Devotionals for the Heart: When persevering in prayer is your lifeline

Ask, Seek, Knock
A devotional by Erica Bryant

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”—Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

There are times when we feel completely depleted.

We find ourselves overwhelmed, uncertain, and searching for solid ground. In those moments, prayer isn't just helpful, it becomes our lifeline. Prayer was a lifeline for Jesus Christ when He was living on Earth, too! He was often found stealing away to pray, finding comfort in His Heavenly Father's voice.

If prayer was essential for Jesus who is the Savior of the world (John 3:16-17), how much more essential should it be for us?

Prayer was central to Christ’s teachings. He addressed it twice in what The Holy Bible calls, “the Sermon on the Mount”. In Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus teaches on proper prayer, emphasizing sincerity and providing a model for praying powerfully and with authority. Then in Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus shifts our focus with three powerful verbs: ask, seek, knock. These three words aren’t suggestions. They’re commands infused with urgency and bold persistence. Jesus, however, doesn’t just command; He also promises. He promises that those who ask will receive, those who seek will find, and those who knock will have doors opened to them.

Jesus encourages us to be persistent in prayer. Even when our prayers seem unanswered or there is silence, the imperative form of the verbs used in Matthew 7:7-8 encourages us to continue asking, seeking, and knocking persistently.

The promises in Matthew 7:7-8 highlight that as children of God, we can confidently approach our Heavenly Father, knowing He hears us and answers our prayers. Jesus uses examples of earthly fathers giving good gifts to their children to illustrate the surpassing love of our Heavenly Father. If, despite their imperfections, earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children out of love, how much more will God, who loves us relentlessly, desire to give us good gifts when we ask (Matthew 7:9-11). Our Heavenly Father's love far surpasses that of earthly parents and is demonstrated through the sacrificial love of Jesus.

Understanding God’s character changes everything. He is a Good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children. Prayer isn't manipulation; it's connection. It's a relationship of love and trust. So, pray BIG, BOLD prayers. Trust God's plans. Know that He wants to exceed your expectations.

If we are honest, as we carefully look at the promises found in these passages, we may be thinking, “This doesn’t describe my reality! I ask and have not received. I have sought and have not found. I have knocked and am still met with closed doors!” Yes, that may be true, but James 4:3 (NIV) offers an answer to your problem. God says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

But what about those times when you've prayed in God's will, and the promises of Matthew 7:7-8 still feel impossibly distant from your actual life? Let this truth found in Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV), anchor you: God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Look closely at Matthew 7:8 again. Everyone who asks receives, but it doesn't specify what is received. The one who seeks finds, but it does not share exactly what is to be found. Doors open to those who knock, but God, in His sovereignty, opens the doors He deems right for you. We must trust that our Heavenly Father knows what's best for us. He won't give us what we can't handle or steward well. He shields us from things that could harm us or pull us from Him, even the things we desperately want.

Here's another truth to hold onto, found in Ephesians 3:20 (ESV). It says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Here’s what I’ve learned: Sometimes we ask too small. God wants to exceed not just our expectations, but also our imaginations.

And sometimes there's silence. There's waiting on God to answer our prayers. In those moments, remember what Jesus actually said. In the original Greek text, the verbs for “ask”, “seek”, and “knock” are all written in the present active tense. Grammatically, this signifies continuous, ongoing, and persistent action. Rather than a one-time request, a more literal and accurate translation is: “Ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking.”

Don’t stop. Be persistent. Keep praying. What does it mean to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking?

To keep asking might look like returning to God repeatedly with a request, desire, or need, not because He didn't hear you the first time, but because you trust He's listening every time. It's a mother who prays for provision every morning or a person wrestling with addiction who asks for strength for today, tomorrow, and the day after that. When you keep asking, you refuse to let anything convince you that God isn't there.

To keep seeking means actively looking for God's hand in your circumstances, even when the answer isn't what you expected. It's studying Scripture to understand His character better. It's listening for His voice in the quiet moments, in conversations with others, in the way doors open and close. Seeking isn't passive waiting; it's an intentional pursuit.

To keep knocking is showing up. It's returning to prayer when you're tired. It’s taking action aligned with your prayers. It's trusting that even when one door closes, God is opening another. It's the persistence that says, “I believe, even when I can't see.” It’s trusting that you have a Good Father who loves you more than you know and could imagine. He is the One who holds your future in His hands and knows what’s best for you.

Trust in God’s goodness and know that if you ask, He will answer; if you seek, you will find; and if you knock, He will open a door for you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father,

Thank You for being a God who loves me so deeply and intimately. You know what I need and what is best for me. When I pray, please help me to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. Grant me the faith to believe that You hear my prayers and because of Your love for me, You will answer them. Help me embrace Your answers, even when they don’t align with my expectations, trusting that You can exceed them.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin, ft. Pat Barrett. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Benediction” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “He’s Able” by Deitrick Haddon. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 

As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.

Devotionals for the Heart: Be prepared to fight against our mortal enemy

Know Your Enemy: Be Prepared!
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”—1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

I walk my year and half-year-old Cocker Spaniel weekly on a lovely, wooded path near my neighborhood. It’s almost always busy with plenty of other dog walkers, stray cats, deer and occasionally a vulture or two.

With repeated exposure, I’m hoping my young dog will grow accustomed to the stimulation and simmer down. He is always on the leash and he’s still learning. There have been moments when we encounter a German Shepherd, and the owner and the calmer canine graciously step aside as I gather my fussy 30 pounder in my arms and continue on the path. I keep my dog close, reprimand him, and yank him into submission when we pass the equally terrified cats staring us down. I do my best to keep my dog safe and train him.

That’s a lot like what God’s Word (The Holy Bible) does for me when I am navigating a world of frightening rulers, the authorities, the powers of darkness in this world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. I’m still learning to stay focused on the Lord, and there are days when I’m still frightened. However, as long as I’m on my “leash”, I know God is leading and guiding me. Otherwise, I am all over the place, distracted, and fighting the wrong battles.

Yes, we are in a battle. Our enemy deceives, kills, lies, steals and destroys (John 10:10). He studies us to identify our weaknesses and prowls around like a roaring lion, patiently waiting for the perfect time to devour us. That’s not melodrama. That’s the Truth. See our anchor text above for proof. The entertainment industry is one of many ways in which Satan gains a foothold in our minds.

I remind you of this reality not to scare you, but to prepare you.

Satan (the devil, our enemy) works hard to keep families broken, marriages in ruin, all of us anxious and distracted from God. He wants us bickering, divided, and full of self-righteous pride. I recommend you read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and any book by Neil T. Anderson (especially The Bondage Breaker) if you remain skeptical about the reality of demons and how they work.

How do we overcome the enemy and his demons?

Jesus Christ did the first part with the crucifixion and resurrection (John 3:16-17), which crippled the fallen angel (Lucifer/Satan), but didn’t kill him. Why didn’t Jesus annihilate him? It was not the right time. We know this because in Luke 8:26-39, Jesus commanded a legion of demons out of a man, but the demons begged not be sent to the Abyss, which is referenced in Revelation. Jesus sends the demons into the pigs instead. The book of Revelation portrays the future victory Jesus has over Satan, his demons and all evil.

The good news is that Jesus has defeated Satan, so he remains under God’s authority with limited power. When Jesus returns, evil will be permanently annihilated. But until then, we believers are under God’s protection and must do our part. How can we do our part? Glad you asked! Read on…

We must saturate our minds with the truth of The Holy Bible, and at times, speak them out loud. I have found that speaking Scripture is helpful when I feel under attack from the enemy because I know the devil can’t read my mind but he can hear my spoken words. We must pray daily for protection. We must apply God’s Truth to our lives every day because the enemy watches us closely. The Bible says in James 4:7 (NIV), “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

The Bible also says in Ephesians 6:13 (NIV) that we are to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” When we continue reading this passage in the Bible found in Ephesians 6:14-18, we discover that we are called to, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Our offensive mode is knowing Scripture so well that we can fight the deceiver’s lies by proclaiming Truth. The sword of the spirit blocks those flaming arrows of accusations, lies and schemes. Our defensive mode is staying on our leash, close to Jesus and living righteously. These battle plan directions are clear, but not easy to follow. Righteous living is our best protection, but that’s hard work. Are you willing to live righteously? This means living obediently according to the teachings of God’s Word.

Satan is determined to destroy the church and the individuals within. One could argue that he already has. Wake up, Church! Spiritual warfare is mandatory as a collective body within the church and for individual believers in God. Our adversary aims his fiery arrows at those devoted to the Lord because they are sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with whomever and wherever they can.

This is not a game. There are no spectator seats. You must decide to either take up your cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-26) or fall prey to Satan. Following Jesus is not a lukewarm decision. The choice is easy if you truly love the Lord and do the work of maintaining a relationship with Him.

Satan, the god of this world, delights in our complacency before the Lord, our half-hearted attempts at prayer and our refusal to repentant. Maybe you need to take the Bible seriously. Maybe you need to renew your commitment to the Lord. Maybe you need to confess sin. Remember: You cannot choose sin and then beg a Holy God for protection from the evil one. Only when we confess our sin, repent, experience forgiveness and submit to Him as our Lord and Savior are we covered.

Stay on the leash and close to God with righteous living. Stay near to the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ, as stated in John 10:11-18) and keep your ears tuned for His voice. Don’t allow evil to frighten or distract you. Stay the course.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

We are so very grateful for your redemptive work at the cross and for your victory. Thank You for your loving protection under the shadow of your wings. Forgive us for not living righteously. Forgive our sins. Forgive us when we fail to remain alert to Satan’s cunning lies. You have given us all the tools we need for victory in this battle. Help us use them effectively.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Mercy Tree” by Lacey Sturm. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God So Loved” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Thank You Jesus for the Blood (Live)” by Charity Gayle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Will Wait for You” by Dr. Juanita Bynum. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like. 

She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began pursuing a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then she got married and later went through a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

Leslie taught English as a second language for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published. It details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce.

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children—one in fifth grade and one in first grade.

Leslie and her husband make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leslie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years and actively growing her writing career alongside her two growing children.

She now maintains a monthly blog of her own and is working toward expanding her writing ministry on Substack. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

~*~
Connect with Leslie:
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
E-mail address: Leslie.bake@yahoo.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always make room for God

The Extra in Ordinary
A devotional by Anne Madison

“Let all that you do be done with love.”

—1 Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV)

The day began just like any other ordinary day.

I woke to the sunlight’s gentle glow casting daylight into the bedroom. The puppy that had snuggled close to me stirred when she noticed I was awake. She rolled on her back, begging for belly scratches. I accommodated her request, my fingers moving gently over her soft, pink belly. Then it began.

My mind drifted and soon shouted out thoughts in rapid fire. “Answer emails! Wash laundry! Pack for the weekend! Remember to add ketchup to the grocery list! Water the plants! Put the clothes in the dryer! Do the dishes! Feed the dog!”

Dog! My thoughts stopped as quickly as they started. Mindlessly, I was still scratching her belly. She was unaware of the trip I had just taken. Me, on the other hand? Even though I was rubbing her belly, my mind was miles away, lost in a list of chores and tasks that needed to be done before the end of the day. I was now on high alert and ready to conquer the to-do list my master-get-it-done brain had just rifled off. Begrudgingly, I rolled out of bed feeling as if I had already run a marathon.

After feeding the dog (who was incredibly happy to be fed), and before getting caught up in the whirlwind of chores and tasks, I decided to calm my racing brain, reset my now derailed nerves, and go back to a gentle start to the morning.

Sitting down with a cup of tea, my journal, and a favorite pen of the day, I allowed myself to breathe and be present in a space that allowed reflection, prayer, and journaling. All things that my hurried heart was craving. Things that grounded me. Things that slowed my roll and reigned in my racing thoughts. Things that feed my soul. Ordinary things.

Ordinary. Curious word. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “not unusual or different in any way”. That is what I am yearning for in life: ordinary days filled with ordinary things. No drama. Only ordinary, everyday things. Life has been speeding by in a chaotic blur for way too long now.

As I was contemplating the ordinary, something awakened in my spirit. Life is lived in the ordinary. Every day ending in ‘y’ has ordinary in it. What I make the ordinary mean makes a difference in how I show up.

I recalled a time I was washing dishes at the kitchen sink. Our family was home together for a rare holiday visit. We shared a home-cooked meal with food that took hours to plan and create. Dirty dishes were stacked on top of each other on the countertop like cordwood. Numerous utensils were strewn haphazardly anywhere they landed in the disjointed gathering. The mound of soiled dishes grew mountainous as pots, pans, and serving bowls joined the stash. It seemed as if every dish in the cupboard had been called into service for the making of this one meal! Our time together went by way too quickly.

The kids left as fast as they came, and the house was quiet once again. Cleaning the kitchen was going to take infinitely more energy than I had remaining. I ended up managing the entire pile of dishes on my own. Washing the seemingly endless number of utensils, this tired mama began to grumble. Not grumble aloud, mind you, but the Lord heard me just the same. His loving voice challenged my thoughts. “Daughter. Was your family gathered here today around your table? Did you have food to eat? A warm, comfortable home in which to gather? Did their presence bring you joy?” I paused, holding the soapy dishrag in my hand. “Well, of course.” That was my whispered, humbled reply. His response? “Then why do you grumble and complain?” Mic drop.

The room became still. I realized trash-thinking and grumbling crowded out all the blessings I had been given. At that very moment, I made a powerful decision to complete this very ordinary task in an extra ordinary way. I prayed for each one of my kids, their spouses, and my grandkids. I thanked God for the blessings of a warm home, food, a table at which to gather, and yes, for each dish that I washed. At that moment, extra met ordinary. From that time to this very day, the ordinary task of washing dishes is my time of prayer and worship. It extends to other chores, too.

The picking up of dirty laundry that sits next to the open clothes hamper; the folding of fitted sheets; the washing of laundry; the shopping and putting away of groceries; the dusting of the furniture; the vacuuming of the ever-growing dust bunnies off the floor. Each task is ordinary. Yet when done with a thankful heart, each becomes an extraordinary act of service to those we love.

I know another woman who grumbled about having to do it all alone. Martha: Her story in Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV) is much like mine.

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha’s grumbling thoughts caused her to protest to Jesus about her sister’s lack of consideration in leaving her to do all the preparation for their guests. Jesus’ response, however, invited her to refocus on a higher priority.

I wonder how Martha responded to Jesus’ words. Did she walk away abruptly, her heart still filled with frustration? Did she cast a resentful glance at her sister as she left the room, already intending to have a chat with Mary about how unfair it was to be left with all the work? Or did Jesus’ gentle correction cause her to pause, reflect, and reconsider what truly mattered at that moment?

The same choice is ours today, and what we choose matters. Time spent at the feet of Jesus changes us. It quiets our anxious thoughts and changes our grumbling hearts. What if all we do is done in love as if serving the Lord himself? What if, before rushing headlong into the busyness of the day, we first choose to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to His voice, and resting in His presence? Perhaps the most extraordinary way to accomplish an ordinary task is to begin by spending time with the One who gives our lives and each task its purpose.

Let's Pray:
Lord, thank You for Your love for Martha. Her story is much like mine—worrying and troubled about many things, busy with tasks and responsibilities, while missing the better part. You lovingly redirected her heart. You challenged her priorities and invited her to place You first. Forgive me for the times I allow the demands of life to crowd out my time with You. Help me to recognize what matters most and to choose the better part that can never be taken away. Teach me to sit at Your feet, listen to Your voice, and rest in Your presence. May my service flow from a heart that is devoted to You rather than driven by obligation and frustration. Thank You for Your gentle correction, unfailing grace, and Your constant invitation to draw near to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” [Live] by The Oak Ridge Boys ft. Bill & Gloria Gaither. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” by CityAlight. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” by Dave Moor and Lauren Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Am Not My Own” by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Skye Peterson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Available to You” by Melinda Watts (feat. J Moss). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6:  “Make Room” by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7:  “Open The Eyes of My Heart” by Jordan G. Welch. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8:  “First” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls us out of our comfort zone

The Comfort Zone
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” —Mark 10:49 (ESV)

There is much talk these days about the comfort zone.

It is considered to be a space you create. A place where you feel safe and secure in the midst of this big, bad world. Maybe you travel the same way to work every day because it’s familiar. Maybe you shop at the same grocery store because you know the contents of every aisle. But let’s look a little deeper.

Is it possible God might be calling you to a life outside of the secure walls you have built for yourself?

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sell all your belongings and head for the South American jungle to spread the gospel. Although God plants that desire into the hearts of some, He has also equipped them to thrive in the environment of the jungle. However, I’ll bet the thought of selling your home and going to some remote village in the middle of nowhere was the first thing that crossed your mind.

Sometimes God calls you to get up and step out of your comfort zone. He urges you to venture into the uncomfortable zone that leads you to freedom. Perhaps you need to move. Your current house payments feel like a chain around your neck and put unnecessary strain on your finances. Moving could create financial freedom. Maybe your job situation is stealing you away from your family and chipping away pieces of your soul. Are you willing to place the sign in the yard or give your boss a two-week notice? Be aware, both these steps require the courage to take action and a huge dose of faith.

The world doesn’t make this easy. It’s human nature to place our security in the arms of what’s familiar. However, making a lateral move into something you already know only mimics security.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our security is found in Him alone. God’s Word is filled with ordinary people just like us, people who stepped outside of their comfort zone and accomplished extraordinary things through Christ. Let’s take a peek into a slice of time in the life of one of God’s people.

In Exodus 3:1-4, we find Moses as he is tending to the flock. Suddenly his attention is captured by a bush that’s on fire. But oddly, even though the fire rages, the bush is not consumed! So, Moses walks over to get a closer look and then it happens. Moses literally hears God call his name out loud, “Moses! Here I am.”

Did you notice what happened there? Moses left his familiar position with the flock and walked toward the flames. This is a seriously brave move. I think all Moses had in mind was to see why the bush wasn’t burning up. But he got way more than he bargained for by taking action. He took a few steps forward.

If you feel familiarity is holding you prisoner, maybe it’s time to walk toward the fire. God wants to set you free from the false sense of security the enemy places before you. Ask Jesus for the courage to take a few steps of faith and place yourself outside of your comfort zone. Step over the self-imposed boundary and lean in, be aware of God’s presence and seek the light that sets your soul on fire.

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and remember that He has prepared a path just for you. He has equipped you with all you need. Every story has to start somewhere. Let your next adventure begin!

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Give me ears to hear what You are calling me to do. Show me a glimpse of your plans. Equip me with the courage to step forward and move out of the boundaries of my comfort zone. Fill me with faith to step over what’s holding me back and guide my path in alignment with your plans.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He’s Calling You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Outside These Walls” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of Heaven. 

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has 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 Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What a squirrel taught me about God's love

What a Terrified Squirrel Reminded Me About God’s Love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”—Psalm 104:24 (NLT)

Eye to eye outside my front door window, we watched each other. Me, sleepy in my workout clothes, ready to head upstairs to hop on the treadmill. Him, a terrified brown squirrel, clinging to the tree outside my door in terror.

I froze in my tracks, gazing at him. He didn’t move a muscle as his brown eyes locked on mine. I could almost see the thoughts coming from his brain: “Does she see me? Am I in danger? Maybe if I don’t move then she’ll think I’m part of the tree. Wait, is that nut still up there?”

Seconds ticked by. A full minute. I didn’t want to terrify the poor creature further, so in a moment I would slink away, letting him know he was truly safe after all. Yet I couldn’t help but marvel at him. His muscles bunched tight. His luminous brown eyes. The way his fingers, so childlike and delicate, clung to the slender tree trunk. He was a marvel, that squirrel! God’s precious creation. And for a moment, we saw each other. Fully. Finally, guilt set in at how scared I was probably making him, and I broke our eye contact and retreated upstairs.

Yet as I walked on that treadmill belt, I couldn’t stop thinking about that squirrel. About his tender, almost human-like hands. About those wide, chocolate-brown eyes. To God, that squirrel is likely as precious as I am. As you are. As that bird in the sky is. As that lonely man in the alley is, chasing away his demons in a bottle of something toxic. As that angry-eyed girl on the street is, keeping the world at arm’s length with her scowl and her fierce clothing.

All of us, every single one of us, is handcrafted in the image of God. Even the animals are perfectly designed—not necessarily, as humans—in the full image of God, but with that same amount of care and love and painstaking architecture. It doesn’t take much to look around and see God’s love everywhere. Even a leaf, with its delicate symmetry, shows that love, that attention, from our glorious Creator.

Our Father God cares for us, every one of us. Yet what do we do in return?

Sometimes we take that love for granted, becoming so consumed by our own lives and selfish concerns that we forget to be grateful for the breath in our lungs and the simple gift of our bodies. Sometimes we treat other people with disdain or show a complete lack of admiration and care for the world around us. We trash our forests and fill our air with toxins. We push our animals out into increasingly fewer spaces outdoors with overbuilding and urban sprawl. We overhunt and overindulge to our heart’s content. But if we only open our eyes, we will realize that loving God means loving others. It means loving His creation as much as we love ourselves.

Here are a few scriptures that point to God’s care:

- Genesis 1:31 (NLT) says, “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!”

- Psalm 24:1 (NLT) says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”

- Romans 1:20 (NLT) says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

We have no excuse. So, let’s open our eyes and see God all around us. And in return, let us celebrate His creation—from the animals to the earth to the people around us—with love and deep gratitude.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the great love You have for me and all your creation. Help me honor You with my life and with all the love I can muster. Instill in me a heart of gratitude and care, now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Maker” by Chris August. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Barlow Girl. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "God So Loved" by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers and her third novel, Hidden Seeds, is out now and is a top release. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Jessica is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

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: When you're wondering if you can trust God

Can You Fully Trust God?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”—Jeremiah 17:5-7 (NIV)

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” is one of my favorite songs. It’s a classic.

The melody is easy. The words are simple to understand. There is one line that has become my constant prayer because I know my trust in Him will be tested often. My prayer is, “Lord, give me grace to trust You more.”

In high school, I had a teacher who taught us that trust is earned. That lesson has stayed with me over the years, particularly when people would say, often without prompting, “You can trust me.” Yet, they have only known me for five minutes.

How do you develop trust? Trust is developed in relationships when people have shared a variety of experiences together. When we first met at a youth rally, my husband did something very interesting. We had a brief conversation, but afterwards he spent the next couple of days doing research on me. He wanted to know who I was, so he did what anyone does when they’re interested in a subject: they research. This, I found very admirable. It meant that he was serious in wanting to truly know me to establish a solid relationship. Do you know that God knows us intimately right down to the very number of hairs on our head (Luke 12:7).

According to Psalm 139:1-4, God tells us how important we are to Him and how much He loves us. He knows what we think, when we sit down, and how we move. When my husband tells me he loves me, it means a lot to me. When God tells us He loves us and shows us in His Word (The Holy Bible) how very important we are to Him, He wants us to know this so that we know we can trust Him. If God were to ask us to use a measure of 1 to 10—with 10 being the highest—to rate our trust in Him, how would we rate our level of trust and confidence in Him?

As we read the Scriptures, study them, and learn about who the Lord is, and see His character revealed throughout the historical records, our love for Him grows. Our confidence in Him grows. Our trust in Him should also grow. Our confidence in a God who never changes—He is the same yesterday, today, and forever—can be grounded in certainty.

Reading about Him and communicating with Him in prayer is one thing, but the greater test comes from obeying His commands. God knows what He is asking us to do, even though it may seem difficult for us. He wants us to believe He is in control. He wants us to obey Him and trust that He will work things together for our good as His Word declares in Romans 8:28. When I think about someone who was obedient to God even though it was dangerous, was Corrie Ten Boom. I highly recommend you read her book, The Hiding Place.

Corrie Ten Boom and her family rescued and hid hundreds of Jews from the Nazis. Someone betrayed her family, causing them to be arrested and taken to a concentration camp to be punished. They endured excruciating pain, heartache, stress, and torture by their enemies. Yet, because she learned from a very young age to put her faith in the One who sees, hears, and knows all things, she was set up to face this tumultuous period in her life.

Corrie felt pain in her mind, in her body, and in her soul, but after enduring, she had this to say about her God: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Although she suffered and was severely persecuted, Corrie did not backtrack on her love, commitment, and faith in her God. Her love was strengthened and her commitment grounded deeper.

Many times, it is through our suffering that our trust becomes deeper and our love for the Lord grows stronger. If you’re in a struggle right now, consider journaling the things God is teaching you as you sit in the pain. Yes, the struggle is real, but God’s love is also. Be encouraged!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, today I trust You with my life. I do not know what the future holds, but I know that You hold the future. I’ve heard and seen You do wonderful things for others, so I trust You with my future. I trust You, Lord. Please give me grace to trust You more, especially when my mind and my heart are overwhelmed. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Trust Me” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

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

Song of Reflection #3: “For the Good” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
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: There are blessings that we often overlook

The Blessings We Often Overlook
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

—Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

As summertime arrives and our children are home from school, our houses often become fuller, louder, and busier.

Between the extra meals, errands, activities, and endless requests, it is easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. Yet, we must not forget that the Bible says in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Instead of focusing on the busyness of the summer months, let’s choose to notice the small moments and be grateful for our children who are the precious blessings God has entrusted to us.

Most parents would say they love their children, but gratitude is something deeper. Yes, they get on my nerves sometimes, and they worry me more often than they know. Yet I am grateful for them because they remind me daily that they are God’s gifts to me—His heritage and reward entrusted to my care.

I often find myself wondering how my children became the people they are. Most parents might be quick to claim credit for the good qualities and blame someone else for the difficult ones. Yet I have learned that the qualities we sometimes struggle with our children having are not always weaknesses. Sometimes the traits that test our patience today become the strengths they will need tomorrow. When I look at my children—their character, their choices, and the direction their lives are taking—I am reminded that God has been faithfully guiding them all along. In those moments, I thank God for all the people who have prayed for them, even before they were born.

One of the greatest gifts of parenthood is what my children continue to teach me. As parents, we often assume we are the ones doing the teaching, but many times our children become our greatest lessons. Through their dreams, determination, and resilience, they remind me that God is still at work shaping each of us.

Education has always been important in our home, so it brings me great joy to watch my youngest son share that same passion for learning. Since elementary school, he has dreamed of becoming a doctor and has worked hard to excel in school. His confidence and determination remind me that God often places dreams in our hearts long before we understand where they will lead.

My middle child amazes me with his creativity and determination. While many teenagers spend their free time focused on the present, he enjoys talking about business ideas and future opportunities. As I listen to him dream beyond where he is today, I am reminded that God often plants dreams in our hearts for a reason. Watching him pursue those dreams reminds me that God is faithfully at work in his life.

My daughter has made thoughtful decisions about her future. She chose to finish her education, invest in her marriage, and then start a family. Today, she and her husband are praying for God to bless them with a home, but they are also faithfully doing their part by budgeting carefully and saving for the future. Watching her trust God’s timing while walking in wisdom reminds me that God’s guidance is often revealed through the ordinary decisions our children make each day.

I often complain about driving my sons from place to place, but if I am honest, I enjoy those moments in the car. Sometimes that is when I hear what is really going on in their lives. What feels like an inconvenience today may someday become a memory I wish I could relive.

The older my children get, the more I realize how easy it is to take these moments for granted. We are often quick to thank God for our health, finances, and careers, yet overlook the people who mean the most to us. Too often, we focus on what family members do that frustrate us instead of appreciating the blessing of having them in our lives. Gratitude shifts our perspective and reminds us that the ordinary moments we often overlook are gifts from God.

When we walk through the door after a long day and the music is too loud, we can be grateful that our children are where we can see them. When they constantly ask for things, we can be thankful that we are able to provide for their needs and that they do not live with a constant sense of lack.

We must learn to be grateful for the little things as much as the big things. Gratitude is found in everyday moments—the laughter around the dinner table, the unexpected phone call, the safe arrival home, the dreams our children share, and the smiles on the faces of the people we love. These moments may seem ordinary, but they are often the very blessings we once prayed for.

As you move through the busyness of this summer season, pause and thank God for the people He has entrusted to you. They may not always feel like a reward in the moment, but they are among His greatest blessings.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of family and for the blessings You have placed in our lives. Help us to look beyond the busyness and frustrations of daily life and recognize the joy found in the ordinary moments. Give us grateful hearts and remind us to cherish the people You have entrusted to our care.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “The Blessing” (Lyrics) ft. Kari Jobe Carnes, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Gratitude” (Chosen Performance) by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

~*~
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/