Devotionals for the Heart: A beautiful, true story that will never end

The Never-Ending Story
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”– Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)

Have you ever been so engrossed in a story that you couldn’t put it down?

I was so fascinated by a book once that, even at a slumber party, I stole time away in a corner to dive into its pages, gripped by an invisible thread entwined with wonder, discovery, and delight.

I couldn’t wait to know how the story would end. At its conclusion, I was flooded with a wave of glee. For days I had been enraptured, even marveled, at the vibrant setting, characters, romance, and adventure. I set the finished book down, and then, after a few moments back in my reality, I suddenly felt empty. Incomplete. The wonder and awe were gone. My delight disappeared. I felt unsatisfied. My spirit needed a story where wonder, discovery, and delight were never-ending.

People often prepare for the Christmas holidays with anticipation and wonder. Picking the perfect gift for friends and loved ones, then imagining them being opened with joy and excitement. We take time to purchase and carefully wrap these gifts, only for the paper and trimmings to be torn off within minutes on the celebratory morning. Wonder, discovery, and delight come and go like the wind. Toys are played with for a few days, then cast off for another distraction. The issue isn’t the attraction of things to us, it’s the lack of worth we find in them.

Like my book, their usefulness is short-lived. Any one thing can be cast off for another. Finish one book, you can pick up another.

Yet, our Christmas holiday is meant to be filled with so much more meaning than exchanging physical gifts. It is meant to be celebrated for the ultimate gift that is filled with holiness and wonder – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He did not come wrapped in paper and bows or even wearing a crown but was born in a lowly stable in a small town. Born to the Virgin Mary, announced to a flock of shepherds by angels, and traveling kings offering gifts were led to Him by a star. What a spectacular beginning! It is a story that starts with wonder, leads to discovery, and continues to this day to bring delight to millions because it is the greatest story ever told.

The story of Jesus transcends time and place. It is as far-reaching as the north is from the south. It spreads joy, hope, love, peace, deliverance, and majesty. It increases faith and challenges humanity to love one another. It holds the answer to every prayer and the wisdom to face any challenge. It will not leave you empty, incomplete, or unsatisfied. In fact, it promises the more you read it, seek its truths, and grow closer to God with all your heart, you will find all your heart can desire or even imagine. No other story in history holds that much power.

So, while you may have selected the perfect gift to be opened to shouts and tears of joy or can’t wait to hunker down on a cold winter’s night with a good book, I hope on Christmas morning that you take time to open the pages to Jesus Christ’s never-ending story in the Bible book of Luke, and read it with your family, friends, and loved ones. I pray that as you read, you are met with great wonder, discovery, and delight. It is the only story that never stops giving and will last forever.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for sending us your son, Jesus who is the ultimate gift. We praise You and give thanks for all the wondrous and miraculous ways His story continues to connect and bless us. Thank You for Your Word that never stops giving and transcends time. We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: Handel: Messiah “For Unto Us a Child is Born” performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/MS3vpAWW2Zc

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: Why We Need Jesus Christ As Our Source

Back to the Source
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” –Colossians 3:16 NLT

Have you seen the movie Casablanca? The movie is old. Not just a “classic” from the 1970s, when I was a child, but pure “Golden Age of Hollywood” old. 

As much as I love those old-fashioned, glamorous movies, I know they aren’t very popular these days, so you may not have actually seen the film. But even if you haven’t or don’t even really know what the plot of the story is, you’ve probably heard the line, “Play it again, Sam,” and I bet you would tell me that’s the movie it’s from.

But did you know that no one says that line in that film? During the many years since the movie Casablanca came out, the story, the characters, and the dialogue have been copied, quoted, and parodied enough times that even if you don’t know the movie, you might think you do. That movie has become so famous in our culture that we often assume things about it, even when we don’t really know what we’re talking about firsthand.

So the next question I ask myself is this: Are there things about Jesus Christ that I think I know but are really only things others have said about Him? Have I become so familiar with what I think I already know, that I am no longer seeking to find something new in my relationship with Him? Am I reading the Bible with the expectation that these old words—words I’ve heard and read before—will find a new home in my heart and in my life?

I admit that over the last few years my Bible reading has been less about connection and more about checking things off a list. I know that I need to be spending time not just reading the words, but praying over them, allowing Jesus to speak into me what those living words need to be for me at each moment in my life. These words should never lose their power to teach me something new even when I think I already know them.

We are moving headlong into the holiday season, which brings with it well-worn traditions, well-known songs, and Bible stories we have heard since we were children. This year I want to go into that time with a fresh eye, looking to be swept away again by the wonder of a God who would send Himself into His own creation to experience life as we do, all so He could bring us back from where we’d gone astray.

Let’s Pray: Lord, may the familiar words we hear in scripture, sermons, stories, and songs feel brand-new to us, as we grow closer to You, the Source of Life. Give us fresh eyes to know You and desire a closer walk with You during this season and every day to come. We love You and praise You, in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just A Closer Walk with Thee” (hymn). Listen to it here.

~*~
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:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7

My Review of the Abide Bible and a special giveaway for you!

My Review of the Abide Bible

Momentum Influencer Network sent a copy of the Abide Bible to me and asked me to write a review of it. Before I share my review, read these words below from the professionals of Momentum:

Check out The Abide Experience: 21 Days in John, a FREE Video Devotion featuring Dr. Phil Collins, general editor of the Abide Bible, a Bible designed around five methods of Scripture Engagement that will change the way you read Scripture. The 21 Days in John FREE Video Devotion also provides a free download of the book of John from the Abide Bible.

The Abide Experience is FREE and includes 21 Video devotions delivered by email and a full download of the book of John from The Abide Bible!

Do you yearn for life-giving, intimate communion with God? The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that comes from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is de- signed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.

Transform your personal Bible devotions into intimate, ongoing conversations with God with various Scripture engagement approaches that keep Bible reading fresh and new. “Abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

Created in partnership with Bible Gateway and the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, The Abide Bible’s features include articles, book introductions, and practical Scripture engagement prompts based on five ways of engaging deeply with the Bible:

· Praying Scripture: Pattern your prayers after biblical texts, personalizing the prayer and gaining language for the thoughts and emotions you want to ex- press.

· Picture It: Place yourself in a biblical narrative as a bystander or participant in important events.

· Journaling: Focus and reflect on Scripture and its meaning for your life, opening yourself to God’s voice as you ponder.

· Engage Through Art: Consider a classic piece of art—photograph, sculpture, painting—and let it deepen your meditations on scriptural truths.

· Contemplate: Follow the church’s longstanding practice of reading, meditating on, praying, and contemplating a passage of Scripture in order to experience God’s presence through the words of the Bible.

Features include:

· Bible book introductions provide a concise overview of the background and historical context of the book about to be read

· 365 Day Bible Reading Plan guiding you through the entire Bible in a year

· Line-matched, single-column Scripture text for improved readability

· Smyth-sewn binding lays flat in your hand or on your desk

· Two satin ribbon markers allows you to easily navigate and keep track of where you were reading

· Easy-to-read 9-point NET Comfort Print

Visit the Abide Bible publisher’s website for more details: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/abide-bible/experience/

~*~

My Review of the Abide Bible:

This Bible is well-planned, organized and helpful.

I love that it comes in a nice box cover that shields the Bible. When I first opened the box and laid my hands on the Abide Bible, the first thing I noticed was how soft and smooth the material from front to back and the spine. It put me at ease.

As I’ve been studying this Bible for the past few weeks, I found that it’s easy to understand. The features such as the explanation of the background and historical context of every book in this Bible really set the scene for me and helped me go into each book that I read with greater understanding.

The font style and size throughout this book are very easy to read.

I was able to go deeper into God’s Word when I followed the study prompts on the sidebars of most pages. These prompts challenged me to pray using Scripture, picture the story in my head, journal about what I read, engage through the art that portray scriptural truths, and contemplate what God is teaching me through His Word before moving onto the next chapter.

I highly recommend this Bible to anyone and everyone who wants to grow closer to God and understand His Word on a deeper level.

~*~
Giveaway for U.S. Residents ONLY: 1 copy of the Abide Bible (NET)

Enter the giveaway contest here:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c420/?

Disclosure:
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Bibles for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#AbideBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Movie Review for "The Thursday Night Club" and a Christmas gift for you!

 

My Review of The Thursday Night Club movie:

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie The Thursday Night Club. I watched this heartwarming movie earlier tonight (Nov. 26), after it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix. The Thursday Night Club movie drew me in from the start and kept me in my seat waiting to see how the story unfolded.

I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

Here’s the synopsis of the movie:

This Christmas, be reminded what true friendship and true service to others look like by watching The Thursday Night Club with your family.

The Thursday Night Club centers on a group of best college friends who meet every Thursday night for dinner and juggle their course load, jobs and hobbies. Victor and his daughter Jesse always pick a special Christmas charity project each year. Victor challenges the group of friends to think beyond their own lives, and tries to persuade the group to pick a project they are passionate about. Victor tells them they will see signs from God to guide them.

Everything changes when Victor is killed in a wrong-way driver accident right before Christmas. This group of friends are faced with new opportunities and challenges that push them out of their comfort zones and cause them to grow up in wonderful ways. Such as: Ava has an opportunity to volunteer at an assisted living home. Izzy meets a man working to expand the bone marrow registry and she has an opportunity to be a donor. Randy is reminded of a memory of his absent father. Kevin’s dad is laid off and is forced to figure out how to keep paying for college. Jesse grieves her loss and through the kindness of others, finds her purpose.

Now for my review: 

The Thursday Night Club is a wonderful movie with a whole lot of hope and a whole lot of heart.

I was impressed how the writers made this story filled with plot twists, highs and lows, come together in the most beautiful way. The acting was well-done. The characters were multilayered and unique to their own. I appreciated the diversity of the group of friends whose lives the audience follows as they watch The Thursday Night Club.

There were things that caught me by surprise and there were moments that took my breath away. This movie was incredibly well-done. The casting director picked the perfect people to play each main and supporting character. The director of photography did a great job capturing the scenes in a way that makes the viewer feel like they are in the picture with the stars, watching this movie unfold on set with the actors.

I’d say to gather your family and friends to watch this movie together this Christmas. Enjoy a cup of cocoa or apple cider and be prepared for this story to warm your heart. 

Themes of this movie included: 

Charity

Kindness

Paying it forward

Spending time helping others

Making a difference

Opening yourself to God’s calling and purpose for your life

Signs from God

Partnership with Be The Match (bone marrow transplant awareness)

For more information on the film and Be the Match, go to www.thethursdaynightclub.com

The Thursday Night Club is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Speaking of joining PureFlix, they’re offering a special Christmas gift just for you. It’s available to new members onlyfrom Nov. 17 to Nov. 29. It’s a “Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday tie-in” where you can sign-up for a 7-day free trial and then only 99 cents a month for the first two months. Visit pureflix.com to claim the exclusive, limited-time offer. It will revert to $7.99 per month after the promotion. There’s also a “rejoin” offer of $59.99 for the annual membership.

Watch The Thursday Night Club movie trailer:
https://youtu.be/zz_xaYvyDlw

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription! Note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on Nov. 30. If you're participating in the giveaway for The Thursday Night Club, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c419/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#PFChristmasMIN #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNet

Devotionals for the Heart: Peace

Peace is Coming
A devotional by Wendy Wilson Spooner

“And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” –Micah 4:3 (KJV)

Micah is known as one of the minor prophets. Not because his words weren’t prophetic and highly meaningful, but because his book is one of the shorter ones in the Old Testament of The Holy Bible.

Micah showed us war and peace in his words. He speaks of violence in Micah 2:2 (KJV), where he states that God rebukes people who “covet fields and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away...”  

Then Micah prophesied of the future, and saw a time when nations would not lift up their swords against each other anymore (Micah 4:3 KJV). Is it our time he saw? In the near future?

Each of us should pursue peace, but what is the definition of peace? Some think it is the absence of war, and many decent people support peace by opposing war. But just challenging war doesn’t bring a ceasefire. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do this.

The peace the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings is so much more than the absence of war. It is the opposite of war. I believe that Gospel peace is the reverse of any battle, armed or unarmed; it is the opposite global conflict, of ethnic hostilities, and family or civil strife.

In Micah 4:5 (KJV), he saw a future time, maybe a time coming soon, where “all people will walk every one in the name of his God, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.”

Is this a statement of free agency? Of tolerance? God never forces anyone to do anything. Even when it comes to worshiping Him. That is not His way. We are always free to choose.

So is freedom at the heart of peace? I think it’s one of the cornerstones. Following Jesus in all is ways is where the rest comes in. We don’t know exactly when peace is coming, but we know it is. And it’s coming with Jesus Christ—when He returns.

But can we, even now, have hearts filled with peace amid so much strife? I believe we can. God had shown us this possibility if we keep His commandments, especially loving Him, and loving one another. This can take place first in our individual hearts, then in our homes. This is where we have the most power to promote peace.

And maybe, just maybe, it can spread from there.

Let’s Pray: 

Father in Heaven, 

Let us prepare our hearts by establishing peace inside us, so when You do return, we will be ready, we will know You, and we will all live in peace together. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wendy is a 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 because 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—the children of God, and the descendants of incredible people who paved the way for us—even if they really struggled. Wendy believes in learning from our ancestors, honoring them, and then standing on their shoulders to become a better generation.

As an award-winning family history writer, Wendy’s debut novel, Once Upon an Irish Summer, released April 3, 2020. This book is a dual timeline historical fiction novel about a young, gifted artist suffering from debilitating grief, who finds healing and inspiration in her Irish ancestry, and goes on to paint a masterpiece.

The sequel, Celtic Winter: Eliza’s Story, released November 5, 2021. The storyline goes back in time to the little sister left behind in Ireland to keep her family alive, woven with present-day Beth’s continuing story as she races the clock with the young man she loves to find the only person who could save his mother’s life.

When Wendy is not researching or writing, she hikes, paints, loves being a church youth leader, binges on epic Bollywood movies, and hangs out with her greatest loves—her family.

~*~
Connect with Wendy:
Website: https://wendywilsonspooner.com/
Blog: https://wendywilsonspooner.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorWendyWilsonSpooner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyspooner/

Devotionals for the Heart: The Hope of the Bible cannot be defeated

An Invincible Hope
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” –Titus 3:7 (KJV)

There are so many different things I hope for throughout just one day.

I hope it won’t rain today. I hope I get the promotion. I hope my friend is feeling better than she was yesterday. But this kind of hope simply sounds like wishful thinking. There is no confidence behind these hopes—they are empty and uncertain.

Wishful thinking always depends completely on circumstances: If it is sunny today, I will be happy. If it rains, I will be sad. But how can we depend upon our circumstances for happiness and fulfillment? Our circumstances are always changing and fluctuating. Additionally, our circumstances are being constantly manipulated by the enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”. The devil is searching for ways to discourage Christians. If our hope is set on our circumstances, it would be easy for the devil to alter our circumstances for the worse and discourage us.

The hope of the Bible, however, is far from wishful thinking. The hope of the Bible is a hope in eternal life, in everlasting joy, in Jesus Himself. These things are certain. They are facts. John 3:16 (KJV) states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It does not say that some or a select few might be saved. It says that whosoever believes will have eternal life.

But what about the major disappointments of life? Sometimes, we spend years working toward a specific goal or dream only to have it crushed in front of us. We can pray. We can ask God to intercede. But here on Earth, we are going to face major disappointments. We are going to face heartache. We are going to face failure and defeat. Jesus says in John 16:33 (KJV), “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. The world hates the light and love. Satan will stop at nothing to extinguish the light of Christians. But our hope is not found in this world. Our hope is in Jesus Christ because He has overcome the world.

When your heart begins to ache, and you don’t know where else to go—go to Jesus. When your circumstances seem hopeless, and you can’t see any way out—go to Jesus. There is no hope besides Jesus and eternal life with Him. We could search every inch of this Earth, but we would never find the hope our souls were made for because our souls were made to be in communion with Jesus. In Christ is where our souls belong.

Put away the habit of wishful thinking and start putting your hope in Jesus. He will never disappoint you and your hope is safe in Him. Jesus is victorious. He has already won. Why not put your hope in Someone who is invincible and whose plans are certain? Put your hope in the Invincible Hope which is Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for the hope you have given us. Please help us to put our hope solely in You. Grant us the courage to look beyond our circumstances and keep our eyes always on You. Lord, You are our only lasting and certain hope. Allow us to rest only in who You are and the promises You have made. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection:
“In Christ Alone / The Solid Rock (Live)” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois to Christian parents and has known Jesus personally since the age of five. 

She is currently attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

God’s dream of Tessa becoming a writer was revealed to her at the age of sixteen and she hasn’t been able to stop since. Though she has not yet been published, Tessa enjoys writing historical romance novels and speculative fiction.

Tessa believes God loves stories, and through her writing, she wants to reveal the happily ever after God dreams of for each of his daughters—one where Jesus is the knight in shining armor.

Tessa loves all things Georgian/Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size. When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, Tessa can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the mixing bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

~*~
Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/101227159

Devotionals for the Heart: Identify and embrace your God-given identity

Who Do You Think You Are?
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’” –Judges 6:12 NIV

The story of Gideon in the Bible is so intriguing to me. There are many lessons that can be learned from reading about him in Judges 6-8, but the one lesson that resonates with me each time I read the passage is regarding identity.

In Judges 6, the story of Gideon does not begin on a good note. The Israelites were not obeying God and as a result, they were being terrorized by the Midianites. For instance, each time the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites would invade the land, ruin the crop, and rob the Israelites of their livestock. This went on for several years and the Israelites would hide in mountains and caves while crying out to God for mercy.

One day as Gideon was thrashing wheat in a winepress, trying to hide from the Midianites, the Lord came to Gideon and told him that Gideon was going to save the Israelites from the Midianites. God called Gideon a “mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12). Instead of accepting this God-appointed title, Gideon began to list his deficiencies. He attempted to offer excuses as to why he could never accomplish what God called him to do, and a litany of reasons why he could never measure up to what God called him to be (Judges 6:15).

How many of us can relate to this instance? We are going about our daily lives, hiding behind our goals and task lists that keep us busy, while God is calling us to something greater; something of more importance that will impact the masses. Instead of accepting the call from God, we shrink back into our comfort zone, and we start to rehearse in our minds all our shortcomings and weaknesses. We convince ourselves that we are not good enough. Therefore, we can never accomplish what God is calling us to do.

God sees us for who we are, even when we cannot see it ourselves. He created each of us for a purpose and He wants us to identify with our God-given identity. There is no way to achieve this calling in our own strength. We must rely on God for instruction and direction. We must also receive His power that He freely gives so that we will begin to see who God sees in us, and then operate in our purpose.

Let’s Pray: Father God, please open my eyes to see what You see when you look at me. Show me Your purpose for my life and help me to receive my calling by faith. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Who Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies]” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Born with a Purpose” by Angela Bryant-Brown. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in NJ. She found her love for writing when she was in elementary school. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. 

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled, Just When I Thought I Knew God, and a children's book that is not yet published.

In 2021, Angela started writing articles for an online magazine called Christian Women Living, where she focuses on writing messages for mothers and sharing advice on parenting. In addition to this, Angela wrote a devotional that is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book title is Hope When Your Heart is Heavy.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking. She is the co-founder of Anchor Moms, a ministry to cure loneliness in Motherhood. Currently, this ministry meets via a group on Facebook.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 17 years. Together, they have two sons: Thomas (age 9) and Ryan (age 4). 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.

~*~
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: How to discover the gifts God gave to you

Finding Your Sacred Trust
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust.” –1 Corinthians 9:16-17 NLT

The last three years have brought great personal change in my life (retirement, children moving away, purchasing vacation property, parents dying, and loss of church community).

I’ve found myself feeling purposeless and unfocused. It reminded me of my early college years when I was expected to know what I was moving toward, but no job title motivated. This time I spent long hours “discovering myself” as a means of determining what special gift God might want to develop in me. I’ve been asking, “Lord, what do you want of me now?”

Have you wondered what specific role God envisioned when He mixed your DNA?

Two years ago, I was studying the spiritual gifts in Ephesians 4:11 (NLT): “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.” I defined these five titles and tried to pinpoint which one my 40 years of Christian experience qualified me for. Over the next twenty-four months I took personality tests. I participated in Zoom trainings on finding my unique design. I scoured the Bible, prayed, journaled, read books, and counseled with trusted friends and a therapist. All those insights were helpful in inching toward what was more “me”, but none of it was feet on the ground action.

I wanted to get there already!

And then, I began yet another Bible study. As I worked my way through the early chapters of 1 Corinthians, my peripheral vision picked up on the upcoming chapter on spiritual gifts. Was I wandering around the same mountain?

But here the Apostle Paul’s words about preaching in 1 Corinthians 9:16 stuck out to me as if in a bold font. The text reads, “I am compelled by God to do it.” A new question hit me: What is the thing I have been doing all my life that I must still do?

Suddenly, it was clear that I had already been in the habit of serving in my designated duty! It was so simple, going unnoticed, because I so easily answer “yes” when the requests come around. In fact, I seek out opportunities to do it.

God has given me the sacred trust of hosting people in need in my home.

Looking back over three decades of marriage, my husband and I have housed some 16 households (from singles to families) for lengthy periods of time. In 2020, we purchased a vacation home with the intent of gifting it to weary Christians who need replenishment. This year we added a third location.

How had I missed hospitality as being my special gift?

Honestly, my propensity for black and white thinking gets in the way too often. Without an official “Shepherd” placard for the wall, I couldn’t see the connection. And church culture can sometimes suggest that volunteer roles are the only way a Christian behaves. Shuttling newcomers through entry level services, like greeting or serving coffee, can keep them from developing into their full potential. But only within the walls of the church building. God, however, will never leave an eager believer stunted in spiritual growth. He will produce fruit in the lives of His children even when we don’t count it as such.

If you are as confused as I had been, let Paul’s passion help you think outside the box of Christian service. Do not think for one moment that God has passed you by on a special sacred trust! He has a compelling gift for others that comes through you!

God uses your heart and talents to serve Him by serving other people.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for creating each one of us perfectly and for a special purpose in Your Kingdom! We know that You have implanted desires in the hearts of every individual and that we can follow this sacred trust. Reveal this unique service to each person who asks. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior.

She has a diverse background in business, fitness, and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She’s been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she’s served, Sharon sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, but prefers sharing face to face. Additionally, she is studying Christian fiction writing.

~*~
Connect with Sharon:
Website/Blog: Sharonmusgrove.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonmusgrove_untethered/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to successfully fight an unseen enemy

Help When Fighting an Unseen Enemy
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

— 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

After my first concussion, vertigo made it difficult to live a normal life. The physical therapist explained that my brain and eyes weren't working together, throwing off my equilibrium and confidence in the world around me. It felt like I was living in the house of mirrors at the state fair, but my symptoms were lying to me.

This experience reminds me of how Satan whispers to us about situations to get us off balance. Like a lion hunting for its prey, he capitalizes on our insecurities and weaknesses and pierces our hearts with arguments that wound us where we’re most vulnerable. His whispers of sabotage may sound something like this:

"If you were more attractive, your spouse wouldn't have left."

"If God loves you, why are you still sick?"

"If you didn't have a weight problem, you would be married."

"If you were more talented, your boss wouldn't have passed you up for the promotion."

"If you were stronger, you wouldn't struggle with addiction."

On the surface, these lies often seem accurate, and that is why they're so powerful. Satan is a master deceiver. He cleverly constructs schemes and distorts our experiences to destroy us. He is the father of lies, and his goal is to get us to doubt what God says about us.

But the good news is that if you're a believer in Jesus Christ then Satan has no power over you unless you believe him. Jesus paid the penalty for your sins by dying on the cross, so now you are sitting next to Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). But as long as you live, the enemy has you in his crosshairs, so God gave you a spiritual wardrobe to protect you called “The Armor of God”. 

The Apostle Paul explains why in Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) which reads, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Patterned after the armor of a Roman soldier in ancient Rome, this armor is powerful. Let’s study every part of it in Ephesians 6:12-18 to see how each piece of God’s Armor protects you:

The helmet of salvation protects your mind from lies about your salvation, worth, and relationship with God.

The sword of the Spirit, The Word of God, is your only offensive weapon. Use it to speak the truth about your identity, God's character, and Satan's defeat.

The breastplate of righteousness protects your heart from temptation (mind, ambition, conscience, emotions). 

The shield of faith builds your trust in God and extinguishes the enemy's fiery darts. When you walk by faith, not sight, you won't give in as quickly to emotions.

The belt of truth helps you take thoughts captive and keeps you grounded in what God says about you.

The shoes of the gospel of peace protect you when you resist worry and find security in Christ, not in people or circumstances.

Prayer calls on the power of God to assist you. You can't be victorious without it.

On a battlefield, neither side wins without effective weapons. So, when you put on the Armor of God and stand firm against the enemy, my friend, you'll be unstoppable.

Let's Pray: Dear God, thank you for equipping me with weapons that protect me against an unseen enemy. When arrows come my way, help me stand firm in the truth and remember that Christ defeated him on the cross. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards.

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 Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
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: When you are already approved by God

Already Approved
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Everyone who believes has God’s approval through faith in Jesus Christ…they receive God’s approval freely by an act of his kindness through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free from sin.” – Romans 3:22a, 24 (GW)

As a recovering approval addict, I spent the better part of my life living to please others. I said yes to countless things I should have said no to. 

Attended many events I had no interest in, and really had no time for in my schedule, but feared hurting someone’s feelings by saying no. I apologized excessively, pretended to agree with others so they might like me more, and became a chameleon to whomever I happened to be around at the time. I avoided conflict at all costs and craved the praise and affirmation of others to feel validated and worthy. I never felt like I did enough or was enough. It was exhausting and felt like I was constantly auditioning for acceptance.

When I found Jesus Christ, you might think that character flaw would correct itself. On the contrary, it simply became redirected. My unquenchable need to please now sought to please a perfect and holy God, leaving me feeling increasingly inadequate. My heart began to wonder if I would ever measure up to the unattainable standards I strived for.

Then one day in my Bible study time I stumbled across a scripture that told me I already had the approval of God, not because of anything I had done but because of what I believed. It was an act of God’s kindness through the price Jesus paid on the cross. I literally felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I had read many verses about my sins being forgiven and Jesus paying the price for my sins. Verses that reminded me that I was “saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that if I “believe in the Lord Jesus I will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Yes, while I had known for years that Jesus paid the price for my sins, reading it in that context changed everything for me. It completely shifted my perspective.

Instead of my works being an effort to earn the approval of my Savior, they became an offering of worship to Him. My efforts became an expression of gratitude to the One who voluntarily paid the price for my sins, who gave me approval that can never be lost. Instead of feeling like I was on a never-ending hamster wheel of sub-par performance, I could now give and serve with a cheerful heart that was secure in its status.

People-pleasing will likely always be a natural tendency of my flesh, but it shows up far less frequently than it used to. The Holy Spirit inside me is quick to squash any attempts of the enemy to seek the approval and acceptance of anyone except Jesus. Friend, if you have lived in the defeat, despair, and discouragement of approval addiction I encourage you to take your desire to be accepted and approved to the foot of the cross.

Allow the grace, love, and unconditional approval of our Heavenly Father to cut away any chains that seek to bind you to anything or anyone but Him. You are already approved and fully loved!

Let’s Pray:
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for accepting Your rescue mission even though it cost You everything. Knowing I have Your guaranteed approval that can’t be lost or forfeited by my failure to perform properly is freeing beyond imagination. Thank you for releasing me from the bondage of people-pleasing and God-pleasing. May my heart always be secure in my status as Your child and beloved daughter. I humbly and graciously receive the acceptance and approval You freely give. My gratitude can never be adequately expressed but I will forever pour it out to You in worship. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Plans

The Wonder of God’s Plans
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”—Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)

With my miniscule brain, it’s hard to wrap my mind around the vastness and immensity of the Lord God, the Creator of innumerable galaxies, and the Ruler of Heaven and Earth. I stand in awe at His work. I shake my head in wonder at His miracles. I can’t grasp the complexity and symmetry of the rotations of the sun, moon, stars, and planets, or of the beautiful progression of the seasons of winter, spring, summer, and fall.

Ever since the time God created our world, He continues to orchestrate it with a complete and perfect plan for every atom, every speck of dust, and every molecule of water and air. Each one provides balance and nurtures life on this earth. And even though we live here, we understand very little of all that we take for granted.

In Genesis, chapter one, the Lord explains the process of creation for us. God spoke, and light began to shine. At His word, water separated from the face of the formless void. His voice set the celestial worlds in orbit, and His authority created everything we see. In the next chapter of Genesis (chapter two), the creation of the first human is described. The Lord Most High bent down to scoop some clay He had made, and with it, He shaped a man in God’s own image—Adam.

From the immense nothingness around Him, God designed a perfect world and set it into motion. Then He took a humble clod of dirt to fashion the man who would bear the image of God for all the rest of us. Next, He breathed His own breath into Adam—the breath of life. To this day, we all continue to breathe God’s life into our own lungs. And even as misshapen and marred by sin as we are, we still carry the very imprint of God in our bodies.

And yet God had more plans. Even in the rebellion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God provided a way to bring His sin-sick, desolate children back to Himself. Just as Adam and his wife (Eve) tried to hide their sin from their Maker in Genesis, chapter three, so do we. We’ve mostly graduated from using fig leaves to much more elaborate disguises, but it’s still our sin that separates us from our holy Lord, and we’ll do anything to hide it.

Sounds hopeless, doesn’t it? Yet all through the Bible, God points us toward a relationship with Him. In Isaiah 57:15, He again reminds us that He doesn’t just dwell in loftiest heaven, He also dwells with us—the lowly in spirit and the contrite in heart! Because of Him we have hope!

So, don’t waste any more time, dear one! Whisper to our gracious Father in Heaven. He hears every word of your heart. Tell Him all about your troubles and let Him dwell with you while you cry. He promises He will stay with us (Matthew 28:20) and He will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). His forgiveness delivers us from the agony of our sin (Colossians 1:13-14) and He rejoices over us in love and gladness as we turn back to Him (Zephaniah 3:17).

What peace and comfort are ours when we come humbly to Him—the Lord of Heaven and Earth!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, we praise Your Holy Name! You are amazing! Thank You for loving us, for comforting us, and for renewing us as we run to You for forgiveness. Please teach us how to rest in You, and how to trust You every moment of every day. Thank You, Lord! In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers. 

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel like you are fighting battles alone

You Are Not Fighting Alone
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

—Exodus 14:14 (ESV)

Think about the last time you felt wronged.

Perhaps someone said something about you that wasn’t true or maybe you were looked over for a promotion when you were the most qualified. Whatever the situation was, I would think it’s safe to assume that your reaction wasn’t to be silent. Instead, I would guess that you became more vocal, possibly even rudely opinionated, as a response to the discrimination. I know I would because there are enough examples in my past where that was my default.

I felt unjustly treated and so I made it my focus to make that known along with why I was correct. Looking back, I realize I let my flesh take over. My need to defend myself was an attempt at preserving my pride. I had to come out as the “right” party to come out on top no matter the cost. It was always about me. My ego. My efforts. My image.

I forgot that God was ever in the picture because I often forgot to invite Him in. It wasn’t until I really began to study God’s Word (The Holy Bible) that I understood I am never alone, especially when in the middle of a fight. The Lord will fight for me and He will fight for you!

Yet, sometimes that looks quite differently than what we picture. Instead of raising our voices, it’s choosing to bite our tongues. Instead of pressing for retaliation, we pursue peace. Taking such an approach goes against our natural state. It requires the Holy Spirit and offers us an opportunity to walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

But how does one fight in such a manner? By remembering who God is and trusting that He is fighting alongside you. He will go before you and make a way. He will send people to speak on your behalf. He will expose lies that need to be brought to light to restore your name. All while you remain silent.

What a beautiful promise to stand on when it feels as if the world is against you! Rest assured, my friend, even if it is, our Lord has already won!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I am never fighting alone. You are always by my side and focused on what is best for me. Help me to walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit when faced with conflict so that I can be a witness to Your power and love. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Battles” by The Afters. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine. 

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Love

A Doggy Kind of Love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

I’m not my dog’s Number One person—that role belongs to my husband, Matt, who I’m quite certain Captain believes hangs the moon in the sky. Still, it staggers me to experience the enthusiastic, passionate, and lavish love Captain holds for me.

We adopted our German Shepherd when he was about six weeks old in the summer of 2021, and it immediately began a time of intense learning for me. I’d never had a puppy before, and I often joke that if I knew going in how much work was required, I would have nixed the whole idea. Thank goodness my husband has had dogs his whole life and knew what he was doing. A lifelong cat mom accustomed to the independent I’ll-cuddle-with-you-when-I-feel-like-it feline way, I had no clue how much effort and interaction I was in for, from potty training to leash walking to not treating my favorite winter jacket like a chew toy.

But, oh, what joy it has been as well! No wonder everyone loves dogs so much—for now I can say I’ve become a true dog-lover, too.

What strikes me most is the fervent joy Captain has merely over being in our presence. If I walk in the door after work or even a ten-minute errand, he literally leaps in happiness, spinning around and around as if he’s saying, “You’re back! This is the best thing ever!”

If I’m working on my laptop on the couch while he’s sound asleep next to me, and I get up to go work at my desk for a while, he stirs himself awake, trots along at my heels, then settles himself right back down again at my feet. “Where you go, I follow, Mama,” he’s saying. I swear he did somersaults for me one afternoon when I picked him up at doggy daycare after a business trip.

My cats adore me, but it’s on far a different level—they show it best by blinking their eyes at me contentedly, or coming up for a quick head-nuzzle. It’s like they’re saying, “Heyyy…thanks for coming back,” a laid-back two on a scale of one to ten in excitement. But Captain? He’s a ten on the excitement scale. Maybe a twelve.

It reminds me a lot of the unexpected enthusiasm and love shown to the prodigal son in Luke 15. Also called the parable of the lost son, the story relates how this son took his inheritance early and then squandered it on wild living. Destitute, he eventually returned home in shame, hoping only to be his father’s hired servant. But to his astonishment, his father was overjoyed at his return and welcomed him home with open arms, celebration, and much honor. As Scripture tells us, “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for hm; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NIV).

I can imagine this father, quite literally running toward his son, tears of joy streaming down his cheeks and laughter bubbling within his chest. “You’re home! My precious boy—I thought you were dead and gone forever!” I imagine him shouting. If he were Captain, he’d also be doing backflips and somersaults in glee, a dance of pure, unadulterated doggy love filled with fervor and zeal.

That’s how God loves us, in truth: so much that God chases us down, calls us back from the depths of the wilderness, forgives our sins and welcomes us home. So much that God sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, pay our sin-debt, and create a place for us in eternity with him forever. He loves us with the perfect, pure affection of a German Shepherd greeting his favorite people after a long time away.

I wonder: Do we love God back with that same fervor and zeal? Does that extraordinary love and gratitude fill our hearts and overflow in our actions, or do we tuck it down, keeping our emotions steady and our faith zipped in tight?

Today, I urge you to stop keeping your own feelings and love for the Lord buttoned up and socially “appropriate.” Instead, risk looking like a proverbial Jesus freak and let your passions ignite and explode when you worship, pray, and serve the Lord in your daily life. He loves us even better than a dog loves his master, and in honor of that, let’s love him well in return.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Lord, thank You for the incredible and exuberant love You have for us and for the relationship You invite us to experience with You. Help us be filled with joy and enthusiasm for this precious gift today and every day. In Jesus's Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

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

PureFlix Review: Saved by Grace

My Review of Saved by Grace series:

Today, I have a review of a new show for you that is coming to PureFlix starting this Nov. 6! In case you didn’t know, PureFlix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way but the difference is in the content. PureFlix content always points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows that you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the new series "Saved by Grace." I watched every episode in the month of October 2022 before it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix this Nov. 6. This show is incredibly well-done, engaging and amazing! I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review). 

Talking Points:

Angels are amongst us and God has sent them on a mission to intercede on behalf of whispered prayers. Every encounter presents a new opportunity to change your approach to life. There are no chance meetings or coincidences in life.

The new Pure Flix Original Series “Saved by Grace” is sure to inspire and encourage with its message of hope that there is a larger plan at work through God’s handiwork and that we are not alone in our struggles. There’s a lesson for everyone in “Saved by Grace” because it explores different seasons of life and how our reactions and actions can ultimately change the path we are on. 

“Saved by Grace” shares stories from everyday life and shows what happens when we offer and accept forgiveness. This show explores the kind of impact that day-to-day interactions can have, even if we don’t realize it at the time. In each episode, viewers will see how we can heal and overcome the past and that change in our hearts is possible to move forward. 

Now for my review: 

Reminiscent of the hit TV show, Touched by an Angel, this new PureFlix series "Saved by Grace" offers a fresh and unique spin on how God sends His Angels from Heaven to be His hands and feet here on Earth. This show will remind you that you're never alone, God loves you and He will always provide for your every need.

The actors for "Saved by Grace" who star in every episode are: Jennifer Taylor (Grace) and Cameron Arnett (Jeremiah). They do an amazing job playing the angels "Grace" and "Jeremiah"... a job so good that you might for a moment actually believe they are the real deal!

Each episode of "Saved by Grace" presents its own challenges in the storyline and brings about unpredictable plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to know how it will all work out. All of the actors (not just the angels) deliver a superb performance in each episode. I felt drawn into the story from the start of each episode an invested in the characters. 

Food is a favorite feature in each episode, so much so that it made me hungry. The producers really paid close attention to every detail that makes up this wonderful new series and it shows!

"Saved by Grace" is a series that will touch your heart and resonate with you long after it's over. It will also introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Here's the website link to where, starting Nov. 6, you can watch Saved by Grace:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/saved-by-grace-series

See the "Saved by Grace" trailer:
https://youtu.be/YeDQ4ZaOh28

Watch the Momentum Influencers Interview conducted by Jean Thomason featuring Cameron Arnett who plays the angel named "Jeremiah", and Jennifer Taylor who plays the angel named "Grace". Here's the link: https://youtu.be/0-MvRwVTk80

#SavedByGraceMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork