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

Seeking God for Our Healing
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

My Review of the Unshakable Moxie video series and Bible study

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

Words from MIN:

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

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

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

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

My review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Main Call-to-Action:

Watch the full series now!

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~

Directions from MIN on how to enter the Special Giveaway:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~ The End ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

God is Faithful
A devotional by Peg Arnold

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boast in the Lord
A devotional by Hannah Benson

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

—2 Corinthians 10:17 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Psalm 78:4 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to let the joy of the Lord be your strength

Embracing Joy When It Seems Impossible
A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”—Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)

Have you ever faced a setback or disappointment in your life?

The journey to joy can be long and complicated, but with time, effort, and patience, you will achieve it. We all seek true joy in our lives, yet sometimes it feels elusive. Joy and contentment stem from knowing our purpose and living it out. However, life’s challenges can obscure that sense of joy. I have learned that overcoming obstacles is essential to discovering true joy.

Facing emotional hurdles can be a challenge when looked at from a personal perspective. It is when we look from God’s point of view that we are able to encounter peace and put trust in God. Our complicated feelings are normal and shouldn’t be suppressed, but embraced while we cast our cares upon Jesus Christ knowing that He can and will help us navigate our paths.

Keeping the faith when our daughter faced health issues and the school accused me of poor parenting, tested my faith once again. This hurdle, although temporary, did not define my worth or ability to parent effectively, but it caused my faith to waver.
I cried, “Where are you God?” I vowed to remain focused on believing God for a miraculous healing of my daughter. I worked hard to maintain a positive outlook and stand strong. With this renewed faith, I soon began to recognize the difference between happiness and joy.

God changed the situation and restored her health. My daughter’s kidney failure was healed, and all bloodwork soon balanced. She returned to school with little disruption from the routine. This experience served as a witness to God’s healing power.

Understanding Joy

Joy isn't dictated by external circumstances; it’s a state of being that comes from within. Achieving joy involves transforming your mind. Learn to relax, avoid worrying about the future, and be kind to yourself. Realize that you are valuable and important. Forgive yourself for past mistakes, keep a gratitude journal, and focus on the good in your life.

Living a Joy-Filled Life

A joy-filled life is one of peace, positivity, and faith. If I had continued to focus on the numerous doctor’s appointments and the hours spent doing iron transfusions, my mind would have stayed in a negative state with hope for a future. However, when I started using affirmations from the Bible, it boosted my confidence and growth spiritually. While family, friends, and career can bring happiness, the peace of God surpasses all. Balancing these aspects of your life will improve your life.

Finding joy also involves knowing your true identity that is found in Jesus Christ. In difficult times, build your faith and trust in God. Trusting Him doesn’t mean you won’t face hardships, but it assures you that He is always with you. Don’t let your faith waver. Turn to God in prayer.

Be patient and gracious with yourself. Don’t give up when things get tough. The joy you seek is just beyond these obstacles. By persevering, you will find that joy is indeed attainable. Life is a journey. Take care of your health and practice self-care to withstand the emotional hurdles that come your way. Embrace joy, keep your faith, and know that you can overcome any challenge that life presents.

“The joy of the Lord is our strength” Bible promise is brought to fullness when we accept God’s provision of righteousness by grace that reunites us so we can enjoy His presence. Joy should be pursued at all costs in developing an intimate relationship with God. What appears on the surface and what we see with your visual eyes can be the enemy distracting us from God’s best in our life. If we hold fast to the truths that are given to us in the Bible, we will have strength that reaches the depths of or souls.

Let’s Pray: Gracious Lord, thank you for being a faithful God who never leaves nor forsakes us. I praise you for strengthening me when I feel weak. Please help me to focus on You and not allow distractions to remove Your peace. May the joy of salvation rule within my heart today and forever. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Joy of the Lord” (feat. Katie Torwalt, Dante Bowe & Naomi Raine) - Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. LaVonda McCullough is a Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and pastor who specializes in women empowerment with Christian-based approach. 

Since 2012, LaVonda has coached countless women into compete freedom, teaching them to enhance their spiritual practice. Through one-on-one Coaching, Bible Study, Prayer Walks and retreats (Joyful Journey RefresHER retreat) she teaches women how to reach the divine power within and discover their purpose.

With the foundation of her personal practice the discipline of a Daily Quiet Time, she works closely with those she coaches to develop their own intimate relationship with God. Always using a spirit-led approach, she focusing on the whole person: mind, body, and soul. LaVonda values providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment that allows those she works with to tap into the divine and commune with God themselves.

LaVonda has a deep understanding of healing through intimate relationship with God due to her personal experiences with shame, trauma, loss, and depression.

She is passionate about helping people find freedom and joy in their journey through the cultivation of spiritual practice.

Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has traveled throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012, where shares her life with her husband of 33 years.

LaVonda and her husband have three children.

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Connect with LaVonda:
Website: https://www.lavondamccullough.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to focus on joy in when life is hard

Growing in the Cracks of Life
A devotional by Kathleen Rouser

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”—James 1:2-4 (WEB)

The presence of icicle pansies tends to brighten my day.

The delicate yellow, cream, and purple flowers are always lovely to see. They provide a pop of color in late fall, early spring, and sometimes through the summer. Even though they’re annuals, they’re hardy! Last year, about five icicle pansy plants had seeded themselves into the cracks of our patio.

I didn’t plant, fertilize or water them, but there they were popping up from hardpacked soil, between large slabs of concrete. The back of the house receives the morning and intense early afternoon sun. It’s exposed to the cold rain and wind. Yet, these little flowers flourished, even when they were stepped on or picked.

After a storm, I’d peek outside as I wondered about their fate. But when they dried, they perked right up, still beautiful. At some point, during the summer, I started giving them a drink each time I watered the potted flowers around them, and I marveled at how well they’d done without my help.

The first chapter of the Bible book of James reminds us that it’s the testing of our faith that produces patience and endurance, fruits that blossom with gaining spiritual maturity—much like beautiful flowers that grow well in the harshest circumstances. Testing puts our faith walk with God on the line.

Quite a few years ago, I had a tough time. It began with losing a very wanted baby through miscarriage, having to move my elderly mom away from me and closer to my sister, experiencing postpartum depression, being diagnosed with anemia, and feeling brokenhearted when my mother passed away. Soon after her death, I was diagnosed with chronic Epstein-Barr virus, which is like a prolonged mono, and my husband (Jack) fell off the roof of our house!

Completely worn out, I wasn’t sure how I’d ever take care of my husband while he recovered. The long road began with a month in the hospital for Jack, with surgeries and recovery from multiple head-to-toe fractures. While he was in a wheelchair for the next five months, learning to walk again, and then continuing rehab, God continued to intervene at every turn.

People from hundreds of miles away prayed for him and many friends also supplied us with delicious meals for us to eat until my kids missed my cooking enough to beg me to make my special recipes for them again. At the hospital, my husband chose thankfulness, despite the overwhelming pain. He even wrote thank you notes to the cafeteria staff at the hospital! We saw answered prayer and miracles almost every day. In the midst of the valley, God lifted us to the mountaintop and held us there in His arms.

We grew closer to the Lord and to each other. This fearful Christian (me), who hadn’t grown much spiritually in eighteen years, was forced to grow in my faith as tests and trials pressed in around me. For me, it was the beginning of a new stage of growth in my faith journey with Jesus Christ. I may not have chosen these trials, but God knew what He was doing as He allowed each one.

The end game God has in mind is to conform us to the image of His Son (Jesus), but will we choose to cooperate with Him? Romans 8:28-29 (WEB) says, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

I once read a book that challenged me to thank God for my trials. And I did so begrudgingly for more recent testing I’ve endured. Yet, that somehow set me free and allowed God to do a new work in me. There wasn’t instant joy by any means, but perhaps that’s what it means to “Count it all joy.” If I can look at each trial—big or small—as something that God wants to use for my good and His glory, then thankfulness and even joy may flourish.

Like the pansies in the cracks of the patio, we too can grow to be hardier and our roots deeper into our faith despite the hard circumstances around us.

Let’s Pray: Father in Heaven, help me to see that You lovingly allow the difficulties, whether big or little, into my life that I might shine brighter for You. Please give me a more thankful heart that leads to Your special kind of joy. Help me to conform into the image of Your Son. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Count It All Joy” by BeBe and CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kathleen Rouser is the award-winning author of Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, and a multi-published author of historical Christian romance. She is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). 

Kathleen has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She’s in the grip of God’s grace and is a fan of the three C’s: cats, coffee, and chocolate.

Kathleen is mother of three children. She is also a former homeschool instructor, mild-mannered dental assistant, and new Community Bible Study Children and Youth Director. Kathy lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of many years, and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

As an author, she is represented by Linda S. Glaz of the Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency.

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Connect with Kathleen:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerouser
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenRouser
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouserkathy/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerouser/_saved
Website: https://kathleenrouser.com
Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/kathleenrouser

Devotionals for the Heart: A different way to view the trials we face in life

When We View Our Trials Through a Different Lens
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you!”—Psalm 40:5 (ESV)

Here in the Western Hemisphere, it is common for a Christian to read Romans 8:28 and consider how it applies to their own life. Many of us would be surprised to realize that in other parts of the world, Christians read this promise through a very different lens. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) tells us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

North American and European culture focuses heavily on the individual, yet there are many cultures that see everything in terms of the whole—family, community, and tribe. One might call these cultures collectivist. We often forget that the authors of the Bible lived in a collectivist culture too. This stands out in Psalm 40:5 (ESV), with King David’s use of the word us when he said, “You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us.”

This changes the way I read Romans 8:28. Perhaps when Paul says that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, he means that God is working all things for the good of all who love Him.

From watching the lives of those who have gone before us in the faith, we know that good does not necessarily mean a favorable outcome in this life. In the past, there have been generations that have seen nothing but struggle. They died, and the promise was realized in another generation. Hebrews 11:35-40 tells us of the things believers have suffered throughout the ages. It helps to remember this part that says they “did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us” (Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV). Their suffering opened the way for future generations to believe, be saved, and encouraged through their trials.

Throughout the Biblical narrative, we can see the way all of Israel’s sufferings eventually led to the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet even this was during a time of the heavy-handed Roman occupation of Judea and the entire known world. Salvation from Rome did not come during Christ’s lifetime. After Jesus died, was resurrected three days later and ascended into Heaven, His Church on Earth began to grow and flourish. However, that resulted in Roman rule becoming more oppressive and persecution of Christians began. In this difficult time, God was not so much interested in the good of the individual, but the good of a far greater number of people—future generations that would believe in Him.

If you are suffering today, take heart. If you have had a loved one pass from this life without receiving what God has promised, don’t let your faith be shaken. Though God is certainly interested in our individual lives, our personal struggles, and our very tears (Psalm 56:8), these are not the only things He has in mind. Our suffering may be intended for something greater—the good of many.

Now with this in mind, would you join me in praying that God would help us to see our suffering through a different lens?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that Your plan is being worked out in the most intricate and beautiful way. I know my story weaves in with countless others throughout time—even those that have not been written yet. When I suffer, please remind me that my struggles will be used for good in ways I do not even know. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Blessings” by Laura Story. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure!

Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, Gott Mit Uns. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or taking care of her home and family, she enjoys singing and dancing with friends from a German choir and a Bavarian folk dancing group. She is also a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats!

~*~
Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when the storms of life assail you

When You Encounter Euroclydon
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“But not long after, a tempestuous headwind arose, called Euroclydon.”

—Acts 27:14 (NKJV)

There is a story in the New Testament book of Acts that tells of a storm called Euroclydon. In the Greek language, Euroclydon is a compound word joining “Euros”, meaning “East wind” and “kluzo” which according to Wikipedia, means “to billow” or I’d say to “surge, rage, or vigorously agitate”. This was what in modern terms is called a “Nor’easter” or a northeastern storm.

In this Bible story found in the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul was being transported by ship to Rome to be tried for treason and sedition. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ and his forceful preaching of the Kingdom of righteousness, he was considered to be a danger to the Roman empire.

There were 276 people aboard the ship. After being caught in the Euroclydon, they were adrift on the stormy sea for 14 days. Paul assured them that the storm would pass and they all would survive. Ultimately, the ship was wrecked and torn apart by the raging sea, but all aboard survived and were washed ashore on the island of Malta. I have been to Malta, and I have endured vicious storms at sea while stationed aboard U.S. Navy ships. Though tossed about and occasionally suffering damage from the waves that assaulted our ship, the storms eventually ended, and we always reached our next destinations.

The Bible story above is an object lesson for when storms rage into our lives. When they do, it disrupts normalcy, threatening our sanity, security and destiny. However, when we rest confidently in God’s plans and provisions for us, these storms will also pass. We will survive and ultimately thrive.

An equivalent concept in the Hebrew language is “Gam Zeh Ya’avor”, which means “this, too, shall pass”. This encouraging saying is meant to inspire optimism in the minds of people who are enduring the most trying situations. It encapsulates the paradoxes that we all endure while growing up and living life as an adult.

When we meet exceptionally bad, difficult and sad times, failure, betrayal or disappointment, it is then we must remember “This, too, shall pass.”

Just as night is followed by day and the crest of a billowing wave is followed by a trough, then another wave, this too shall pass. Remember: God will never put upon the believer more than you can bear, without providing a coping strategy (read about it in 1 Corinthians 10:13). As you go into today, whether you are on top of the world or groveling through one of life’s storms, take heart knowing that your past successes are preparation for future challenges and that your current challenges are rungs on the ladder of God ordained triumphs.

Keep your hope alive! Let optimism and confidence be like air in your lungs. They will create buoyancy and resilience that will allow you, like the people who accompanied Paul during the Euroclydon, to swim or cling to the debris of your former security until you reach the safe shores of a new reality.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, in some way we are all sailing, floating, or struggling in the sea of your love and mercy. Deliver us all through the passing trials and storms of life, into the destiny that You have planned for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “This Too Shall Pass” by Yolanda Adams. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.
He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Miracles can happen when you praise God

Power in Praise
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

—Psalm 150:6 (ESV)

In my early 20s, I didn’t fully comprehend the power of praise until I was in desperate need of God’s divine intervention on my behalf.

I was a new drama teacher on a three-year provisional teaching license, since I had been unable to pass the math section of The Praxis, the state teacher’s exam. Math and I have a love-hate relationship. I avoid it at all costs. Yet, I had been forced to take the math section three times because each time I missed the passing score by one point.

When I discovered the state had gone to a composite scoring system (combining scores for writing, reading, and math), I was elated. This meant I could take the reading section again and, by increasing my points, I could offset the math deficiency. I needed to score three points above my previous reading score to make it work.

For months, I studied the guides to The Praxis reading test. The night before the test, I knew I had done all I could do to be ready. One study guide even said not to study anything more the night before because the likelihood of absorbing anything new was low. So, I tried to relax, but my mind raced with worry. What if I didn’t get the extra points I need? I had run out of time to take the test again. This was my last shot.

Everything I tried to use as a distraction didn’t work. So, I opened my Bible and prayed. I went to the Book of Psalm and I found comfort in Psalm 18:6 (ESV), “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

Psalm 18 is King David’s address to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies. As I meditated on the Psalm, it hit me:

Whenever David had a problem, he prayed, worshipped, and then, he praised God. He praised God in every circumstance. In the highs, the lows, the sufferings, and yes, even the pain. He is our example of a true worshipper with a heart after God. So, I followed his example. I put on my praise and worship music and for several hours I sang, danced, wept, and praised my God.

The next morning I rose, refreshed and renewed, and took my final reading test. The rest was up to God. Weeks later, I got a notification that my scores were ready. During my lunch break I made the call. When I heard the score I couldn’t believe my ears. I had passed! Not with just three extra points, but seven above that!

Seven is God’s number of completion. I felt in my spirit that not only did He give me what I needed, but because I had taken the time to praise him despite the outcome, he honored his word in Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV), that says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Don’t miss the most important part of those verses! He is able to do according to the power at work within us. What ignites His power within us is praise.

No matter what your situation, there is power to face it, endure it, overcome it, and change it through your praise. I guarantee it! I encourage you to take the leap of faith forward with praise. Praise Him through your tears, heartache, stress, or sorrow. As David declared in Psalm 150:6 (ESV), “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”

Praise is power. And God’s power will overcome for you! Praise the Lord!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for working on my behalf as I seek You in my need. I praise You with all that I have and all that I am. I praise You on the mountain and in the valley because You are worthy of all praise in every circumstance. There is no one like You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.”

If you’re not sure how to praise, the song below is an excellent place to start.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 150” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint. 

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/
Email: mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Here's what Christianity is really about...

Is Christianity about Love?
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“The worst thing about Christianity is the other Christians. They’re just so judgmental.”

Blatant criticism of my faith, like the sentence above, is something I see all the time on social media, and it’s getting worse. I’m quickly discovering how unpopular it is to be Christian. Many people assume Christians are “intolerant” and that we’re part of some cult with a distant or arrogant God who “lets bad things happen.” All of this is false, and it would be laughable if it weren’t so terrible.

Not that Christianity has ever been super popular. We were called uncool goody-goodies when I was a teen. But today, it’s different. It’s like the criticism has ramped up in new, wildly inaccurate ways. For some, our faith is synonymous with hate, which is the exact opposite of the truth.

The truth is that Christianity is rooted in love. Love is the very essence of God. But the world doesn’t seem to understand this right now. We need to change that. Love has God at its core. As scripture tells us, God “is love” (1 John 4:8 ESV). Love isn’t just being nice to other people. It’s also caring for them and showing mercy, listening and walking alongside another person so they do not feel alone.

But what do you do when the very notion of Christianity triggers a knee-jerk negative reaction in someone else? How can we counter the false messaging?

I think the best thing we can do is simply model the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus said people will know we his disciples if we have love for one another (John 13:35).

You can interpret that in a few ways. On one hand, maybe it means how we treat everyone, period. On the other, maybe it means by how we treat other Christians. I am not certain. But Jesus also said the most important commandment is to love God with all our heart and mind and soul, and second is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). He emphasized love so much throughout his ministry that I interpret “others” as expansively as possible. I’d rather err on the side of love than exclusion.

Christian love is something the world really needs to see in obvious, extraordinary ways right now. We should never change our faith to please the world or cave to culture. But we need to remember the world is filled with a lot of lost people who need to know Jesus, even people who think they don’t want anything to do with Christianity. And Jesus said we are to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the Gospel everywhere (Matthew 28:19-20).

Love is the best way we can do this. There are so many ways to love other people, and love doesn’t necessarily mean being nice and accepting. In explaining how to show our love for him, Jesus taught Peter that we are to feed his lambs and tend his sheep (John 21:15-19).

Here are a few ways that we can love others:

1. We can care for their basic needs—food, water, shelter, healthcare, whether that is donating money to an organization that does these things or volunteering ourselves to actively feed, build or repair houses, or provide medical care.

2. We can make sure other people know that the table is open to them. God’s church is a welcome space for seekers and believers alike. Let people know your church is a safe place. They can come to Jesus better when they know they are wanted. Sometimes it might take a while for them to decide, but as the old-fashioned saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Kindness and love are far more attractive to people seeking and unsure. It doesn’t mean you need to water down the truth, but let God’s Word speak for itself. Do what Jesus did and point toward the Father and encourage people to draw closer to him. They will figure out on their own what that means.

3. We can listen to people. Spend time with them even if their views are completely different or seem wrong or even evil. Hear what they have to say. You don’t need to offer your opinion or advice unless it is requested. If someone can trust you enough to talk with you and share things with you, that is often a steppingstone for questions and, ultimately, changes of heart.

4. We can guard our words. Be kind when you speak about other people. To use another old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Don’t gossip or spread stories or even talk too much about sin (that is, obey Jesus and don’t point fingers per Matthew 7:3-5). We all know sin is wrong. But when we talk too much about sin, it makes sin the focus when we all know God is most important. Jesus Christ is the only solution to sin. He’s the only one who can change someone’s heart. We are all lost without him.

These are just a few thoughts. Do you have others?

Together we can counter evil by spreading the message of love—the love that is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior—far and wide.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me reflect your love in the world in my thoughts, actions, and words. Help me draw others to your saving grace by modeling your love so all can see. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Love One Another” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Each One Reach One” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

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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. 

Last year, she released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent. Learn more about Jessica’s fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She 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.

Devotionals for the Heart: God can heal, deliver and restore you

God Sees You and He Hears You
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.”

—2 Kings 20:5 (NIV)

Life is an adventure—to be honest, most days it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. We can have extreme highs and extreme lows in the same year, month, week, or even the same day. God never promised that life would be easy.

He did, however, promise that He would be with us as we walk our life path. This looks like God walking with us through our personal trauma, such as a toxic relationship, abuse, divorce, a fractured relationship with our parents or addiction. God is there with us in the darkness, in the shadows, in the face of the pain and sorrow—He’s with us through it all! His presence is constant and calming. His promise to us found in Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) is, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

2 Kings chapter 20 opens by saying King Hezekiah was “sick and near death” (2 Kings 20:1 NKJV). Hezekiah was known as a good king who walked uprightly before God. Yet this righteous man is stricken with a terminal illness. Anyone reading this story in our current time era may question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

Trials and triumphs are part of the human experience. As believers in God, we are not exempt from the storms of life. However, we have hope in this life because God is always with us, and we have hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). But let’s get back to the Bible story. The prophet Isaiah was sent by God to King Hezekiah to tell him to set his house in order because he would die. After receiving such grave news, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to God. He begged God to remember how He walked in truth and stayed loyal to God all his life. He wept before the Lord.

God was moved by Hezekiah’s prayer and the righteous life he lived. This led God to change His mind. He healed Hezekiah and extended the years of his life. The healing encounter in this Scripture assures us of God’s care for us today too.

God sees our situation and lifestyle. Nothing is hidden from our Sovereign and Omnipotent God. Scripture declares, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV). God had the record of Hezekiah’s life choices and uprightness before Him. His simple prayer of remembrance spoke volumes because of the life that he practiced before God. Our life speaks for us. Our choices steeped in biblical principles testify of God’s grace and goodness to the world. God honors His children. He is eager to show Himself strong and move on behalf of those who are loyal to Him. We see God changing His mind about Hezekiah’s death date because of his commitment to Him.

Our prayers, our tears, and our emotions matter to God–so much so that He is eager to answer and deliver us. Although your heart seems to be shattered into a thousand pieces, God is ready to heal your heart. Although you’re afraid of that recent diagnosis, our God is a Healer and He can restore your health. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one and the grief seems unsurmountable or unbearable. Put it in the Master’s Hand because He is the God of all comfort. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed by anxiety or depression or struggling with suicidal ideation. Nothing is too hard for our God to heal. Sometimes He doesn’t heal us while we are living on this Earth, but He will heal us completely in Heaven.

Nearly ten years ago, my youngest brother had a stroke while at his job. He was rushed to the hospital. My large family of believers gathered at the hospital and prayed for healing. In the next few days, my brother improved. Then suddenly he had an aneurysm and passed away. This saddened our hearts because we had prayed for his healing. But we need to remember that our God is Sovereign and He knows best. We rest in knowing that we will see him again in Heaven.

Call to Action:

1. Embrace the Sovereignty of God as you heal.

2. Trust God with your next knowing that He sees your situation, He hears your cries, and He can heal you in His perfect time.

3. Accept that healing from God comes in many forms. Healing can be immediate or gradual. It may look different for everyone.

4. Rest in God’s Sovereignty and know that you are safe with Him.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, You are sovereign. You know everything that is said and done in the dark and when no one else is around. You know the hidden and secret things. Nothing is hidden from You. Father God, You hear our prayers. You tell us to call You and You will answer us. You said that your ears are open to the cry of the righteous. Whatever we ask in prayer, if we believe it, we shall have it. We are asking for healing, Lord. We rest in Your sovereignty and Your promise to be with us at all times—good and bad. Help us to have faith that You will hear and answer our prayers. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Sovereign (Live)” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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