Devotionals for the Heart: Trials

Your Current Trial vs. Your Beautiful Future
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” 

– Romans 5:1–5 (KJV)

Merriam-Webster defines the word “trial” as “a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation.”

One thing I always remind others and myself as I undergo trying times is that these periods are a necessary part of life. They do not always feel good, but the reward one reaps after passing the test is worth it. One key biblical figure I typically mention when discussing trials and hardship is Joseph (son of Jacob).

Loved and highly favored by his father, yet despised by his brothers, Joseph suffered through much. He endured betrayal by his kin. He was sold into slavery. He was tossed into prison based on a false accusation. Yet, at the right time, he was released and provided with the opportunity to save a nation. The Lord used every hardship Joseph suffered through as stepping stones to Joseph’s position and his settlement into the palace.

When you are in the middle of a storm, it is often difficult to see what is ahead. Your vision is sometimes clouded by all the challenges you are faced with. You may feel as though things will never improve. However, what many fail to realize is that every single thing in our lives serves a purpose. Also, many forget that God is a healer, a deliverer, and a miracle worker. The marriage that failed, the job you did not get, the job you got but hate, the bills you cannot pay, the abuse you may be subjected to, the illness that seems to never go away—the Lord can repair, restore, and/or bless you with something better.

God can provide you with the emotional, spiritual and mental strength you need to endure your trials. The Lord will give you what you need to endure the process. However, you must be willing to go through the process. Although it may be a long, arduous journey, it will be worth it.

Do not let your current hardship discourage you or make you feel as though life will never get better. Many times, God is allowing your trial to strengthen you and He is using certain circumstances as tools to prepare you for advancement.

Romans 5:1–5 reminds us of the benefits of our trials. Read it for encouragement to persevere.

Do not worry when life gets hard. Trust Jesus Christ.

Believe that your trials are only making you and have faith that a beautiful future awaits you!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for being Lord over all! When we face trials in this life, please give us the strength to endure. Help us to remember with You on our side, we will be able to move forward and persevere no matter what life throws at us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Temeka’s devotional message today reminds me of Jessica Reedy’s song “Better.” Watch the mime interpretation of Reedy’s song here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Sloths

Running with the Sloths
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” –Romans 12:10-12 (NIV)

Every few years a new animal shows up in popular culture and has its moment in the sun.

Have you noticed this? You’ll be walking through a store and for a time, pigs are everywhere—coffee mugs, bookmarks, inspirational prints. Then it cycles to koalas or giraffes or cows. I think llamas are a hit right now. And a few years ago you couldn’t turn a corner without seeing a sloth.

We have this universal love for furry creatures with big eyes, and sloths have the added charm of tree limb perches and super slow movements. They became the adorable poster child for procrastinators and couch potatoes everywhere.

But when we use the word “sloth” with its meaning of “disinclination to labor; spiritual apathy or inactivity” (Merriam-Webster) it gets a lot less funny. In classical Christian teaching, “sloth” is listed among the “seven deadly sins” (Proverbs 6:16-19) alongside greed, lust, gluttony, wrath, envy, and pride. I will admit that while I am guilty of each of things over the course of my life (and possibly just the course of today!) my pet sin—the one I come back to over and over and over again—is sloth. I easily become disengaged from God’s Kingdom work when it becomes hard or when I feel underappreciated or for any number of reasons. I am too often content in my spiritual laziness.

We all will probably have seasons where we will be radically on fire for Jesus Christ and feel consumed with the things of God. It might have been when we were first introduced to the amazing grace and salvation of Jesus or later on in our spiritual walk with God when we’ve had a particularly wonderful experience with Him at a retreat or conference, or maybe just a sweet time of prayer. But eventually, because we are creatures of this world, that fire and zeal can give way to a familiarity with the God’s Word (The Holy Bible) so when you read the Bible you aren’t stirred to action. Perhaps a season of hardship leaves you feeling farther from God than ever.

The worst part might come when you simply don’t care that you no longer care. The enemy would love for you to sit in that pit and stay there because you will no longer threaten him. Seriously, we can’t have that, can we?

Do not lose heart! If you are here, with me, fighting through a season of laziness and apathy, let’s band together and remember a few very important things:

We can do this (whatever God is asking us to do) but we can’t do it alone, so it’s a good thing that God’s Holy Spirit is within us. He gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) Laziness is nowhere to be seen in that verse!

God longs to give us what we ask for in His name. He will give you a renewed love and fire to go and make disciples for Him if you simply ask Him!

We are in a spiritual war, whether we like it or not. Lazy soldiers don’t win battles. We need to be willing to stand up, defend ourselves and our fellow soldiers, and occasionally go on the offensive. That doesn’t sound slothful to me!

I’d like to leave you with this charge from Ephesians 5:14 (NASB):

For this reason, it says,

"Awake, sleeper,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you."

Let’s be awake today and get to work. There’s no time to lose.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, please give us all a rekindled love for You, Your Son, The Holy Spirit, and the world you have put us in. Help us show Your love and never be too lazy to go when and where You call us. Forgive us for all the times we waited, procrastinated, or ignored when You asked us to do something. We love You. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.  

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming. 

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.

~*~
Connect with Glynis:
Website: www.glynisbecker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7

Book Spotlight: Roar Like a Lion

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on Levi Lusko's NEW devotional book,

Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith.

This is what his book is about (blurb):

Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to "run toward the roar" as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.

Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a richer spiritual life. In his first children's devotional for ages 6 to 10, Levi tackles real issues our kids face with a lighthearted and approachable tone. 

Kids are equipped to approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness with the help of fascinating stories and facts, eye-catching art, Bible verses, prayers, and simple action steps.

This 90-day devotional covers highly relevant topics such as:

• facing fears about school and friendships 
• having courage to try something new 
• handling new challenges, past disappointments, and grief 
• dealing with peer pressure and bullying 
• understanding how we each fit into God's great story 

As a parent and pastor, Levi is able to address real-life situations with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity. Roar Like a Lion is a great way to spark discussion with your kids on meaningful topics and get them in the habit of reading a biblically-based devotional.

Offering practical approaches to faith in everyday life, Roar Like a Lion will inspire your kids to nurture their personal faith in a God strong enough to protect and guide them as they run toward the roar during the challenges in their lives. 

~*~
My Review:

This book has a beautiful cover. But the beauty doesn't stop there. When the reader opens the book they'll find a wealth of wonderful information inside and pretty graphic designs to illustrate every point.

Throughout this devotional book, the author (Levi Lusko) points people to the God of the Universe who loves humankind with all of His Heart. Lusko includes timeless wisdom, Bible stories, Scripture and real-life applications on every page of this 90-day devotional.

This read is worth your time even if you are an adult! However, it will speak most effectively to the younger audience for whom it was written and intended to reach.

Reading this devotional will encourage your heart and inspire your soul to seek God, read the Bible, soak up His Truth and follow Jesus Christ all the way to Heaven.

*Disclosure: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

~*~

Author Bio:

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah.

He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. 

Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya who is no longer living on this Earth. 

~*~

In closing, I'd like to share the purchase link for Levi Lusko's book:

https://www.roarlikealionbook.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Identity

Identity: Kingdom Legacy
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

– Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

Identity. Complex, yet so simple.

Basic psychology reminds us that everyone goes through stages where they explore various behaviors and roles as they search to create and solidify who they are. It is generally associated with a phase that occurs in preteens and teenagers, but the phase to some degree lingers in the minds of adults, too.

These stages primarily are bouts of identity exploration – or more specifically, identifying and validating the person they want others to see. Despite this phase many of us go through, many of us never stray too far away from what we know to be true about whose we are although we sometimes struggle to articulate who we are.

It is easy for many of us to limit our identities to who we believe others would see us as if they knew our stories. Some people associate their identity with the trauma they have experienced in their life. It is also easy to associate one’s identity to the legacy they hope to leave behind in the future – one as a husband or wife, a parent, mentor, or friend. A great person of great impact. All of the things many hope can be said of the legacy they leave behind when they are no longer here.

But then I am reminded that His purpose for me is so much greater than my desires could ever be. I remember that as a daughter of the Eternal King (God), He has positioned me to leave a much bigger legacy than I could fathom simply by adhering to His will.

Sometimes, we tend to become so wrapped up in the identity we have allowed our situation to create for us, that we forget to willingly embrace and prioritize the identity that God created for us. Our identity is much more than the trauma we experienced through life or the roles we play in the lives of others. I know many people who have clung to the idea that their identity is limited to the roles they play in the lives of other people: husband, wife, homemaker, the parent working two jobs just to make ends meet or the entrepreneur who never wants for anything because they have everything they ever wanted. These are all great things, and I know many phenomenal individuals who carry out their roles incredibly well. But I also know these roles are not the sum total of who they are or who you are.

Truthfully speaking, our identities are much more than those things that make-up the best or the worst parts of us. These titles and attributes that stem from what you do for others and how others see you are not who you are. It’s what you do, but what you do does not solely define you. Who you are is a child of God. You are a child of the King. You are exactly who God created you to be for the purpose of His Kingdom.

Our identities should speak to who we were created to be. Our identity should be rooted in our Kingdom purpose and not the roles we play in the lives of others. Your primary role is to be just what He called you to be in this season – regardless of what it looks like.

Whatever it is that you believe that God has called you to be, be sure that you are doing so as a commitment to God and not to anyone else. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) instructs us to remember that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

As you serve Him, come out of the shadows of the identities rooted in limited perspectives of those you serve. I challenge you to elevate your role as husband, wife, parent, family, or friend to that of one who works to elevate the Kingdom. As a child of the King you have a very specific call on your life and it is up to you to walk in the purpose He created for you.

Remember, you have a very critical role to play in God’s master plan.

Let’s Pray: Lord, in all that we do, help us remember to do it all for You. Help us to remember that if we follow You in every aspect of our lives, then You will ultimately lead us to the destiny that you have specifically created for each and every one of your children. Continue to love us in such an intimate way that we cannot deny that our identity is in You. Help us to understand that at the end of it all, when people look at us, they should see You. Thank You for grace and Your unwavering love for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Erin’s devotional message today reminded me of this song by Crystal Lewis called “Remember Who You Are.” Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more.’ With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts.

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about Biblical womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world. 

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry.

When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education.

Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.

Devotionals for the Heart: Stand Firm

Standing Firm in Our Faith
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

– Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

I am involved in two women's groups.

One is a growth group from my church, and the other is a book group, where we read a Christian-based book together or a Bible study then we discuss the book. There is a group chat for each group, and of course, we share our prayer requests. Lately, the prayer requests have been more and more. There are prayer requests for healing, miracles, new job opportunities, and a few others. But it seems like every day, there is a new request. A lot is going on everywhere.

There has also been an increase in prayer requests online because of things going on around the world: the war ended in Afghanistan, the west of the United States is on fire, the devastating hurricane that went through Louisiana, and then aftereffects of the hurricane that flooded New York and New Jersey. It’s just so much to take in right now!

Although the world may seem crazy right now, I am here to remind you and myself that these moments are the moments when we need to stand firm in our faith, as God has called us to be. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) is says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Many things will come our way to try to shake us, but God reminds us He is with us, and He will help us overcome anything.

How do we stand firm in our faith during these crazy times? We must read God’s Word (The Holy Bible) every day. We should pray every day. Communicating with God consistently helps our faith and our relationship with Him to grow stronger and become unshakeable. We should be surrounded with people who bring us closer to God. People who we can trust to discuss our doubts and know that they will pray for us. For example, like the groups I’m involved in. I know that if I need prayer for anything, I can ask.

There is a quote by an author whose name I could not find, that says, “When the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” I feel that this quote goes hand-in-hand with standing firm in our faith. The root is our faith, and when it's deep in God, there is no reason to fear the wind, which would be any turbulence that comes our way. I'll end the devotional with this verse from 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV), “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

Let’s Pray: Dear God, I know these times are very uncertain. It seems like every day something new comes up, but Lord, You are in control. You know what will happen before it happens, and You help us navigate all our uncertainties. Lord, remind me to stand firm in my faith in You always. No matter what happens, my faith should not be shaken. Lord, I trust you and I love you. I know that in the end, everything will be okay. In Jesus’s Name, I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hello, my name is Heidy (Reynoso) De La Cruz.  

I am Dominican-American and I’m passionate about writing! I write poetry, encouraging blog posts about personal experiences and any message that God has stored in my heart. I am working on publishing my first poetry book.

First and foremost, I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am also a wife and a mother. I have my master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Belhaven University’s online course. I have my bachelor’s degree in Science with the concentration of Psychology and Healthcare Administration.

I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last six years. I love my career!

My hobbies include writing, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with my family.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Read my poetry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidyspoems/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidyreynoso13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13

Romantic Reads: Series Cancellation

Dear Blog Readers,

I decided to cancel my blog's "Romantic Reads" series, effective today 

(Sept. 21, 2021).

I am sorry for any disappointment this decision may cause.

I hope that you will continue to read my "God is Love" blog and enjoy the other features such as my "Devotionals for the Heart" series where you can read a NEW devotional every Monday/Wednesday/Friday.

Take care and God bless you!

Love, 

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog

Devotionals for the Heart: God wants more time with you

More of You
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3 (NIV)

As I was walking to my car after church one afternoon, I heard a voice calling my name in the distance. I stopped, turned around and noticed a friend of mine waving wildly, while she was running toward me. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

I had not seen this friend in over a year. She had moved far away, and I had no idea that she would be in church that day. I was so happy to see her!

As soon as she was within arm’s reach, we embraced. We were once so close. We used to talk all the time. When she moved away, life happened, and then we lost contact for a while. We did not talk as often, and we allowed our life circumstances to occupy our time. As we talked in the middle of the parking lot, we made up for lost time. We spent over an hour catching up, laughing, and being really open about the things that had transpired in our separate lives over the past year. Before we said goodbye that afternoon, she looked at me and revealed to me how much she missed me as a friend. She told me that she needed more of me.

I often wonder if God feels the same way about me. There are times when I am so open with Him. I wake up early in the morning to meet Him in my quiet place. I spend long periods of time in His presence. Whether I am writing in my prayer journal, speaking out loud to Him, listening to a song and worshipping Him, or just sitting in silence; the feeling of being so close to Him is indescribable. I feel at peace in the moment, and the calmness follows me as I begin my day. There is a strange sense of confidence and assurance that whatever comes my way, I know that I will be able to handle it because God is with me.

Then there are the times when I wake up late, and I rush off, going about my day with merely uttering a few words to God. Or the times when my 3-year-old son has difficulty sleeping through the night and finds himself in my room, which throws off my morning. There are also instances when I try to sit in silence to commune with God, but my mind will not allow it.

Random thoughts race through my brain, clogging it with things that should never take precedence over my devotion time with God. These are the times when I can almost hear God telling me how much He misses me. Our time together is invaluable. I need that time with Him in order to survive, and I feel the difference in my life when that time is not consistently spent in His presence.

God doesn’t just want more of us; He wants us to want more of Him. Let’s make the commitment to consistently seek His face, every day of our lives.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for pursuing us and wanting to give us what we need – You. Help us to have that longing in our hearts to want You and to know You. May we take the necessary steps to deepen our relationship with You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Angela’s devotional message today reminds me of this song “More of You” by Colton Dixon. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. 

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: Discipleship

The Path of Discipleship
A devotional by Wendy Wilson Spooner

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:34-35 (KJV)

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of staying on the path of discipleship. He showed us the ultimate way to live: His way.

Three important milestones mark the road of Biblical discipleship.

Milestone #1: Love your enemies.

Love is certainly the defining attribute of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Mosaic command was to love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind and strength. But Christ’s personal teachings went deeper and extended the commandment to love your enemies as well. Ultimate love was shown when Jesus laid down his life for his friends, His disciples, the lost, you, me, and even the very worst of sinners.

Milestone #2: Feed His sheep.

In Romans 10:14 (KJV), disciples and followers of Christ were taught, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” In Christ’s time, early believers made a world of difference when they opened their mouths, testifying and sharing the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose form the dead that we might all have eternal life.

Milestone #3: Endure to the end.

Hebrews 3:12-13 (KJV) says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Enduring to the end means doing your best to stay faithful to the last day, in keeping God’s commandments, believing in His Word, and having faith amidst even the worst of trials.

The early disciples of Jesus Christ were brave and courageous testifiers in an incredibly barbaric time in the history of this earth. What we can learn from them will surely help us in our day.

These same three important milestones mark the road of present-day discipleship.

Milestone #1 (revisited): Love your enemies.

This is a big one in our day. With our nation (for those of us here in the United States of America) seemingly divided on many topics, where and how do we show love for our enemies? Some of us have the opportunity daily to practice. Many find success by being kind on social media, standing for Christ without guile in the midst of an anti-Christian workplace, and by turning the other cheek when persecuted by hostile neighbors.

Milestone #2 (revisited): Feed His sheep.

Belief in Christ cannot exist without knowledge of Him. Maybe this is why Isaiah 52:7 (KJV) says, because salvation comes only from hearing the gospel, the feet of those who bring it are beautiful. My painted toenails do kind of make my feet beautiful, but I don’t think this is what the apostle Paul was getting at. In his day, the common footwear was sandals. Dirty feet were part of everyday life. But imagine receiving the good news from someone like Paul, who was so committed to sharing the gospel that he gave his life for the very cause. That’s beautiful. And to those who were saved because of Paul’s efforts, I’m sure it was a beautiful sight to see his feet approaching.

Milestone #3 (revisited): Endure to the end.

What does it mean to endure to the end today? It hasn’t changed over time. It still means to have faith that God will carry us through the worst of trials, that keeping the commandments matters for our happiness and others, and that the atonement of Jesus Christ will make everything right in the end.

Are we disciples today? I know countless people who are. And we can bring more into the fold before the second coming of our Savior (Jesus Christ). How can we best show Jesus that we follow Him and love Him?

By bringing others unto Him.

We become true disciples of Jesus Christ when we learn to live for others. God is the director of the work in which we are engaged. He knows sometimes the path is overgrown with weeds, or that it’s so dark we will stumble for a time. But we belong to Him.

We are His, and He will help us every step of the way.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help us stay on the path leading back to you. When we stray, aid us in quickly returning to avoid getting lost. And Father, help us guide others to you and your path, that many of your sons and daughters can return arm-in-arm, strengthened together by each other’s fortitude. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Wendy’s devotional message today reminds me of this song “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wendy Wilson Spooner, Lic. G., LCoT, is a professional Genetic Genealogist by day, a writer by night, and an artist in between.

Her love of what we can learn from history compels her to write the true stories she unearths during research, and she’s found that truth is indeed, much more exciting and inspiring than fiction.

Wendy writes about family, faith, grief, art, and overcoming obstacles in life by coming to know who we really are—children of God, and, the descendants of remarkable people who paved the way for us—even if they really struggled. She believes in learning from ancestors, honoring them, and then standing on their shoulders to become someone even better.

As an award-winning author of professional articles and poems, Wendy Wilson Spooner turned to novel writing to share what she knows with a greater audience. When she is not writing or researching, she currently serves as National Vice Chair for Daughters of the American Revolution over Art & Sculpture in the annual American Heritage contest. She also serves as Chairman of the Advisory board for Century Vital Records in Bengaluru, India.

Wendy loves to read, hike, paint, travel, binge on Bollywood movies, and spend time with her greatest loves—her family.

Her debut novel, Once Upon an Irish Summer, released April 3, 2020. It has been a best-seller in the several different genres. She’s looking forward to releasing book two in the series!

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Connect with Wendy:
Website: https://wendywilsonspooner.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3lpNZSY
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorWendyWilsonSpooner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wendy_W_Spooner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyspooner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-wilson-spooner-07741249/

Devotionals for the Heart: Religion

Religion and Our Modern Day
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” 

– James 1:26-27 (NIV)

I’ve written before how I love the book of James for its fire. It’s an exhortation more than a letter or as the kids say he’s “calling us out”. If this was a sermon, the preacher would be leaning over the pulpit, arms waving, in full voice. He’d be shaking the back pews with these words. In the verse above, his focus is on how we practice our religion.

Now, hearing the word ‘religion’ can make some of us wince. The world has soured on religion and the term has taken on some negative connotations. I don’t think this is because the world is any more sinful than it has ever been. I suspect it has to do with Christians (and others) behaving badly, while claiming faith. It’s also likely a shift in the modern mindset.

In a lot of ways, technological advancement has become a kind of religion itself. It doesn’t take a lot to put your faith in modern science and medicine. It doesn’t cost you anything, asks nothing from you. You can keep the parts you like and reject the rest. Faith in Jesus Christ, however, that takes work, it will cost you your life, so to speak. We die to self when we follow Christ.

In our modern times there’s an emphasis on self-expression and individuality. Being heard is a big deal. Sometimes, that’s a good thing. But as Christians, we need to be careful about what we express. We need to watch what we put out in the world. Essentially James is calling on us to ‘mind your business’, the Kingdom’s business.

Whether its traffic when you’re running late, an obnoxious coworker, a rude customer, a family member in crisis, or even a stranger spewing hate, we need to keep a grip on ourselves. We need to remember our purpose and focus our mind and bodies on the mission, not the moment. That can be a serious challenge in times like these when we are pressed from all sides.

However, now is when we need this control and focus the most. When we’re being distracted by culture, politics and fear, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and our tongues in check.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, please give us the strength to love our enemies, friends, and neighbors in all circumstances. Make us instruments of your peace in a fallen world. Please help us to be salt and light, unpolluted by the world while active within it. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction. 

She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college’s literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house.

Her most recent work, The Redemption Road, finished the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England.

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Connect with Christa:
Website: www.christamacdonald.com
Newsletter: https://christamacdonald.com/connect-with-christa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538432676468229/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33uk329
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CricketMacD
Christa's book publisher: http://mountainbrookink.com/about-us/authors/christa-macdonald/

Romantic Reads: The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston

Interview with Amy Clipston about her book, 

The Heart of Splendid Lake

Congratulations on the release of your new novel today! Happy BOOK Birthday to The Heart of Splendid Lake! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Amy: I enjoy reading contemporary romance novels, and I wanted to try to write my own. I came up with the idea for The Heart of Splendid Lake, and my agent and I pitched it to my publisher. I’m so grateful for the chance to share this story, which is very close to my heart.

Alexis: How did you dream up these characters? Did you use real-life people/movie stars as inspiration?

Amy: A few characters were inspired by people in my life, and some of the names are also special as well. As for Scott Gibson, the real estate mogul, he is loosely based on Jack Gibson, my favorite character on the television show “Station 19.” Some of Scott’s backstory is based on Jack’s on the show, but I’m not going to give that away. For Brianna, I imagined actress Olivia Holt, and for her fiancé, Taylor Reese, I envisioned Alberto Frezza, who also is an actor from “Station 19.”

Alexis: What was the most challenging part of writing this story?

Amy: It was nerve wracking to venture out of Amish fiction, the genre I’ve known and loved for so long. Amish fiction is comfortable for me, and I had to challenge myself to try something new. I learned a lot from writing this book, and I believe it has helped me grow as a writer.

Writing contemporary romance is much different from writing about the Amish, which means I had to think about romance from a different perspective. In an Amish book, holding hands on the porch and watching a sunset is romantic, but in a contemporary book, a romantic scene can take place in a hundred different places. I know what I love about contemporary romance books and movies, so I did my best to channel that into my book. I went through some tough edits, but I’m happy with how the book turned out. I can’t wait to see what readers think.

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

Amy: Splendid Lake is a fictional town set in the mountains of North Carolina near Asheville, but in my head I see Schroon Lake, which is a real lake located in the Adirondacks of New York. I spent many summer vacations at Schroon Lake as a child. I remember swimming in the lake, shopping in the little downtown area, and going to the one-screen movie theater. I based the shopping area in Splendid Lake on the little town of Schroon Lake as well and incorporated some of my favorite stores there—the year-round Christmas shop and other little gift shops, an ice cream parlor, and a mini-golf course.

My main characters love the little town, and it’s home to Brianna. It’s where she was born and raised as well as where she wants to stay. She loves the lake and the cherished memories it holds for her.

Alexis: Brianna is the heroine of your story. Tell me about this character. What does she look/sound/act like? What are her hopes and dreams? What is her greatest fear and most troubling flaw?

Amy: I imagine Olivia Holt as Brianna. She has blonde hair and brown eyes, and she is petite. She rarely wears makeup, and she’s most comfortable in casual clothing. Her favorite outfit includes jeans, purple western boots, and a purple hoodie. She sometimes wears a baseball cap emblazoned with a Mustang logo. She enjoys working on boats, and she also has an appreciation for cars. Her hopes and dreams are to settle down at Splendid Lake and keep running the Splendid Lake Cabins and Marina resort, which is her family’s legacy. Her greatest fear is losing her family, and her most troubling flaw is stubbornness and having difficulty asking for help.

Alexis: Why does Brianna choose to stay in the town of Splendid Lake but her sisters choose to leave?

Amy: Brianna loves her lake and the family memories that she has created there. It’s truly her home, and she can’t see herself living anywhere else. She wants to keep the resort alive since it’s part of her family’s legacy.

Alexis: Being an expert boat mechanic is a unique role for a heroine! What made you decide to give her this profession and make her excellent in a trade that most people only think men do?

Amy: To be honest, I chose to make her a boat mechanic in order to create a unique heroine. While Brianna can rebuild a boat engine and work on her Mustang, she also has a feminine side. I wanted to write a memorable heroine who has many layers.

Also, I live in a house with two car mechanics and a third in the making, so I’ve grown accustomed to car talk. I thought it would be fun to have a heroine and hero bond over cars. In fact, I had a lot of fun writing about cars. I asked my older son to choose Scott’s cars, and he told me two of his dream cars. I included many car references, and some of the cars mentioned in the book are vehicles we have owned. And for extra fun, I included a true story about one of my husband’s old Gremlins. Also, Brianna’s dream car is my dream car, but readers will have to check out the book to find out what it is.

Alexis: What does Brianna love most about her home, the resort she runs, and her profession?

Amy: Brianna loves her lake and the family memories it holds for her. It’s truly her home, and she can’t imagine living anywhere else. She enjoys working with her hands and being out in her father’s shop. She appreciates that the resort has been passed down through her family. It’s her dream to spend the rest her life there, running the resort and raising a family.

Alexis: Brianna’s father dies unexpectedly and that sends Brianna into depression. Was she a Daddy’s Girl? Describe her bond with her father and tell me what they shared in common.

Amy: Brianna was not only a Daddy’s Girl, but she also had a special bond with her father. Brianna was more interested in following her father out to his shop than helping her mother in the kitchen. She considered her father one of her best friends, and they talked about everything.

Alexis: How does Brianna’s relationship with her father affect how she relates to men? Does she want to marry a man like her dad? Explain.

Amy: Brianna admires her father and she wants to marry someone like him—loving, easy to talk to, respectful to women, encouraging, hardworking, caring, and thoughtful. Her father always told her that she could do anything she set her mind her—especially when it came to being a mechanic. He told her to never let anyone tell her that she wasn’t capable because she was a woman, and those are words she lives by. She often hears his encouraging voice in her mind when she faces a problem.

Alexis: Scott Gibson is the hero of your story. Tell me about his character. What does he look/sound/act like? What are his greatest strengths and worse weaknesses? What are his dreams for his life?

Amy: Oh, I love Scott! In my mind I imagine Grey Damon, who plays Jack Gibson on my favorite show, “Station 19.” He’s tall and has thick, light-brown hair and baby-blue eyes. He’s thoughtful, trusting, and giving—almost to a fault. His strengths are that he’s hardworking and has a great business sense. He and his best friend built their own commercial real estate firm. His weakness is an occasional internal battle with low self-esteem, despite all of his accomplishments. He dreams of having a family of his own since he had a tough upbringing, but I don’t want to give away too much of his backstory.

Alexis: Why did you choose to make Scott’s profession that of being a real estate broker? What does he love about his job and how does his work play a role in this story?

Amy: I made Scott a real estate broker so that he would have an interest in the resort and also sort of be Brianna’s adversary since he wants to buy it. His interest in the resort and his background working in construction brings Scott and Brianna together but also gives her a reason to not completely trust his intentions. Scott loves his job because he not only built his own company, but he also has a stable income, which was his dream after his tough upbringing.

Alexis: What are Brianna’s first thoughts about Scott other than how handsome he is?

Amy: When Brianna first meets him in the Scott in the bookstore (literally bumps into him), she’s at first embarrassed, but she’s captivated by his sense of humor and their easy banter. Not only do they have an instant attraction, but they seem to just click. She would never dream of cheating on Taylor, her fiancé, but she also enjoys her short conversation with Scott. She’s intrigued by him.

Alexis: What was Scott’s first impression of Brianna? Why?

Amy: Scott also felt the same connection to Brianna that she felt toward him when they first met. He’s not only struck by how attractive she is but also by how they immediately began teasing each other. Scott, however, noticed her engagement ring, and he knew she was off-limits. At the same time, he also didn’t forget her. He recognized her when he met her again on the beach, and he wanted to know more about her.

Alexis: What is it about Brianna that makes Scott want to pursue her and win her heart?

Amy: Scott is immediately drawn to Brianna. However, he’s aware that she’s engaged and respects that. He would never dream of trying to come between her and her fiancé, Taylor, but he almost can’t stop his heart from longing for her. He enjoys their playful banter that comes naturally to them. He also is intrigued by her mechanical abilities and love of cars, which they bond over. Scott feels comfortable with her, and their conversations come easily. He believes that Taylor doesn’t treat her the way she deserves to be treated, but he tries to keep his opinions to himself.

Alexis: What is it about Scott that makes Brianna want to explore a relationship with him?

Amy: Scott calms her, but she doesn’t realize it until late in the story. When he sits quietly with her on the beach in Chapter 1, she almost instantly calms down. His presence is a balm to her soul during many of her tough times in the book. He also listens to her and offers her help, even when she insists she’s doing just fine by herself. He seems to know what she needs without her having to ask. She also enjoys his sense of humor, their fun conversations, and his love of super-cool cars. And he’s also really handsome, which doesn’t hurt!

Alexis: What brings Scott and Brianna together and what threatens to drive them apart?

Amy: They are brought together by the resort as they work together to get it ready for the summer season, and they are driven apart by Brianna’s loyalty to Taylor. Their doubts about their feelings for each other and how they could possibly make a relationship work is another roadblock. Scott also doesn’t believe he’s good enough for Brianna, and Brianna sometimes wonders if his intentions are true or if he’s only helping her to get the resort.

Alexis: What does Brianna’s fiancé think of Scott? How does he feel about this competition?

Amy: Oh, poor Taylor! He immediately feels threatened by Scott the first time he meets him and from then on, he can’t stand the sight of him. Taylor is furious every time he finds Scott at the resort, but at the same time, he’s never around when Brianna needs him.

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

Amy: I hope readers find that The Heart of Splendid Lake is a wholesome, inspiring story about family and finding strength through tough times. I hope readers find solace and encouragement in the book.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Amy! Do you have closing comments?

Amy: Thank you so much for hosting me on your awesome blog! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and also to share my book with your readers.

~*~
Author Bio:

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She’s sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.

She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America.

Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte (NC) and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and six spoiled rotten cats.

~*~
Book purchase links for The Heart of Splendid Lake can be found on Amy’s website: https://amyclipston.com/books/the-heart-of-splendid-lake/

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The Heart of Splendid Lake book blurb:

Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance. 

Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.

When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.

As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.

~*~
Connect with Amy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_clipston/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyClipston
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2765728.Amy_Clipston
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-clipston
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amyclipston/
Website: www.AmyClipston.com
Online bookstore: www.gumroad.com/amyclipston

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

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Devotionals for the Heart: Waiting on God's perfect timing and answers

He’s in the Waiting
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” 

–Psalm 62:5 (NLT)

In 2006 I began a prayer quest to discover what God had created me for.

My prayer mantra I brought to God’s throne repeatedly was simply asking Him, “What is my thing?”

By January of 2007 I had prayed that prayer hundreds of times. One Saturday I sat down in front of the TV to do some work. Being an action movie enthusiast, I scrolled through the channels till I saw FBI and ICE jackets on the screen. Landing there, I put the remote down and began to work. I glanced up at the TV periodically as I worked until the depravity of what I saw on the screen captured my attention so tightly I couldn’t pull my eyes off it. As the movie moved to commercial, national statistics on human trafficking displayed on the screen.

I felt like God had dug His Holy nails into my astonished heart as He clearly revealed, “this is your thing”. It was also then that God spoke to my spirit that one day I would be working for an anti-trafficking organization. I didn’t know how, when or where but I knew one day God would follow through on His promise.

One month ago I stepped away from my full-time job and into my calling as I took a position with a local anti-trafficking organization. It shouldn’t be missed that this was 14 years after God first spoke this calling over my life. Many times over the years I was certain I had heard Him wrong or misinterpreted what I thought I heard Him tell me. But my heart could never shake the conviction that this indeed was the purpose God had in mind when He formed me in my mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5).

We live in a world where we can send cash instantly, receive same-day delivery, and send overnight mail. Over the last decade or two our society has grown accustomed to, and come to expect, immediate gratification and control. We are no longer used to waiting and we don’t like to wait for anything. We want to reap the second we sow. While society makes every attempt to make our life easier and faster, God works on a very different timetable. In His mind, nothing is wrong with waiting. In fact, waiting can actually be a positive thing that He often uses to make us more like his Son (Jesus Christ).

In the Bible we often see that God made people wait for things. But, because we have the full Bible and we get to look in the rear-view mirror, we also see that in the times of waiting God was right there with those who were waiting, even when to them it probably didn’t seem like it or feel like it. And because He was always with His children in the Bible, we know He does the same for us. Something actually is happening while it appears nothing is happening. God uses waiting to change us. By God’s grace, we can choose to wait as He intends.

“Waiting on the Lord is the opposite of running ahead of the Lord, and it’s the opposite of bailing out on the Lord,” writes John Piper. “It’s staying at your appointed place while He says stay, or it’s going at his appointed pace when He says go. It’s not impetuous, and it’s not despairing.”

It's also important to remember that, according to 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV), in God’s timetable “a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day.”

While God has been faithful to answer many of my prayers, it’s often been in far different ways than I would have anticipated and rarely as quickly as I hoped. But His ways and timing are always perfect and never disappoint.

Let’s Pray: Omniscient God, You are always at work and always on time. Help me to have the patience to wait on You, knowing that what You have for me is always worth the wait. Forgive me for the times when the gift has become more important to me than the Gift Giver. I want to order my priorities with You always listed as my top priority and I want to have everything else in its rightful place below You. I don't want to be so busy I think I don't have time for prayer! Remind me that I have too much to do not to pray. In times of waiting help me resist trying to do Your job for You and to search for Your presence in the waiting. In Jesus’s Mighty Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Cyndi: Today’s devotion was inspired by the worship song “Take Courage” by Kristene DiMarco. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him.

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

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Connect with Cyndi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: A modern life lesson learned from a Bible story

Put A Fleece on It!
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

*Note to the reader: Open The Holy Bible and read Judges 6:36-40 for the Key Scripture that supports this devotional message today. 

I am so happy that I read the story of Gideon when I was young. Through the years it has helped me to be bold and make tough decisions.

In the Old Testament book of Judges, chapter six, the Bible introduces a reluctant leader. He knew the stories of Hebrew history. He had heard how God had miraculously delivered Israel, time after time. But in his life, he had never seen any miracles.

Israel had been impoverished by the malevolence of the competing cultures in the land. They had succumbed to the practice of idolatry. Violence and fear characterized the community in which he lived. Gideon was either the youngest or the poorest of his family members. He was either humble or struggled with low self-esteem. Until he had a divine encounter.

The story says that one day while in the normal pursuit of his work, he had an epiphany experience. God literally stopped him, spoke to him and gave him a charge that would change his life. Gideon rightly perceived that he was in the presence of a divine emissary and asked for time to honor this unparalleled moment in his life.

Since hospitality, even among the poor was a cultural imperative, he ran home, fixed a meal and brought it back to this Angel of the Lord. It was consumed by fire. The culture of the time declared that if a person saw God, he would die. Gideon was assured that he would not die because of this experience but that God would lead, guide and guard him in the prophetic tasks of leading his people to revolt against the prevailing idolatry. Jehovah Shalom, the divine blessing of peace and protection was pronounced. Gideon built an altar to memorialize the moment. Then, he went home.

It seems that God often speaks to people at night. That night God visited Gideon again. He challenged him with a revolutionary task. He was to purge his father’s territory of the idols and gardens honoring them. He recruited 10 men and they executed the Lord’s command the next night.

As expected, the men of the surrounding community were offended. The word spread and soon the worst of the worst were arrayed to do battle with and kill Gideon’s gene pool. Gideon, the reluctant warrior, called his cousins and told them to prepare for war. But, he needed assurance. He spoke to God asking for an affirming sign of His presence and blessing.

He asked for the improbable. I have often said that if the fulfillment of your vision and purpose does not require the miraculous intervention of God, it is too small. He put out a fleece, a wool shawl or towel. He asked that in the morning the fleece be wet with dew, but the ground be dry around it. In the morning, the fleece was so wet that when he wrung it, the water filled a bowl. But that was not enough. He asked for the opposite experience after the next dew fall.

Let the fleece be dry and the ground around it be wet. It was so. With that confirmation, Gideon launched the revolution that changed his community and restored the visible presence of the Grace of God in his community.

Are you struggling with an impoverished spirit? Is there a resonant vision in your mind’s eye that you don’t know how to pursue? Do you long for a more meaningful quality of life? These inclinations may be the becks and calls from divinity. They may be the breakthroughs that demand another leap of faith. Do what Gideon did and put a fleece on it. Ask for a sign. I did.

Facing a life changing decision, My wife and I prayed the fleece prayer and I left a towel on the front yard overnight. n the morning I checked on it. The ground was dry and the towel was damp. I could not wring a bowl full of water from it, but it was damp. The ensuing night I put another towel in the same spot on the yard. In the morning, the grass was wet with dew. The towel was dry. I made the tough call and even though I was warned that there was no bridge back, I took the leap of faith. Like Gideon, that decision changed my life for the better, ever since.

If you are stuck, demoralized, or looking for the next adventure in faith, put a fleece on it and look for God’s guidance. However, once His direction is clear, if you do not go where He leads, you may be forever plagued with the what if curse. That is a topic for another day. Just put a fleece on it.

Let’s Pray: Almighty God of creation, opportunity and destiny, please answer the furtive prayers of the reader today. Guide him/her into the path of your providence. Bless them with courage to trust and obey your prompting. When they do, may they see and feel confirmations from heaven. In the name of Jehovah Shalom, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.