Devotionals for the Heart: Experience God's peace in a walnut orchard

A Walnut Orchard Taught Me about Peace
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

—Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

The peacefulness of a walnut orchard is a sight to behold.

The canopy that the majestic trees make over the straight rows of mown grass, the immense cover of shade as well as the tunnels down the aisles of trees—it’s beautiful. It produces a peace that can be felt.

Having the privilege of living in Northern California, I am surrounded by many types of orchards—one of my favorites being a walnut orchard. Not only are the trees huge, heavy laden with their fruit midsummer, they create a scene so quiet, so serene and so still. One just has to pause and breathe.

There are miles of orchards near our farm. I get a sense of expectation when I know I will be passing along those roads filled with trees on either side. I anticipate it long before I see them because I know I will see peace. Yes, see it. There really is no other way to describe it.

One of my dreams is to picnic under the umbrella of the walnut trees, to spend the time with good company, feasting, painting, and experiencing encouragement that comes from sharing life together. While I have not done that yet, I have had picnics in our own pasture in our flower garden, and in our vegetable garden. Serene.

The Bible tells us that God is our source of perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). His peace is beyond measure and understanding. God offers everything we need to have our hearts and minds guarded against the evils, trials and tests we have in this world. But what happens if peace is missing, elusive, just beyond our reach? How can I get the peace I crave?

The Apostle Paul gives us an if-then clause in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT). He states it quite clearly when he said, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

There are four commands given to us in verse six. Let’s review each one:

Command #1: Don’t worry about anything. Literally anything. This is a tall order, but with God it is possible.

Command #2: Pray about everything. Notice the words “anything” and “everything”. They pretty much cover it all.

Command #3: Tell God what you need. Talk to Him about your wants and needs. In a relationship, communication is key. Back and forth dialogue, the exchanging of ideas, needs, dreams, experiences are what keep the relationship alive and real. The same is true in our faith walk with God.

Command #4: Thank God. This is one part which often gets overlooked. We pray, we wait, we receive. We move forward, often forgetting we had prayed. Or we receive an answer for something we had not prayed for previously, and not even realizing we had a need. When we do get exactly what we need at precisely the time we need it, we accept it, but forget the source—God, our loving Heavenly Father.

When we practice these four commands, God gives us peace. We need only to look at our actions to see if we have followed what the Apostle Paul laid out for us. The process of receiving peace from God may seem simple, but it is quite profound because it requires something of us: obedience.

Now you may be wondering, “How does this relate to the walnut orchard?” Good question. Trees are just trees. They do their thing by providing fruit, shade and ground cover. They do what they are meant to do, and we have the benefit of their purpose. This is God’s blessing to us. He did not have to create trees (especially delicious fruit trees), but He did. One walnut tree on its own is spectacular because of its sheer size. But a whole orchard of walnut trees that span across acres and miles upon miles? Breathtaking.

Our acts of obedience can be seen like this: One act of obeying God is spectacular, but many strung together creates a symphony of righteousness. Our witness as Christians becomes beautiful as a walnut orchard when we live our life for God. It is then when peace not only abounds, but spills over to everyone around. Before long, everybody can enjoy the fruit, shade, cover and protection of this perfect peace.

Are you missing peace in your life? Look at the four commands in Philippians 4:6 to evaluate which one (or ones) you are missing then seek to correct the lack. It is worth it because then God’s peace and goodness will fill you completely.

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

You are the God of Peace. I do thank You for peace, for life, for salvation, and for answers to prayer—even those I had not prayed. You see all and You provide our every need. Thank You for meeting all my needs so I need not worry. Forgive me for the times when I worry. Teach me how to trust You completely because I need Your incredible peace in my life every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Peace” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: The beauty in being humble and obeying God

The Beauty of being Humble and Obeying God
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do’.”—Acts 13:22 (NIV)

Lately, I've been questioning myself because my mind has been wandering with so many life events that I think are unfair. I somehow started to lose focus on my life.

I am now busy focusing on my suffering and how to end this. I began to compare my situation to others. How come the wicked can live better than I do? Why do their lives seem so perfect and pain-free even when they wreak havoc in the lives of other people? I started to question myself. Did I upset God? Is He punishing me? Did I not hear Him speaking to me? What does God want me to do? I become numb with my thinking. Deep inside, I believe that despite the hardship I am facing, God has a purpose for my pain. But at the same time, I am tired of experiencing hardship.

One day, the Bible story of King David captured my thoughts. I started to recall his story. I started reading a book about him, as well as doing devotions about this king’s life. I was fascinated by wanting to know about his life and how God still blessed King David despite his wrongdoing. I started to envy him because despite King David’s sins of adultery and murder, God still saw him as a man after His own heart. Suddenly, I realized that being blessed is not about being sinless. The Bible says in Matthew 5:45 (NIV), that God, “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Sometimes, we unfairly judge other people’s lives based on what we see, but we forget that God has His own opinion of everyone and perspective on life. God had a different idea about King David. God said in Acts 13:22 (NIV), “he will do everything I want him to do.” When I read that part, I felt like God had high confidence in King David to the point where he knew David would do everything God wanted. I wonder if I have the capability of obeying God in the same way.

How can I, in this modern-day, make God so confident in me that He knows I will do whatever He wants us to do? This part of the Bible story resonated with me deeply. I realized that it doesn't matter how hard I try to impress God because He knows my heart better than anybody else. My attempts to impress other people in the name of God is known to God. He sees my true intentions and reads my heart.

The only thing that God wants us to know is that He is the God of grace. We don't need to pretend to get validation from others. Just like David before he was king and known as a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14), people saw him as a young shepherd boy who is incapable of many things. But God has a different perspective. He saw the future king in David. We need to learn how to see ourselves as God sees us. We need to not listen to the world’s perspective but ask God to help us see from a higher perspective. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord then He will lift us up (James 4:10).

Being humble will look different in this world because the world is filled with arrogant people who put self before God. However, we need to learn not to depend on the world’s validation, but to focus on how God sees us. By practicing humility, we are being His salt in this earth (Matthew 5:13) and light in this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). It takes practice to be salt and light in this world for God, but we can properly represent Him with His help. And by obeying His Word (The Holy Bible), we can overcome every obstacle.

Let's Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your perspective on us and your grace on our lives. Being humble is not easy. Our hearts sometimes harden due to our foolishness, and we remain in a comfort zone that is too comfortable. We often forget how to align with your heart and make you confident in us, knowing that we will do anything you ask. I pray that we become like King David who remembered to return to You no matter how far away from You he felt because of His sins. Teach me how to humble myself and be willing to trust You as you mold me into who You want me to be in this life on Earth. Help me to obey You every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Run to the Father” by Cody Carnes. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Heart of God” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Humble Yourself” by Maranatha! Music. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: A gift given to you by God to save your soul

A Gift of God
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”—Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

A well-worn easy chair, a threadbare jacket, and an old pair of shoes are used everyday items of no apparent value. They might have been nice at one time, but now they’re worn out and dated, not even fit for donation.

Why, then, were these things locked in a glass display case protected by state-of-the-art security systems? Why were people from all over the world gazing at them as if they were the most amazing chair, jacket, and shoes they’d ever seen?

I saw this display at the National Museum of American History. The chair was Archie Bunker’s iconic wingback from the TV show “All in the Family”, the jacket was worn by Fonzie from “Happy Days”, and the shoes belonged to Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” (movie). Items that would have been overlooked or thrown away under ordinary circumstances had become priceless treasures simply because of who they belonged to.

How often do I question my self-worth? I feel that I’m not good enough, successful enough, or beautiful enough to be loved. Then there are times when I become proud of my own achievements and feel that I deserve everyone’s praise and applause because of them. In all these times I’m forgetting the source of my true value.

The Bible tells us that God’s love is not dependent on anything we achieve or possess. It cannot be earned; it is freely given to all who will receive it. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). This truth is affirmed in John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We can’t do anything to earn God’s love; it’s there for anyone and everyone who will accept it by believing in Him. He loves us all so much He gave His Son (Jesus Christ) to die for us. God thinks we’re worth dying for and He wants us to belong to His Family of believers around the world who are part of His Kingdom.

Jesus used sheep as a metaphor to illustrate this truth in John 10:11-13 (NIV). He said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.” The hired hand gets paid to take care of the shepherd’s sheep, but at the first sign of trouble, he runs away to protect himself, leaving the sheep to their fate. Jesus is the good shepherd. Rather than see them slain by wolves, He will lay down his life for the sheep who belong to Him. He doesn’t say He’ll lay down his life for only certain sheep who meet certain criteria. He is willing to give His life for all the sheep who belong to Him.

After visiting the museum, I read that Archie Bunker’s chair, as well as the chair that belonged to his wife Edith on the TV set, were purchased from a thrift store for less than $10 total before the show was filmed. They were not special chairs in and of themselves; they were old and used before anyone even knew whether the TV show would be a success. Now, however, the ragged old chair has remained one of the most popular exhibits at the museum for decades, and it is considered to be priceless. All because of who it belonged to.

When you’re tempted to base your self-worth on what you’ve done, how much you have, or a label the hired-hand world has put on you, remember that your salvation is a gift from God, not of yourself. We belong to Jesus Christ. We are worth the highest price imaginable simply because of Who we belong to.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, please forgive me when I forget where my true value is found. Help me to remember the incredible price You paid through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, so that I can belong to you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “My Worth Is Not in What I Own (Live feat. Fernando Ortega)” by Keith & Kristyn Getty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Belong to You” by Here Be Lions. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

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Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God through the trials of life

Trusting God Through Life’s Trials
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you.”

—1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)

Since August of 2020, my husband and I moved six times. We lost a parent to cancer, suffered the loss of a job, lost our home, and lost some of our most precious belongings during our last move.

Once the COVID pandemic hit our world, we left New York City (NYC) for North Carolina. January of 2022, my husband got a job in upstate New York and because of that we moved back to the Northeast Coast of the USA. In the Fall of 2022, my husband’s father passed away and his mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was left living alone in her NYC apartment. The family had to step in and help with her caregiving because due to her condition, she couldn’t live alone. At that point, my husband and I made a decision to sacrifice our home and his job in order to move in and take care of my mother-in-law.

Looking back, I now see that helping our family was the right thing to do. But leaving a good job and home in order to do it was probably not a wise choice. Essentially, we may have done the right thing the wrong way. Once the family was able to secure my mother-in-law with a good nurse, my husband got a new job and we moved into a great apartment. Sadly, he lost his job and that forced us into financial hardship. To add insult to injury, the company we hired to help us move lost most of our belongings.

It’s fair to say that some trials are the result of our own bad decisions, but if we suffer because of our loyalty to Christ, The Holy Bible tells us to expect “fiery trials.” 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) says, “Dear Friends, don’t be surprised by the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” The “fire” referred to in this Bible verse represents the intensity and pain of the trial, while “trials” signify the refining process. Trials are meant to test the genuineness of our faith.

These trials are never meant to destroy or defeat us, but to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and prepare us for what He has in the future.

Here are five things to remember when going through a trial:

1. Expect Suffering. 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) tells us to not be surprised when trials come. Persecution and suffering for Christ should not be viewed as abnormal. We live in a fallen world.

2. God will keep you. 1 Peter 4:19 (NLT) says that God will never fail us. His grace is sufficient for us no matter how hard things get. We can trust Him for our deliverance.

3. Suffering deepens our faith. 1 Peter 4:13 (NLT) says to be glad when we suffer because these trials will make us partners with Christ in his suffering. It may take careful thought or wise counsel to determine the real cause of our suffering, but if we focus on God’s Word and align with His will then we will be in the right place.

4. We will share in God’s Glory. 1 Peter 4:13 (NLT) tells us that afterward, we “will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” There is nothing more powerful than a changed life. When we allow the Lord to purify and refine us through trials then we will glorify God in this life and through all eternity.

5. Suffering enables us to comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT) says, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”

God always has a purpose in every trial we go through, no matter how big or small. Rest assured that He will always provide grace and guidance and will never leave us to suffer alone.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for allowing us to go through trials so that we can know You better. Teach us to rely on You when hardships come. Enable us to trust You through the storms of life so we may walk closer to You.

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Count it All Joy” by Bebe and Cece Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I’ll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

Her passion is to help women understand their true worth and walk in their God-given purpose. After many years working as a Christian in the entertainment industry, she is thankful to be able to share all her learning experiences in her blog posts and on Instagram.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

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

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

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

Cherie’s TV credits include "The Equalizer", "Bull", and "Blue Bloods" (CBS). She also appeared in the PureFlix film "Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider".

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in Texas. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, photography, and movie night.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing your identity as one of God's children

What’s in a Name?
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.”—Revelation 2:17 (NASB)

When I was a little girl, I decided that I didn’t like the first name that my parents gave me.

My friends had popular names like Debby, Kathy, Cindy, and Susy, but mine differed. I wanted a better name, and with the infinite wisdom of a four-year-old girl, I selected the best name I knew. When my dad got home from work, I told my parents, “I want to be called Cinderella.”

They tried to reason with me, but eventually gave in. When they called me from another room, I heard the lyrical sounds of Cinderella, which was music to my ears until it wasn’t.

“Cinderella, it’s time to eat dinner.”

“It’s bath time, Cinderella.”

“What book would you like me to read tonight, Cinderella?”

This went on for about four or five days, after which I had enough of these new name shenanigans. I begged my parents to call me Colleen again. It didn’t matter that I would never find a hair clip, a bracelet, or a pencil with my name on it, which were the top reasons for the name change request. After a few minutes of convincing them that I wanted my name back, they agreed.

As an adult, I see the humor in this childhood anecdote and the wisdom of my parents, who knew this wouldn’t last. But it does make me wonder, why are we so attached to our given names? What’s in a name? Our name was most likely selected by our parents, and we may or may not know why it was chosen. It could be a family name, a name whose meaning is special to them, the name of a historical figure, or a favorite character from a book or a movie.

Sometimes our names are attached to our place in the family—Morgan is the youngest in our family. Other times, our names are attached to our talents or interests—Ethan is the musician in our family. Your name, interests, and character traits identify you, and who you are in comparison to those in your family. Whatever the reason our name was selected, it becomes the primary marker of our identity. When we hear our name, we respond. But what’s in a name?

As I got older, I realized additional descriptors are used to provide identity and become part of how we’re known. We’re funny, quiet, excitable, introverted, or extroverted. We are known for these traits. As adults, we’re often identified by professions or vocations: educator, construction worker, artist, accountant, engineer, health care provider, or salesperson.

We are each a sum of these labels, but there’s more. For those who know God, He calls us His sons and daughters. We are conquerors, servants, leaders, brothers, sisters, and more. He bestows on us these essential truths: We belong to Jesus Christ, and our job is to spread the Good News of the Gospel. This is what’s in a name when you follow Jesus Christ.

When we follow Jesus, we don’t just know who we are but also whose we are. We don’t just know what we do but why we do it. When you have a relationship with Christ, He calls you and equips you to reflect His promises and purpose for your life.

The Bible has multiple examples of names being changed. Some scholars believe the new names lead to better lives. Abram was changed to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon became Peter, and Saul’s name was changed to Paul.

In the book of Revelation, John tells us that God will give those who are victorious a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. This new name reflects a new season and the assurance of freedom from condemnation as we live with and worship the Lord for eternity.

Although I am grateful for my earthly name, I’m curious about my new name. However, I believe I can say with certainty—it will not be Cinderella. My earthly parents have passed away, but my Heavenly Father (God) is with me every minute, every moment today and forever. I am His, and He is mine. There is no need to wonder who I am.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we are thankful for your faithfulness to us. Through prayer, help us to find our worth in You. Communication with You is essential to our existence. Open our hearts and hands to receive the gifts You want to give us. Equip us to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Thanks be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to forgive like God forgives us

Grace Even When We’re Rotten or Mean
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Have you ever done something rotten, mean, or insulting to someone else and you felt certain they would never speak to you again?

Recently, we put claw caps on all three of our cats. They have been clawing our furniture to shreds in spite of the many cat scratching posts and catnip we provide. Nothing worked. Finally, I asked the vet what we should do, and she suggested claw caps, which are caps that you put on your cat’s claws to prevent them from scratching. This sounds like a great idea in theory, but our cats already despise having their nails clipped. We knew this would be a stressful situation.

So, on Saturday we all sat down to do this as a team effort—me, my husband, and two of our kids. We got it done, but it was a grueling ordeal, one I hope never to deal with again … except we’re supposed to do this every month from here on out. Our cats were so upset over what they endured that they all ran off to hide somewhere in our home, and I didn’t see them for a couple of hours.

Later that afternoon, when I saw them sleeping on the screened-in patio, I decided to approach them. Carefully I stepped outside and bid them hello, gently holding out my hand. And what do you know? They all came right over and rubbed up against me! All was forgiven, and we were back to normal. I was pleasantly surprised and frankly really touched that they didn’t seem to hold a grudge.

As I walked back into the house, it occurred to me that this is exactly the way God treats us. We mess up, fall out of alignment with him, sin in big ways and small, and sometimes without ever meaning to. We create trauma and strife on a spiritual level. And yet God forgives us … over and over again. No matter what.

It’s astounding! Sometimes we do really rotten things, too—things that hurt God, things that hurt other people or ourselves (which, make no mistake, also hurts God). Yet when we repent, it’s all instantly washed away. We are forgiven. It doesn’t stop there, of course. We’re supposed to pass that same forgiveness on. Just as we have been forgiven, we’re supposed to forgive others. We’re not supposed to hold grudges or put up walls but instead offer perfect forgiveness in the spirit of agape love, just as God has done to us.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean someone in an abused relationship is supposed to go back to their abuser. Boundaries and self-protection are important, and we are beloved by God. But in our hearts, we can forgive wrongs that were done to us. We can move on and not hold things against that person forever and ever.

Just as my cats endured at my hands what they felt was probably wrong, they forgave me and moved on. That’s what God, our Heavenly Father, does for us. What a beautiful gift that is! What a joy that our past and our wrongdoings no longer define us.

If you are holding a grudge against someone else, set it down. Forgive and move on. It’s not optional—Jesus Christ commanded us to do this. As He said in the Sermon on the Mount: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).

Likewise, if you are holding on to your own past or recent sins that you confessed and repented of, but you just can’t seem to forgive yourself … if you are still beating yourself up, certain God could never forgive of a wretch like you, that your sins and your situation are somehow “different”, take heart. Know that God extends grace, and that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus when we repent and believe (Romans 8:38-39).

Amen, and thanks be to God!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the extravagant, wildly generous, completely loving grace and mercy that you extend to me and to all of your children. We don’t deserve it, but you give it anyway. Help me have the strength to forgive myself and forgive others in that same spirit of grace and mercy. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Forgiveness (Live)” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Your Love Is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns. 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 Christian contemporary novel, The Memory Garden, released this Spring 2025. Book two in the series releases this Fall 2025. 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. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: When God saved me from making a mistake

When God Saved Me from Making a Mistake
A devotional by Terry Overton

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Before sunrise, my little dog Bella and I slipped out for an early walk. We wanted to beat the heat and explore more of our new neighborhood.

The world was beginning to stir—the squirrels chattered in the trees, and the chirps of morning birds drifted quietly into the morning air. A cool breeze made it feel like we could go a little farther today. We took our usual path at a brisk pace, but something nudged me to turn down a street I hadn’t explored since the move. Why not? I thought. The wind picked up, chiming a neighbor’s porch bells, and the turn on the road felt like an invitation to adventure.

Though we’d lived here only a few months, the street names were familiar from all the house-hunting listings I’d studied before our move. But the specific sequence of streets between our house and the main road remained a mystery. Curious, I kept going. One street, then another. My fitness tracker encouraged me to push for another mile. Hills seemed to rise beneath my steps, then downhill slopes, but I kept wondering: Would the next street be the one that finally loops back?

Then I saw the sign: No Exit. The next one? Dead End. And finally, just when I was ready to turn back, I saw a street name I recognized—Incline. I looked down that street and smiled. It was suitably named. Breathing heavily, I climbed the hill and remembered why that name stuck in my mind: Months earlier, my husband and I wanted to buy a house on this street, but someone beat us to it. I remembered how disappointed we were to read “Contract Pending.” The interior of the house, the floorplan, the type of flooring, and from what we could see online, the backyard panoramic view, all looked amazing.

But as I passed that house we did not buy, the sun crested over the hill and lit up the view. And just like that, I saw what we hadn’t seen in the online images: power lines cutting across the horizon, rooftops and buildings crowding the distance, and the lake below blocked by newer homes. The view I’d imagined as peaceful was in reality, obstructed and noisy. In that quiet, golden moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. God had protected us from a decision we might have regretted.

The view from my yard has always mattered to me, not for the pride of having a nice yard but for the peace it brings. I’ve lived near ponds, lagunas, and resacas—each one a sacred space where I’ve met with God in the early hours. I would pray, read Scripture, and write in these spaces. It’s not just about a pretty yard. It’s about a place where my soul can breathe. It’s a place where I sit with Him, who holds me in His hands, walks with me, walks beside me, and gives me peace.

We didn’t get that house on Incline Street. Instead, we found the one meant for us—an older home with character, nestled between woods, a creek, and a quiet cove that opens to the lake. It’s peaceful. Private. Perfect.

How many times has God saved me from my own missteps? How many times did I think I knew the best route, the best decision, the best next step to take? Too many to count. I’ve made plenty of choices attempting to control what was in His hands, trying to force my own path. However, the walk this morning reminded me: God is always at work behind the scenes. He doesn’t just provide what we want—He gives us what we need, even when we don’t see it yet.

And sometimes, all it takes to see that He provides what we need is to continue to walk one more mile with Him.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have provided many blessings and at times I do not realize You are busy working in the quiet. Help me to remember to trust You in all things. You know the best path for my life. Thank You for always holding my hand and being by my side in all circumstances. I pray this in the name of Your Holy Son (Jesus Christ). Amen.

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

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, paying golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont