night”, “Come Let Us Adore Him”, or “O Holy Night”, and write them down in your journal. Consider personalizing some lyrics or writing additional lines to express your worship! If you find a phrase that really speaks to you, write it on a sticky note or 3x5 card to keep it in sight throughout the day.

#6: Watch a nativity movie with family or friends. What a wonderful way to reflect on Christ’s birth. It’s perfect for all ages and readily available via streaming services. After the movie, have an informal discussion to hear what stood out to each person. What spoke to you? Did you learn anything new? Talk about which character you related to the most. Discuss what you are most grateful for.

#7: Explore this prayer or journaling prompt: “Jesus, what can I give You this Christmas?” What a valid question to ask ourselves this holiday season! He gave us the gift of Himself (John 3:16). Why not consider giving Him something in return? I hesitate to give examples because I want you to leave room for the simple request, the off-the-wall surprise, or the painfully hard thing He might ask of you. I don’t know what Jesus wants from you this Christmas, but I do know this—you will experience more peace and joy when you offer it to Him.

Are you ready to adjust your holiday trajectory? You and I have gotten in the habit of rushing and stressing, but it’s not too late to slow down and intentionally set Him at the center of the Christmas season.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s Your season. Turn my eyes toward You and the wonder of Your birth. Show me where You want me to conserve energy and resources. Open my eyes to see what expectations or unfruitful traditions You are calling me to let go of this year. Show me where I need to shift my energy into worship, rest, and connecting with others. I want to experience Your joy and peace. I want to walk in freedom this Christmas. I release the happiness of others to You, Lord. Guide my steps as I move through the rest of this season. Increase my awareness of Your presence so I can sense You walking with me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need A Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jamie De Silvia is an author and teacher from Southern California with a passion for helping women connect with the heart of God. 

She has hosted two seasons of the “Pressing In” podcast and 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).

Jamie offers encouragement on Instagram and Facebook to help you draw closer to Jesus. She is married with two adult daughters and a teenage son. Jamie 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

Review of "Grace Bible for Kids"

Momentum Influencer Network invited me to review the Grace Bible for Kids.

I accepted their invitation because I believe this Bible is filling in a gap and will help children who have Dyslexia read the Bible in a much easier and helpful way.

Here are some words from Momentum about this beautiful book: Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. And now, it doesn’t have to! Help every kid experience the truth of God's Word with the CSB Grace Bible for Kids.

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My Review of Grace Bible for Kids:

There are so many things to love about this Bible!

I love the beautiful blue cover that feels soft and smooth to touch. I like the multicolored cross symbol on the front cover. I like the “Grace Bible for Kids” logo on the bottom left of the front cover. I like how the lime green lettering on the book’s spine contrasts with the blue leather material and is accented by orange lines that neatly divides the text.

I like the “How Can the Bible Help You” page on the left side that I saw as soon as I opened the Bible. I like how they presented the help in sections. For example: When you feel “Afraid” they advise you to read Isaiah 41:10 and Hebrews 13:6.

I like how the first few pages have information that serve as a guide to help the reader effectively study the Bible. Such as: “Studying Your Bible” and “Bible Skills” and “Test Your Bible Knowledge” and “Favorite Bible Stories”. There’s even a section titled “How Do I Have Quiet Time with God” and the words beneath that title show you to do that effectively.

The font on every page is larger than the standard and very easy to read.

This Bible is a true gem that caters to kids with Dyslexia and would make a meaningful Christmas gift for the child in your life who struggles to read.

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Enter the Giveaway via Rafflecopter, for your chance to win a copy of this Bible:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c502/?

Note: This giveaway contest is only for residents of the USA.

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Learn more: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/purchase-the-csb-grace-bible/

Christmas gift shopping ideas: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/holman-gift-guide/

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#GraceKidsBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible and @bhpub

Devotionals for the Heart: When the people around you are suffering

Weep with Those Who Weep
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

—Romans 12:15 (ESV)

Are we truly prepared to enter into the suffering of others, or are we content to maintain surface-level sympathy with their experience? Will we rise to God’s challenge of sitting with them in their pain, weeping with those who weep, and mourning with those who mourn?

I want to go a step farther: Are we prepared to see people in their mess? Maybe even identify ourselves with those with whom we don’t want to be identified?

These are difficult questions. We may choose to avoid answering them, afraid to truly enter into people’s suffering. It’s a legitimate fear, especially when it involves people’s sin rather than just their suffering.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who suffered so He could save us from having to pay for our sins (Romans 6:23). Christ’s suffering that ended in His death and then resurrection was so that we could be reconciled with God (John 3:16-17). Let’s read the prophet’s words in Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV): “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

God’s Holy Spirit rests upon us for the same purposes. We are anointed to perform the same tasks as Jesus as we walk this earth, and in John 14:12 (NIV), Jesus tells us that “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.”

As for our legitimate fears of ministering to those who are entrenched in sin, the Bible verse of Jude 23 (NIV) says this: “Save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” In the next verse, Jude reminds us who our strength and protection comes from: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God, our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

It is comfortable to stay within the bounds of safe environments like home and church, read our Bibles and play worship music, but this is not what the world needs. The world needs Christians who are deeply rooted in God and who are so filled with His love that it spills out whenever someone bumps into them. Christians who are confident enough in Christ to enter uncomfortable situations and can provide the hope and light of Jesus that dwells within them.

When we are with family and friends at this busy time of year, we may feel uncomfortable with some of the things that go on at holiday gatherings. We don’t want to give approval to these things. Perhaps we feel pressured to say something, and then condemned when we don’t. What if we were to rise above all that and simply be aware of the love we have for the people around us—love that can only come from the heart of Jesus, who was not afraid to socialize with tax collectors and “sinners”? The scripture gives no evidence that these people made Jesus uncomfortable. He knew the hurt and the needs that lay beneath their rough exterior. It seems they wanted to be around Him, too. If Christ can strike a balance when with them and shine His light lovingly upon them, certainly He will empower us to do the same!

Many of us feel that our world is darker than ever. If that is true, let’s pray that God will empower us to shine more brightly, and to shine in such a way that others are drawn to the light of His love.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, only You can love people perfectly. Whether it is a person’s suffering, or sin that holds them prisoner, please give us a greater measure of Your love for the hearts You want us to reach. Enable us to come alongside these people and shine hope and love into their dark world. Do not allow us to remain trapped in our own discomfort. Help us rise above and treat everyone with respect, agape love and kindness like You would. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Benediction” by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. 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: Praising God can bring your deliverance

Praising God in Peril and Prosperity
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”—Luke 1:68-71 (NLT)

The United States of America is the country I call home. Recently, we have experienced the highs and lows of a free, democratic and uncontested election. Many of us celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with friends, family and lots of food. Now, we are preparing for Christmas.

As I reviewed the Biblical narrative of the Christmas story, I was struck by the praise filled monologue of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Despite the disappointment that he and his wife endured of not becoming parents, coupled with the concern that they would never have children because they were becoming old in age, Zechariah continued to serve God faithfully. One day, while at work in the temple (he was the High Priest of Israel), he experienced a visitation from an angel named Gabriel. The angel announced that the prayers of Zechariah had been heard in Heaven. Zechariah and his wife would have a son. They were to name him John.

Zechariah asked the angel for a sign. His request was granted in what seems to me to be in a punitive manner: He would not be able to speak until the child was born. Can you imagine how Zechariah explained to his wife, Elizabeth, what had happened to him while serving in the temple? Can you imagine her shock at his speechlessness?

Soon after this visit from Gabriel, Elizabeth became pregnant. Can you imagine her sense of awe when she felt the first flutter in her old womb of the new life that she carried? In due season, the baby was born. When asked what his name would be, Elizabeth answered, faithfully, “His name is John.” Because no one in their family tree was named John, her aides asked Zechariah, who could not speak. He asked for a tablet and wrote the name John.

In that moment, his speech returned! This is where my fascination with this text begins. Zechariah said, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”

Zechariah knew God. He knew the history of Israel and he knew that God was with His people throughout every era. I find comfort in his confidence that throughout history God has had prophets to guide His people through the roughest and toughest of times. The key is to identify them, then heed the prophets.

Even now in this Christmas season, as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I find comfort in the fact that just as God steered his people through troubled times in the past, likewise, He will guide us into and through the future days ahead, whether they are prosperous or perilous.

The divine genius of salvation is that it is assured! In good times, bad times, trials or triumphs, the believer is secure when we act upon the oracles of Heaven. Zechariah was unable to speak for nine months. When he executed his faith and wrote his declaration, as instructed, the impediments to his praise were released.

With a new and confident voice, the first thing he did was praise the Lord! In the next breath he declares that there has been a straight line of prophets in the world since creation. Those prophets proclaimed salvation from enemies and oppressors.

Looking back on the Holocaust and other atrocities in history, the only way I can reconcile that concept of salvation is to believe that God creates Goshen experiences for individual believers who have or might experience duress. You can read about this in the Bible book of Exodus, chapter 10 and chapter 11. Here’s a brief recap: Before the God made a way for the Israelites to be delivered from their trouble-filled life as slaves in Egypt, God told them that their city, Goshen, would be safe from the plagues, except the last one. The last one required a definitive act of faith and praise. We can learn from that Bible story when we face trials today.

Sometimes, we need to praise our way through our pain and problems. We can open the Bible and read real stories about how praise set God’s people free: Praising God before being thrown into a fire-filled furnace delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! Jesus Christ responded to their faith and showed up to keep them safe in the furnace (Daniel 3:16-28). Praise kept Daniel safe when he had to spend the night in a den full of lions (Daniel 6). Praise during torture ushered Stephen into the presence of God (Acts 7:54-60). These are just a few stories in the Bible we can learn from. As we enter the Christmas season, please be assured that the birth of Christ guarantees at least two things for the believer:

1. God is with us! (Exodus 25:8)

2. God inhabits the praises of Israel! (Psalm 22:3)

The faithful execution of God’s revealed will compounded by confident praise, seasons the atmosphere in which we live. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we give You thanks, praise and honor for being in control of the world and all that is in it. Thank You for our salvation through Jesus Christ and the quality of life that it brings. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Guide us through the frustrations and disappointments that we may face today. Help us to see and value the blessing descending even now. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God is with Us” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

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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: When you allow God to guide you through life

God’s Guiding Light
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“...And behold, the star that [the wisemen] had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him...”—Matthew 2:9-11 (ESV)

The Star of Bethlehem is renowned as God's guiding light.

It led the shepherds and the three wise men of the East to the Christ child, who was born in a stable and laid in a manger (Luke 2:16). This was the most significant event of their lives. It brought revelation, proclamation, and acceptance of the good news that a savior was born (Luke 2:10). So why did God use a star as His guiding symbol?

Today, if you look at the night sky in a relatively dark area, such as it would have been in Bethlehem, you will see thousands of stars. Most look alike, and we often take them for granted. Yet, a sudden bright star in the sky stood out to the shepherds who lived in the fields and knew the stars like the back of their hand. Also, the star appeared to the wise men who studied the constellations for wisdom and knowledge. It was a sign God knew they would not miss.

God also knew the lowly shepherds would take a little more convincing to follow the star, so he sent a host of angels to give them the message with clear directions (Luke 2:8-14). The wise men didn’t need angel guidance because their curiosity and thirst for knowledge were enough to entice them on an adventure to find the king of the Jews so they could worship him (Matthew 2:2). God guided the shepherds, his witnesses, and the wise men, his scholars, in similar but unique ways because each had a part to play in spreading the good news to all people.

In this Christmas season, let us consider how God uniquely guides us to His Son (Jesus Christ). Whether God reminds us with a star, an angel, or a simple gift, the message is the same: Jesus was born for us, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! God directs us to what is good, brings joy, and offers salvation through His Son.

Whether we respond to the good news like the shepherds who needed a little convincing or boldly go forth like the wise men, the path God shines His light upon will lead us to perfect peace (Luke 1:79). That is His promise to us. The birth of Christ ushered in His gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope. Christ’s resurrection after His death on the cross ensured our place with Him in eternity, where these soul-soothing gifts have no end.

Finally, in this season of miracles, if you are struggling and need guidance from God, take a moment to look up at the starry night sky and remember that He is with you. Pray for His strength and love to transform your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. He was there for the lowest shepherd to the highest king during the greatest event in history. Trust that He is here for you right now!

Let’s Pray: Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. In this Christmas season, as we celebrate His birth, guide us on the bright path of righteousness and bring us into a closer walk with Christ. Help us boldly proclaim the good news of our Savior’s birth and life that brings hope and light to everyone in the world. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Behold (O Holy Night)” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!

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

Promo: Everyday Prayers for Love devotional book by Rachael Adams

Today, we celebrate my author friend Rachael Adams because it is the birthday (release date) of her new devotional book! To celebrate this special event, Rachael has graciously offered an excerpt from Day 19 of her devo, Everyday Prayers for Love: Learning to Love God, Others and Even Yourself. This chapter (Day 19) focuses on how to love people fearlessly. Enjoy!

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Loving Fearlessly
By: Rachael Adams

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear."

—1 John 4:18a

I didn't want to put myself out there again. Every time I did, I was met with disinterest. I already felt like I didn't belong in the group, which seemed to be affirmed each time I brought up an idea or topic of conversation. Whether or not I was misreading the situation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t enough. So, in self-defense, I pulled back. I chose to respond less and withdrew myself from the group before they removed me.

We tend to self-protect when we get hurt, don’t we? Our instinct is to hide or put up walls so our hearts don’t get broken. Likely, we have all had instances where we extended an invitation and were told no, tried out for the team and didn’t make it, applied for the job and didn’t get it, worked towards our dream and were met with a closed door, or gave our best in a relationship and were rejected. In these instances, we are tempted to close ourselves off and not try again. We allow fear of future failure to prevent us from faithfully moving forward.

While this behavior feels safer, it simply isolates and makes us more vulnerable. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). While I’m no zoologist, a pack of animals has a much better chance of protecting themselves against a lion than a single animal alone. The same is true for us as believers. There is strength in community.

But what if it is that community that has caused the hurt? If so, we are tempted to escape. Hiding has been humanity’s tendency from the beginning of time. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they hid from God (Genesis 3:8). But what did God do? He pursued them.

Since creation, and despite rejection, God has desired to fellowship with mankind, pursuing a closer relationship with us. Throughout Scripture, we see the progression of Him moving toward us. First, His Spirit hovered over the waters. Next, He lived in the desert in the Tabernacle. Then, God became flesh when Christ came to live on the earth. When Jesus descended to heaven at Pentecost, He sent the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us. Isn’t it unfathomable that the God of the universe would want to be so near to us? No matter what your earthly relationships are like, God is pursuing you.

Something to Think About

There are 686 mentions of love in the Bible. Fear also ranks high in biblical word count, with the emotion mentioned 437 times. I’ve heard it said before God told us to “fear not” (or some variations of the phrase) 365 times in His Word–one for each day in the year. He knew we would struggle with these feelings. Fear is a valid emotion we should pay attention to, especially if we are unsafe. However, when we are afraid, we can trust that God will be with us. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).” His love will quiet your fears and give you confidence.

Hagar experienced God’s pursuit of love in the desert after being mistreated by Sarah. Although it was Sarah’s plan for her slave Hagar to have a baby with her husband Abraham, she became jealous and took her anger out on her servant. The angel of the Lord found Hagar in the desert and advised her to return to Sarah. After this encounter, Hagar called God El Roi, “the God who sees (Genesis 16:13).”

Hagar returned and birthed her son, Ishmael. Fourteen years later, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21). The bitterness between the women continued, and Sarah demanded Hagar and Ishmael be cast out. Although it grieved Abraham to do so, he gave Hagar and Ishmael some provisions and sent them away.

Once again, God graciously intervened. The Lord saw Hagar’s distress, provided for her need, and blessed her son because he was the child of Abraham. This story reminds us that no matter who or where we are, God sees and cares about us. He will comfort and provide for anyone who turns to Him and always keeps His promises.

Escape is only a temporary solution. God continually desires us to face our problems with His help. We experience His aid most clearly in and through conflicts and difficulties, not away from them. Are there problems in your life from which you’ve been running away? Allow His perfect love to cast out your fear.

Extra Verses For Study Or Prayer

Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:15

Verse Of The Day

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear."

—1 John 4:18a

Prayer

Father, I admit I’m afraid of the heartbreak that can happen in relationships. I have felt rejected and unwanted by people in my life. It feels safer to stay alone than risk being hurt again. But I know You’ve made me for community. Give me the courage to open my heart again. Remind me that You accept, choose, and see me. I no longer want to live in fear. Cast it out and replace it with Your love. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Questions For Deeper Reflection

1. Have you been hurt in relationships with people or even with God? Has this caused you to pull back in self-protection?

2. What could happen if you pushed past the fear? How does knowing God sees you and loves you help to open your heart again?

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Author Bio:

Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and Everyday Prayers for Love, Rachael Adams, hopes to help women realize God’s love and purpose for their lives. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. 

Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, searching @rachaeladamsauthor on Instagram and Facebook, and tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.

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Connect with Rachael:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor/
Website: https://rachaelkadams.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we all need love from God and each other

A Love Beyond All
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

—John 13:35 (NIV)

Do you have certain items with a sentimental meaning, items you keep around mostly because of that?

I certainly do. While minimalism appeals to me in many ways, especially in the home, there are items that bring me so much joy because of the memories they evoke—my Grammy’s teacups collection, which now take up residence in my home. The necklace my dad gave me just before he passed away. Trésor perfume, which never fails to remind me of my aunt. The vintage typewriters my husband found for me, and the heart necklace he gave me when we were dating. His Nana’s Scottish tartan skirt, and a few special pieces of jewelry and artwork that were hers.

These items are special to me because of the people they represent. They’re a tangible, visual symbol of love and relationship, a love that still exists despite the passage of time and even, in many cases, despite the fact that many of these loved ones passed away, some not too long ago.

Recently, my husband’s other grandma—Grandma Mary—passed away. At age 101, Grandma Mary had been born in a Mill Village lumber camp in West Virginia in 1923 and was the oldest of seven siblings, and she worked from a young age to help support her family. It wasn’t an easy life, yet she found true love and joy when she married her husband, “Red,” and they moved to Wooster, Ohio, where they founded the successful W. B. Armstrong oil and gas drilling company and raised three children…one of them my amazing mother-in-law. After cancer took Grandpa Red far too soon—before his grandkids could meet him—Grandma found true love and joy once more in her forty-plus-year marriage to Grandpa Bob before he, too, passed away.

I adored Grandma Mary. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t, truly. She was funny, faithful, warm, smart, and incredibly hardworking. She loved flowers and birds and people, and she welcomed me into the family with open arms.

When we all went to Ohio for her funeral recently, almost the entirety of the family gathered—some as far away as Hawaii, Oregon, and California, not to mention our crew from South Carolina. It was a beautiful thing to see so many people gather in memory of a family’s matriarch. All of us who loved her, even in-laws and “steps,” were invited to take some items from her home, and we gladly did.

As we gathered last week for Thanksgiving, it was especially heartfelt, as my husband and I set our table with china that had been Grandma Mary’s, and he set up his annual Christmas village on the sideboard with a few pieces that had been hers. I wore one of her colorful blouses, and my daughter wore one of the sweater sets Grandma loved so much.

Looking around the table, it occurred to me … things can never truly represent a person, ever. There’s no special “power” they have, no magic or supernatural memory held within. It’s the same thing with the Christian symbols I wear. That cross around my neck isn’t there because I believe it holds special protection. At the end of the day, it’s a tiny piece of gold in a shape—that’s it. Yet it still holds meaning for me because of what it represents. When I wear that cross, I’m proclaiming, “I follow Jesus Christ. Jesus is my Savior. I believe!”

Just like when I wear Grandma Mary’s blouse…or sip tea from my Grammy’s teacup, or dot Trésor on my wrist … I’m saying, “I remember. I loved these people. And I miss them so.”

The Bible warns us against idols. Exodus 20:4-5 expressly forbids us from making, or worshipping or serving, idols of any kind. But idols and sentimental items are two different things. I certainly don’t worship the sentimental items I own, even though they bring me joy when I wear or look at them, for they remind me of a special person or time in my life.

God encouraged the Israelites to make the tabernacle during their time in the wilderness. Constructed according to God's instructions using precious materials like gold and fine linen, the tabernacle served as a physical representation of God’s presence among God’s people. The tabernacle wasn’t God, certainly. But it helped the people have an actual, physical representation to help focus and encourage their worship. Even before this, the Bible tells us God used a symbol with his people. Genesis 8-9 tells us that after the flood, God vowed that he would never again destroy all living creatures (Genesis 8:21). As he said in Genesis 9:13, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (NIV).

Sometimes, symbols help remind us of the deep love that exists between people.

Let us remember that love is the most important part of our human experience.

As Scripture tells us:

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”—1 John 4:8

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”— 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

“We love because he first loved us.”— 1 John 4:19

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”— Matthew 22:37-39

Let us love, now and always, in God’s holy and precious name.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the great love You have for the world and for each one of us. You loved us so much you sent your only son to die for us and show us the path to eternal life with You. Help us to love each other and honor your love as we strive to love others. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "Know Us By Our Love" by Moriah Peters. 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. This year, she’s released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent.

Learn more about Jessica’s 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.