Devotionals for the Heart: How to love others like Jesus Christ loves us

How To Spell Love
A devotional by Maureen Miller

“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)

Love. It’s both noun and action.

Do you feel the love? This is a sentence that portrays the word “love” as a noun. I will love you forever. That sentence portrays love as a verb.

One of the greatest “love” verses of all time tells of the greatest action by the One who loves us the greatest. The Bible says in John 3:16 (ESV), “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

I am grateful for God’s love, made tangible by His Son (Jesus Christ) after He died to save our souls then rose again, now living forever as our High Priest in Heaven. Jesus intercedes for us daily before our Heavenly Father (God). He is our bridge between Heaven and Earth. But with God’s love comes a mandate. He says in John 13:34-35 (NIV), “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.”

So, if love is a verb, then what does it look like when put in action? How about putting love in action with three four-letter words: look, hear, and pray.

Love Spelled L-O-O-K

Consider look synonymous with see. To recognize. Know. Is there anything more satisfying in regard to relationships than being seen? Truly known by another, be it a spouse, child, parent or friend?

Hagar, the maidservant of Abram’s wife Sarai, fled into the wilderness, distraught and in despair. Far from her Egyptian family and estranged from Sarai due to carrying Abram’s child, she felt alone. Afraid. But God met her in her despair, then spoke to her. He saw her. Hagar, perhaps for the first time in her life, felt truly known. Scripture tells us in Genesis 16:13 (NIV): She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

How about us? How can we love like the Lord by seeing—truly knowing and recognizing—others? When we lead busy lives, this takes intentionality. This spelling of love requires prayer. Ask the One who sees and knows every heart to guide us in our relationships to helps us better look (love) like Him.

Love Spelled H-E-A-R

We love others when we hear them. That is, when we listen. Have you ever shared something with someone? After pouring out your heart to them, perhaps they ask you a question that lets you know they hadn’t really heard what you were saying. He or she was not truly listening. Honestly, how does that make you feel?

Consider the love Jesus Christ demonstrated when he heard the Samaritan woman at the well. According to Jewish customs, our Savior should not have spoken to a Samaritan. But God’s Son often went against rules of the times to do that which was righteous, and His interaction with this hurting woman is no exception. In the moments He spent with her, Jesus listened to her heart and, in turn, her heart was changed by Him.

But it wasn’t just her heart that was changed—the lives of everyone who heard her testimony were changed for the better too. Now they believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world (John 4:39-42). Did you catch that? It was because of the woman’s testimony. Jesus listened to her and she, in turn, shared. Those who listened to her—and, eventually, Jesus—believed too because they heard.

What a beautiful love cycle! Pray and ask the Lord to create in you a listening heart—one intentionally engaged with others in a manner that spills over, resulting in changed lives through the power of your God-given testimony.

Love Spelled P-R-A-Y

The very best way to love another is this four-letter action—that which we too often take for granted. What’s the saying? “Prayer—it’s the very least and the very most we can do for another.” How true. Jesus set the standard for this particular love in action, teaching us how to pray to God in Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV).

As we pray to our gracious, merciful Heavenly Father (God) with an earnest desire to love others well, acknowledging He who in His holiness, knows all and loves all perfectly, we rest assured. He will guide us to love like Him. And what could be better? For us to love others like Jesus—the One who sees, hears, and, while on earth, prayed—is the perfect way to love others, today and always.

Let’s Pray: Kind Father, please enable us to love as You love. Help us see others through Your eyes, hear them with Your ears, then pray for them in the pure love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the love of Christ fill our hearts and minds today and always. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Love God Love People” by Danny Gokey. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Savior to Me” by Kerrie Roberts. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Maureen Miller is an award-winning author with stories in more than twenty collaboratives. 

She contributes to All God’s Creatures published by Guideposts, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites, including the award-winning Arise Daily and Inspire A Fire.

Married for 36 years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, she enjoys life with their three born-in-their-hearts children and three grand-girls, not to mention a variety of furry beasts. They live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Maureen is a speaker, as well as the chaplain of her local Word Weaver critique group. She writes posts online via the “Windows and Wallflowers” blog where she tells of God’s extraordinary character discovered in the ordinary things of life.

Her favorite thing is to encourage others in their journey with Jesus Christ.

Maureen’s debut novel, Gideon’s Book, is now available.

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Connect with Maureen:
Email: Maureen.miller913@gmail.com
Website: https://maureenmillerauthor.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should take time to spend with God

Don’t Lose the Wonder of Spending Time with God
A devotional by Patricia Russell

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

I have watched, on several occasions, a bee buzzing from flower to flower looking for food. The proper word is for this action is “foraging”.

Apparently, as they are doing this, sticky hairs from the flowers get on them, and they transfer that to other flowers. By doing this, they are fertilizing other flowers, enabling plant production. This is the beauty and the marvelous wonder of God's creation. Watching these bees and their activity causes me to be still and to marvel at what I see. It’s very peaceful and relaxing. Yet it’s something that we often miss out on when we don’t slow down and take time to ponder and admire how God created nature and causes His creations to work together.

Just like it's important to take time out to “smell the roses”, as we would say, God longs for us to take time to be still in His presence. For many of us, we are rushing to meet daily deadlines and catch up with the latest newsworthy story, while feeling pressure to express our opinion at every turn on social media. Yet I believe God is calling us with greater intensity to slow down and enjoy His presence. There’s a Bible story about this when Jesus Christ visited Mary and Martha. We can read about this in Luke 10:38-42.

Martha was very annoyed at the fact that her sister was sitting at the feet of Jesus and simply listening to Him. Sometimes I think there was envy in Martha's heart. I think she may have wanted to forget about preparing the food for her guest and simply sit down then see if anyone noticed. These sisters were both wired very differently but Mary was more consumed with the words, with the atmosphere and with the enrichment she was receiving at the Master's feet. Yes, we all have responsibilities. However, I know that we too can take the time to lay aside the preparation of food and delay some things that may seem necessary for the benefit of enjoying the presence of the Most High God. How can we do this?

We do this through fasting and giving our bodies rest. Our bodies work very hard. Maybe we work our bodies too hard. Yet when we can stop, sit, read and drink in from the life-giving source of the Word of God (The Holy Bible), close our eyes and meditate on what He says to our spirit then we will experience a fullness in our spirit that cannot be compared with anything else. The best food prepared for our bodies to consume can’t be compared with the satisfying nourishment of God’s Word because it nourishes our spirit.

When we give our bodies a break from food it has a twofold purpose: It allows us to stop and dive into the food of the Word of God which heals our minds and refreshes our spirit. Secondly, we allow our physical bodies to rest and to heal.

There as been a growing interest in North America on the power of fasting from a physical perspective and some who do not talk about Christ are even understanding to some degree that there is a spiritual benefit. So, let’s be like Mary in the Bible. Maybe for half a day or even a day, let’s block our calendar and commit the time that would be used to prepare food or go out and eat, to walk out in nature and converse with our Creator who longs to speak with us.

God wants to share His heart with us, build us up and draw us close to Him.

Let's Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling us and speaking to us even through your wonderful creations that we see in nature. Help us to pause long enough to admire your handiwork in this world. Thank You for waiting for us to sit at your feet and simply listen to You. Give us a thirst for more of You today and in the days ahead so that we can hear your heart and draw closer to You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula, feat. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Draw Me Close” by The Katinas. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Draw Me Nearer Medley: I Am Thine, O Lord/Draw Me Close” by Patricia Russell. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A pure and true love that will never leave you

A Love That Never Leaves
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”—Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)

Every February, couples celebrate Valentine’s Day holiday.

Many of us learn about this holiday as early as elementary school when the tradition in the classroom this time of year was to give “Happy Valentine’s Day” greeting cards and sometimes candy to our classmates. Sometimes, the girls secretly hoped to receive an extra-special one from the cute boy who they had a crush on. For many females, that same mindset follows us into adulthood. We quietly hope the special man in our lives will buy the perfect gift, and when he falls short, disappointment quickly follows. No matter what the relationship has looked like the rest of the year, we often place all our feelings on this one day.

Even when the people in our lives fail to show up in the ways we want or need, we must remember who we are and whose we are. We are children of the Eternal King (God). We belong to Him. Once we truly understand this, we can begin to love others rightly. Love is not something we give based on what someone does for us; we love them because of who they are. This reminds me of God’s love for us and why we should love Him too. The Bible says this about His Love for humankind in 1 John 4:19 (NIV), “We love because he first loved us.”

The beautiful thing about God is that He loves us every day, and His love is unconditional. God does not forget dinner plans, fail to read our minds, or rush to the florist at the last minute. His love for us is everlasting—eternal and enduring without end—because God is love. Unlike the world, which often loves with a “What can you do for me?” mindset, the Lord’s love has no limits. God does not look back over the year or month to determine how much He loves us today. His love is not based on what we do for Him, but on who He is.

God’s love is constant. He shows His love daily by waking us up in the morning and protecting us from seen and unseen danger. His love is not tied to a holiday or a season. God sees everything we do and still loves us with all our faults, flaws and failures. However, we as flawed humans often see those same faults and judge each other or “cancel” people. They remind us of who we used to be and question what we should or should not do based on past failures. But God sees the person He created and knows who we can become when we walk in the purpose He designed for us. His love does not leave us when we fall. He picks us up and carries us. God covers us in the storm, while the world may drag us through the mud because often people love us for what we can do for them or for the image we project.

Here's the truth: Everyone wants to be loved for who they are—imperfections, flaws, and failures included—not judged but comforted by someone who truly sees them. However, what we often discover is that people love conditionally, while only God loves unconditionally. Yes, God rebukes us when we are wrong and calls us to repentance and obedience, but He still extends grace and mercy. Humans tend to judge each other before hearing the full story and count us out after one mistake. But God—who sees what others cannot—offers chance after chance.

If you are seeking true and everlasting love, do not look for it from people; seek God as your Heavenly Father. He alone can give the love that never leaves.

God’s love brings comfort and joy not only in happy moments, but also in painful ones. While some measure love by gifts or status, and others feel discouraged by loneliness, God remains faithful. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The Bible says in Psalm 34:18 (NIV), “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Valentine’s Day may come once a year, but God’s love is available to us every day.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for a love that never ends—a love that does not exhaust or condemn but lovingly corrects and desires to see me at my best. Thank You for a love that still chooses me daily, even when I am walking through my mess. I love You, Lord.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Love” by Kirk Franklin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Love Theory” by Kirk Franklin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Am Loved/There Is Nothing Better” by Maverick City Music (feat. Naomi Raine) | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “That's How Much I Love You” by Kathy Troccoli. Listen it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be still and listen for God's whispers

God’s Whisper Always Cuts Through the Chaos
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”— Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Have you ever been to an orchestra concert?

My son plays the viola in an orchestra, so we’ve been to plenty over the years.

Before the concert gets started, everybody’s warming up onstage, and it sounds like a chaos of noise. But then, at last, a single note rings out as the concertmaster plays, and the other string instruments strive to match that note, perfectly in tune. In an instant, chaos becomes order. Soon enough, the conductor onstage lifts his or her hands, and beautiful music begins to soar.

I think of that chaos sometimes when I think of our world. Everybody’s busy doing their own thing and experiencing their own troubles. People are born and they die. Marriages begin and they end. We go about our work and rush around in traffic and weave in and out of our days, and it’s all just . . . noise sometimes. But then a single note rings out, God’s whisper! His beautiful breath of life. And suddenly our ears attune to Him. Our voices become slow and steady, our work stills, and we—along with all creation—turn to honor the One, the Creator, the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord God Almighty.

I imagine that’s how it will be in the end days when the trumpet sounds. I imagine that’s how it was in the Garden of Eden when God spoke the universe into creation. I imagine that’s how it was when Elijah so desperately craved hearing God’s voice in his darkness and finally realized it was there—not in the wind or the earthquake or the raging fire, but in the whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).

God speaks order into creation quite often. What can we mere human beings do but stop everything and listen? We are so busy and distracted all the time, my friends. All of us that distraction is a tool Satan uses to confuse us and skew our priorities. But we serve a God of order, balance, love, and perfection—not chaos. I imagine that is why Psalm 46:10 (NIV) resonates with so many of us when in that verse, God said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Be still, all you people. Settle down all your rushing to and fro. Bask in God’s timeless knowledge and merciful peace. We are not God, and we are not gods. But we are oh, so blessed, to belong to Him. May we surrender our hearts, our minds and our souls to him daily—now and forever.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly God, thank You so much for Your calm, true, perfect, and steady presence and love. Help us look to You even the world feels like chaos. Help us remember You are the truth and nothing else matters. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Be Still and Know” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Speak” by Bethany Music. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to find beauty in the winter seasons of life

Finding Beauty in Our Winters
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

—Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)

“It’s snowing, Teacher!” My students bounced into the classroom, their young faces bright with smiles. Melting flakes dripped onto the floor from their boots.

“Really?” I looked outside with a shiver. I wasn’t as excited as the children. The snow meant an icy commute home!

In fact, as the winter dragged on, I was finding it harder to appreciate snowfalls. It felt like all I could see was endless grey, black, and brown. Muddy sidewalks, stark trees, towering grey apartment buildings. I missed green! I missed beauty!

A thought suddenly came to me: “Perhaps you’re looking for beauty in the wrong places. There is beauty in winter, even if it’s a different beauty to summer.” The thought felt like a playful challenge from God. How could I widen my perspective?

On my commute the next day, I looked out the train window at the trees and fields. Yes, they were brown and bare. But the branches made striking shapes and patterns against the vibrant blue sky. Tall, golden grasses waved at the edges of the fields. They glowed when the sunlight hit them just right. Even the endless browns had variegated shades. There was beauty here, after all; I just needed the eyes to see it.

Some seasons of our lives feel like winter—long, cold, bleak, seemingly unproductive. We may miss the beauties and abundance we experienced in our “spring” or “fall.” But what if God is inviting us to look again and find hidden gifts and loveliness in this season?

Winter is a time of rest and retreat for the Earth, and there is a beauty in that. We, too, need time to slow down, contemplate, and refresh our energies, especially in harder seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Perhaps in this winter, God is inviting you to pause. Jesus Christ’s invitation to His disciples then could also be an invitation to you now. He said in Mark 6:31 (NIV), “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

As much as there is beauty in slowing down, it may feel frustrating to experience disruption to our plans and productivity. But God can give us new opportunities in winter.

The apostle Paul experienced a literal “wintering” on his way to Rome. His ship faced winds and storms as the crew searched for a suitable harbor to winter in (Acts 27:1-26). Eventually, after lost time and even a dramatic shipwreck, Paul and the other passengers and sailors arrived in Malta (Acts 27:27 – Acts 28:2). The islanders showed them “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2). Paul healed the sick father of the island’s chief and then healed all the other sick islanders too (Acts 28:7-9). And, as Luke reports in Acts 28:10 (NIV), the islanders “honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.”

Even though the winter storm threw the ship off course, this disruption ultimately led to blessings for both Paul and the islanders. What unexpected blessing—or opportunities to bless others—might be waiting in the disruptions of our winter?

Winter may indeed seem bleak at times, but there are gifts here still, because the Creator makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Let’s Pray: Father God, winter feels long and frustrating. Sometimes it’s hard to see goodness in this season. Renew our perspective! Open our eyes to the beauty and blessings that you have prepared for us even here. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Winter Snow” by Chris Tomlin feat. Audrey Assad. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “In His Time” by Maranatha Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shelter” by Pat Barrett. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

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Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be disciplined and walk with God

Discipline: Doing the Lord’s Instructions
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Happy New Year!

As you embrace this new year, you may be filled with hope of the possibility of new beginnings or you may be walking into it, fearing the unknown or still yet have mixed emotions about what to expect. No matter the emotion you may be feeling at this time, in as much as possible we have to prepare ourselves for what lies ahead of us.

Each year for the past eight years, I have been asking the Lord for a word and or scripture that guides my year, and without fail He gives me one. This year is no different. As I prayerfully asked the Lord for the word for this year, it seems the Lord was just waiting for me to ask because before the final words left of the prayer left my lips, I heard the word “discipline”, firm and strong. Immediately I understood what the Lord was saying to me, I smiled to myself and started praying for the strength to do what He called me to do, and to complete the tasks that He gave me that are still unfinished.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “discipline” as “an activity that one engages in regularly to train or improve oneself.” To do what the Lord wants me to do will require action on my part. As I reflect not only on the word, but the underpinning scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6), I thought how do these two relate to each other. It takes discipline to daily read God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and apply it to our lives. And to trust Him requires a deliberate effort on our part. To not do things in our own understanding requires discipline. You and I are not short of knowing what the Lord requires of us (Micah 6:8), neither are we unaware of the instructions God has given us in His Word. I believe that sometimes we fall short of doing what is required.

You may have set some goals you want to accomplish this year or you may have some goals carrying over from 2025. How will they be met if you aren’t willing to move from talking about these goals to achieving them? For every plan you have—personal, professional, spiritual—you have to be willing to develop and stick to a plan of moving forward to achieve your goals.

We know that life is always moving. Challenges, difficulties, hardships will come that can derail our efforts to change for the better. We may wonder: How we can trust God in difficult times? How can I still do what He requires when all hell is breaking loose around us? It is in these times that we make a concerted effort to look at the Lord’s perfect track record and ask: Has He come through for me before? Does He have a good plan for my life? Is He trustworthy? By doing this, we are disciplining our thoughts to reflect on who God is, instead of allowing the enemy to cause us to believe anything other than the truth of the God we serve.

Like an athlete who has to train in good and harsh environments, we have to train ourselves to do what needs to be done. We have to set our faces like a flint and determinedly say, “No matter what I am faced with, I will move forward in order to accomplish the plans the Lord has for my life.” The choice is yours. Will you focus on what your limited understanding knows or in all your ways, will you acknowledge the Almighty God who knows all and has unlimited understanding?

Sometimes we need to simply tell God, “Lord, I don't understand your plans, but I know they are good. Help me to walk in them and help me to do what’s necessary so that your will for my life will be accomplished.” Then watch how God helps us.

Do you have a word or scripture for this year, or has God given you the same word from last year? Discipline might not be your word, but here’s how you can apply it to your life: If your goal is spiritual growth, set a plan to read your Bible daily, if your goal is financial freedom, set a plan to save by opening an account and do an automatic saving, almost everything we do is rooted in action. When you don’t know what to do, choose to trust God for His direction because you know He has the best plan for you.

May you grow this year in good ways as you walk into God’s will for your life with the full assurance that He will show you which path to take and He will walk alongside you as you trust Him with each step.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this new year, thank You for the good plans that You have for your children. Thank You for your words that remind us to trust You with our whole heart. Father, we confess that it’s not always easy to move to do what you have required of us, so I pray that you will help us do Your will. Lord, your children look to You today in awe of your goodness, your faithfulness and your love. Lord whatever You have called us to do, may we trust your heart for our life and walk in purpose towards your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Eyes on the Prize” by Sara Groves. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
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Devotionals for the Heart: Why we can always reach out to Jesus Christ

Hope in the Hem: Why Your Trembling Touch is Enough for Jesus Christ
A devotional by Patti Schultz, Ed.D.

And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”—Mark 5:34 (NKJV)

There were days when simply remembering to breathe felt like victory.

Days when brushing my teeth required more strength than I thought I had. This was my reality through a decade of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and an adoption that fell through.

In those dark moments, I longed for stories of others who understood. What I discovered in that fragile space was something unexpected: God's presence woven into every uncertain step, every whispered prayer, every tear-stained morning. Like the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) who reached for the hem of Jesus Christ’s garment in desperate faith, I too began reaching out—not yet knowing how the story would end, but trusting that Jesus was near.

When we finally welcomed three miracle babies, I understood her story in a deeper way: healing isn't always immediate, but His presence is always available. I learned that sometimes the miracle isn't just in the outcome, but in the strength He provides for each impossible day.

Perhaps you're entering this new year carrying your own heavy burdens—waiting for answers that haven't come, holding onto prayers that feel unanswered. The story of the woman who touched the hem of Christ’s garment speaks directly to that ache. Her desperate faith offers us a lifeline when all seems lost.

In Mark 5:25-34, we see a woman who, in desperation, reached out and found healing when she touched the hem of Christ’s garment. Despite her long suffering, she believed Jesus possessed the power to cure her. Her act was a simple yet profound step of faith—a quiet gesture that changed her life.

This story highlights that faith, when paired with unwavering trust, can transform even the darkest circumstances. As we face new challenges this year, we too can reach out to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal. Her story encourages us to believe that no matter how long we’ve waited or how heavy our burdens, Jesus is always ready to meet us with compassion.

What I've learned through my journey is this: Jesus doesn't wait for us to have perfect faith or eloquent prayers. He responds to the desperate reach, the trembling touch, the quiet cry for help. Through prayer, tears, and whispered longings, I experienced His grace in ways I never expected. The transformation wasn't always dramatic—sometimes it looked like tiny fingers grasping mine, or the strength to face another day. But each moment became evident that His life-giving presence was real, intimately woven into the fabric of my everyday life.

So how do we reach out when our arms feel too heavy to lift? How do we touch the hem of His garment when despair threatens to paralyze us? Start small. Consider creating sacred spaces in your day—perhaps a morning prayer where you literally extend your hand upward, or an evening journal where you write down the “small victories” of grace you've witnessed. These simple practices became my lifeline during the darkest seasons, and they can become yours too.

Whatever burdens you carry into this new year, whatever losses still ache in your heart, know this: Hope is never truly out of reach. It waits for you in the hem of His garment, in the sacred moment when you reach out and whisper, “Jesus, I need You.” Then in His compassion, Jesus will meet you there, ready to make something beautiful from your brokenness.

Let’s Pray: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for this new year—for fresh mercies and new beginnings. I come to You with a hopeful heart, trusting that You see every need and hear every cry. Help me to reach out in faith, just as the woman who was suffering for twelve years did, knowing that Your power is available to heal, restore, and renew. Calm my fears, strengthen my hope, and fill me with Your peace. May I always remember that no matter how long I’ve been waiting, You are the God of miracles. Meet us, Lord, in our unique needs—You who know each of us by name. Thank You for Your unwavering love. 

In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Healer” by Kari Jobe (covered by ASL & CC by Rock Church Deaf Ministry). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Just One Touch” by Kim Walker Smith. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Meet Me There” by Lydia Laird. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Patti Schultz’s inspiring journey weaves a tapestry of compassion, resilience, and divine hope. 

Formerly a public school principal, professor, teacher, and interpreter for the deaf, she now dedicates her life to a heartfelt ministry rooted in her personal experiences.

As a mother to three miracle boys here on Earth and a member of a heavenly soccer team, Patti’s story is one of unwavering faith and profound love. Her decade-long battle with infertility and recurrent loss fuels her deep compassion for grieving mothers, guiding them toward healing through the comforting embrace of Jesus Christ’s garment. 

Patti’s gentle wisdom offers a safe haven for women navigating pain, reminding them they are never alone. Through her ministry, she seeks to envelop grieving mothers in divine comfort, encouraging hope, renewal, and the reassurance that God's love is always near, wrapping them in His compassionate hem as they walk the path to healing.

Living in northern Michigan, she cherishes precious moments with family and community, drawing strength from faith and connection.

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Connect with Patti:
Website: pattischultz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pattischultz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Patti.Schultz
Email: dr.patti.schultz@gmail.com