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

Devotionals for the Heart: God can still make miracles for you today

God Still Works Today
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

—Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

I grew up in a Christian home, attended church regularly, and read Scripture.

I knew the truth, but for some reason it didn’t fully register with me that God never changes, and He still works today. Oh, I knew that. I was taught it by my parents, after all, and I read such truths in Scripture.

The God of the Bible parted the Red Sea, provided manna in the wilderness, raised people from the dead, and enabled a donkey to open its mouth and speak like a human. At the time, I hadn’t seen any miracles compared to that, so I assumed God no longer worked miracles.

For some reason, I guess I just thought that if miracles happened today, they happened to other people. Sometimes I wonder if we don’t see miracles because we don’t need or expect them. Now, don’t get me wrong. God is not a genie who will perform a “miracle” just because we ask Him to. His ways are higher than ours, so a miracle or answer to prayer may not always come in the form we were hoping for.

But how many times do we stress or take matters into our own hands when we’re supposed to be turning to God to supply our every need? As Paul reminds in Philippians 4:19 (ESV), “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Is it possible we don’t see a miracle because we’re not asking for one?

When I was younger, I thought God didn’t make miracles anymore. At least, not like He did back in the days of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But I realize now that’s not true. God may not have parted a literal Red Sea in my life, but He made a way when there was no way, opening doors only He could open. He may not have given me manna from heaven, but hasn’t He provided everything I needed?

How is it that those dreams in my heart, those dreams that were next to impossible, are now part of my reality? Only God. The same God Who turned water into wine, raised people from the dead, opened the eyes of the blind, and called the lame to walk still works today. And in case you’re wondering if God still works miracles as radical as opening the eyes of the blind or raising the dead to life, yes, He does.

There was once was a man in our monthly prayer gathering who was dying of cancer. In fact, we didn’t realize it at the time, but doctors had told him he should prepare for his funeral. But God had other plans and completely healed him, and he is now cancer-free. Another time, a friend of mine had an eye problem “unexplainably” healed at a worship gathering. And the list could go on.

Time would fail me to share all the miracles I’ve seen or the ways God has worked in my life. In ways, big or small, the Lord is always moving and working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). I remember last year when I prayed for a specific opportunity, the Lord opened doors and answered prayers in ways I’d never thought possible. Do you believe that God never changes and that He still works today?

I pray you do and that you’ve seen it!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

Thank You for the truth that You still work today. Forgive me for not believing this truth earlier. Help me to remember all the miracles and the ways You’ve worked in my life. And keep me encouraged in believing that you still make miracles today!

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Famous For (I Believe)” by Tauren Wells, Jenn Johnson. 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: Why we should never stop praying to God

God Rewards Relentless Prayers
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.”—Luke 18:3 NIV

“I just can’t do this anymore. I am tired. I am done. I quit.”

Have you ever uttered these words? Or been the listener to them? When life gets hard, we want to give up—on our marriage, our pain, our financial duress. Fighting is so much harder than walking away, it seems. However, there are times when true grit is longed for, required and rewarded.

Are you in a situation where the tough has got going so long ago that the distant past seems, well, quite distant? Perhaps what started out as a passing affliction or momentary trouble has taken over, consumed your life, pocketbook, and emotional tank. Have you more than once wanted to throw in the towel, or have already quit?

Jesus Christ shared a parable in the Bible to give us His desire (and reason) for prayer. In Luke 18:1 (NIV), Jesus tells us to “always pray and not give up”. He knows perseverance and persistence in prayer is not only vital but powerful for our faith walk with God. Are you asking how this is possible? Let me explain with some questions for you to ponder: Do our prayers change God’s mind? Do our prayers change our circumstances from what God has intended all along? What does sovereignty of God mean for us in modern times?

These are tough questions that may not be answered in our lifetime. But we can know from Scripture that Jesus is concerned about our prayer life. He knew in Bible times and this modern era that we would want to give up. He knew life would get hard and doubts would plague our minds or shake our faith in Him. Jesus knew we would face obstacles that appear larger than life. He knew a doctor’s office, the unemployment line, the courtroom and an empty holiday table would be part of life here on earth.

Jesus knew the true enemy (Satan) would be relentless in pursuing us with dashed hopes, unfinished business, broken relationships, mortgages and car payments. God is Sovereign, He knows all. And He wants us to know He is with us through it all. God promises to always answer us when we call on Him—even when we offer Him our relentless, wild and desperate prayers. He welcomes us into His Throne Room and He wants to help us. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

This is the definition of a real walk with a loving Heavenly Father. Only God can handle the big prayers we send up to Him. Only God can handle it and truly comfort us when we lose it, mourn, and cry out in agony. Only God can wipe away the never-ending tears that emerge from experiencing a sad, life-changing event.

What are you facing or contemplating today? What situation has you fretting and feeling like giving up? What is God saying to encourage you to keep pressing on? We all have problems and situations that we have spent a long time—days, months, years—praying for, asking God to intervene. Let us not grow weary in praying.

We are given permission by Jesus to pursue Him relentlessly, all day, every day with our requests. Big or small. Long or short. As you read Luke 18, you can see His compassion and desire. His love. His care.

Let us knock and keep on knocking at God’s door and coming boldly before His Throne with our requests. May we not stop petitioning our Savior until we receive justice, answers and a blessing from Him.

Let’s Pray: Father God, sometimes the fact that our prayers can change your mind seems impossible to believe. We may fear that we will wear You out with our relentless pursuit of You as we ask for your justice, mercy, healing, and answers to our life problems. But You literally are all we’ve got when we have nothing left to give, take, follow or hold onto—except You. This is everything. You are everything we need. You are enough! I lay myself at Your feet, exhausted, but in a posture of prayer, thanksgiving and worship. Thank You for hearing me, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Everything” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Pray On" by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.

Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be confident in who God made you to be

We Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by God
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

—Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

We are often taught that we must not have a high opinion of ourselves because according to The Holy Bible in Psalm 147:6 (NKJV), “The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.”

However, I want to encourage you today with this statement: There is something to be said for discovering who we are in Jesus Christ and enjoying becoming the person He made us to be! Does that mean we get to enjoy being ourselves? Yes!

Most of us struggle with one of two extremes: We wrestle with pride, or we harbor guilt and shame for our sin and imperfection. If we work to remain humble, we are aware that our words are little more than an outward show of self-deprecation.

For many years, I believed that my personality and interests meant nothing because I was supposed to reflect Jesus alone. Since then, I have learned that when we truly begin to discover who He has created us to be, we begin to love ourselves the right way, and we are prepared to go out and fulfill the purpose for which He created us.

When we are confident of who He made us to be, we are able to spread His love in a unique way. Perhaps there are people around us who can only be ministered to by someone who has been where we have been, experienced what we have experienced, or who cares about the things we care about (the things we think no one else sees). When we aren’t trying to be what someone else tells us we should be or share God’s love the way someone else has told us to share His love, we are more confident in sharing His story—our story.

Your testimony is irrefutable. You know for certain that this is your story—the story of what God has done in your life. I went from fearful and insecure, unsure if I was “allowed” to do anything outside of going to church and raising my kids, to a life full of amazing opportunities in a variety of areas. Each of these areas provides unique opportunities to shine for Jesus, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Indeed, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The love Jesus has for us must enable us to love ourselves, because if we are filled with self-deprecation and self-loathing, people see that. Furthermore, if we don’t love ourselves, I doubt we are really able to love others the way God wants us to. I can’t help but wonder if that’s one of the reasons sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the Good News) is so difficult for us. How can I share what I have if I don’t feel confident in it myself?

A few years ago, I received a fortune cookie that read, “The best thing you can do is get good at being you.” It was perfectly timed with what God was taking me through already—a journey of discovering who He made me to be.

During that season, I learned that I didn’t have to set aside my own interests out of fear that they would distract me from God. Rather, He gave me these gifts to serve His purpose in the world. I also found that I was no longer afraid to step out of the comfort zone of church and family to “go where the people are.” My calling and ministry didn’t have to look the way others said it should—it was unique, and I was made uniquely for it.

Today, let’s ask the Lord for a renewed confidence in who He created us to be. Let’s ask Him to teach us how to see ourselves through His eyes and appreciate the unique gifts and callings He has bestowed upon us.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

I struggle to find the balance between seeing myself as you see me and feeling ashamed that I’m not who I think I should be. Today, I ask for a renewed vision of the person You’ve made me to be. Remind me that it was in Your image I was created and that it was by Your blood that I was redeemed, according to John 3:16. May I remember that everything You created is good. Help me to walk in that goodness, so that others will see Your love in me. Show me how to tell others my story (testimony) and Your story (the Gospel) with joy.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Wonderfully Made” by Ellie Holcomb. 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: Why we need to know the voice of Jesus Christ

Do You Know His Voice
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

—John 10:27 (KJV)

On more than one occasion, I’ve heard people say to me: “You sound just like (name of a certain singer)” when they hear me sing. This is a compliment, yet I know that I can never duplicate someone else’s voice.

Everyone has a unique sound in their tone, accent, and manner. Voice is defined as the sound or sounds uttered through the mouth. We identify who a person is by the way they sound to us when they speak or sing. We can only do that effectively if we are familiar with or have heard the person’s voice on many different occasions. When we truly know someone’s voice then even in a crowded or noisy area, we can instantly identify who is speaking, singing or communicating.

Jesus Christ tells us in John 10:27 that the sheep know the voice of their shepherd. They cannot be easily fooled. You can dress up like a shepherd and try to behave like one but the minute you open your mouth the sheep know if you are theirs or an imposter.

God wants us to know His voice so well that we have no doubt about who is speaking. We often ask how we can know God’s voice. He gives us direction through His Word (The Holy Bible). When choosing right from wrong, we can learn from Psalm 119:11 (KJV), which says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

When we are confused, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). God’s Word says in (Isaiah 30:21 NLT), “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.”

The more time we spend with the Lord and His Word is the more we are not only familiar with, but we learn, the sound of His voice. God wants us to be completely dependent on Him so that just like sheep who know Christ as their Shepherd, we know Him too. In times of storm or stress we can rest in God and trust Him completely.

With so much uncertainty and fear dominating the airwaves, God wants you and I to know that He is in control. God wants us to know that we can still be strong and courageous, and we can run to Him with our every concern. Do you know His voice?

God’s voice speaks strength in times of weakness, peace when storm clouds roll, hope when we feel desperate and all alone. Notice: His voice is opposite to fear and despair. We must know His voice in this modern day because as the hard times come, we can quickly be reminded of the hope we have in Him. In troubled times, we need to rely on what we know from His Word (The Holy Bible). We need to draw from how we have experienced Him in the past. What we have known of God from the past will not only keep us in the present, but also in the days to come.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and showing us that we can know your voice in your written Word and the voice of Holy Spirit. Help us to walk in obedience and trust You even when life looks and feels uncertain, knowing you are still God. Therefore, you are always in control. Help us to remember this and listen to Your Voice. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “You Are God Worship Medley: Holy / Hosanna / You Are God” covers and original songs included by Patricia Russell. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as “Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement” to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to learn how to number our days

Numbering Our Days
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

—Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

When God created us in His own image back in Genesis 1:27, He also designed us with an internal clock.

Only He knows the exact moment when our time on earth expires. We are clueless when we try to determine our life’s span, although many of us desperately try to figure it out, especially when we try to stave off death by taking any number of vitamins, special diets, or guaranteed exercise programs to postpone the inevitable.

But God isn’t interested in us scrambling around trying to number the days of our lives. He already sewed that up. In Psalm 90:12, God calls us to do more than just buy stock in the most recent Fountain of Youth. He calls us to make every one of our days count—for eternity.

Okay, that sounds daunting, right? We tally up the scores for our good days and our bad days, hoping that the good days will somehow counterbalance the bad ones. Then, maybe, our eternity will be in Heaven, and not in Hell. That will never work, but God has a plan.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to Earth in the form of a helpless baby and grew into a man, the Son of Man. He began to teach people about God, His Father. And because He is God, He never had days when He was bad. He went through His life only doing good—our sinless Savior.

Then the evil in people killed the Son of God—crucified Him, and then buried His lifeless body. But three days later, Jesus rose from that grave, defeating death and all the evil that tries to rule us. And because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, we can accept His sacrifice for our own sins and believe in Him as our Savior. That decision leads us to not just good days, but the best days as we prepare for our life in Heaven with Him forever.

So, today counts, but with another question: “How?”

The possibilities are endless! Because we believe in Jesus as our Savior from sin, we are God’s children, His men and women. We read His Word, the Bible, and gain wisdom. We are just and kind to every person we meet. We respect the other eight billion human beings who share the planet with us. And we tell as many people as we can about the living Jesus who died for us so that we wouldn’t have to die eternally for the sins we’ve committed. We teach them to turn away from their sinful lives and to trust Jesus with their todays and their tomorrows.

Most of all, throughout each day, we are obedient to our Lord. He tells us to love God and to love all those eight billion image bearers of God. And not just like them, either. Jesus tells us we are to love them as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). And that is hard. So, we try to obey, and the Lord Jesus helps us to do it. We won’t ever be perfect at loving others as we love ourselves, but our honest attempts are what count. They make our days count.

And now for the best part: Our obedience leads to the ability of our hearts to gain more and more of God’s perfect wisdom. It grows more love, more kindness, more goodness, more of everything that creates connections between us. People draw close to new life in Jesus. And we have whole new families of people we may not know, but who share the love of Jesus with us. And our hearts grow fuller and richer with His love in us. These are the days that count, for today and for all eternity.

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for Your wisdom. Please give us Your strength as we walk through our days and as we make them count—for You. It’s in Your Name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Teach Us to Number Our Days” by Marty Goetz. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing God can give you calm in chaos

Seeking Calm in the Chaos
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

—Mark 4:38-39 (NIV)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a crowd?

There I stood in a mass of people, waiting to gain entrance to my son’s first college orchestra concert. The swirl of noise and the sea of bodies set my senses on overload as, all around me, the jostling and high-pitched laughter shifted into high gear, buzzing with festivity. While I knew I was in a safe place, still my heart began to thud and my skin to tingle.

Breathe, I told myself.

There before me, my eyes rested on the wall where someone had painted an artful tree trunk. The blues and greens and teals blended together in a whirl of delicate design, and I admired the artwork as I focused on my breathing. Soon the joy I felt in simple admiration crowded out the swirl of sensation all around me. Peace settled in and took over, and slowly yet blissfully I began to relax. All was well once more.

Chaos can do that sometimes, can’t it? Yet no matter what, even in the scariest, most chaotic, most crazy of crazy times, we can achieve a sense of peace and calm by remembering the most basic of truths: No matter what, we are not alone because Jesus Christ is with us every step of the way. The Bible tells us over and over again that our Lord is Lord over all creation, commanding even the toughest and most harrowing situations. We know the disciples felt tremendous fear when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, and their small boat was tossed about the waves, water rushing over them. We can read about this Bible story in Mark 4:38-39. The Bible says that Christ’s response to the peril his disciples were experiencing was to rebuke the wind and waves, commanding it to be quiet and still. As a result, the wind and the waves obeyed. After all, their Creator, the Word come to the world in the flesh, always prevails (John 1:14).

He does this even still … in the storms around us today, in the chaos of the crowd, in the terror of the darkest nights. We might not be able to feel Him around us, commanding the chaos to quiet and be still, but we can trust that He is there, working for and within us. Now and always.

The Bible says this over and over, and it’s a truth we can trust. We can read about this throughout Scripture. Here are a few key verses to remember …

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” (Psalm 107:29-31).

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).

If you are in the middle of the storm—whether the anxiety of a crowd or a harrowing, dreadful ordeal—take a moment to breathe and remember: You belong to the King of the Universe, and He loves you with a wildly extravagant and generous love filled with mercy, compassion, and perfect strength.

All is well.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the extraordinary love You have for me. Please help me remember that no matter what I experience, no matter what I fear, You are mightier than anything else. I can put my trust in You now and always. I don’t need to fear. I simply need to focus on You and have faith that all will be well, now and forevermore. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Your Love Is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Firm Foundation (He Won’t)" [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Sometimes He Calms the Storm" by Scott Krippayne. 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 and the 2024 Florida Christian Writers Contest SonShine Award for her novel, Hidden Seeds. 

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. 

Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (movie review)

Momentum Influencers Network invited me to participate in their promotional campaign for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by watching this movie. As a person who loves Christmastime and faith-filled films, I was delighted to say yes!

Before I share my review of this film, allow me to share a few words from Momentum Influencers Network about this wonderful work of art: 

Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensue when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance.

Synopsis: The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas.

Watch THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER film, in theaters everywhere beginning November 8. The newest film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company is based on the beloved children’s book classic book. As of November 2023, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson has sold more than 7 million copies since its publication in 1972.

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My Review:

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a superbly produced movie that made me laugh, cry, smile and rejoice! It was filled with memorable moments that were skillfully portrayed by the abundance of talented actors. It wasn’t only the main characters who had excellence in performance; the acting skills of everyone involved—even the actors in the audience and background—was noteworthy!

When I learned that Dallas Jenkins who directs the hit series, “The Chosen”, was the brains behind this production, it all made sense why it was such an engaging and impeccably done film! This movie is based on a book by Barbara Robinson, international bestseller that I now want to read. The storytelling skills of the screenplay writers of this movie are second to none. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Everything about it came together to create a special masterpiece. I think something that makes this movie so special is the fact that it is so relatable. We all—most of us, especially in the USA—can identify with the classic underdog story, one about misfits who save the day! If we ourselves were not misfits, we most likely know several people who are and we’re either rooting for them or avoiding them. I like how in this movie, the crowd went from being fearful of the Herdman children and gossiping about their destructive nature, to rooting for them! You’ll have to watch the full movie to find out how and why they went from hating the Herdmans to loving these troubled children.

I believe that the message in this movie applies to our real life: Don’t count out the people God has counted in. God created everyone—those who act good and those who act bad—and He loves us all the same. God doesn’t endorse evil actions, nor does he want us to do bad things. But God does want us to love everyone how Jesus Christ loves all humankind. Only God can change the heart of someone from hating Christianity to fighting for it—such is the case of how God changed Saul (a persecutor of Christians) into Paul (who then became a warrior for Jesus Christ). You may be surprised to see how faith in God changed the hearts of characters in this movie. It’s a beautiful portrayal of how God never gives up on us and how He uses community, the Bible and the church—as well as unexpected ways—to bring us all together and show us how His love is unconditional.

I won’t say more so I don’t give away everything about this wonderful story! But I will say that if you want to be encouraged and inspired this holiday season, watch this movie. It’s worth your time and your money.

~*~

More details about this movie:

Visit the movie’s official website:
https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/

Watch the official trailer for this movie: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YlZgG4Vgpw


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Giveaway details:

All residents of the U.S.A. (only) are eligible to enter this giveaway contest for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter the giveaway contest by opening this link to Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c501/?

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

#TheBestChristmasPageantEverMIN #TheBestChristmasPageantEver #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to be rooted in the truth

Rooted in Truth: Building Your Life on God's Foundation
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”—Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

As a Christian life coach and mental health coach, one of the most common desires I hear people say is, “I want to find my purpose.”

This longing resonates with so many of us because we want our lives to matter. For those of us who know Jesus Christ, this desire often shifts to something even deeper: a longing for significance that has Kingdom impact. We yearn to understand how our unique gifts and calling fit into God's bigger picture and how we can use them to make a real difference for His glory.

But discovering our purpose is only part of the journey. Our Kingdom purpose is found in who God says we are and carried out in the community of other believers. To truly understand our Kingdom calling, we first need to know who we are in Christ. Our identity is foundational. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we use our gifts, and how we engage with the world around us. In a world that often pushes us to find our worth in accomplishments or approval, God invites us to root our identity in Him. When we see ourselves through His eyes, our purpose becomes clearer, and we begin to walk in the unique calling He has placed on our lives.

There’s no better example of this than how God established Jesus Christ’s identity when He was preparing to fully step into His purpose on earth. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, as He came up out of the water, “… a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.”

Three points stick out to me from this short verse:

Point #1: God said this to Jesus when He was baptized, before He began His earthly ministry.

Point #2: God established His identity by speaking it over Him.

Point #3: Before Jesus did anything for God, He got His identity from God.

It’s imperative we know that we are His child, we are loved by Him, and God is pleased before we do anything. Our identity is already established and doesn’t need to be earned.

I think it’s interesting to note that right after Jesus was baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Do you know one of the ways the devil attacked Jesus? By getting Him to question His identity. In Matthew 4:6 (NIV), we see the enemy (Satan) say to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God throw yourself down…”. Satan tried to get Jesus to question His identity and to act on those incorrect beliefs. I don’t think it’s a coincidence God called out who Jesus was before sending Him into the wilderness. He wanted to make sure that firm foundation was set before the testing came. We too need to know who we are and believe it so that when the enemy tries to tell us otherwise—and he will try—we can rebuke those lies with the truth. I am a firm believer in Biblical affirmations, speaking God’s truth out loud over yourself, just as God did to Jesus. Faith comes by hearing. We need to hear ourselves say what God says about us to increase our belief.

If we do not believe what God says about us and have our identity firmly built on the foundation of our relationship with Jesus and who God says we are, everything we do will flow from a faulty belief system. We will lack stability and struggle to bear fruit. If you have made the decision to follow Jesus and be baptized, then I believe that your Heavenly Father is saying these words over you: “You are my son/daughter. Whom I love. I am pleased with you.” Our job is to believe what God says!

Walking in our Kingdom purpose isn’t about striving or proving our worth; it’s about resting in who we already are in Christ. Just as Jesus’s identity was affirmed before He began His ministry, so too is our identity established in Him, rooted in love, and anchored in truth. This week, let God’s words over you settle deeply in your heart: "You are my beloved child. I love you, and I am pleased with you." Let this affirmation shape every step you take, reminding you that your purpose flows from His love and that He has equipped you to impact His Kingdom. Embrace this truth, rebuke any lies that say otherwise, and let your life reflect His glory.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me Your beloved child and for establishing my identity in You. Help me to rest in this truth, knowing that I am loved and that You are pleased with me, not because of what I do, but because of who You’ve made me to be. When doubts arise and the enemy tries to shake my foundation, remind me to stand firm in the truth of who I am in Christ. May Your words be the foundation upon which I build my purpose, and may my life reflect Your love and grace to those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Time to Believe” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt, founder of Walking the Walk Ministries, is a Kingdom-focused writer, speaker, and coach, passionate about helping women worldwide awaken their hearts to see their God-given purpose and thrive in their walk with Christ. 

With a desire to cultivate a craving for God's Word, her writing is saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing, speaking, and coaching she hopes to ignite your eagerness to pursue God passionately, invite your heart to experience God’s love personally, and inspire you to live your life “souled” out to the One whose love has no limits.

Cyndi lives in Central Florida with her two kitties and is a Jesus-loving, adventure enthusiast devoted to living her life for Jesus until the day she is living with Him.

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Connect with Cyndi:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkingtheWalkMinistries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkingthewalkministries/
Website: https://walkingthewalkministries.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we shouldn't do things to expect praise

Do Things Without Expecting Praise
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”—Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Upon Waking is a 60-day devotional by Jackie Hill Perry that I’ve already gone through twice this year. That’s how good it is. Today, I want to speak about Day 17 of the devotional, where Perry writes about not doing things expecting to receive praise.

First, she shares the Bible story about Jesus Christ changing water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). She talks about how the master of the wedding feast praised the bridegroom for the excellent wine, but it is Jesus who deserves the credit. Jesus doesn’t correct them. He lets them enjoy their wine and the party without demanding praise.

Perry then writes, “When is the last time you did good without expecting, hoping, or suggesting it be noticed? When you gave, served, prayed, fasted, studied, rejoiced, taught, died to, wiped, cooked, cleaned, labored for, organized, plucked out, cut8 out, built up anything, did you expect a parade? When it didn’t come, how did it leave you? Bitter? Discouraged? Both, maybe?”

Friends, I am here to remind you that we should not do things with the expectation of receiving praise afterwards. We should not serve with the intention of getting credit or praise afterwards because that defeats the purpose of Christ’s desire for us to be a servant of others. If we are doing things to receive praise, we are doing it with the wrong intentions. These aren’t pure intentions, and God knows when this happens because He knows us from the inside out. God knows our hearts.

If you do things with the hope of praise afterwards, ask yourself why. Do some self-reflection to understand why you feel the need to receive praise after doing something for others.

Jesus gives us instructions in Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV) about serving others. He said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Perry ends the devotional by reminding us of this command from Jesus. She writes, “Beloved, Jesus commands us to do as He does. Turn the water to wine, let them drink, watch them rejoice in it, and if they leave your name out of their song, that’s okay. There’s a better praise awaiting you.”

I’m not sure about you, but I’d rather get my praise from God than other humans because God’s praise is worth more than human praise. Will you join me in prayer?

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

If I ever do things expecting to receive praises from others, please help heal my heart and remind me that this isn’t the intention you want me to serve others. Lord, please let me be more like Jesus daily and serve others with no expectations in return. Although it is hard because human nature wants to be praised, we must die to our human desires and want your will for our lives, Lord. Thank You for the examples You have provided us, Lord, and may I always follow your lead.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidy De La Cruz is a published writer/author and podcaster. She writes the weekly newsletter “Into My Thoughts” on Substack where she shares personal development content, life experiences with life lessons, and faith-based encouragement posts. 

Heidy is the host of “The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast” where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States. She is also a podcast coach and helps those who desire to host their own show launch.

Heidy holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Analyst.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and their two kids.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Website: https://heidydelacruz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/

Devotionals for the Heart: Gardening can teach us about our heart's health

What’s the Condition of Your Heart?
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”—Luke 8:5-8 (NKJV)

As the Autumn season arrives, I begin to prepare my gardens for winter. While doing this, I find the soil dry and hard in some places, and thorny weeds and rocks in other areas, reminding me of the above parable (Luke 8:5-8).

When I read this story in the past, I knew Jesus Christ was describing the conditions of the hearts of those who had never heard the gospel message. But recently, I have become more aware that if I am not careful, I can be guilty of each of these heart conditions Jesus describes. I wonder if you have struggled with some of these challenges as well.

Let’s examine this further …

First, there is the Hard Path (Hardened Heart) we read about in Luke 8:5.

We don’t want to admit to being susceptible to a hardened heart like the seed sown along the beaten path and then eaten by the birds. These hearts can become cynical by challenging situations with no end or solution. Do we fall into the trap of praying for wisdom and discernment in words yet allow those scavengers of discouragement and insecurity to consume any seeds of hope? Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that times of suffering have a purpose in our lives.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Next, there is the Rocky Soil (Shallow Heart) that we read about in Luke 8:6.

Are we guilty of the shallow heart where the seed falls on the rocky ground, and sprouts immediately but quickly blow away with storms? The rocks of worry, doubt, and fear can cause us to stumble and even attack fragile faith. They crowd out Christ's still, small voice, allowing stress and anxiety to take over our souls. Paul reminds us to turn our concerns to Him in prayer and thanksgiving and receive His peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Then, there is Thorny Soil (Distracted Heart), which we read about in Luke 8:7.

Do thorns distract you? Do you begin the morning with your devotions and feel a sense of renewal and refreshment, but instead of taking the Lord with you through the day, you check it off your list as a completed task? When we do this, we are vulnerable to jumping into the demands of our day, completely choking out the growth and assurance that inspired us earlier. Instead, keep the promises of the Lord in your heart so earthly temptations do not crowd them out. Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorites.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Finally, we read about the Fertile Soil (Receiving Heart) in Luke 8:8.

A fertile heart allows us to grow and flourish in our faith. Preparing the soil of our hearts so that the roots of faith grow deep helps us to withstand life's storms and find joy in the moments. It requires intentionality, prayer, and the fertilization of God’s word. Committing this time harvests His strength and peace necessary to survive the worries, distractions, and challenges. Paul expresses this process in his letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

The same commitment is required of my garden. To produce an abundant harvest, I must invest time and energy in seeding, weeding, fertilizing, watering, and monitoring pests throughout the season, including preparing it for the winter.

I continue to work in my garden, tossing out the rocks and digging deep to pull the thorny weeds and their destructive root systems. As I do this, I pray that I will take the time to do this in my heart. How about you?

In closing, I’d like for you to ponder this question: What is the condition of your heart?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

We ask for your guidance to help us identify the areas of our hearts and spirits that we have ignored. Grant us the discernment and wisdom to help determine if there are rocks to remove, thorns to dig out, or places that need watering with Your word. We desire to cultivate a nurturing and receiving heart that will flourish and produce the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’s Name, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Garden” by Kari Jobe. 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: Jesus Christ can heal you, deliver and restore you

When Jesus Christ Anoints His Followers to Heal
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

—Luke 4:18 (KJV)

Note to Readers: *Trigger Warning* This devotional mentions domestic violence. If you’re experiencing domestic violence or need support, there are free resources online to help you stay safe. Such as: https://www.thehotline.org/

I am a domestic abuse survivor. I clearly remember the verbal, emotional, and spiritual abuse I endured. I felt alone, disappointed, devastated, and angry.

I was angry at myself, my spouse, and with God. As a woman of faith, I felt trapped. So, I suffered in silence for years. During this time, I was consistently praying and crying and pleading with God to save my marriage. He couldn’t. And neither could I. But God did make a way for me to escape the marriage with my life. My spouse abandoned me and refused to do the work to reconcile.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Let’s talk about this. I want to assure you that God loves you unconditionally and He desires the best for you. Abuse was never His plan for you. Harm was never God’s plan for humanity.

In Luke 4:18, the physician-turned-disciple (Luke) gives an account of Jesus Christ’s self-proclaimed mission on earth. Jesus declared His God-ordained itinerary in the synagogue. He affirmed his ministry by referencing Isaiah 61:1-2, which is a prophetic message concerning Christ. There were several times during His ministry when Jesus hid or He said, “My time has not come.” This was not one of them. Jesus stepped into the light and boldly confirmed His identity and purpose to the Jewish community of that day.

Jesus said God had chosen and equipped him as our Deliverer and King (Colossians 1:13) as a priest (Hebrews 4:15) and prophet (Acts 3:22). He is our Messiah, the Anointed One. The Holy Spirit empowered Christ to preach Good News to those who were lacking. God sent Jesus to heal the brokenhearted—to minister to those who’d experienced loss. God sent Jesus to preach deliverance to those who were bound. God sent Jesus to restore the vision of a blind nation. The Jewish community was so spiritually blind that they could not even identify their Savior. Jesus was sent by God to free those who were mishandled.

This same Jesus lives today. He is present to heal and deliver us and restore our spiritual vision. He’s no longer the baby in the manger; He is Lord and King for all eternity. Jesus was crucified and buried in a grave, yet He rose on the third day and now lives forever! He is alive in our hearts and everyday experiences today. Our Savior (Jesus) is consecrated and chosen by God to heal our brokenness. Whether you are stuck in the past due to childhood trauma, or you are grappling with the aftermath of abuse or divorce, there is hope for you because of Jesus! No matter what struggle or pain you’re enduring, God is able to heal you. He can restore all that you’ve lost. I am a living witness to this fact!

The power of God restored my brokenness after I experienced domestic violence. He healed my wounded heart and set me free from the physical, mental, and emotional anguish of a toxic relationship. God taught me that His love for me is without condition. It far exceeds the capacity of human love. He assured me that His plans for me are good; He wants to prosper me. Bad things happen to good people who are God’s children because of the sinful world we live in. But the story doesn’t end there. Take it from me: Jesus flooded my hopeless experiences with hope in Christ. He turned my sadness into joy. He turned my pain into purpose. Today, I share the message of God’s unwavering love in the face of domestic abuse. Jesus loved me while I was in a toxic marriage, and He loved me out of it. He made a way for me to escape the presence, power, and practice of abuse.

Because Jesus heals, restores, and brings hope to hopeless situations, as His children, we are called to do the same. Because I’ve overcome domestic violence, I can reach out to those impacted by it and heal them through the power of God. I understand the experience because I’ve walked through it because of the victory of the cross. As a result, I am able to liberate others and mend broken hearts as I follow in the footsteps of Jesus. I am anointed, as He was, to fulfill the call of my Father (God) to go into all the world with the Good News of the Gospel—the news that Jesus saves, and He has called me to do the same. Christ has called you who believe in Him and have a testimony to share, to do His work of healing too.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are our God who cares so much for us that You made provision to keep on loving us even after we turned our backs on You. Even when we were against you, You made provision to liberate us and heal us. Healing belongs to us who are children of the King. You’ve anointed us to set those who are bound free. Help us to partner with You to heal ourselves, our lives, our communities, our families, our loved ones, our friends, and our enemies. Help us to heal people who are hurting. Teach us how to hold onto our faith in You no matter what we face in this life. Help us to inspire others to do the same. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The God Who Stays” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives today.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When God interrupts your life for divine purpose

The Gift of Being Interrupted
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

—Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

We strive for order and control in our lives.

We make plans, set goals, and pursue schedules to get the most out of each day. Whether in our careers, relationships, or spiritual walk with God, we like to know what's coming next. But what happens when life doesn't cooperate? When the well-planned day suddenly takes a turn we didn't anticipate?

Interruptions have a way of exposing how much we value control. In an instant, our best-laid plans unravel, and we're left feeling frustrated, inconvenienced, or even out of control. We think interruptions are a waste of time, an obstacle keeping us from achieving our purpose. But what if the interruption is the purpose?

Consider the life of Jesus Christ. His ministry on earth was often marked by unexpected encounters, where interruptions became moments of profound transformation. One day, while teaching a crowd by the sea, Jesus was interrupted by a synagogue leader named Jairus, who was desperate to heal his dying daughter (Mark 5:21-24). Jesus immediately responded and set off to Jairus' house. On the way there, another interruption occurred—a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder reached out in faith to touch His garment, and Jesus stopped to minister to her (Mark 5:25-34).

Imagine the tension in this moment. Jairus must have been anxiously urging Jesus to hurry while the crowd wondered what would happen next. Yet, Jesus, fully aware of both needs, didn't rush past the woman's pain. He stopped, looked at her, and called her "daughter"—restoring her physically, emotionally, and socially. Although it seemed like the delay was slowing Jesus down, He arrived right on time and healed Jairus's daughter even more miraculously by raising her from the dead.

This story teaches us something profound: God's interruptions are never accidents. What feels like a disruption to our plans is often part of His divine orchestration. The very moments that seem to throw us off course are often the places where God shows up most powerfully.

We see this pattern throughout Scripture. Moses was interrupted by a burning bush when he thought his life as a shepherd would end in the desert. David was called from the sheepfold to anointing oil, not knowing he'd be king. Saul was knocked off his horse on the road to Damascus, turning a murderous Pharisee into the Apostle Paul. In each case, God used an interruption to change the trajectory of their lives.

God still works this way today. How many divine moments have we missed because we were too focused on our plans to see what He was doing? Could it be that the very thing we're resisting is God inviting us into something deeper, more meaningful, and far more significant than our original agenda?

The next time your day is interrupted, stop and reframe your perspective. Instead of viewing it as a detour, view it as an invitation. Pray for God to open your eyes to His presence in the moment and ask Him, "Lord, what are You trying to teach me in this interruption?"

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for being in control of my life. Please help me to see interruptions as opportunities for You to work in and through me. Grant me patience and faith to embrace your purpose in each moment. Lead me, guide me, and use me for your glory. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Glorious Unfolding” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

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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
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