Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ asks you the eternal question

The Eternal Question
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

—Matthew 16:15 (NIV)

Questions come at us all the time. How are you? How’s work? Are you dating anyone? How’s the spouse? What are you cooking for supper tonight?

Those are the generic, everyday questions we always hear. Then there are the seasonal questions: Where do you spend your holidays? Do you have any seasonal traditions? Do you travel during the winter or summer? Where do you like to go?

And there are also those very personal questions that we don’t share with just anyone. Do you love me? Do I love you? Will you marry me? Do I want a ring on my finger? Can I commit to marriage? Do you want to have children? Where do we want to live?

These are important questions that we all must answer sometime in life, and they change the direction of our careers, our spouses, and our families.

But there is another question that holds even greater importance. It changes the trajectory of our lives here on earth, and the rewards or consequences of our answers will be ours for all eternity. This momentous question sounds like a simple one: Who is Jesus Christ to you?

Ah, there it is. Who is Jesus? People have myriads of answers. He was a good man, a good teacher. Some might think He was a prophet, or somebody in the Bible they’ve heard about. In some hearts, Jesus is the one who makes us feel guilty when we hurt other people, or who makes us angry when we meet someone from church wo has an oh-so-righteous-holier-than-thou attitude. His name might be one we’ve only heard when someone is cursing. Some might say that Jesus doesn’t even exist. He’s just a fairy tale within the pages of the Bible.

Throughout my lifetime, I’ve heard all these answers, but my skeptical heart couldn’t really buy any of them. For me, it took years of digging into the Scripture and asking what seemed like thousands of questions before my real question about Jesus was answered.

Jesus is exactly who the Bible says He is. He is the long-awaited Messiah of the nation of Israel. He is the Savior of the world. He is the Prince of Peace. And there’s more! Jesus is the lover of my soul. He lifts my weary head. He forgives my sins. He is the Lord of my life. Jesus is God’s Son, and because I have believed that Jesus died for my sins and I have asked Him to forgive and save me from those sins, I’m also considered a member of the family of God.

There’s even more than all that! When Jesus Christ returns to earth to take His faithful followers home, I will be welcomed into God’s eternal heavenly Kingdom to live forever. My death won’t change anything but my address because the life I am living now is centered on Jesus. And that’s exactly what eternity promises.

There’s nothing in my life that has earned God’s favor. Just the opposite is true. I was sinful and rebellious toward God. Nothing could convince me that He is real and that all His promises are true until He opened my eyes to read the Bible and He gave me the ability to trust Him. His first gift to me was belief in Jesus. His second gift was His forgiveness of every sin. His third and lasting gift is His abundant life in Jesus Christ, right here on earth for now, and then forever in Heaven with Him.

So, each of us is faced with the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

Your eternity hinges on your answer. Which will you choose? Eternal salvation in Heaven with the Lord who loves you, or eternal damnation in hell without Jesus? Remember, dear one, eternity is just as real as Jesus is, and what we choose now determines either eternal life or eternal death.

Choose Life, Beloved. Choose Jesus.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, I trust You, and I believe that You are the only way to be saved in your Kingdom. Please forgive my sins and accept me into Your family forever. Thank You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Choose Life” by Big Tent Revival. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: 7 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas

How to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas Season
A devotional by Jamie De Silvia

“The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14 (CEB)

Decorating your house and home, shopping for loved ones, wrapping gifts, baking delicious desserts, and engaging in traditional holiday events can increase our Christmas joy—but they can also steal it! 

The holiday season often feels overwhelming and stressful. It’s easy to get distracted and forget what matters most. But we have hope! It is possible to have a joyful holiday season without experiencing too much stress.

Here are some ways to keep Jesus Christ at the center this Christmas season:

#1: Add an advent devotional to your daily routine. Begin at any time in December and continue into January if needed. We need daily encouragement that realigns our focus. Amazon has a great selection, with advent devotionals under $10. There are also free online devotionals from Lifeway, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and more!

#2: Fast from your phone during the first hour of the day. It's easy to jump on our phones first thing in the morning and start checking texts and emails, online shopping, or scrolling mindlessly. I've committed to keeping the first part of my day phone-free in December to spend time in Christ’s presence and experience His joy and peace.8

#3: Meditate on Christ’s birth by imagining yourself in the stable with Him. Perhaps God gave you an imagination for this very purpose. Consider picturing yourself with the baby Jesus, letting the Holy Spirit guide the interaction. Years ago, the Lord spoke to me through a nativity vision in my mind’s eye. I wrote about it on my blog in 2013 and the Lord urged me last year to record it as a guided meditation. I think it will bless you! Listen to my 15-minute message by looking up this episode “A Moment with Baby Jesus” on my official podcast (https://jamiedesilvia.com/podcast/).

#4: Release the desire or pressure to make everything perfect for the people in your life. Do you struggle with making others happy to the detriment of your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being? Me too. Beware of doing things simply because they are expected. How many traditions are we keeping that won’t be missed if we let them go? Stick with the ones that matter. How concerned are we with perfection? We want the house to look perfect, the gifts to be perfect, and the event to unfold perfectly. What if you are wearing yourself out unnecessarily? Beloved, you are not responsible for the happiness of others this Christmas.

#5: Meditate on the lyrics of your favorite Christmas carols. Some of our favorite carols are rich with words we can use in prayer or for journaling. If you’re unsure where to start, search the internet for the lyrics of “Silent Night”, “Come Let Us Adore Him”, or “O Holy Night”, and write them down in your journal. Consider personalizing some lyrics or writing additional lines to express your worship! If you find a phrase that really speaks to you, write it on a sticky note or 3x5 card to keep it in sight throughout the day.

#6: Watch a nativity movie with family or friends. What a wonderful way to reflect on Christ’s birth. It’s perfect for all ages and readily available via streaming services. After the movie, have an informal discussion to hear what stood out to each person. What spoke to you? Did you learn anything new? Talk about which character you related to the most. Discuss what you are most grateful for.

#7: Explore this prayer or journaling prompt: “Jesus, what can I give You this Christmas?” What a valid question to ask ourselves this holiday season! He gave us the gift of Himself (John 3:16). Why not consider giving Him something in return? I hesitate to give examples because I want you to leave room for the simple request, the off-the-wall surprise, or the painfully hard thing He might ask of you. I don’t know what Jesus wants from you this Christmas, but I do know this—you will experience more peace and joy when you offer it to Him.

Are you ready to adjust your holiday trajectory? You and I have gotten in the habit of rushing and stressing, but it’s not too late to slow down and intentionally set Him at the center of the Christmas season.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s Your season. Turn my eyes toward You and the wonder of Your birth. Show me where You want me to conserve energy and resources. Open my eyes to see what expectations or unfruitful traditions You are calling me to let go of this year. Show me where I need to shift my energy into worship, rest, and connecting with others. I want to experience Your joy and peace. I want to walk in freedom this Christmas. I release the happiness of others to You, Lord. Guide my steps as I move through the rest of this season. Increase my awareness of Your presence so I can sense You walking with me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need A Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jamie De Silvia is an author and teacher from Southern California with a passion for helping women connect with the heart of God. 

She has hosted two seasons of the “Pressing In” podcast and authored two devotional books: Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd (a 30-day devotional journey through Psalm 23) and You Shall Be Praised (a 40-day devotional offering a fresh perspective on Proverbs 31).

Jamie offers encouragement on Instagram and Facebook to help you draw closer to Jesus. She is married with two adult daughters and a teenage son. Jamie enjoys oil painting, playing games with her family, and savoring a good chai latte.

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Connect with Jamie:
Website: https://jamiedesilvia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedesilvia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedesilviaauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiedesilvia
Email: jamie@jamiedesilvia.com

Review of "Grace Bible for Kids"

Momentum Influencer Network invited me to review the Grace Bible for Kids.

I accepted their invitation because I believe this Bible is filling in a gap and will help children who have Dyslexia read the Bible in a much easier and helpful way.

Here are some words from Momentum about this beautiful book: Created in partnership with Holman Bibles, 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.

The CSB Grace Bible for Kids features innovative and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs.

Dyslexia shouldn’t keep kids from reading the Bible. And now, it doesn’t have to! Help every kid experience the truth of God's Word with the CSB Grace Bible for Kids.

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My Review of Grace Bible for Kids:

There are so many things to love about this Bible!

I love the beautiful blue cover that feels soft and smooth to touch. I like the multicolored cross symbol on the front cover. I like the “Grace Bible for Kids” logo on the bottom left of the front cover. I like how the lime green lettering on the book’s spine contrasts with the blue leather material and is accented by orange lines that neatly divides the text.

I like the “How Can the Bible Help You” page on the left side that I saw as soon as I opened the Bible. I like how they presented the help in sections. For example: When you feel “Afraid” they advise you to read Isaiah 41:10 and Hebrews 13:6.

I like how the first few pages have information that serve as a guide to help the reader effectively study the Bible. Such as: “Studying Your Bible” and “Bible Skills” and “Test Your Bible Knowledge” and “Favorite Bible Stories”. There’s even a section titled “How Do I Have Quiet Time with God” and the words beneath that title show you to do that effectively.

The font on every page is larger than the standard and very easy to read.

This Bible is a true gem that caters to kids with Dyslexia and would make a meaningful Christmas gift for the child in your life who struggles to read.

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Enter the Giveaway via Rafflecopter, for your chance to win a copy of this Bible:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c502/?

Note: This giveaway contest is only for residents of the USA.

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Learn more: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/purchase-the-csb-grace-bible/

Christmas gift shopping ideas: https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/holman-gift-guide/

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

#GraceKidsBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible and @bhpub

Devotionals for the Heart: When the people around you are suffering

Weep with Those Who Weep
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

—Romans 12:15 (ESV)

Are we truly prepared to enter into the suffering of others, or are we content to maintain surface-level sympathy with their experience? Will we rise to God’s challenge of sitting with them in their pain, weeping with those who weep, and mourning with those who mourn?

I want to go a step farther: Are we prepared to see people in their mess? Maybe even identify ourselves with those with whom we don’t want to be identified?

These are difficult questions. We may choose to avoid answering them, afraid to truly enter into people’s suffering. It’s a legitimate fear, especially when it involves people’s sin rather than just their suffering.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who suffered so He could save us from having to pay for our sins (Romans 6:23). Christ’s suffering that ended in His death and then resurrection was so that we could be reconciled with God (John 3:16-17). Let’s read the prophet’s words in Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV): “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

God’s Holy Spirit rests upon us for the same purposes. We are anointed to perform the same tasks as Jesus as we walk this earth, and in John 14:12 (NIV), Jesus tells us that “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.”

As for our legitimate fears of ministering to those who are entrenched in sin, the Bible verse of Jude 23 (NIV) says this: “Save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” In the next verse, Jude reminds us who our strength and protection comes from: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God, our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

It is comfortable to stay within the bounds of safe environments like home and church, read our Bibles and play worship music, but this is not what the world needs. The world needs Christians who are deeply rooted in God and who are so filled with His love that it spills out whenever someone bumps into them. Christians who are confident enough in Christ to enter uncomfortable situations and can provide the hope and light of Jesus that dwells within them.

When we are with family and friends at this busy time of year, we may feel uncomfortable with some of the things that go on at holiday gatherings. We don’t want to give approval to these things. Perhaps we feel pressured to say something, and then condemned when we don’t. What if we were to rise above all that and simply be aware of the love we have for the people around us—love that can only come from the heart of Jesus, who was not afraid to socialize with tax collectors and “sinners”? The scripture gives no evidence that these people made Jesus uncomfortable. He knew the hurt and the needs that lay beneath their rough exterior. It seems they wanted to be around Him, too. If Christ can strike a balance when with them and shine His light lovingly upon them, certainly He will empower us to do the same!

Many of us feel that our world is darker than ever. If that is true, let’s pray that God will empower us to shine more brightly, and to shine in such a way that others are drawn to the light of His love.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, only You can love people perfectly. Whether it is a person’s suffering, or sin that holds them prisoner, please give us a greater measure of Your love for the hearts You want us to reach. Enable us to come alongside these people and shine hope and love into their dark world. Do not allow us to remain trapped in our own discomfort. Help us rise above and treat everyone with respect, agape love and kindness like You would. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Benediction” by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Listen to it here.
 
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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!

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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: Praising God can bring your deliverance

Praising God in Peril and Prosperity
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”—Luke 1:68-71 (NLT)

The United States of America is the country I call home. Recently, we have experienced the highs and lows of a free, democratic and uncontested election. Many of us celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with friends, family and lots of food. Now, we are preparing for Christmas.

As I reviewed the Biblical narrative of the Christmas story, I was struck by the praise filled monologue of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Despite the disappointment that he and his wife endured of not becoming parents, coupled with the concern that they would never have children because they were becoming old in age, Zechariah continued to serve God faithfully. One day, while at work in the temple (he was the High Priest of Israel), he experienced a visitation from an angel named Gabriel. The angel announced that the prayers of Zechariah had been heard in Heaven. Zechariah and his wife would have a son. They were to name him John.

Zechariah asked the angel for a sign. His request was granted in what seems to me to be in a punitive manner: He would not be able to speak until the child was born. Can you imagine how Zechariah explained to his wife, Elizabeth, what had happened to him while serving in the temple? Can you imagine her shock at his speechlessness?

Soon after this visit from Gabriel, Elizabeth became pregnant. Can you imagine her sense of awe when she felt the first flutter in her old womb of the new life that she carried? In due season, the baby was born. When asked what his name would be, Elizabeth answered, faithfully, “His name is John.” Because no one in their family tree was named John, her aides asked Zechariah, who could not speak. He asked for a tablet and wrote the name John.

In that moment, his speech returned! This is where my fascination with this text begins. Zechariah said, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago. Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us.”

Zechariah knew God. He knew the history of Israel and he knew that God was with His people throughout every era. I find comfort in his confidence that throughout history God has had prophets to guide His people through the roughest and toughest of times. The key is to identify them, then heed the prophets.

Even now in this Christmas season, as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I find comfort in the fact that just as God steered his people through troubled times in the past, likewise, He will guide us into and through the future days ahead, whether they are prosperous or perilous.

The divine genius of salvation is that it is assured! In good times, bad times, trials or triumphs, the believer is secure when we act upon the oracles of Heaven. Zechariah was unable to speak for nine months. When he executed his faith and wrote his declaration, as instructed, the impediments to his praise were released.

With a new and confident voice, the first thing he did was praise the Lord! In the next breath he declares that there has been a straight line of prophets in the world since creation. Those prophets proclaimed salvation from enemies and oppressors.

Looking back on the Holocaust and other atrocities in history, the only way I can reconcile that concept of salvation is to believe that God creates Goshen experiences for individual believers who have or might experience duress. You can read about this in the Bible book of Exodus, chapter 10 and chapter 11. Here’s a brief recap: Before the God made a way for the Israelites to be delivered from their trouble-filled life as slaves in Egypt, God told them that their city, Goshen, would be safe from the plagues, except the last one. The last one required a definitive act of faith and praise. We can learn from that Bible story when we face trials today.

Sometimes, we need to praise our way through our pain and problems. We can open the Bible and read real stories about how praise set God’s people free: Praising God before being thrown into a fire-filled furnace delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! Jesus Christ responded to their faith and showed up to keep them safe in the furnace (Daniel 3:16-28). Praise kept Daniel safe when he had to spend the night in a den full of lions (Daniel 6). Praise during torture ushered Stephen into the presence of God (Acts 7:54-60). These are just a few stories in the Bible we can learn from. As we enter the Christmas season, please be assured that the birth of Christ guarantees at least two things for the believer:

1. God is with us! (Exodus 25:8)

2. God inhabits the praises of Israel! (Psalm 22:3)

The faithful execution of God’s revealed will compounded by confident praise, seasons the atmosphere in which we live. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, we give You thanks, praise and honor for being in control of the world and all that is in it. Thank You for our salvation through Jesus Christ and the quality of life that it brings. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Guide us through the frustrations and disappointments that we may face today. Help us to see and value the blessing descending even now. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God is with Us” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

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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: 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?

~*~
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.

~*~
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.

Devotionals for the Heart: When God prepares a feast for you in the valley

A Feast in the Valley
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”—Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

God has prepared a feast for you. But this feast is not only on the mountaintops when things are perfect and everything is turning out the way you dreamed. God prepares a feast for you in presence of your enemies.

Whenever I have read through Psalm 23, I imagine that this feast is happening in a lovely meadow where everything is perfect. God has prepared this beautiful feast. He has anointed my head with oil and my cup is overflowing because He has blessed me so greatly.

However, when I read this passage a few months ago, it occurred to me that the circumstances of this feast are not so perfect. In the previous verse, the setting is described as the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). It was then that I realized this feast is taking place in the darkest valley while enemies stand by and watch.

Do you ever feel like you can’t enjoy anything so long as there is darkness or negativity in your life? I have found that there is always an enemy nearby trying to keep me from enjoying life. This enemy can be in the form of busyness, anxiety or fear. What keeps you from enjoying the good things God has placed in your life?

Whenever anxiety and fear are my companions, I feel suffocated. During those times, I don’t feel like enjoying anything good in life. These are my enemies, and they are constantly with me. Unconsciously, I realized that I kept waiting for the perfect circumstances to finally enjoy what God has for me when I reach my goal of finally conquering my anxiety. I think I can enjoy all the good things God has given me when I don’t have to worry about my finances anymore.

One thing I have found is that the enemies are always present, but so is God. Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, is always with us. He sits at the feasting table with you. The enemy may be present, but the enemy’s power is limited when your eyes are focused on Jesus. Turn your attention away from the darkness and the enemies that want to distract you. Focus on the Good Shepherd who has prepared a feast for you in the darkest valley.

Are you in a valley season of your life? Do you face darkness in your life and enemies that never seem to go away? God may not lift you up out of the valley and place you on the mountaintop quite yet. Maybe He wants to first enjoy a feast with you while you wait in the darkness. There is so much good God has showered upon us. Turn your eyes to the greatest good (Jesus). He will never leave you.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for preparing a feast for us in our valleys! Please help us to remember to always keep our focus on You and Your goodness. Help us to lean into Your goodness, love, mercy, grace and kindness. Open our eyes to the infinite blessings You have placed in our lives. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Hills and Valleys (Acoustic Video)” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: God's grace is a gentle balm to heal your soul

When You Allow God's Grace to Heal You
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

—Psalm 147:3 (ESV)

God's grace is a balm for our brokenness, a lifeline reaching the most tender and wounded places in our life.

Healing is one of the most breathtaking facets of His grace. It intertwines His divine compassion with our raw humanity. Psalm 147:3 captures this truth: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." It reminds us that no matter how shattered we feel or how deep the scars are, our God is the Master Restorer.

The phrase "heals the brokenhearted" isn't just poetic; it's personal. It speaks to those moments when life's weight is unbearable—when we've lost a loved one, faced betrayal, or seen our dreams crumble. God doesn't turn away from broken people; He draws near. This verse assures us that God sees what we hide from others and even what we might struggle to admit to ourselves. He's not distant or indifferent. Instead, He actively works to heal, meeting us in our pain with compassion that defies understanding.

But God's healing isn't merely surface level. The imagery of Him binding up wounds suggests a deliberate and tender process. Think of a caregiver gently wrapping a wound, ensuring the healing is complete. That's what God does for our souls. He binds up what is raw and exposed, protecting us while He works to restore and strengthen us from the inside out. His grace touches our apparent wounds and those hidden beneath shame, fear, or bitterness.

This grace for healing is not something we earn or deserve—it's a gift freely given. It reflects God's very nature: a Father who loves His children too much to leave them broken. And His healing work isn't rushed. Sometimes, it's immediate—a sudden peace amid chaos. Other times, it's a gradual process, like stitching a tear so intricately that the mended fabric becomes stronger than before. Either way, God's healing grace is always perfect in its timing and infinite in its reach.

Imagine God's hands—steady, gentle, and sure—working on the deepest parts of your heart. He's mending broken relationships, quieting the storms of anxiety, and weaving hope into the places where despair once reigned. Psalm 147:3 invites us to trust that no wound is too severe for His touch, no heartache too great for His restoration.

So, what does this mean for us today? It means we can come as we are—fragile, hurting, and imperfect. We can lay it all before Him, knowing He won't reject us or grow impatient with our healing journey. It also means we can live with hope. The same God who created the stars and sustains the universe is actively at work in us, turning brokenness into beauty. Our wounds may shape our story, but they don't have to define it. Instead, they become evidence of His grace, a testimony that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

This verse isn't just a promise—it's an invitation. God says, "Let Me heal you. Let Me bind up your torn, broken heart. Trust My hands to restore what you thought was lost forever." When we do, we'll discover a grace that transforms, a healing that brings wholeness and a God who is closer than we ever imagined.

Let’s Pray:
Lord, bring your healing grace to the areas of our lives needing restoration. Mend our brokenness and make us whole. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Scars” by I Am They. 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: How to cultivate an attitude of gratitude

Cultivate Gratitude
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.”

—Colossians 3:17 (MSG)

It was early in the day when I woke up and went to enjoy my morning coffee.

Sitting on the kitchen counter was a delicious cinnamon roll. My thoughtful husband had gotten up early and traveled out into the wintry weather to buy this sweet treat for me. My mouth was watering as I heated the roll and fixed my coffee. He knew I loved sugary and gooey breakfast treats.

I sat down in a comfy seat in front of the fireplace and took my first bite with great expectation. It was dry, bready, and not as sweet as I had anticipated. The first words out of my mouth were, “What’s wrong with this?” Not a single word of gratitude to my husband for his unexpected efforts but a critical comment with disdain instead.

My husband playfully replied, “Well, good morning to you too, and thank you dear for the unexpected surprise!”

I immediately backtracked and became defensive as I made excuses for why I responded the way I did. When I finally expressed my appreciation, it was a futile attempt. To make matters worse, I have been trying to focus on cultivating a thankful heart and practicing an attitude of gratitude. Instead, I failed to demonstrate appreciation for those whom I love most dearly. It happens when I least expect it and instead of apologizing, I become defensive and try to make excuses. Does this ever happen to you?

It’s easy to express gratitude when everything is going well and we are well-rested. The challenge to be grateful occurs when we are tired, distracted, or our expectations of others have not been met. Some examples you might identify with are when the garbage was taken out of the house but the trashcan in one room was forgotten, or the car was cleaned but the windows were still dirty, or the kitchen has been cleaned but the counters still have crumbs on them. Instead of responding with gratitude for the effort made, we sometimes start complaining and pointing out what was left undone.

Throughout his letters in The Holy Bible, Paul instructs early believers in God who were followers of Jesus Christ not to complain and grumble. He models being content in all circumstances, and thankful in all things. When we respond to others with criticism or defensiveness, it can strain our relationships. In contrast, words and actions of love, appreciation, and sometimes biting our tongues (self-control) can strengthen our personal connections with the people we love.

After I apologized to my husband, I asked for his help in keeping me accountable if I began to complain and grumble again. I realize these are selfish responses that can negatively impact others. Choosing to be content and thankful in all circumstances is not always my first response, but I am working on it.

As we learn to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, may we increase our awareness of how our responses affect those around us. Let us each strive to plant the seeds of thankfulness in all we say and do while learning to recognize and pull out the weeds of discontent, criticism, and defensiveness.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

We want to come to you with a contrite heart. We know we have been selfish in our attitudes and expectations around those we love most. Help us to recognize when we become defensive and critical of others. Teach us how to cultivate the attitudes of love, appreciation, humility, and kindness. Thank You for your patience with me whenever I falter. Help us to demonstrate that same patience You give us to others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

~*~
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: God hears you when you cry out to Him

When God’s Children Cry
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“O Lord my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.”

—Psalm 30:2 (NKJV)

I’ve learned much about God by watching my sister’s relationship with my niece.

My sister’s calming presence is always near her daughter as she is actively observing, nurturing, and guiding her child through the day’s activities. My sister steers her child from dangers and constantly instructs her young one for the best outcomes. When my niece cries, my sister is alerted and concerned. Therefore, she springs into action to address her daughter’s cry. If her child has even a slight injury then I witness my sister, in Mama bear mode, question her child, examine the injured area, kiss the boo-boo, pray with her, and wrap her arms around her toddler’s body as she gives a loving hug and kiss.

Watching my sister interact with her daughter makes me think about how God as our Heavenly Father interacts with us. If humans, being evil, know how to respond to the cry of their child in a caring and compassionate way then how much more will our Heavenly Father hear the cry of His children and be moved to act on their behalf?

In Psalm 30:2, the psalmist directly addresses the Lord. He acknowledges his personal connection and intimacy with the Lord. He recognizes God as the ruler of His life. He submits to God’s sovereignty. He cried out to his Heavenly Father with a request for divine intervention. In this case, the psalmist needed healing that he could not bring about for himself. He knew where his help came from, so he went directly to the source (God).

The psalmist shows us how to cry out to God as our Healer. Scripture says He is the Lord who heals us (Deuteronomy 32:39). God can repair and restore our body, mind, spirit, and soul to complete health. He is our Manufacturer and Maker. He knows the original intent of every fiber of our being. As a result, He is the Mastermind behind His Masterpiece and can heal us completely from the inside-out. In addition to all of this, our Heavenly Father is omniscient and omnipotent. He knows the details of how and when we were hurt. God has all the universe’s resources at His disposal to restore health to our body, mind, spirit, and soul. If the healing resource doesn’t exist, He can create it with His Word. What a mighty God we serve!

God declares in Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV), “Call to me and I will answer you.” This is a Bible-based promise that we can hold onto. Even when it seems like God is silent and we cannot hear Him, He hears us and He will answer us in His perfect time.

Remember: God always hears us when we cry out to Him and He always answers. His ears are open to the cry of the righteous (Psalm 34:15). He doesn’t ignore the cries of the afflicted (Psalm 9:12). This is a promise that is guaranteed. We are not forgotten by God. He sees us and He knows exactly what we are experiencing. Like a Mama Bear responds to the cry of her child, God responds to the cry of His children. He comforts us with His loving presence and reassures us with His certain Word. He heals our brokenness and disease.

If you are crying out to God for healing in any area of your life, please remember:

1. God hears your cry.

2. You are not forgotten by God. Just as a mother can never forget her child, your Heavenly Father can never forget you because you are His child.

3. God loves you deeply. Just as you desire healing, He desires to heal you.

4. God is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made to us—including His promise of healing. As His children, healing is our right.

5. Our cry to God calls Him to act. He will heal us and make us whole.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

You are the God of miracles, signs, and wonders. You are the God who parted the Red Sea so Your people could walk safely to the other side on dry ground. You are the God who raises the dead, heals the lepers, and delivers those bound by sin’s burdens. You are the God who speaks calm to the storms we experience in this life on Earth. You send Your Word and heal our brokenness. I thank You because You are present to heal. You’ve not forgotten us. You’ve not forsaken us. You’ve not disappeared. You are present in the good times and bad times. Father, I pray that we will know this deeply. Help us to hold onto our faith, especially when we are in pain. Help us to believe that You are working for us even when we can’t trace Your hand. Lord, thank You for hearing our cries and answering our prayers.

In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
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/ on Instagram
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always follow God's Roadmap

Following God’s Roadmap Leads to His Greatest Blessings
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”—Exodus 13:21-22 (NIV)

My parents and I vacationed at campgrounds across the Midwest every summer.

After we packed up the station wagon and hooked up the camper, we hit the open road, playing car games along the way. With my father behind the wheel, we inevitably arrived in the middle of nowhere because he refused to stop for directions. If it weren’t for my mother’s exceptional navigation skills we wouldn’t have reached our destination.

I wish my mother were here now that I live in the middle of a busy shopping district. Wherever I go, traffic is always heavy and without GPS, I don’t get very far. The same is true of our spiritual lives: without God’s guidance, we will go in circles trying to navigate life alone. When we drive solo, thinking we know better, our merciful Father sees us headed in the wrong direction and keeps us from careening over the cliff of our good intentions.

In today’s anchor text (Exodus 13:21-22), we learn that after Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go, God instructed Moses to take them on a long route through the wilderness. The shorter route seemed more convenient to the Israelites, but God saw the dangers ahead. Therefore, He went before them, faithfully leading with pillars of cloud by day and fire by night.

This story reminds us that when the way forward is unclear, we can trust God to guide us, protect us, and equip us with everything we need for the journey.

The Bible warns us in Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV), “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Following God’s roadmap protects us from dangers only He can anticipate. But when we ignore it and go our own way, we suffer consequences that we could’ve avoided if we had relied on Him.

The road of life will lead us through hills and valleys. And we can’t avoid every obstacle that comes our way. But Jesus Christ is our traveling companion, and when we let Him take the wheel, He promises to lead us on a glorious adventure here on Earth that ends with eternity in His Presence someday in Heaven.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

When the pressures and stresses of life cause me to become sidetracked, I’m grateful that You patiently lead me back to You. As my Shepherd, I know I can always depend on Your perfect wisdom, love, and protection. Your Word is a light that keeps me on the path of abundance here on Earth, eventually leading to my eternal home in Heaven. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 23: Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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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: How to write a psalm of Thanksgiving

Writing Your Own Psalm of Thanksgiving
A devotional by Joy Beless

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”—Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Much like the fall winds that tug at the leaves on the trees outside my window, so has change come to our family and loved ones.

I will be setting two fewer dinner plates at our table this Thanksgiving. I know I’m not the only one. As much as I want the beautiful tablescape, delicious traditional menu, and smiling faces around my table, the reality cannot be ignored. This year has been marked by loss, grief, and difficult circumstances. I want to honor the loss of loved ones before moving on to the festive table chatter. Much like noticing the fallen leaves before raking them into a pile for my grandchildren to jump in.

I need to step away and take some time to care for my soul and prepare for this hectic but meaningful holiday season. I spend hours preparing the holiday meal, my house, and décor before our loved ones joyfully come through the door announcing their arrival. Likewise, I want to care for my soul to receive my guests from an authentic place of peace and hope, not a cultivated artificial smile.

How do I do this? I begin with a ritual every November of writing my own psalm, patterning after the biblical psalms. There are six different kinds of psalms in the Bible, including those of thanksgiving, which are divided between personal prayers and prayers for the nation of Israel. Written by King David, the psalms are rich in description and often are ones we still sing today. While we generally associate thankful songs as happy and upbeat, a closer look at the personal psalms of David reveals something different. Psalm 30 (referenced above) is written in an authentic and reflective tone. As he looks back, David recalls being “lifted out of the depths” by God and not letting his enemies boast (verse 1), sparing him from sliding into a pit of despair (verse 3) and crying for God’s mercy (verse 8).

David also contrasts calling for God’s help and experiencing his healing (verse 2), God’s anger and his favor, weeping and joy (verse 5), and wailing and dancing (verse 11). Lastly, David mentions singing or praising God five times throughout the twelve verses. As David reflects on a painful and difficult season of his life, he sees the faithfulness, deliverance, and restoring power of God through it all and repeatedly praises Him.

As I consider writing my own psalm of thanksgiving, I will not think too hard about how it sounds or if the grammar is correct, but rather let it simply flow from my thoughts and allow the raw emotions to run through my arm, hand, and pen onto the paper. I may include laments, confessions, and prayers answered and unanswered. As thoughts of God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout this time rise in my soul, I jot those down too. When I recall sweet memories of those who are absent, that also goes on the paper.

My objective is not to have a beautifully crafted psalm for generations to read but rather an outpouring of my soul as an offering for God, who is the sustainer of hope through it all. The words may be something I read to a few close people, but most often will be an entry into my private journal.

When Thanksgiving in the USA ends and I begin to purchase and wrap Christmas gifts, I usually feel an invitation from God to set aside some time to reflect and write down a psalm of thanksgiving and gratitude. I feel encouraged to embrace the season of gratitude similar to the “selah” pause in the Psalms, a reset for my soul. Henri Nouwen said, “Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice.” I agree completely with this sentiment.

It is a choice to come to the festive table with a lighter soul and a heart overflowing for the many ways I experienced the love and hope of God. I mentioned the two empty place settings at our table this year, but I’m so very grateful for the two additional place settings that I will add once my two grandbabies can move from their mother’s laps into the high chairs. And for that I’m very grateful and praising God!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have been faithful in the highs and the lows of the past year. Your strength has sustained me, and your love preserves my hope. I am grateful and thankful for so many things, including your presence on the journey.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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