Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ feed thousands with one meal

When Jesus Did a Miracle with Fishes and Loaves
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”—John 6:9 (ESV)

Sometimes, like this little boy mentioned in the Bible verse above, we might feel like we don’t have much to offer Jesus Christ.

We may look at our life, what we have in our hands, and think that it doesn’t look like enough for God’s purposes. Maybe, as we look around and compare ourselves to other people, we think that we need more. More knowledge, more experience, more of anything to be used by God or to make a difference in His Kingdom.

I struggle with this frequently. I think: “Is my calling worthy enough?” and “Will it please God?”

Dear friend, we are worthy because God is worthy. We are not saved because of anything we could ever do but because of Who He is. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV).

God has callings for each of us. He has placed us in our specific families, neighborhoods, and countries on purpose. Indeed, He has also placed specific people in our life for a reason.

But more than anything we could do for God, He wants us to cultivate a relationship with Him first and foremost, and second, cultivate a relationship with the people He’s placed around us. In Him, we are enough because He is enough. Remember this verse: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6 ESV).

Remember the little boy I mentioned in the beginning of this devotional?

I wish I could’ve been there to watch this scene unfold. What might he have been thinking when he offered his measly meal of five loaves and two fish to the Son of God? Perhaps he stepped forward with a humble heart, fully trusting Jesus could work a miracle with his little offering. Or maybe his heart stuttered and sank when he saw the thousands of hungry faces around him. After all, it seemed it wouldn’t be enough for even a portion of the large and hungry crowd to leave satisfied. But regardless of what he felt, filled with faith or fear, the little boy chose to give Jesus the food he had. It wasn’t much, but it was more than enough for Jesus to multiply.

How many times do we refrain from offering God what we have because it doesn’t seem like enough? Or how many times do we look at our circumstances and think that God can’t multiply our minimal? Now, this is not an excuse to give God less than our best. But what about when our best doesn’t feel good enough?

Dear friend, God isn’t waiting for us to have “enough” before we offer Him what we have. Instead, He wants us to offer Him what we have and watch Him multiply the fish and loaves.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, I often look at what I have to offer You and feel so unworthy. But I know You don’t care about anything I could offer You but my heart. Lord, I give You my heart and trust You to use it for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Fishes and Loaves” by Josiah Queen. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God gives us each a unique gift to use for Him

Celebrating the Gifts that Fit Us Perfectly
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so everyone may see your progress.”—1 Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV)

I'm as organized as a pile of Legos.

By the end of the day, I've left a trail of scattered papers and belongings everywhere with no rhyme or reason or place to call home. My messiness often overwhelms me, yet it doesn’t define me because I've embraced God’s unconditional love and learned to focus on the gifts I was born with.

My creativity started developing the day I opened my first box of crayons. For days, I stayed in my room, nurturing my inner Picasso. Then, I started designing cartoon characters and greeting cards for my mother. Today, my upstairs loft is my escape from the chaos, where I channel my creativity into a greeting card that hits a sweet spot in my soul.

I sometimes envy women whose homes are tidy and organized. But resisting the way God made me is futile. Given the choice, I’d much rather spend an afternoon sketching than color code my sock drawer or label my pantry inventory. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold, I've learned to celebrate the gifts that fit me perfectly, giving me a deep sense of joy and contentment.

When we compare ourselves to what we see others excelling at, we forget that our uniqueness flows out of us as naturally as our breath and is God's paintbrush on life's canvas. God has a purpose for everything He created, and we honor Him by being true to how He designed us.

The Apostle Paul's words to Timothy are a powerful reminder. Paul encouraged Timothy to devote himself to his ministry, trusting that God would accomplish great things through him. In Greek, the word for gift is charismata, which refers to the various spiritual gifts within Timothy and all believers. The elders who laid hands on him recognized God's call on his life, a testament to the importance of trusting in God's plan and the hope it brings.

Instead of chasing dreams that don’t fit us, like Timothy, we should embrace our calling and use it to glorify God. The world is better when we allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our efforts, and we accomplish more than we dare imagine.

Maybe, like me, you aren't the most organized woman on the block, but you were born to do something unforgettable. What better way to honor God than by embracing what comes naturally instead of wasting energy on what doesn't? God loves you too much to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. What great news!

Let's Pray:

Father God,

I'm in awe of how you designed this world, but sometimes, I doubt how you created me. When my weaknesses discourage me, comparing myself to others is easy. Remind me that You designed me for a specific purpose only I can accomplish. When You created me, You broke the mold, so instead of neglecting my gifts, I give You glory by using them daily. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Many Gifts, One Spirit” by Allen Pote. 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: God doesn't remember our sins after He forgives us

No Condemnation
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”—Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

The Scripture above is a favorite verse for many Christians, yet how often do we struggle to walk in its truth? We may not even realize that we are living in constant condemnation, as if the devil himself is walking alongside us, whispering in our ear, nitpicking about every possible thing!

Have you ever taken the opportunity to read an account of a historical event from a different perspective than you are used to? It is amazing how different two accounts of the same event can be. Stories told about the same individual can take on totally different tones depending on whether the writer saw them as a villain or a hero. One author’s goal is to catalogue a person’s sins; the other’s goal is to remember this person with respect, admiration, and even love. They may still address shortcomings and sins, but they are able to see the individual as more than the sum of their iniquities.

Satan’s goal is to weigh us down with guilt. He would like to drag up as much condemnation as possible, framing things in a way that makes us look wicked and unforgiveable. He would like to see us live in shame for the rest of our lives. He knows that a constant awareness of our sin and unworthiness will hinder us from living the full life God has for us, and silence our witness among the lost.

Too often, I have walked through life burdened by a sense of condemnation, as if there is something hanging in my past from which I cannot escape. Or, I am afraid that I am teetering on the edge of sin, even though I’m not! Unfortunately, a lot of Christian teaching echoes these sentiments, leading us to believe that we truly can’t do anything good.

Taken outside of the context of the entire Bible, Romans 3:10 (NKJV) seems to corroborate that: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Thank God, there are many other places in the Bible that speak of new life, walking in freedom, and how we no longer need to walk in the sin that used to entangle us. Clearly, God does not want us to keep operating as though we are sinful and unable to do anything good. He wants us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14 NKJV) and “walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6 NKJV).

God knows us intimately, yet because of the blood of Jesus, God has chosen not to remember the sins of our past. He can also see when we are honestly struggling to overcome sins that we no longer want in our lives. He looks at us with the eyes of love and affection and has cast our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).

There will be things throughout our lives that need to change, but “condemned” is not our status before God. Our status is beloved and forgiven. Unless God is truly pointing out something that needs to change, believe today that He is pleased with you. Extend this message of love and grace to others in your life who still seem to be walking under the weight of condemnation.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in You. Thank You that You enable me to walk in newness of life, and that by Your power I can overcome my sinful nature. My former sins have been erased and I no longer need to walk around with a burden of shame. Please help me remember that today as I walk more confidently in You. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “East to West” by Casting Crowns. 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: When the Love of Christ Calls You to Surrender

Surrendering to the Love of Christ
A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough

"It's not good to eat too much honey, and it's not good to seek honors for yourself."

—Proverbs 25:27 (NLT)

Have you ever found yourself craving the spotlight, yearning for acknowledgment for your efforts? I have found myself in moments of serving that I needed to pause and ask God to search my heart.

This human inclination can happen to anyone, but it often leads to emptiness rather than contentment. In the quiet whispers of our hearts, it's easy to slip into the allure of seeking recognition and praise for our deeds. Yet, as the Bible book of Proverbs wisely reminds us, true fulfillment doesn’t come from self-promotion or the pursuit of personal glory.

Joy is found in selfless service, in extending kindness without expectation of reward. I am reminded of the example set by Jesus Christ. His life was a testament to sacrificial love, a model of giving without reservation. When we emulate His spirit of generosity, we unlock unforeseen blessings that enrich not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

In our journey of faith, it's vital to remember that it's not about accumulating personal accolades or pursuing selfish ambitions. Rather, it's about embracing humility and allowing the love of Christ to flow through us, touching hearts and transforming lives.

Reflect on moments when you've been tempted to assert control or claim undue credit. Perhaps you've experienced the sting of disappointment when recognition didn't come as expected. In those instances, it's crucial to realign our perspective and relinquish the need for validation.

I recall planning one of my RefresHER retreats, they had gone smoothly and flowed easily with each yearly preparation. The time for preparing for what I wanted to do began to cause me anxiety and frustration. I had people asking when the registration would be ready so they could save their space. Each retreat is intimate and in a secluded location with limited spaces. The retreats were always Holy Spirit inspired, but God had no given instructions.

I kept asking God, “What’s the theme, what’s the scripture?” Silence followed with no answer. God had not given instructions. I wanted my friends and members of my IMPACT Community satisfied and not upset with my leadership. My heart posture had changed. Were my motives pure this time? Did God tell me to do this retreat or was I trying to please others?

I paused and spent time praying and fasting. It was then that I received clarity. God’s agenda was different from my agenda. I was trying to stick to a timetable that God had not ordained. I was out of order and repented. My will must be aligned with God’s will.

Seasons change and unless God has given divine instructions, I realized that I could not always know exact dates that the RefresHER Retreats would occur. Obedience to God’s plan would always be paramount for when He says, “Take my daughters away. They need to hear from me.” That was what we spoke for the first one and I trust His guidance not my “feelings” to know how each retreat is held.

Remember: True unity is found in selfless collaboration, not in individual agendas or desires for prominence. Just as each instrument in an orchestra contributes to the symphony's harmony, so too are we called to play our part in the grand tapestry of God's Kingdom.

I encourage you to let go of the illusion of self-importance and embrace the beauty of collective endeavor. Cultivate a spirit of patience and grace, allowing yourself to be molded by the loving hands of the Master Potter (God). In His gentle care, our imperfections are refined, and we emerge as radiant vessels of His grace.

As you continue your journey, may you find solace in knowing that your worth is not measured by earthly recognition, but by the boundless love of your Heavenly Father. Surrender to His embrace, and let His love guide your every step. For in Him alone will you find true fulfillment and everlasting joy.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Thank You for allowing me to be a vessel used by You to touch the lives of others. Examine my heart and remove any impure thoughts or motives that point to me and not give You glory. I surrender my life and my life to You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Potter’s Hand” by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

LaVonda and her husband have three children.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ Can Set You Free from Slavery to Sin

Freedom in Christ
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

–John 8:36 (NLT)

The story is told of a group of animals who were tied to a wheel for a long period of time. With the wheel in the center, they slowly walked around in a circle, following each other, looking down at the ground.

One day, the animals were untied from the wheel. Each had the ability to walk away or even run if they wanted to; but each one just stood in place. After a while, they started walking in a circle and continued to follow each other, slowly walking around and around in a circle.

They were free, but for some reason, they did not realize it. Maybe they were so accustomed to living in bondage that they just continued to act like they were still tied to that wheel.

When we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts, He frees us from the bondage of sin. But even when we accept Christ as our Savior, we often put up a wall in our hearts. We strive to love Him with every fiber of our being, but sometimes there is failure to give Him all of us. There’s this notion that if we just maintain this last bit of space, we protect ourselves, and we’re free to be who we would just rather be. But true freedom is experienced when we give up, give in, and give ourselves over completely.

Many of us are in bondage, and we don’t even know it. We are slaves to the sin that entangles us. The worst part of slavery is to be a slave, and not even know that you are a slave. You’re not even seeking freedom because you think you are already free when you really are not.

How do we remedy this? Submit to God’s will and to His ways. God’s law is perfect, converting the soul. The law is not here to restrict you, it’s designed to set you free. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Stop resisting the Spirit and experience the freedom of God’s glory.

Seek His presence in your life. The Bible says in Psalm 16:11 (NKJV), “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Dwell in His presence. Let’s also read Psalm 27:4 (KJV). Scripture says, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.” Enjoy His presence. Remember: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:10 NIV).

God is ready and waiting to free us from the bondage of sin, but we have to take the first step so that we can experience freedom in Him.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, We need the power of your Holy Spirit to reign in our hearts so that we may be free from sin. Help us to let go of anything that keeps us away from You and hold on to whatever brings us closer to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just for Me” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She is currently working on another devotional book.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

This is Angela’s fourth year as a guest blog writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “Devotionals for the Heart” blog series. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in Living Unbroken, which is also a publication produced by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Angela is also a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She helps them see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

My Review of "Encountering God Study Bible" and a giveaway too

My Review of the Encountering God Study Bible: Insights from Blackaby Ministries on Living Our Faith (NKJV)

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) contacted me with the opportunity to read and review the Encountering God Study Bible produced by Blackaby Ministries, I signed up within a few minutes because I know what a powerful affect reading their nonfiction book, Experiencing God, had on my spiritual life. I was eager to delve into this study Bible and glean gems from my reading.

I’m ready to share my review with you but first, a word from MIN: The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, this Study Bible includes:

• Notes highlighting how God might choose to encounter you in His Word

• Notes explaining ideas, events, people and places in the text

• Word studies, character studies, and biographical sketches of figures from church history

• Notes to help you navigate current cultural issues

• Order your copy of the Encountering God Study Bible today!

And a word from Amazon.com featuring the back cover copy of this book: “Encounter God through the Scriptures as you are guided by the wisdom and experience of the Blackaby family. The deepest need of every human heart is to encounter God. To meet with God, to be changed by Him, and to become more like Him as a result. For decades, the Blackaby family has dedicated their ministry to helping believers address this deepest need. Now you can learn from their insights to experience deeper encounters with God as you develop a regular routine of Bible reading and study in the Encountering God Study Bible.

The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys. Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, explanatory notes, word studies, biblical character sketches, historical encounters with lives of exemplary faith, articles highlighting the creative nature of God, and other articles defending the faith, you will be encouraged to see that you can encounter God in His Word—and that He wants to encounter you through it.”

Now for my review:

I admire and support the ministry of the Blackaby family because it is clearly God-given which makes sense why their written works and other aspects of their Christian ministries are so transformative to the consumer.

According to Wikipedia, “Henry T. Blackaby was a Canadian evangelical pastor who was the founder of Blackaby Ministries International. Most known for his bestselling study called Experiencing God, he also authored many other books and articles. His books have been translated into more than 40 languages.”

My first introduction to the Blackaby Ministries team was when my dad bought a copy of the nonfiction book, Experiencing God, for my birthday more than a decade ago. This written work changed my life and helped me get to know God on a more personal level. Now I can say that their recent release, Encountering God Study Bible is doing the same for me and all who read it but in a much more powerful way because they’re delving deeper into the source of all joy and instruction: God’s Word (The Holy Bible).

I enjoyed the extra features in this Study Bible, such as the articles written by Daniel Blackaby that highlighted God’s creative nature. I appreciated the way Mike Blackaby defended the unshakable truths of faith in God via the articles he wrote. The explanatory notes throughout this study Bible were very helpful in encouraging me to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The word studies, character studies and bios of church history figures were very educational. I liked reading the introductions to each book in this Bible and discovering why it was important to help me encounter God.

There are so many wonderful features in this study Bible such as the reading plans, concordance, and index to word studies. All these features work together to help the reader encounter God as they read His Word.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful this Encountering God Study Bible is and what an impact it’s made on my life. If you are seeking the meaning of life and feel lost or feel like you need to connect with God, look no further than this Bible. Purchase a copy and pray to God before you read, asking God’s Holy Spirit to guide your study of His Word then open the Bible and be transformed!

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Giveaway details: MIN is giving away one physical copy of the Encountering God Study Bible! Please note: This is limited to winners who live in the USA only.

Enter the giveaway contest via this link below to Rafflecopter:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c497/?

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Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

#EncounteringGodStudyBibleMIN #EncounteringGodBible #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope for the hard moments in our life story

In the Hardest Moments
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever endured a challenge that turned out to be the greatest blessing in your life?

My daughter is 16, and about seven years ago she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. A couple of years after that, depression started. The last several years have been difficult, and though this last year she’s been in a really great place, this season has taken a toll on me emotionally and physically. I’m her “person”, and I’m in the trenches with her. It’s not easy.

Mental illness runs in my family. Like heart disease, high cholesterol, and cancer, some people are simply genetically predisposed to it. Thankfully, I knew how to recognize it. My daughter was an extremely challenging toddler with sensory processing disorder and very strong will. In the third grade, she started going almost daily to the nurse’s office at school for a stomachache and dizziness. Fast-forward through a lot of specialist appointments, lab work, and counseling, and we finally discovered it was anxiety. She was having panic attacks (disguised as overwhelming stomachache and dizziness), and we were able to get her the help she needed.

Then puberty kickstarted her depression, and it was touch and go for a couple of years. Today she’s thriving in her faith, extremely mature, and a great student attending a virtual charter school. While she has not perfectly mastered managing her moods, she certainly knows how to do so better than I did at her age.

Walking through her mental health journey wasn’t easy for her. It also wasn’t easy for me, for my marriage, and for our whole family, but we committed to fighting through and we’re on the other side now.

Getting to the other side took learning and relearning so many critical lessons and skills, such as listening, healthy boundaries, and the importance of structure and self-care. It took rereading the Bible through the lens of mental health. It also took phenomenal doctors, counselors, and Christian mentors.

Now I’m so grateful I was able to walk through this journey with her because it taught me so much as a person and as a mother. It also taught me a ton about God’s incredible love for us. Not only do we have the gift of salvation, but we also have a personal Savior—a Savior who’s not just there for the big stuff but the difficult everyday moments, too. He’s there in our grief and our pain, our depression and our heartbreak, our good times and our bad times. He might not take that grief or pain or sickness away, but He’s there with us, walking right next to us. There, right there, in the trenches with us.

During the hardest moments of our family’s mental health journey, I didn’t always “feel God” right there with me every step of the way, but I trusted that He was there. I also knew He spoke and cared through the people He sent to help us through. And looking back, I saw the evidence.

That’s how it is for so many of us. Most of us have experienced struggles in our life, but often it’s only later, when we look back, that we can often see God’s Hand clearly. Hebrews 4:13 tells us, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (NIV). And 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Sometimes we go through situations and we’re so grateful to be done with them that we don’t look back. We think we got through because of “luck” or our own hard work. But consider today the beautiful, personal, and sometimes intimate ways God speaks to us and walks with us through our most painful moments.

If you are in the middle of a difficult season right now and you doubt God’s walking beside you, thinking you’re maybe in all of this alone, pause. Breathe. Take a look around. Ask Him to speak to you or show you a sign. Then watch as his love comes to life. Amen. Thanks be to God.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You that You care for me so personally. Even in those times I can’t see You or feel You, help me remember that You are there. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

She has won more than 100 writing awards. Jessica is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies. Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Jessica holds a Master of Arts in English. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Jessica now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Jessica has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Devotionals for the Heart: When God protects you from harm and danger

The Shield of Freedom
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to Him.”—Proverbs 2:7-8 (NLT)

I was a young sailor stationed aboard the USS Midway (CV-41), an aircraft carrier. The ship was home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. The day when I came aboard, we left Yokosuka on an 8-month cruise that would take us to some exotic ports and to the cutting edge of an international crisis.

Our first liberty port was at Subic Bay in the Philippines. This was my first experience on a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) cruise. I had only been on the ship for eight days when we pulled in. There were about 3,500 people on the ship. I did not know many of them.

Our division was having a party at Shakey’s Pizza restaurant that was located about two miles from the pier where we were docked. When it was time to go, one of my shipmates and I decided to walk through the small city of Olongapo.

We exited the gate of the base and crossed the bridge over the Olongapo River. I was living my dream. I was walking down the street of a tropical city far away from home. There were vendors with heavily loaded wagons or stalls every few feet. Each vendor was clamoring for attention and dollars. There were lots of beautiful women around as well.

As we walked along, two American men stepped in front of me and my shipmate. One of them, the tallest one, looked angry and agitated. In his right hand he held an opened, straight razor. He yelled my name and with vile profanity said, “I will cut your throat right here!” He swung the razor at me. I blocked him and held his arm. My shipmate engaged but did not strike the other man. I held my assailant’s hand in the air above me. He did not move, and I did not strike him. We stood there staring at each other for what felt like a long time.

I knew that I was looking into the eyes of evil. Strangely, I had no fear. After what seemed like a long time, the man blinked and relaxed. I took the razor from him with my left hand and threw it to the ground. I said to him, “I don’t know you. Why would you do that?” He replied, “I don’t know.” I asked, “Are we all right?” He apologized and we moved on.

A few blocks from that spot, my shipmate stopped me and said, “What was that about back there?” I said, “I have no idea. But what you saw was God’s protection.” We went on to the pizza party. Afterward, we took a taxi back to the base. I tell this story so that you can have confidence that God does protect us from evils seen and unseen. The times when evil does overwhelm us or others, even if the onslaught is fatal, it is not final.

We are assured in Proverbs 2:7-8 that God is a shield for the saved, right doers. Romans 8:39 assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. So, go and live your life boldly today. God’s got you covered. He has already and does continually smile on you!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank you for giving us your grace, divine top cover, strength, discernment and salvation. As we go into the day and days to come, may we be blessed with confidence and security. Guide our steps and guard us and our families. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God Has Smiled On Me” by Elaine Norwood. Listen 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 let God transform your heart and life

The Transformation
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Our home is almost 70 years old. It has been rewarding to carefully redo the inside while maintaining the history of its roots. The latest venture into remodeling was the final hold-out, the back bathroom.

Cramped, dark, and oh-so-tiny, the bathroom has served its purpose for all these years, untouched by a contractor’s hands. Efficiency was its strong point; it was possible to use all three facilities at once. Efficient, yes. Comfortable, not so much.

Enter Kenny and his wife. Their references were impeccable, and their former customers gave glowing reviews. We were hooked. And so the transformation of our tiny bathroom began…

First came demolition. In a little over a day, Kenny stripped all the old, worn-out fixtures and at least a ton of heavy tile and mortar out of the space. Then he expanded it to take in two unused closets that were just wasted spaces. Suddenly, the constricting feeling was gone. We weren’t closed in anymore because the bare studs outlined the new, expanded room.

With that job over, Kenny went to work on the foundation. Underneath the entire length of the floor joists, he placed new concrete piers and settled new beams firmly on top, attaching them to the original structure. Over the next few weeks, Kenny and his wife created an open, airy bathroom with tasteful (and utilitarian) details that make our home much more spacious. Beautiful design features include a glass-block window where my once-dying orchids now have a new lease on life.

Throughout this process of transformation, Kenny and his wife prayed for us and asked God to make their work a blessing for our home. The Lord has answered their prayers and ours as well. In place of a once forbidding space, we now have a lovely, quiet retreat.

The Lord works for us in the same way that Kenny and his wife did in our ancient bathroom.

First, He takes our shabby, run-down, sinful selves and then He introduces us to His Son, Jesus Christ, who takes down all the walls that our sinful hearts harbor. Stripping away all the “junk” of our old way of living, He builds a new foundation based on Him: His security, His strength, His hope, His love, His joy, and His forgiveness of our sins.

Next, He creates new capacity for us to love, to forgive, and to show grace and mercy toward others. Just like Kenny used wasted space to complete his design, God brings life out of the emptiness or our existence without Christ. He truly makes a whole new creation out of our dark and selfish lives.

With His finishing touches, God asks us to wait patiently for His completed work. Just as our bathroom wasn’t finished overnight, the Lord works tirelessly to make us new. He spends our whole lifetime helping us prepare to spend eternity with Him. And His work is always perfect, even though we don’t see it yet.

The Lord also has work for us to do here on Earth. He sends people on our path along the way. One of the most wonderful things about living for Jesus is to see other people begin to grow and blossom, just like the orchids in our window. This life Christ promises is called “abundant” in John 10:10, and that’s exactly what it is.

Our ugly little bathroom is now a beautiful place, thanks to our contractors. And in the same way, we also give thanks to the Lord for His lovely, transformative work in us, His children.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord God, thank You for forgiving all our sins and then making us new on the inside. Please continue to make us more and more like Your Son, Jesus. It is in His Name that we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “A Heart Like Yours” by CeCe Winans. 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: When and how grief can be good for us

Good Grief
A devotional by Kayla de Jong

“Jesus wept.”

— John 11:35 (NIV)

What is grief? Some people would describe it as a dark night. But there is hope!

Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky who was critically acclaimed as one of the greatest novelists in the literary world, once said, “The darker the night, the brighter the stars, the deeper the grief, the closer is God!”

After unexpectedly losing my mom when I was only 21, I found myself wrestling with God in my grief. Hopefully, the insights I have gained on my grief journey can benefit you as well, even if you are not grieving the loss of a loved one. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of grief is “deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement.”

I’ve learned that grief is not just about death; it is about loss. Perhaps you are grieving losing a spouse through divorce or the lack of relationship with a child or the decision a friend made to stop following Jesus Christ. I believe grief is a good thing if done the way God intended. And knowing how to grieve in a godly way can not only help you grieve but also prepare you to walk with others in their grief journeys.

Let’s read Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV). It says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.”

Knowing that there is a season for everything—happiness and sadness—comforts my soul. I am comforted to know that God does not expect me to feel happy all the time. To me, these verses give Christians the permission to have what society deems “negative” emotions. While this is not a devotional about emotions, I will quickly say that I don’t think God views our emotions as good or bad. However, I think what matters to Him is how we handle them and how they affect our behaviors and relationship with Him and others (and ourselves). Ecclesiastes 3:4 supports this idea by declaring weeping and mourning appropriate for certain times. Notice how we are not instructed to always dance and laugh.

Another concept that has helped me understand grief from a biblical perspective is that God grieves too. And knowing that God expects me to manifest characteristics that are His, this means God expects me to grieve as well. Let’s talk this through: Jesus Christ wept on His way to raise His friend Lazarus from the dead, knowing fully well that Lazarus would soon be alive again. Yet He wept (John 11:35). Why? I believe He was not only showing His followers that it is okay to grieve, but I also love the footnote found in the Amplified version of The Holy Bible that suggests Jesus was angry at the sorrow induced by death.

Now let us look at biblical instruction on grief in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (AMP), which reads, “Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life].” In other words, Christians can grieve but not without hope. We know if we continue to follow Jesus Christ then we will be reunited in Heaven with our fellow Christians who have passed away and are no longer living on Earth. When we are in Heaven, we will be fully healed and holy in the Presence of God. Simply put, in the midst of our bereavement, we can choose to rejoice that God has provided a means to eternal life with Him that is far better than this life on Earth.

So, based on these few biblical examples, it seems that grief is an appropriate response to death. God, even though He is omniscient, and death is no surprise to Him, grieves too. However, it is clear that we are not to view death as “the end.” Instead, let it serve to remind you of eternity and salvation and hope from God.

Let’s Pray: God, thank You for giving me hope while I am grieving and let me share this with others who have lost someone or something important to them. Thank You for the time I had with my loved ones who have passed away. Help me to have a healthy perspective on grief. Thank You for comforting me, Lord, when I am sad. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Light of that City” by Allison Durham Speer. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hi! I’m Kayla de Jong! 

I’ve lived in Indiana my whole life and was blessed to have been raised in a Christian household. I have an associate degree in library science and have worked in various libraries for over six years. I love reading and writing!

I have mostly written poems, some of which were published in the compiled works of a local writers guild. I am in the middle of seeking a new career. I would love to be an author, artist, or journalist. But most of all, I would love to be a stay-at-home mom someday.

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Connect with Kayla:
E-mail: kaylagmcdaniel@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope and healing for the brokenhearted

God Heals the Brokenhearted
A devotional by Essie Faye

“I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.”— Isaiah 57:18 (KJV)

I stared blankly into space in my dimly lit bedroom and prayed to God saying, “Here I am Lord, once again. I’m going through divorce. Again. How did I get here a second time?”

I was numb, speechless, and shocked. Thoughts of the life I once envisioned—a future full of hope—rushed through my mind. There are so many lingering unfulfilled dreams and expectations. There was the loving marriage and true partnership that was never realized. The spiritual covering and God-centered true partnership that I ached for never materialized. Joyful children of legacy that I desperately desired were unborn. Yet again these dreams escaped my grasp, no matter how I prayed and tried to capture them. And, believe me, I tried—even to my hurt and almost to my demise. The disappointment and embarrassment—the pain of loss is real. And so is God. He is here with me, in the face of grief. Especially in my brokenness, God is present to heal me again and again.

In Isaiah 57:18, the prophet shares the heart of God with His people. God is near the hurting. God is present to heal our brokenness again and again. He is the Lord who heals us. Healing the brokenhearted is one of His many specialties. In this text God promises four things to His children who are hurting. As I hold fast to these promises, I have hope to move forward and grow through the pain. I pray that you too will find solace in them.

God promises that He sees the ways of his people. God sees you. All things are naked before His eyes. He promises never to leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). God is with us in good times and bad. He sees your pain, frustration, and loss just as He sees your joy, jubilation, and triumph. Not only does God see you, but He empathizes with you and He is moved to act on your behalf. He says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV). This brings me hope that God will heal my broken heart.

God promises to heal. He will repair the broken places of your life. He will help us to put the broken pieces of our hearts together again. He will heal our hurt and turn our mourning into dancing. He is our God who heals. He heals the brokenhearted and sets captives free. My shattered heart is safe in the Master’s hand. He will repair it. This brings me hope that the pain will end and the sun will shine again in my life.

God promises that He will lead us. He will take us by our hands and lead us in the way that we should go. He leads us beside quiet waters. (Psalm 23:2). He will lead us in peace when chaos is all around us. He will still our emotions when the storm within us rages. He will lead us by His Spirit, with His voice, and His Word when we don’t know which way to turn. We can trust Him. He knows the way. What’s even better is that if there is no way, He will create a way of escape, so we are able to endure our situation, by His grace. This gives me hope that peace will once again rule my heart.

God promises to restore. He will restore the things that you lost in your struggle. The joy that turned to sadness and the peace that fled for anxiety–God will restore. He will reset order in our lives plagued with chaos. He calms life’s most ferocious seas because He is God. He will cause you to recover time you thought lost and dreams you’ve given up on. God is faithful. Even from a place of woundedness I have a hope unperishable as I hold on to my faith. I know my God. He always wins and so do I, even in the face of adversity.

Call to Action:

1. Acknowledge your brokenness. Stop pretending that everything is okay–be honest with yourself, before God, and with others.

2. Lean into your pain. Experience the loss and learn the lessons which are blessings in disguise.

3. Lean into your loving community. Access your safe relationships often as you heal.

4. Partner with God and do the work to heal. Take an active role in your healing. See a counselor, reflect on your experience, change toxic habits and patterns, and reestablish boundaries in your relationships. Care for yourself and be kind to yourself–especially during this time.

5. Remember, God sees you. God loves you. God will heal you. God will lead you on a plain path. God will restore. Only trust Him.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, You are incredible. You know all things. You trusted us to experience the pain and loss that we now feel. We have the opportunity to know You as a Healer of broken hearts. We thank You because Your healing is sure. Father, we thank You that you see us and You are moved with compassion to heal our brokenness. By the stripes of Jesus Christ we are healed. Help us to acknowledge our brokenness and bring it to You. Even when our circumstances seem unbearable, give us grace to believe that we are being touched by Your healing hands. See us through this trying season and help us to hold onto our faith and Your exceeding precious promises. We thank You for hearing us, healing us, and answering. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Fragile Heart” by Yolanda Adams. 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

My Review of the "Unsung Hero" movie and a giveaway for you

My Review of Unsung Hero (movie)

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! Momentum Influencers Network asked me to watch an early screening of a new movie they are promoting: Unsung Hero.

Here’s the synopsis of Unsung Hero with words from Momentum:

When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

~*~

Now for my review:

Unsung Hero is a captivating story on screen that will reel you in from the start and keep you hooked all the way to the end.

It’s the story of the family behind famous music group “for KING + COUNTRY” and popular singer Rebecca St. James. This is a behind-the-scenes look into everything they went through to become who the world knows them to be today.

A special feature of this film is the faith element. It was wonderful to see how when times got tough, the Smallbone family got going! They didn’t give up. When they moved from Australia to America, they went from rich to poor but they got creative, starting a successful lawn and house cleaning service. Little did they know then that one of their rich and famous clients would open more than just the door to his home—he’d open the golden door to their future fame!

While this movie showed us how two famous Contemporary Christian Music artists made it to the world stage with their songs playing on the radio and in concert halls around the world, it also showed us the backbone of the family—Helen.

Daisy Betts played Helen Smallbone. She is the wife of David and mother to their seven children including Joel Smallbone from “for KING + COUNTRY” and Rebecca St. James. Helen’s dream was to be a wife and mother—roles that she took very seriously. No matter how hard life got when they first moved to America, she not only made the best of it, she made it fun—turning every day into and adventure and every need into a prayer. God didn’t disappoint! He delivered miracles to the Smallbone Family, starting with Kay Albright who they met in church.

Candace Cameron Bure—famous for her roles in Hallmark movies and on Great American Pure Flix—played Kay Albright. Kay was a woman of faith with a big heart. She felt led by God to help the Smallbone Family not just survive but thrive. Throughout the movie, Kay and her husband were like real-life angels for Helen and her family. They showed up for them in ways that were truly God-ordained though sometimes it irritated David Smallbone.

Joel Smallbone from “for KING + COUNTRY” played the role of his father, David Smallbone. No stranger to the screen, Joel put on a very convincing performance—successfully showing the how the mountain highs and valley lows of his family’s journey impacted them, especially him. There were scenes in this movie that showed David so low that he couldn’t get out of bed. But when he was able to climb out of depression, he was a fighter for his family. I love how his story went full-circle but I cannot share details without spoiling the plot.

Finally, Kirrilee Berger played Rebecca Smallbone (later known as the famous Rebecca St. James). I admired how they showed her to be so humble about her gift for singing and so devoted to ministering to the world through music and being a witness for Jesus Christ. I understood her pains and disappointments but that made her victories at the end all the more worth it. Yet another detail I cannot go into depth about without giving away the storyline.

Curious to know more? Go see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26, 2024!

~*~

More words from Momentum:

Watch the trailer for Unsung Hero:
https://youtu.be/CoLmPx9kuvc?si=IKyPlg872ySlWeLC

Buy tickets to see Unsung Hero in theaters:
UNSUNG HERO | Official Website | April 26 2024
 
Watch Jean’s interview with Luke Smallbone from "for KING + COUNTRY":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QfJOigc0kQ

Visit the official movie page for Unsung Hero:
Unsung Hero | Coming To Theaters April 26

~*~

A Giveaway Contest for you:

Momentum Influencers Network would like to give a $10 Amazon gift card to the winner of this giveaway contest! Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c496/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#UnsungHeroMIN #UnsungHeroMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: God's faithfulness to all of humankind

The Steadfast and Unchanging Love of God
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”—Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Looking back on my life, I see God’s faithfulness: His overtures of grace as I accepted Jesus Christ at age 14. Fulfilling His promise not to give us more than we can bear by removing the weight of despair and stilling my heart in a time of chaos. Redeeming countless situations in my life…and the list continues. Great is God’s faithfulness!

God's faithfulness is His unwavering commitment to His promises and unchanging character. It means God can always be relied upon to fulfill what He has promised, to be true to His Word, and never to forsake His people. His faithfulness is demonstrated throughout The Holy Bible in countless stories of His provision, protection, and guidance for those who trust Him. Even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, God remains steadfast in His love and care for His creation.

In challenging times, God's faithfulness shines through in His unwavering presence, strength, and guidance for those who trust Him. Take Joseph, for example, who remained faithful to God even amidst betrayal by his brothers and unjust imprisonment in Egypt. His story reminds us that God never forsakes His people. This faithfulness encourages us to endure, knowing He is with us and working for our good, even when circumstances seem bleak. It teaches us to lean on His promises and trust His unfailing support.

But God's faithfulness is not confined to mere presence and support; it extends to His sovereignty and His overarching plan for our lives. Just as Job remained steadfast in faith throughout his trials, we are assured that God is in control, orchestrating all things for our ultimate good, even when we struggle to perceive His hand at work. This understanding strengthens our resolve and deepens our trust in Him.

Moreover, God's faithfulness reveals His character of unchanging love, compassion, and commitment to His people. Just as King David experienced God's faithfulness throughout the highs and lows of his life, we too can deepen our understanding of who God is and strengthen our faith in Him. His faithfulness is a constant anchor in the storms of life, reminding us of His unwavering presence and care.

Furthermore, God's faithfulness in trials leads to growth and transformation in our lives. As we depend on Him and witness His faithfulness firsthand, our faith is fortified, our character is refined, and our relationship with God deepens. We learn to entrust our worries to His capable hands and to rely entirely on His provision. Through every trial, His faithfulness remains a beacon of hope, guiding us through the darkest times.

God's faithfulness also teaches us the value of perseverance and patience. Despite our challenges, we are called to remain steadfast, knowing that God is faithful to see us through. Like the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, our endurance leads to spiritual maturity and growth. In every trial and tribulation, His faithfulness sustains us and gives us the strength to press on.

In conclusion, as we reflect on Lamentations 3:22-23, we are reminded of the enduring faithfulness of our Lord. His steadfast love and unfailing mercies are not confined to a single moment. Still, they are renewed every morning, a testament to His unchanging character and unwavering commitment to His people. In the face of uncertainty and trials, we can take refuge in the assurance of God's faithfulness, knowing He remains constant in His love and provision. Let us hold fast to this truth and find comfort in the knowledge that His faithfulness endures forever.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, thank You for your unwavering faithfulness, which sustains us through every trial and triumph. Help us to respond to your faithfulness with grateful hearts, trusting in your promises, and obeying your commands. May our lives testify to your faithfulness as we share with others the ways you have shown yourself faithful in our lives. Empower us to live each day in service to you, bringing glory to your name in all we do. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “He’s Always Been Faithful” by Sara Groves. 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: Watching herons teaches me life lessons

What Watching Herons Taught Me
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”—Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

As I watched the shadow of a heron glide through the sky, I couldn't help but exclaim, "They're back!" The much-anticipated spring season was near, with the extended daylight hours and the grass turning into a vibrant green. In addition, flocks of birds were returning. The sky was flooded by robins, hummingbirds, meadowlarks, pelicans, and herons! Each one brings beauty, both in its appearance and melodious song.

Among these birds, the herons hold a special place in my heart. These graceful creatures bring a peaceful presence wherever they land. They stand still like statues after gracefully wading into the water. There is a blend of elegance and power as they spread their wings and skim across the water. Their flight is so close to the surface that their wingtips barely touch it, leaving behind a gentle trail of ripples.

The herons teach us the significance and value of quiet patience and unwavering devotion. Regardless of the weather, they exhibit persistence while diligently seeking food. It brings to mind Psalm 27:14 (TLB), which says, “Don't be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait, and he will help you.” Do we demonstrate the same steadfastness when waiting on the Lord? Their patience and devotion model virtues for us to emulate.

Herons are unique in their nesting habits. They live in communities, building their homes with others in the same tree. Before the leaves emerge on the bare cottonwood trees, their large nests can be easily spotted with the silhouette of an adult heron standing watch over the eggs. Some trees may have as many as 50 pairs of herons in one tree, a fascinating and rare sight. It is also a unique demonstration of the power of unity.

By nesting together, herons can protect each other's young. Similarly, in our faith communities, we find strength and support, as Paul reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV). He wrote, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Paul's message encourages us to draw strength from our shared faith, find comfort within our faith-based community, and support one another. Just like the herons, we can also find power in unity.

It never ceases to amaze me how God continually teaches us through His creation, and today, it was the Great Blue Heron. Like these majestic birds who wait patiently to find food and nest together to protect their young, we can learn to trust in God's timing and support each other on a daily basis.

As we close, ponder this question: What is one way we can demonstrate patience, unity, and love in our immediate circle of family and friends?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the lessons You reveal through Your creations, like the Great Blue Heron. Please help me develop the patience, unity, and humility I witness in these majestic birds. Help me trust Your timing and guide me in supporting others in the faith community. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God cares about the desires of your heart

The Desires of our Hearts
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

—Psalm 145:16 (ESV)

What desire do you have on your heart?

As humans, we naturally want so many things: a satisfying or well-paying job, a family of our own one day. Honestly, you could fill-in-the-blank with anything.

We know God loves to give us good things and bless His children, so at first glance, this verse might seem to contradict reality. After all, we don’t always get what we want when we want. Sometimes, we don’t get what we want at all. What gives?

Notice what this verse says: “[God] will satisfy the desire” not “God will give us everything we want.” It’s so hard to want something specific and be told “No” from God. Maybe you’ve been there or are still there. I get it. I’ve also been there. I often wonder why God says “No.” Why can’t I have what I want? And while we’re at it, why can’t I have what I want now?

The truth is, God is sovereign, and there could be a variety of reasons why He says no or makes us wait. If He were to give us everything we wanted when we wanted, then we would be the gods over our own lives, and we’d have no reason to trust Him. In other words, God would be a genie to us. Second, He could be protecting us from unseen harm. Other times, God might say “No” because He was better plans in store for us. Or maybe, it’s simply not a “No”, but a “Wait.”

I believe that God will give us the desire of our hearts if they are aligned with His will for us. If our wants are not aligned with His plan for us, then He will change our hearts to want what He wants. Even though it’s so hard to surrender our plans, God truly does know best. After all, His plans are for our good, to give us a future filled with hope, and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11).

As a young child, I had specific desires God laid on my heart, dreams that looked impossible to achieve. I prayed so hard every day, faith filling my heart, yet not seeing any answers to my prayers. Eventually, I gave up those desires to God, fully surrendering them to Him. It wasn’t until years later that God brought those dreams to life again, resurrecting what I’d laid to rest, and showing me that He does fulfill the desires of our hearts. It may not be in our timing (most of the time it probably isn’t), but the desires of our hearts are there for a reason.

And even if I don’t get what I want, I have found that whatever I want pales in comparison to the desire of knowing and loving Jesus. That, more than anything, is the deepest desire of my heart. Often, God will ask me to surrender a desire or a dream. Sometimes, it means truly letting go because it’s not His best for me, but other times, it’s because it’s not time yet. When my heart is “empty” and longs for something else, it’s then that God steps in and fills the void in my heart, reminding me He’s the only One who can truly satisfy me anyway.

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV) says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

The desire of truly knowing and loving Jesus Christ and walking with Him will always be met.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, it’s so hard for me to believe that You will fulfill the desires of my heart when there are so many unanswered prayers and unmet wants in my life. But I know, more than anything, that You are the ultimate desire of my heart. I know that desire will be met even if in life I don’t get what I want. Thank You for the truth of Your love! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Secret Place” by Phil Wickham. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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