Devotionals for the Heart: How to seek God when you need to be healed

Seeking God for Our Healing
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.”—Isaiah 58:8 (NIV)

One day I woke up with pain in my left foot. I experienced a bit of discomfort. I had no idea where this pain came from, but it was undeniable.

The pain wasn’t debilitating, and it didn’t hinder my day-to-day operations. However, the pain was nagging. It stayed with me for weeks. I tried so many things to rid myself of this nuisance. I tried home remedies, massages, stretches, and exercises. But nothing seemed to work. Until one day it disappeared. I had no idea when the pain left; I only knew that it did–suddenly. I was healed, praise God!

In the Bible book of Isaiah, chapter 58, the prophet addresses the power of fasting and its place in individual and corporate healing. The chapter opens as God addresses Isaiah with the charge to cry aloud against the transgression of His people. Isaiah was to show the people of God their sin. Though the people of God desired relationship with Him and proximity to Him, they had a problem—their hearts were full of strife and pride. They also were misappropriating the sacred practice of fasting. Clearly, they had the wrong priorities. They were fasting with the wrong motive. God speaks about the purpose of the fast that He ordained.

God-ordained fasting penetrates the soul and spirit, while simultaneously disciplining the body. Fasting is the act of abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance. It is the bowing of our will to God. Fasting helps to clear our mind so we can think with clarity, and it enables us to make good decisions about what God wants us to do. During our time of fasting, we deny our flesh in order to elevate and edify our spirit. In essence, we willfully give up food and drink in order to align our heart and mind to the will of God. Fasting is the embodiment of the constant battle between the flesh and spirit present in our human experience. Fasting is a work within us that shows up outside of us when God answers our prayers.

You will be counted as righteous before God because you have humbled your soul before Him by acknowledging your need for Him through fasting. The glory (presence) of the Lord shall be your rear guard. God has your back; He will stand for You. God will cover you with protection, peace, provision, and all the good things that come from His presence.

When we are committed to the spiritual discipline of fasting, God can respond with deliverance. Fasting enables God to align our thoughts with His. Remember: The power isn’t in our fasting. Healing comes from God in response to the spiritual intimacy of fasting. Nothing may change dramatically after fasting. We may still experience depression and behavioral health issues because those are rarely resolved through spiritual disciplines alone. Fasting is not the complete remedy for all that is making us ill, but it does help us in our faith walk with Jesus Christ. And sometimes, it does result in our healing—if not here on Earth, then in Heaven.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Help us to remember that Jesus Christ died on Calvary’s Cross so we might be healed by His stripes. Help us to believe and receive it. Help us to act in faith and move toward our restoration. Help us to deny our fleshly desires while edifying our spirit as we practice fasting. Help us to walk in victory, liberty, and light. We need Your help. We thank You for hearing our prayers and answering us. In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Surrender All” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

My Review of the Unshakable Moxie video series and Bible study

Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review “Unshakable Moxie” recently. Before I share my review, learn more about this special Bible study and series hosted by two of my favorite Christian influencers!

Words from MIN:

Unshakable Moxie is an episodic video series that invites you to discover what it means to live a life of resilient faith. The Unshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith, A 6-Session Women's Bible Study with Video Access is a perfect pairing with the video series to help you develop and strengthen your own life of resilient faith. Unshakable Moxie is hosted by Toni Collier (Broken Crayons Still Color) and Moriah Smallbone (The Chosen). The video series features Lina AbuJamra, Ruth Chou Simons, Katie Lewis, Dr. Bernice King, and Joni Eareckson Tada.

Unshakable Moxie is presented by Our Daily Bread Ministries. This 6-part docuseries and accompanying Bible Study invite you to learn from remarkable women who trust God even through their lowest valleys, allowing Him to write their story as one of resilient faith and overcoming.

The Unshakable Moxie Study Pack includes the 6-lesson Bible Study (with QR codes to the 6 video episodes), a beautiful hardcover Prayer Journal, and inspirational cards that share Scripture and powerful quotes from the series. Each item can also be purchased separately.

What does a “woman of moxie” look like? She is a dynamic, resolute woman of resilient faithfulness, unshakable confidence, and trust in God.

My review:

Unshakable Moxie does a great job delving into topics that we don’t often talk about (hardship, disillusionment and forgiveness). This is a series for people who are looking for real answers to their real-life problems. It is also a wonderful way to use Scripture to encourage women to grow in their faith no matter how troubling the times they are experiencing.

The author of this Bible study, Lina AbuJamra, shares her heart as a woman of moxie throughout the pages of this book. AbuJamra shares the inspiration she has drawn from her life experiences and uses those lessons to teach women how to build a resilient faith that is their own. Each chapter of this study contains a QR code linking to the Unshakable Moxie video series where hosts Moriah Smallbone and Toni Collier take you on faith journeys with special guests including Joni Eareckson Tada, Ruth Chou Simons, and more.

Honestly, I didn’t make it through the entire Bible study and every episode but what I did read and watch was life-changing! I appreciated the honesty of the hosts and everyone who they interviewed. I like how the very first episode was heartwarming with a personal touch as Moriah welcomed Toni into her home as they were preparing for a birthday party. I liked how they inserted humor as they cooked food in Moriah’s kitchen (the spices were too hot, and they laughed about it and quickly drank water from the sink)! I love how they honored Moriah’s grandma and celebrated her family legacy. I like how Toni wore her heart on her sleeve and told intimate details about the lessons she’s learned in her life story. Her storytelling style is relatable and encouraging. I like how Moriah was candid about being hesitant to share her heart with the world because of her guardedness caused by trust issues. Her vulnerability was admirable and courageous. I like how Moriah and Toni’s transparency encouraged every woman they interviewed to open up and be brave as they answered questions that let the viewers into their world.

The Bible study is very comprehensive and detailed. But I was easily overwhelmed by all the questions that are meant for the reader to write their answers and reflections on several lines. This is a homework assignment that goes on for more than five pages. It is the only reason why I haven’t finished reading the study yet. However, the video episodes via the QR code were much more easily digestible.

I recommend this book and video series to any woman who wants to grow spiritually as she tackles the hard parts of her life story and see how God redeems it all as well as how Jesus Christ can make beauty out of ashes.

Now for some words from the publisher, Our Daily Bread Ministries:

For more than 85 years, Our Daily Bread Ministries has been a donor-supported, non-profit ministry committed to nurturing a lifelong love for God’s Word as millions around the world grow closer to God and are transformed by their relationship with Jesus. Through our daily devotions, podcasts, videos, and other resources, we work to make the life-changing wisdom and stories of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.

In our mission of fueling a global Bible-engagement movement, we strive to make Scripture a part of everyday life, giving the Holy Spirit greater opportunity to transform hearts and help people share the light of Jesus with their spiritual fruit. It is only with the generous prayers, friendship, and support of people across the globe that we can reach the ends of the earth with God’s Word and see how He is continuing to work in the lives and faith journeys of all His children.

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Main Call-to-Action:

Watch the full series now!

Website: https://go.odb.org/unshakable-moxie-watch-now24

Order your copy today! Product order link: https://go.odb.org/unshakable-moxie-order-now24

Learn more about this wonderful resource by visiting the official website:

https://read.odb.org/unshakable-moxie/

#UnshakableMoxieMIN #UnshakableMoxie #ourdailybread #godhearsher #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @ourdailybread @godhearsher

Disclosure: Many thanks to Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

~*~

Directions from MIN on how to enter the Special Giveaway:

Territory: This special giveaway is limited winners who live in the U.S. only.

How to Enter the giveaway: To enter for the chance to win the Unshakable Moxie Study Pack & $20 Amazon Gift Card, participants must do the following:

#1: Follow Our Daily Bread Ministries and God Hears Her on Facebook or Instagram via these links below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodHearsHer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godhearsher/

#2: Repost/Share the giveaway with the hashtag “unshakablemoxie”

#3: For a bonus entry, subscribe for God Hears Her emails.

#4: For a bonus entry, tag a female friend that lives life with “unshakable moxie”.

#5: Enter the contest also via this link to Rafflecopter (below): 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c498/?

The giveaway winner will be contacted by Alexis (founder of “God is Love” blog) via email after the contest concludes on August 1, 2024.

~ The End ~

Devotionals for the Heart: How to wear the Armor of God every day

Looking For a Source of Strength? Wear God’s Armor!
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” —Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)

Have you ever considered cloaking yourself with God's armor through prayer?

It is a potent practice that I use for myself and my family. A certain strength comes from envisioning the armor being put on each morning, setting the tone for the day—the assurance that God's protection enables me to face whatever comes my way.

The armor of God is crucial for Christians because it symbolizes God's spiritual protection and strength to believers. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Apostle Paul uses the imagery of armor to illustrate how we can stand firm against spiritual forces of evil. Each piece represents different aspects of our faith and readiness to face challenges. Imagine each piece of the armor of God as essential equipment for a soldier in a spiritual battle. 

Here's a deeper look at what each piece represents:

1. Belt of Truth: This signifies more than just honesty; it's about aligning our lives with God's truth (John 8:31-32). Living in truth makes us less vulnerable to deception and confusion. It secures our understanding of God's Word and protects us from being misled by falsehoods. Just as a belt holds everything together, truth holds our spiritual lives together. It's about living honestly and in alignment with God's Word.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness: Beyond moral purity, this breastplate represents the righteousness we receive through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It guards our hearts from feelings of guilt, shame, and condemnation. It's not about our goodness but Christ's righteousness covering us completely.

3. Shoes of Readiness: These symbolize our preparedness to share the gospel of peace (1 Peter 3:15). Rooted in the Gospel, we are ready to stand firm in our faith and bring God's message of reconciliation and hope to others.

4. Shield of Faith: This shield protects us from the enemy's attacks of doubt, fear, and temptation (Hebrews 11:1). It's not blind faith but confident trust in God's character and promises, deflecting the lies and schemes of the evil one.

5. Helmet of Salvation: This helmet guards our minds against doubts and false beliefs (Romans 8:1). It reminds us of our identity in Christ and the assurance of our salvation, protecting our thoughts and keeping us focused on God's truth.

6. Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): More than just Scripture knowledge, this sword is our offensive weapon (Hebrews 4:12). It's the living and active Word of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, used to discern truth, combat falsehoods, and effectively minister to others. It's not just knowing Scripture but applying it in our lives and using it to combat lies and temptation.

Putting on the Armor of God is not a one-time event but a daily practice of spiritual discipline and reliance on God's strength. It involves intentional steps to align ourselves with God's truth and protection and daily spiritual practices: prayer, studying Scripture, walking in obedience to God's Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit's guidance. It's about being spiritually equipped to face life's challenges with courage, wisdom, and faith in God.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, please help us as we seek to put on the armor of God daily. May we realize the benefits of this practice for ourselves and those around us. Help us live according to Your Word and be the light to those around us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Head to Toe (The Armor of God Song)” by Christy Nockels. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Devotionals for the Heart: God is with us and faithful in all the seasons of life

God is Faithful
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”—Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

The last day of our Hawaiian vacation had arrived, and we still wanted to go snorkeling. Our friends described a beautiful bay less than a mile up the beach. They offered to let us borrow their equipment. Immediately, we changed into our suits, gathered our things, and headed out on our adventure!

It was a perfect morning. The sun glistened on the water as the white foamed waves rhythmically rolled into the shore. We marveled at the beauty as we walked along the beach. The sandy terrain gradually transitioned into a rocky landscape, where the ocean waves crashed forcefully against the lava-rock-lined shore.

Navigating our way became increasingly challenging as we encountered slippery rocks covered with algae. At one point, we had to climb to an elevated, narrow pass to avoid the jagged rocks. Suddenly, everything changed. Even though the trail appeared solid, the sand gave way when I stepped on it, sifting through the rocks. Immediately, I tumbled three feet down onto sharp, jagged lava boulders.

My snorkeling gear bag flew out from my hands, and I found my bottom wedged between two large, jagged boulders. Every inch of me hurt. My husband, alarmed, rushed to my side. Very concerned, he asked, "Are you OK?" Struggling to catch my breath and assess my injuries, I moaned, "I don't know, I think so."

It was a harrowing experience, and it took considerable effort and time for my husband to reach me. It was not an easy task to rescue me from the rocks and assist me back to the safety of the sandy shore. He supported me as I limped, then rested, limped, then rested all the way back to the beach house. I couldn't put much weight on my bleeding foot, and every move shot pain through my body.

Upon returning to the yard, my husband assessed my wounds, gently washing away the sand and blood. As we reflected on the ordeal, there were mixed emotions of disappointment at missing out on snorkeling yet gratitude that my injuries weren't more severe. Following a call to our friends for assistance, we contemplated a visit to the emergency room but ultimately decided against it. I would need to rest and prepare to leave the next day.

This experience left a profound impact. It reminded me how suddenly our lives can be tipped upside down, from one moment of joy, plans, and anticipation to being thrown into a storm filled with fear and uncertainty. It brought to mind the comforting words written throughout the Bible book of Isaiah. Words to us from Jesus Christ saying, “I will be with you.” Life can change in a second without notice, throwing us into a season of loss, grief, pain, or uncertainty, but God continually promises to be with us. He is faithful!

My accident in Hawaii is minor compared to many other devastating events. We had to cancel our plans for the rest of that day, and when flying home, I needed assistance to and from the gate. When I returned home, I did see my doctor to confirm there were no broken bones or infections from the wounds. My body has since healed, but the scars are still visible.

Healing from loss and tragedy takes much longer, and the scars can alter what “normal” used to look like. But God is faithful! Even though we feel like we are drowning, or the fire is consuming us, He is there protecting us, promising strength and comfort. God will never leave us.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in every surprise, challenge, and step in unfamiliar territory. You warned us that we would encounter troubles in this life but promised that You would not leave us. Thank You for Your promises of comfort and strength in the valleys. Help us to rely on You and identify Your blessings in the storms. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham Speer. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He’s Always Been Faithful” by TaRanda Greene performed with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: How to stay humble when God gives us good gifts

Boast in the Lord
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

—2 Corinthians 10:17 (ESV)

It can be so tempting for me, if my circumstances are pleasant and blessed, to boast in my circumstances. Now, boasting in my circumstances doesn’t necessarily mean talking about how great I am or saying the words, “Look at me!”

But it could mean boasting in my mind even if words of pride never leave my lips. It could mean relishing a position I’ve been given so much that I start to look down on others, thinking I’m better than they are.

God loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11), gifts we don’t deserve but that He chooses to give us anyway. Why then should we adopt a mindset of pride and a false belief that we deserve these gifts?

Instead of boasting in the gifts the Lord has given us, we are admonished by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians to “boast in the Lord.” God doesn’t want us to boast in His gifts, in the created things that He gives us. If our sense of pride is found in what changes, be it our circumstances or things of this world, then we shall be sorely disappointed when our circumstances change or things of this world fail us. If we put our security in anything other than the Lord, then it most certainly will crumble. Instead, our sense of security and identity needs to be found in Jesus Christ.

I love making a difference or doing something important. Since I was very young, I wanted to live a purposeful, meaningful life for Jesus. Whenever God chooses to bless me with an amazing opportunity, I can often be tempted to think better of myself than I ought, falsely believing that I am “better” than someone else or that I deserved such an opportunity. I can also struggle with trying to find my worth in those created things, those opportunities, or gifts from God.

I’ve always loved acting and prayed for an opportunity to use that gift. When I was 14 years old, God provided an opportunity when a Biblical theater group started in my area. Through that group, I’ve grown so much as a person in the last seven years and have had the opportunity to combine acting and sharing the love of Jesus with others through my interactions with fellow cast and crew members and through the story told on the stage.

I don’t deserve God’s good gifts and blessed opportunities, such as my wonderful experiences as an actress. However, because of His grace and mercy, God chooses to bless me as He blesses others in different ways. I’ve come to know that identity is not meant to be found in anything other than the Creator Himself. Please don’t find your identity in the things of this world. Instead, find your security in the Lord. If you find yourself starting to boast in the things of this world, turn it around and start boasting in the Lord, declaring His goodness and faithfulness.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, please forgive me for boasting in the things of this world and for finding my security in created things rather than You, my Creator. Please help me to sing Your praises and bring glory to Your holy name all my days. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “All My Boast is in Jesus” by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/

Devotionals for the Heart: God will always keep all of His promises

God is Faithful to Keep His Promises
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts right now?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother stood in the kitchen making chocolate fudge candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces. I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and yet having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deepest longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. This Bible verse tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and tempted to seize control, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough (Genesis 16:1-4).

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you can trust Him to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

Friend, as hard as it is to wait, let God use this season to prepare you for your promised land. Take time to enjoy the gift of today because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly, as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful You love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Sharing our faith in God with the youth is vital

Passing It On: Sharing our Faith Stories
A devotional by Joy Beless

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation

the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

—Psalm 78:4 (ESV)

All through the summer in the USA, families gather for weddings, graduations, and July 4th celebrations. Our adult children and grandchildren come together at our family’s ranch to celebrate Independence Day for the USA. None of us live in the same city. We gather our great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, then we all join in the fun! As we stand side-by-side in the kitchen, on the fishing dock or snuggle with the kids for a bedtime story, it’s a perfect time to share stories of faith.

I remember being a child standing next to my grandmother in the kitchen on the same family ranch, sipping a cold Dr. Pepper on a hot Texas summer afternoon and listening to my grandmother telling stories of faith. She told me about the faithfulness of God during the bleak war-time years, making dresses out of up-cycled fabric, and how God provided for my grandfather to work labor jobs that paid a dollar a day. I heard plenty of stories about taking other people in for a time and the common experience of having extra people around the meal table. No matter how much work needed to be done, on Sundays my grandparents stopped the task on hand, cleaned up and went to church with all of us.

My parents carried on the tradition of sharing their own stories of faith. My father’s conversion story after a near-death experience always held a captive audience. He was a leather-faced rancher who seemed bigger than life. Saturday nights, my mother could be found with her Bible in her lap preparing for Sunday School the next morning. In the good and the hard times, living out God’s Word was central to their life stories.

I feel the same urgency to not waste spontaneous opportunities to weave in stories of faith spoken of in Psalm 78 and remember the “glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and wonders” (Psalm 78:4 ESV). Where have I seen God at work in miraculous ways over the last several months? How have I sensed God’s presence in difficult times or in waiting for answered prayer? As we say bedtime prayers over our children’s and grandchildren’s concerns, what can I ask them to pray for me? How can I remind these sweet souls that God hears their prayers too?

Worship and singing hymns is yet another way of passing down our faith and giving the younger generation an anchor to hold on to in rough waters. I remember hearing my parents sing hymns as they went about their day. I want my grandchildren to also know the songs that we’ve sung for generations, such as “Blessed Assurance” by Fannie Crosby and Phoebe Knapp.

May our faith stories that fueled our faith, fuel the faith of future generations and inspire their young minds with curiosity that encourages them to seek God and know Him. In a time of anxious questioning of so much, may our family’s conversations invite an assurance of God’s love for each of us, especially for the younger generation. May that assurance bring hope to their lives and their own stories of trusting in God. May they have a desire to know God’s Word and believe it is as relevant for them as it was for their grandparents and great-grandparents.

When my grandchildren come to visit, I think I’ll pick up a can of Dr. Pepper and pour it over cold ice while I listen to the fizz. As we sip and laugh, I want to ask them how they’re doing. Perhaps I will share a story from my childhood with the hindsight of a Sovereign God who never fails.

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank You that You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I’m grateful that You love our children and grandchildren more than we do. Give us discernment and wisdom to share the truth about you through our faith stories. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Find Us Faithful” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org