Devotionals for the Heart: The Cross

Celebrate the Cross!
A devotional by Patricia Russell

Spring has sprung and it’s time to celebrate!

Celebrate is a word that you will often hear in my vocabulary because I believe we all have a reason to do this. Celebrate that you are able to read this, you woke up, and you have the ability to do something to impact someone else’s life today. There is one person who not only made an impact but changed the world. His name is Jesus Christ.

While He was celebrated with people waving palm branches and shouts of “Hallelujah”, He was later rejected and sentenced to die on a cross. The cross is more than a classy piece of jewelry or souvenir. The meaning of the cross can be one of the most beautiful yet controversial symbols. Let me explain.

God’s plan for Jesus coming to Earth was to fulfill the prophetic word that had been spoken from way back in Scripture. It was part of His purpose for coming. Jesus made it clear to those who wanted to follow Him there was a price:

“If any of you wants to be my follower,

you must give up your own way,

take up your cross, and follow me.”

(Matthew 16:24 NLT)

Everyone has a cross. You have to take it up. You have to carry it. The cross may involve criticism of your faith. It may be a challenging situation that seems to be dragging on. Whatever it is, it will require you to “give up your own way.” The encouragement is, if you follow Christ you win.

Prior to this verse, Jesus told His disciples it would be necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem. He would be killed, but on the third day, He would rise from the dead. He would be lied about, but He would persevere. Jesus would be hung on a cross and submit to suffering because He knew this was the purpose for which He came.

The result is our faith in Him would be solidified because we would have full assurance in Him. He would suffer but He would survive. He would conquer the grave by doing what He said: He would rise again. Our faith would rise and be strengthened. You and I would become bold and courageous because we worship the true and living Christ!

That’s why we celebrate our risen Lord. That’s why we celebrate life because Jesus conquered death. Death was the one thing that Satan thought would silence His voice. We celebrate because He bore a crown of thorns on His head while on the very cross that He would conquer. We crown Him with our worship. We crown Him with our praise and we worship Him with our life. How do we do that? We do everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). He will give us an inheritance as our reward.

I love watching sports, especially the Olympics. In the Greek games, they were literally “crowned” for achieving success. They trained hard and did not give up despite the pressure. Then they entered the competition and upon completing, they were crowned. We are told in Scripture many times about crowns that you receive as a result of completing your course. The Bible tells us in James 1:12 (ESV) that we will receive the crown of life. We have to do something though. We have to remain steadfast under trial and this is why: “for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

God loves us so much that He sent His only son to love us, teach us, heal us, invites us to have relationship with him. If you have received His invitation but sometimes you want to give up, I invite you to pray with me.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son (Jesus Christ). Thank you for teaching me to stay focused on your promises and that I can overcome anything. Thank you for enduring the pain, dying and rising again for me. We celebrate and thank you for the gift of eternal life. 

Note from Alexis: Patricia's devotional message today reminds me of this song by Dallas Holm called "Rise Again." Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.  

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Interview with Barb Roose about her new book "Breakthrough"

We have a special guest whose book, Breakthrough, releases today! Join me in wishing Barb Roose a "Happy BOOK birthday!" Read on for a proper introduction message and video before diving deep into a Q&A with the author. 

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Introduction: Barb Roose is a speaker, author and host of Better Together Facebook Live Show. She is passionate about teaching women to live beautifully strong and courageous in spite of fear so they experience God's great adventure of faith and purpose. 

Breakthrough–A Women's Bible Study by Barb Roose Promotional Video

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An Interview with Barb Roose about her book,

Breakthrough

For some, Christianity is a long list of rules to be followed, and it’s hard to be a “good Christian” because it always seems you’re breaking one of those rules. In Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ, popular women’s conference speaker and author Barb Roose wants to help readers let go of the feeling they are not a “good enough” Christian and find freedom in Christ by studying Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

In this six-week study, Roose shows women that even the believers in the early church struggled to let go of rule-keeping and performance in order to embrace God’s free gift of grace. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul pours out his heart and faith to set them straight, addressing so many of the same questions and problems we still face today such as: Who has led you to believe you have to follow rules and “measure up”? Why do you think you have to be perfect for God? Does God only show up or love you when you “get it right”?

Read on for this pre-made Q & A with Barb Roose ...

Question (Q): You wrote the Breakthrough Bible study to celebrate God’s amazing grace and unconditional love, especially for Christians who are afraid that they have disappointed God or feel like they have to earn God’s favor or blessing. Did you struggle with this?

Answer (A): Oh yes! I grew up in a religious tradition of lovely people, but there were a lot of rules! While I heard about the gospel at an early age, I remember hearing more “dos” and “don’ts” from Christians around me than God’s love for me.

As a result of their influence and my own thinking, I spent decades judging myself as a Christian by how well I followed the “good” Christian rules such as never miss church, read the Bible every day, and others. Of course, there were seasons of life when I did miss church, I didn’t read the Bible, and I made mistakes. During those times in life, I feared that God was disappointed in me and I felt like a terrible Christian.

Years ago, I shifted my mindset. Instead of focusing on my performance, I decided to ruthlessly believe God’s promises about me and watch out for how He was working in my life. As I noticed where God was working in my life, I stopped feeling the pressure to earn His blessing and favor because I could already see Him giving them to me.

Q: What is the spiritual breakthrough you hope readers will experience by diving into your new Bible study?

A: In a word: FREEDOM! I’m so excited about the opportunity for readers to experience the freedom that comes from knowing that our God is at work in us and that we don’t have to jump through hoops to earn His approval, love or favor. He’s already given it to us in every promise that He’s made to us!

While spiritual breakthrough isn’t a term in the Bible, it is reflected in God’s promise to change and transform us by renewing eternally us in Christ (Galatians 2:20). I’ve seen a lot of descriptions of spiritual breakthrough that put the responsibility for spiritual growth or freedom on human effort, but only God can rescue us from the prisons of our pain, our past and our problems. We might be able to push against the prison bars on our own, but only God can break us free!

In fact, one of the key features of the Breakthrough study is the weekly Spiritual Breakthrough Exercise with unique tools to identify where God is at work. It’s been so much fun listening to women celebrate seeing where God is at work and their confidence in knowing that God is transforming them, and they don’t have to try to make it happen on their own.

Q: We hear a lot about having freedom in Christ, but what does that actually mean for a Christian?

A: In the Breakthrough study, I define “freedom in Christ” as living free from fear and fully alive in God’s joy and purpose.

One of the most tangible examples for me is Jesus’ encounter with the immoral woman in Luke 7. While we don’t know where she came from or what she went through, we know that she cried enough tears at Jesus’ feet that she needed to use her hair to wipe them away. I can relate to that woman’s anguish at certain times in my life.

I love Jesus’ words to her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” She didn’t say any or to do anything to earn Jesus’ forgiveness. He gives her peace just because she came humbly to his feet and Jesus set her free.

This is a powerful lesson for us, especially when we’ve got big regrets or the whispers from the pit of hell try to remind us of our mistakes. Jesus died to bring us freedom and we don’t have to earn it, only receive it and live in it.

Q: What are your six freedom principles?

A: As I studied Paul’s letter to the Galatian church, I created six Freedom Principles to capture the main themes of his letter. I pray that readers will use these principles as tools to apply to their lives when they feel like they need to do more to earn God’s love or blessing.

1. The gospel is based on God’s perfect promises, not our performance.

2. A relationship with God means that we receive from Him rather than follow rules for Him.

3. Your freedom in Christ cannot be shaken or taken away by anyone who chooses not to live like Christ.

4. Freedom in Christ is living free from fear and fully alive with joy and purpose.

5. Spiritual breakthrough is an ah-ha moment when we recognize that God is at work within us, receive what He’s doing, and respond to it.

6. You are God’s beautiful, loveable, capable daughter. You are confident in Christ and worthy of God’s best.

Q: Oftentimes we are hesitant to start the hard conversations about diversity at the risk of offending someone or making a situation worse. What are some ways we can start (and continue) discussions with the correct heart?

A: As part of Paul’s dialogue with the Galatian church, he emphasized that Christ came to break down the divisions between believers, but that doesn’t mean that God intends for us to ignore our differences. God intentionally created humans with differences in color and culture. In Galatians 5:13, Paul writes that we should use our freedom to serve one another in love.

The best way that we can love people who look differently than us is to love them through listening, especially when we don’t know them. Listening begins with inviting people who look differently than us to share their life stories. I like questions like, “Would you tell me about your life?” or “How did your family celebrate special holidays?” or “What’s been hard for you lately?”

When we’re willing to listen to others, it’s a demonstration of humility that we care and respect the other person and their story.

Q: How can we be more supportive rather than judgmental Christians, especially with a friend that has fallen into sin?

A: This is such an important question! I’ve heard from so many hurting Christians who’ve walked away from the church because they made a mistake and Christians were quick to criticize.

We all make mistakes. All have sinned. Paul taught us that our role as believers is to gentle and humbly help those who’ve fallen. We’re not to add to someone’s guilt by telling them how badly they messed up and we’re gossip about them because Paul also taught in Galatians 6 that we’re all prone to faltering.

So, we gently and humbly help people when we follow in Jesus’ footsteps like he did with Zacchaeus the tax collector or the adulterous woman. First, we go to them, not avoid them. Then, we don’t shame them, but rather listen to their story. Finally, we affirm God’s truth and pray with them. We don’t have to save them or force them back on the right path again, that’s God’s job, but not ours.

Q: Can you give us some examples of legalism that hold us back from freedom?

A: In Breakthrough, I tell the story of my conversation with a lovely young believer who felt like she was a bad Christian because she saw other Christians who seemed to read their Bibles more and never miss church. She told me, “Well, I forget to read my Bible sometimes, and I still smoke. I feel like I’m disappointing God.”

My heart hurt for that young believer and so many other Christians who feel exactly like she does. Legalism wants us to believe that we have to earn God’s love and favor by reading our Bibles a certain number of times a week or never missing church. Legalism’s focus is on “what are we doing for God” and the problem is that when the focus is on us, we miss out on receiving what God wants to give us.

When we read our Bibles because we know that God’s truth gives us life, that’s freedom. But when we read our Bibles because we think that will make God happy, that’s legalism. When we go to church because the sermon and music focus us on Jesus’ love, that leads us to freedom. But, when we go to church because we think that God will punish us if we don’t, that’s legalism.

Q: There was a season of your life when, even though you were saved, you decided to disconnect from God because of religious rules. What made you decide to reconnect with God?

A: My mom explained the gospel to me when I was eight years old. I accepted Jesus as my Savior and was baptized when I was nine years old. I was so happy that Jesus saved me that I wanted to be a good Christian and make God happy. I had my list of religious “to-do” rules and worked hard to make God happy. I thought that following all the rules would make me more faithful to God, but I spent so much time in fear. I always wondered if I was doing enough for God and kept pushing myself to jump through those hoops, always trying to do more and do better.

When I got to college, I saw all the other students having fun. I wasn’t having fun while following all of the rules, so I decided to stop. The only problem was that when I abandoned my “good” Christian rules, I felt like I was abandoning what I called my faith.

When I eventually messed up my life so badly that there was nothing I could do to fix it, I experienced an ah-ha moment that changed my life. That moment was realizing that God’s love for me is based on His perfect promises, not my performance. This was when I finally understood the freedom that comes from God’s grace, not following religious rules.

Q: Where can participants access the videos that correspond with each week?

A: In response to the different ways that groups are meeting, I love that my publisher, Abingdon Women, has made a three video formats available: DVDs, digital download, and streaming media. There’s a solution for everyone!

Readers can order DVDs and access to digital downloads from cokesbury.com/barbroose or use the Amplify Media platform for streaming video access at amplifymedia.com.

If you’d like more information on those options, I recorded a video with my friend and fellow Abingdon Women author, Melissa Spoelstra that gives a demonstration of them all at barbroose.com/groupleaders.

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Author Bio: 

Barb Roose is a speaker and author who is passionate about teaching women to live beautifully strong and courageous so that they experience God’s great adventure of faith and purpose for their lives. 

She is the author of five Bible studies including Breakthrough: Finding Freedom in Christ, Surrendered: Letting Go and Living Like Jesus, Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle, and three books including Surrendered: 40 Days to Help You Let Go and Live Like Jesus.

Barb lives in NW Ohio and is proud mother of three adult daughters. Whenever possible, Barb prefers to eat dessert first. Visit Barb’s online home at barbroose.com. 

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Back cover copy for Barb's book, Breakthrough:

Let go of feeling like you are not a “good enough” Christian and find freedom in Christ by studying Paul’s letter to the Galatians in Breakthrough by Barb Roose. 

Have you ever felt that being a good Christian means you’ve got to follow a bunch of rules and measure up?

If so, you aren’t alone! In this six-week Bible study of Galatians, Barb Roose shows us that even the believers in the early church struggled to let go of rule-keeping and performance in order to embrace God’s free gift of grace.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul pours out his heart and faith to set them straight, addressing so many of the same questions and problems we still face today, such as…

- Who has led you to believe you have to follow rules to be right with God?
- Why do you think you have to try to be perfect for God?
- How do we stay free in Christ?

If you’ve ever struggled with these questions or felt trapped by rules or religion, this study will provide a path to discover your freedom in Christ.

Through this study women will learn to:

- Stop trying to measure up and embrace God’s grace
- Distinguish between lies and truth
- Embrace God’s promise of freedom

Components for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a Leader Guide, and video sessions with six 25-minute segments (with closed captioning).

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Buy Barb's book on Amazon

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Connect with Barb:
Website: https://barbroose.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbararoose/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbroose/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbroose/

Romantic Reads: To Love A Prince

Interview with Rachel Hauck about her book, 

To Love A Prince (True Blue Royal Book 1):

Alexis: What inspired you to start writing royal romance stories?

Rachel: I’ve been a fan of the British royal family since Prince Charles married Diana. After her death, we didn’t hear much about the Windsors in America. Then Prince William married Kate and I knew the “royals were back.” She was so poised and beautiful. After William and Kate’s wedding, I came up with my first royal wedding series.

Alexis: What is To Love A Prince about and how is it different from your previous royal romances?

Rachel: At the core, I think To Love A Prince is about second chances. It’s different from my other royal romance based on the journey of the characters’ themselves. They drive the story.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine Daffodil Caron. What does she look like/sound like/act like?

Rachel: Daffy is sweet, funny, artistic. She grew up with the princes from the House of Blue when her mother worked for the queen. But a secret separated them for almost twenty years. When we meet her, she’s living her best life. Or so she thinks. But love has other ideas.

Alexis: Describe the setting for this story. What makes it special to your main characters?

Rachel: Most of this story takes place in a small hamlet called Dalholm. It’s fun, quaint and beautiful. The hamlet is special to the prince because it’s the location of Hadsby Castle where he spent his childhood summers. Dalholm is also the place where Prince Gus and Daffodil discover their real purpose.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s hero His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Augustus. Describe his looks, personality and heart.

Rachel: He’s a very broken man when the story begins. But he’s lived through controversy throughout his life and knows how to survive. He’s very self-deprecating at the start.

Alexis: Is there anything about Daffodil that Prince Augustus does not like?

Rachel: There’s nothing he doesn’t like about her.

Alexis: Why did the media used to label Prince Augustus as “Prince Pudgy” when he was a child? How did he feel about this cruel label? In what ways has he changed now that he is an adult?

Rachel: He’s never liked the moniker, but it’s made him stronger. I also think it made him empathetic to others who struggle. Being a prince didn’t shield him from pain and teasing.

Alexis: After going for such a long time without seeing each other, what happens to their head and heart when Prince Augustus and Daffodil reconnect? Give insight into their thoughts and feelings. 

Rachel: Prince Gus and Daffodil have a really great meet-cute on a beach. The thing I loved about the connection was she reminded him of who he really was and how important he was to the people of Lauchtenland. He reminded her of her childhood and of her dream to make a difference in the world.

Alexis: Give us a hint of how romantic love begins to bloom between Prince Augustus and Daffodil.

Rachel: Daffodil works for the Royal Trust and she’s sent on a mission to Hadsby Castle the same time as Prince Gus. From there, fun and love ensue.

Alexis: What threatens to destroy this new romance between old friends?

Rachel: Daffy has a secret about the queen and through no fault of her own, the news gets out.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this story?

Rachel: I’d love for readers to be engrossed in a fun, romantic story that’s full of hope.

Alexis: If you were Daffodil’s best friend, what would you say to her about her romantic relationship and everything that a woman will have to overcome when she decides to love a prince?

Rachel: She was born for it. It’s her destiny.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Rachel! Would you like to share closing comments?

Rachel: Thanks for having me! I’m honored!

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Author Bio:

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. 

She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award winner. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie. Three more of her titles are under film contract.

Rachel was awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A retired member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Executive Board, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

In the real world, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

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Back cover blurb for To Love A Prince:

An enchanting new royal romance from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck. 

Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace in the North Sea’s Lauchtenland. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the capital city, and a handsome, successful boyfriend. The last person on her mind is Gus, the prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricatured by the press—he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But after he’s jilted at the altar, then dumped by his second fianceé, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue finds solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar rather than serve his country and the Family.

But a wild Frisbee toss down the beach changes his destiny.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince. She reminds Gus of his heritage and assures him that he’s needed in Lauchtenland.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment at Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding ball, their friendship blooms into affection.

Then secrets are exposed, and Gus must choose between his past hurts and his future hope. And Daffy must trust her heart to forever love a prince.

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Buy Rachel’s book on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes and Noble, or Kobo

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Connect with Rachel:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rachelhauck
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rachelhauck
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelhauck
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/rachelhauck
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-hauck

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Devotionals for the Heart: How to tell if a person is a disciple of Jesus Christ

Can people tell I’m a Christian?
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Maybe I’m wearing a Bible verse T-shirt and carry a cute travel mug with “I run on Jesus and coffee.” Maybe I clasp a cross around my neck, tuck a Bible into my work bag, and say things like “God bless you” or “I’ll pray for you.”

Is that enough? Is that how other people can tell I’m a Christian?

Sadly, no. It doesn’t matter what we wear or even the words that come out of our mouths. We can say the sweetest, kindest words, but nothing identifies us as a Jesus-follower other than one key thing.

Love.

At the Last Supper, the day before His crucifixion, Jesus was talking with His disciples about the importance of caring for each other. He’d washed their feet, exemplifying servant-leadership, and shared bread and wine with them, which he said represented His own body and blood, which would soon be sacrificed for them.

Then Jesus told them He wouldn’t be with them much longer. Therefore, He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV).

These words are profound: a commandment to love, just as Jesus loved us. We are to love with an all-encompassing, sacrificial love, a love that points to the Father first. This love Jesus speaks of isn’t just a feeling—He’s talking about love as an action. And how do we love others? We love them by caring for them, tending to their needs, feeding them.

In Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV), before the crucifixion, Jesus indicated how we are to love: with mercy. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

And in John 21, after His resurrection, Jesus gathered around a campfire on the bank of the river roasting fish they’d just caught and reiterated this. “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep’” (John 21:15-18 NIV).

If you love me, you’ll feed my sheep, Jesus says—you’ll take care of my sheep.

Who are Jesus’s sheep? All of us. Those who already believe in Jesus, who belong to God’s church, are His sheep…but so are those who don’t yet believe, but one day will. All are His sheep. All are valued. And all deserve love.

So if you want to wear a Scripture hoodie, great! If that cross tattoo helps you stay focused on your faith walk, go for it. But remember: nothing we wear or say indicates that we follow Christ—only the love we show others in His name.

How can you show others the love of Christ?

Let’s Pray: Lord, You know I’m a work in progress, and that I don’t always love my neighbors as myself. Help me to open my heart to people. Put compassion and love in my heart. Help me to see other people and their needs and have the strength, courage, and Spirit to step up and help them in Your name. Help me to showcase Your love in all I think, say, and do. In your precious name I pray, Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Jessica’s devotional today reminds me of this song “How Beautiful” performed by Twila Paris.

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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, and a member of the Wholly Loved Ministries team.

Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Happy Easter Sunday! JESUS (Christ) is our HOPE in hopeless times!

Devotionals for the Heart: Butterflies and the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Holy Week
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16 (ESV)

It’s Holy week! The week between Palm Sunday, the observance of when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on a donkey to the cheering crowds shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” to Easter Sunday, the day of celebration and rejoicing that “Jesus is risen! He’s alive!”

During this week, Christians around the world take the opportunity to reflect on the events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Among these events are the last supper, Jesus’s arrest, trial, and the crucifixion (Matthew 21-28; Mark 11-16; Luke 19-24; John 12-21). It is a week great in contrast: from public celebration to accusation, confusion, and ending with death.

As I personally reflect on these events and the life of Jesus, it reminds me of the life cycle of a butterfly. The day it is born, a very tiny caterpillar hatches from an egg. It is small and vulnerable as Jesus was – a baby born in a stable. As the caterpillar takes in nutrients, it grows its body mass thousands of times. Jesus grew up in wisdom and stature because he was about his Heavenly Father’s business, even teaching in the temple at age 11! As caterpillar grows, it changes in appearance. For thirty years, Jesus prepared and waited for the right time to be revealed as the son of God.

A caterpillar knows its purpose – to live, grow, effect life, and sacrifice its life to become something beautiful. Jesus also knew His purpose – to live, grow, point people to a life with God, and ultimately sacrifice himself for the remission of sins to show us the way to become something beautiful too.

On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified on the cross and buried in a tomb. All hope seemed lost. His disciples were hiding, and the enemy believed he had won. When a caterpillar becomes a chrysalis, it appears dead, wrapped in a cocoon. At this stage in its life cycle is the most dangerous because of weather, disease, and predators. By all accounts it appears dead, but the truth is that a transformation is occurring. So too did a transformation occur in the kingdom of Heaven as Jesus entered hell and took back the keys to death, hell, and the grave.

When a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, its wings are crumpled. It must hang its wings down and begin pumping them so they will fill with fluid and straighten out. It must wait until its wings are ready to fly. So too did Jesus, even after he had resurrected from the tomb, take time to prepare before revealing himself in all his glory. When Mary saw him at the tomb, he told her not to touch him because his time was not yet ready, but he sent her ahead to tell the others the good news (John 20:17).

So why is the life cycle of a butterfly important to the life and death of Jesus? To the world, butterflies are indicators of a healthy environment. They also show us the beauty and fragility of life. For the world, Jesus came to show us the unhealthy life of our souls without him. He showed the way to a better life here on earth and to one that would be eternal. He died so that we might live abundantly (John 10:10)!

So, as we reflect on this Holy Week, let us pay reverence to our risen Savior, His sacrifice, and rejoice in His victory, but also consider the beauty of His creation all around us that reflects His glory too. It’s purposeful, motivated, willing to sacrifice even unto death, but it’s also destined to become something more wonderful and beautiful than anyone can imagine.

Praise the Lord! He is Risen!

*Note from Alexis: Mirachelle’s devotional reminds me of the song “Hosanna” by Hillsong Worship. You can listen to it here.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we thank you and honor you for your sacrifice on the cross. We rejoice in your resurrection power. We ask that you give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to receive the message of your glory reflected in all creation so that it may also be reflected in us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When God has more in store for you

What if God Wants More for You?
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” – Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

A few days ago, I recorded a video for a select group of individuals. During that video I spoke about Peter and John healing a man who was lame, and I referenced Acts 3:1-10 (NLT).

In this Scripture, you can read how this man was “lame from birth.” People carried him and “put him beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple” (Acts 3:2 NLT).

When this man who was lame saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter then told the man, “Look at us!” The man looked at them expecting to receive some money. But instead, Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Let’s read what happens next in Acts 3:7-8a (NLT): “Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk!”

The man stood up and walked into the temple with Peter and John, while praising God. In Acts 3:10, it is stated that the people were filled with wonder and amazement because of what happened.

When God Wants More for You

When I read and reflect on this story, I always ask myself, “What if God wants more?”

The man who was lame asked Peter and John for alms, not realizing he was about to receive something a million times better–a complete healing, an ability to do something he had never done before. Think about this! We go to God in prayer, and at times, we ask Him for things, according to what we (the flesh) want or think we should have. Some of us may even take those steps of trying to make some things happen without consulting God. Quite often, we don’t realize that God’s plans and blessings for us are greater than we imagine.

Don’t Withhold Praise from God

I just cannot skip the following very important part of the story. Note that in Acts 3:8 (NKJV), it is stated that the man who was once lame praised God! “So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” He was not ashamed. He was not shy about it. He was overjoyed and He praised the Lord for this miraculous act that was done. We should not withhold our praise from the Lord. When God does something for us, we should not be shy about praising Him.

The Way God Blesses You Will Amaze People

In Acts 3:10, it is stated that the people were “filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him”. This man who was lame from birth, can now walk? But not only is he walking, he is leaping! The Lord made it obvious what He can do by healing the man who was once lame. What has God done in your life that has amazed people?

Just think about those times when people counted you out, those times people underestimated you, those times people assumed you would never be healed and be whole again, those times when people saw the predicament you were in and assumed you would never make it … But God worked a miracle in your life and it amazed people! Those same individuals who doubted what God could do for you were astounded. Now, think about the numerous things God will do in your life. I don’t know about you, but I get excited every time I think about it!

Expect More

When we pray, let’s ask God’s will to be done, and let us not be limited in our thinking. God has plans to do extraordinary things through us. What He has in mind may be different from what your mind initially conceived. Although God’s goals for you may be different, what He has planned for you is better. It is more.

In closing, please remember: Your plans for yourself cannot compete with God’s plans for you.

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Author Bio:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name “Positivity Inspires,” is an author, speaker, minister, PharmD, multi-state licensed pharmacist, founder and owner of Positivity Inspires, LLC, and most importantly, a servant of the Lord. 

She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily.
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Dr. Borden has been blessed with a variety of gifts, and she has gained much professional experience in a variety of settings. She also has served in administrative roles in the professional and church settings. In addition to obtaining her PharmD, she also obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology (minor in English), and she is working on her third degree. What’s more, as stated in her words, “I completed a specialty pharmacy residency that prepared me for the workforce and made me a force to be reckoned with.”

Temeka is a long-distance runner, a drummer, a singer, and she has a strong “fashion sense.” She also can read and type at almost supersonic speed in some instances.

Dr. Borden loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to challenge herself.

She loves God and she loves people. She is “crazy about her family,” and she adores her friends. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone.

Temeka loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments.

Dr. Borden loves to laugh and loves to make other people laugh. She also is passionate about giving back to the community. Her favorite sayings are “Speak Up!” and “Watch God Work!”

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Connect with Temeka:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PositivityInspiresPage/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/positivity_inspires/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/pinspires