Devotionals for the Heart: When you allow God to guide you through life

God’s Guiding Light
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“...And behold, the star that [the wisemen] had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him...”—Matthew 2:9-11 (ESV)

The Star of Bethlehem is renowned as God's guiding light.

It led the shepherds and the three wise men of the East to the Christ child, who was born in a stable and laid in a manger (Luke 2:16). This was the most significant event of their lives. It brought revelation, proclamation, and acceptance of the good news that a savior was born (Luke 2:10). So why did God use a star as His guiding symbol?

Today, if you look at the night sky in a relatively dark area, such as it would have been in Bethlehem, you will see thousands of stars. Most look alike, and we often take them for granted. Yet, a sudden bright star in the sky stood out to the shepherds who lived in the fields and knew the stars like the back of their hand. Also, the star appeared to the wise men who studied the constellations for wisdom and knowledge. It was a sign God knew they would not miss.

God also knew the lowly shepherds would take a little more convincing to follow the star, so he sent a host of angels to give them the message with clear directions (Luke 2:8-14). The wise men didn’t need angel guidance because their curiosity and thirst for knowledge were enough to entice them on an adventure to find the king of the Jews so they could worship him (Matthew 2:2). God guided the shepherds, his witnesses, and the wise men, his scholars, in similar but unique ways because each had a part to play in spreading the good news to all people.

In this Christmas season, let us consider how God uniquely guides us to His Son (Jesus Christ). Whether God reminds us with a star, an angel, or a simple gift, the message is the same: Jesus was born for us, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! God directs us to what is good, brings joy, and offers salvation through His Son.

Whether we respond to the good news like the shepherds who needed a little convincing or boldly go forth like the wise men, the path God shines His light upon will lead us to perfect peace (Luke 1:79). That is His promise to us. The birth of Christ ushered in His gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope. Christ’s resurrection after His death on the cross ensured our place with Him in eternity, where these soul-soothing gifts have no end.

Finally, in this season of miracles, if you are struggling and need guidance from God, take a moment to look up at the starry night sky and remember that He is with you. Pray for His strength and love to transform your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. He was there for the lowest shepherd to the highest king during the greatest event in history. Trust that He is here for you right now!

Let’s Pray: Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. In this Christmas season, as we celebrate His birth, guide us on the bright path of righteousness and bring us into a closer walk with Christ. Help us boldly proclaim the good news of our Savior’s birth and life that brings hope and light to everyone in the world. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Behold (O Holy Night)” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

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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

Promo: Everyday Prayers for Love devotional book by Rachael Adams

Today, we celebrate my author friend Rachael Adams because it is the birthday (release date) of her new devotional book! To celebrate this special event, Rachael has graciously offered an excerpt from Day 19 of her devo, Everyday Prayers for Love: Learning to Love God, Others and Even Yourself. This chapter (Day 19) focuses on how to love people fearlessly. Enjoy!

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Loving Fearlessly
By: Rachael Adams

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear."

—1 John 4:18a

I didn't want to put myself out there again. Every time I did, I was met with disinterest. I already felt like I didn't belong in the group, which seemed to be affirmed each time I brought up an idea or topic of conversation. Whether or not I was misreading the situation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t enough. So, in self-defense, I pulled back. I chose to respond less and withdrew myself from the group before they removed me.

We tend to self-protect when we get hurt, don’t we? Our instinct is to hide or put up walls so our hearts don’t get broken. Likely, we have all had instances where we extended an invitation and were told no, tried out for the team and didn’t make it, applied for the job and didn’t get it, worked towards our dream and were met with a closed door, or gave our best in a relationship and were rejected. In these instances, we are tempted to close ourselves off and not try again. We allow fear of future failure to prevent us from faithfully moving forward.

While this behavior feels safer, it simply isolates and makes us more vulnerable. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). While I’m no zoologist, a pack of animals has a much better chance of protecting themselves against a lion than a single animal alone. The same is true for us as believers. There is strength in community.

But what if it is that community that has caused the hurt? If so, we are tempted to escape. Hiding has been humanity’s tendency from the beginning of time. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they hid from God (Genesis 3:8). But what did God do? He pursued them.

Since creation, and despite rejection, God has desired to fellowship with mankind, pursuing a closer relationship with us. Throughout Scripture, we see the progression of Him moving toward us. First, His Spirit hovered over the waters. Next, He lived in the desert in the Tabernacle. Then, God became flesh when Christ came to live on the earth. When Jesus descended to heaven at Pentecost, He sent the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us. Isn’t it unfathomable that the God of the universe would want to be so near to us? No matter what your earthly relationships are like, God is pursuing you.

Something to Think About

There are 686 mentions of love in the Bible. Fear also ranks high in biblical word count, with the emotion mentioned 437 times. I’ve heard it said before God told us to “fear not” (or some variations of the phrase) 365 times in His Word–one for each day in the year. He knew we would struggle with these feelings. Fear is a valid emotion we should pay attention to, especially if we are unsafe. However, when we are afraid, we can trust that God will be with us. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).” His love will quiet your fears and give you confidence.

Hagar experienced God’s pursuit of love in the desert after being mistreated by Sarah. Although it was Sarah’s plan for her slave Hagar to have a baby with her husband Abraham, she became jealous and took her anger out on her servant. The angel of the Lord found Hagar in the desert and advised her to return to Sarah. After this encounter, Hagar called God El Roi, “the God who sees (Genesis 16:13).”

Hagar returned and birthed her son, Ishmael. Fourteen years later, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21). The bitterness between the women continued, and Sarah demanded Hagar and Ishmael be cast out. Although it grieved Abraham to do so, he gave Hagar and Ishmael some provisions and sent them away.

Once again, God graciously intervened. The Lord saw Hagar’s distress, provided for her need, and blessed her son because he was the child of Abraham. This story reminds us that no matter who or where we are, God sees and cares about us. He will comfort and provide for anyone who turns to Him and always keeps His promises.

Escape is only a temporary solution. God continually desires us to face our problems with His help. We experience His aid most clearly in and through conflicts and difficulties, not away from them. Are there problems in your life from which you’ve been running away? Allow His perfect love to cast out your fear.

Extra Verses For Study Or Prayer

Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:15

Verse Of The Day

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear."

—1 John 4:18a

Prayer

Father, I admit I’m afraid of the heartbreak that can happen in relationships. I have felt rejected and unwanted by people in my life. It feels safer to stay alone than risk being hurt again. But I know You’ve made me for community. Give me the courage to open my heart again. Remind me that You accept, choose, and see me. I no longer want to live in fear. Cast it out and replace it with Your love. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Questions For Deeper Reflection

1. Have you been hurt in relationships with people or even with God? Has this caused you to pull back in self-protection?

2. What could happen if you pushed past the fear? How does knowing God sees you and loves you help to open your heart again?

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Author Bio:

Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and Everyday Prayers for Love, Rachael Adams, hopes to help women realize God’s love and purpose for their lives. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. 

Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, searching @rachaeladamsauthor on Instagram and Facebook, and tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.

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Connect with Rachael:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor/
Website: https://rachaelkadams.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we all need love from God and each other

A Love Beyond All
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

—John 13:35 (NIV)

Do you have certain items with a sentimental meaning, items you keep around mostly because of that?

I certainly do. While minimalism appeals to me in many ways, especially in the home, there are items that bring me so much joy because of the memories they evoke—my Grammy’s teacups collection, which now take up residence in my home. The necklace my dad gave me just before he passed away. Trésor perfume, which never fails to remind me of my aunt. The vintage typewriters my husband found for me, and the heart necklace he gave me when we were dating. His Nana’s Scottish tartan skirt, and a few special pieces of jewelry and artwork that were hers.

These items are special to me because of the people they represent. They’re a tangible, visual symbol of love and relationship, a love that still exists despite the passage of time and even, in many cases, despite the fact that many of these loved ones passed away, some not too long ago.

Recently, my husband’s other grandma—Grandma Mary—passed away. At age 101, Grandma Mary had been born in a Mill Village lumber camp in West Virginia in 1923 and was the oldest of seven siblings, and she worked from a young age to help support her family. It wasn’t an easy life, yet she found true love and joy when she married her husband, “Red,” and they moved to Wooster, Ohio, where they founded the successful W. B. Armstrong oil and gas drilling company and raised three children…one of them my amazing mother-in-law. After cancer took Grandpa Red far too soon—before his grandkids could meet him—Grandma found true love and joy once more in her forty-plus-year marriage to Grandpa Bob before he, too, passed away.

I adored Grandma Mary. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t, truly. She was funny, faithful, warm, smart, and incredibly hardworking. She loved flowers and birds and people, and she welcomed me into the family with open arms.

When we all went to Ohio for her funeral recently, almost the entirety of the family gathered—some as far away as Hawaii, Oregon, and California, not to mention our crew from South Carolina. It was a beautiful thing to see so many people gather in memory of a family’s matriarch. All of us who loved her, even in-laws and “steps,” were invited to take some items from her home, and we gladly did.

As we gathered last week for Thanksgiving, it was especially heartfelt, as my husband and I set our table with china that had been Grandma Mary’s, and he set up his annual Christmas village on the sideboard with a few pieces that had been hers. I wore one of her colorful blouses, and my daughter wore one of the sweater sets Grandma loved so much.

Looking around the table, it occurred to me … things can never truly represent a person, ever. There’s no special “power” they have, no magic or supernatural memory held within. It’s the same thing with the Christian symbols I wear. That cross around my neck isn’t there because I believe it holds special protection. At the end of the day, it’s a tiny piece of gold in a shape—that’s it. Yet it still holds meaning for me because of what it represents. When I wear that cross, I’m proclaiming, “I follow Jesus Christ. Jesus is my Savior. I believe!”

Just like when I wear Grandma Mary’s blouse…or sip tea from my Grammy’s teacup, or dot Trésor on my wrist … I’m saying, “I remember. I loved these people. And I miss them so.”

The Bible warns us against idols. Exodus 20:4-5 expressly forbids us from making, or worshipping or serving, idols of any kind. But idols and sentimental items are two different things. I certainly don’t worship the sentimental items I own, even though they bring me joy when I wear or look at them, for they remind me of a special person or time in my life.

God encouraged the Israelites to make the tabernacle during their time in the wilderness. Constructed according to God's instructions using precious materials like gold and fine linen, the tabernacle served as a physical representation of God’s presence among God’s people. The tabernacle wasn’t God, certainly. But it helped the people have an actual, physical representation to help focus and encourage their worship. Even before this, the Bible tells us God used a symbol with his people. Genesis 8-9 tells us that after the flood, God vowed that he would never again destroy all living creatures (Genesis 8:21). As he said in Genesis 9:13, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (NIV).

Sometimes, symbols help remind us of the deep love that exists between people.

Let us remember that love is the most important part of our human experience.

As Scripture tells us:

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”—1 John 4:8

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”— 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

“We love because he first loved us.”— 1 John 4:19

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”— Matthew 22:37-39

Let us love, now and always, in God’s holy and precious name.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the great love You have for the world and for each one of us. You loved us so much you sent your only son to die for us and show us the path to eternal life with You. Help us to love each other and honor your love as we strive to love others. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "Know Us By Our Love" by Moriah Peters. 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. This year, she’s 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.