Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel like your life is too small

Your Life is Not Too Small
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.”

—1 Corinthians 1:28 (NLT)

“My life is too small now,” I thought to myself as I looked out the subway window on my way to work. Brown wintry trees and tall grey apartment buildings seemed to mirror my dull spirit.

When I first moved to South Korea to teach English, the excitement of my new adventure ensured that I spent every spare moment exploring. I delighted in visiting colorful palaces, walking the narrow streets between traditional “hanok” houses, finding cute cafes, and taking in mountains, parks, and beaches. As I went through the highs and lows of adapting to my work and new surroundings, I felt I had plenty to write about or post on social media.

However, a couple of years and a wedding later, I found myself figuring out how to “settle down” in Korea. Life became “normal.” I got into a routine of home and work responsibilities. I didn’t have the same time or energy for always going out as I once did, and somehow my life began to feel too small and ordinary. Was there anything truly meaningful in my story now?

I grew up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)—moving between numerous cities and even countries during my younger years—and I knew that many other TCKs also struggled with perceived smallness or stillness when they tried to settle down after many years of going to and fro. I knew it could be hard to adopt a different, slower rhythm of life.

But as I made my way to work that day, a question rose up inside me: “Who gets to decide what ‘small’ is, anyway?” I felt God whisper to my heart, “Slow, small, settled, or still does not equal ‘meaningless.’”

The things that we might consider small and even unimportant are not so to God. For example, Jesus Christ said in Matthew 25:40 (NIV), “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Luke 16:10 (NIV) reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

And then there is the story of the boy with five barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:1-13). His small lunch fed thousands because he was willing to offer the little that he had to Jesus.

It’s important to note Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) where the Apostle Paul writes, “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” Jesus spent most of His life on Earth in obscurity, doing the humble work of a carpenter before He stepped into public ministry. Perhaps our ordinary days—without adventurous thrills or social media validation—are the best way to learn how follow Christ’s example and to live a life filled with love. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

So, that day on the subway, I put aside my inner grumblings. I went to teach my English classes with a renewed perspective. I hoped that my students wouldn’t just learn new grammar and vocabulary, but that they would smile, and that they would feel the love and interest of God flowing through me to them. Then I went home and loved my husband by preparing bowls of sliced fruit and putting clean socks in the drawer. These ordinary tasks, this unglamourous day, still held value in learning how to love.

Friend, if you too are sometimes tempted to feel that your life is too small or ordinary, remember that your life makes ripples of loving impact that go on and on, no matter what your day looks like. That is no small thing.

Let’s Pray: Lord, teach us to look at our lives through Your perspective. You care about sparrows and lilies and the hair on our heads. May we too value seemingly small things. Help us to see that our most ordinary days, our most unexciting tasks, and our apparently slow or small life seasons, still hold purpose and meaning. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Little is Much” by Downhere. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

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Connect with Lynette:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordsforwanderers/
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to find peace and contentment in this life

Finding Peace and Contentment in All Circumstances
A devotional by Jennifer Hamill

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. —2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

Sometimes life can throw some circumstances at us that are not particularly fun, easy, or things we would have chosen ourselves. When this happens, our minds are filled with questions like “Why?” or “What if…” and “How long, O Lord?”

Have you ever been there? Have you ever struggled with finding peace and contentment in life because of the hard and undesirable circumstances you were facing? In these challenging moments, we easily begin trying to depend on ourselves to muster up enough strength to not be anxious, to be content, to rejoice in everything, and try to count it all joy, as several Bible passages instruct us to do. However, Scripture is clear about the fact that we, in and of ourselves, cannot muster up the strength to persevere or the peace to keep our souls and mind at ease.

We can learn a lot when we read a dialogue between the Apostle Paul and the Lord in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV). Let’s look at what it says: “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

What I find interesting is Paul understands that his struggle, the “thorn” in his flesh, was to keep him from becoming conceited. It is evident he was not thrilled about the hardship it brought upon him. Paul was desperately pleading with the Lord to take it from him. However, God did not respond by saying, “Okay, let me take this from you.” No, instead, He reminded Paul of the truth that in his weakness, God’s power would be made perfect, and He would be his strength. This truth is what brought peace and contentment to Paul’s life.

Recently, I have been challenged by this thought, “What does it look like to delight in the Lord in this circumstance?” All throughout Scripture we read that our delight should be in God. His Word is healing to our souls and bones. However, in the moments of suffering, struggle, and hardship, the last thing my hopeless heart wants to do is to delight in is the Lord. Why is that? Why is it so easy for us to turn away help and hope from the Lord? I believe it is because of the deception we easily walk in where we think we can get through it in our own strength or because we are questioning why God would let this happen to us and/or why He is not removing it from our life.

We must surrender this pride. We must take our eyes off ourselves and off our circumstances and fix them on Jesus Christ. We need to trust and rely on the hope, peace, and strength that we have in Christ alone. We must dwell on the truth found in God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and remember the character of God.

In moments of hardship, when we are desperately seeking peace and contentment, we must remember that God is sovereign, and He is good. He allows us to walk through various trials and circumstances to conform us into the image of His Son (Jesus Christ) and to bring glory to His Name.

It’s not an easy journey. The struggle to find peace and contentment in difficult circumstances is real. But it is in these moments that we need to turn our eyes upon Jesus and trust that the God of the universe sees you, hears you, cares for you, and loves you. He will strengthen you in your weak state. God will teach you how to be content in all things. You can truly find hope, peace, and contentment as you delight in Him and in the fact that He has saved you and made you His own.

Remember: There will be a day this life here on Earth is no longer your reality and you will be healed and whole with God in glory (Heaven) forever.

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

Thank You for the Truth of your Word, and for the peace, joy, and life it brings. Thank You for being my strength when I feel so incredibly weak and my peace no matter what I am walking through. Please help me keep my eyes fixed on You. Help me to remember Your promises and Your good and faithful character. May I find help and hope from You alone and bring You glory in all that I do.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “In Christ Alone” by Michael English. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Turn Your Eyes” by Sovereign Grace Music. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jennifer Hamill obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and a certification in Biblical Counseling. 

Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping others discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

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Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to use the power of our words wisely

The Power of Words
A devotional by Desiree Future

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

— Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)

Years ago, an interesting thing occurred while I worked in an office building.

Just returning from my break, a woman approached me. She looked a little bit troubled. With crossed arms and furrowed brows, she immediately began to ramble. Noticing her body language of frustration and not wanting to further her initial angered state, I replied in the best way I could. Smiling brightly, I responded “Good morning.” The woman took a deep breath and relaxed her hunched shoulders. Replacing her frown with a smile, she greeted me as well.

She asked me if I knew where the doctor’s office was in the building. I assisted her so she could find her way. She shook my hand in a thankful gesture before heading in the right direction to her appointment.

In this thing we call life, someone is always going through something. My private matters can be ten times worse than yours. The person standing in front of you in the grocery line could have issues the size of Texas. Unless you know them personally, you cannot understand the depth of their pain.

Real-life scenarios that cause deep pain include but are not limited to: A man evicted from his apartment desperately seeks shelter for his wife and their kids. A single mother of four children struggles to decide whether to pay the electric bill or feed her hungry kids. An older gentleman without health insurance franticly searches for ways to pay for his much-needed surgery so he can return to work.

What is going on in the minds of people who are suffering is more than likely reflected on their faces. The weight of the world is beating them down to the ground. Feelings of heartache and despair have taken up permanent residency in the place where their beautiful smile once resided.

The examples of everyday stories above are just a few of the troubles we might go through in our lives. For most of us having to endure any hardship is very difficult, especially if you’ve never been in that place before. In times like this, we all need to hear a kind word. I brought a smile to that woman’s face simply by saying “Good morning.” That was all it took to change her demeanor. My simple greeting to her could have meant she didn’t hurt herself or someone else.

Some people say that words are irrelevant and mean absolutely nothing. However, I beg to differ because I’ve seen and heard a lot in the fifty-plus years of my life. I’ve had hurtful and painful things hurled at me like daggers from all different sides. All I wanted to do was cry because my circumstances were so bad and beyond my control. But by the grace of God, I’ve experienced a healing touch that is as light as a feather. God saw fit to mend my wounds by putting people in my life to help me along the way.

God often puts people in your life to guide you in the direction you must go. Whether they come and give you a five-second encouraging word or become your life-long confidant, He will send you a rescuer just for you.

Remember: Words say and do more than you know. It’s how you choose to use them that’s important. Saying “Good morning” or “Thank you” or “Please” and “Goodnight” goes a long way. You never know what someone is going through and whether they need to hear something to make them stronger.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that the person reading this will understand that they are just as powerful as the words they use. Let them speak life into others by lifting them up and not tearing them down. Help us all to be more like You. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Speak Life” by TobyMac. Listen to it here.

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

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Author Bio:

Desiree Future is a self-improvement blogger at “Hope Faith & A Smile” where she pens inspirational and encouraging posts. 

This blog that she started as a place for her upcoming novel turned into something far more than she expected. It developed into a home for conversations with people from all walks of life. By writing about everyday events that occur in her world she makes her posts very relatable. As some commenters have said, “Desiree talks to us and not at us.”

In 2013, she self-published The Pastor’s Heart, a Christian romance novel. The following year in 2014, she self-published its sequel, It’s a New Season.

Desiree has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2020. She’s also been a member of a writing critique group through her local ACFW Chapter since 2021. Several of her articles have appeared on the official blog for ACFW. In 2022, she became a contributing author in the encouraging devotional, The Courage to Write.

This child of God may not have a church home yet, but God is first in her life.

Desiree is a cancer survivor who calls New Jersey home. She enjoys traveling to different places to spark ideas for her next article. She likes thrifting and going to the theater to see the latest matinee.

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Connect with Desiree:

Website: https://desireefuture.com/

E-mail: desireefuturewrites@hotmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you want to know God more deeply

When You Receive A New Vision of God
A devotional by Essie Faye

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”—Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know of God.

My parents taught me to pray and believe in the God who created the universe. As a child, I attended Bible school faithfully. I witnessed for Jesus Christ to my friends in pre-school, telling my classmates about God’s love and the truth of His Word. I believed with all my heart that the God of the Bible was real, though He is invisible. My relationship with God runs deep. For years, I’ve had the pleasure of growing in my knowledge of God as I’ve walked with Him through life’s ups and downs. We’ve passed through celebratory times, times of loss and pain, and times of doubt and confusion. My faith has been tried. My love has been proven. Our relationship has been strengthened.

God has been faithfully by my side through it all and I’m grateful. Each decade of my life has had its challenges and triumphs, and God has seen me through each one with His loving presence. Somehow though, the more I’ve grown to know Him, the more I’ve wanted to know about Him. Can you relate?

I have a healthy dissatisfaction with my relationship with the God who sits on the circle of the earth. He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and eternal. Heaven is His throne and the Earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). We cannot understand God. He is a mastermind and creative genius! The universe is His handiwork and the Earth declares His glory. How can one even begin to know such a being? It is too great for me. Yet, God takes time to love and accept humankind. He created the Earth to give us a place to live, and He provides our every need. What love! My heart is overwhelmed by the love of God and so I desire to know more about Him.

In Philippians (a book in The Holy Bible), we read the heart of a murderer converted to Christianity: the Apostle Paul. He was converted after being confronted by Jesus Christ who is the Son of the living God (Acts 9:1-19). Prior to this life-changing moment, Paul was devoted to Judaism and its practices. He believed that he was defending the faith against unbelievers and those who would destroy the truth of God. Later in his life, Paul realized he had it all wrong when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. This God-sent event changed Paul’s life and steered him in the right direction. Paul had a relationship with God. 

Prior to his conversion, Paul had dedicated much of his life to the study of God’s Word and keeping the practices of the law. He was zealous and impassioned to follow the God of Israel. Yet, like us, Paul had much to learn about God and His ways. Paul pens this letter to the church at Philippi many years after his conversion and after decades of walking the path God ordained for him. Yet, he still desires to know God deeply. He desired a new vision of God–a fresh experience with Him that would affirm their connection and deepen their relationship.

Let’s look at a few ways in which Paul wanted to know God:

Paul wanted to know God in the power of His resurrection. He wanted to experience the reality of God’s reviving power. In Philippians 3:10, Paul references the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which fulfills God’s Word over multiple generations. He affirms His faithfulness and His character. His resurrection unlocks hundreds of promises for His people. The power of His resurrection declares that He can do what no other power can do. Paul declares that he desires to know the essence of God’s character—who He really is. Is this a desire of ours? Do we really want to see God as He is as opposed to creating a God that we want? Do we want to acknowledge a God that we must obey and revere instead of making ourselves “god” and creating a false god who must obey us and fulfill our every command?

Paul wanted to know God in the fellowship of His suffering. Some lessons are only learned through suffering. When we are suffering, we discover who our real friends are, and we reflect in a way that we don’t when we are not suffering. In Philippians 3:11, Paul declared that he is willing to experience pain in order to know God deeply. He was willing to sacrifice comfort and even happiness in order to know the one true living God. Somehow there is fellowship, a connection or bond that is built when we suffer together. Are we willing to experience discomfort in order to grow in our faith walk with God? Or do we simply want comfort and a flowery bed of ease during this walk of faith?

Paul wanted to know God by experiencing elements of His death. He was willing to deny himself and follow Christ daily. He was willing to submit to the will of God, forsaking his own. He was willing to practice spiritual disciplines and live out his faith, even when his body doesn’t want to and in the face of many temptations. He declared, “I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:31 NIV). When he would try to do God’s will, evil was present to oppose his good efforts and challenge his faith because there is a war between good and evil that we fight each day not only then but now. Are we willing, like Paul, to take up our cross and follow Christ in order to know Him?

Do you want to know God more deeply this year? What are you willing to do or refrain from doing in order to draw closer to Him? Are you willing to spend time practicing spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, solitude, and fellowship in order to practice the presence of God and hear His voice? Do you desire to catch a new vision of God in 2025? Are you willing to have new experiences with Him that cause you to see Him in a new light? Are you willing to do the work to nurture your relationship with God and deepen your love and commitment to your faith? I am. Let’s do it together!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, You are the God of the Universe. We are Your children and we want to know You more. Lord, help us to grow to know you more deeply. Cause us to see you in a new light and with a fresh perspective. Help us to reject Satan’s lies about You and walk in the truth of Your essence. Draw us closer to You. Thank You for hearing us and answering. In Your Son, Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "Oh, I Want to Know You More" by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For the Sake of the Call” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye 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.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefaye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

My Review of the Jesus Daily Bible

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review the CSB Jesus Daily Bible, I readily agreed because I love reading God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and sharing it with everyone! This version of the Bible is a bit unique because of its devotional format. 

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a word from Momentum Influencers Network about this product:

Read through the Bible in a year—and keep Jesus at the center of each day. The NEW CSB Jesus Daily Bible includes a 52-week, Christ-focused, guided reading plan that you can join at any point during the year.

Day by day, you'll thematically study Scripture through a weekly introduction, helpful articles and infographics, and a weekly summary to help you understand Jesus’s central role from Genesis to Revelation.

See how every page of God’s Word points to the bigger story of Jesus. Every page of God’s Word points to the bigger story of Jesus. And every day, the CSB Jesus Daily Bible will help you see how.

Read through the Bible this year—and keep Jesus at the center of each day.

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My Review of the CSB Jesus Daily Bible:

There are a lot of features to love about this Bible and only a few things I didn’t like as I flipped through these sacred pages. These are my thoughts about it:

The cover design was a little bit too busy and intricate for my taste. The layout of the interior was neatly formatted. The pages felt crisp and smelled fresh like most new books do and that is always refreshing to the heart of most book readers.

The Introduction page is helpful for people who have not picked up a Bible and tried to read it yet. Written by a pastor, this introduction sets the stage for your Bible study time as it introduces you to the God who this beautiful book is written about and tells you about His Son (Jesus Christ) who is the Savior of the world.

The page next to the Introduction is titled “Christ at the Center of God’s Word” and it is an adequate continuation of introducing the reader to Jesus Christ and explaining why He is the center of the Bible. I like how it includes a short but sufficient list of tips on how to find Christ as you read this Bible. The first tip is especially helpful for new believers who are getting acquainted with God’s Word. The tip says, “If Jesus is not described explicitly in the text, look for him symbolically.” Very good advice!

The next few pages include text and graphics that explain to the reader how to read this Bible. It is very comprehensive but looks overwhelming in display. There is also a Daily Reading Plan that is very detailed as it provides the reader with a proper outline for this 52-week study of the entire Bible that begins with Genesis and ends with Revelation.

Before Week 1 of this Bible study starts, there is a page dedicated to introducing the reader to the Christian Standard Bible which is this book published by Holman Bible Publishers.

There is an introduction page for each week of this study and a summary of each week on the last page before the next week in this Bible. This is the first Bible I have read that is presented in this 52-week devotional format. I found it interesting yet compelling.

After the final week of the study, there is a CSB Concordance, and the last few pages contain what you see on most Bibles: A map of the Middle East and Eastern Africa where the Bible stories took place in real time.

I found this Bible to live up to its promise in the product description on Amazon when it says, “The CSB Jesus Daily Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.”

I would recommend this “Jesus Daily Bible” most to new believers who are just getting to know God and follow Jesus Christ.

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

#JesusDailyBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork #jesusdailybible #dailybible #bibleinayear #christianstandardbible #csb #csbible #holmanbible #bhpub

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Learn more about the CSB Jesus Daily Bible via the publisher’s website:
https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/purchase-the-csb-jesus-daily-bible/

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Giveaway:
If you live in the USA then you are eligible to win one copy of CSB Jesus Daily Bible when you enter this giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter link below: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c505/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should focus on Jesus Christ

The Shift
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”— Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Have you been looking at the past and wondering “Lord, when?”

I know I have done that so many times when life gets hard, the challenges seem overwhelming, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

This is the start of a new year. It carries with it the promise and hope of change. However, not all of us are at the place where we can receive that promise. Instead, we are fixated on what didn’t work, the number of times we have tried and failed, the turmoil we face in our relationships, the loss we suffered, and so on. We complain about what God hasn’t done, and we get upset with Him like petulant children.

Today, the Lord is reminding us through His words advising us to not focus on the past that we are to not to dwell there because He is doing something new in our present. My friends, if our focus remains on the past and on what God didn’t do, then neither you nor I are in a place to “see” what God is doing. We cannot look backward and forward simultaneously, so the decision is ours. Where will your gaze be fixed?

I know it’s not easy to believe that a shift is coming, but it is. In the same way that the Lord gives us seedtime and harvest and reminds us that there is a season for everything under the sun, we can trust that He will keep all of His promises. The promise made to the children of Israel of making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19) can also be claimed by us. They went through judgments and would face even more. However, the Lord reminded them that He was still their God when He said in Isaiah 43:15 (NIV), “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.”

The Lord knows you, your challenges, heartache, and pain. He is touched by the feelings of your infirmity, and He understands how you are feeling and sees you right where you are. What I love about this is that the Lord understands the season we are in and where our gaze is fixed. I believe God is saying gently to you, “Look to Me. Focus your attention on Me and then all your cares—everything that is affecting you—will become dim in My presence.”

You may be in the wilderness or approaching it. Wherever you are in that journey, you can be comforted with the promise that as you fix your gaze on the Lord, He will make streams in the wasteland for you (Isaiah 43:19). Last year might have been a very hard year for you. I understand because it was true for me as well. However, as I look forward, I am comforted with the hope of a promise that I know will be fulfilled because He who has promised is faithful.

There is a shift coming, a change. I pray that you will be ready to see it and prepared to receive it. Whatever challenge you may be faced with, God is with you, right by your side, and He has wonderful plans for you. Look up and see that He is doing something new for you! Look back to reflect and express gratitude for what God has done then look forward to continuing to move into what God has for you in the future. Ask Him for spiritual eyes and discernment to see His revelations as they unfold.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I pray that You minister to every soul who needs a gentle reminder to look up to You today and to know that You keep Your promises. May they rest in the fact that what You say You will do, You always will do. Thank You for the shift that is coming. We look forward to the future you have for us with anticipation. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Lemmel (Grace Johnston) | North Palm Worship | Throwback Thursday. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons.

Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettemarie_cm/
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteMarie-cmc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Movie Review: Between Borders

Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) invited me to watch a new movie titled “Between Borders” and review it before it shows in theaters. After seeing the riveting trailer, I agreed.

Before I share my review, I’d like to share a word from MIN: This film stars Elizabeth Tabish from “The Chosen” and Elizabeth Mitchell. Watch this moving family film in theaters starting January 26, 2025. 

Synopsis: In a crumbling Soviet Union, the Petrosyan family are outcasts wherever they go. Armenian heritage marks them for discrimination both at home in Azerbaijan and in Russia. Based on a riveting true story of faith and hope set amidst great oppression … in the shadow of exile, hope became their home.

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My Review:

Between Borders is a poignant film based on a true story that chronicles the life of the Petrosyan family and portrays their troubled journey to freedom and safety.

Elizabeth Tabish, an actress famous for her role as Mary Magdalene in “The Chosen” (a TV show about the life of Jesus Christ), played Violet Petrosyan. Patrick Sabongui, a Canadian actor and stunt performer, played Ivan Petrosyan who is Violet’s husband. Elizabeth Mitchell is the actress who played the lawyer who was making a case against asylum in the United States of America for the Petrosyan Family.

This movie is remarkable. The acting is beautiful. As I watched each scene, I could feel the emotions of Violet and Ivan. As a woman of color in this real world where people of color are marginalized, I could relate to how Violet felt in many scenarios when she was treated lesser than based on her appearance.

Being part of a community of color that is discriminated against based on race and ethnicity, I understood the plight of the Petrosyan Family as they felt torn about leaving their home where racism was rife, but it was all they knew, and seeking refuge in another country. They bravely faced the unknown in hopes of securing safety and a better life for their family.

In the beginning of the conflict in this movie where crowds of people are marching in the streets holding up signs with words that call for death to the Armenians, Violet tells her family who is concerned about their safety that these threats against Armenians happen off and on throughout history in their country. She assured them that the threats of danger would die down and they would be safe. Her hope was short-lived because in the next few scenes of the movie, some of the people who hate Armenians murdered a friend of the Petrosyan family just because of his ethnicity.

This incident propels Violet and her husband (Ivan) to gather their essential belongings in a few suitcases and flee to Russia. However, their relief proves to be fleeting because within days of living in a small and cold apartment, the Russian cops and a few bad people start to target Ivan. There are several scenes in this movie where Ivan barely survives attacks from the people in Russia who hate him just because he’s Armenian. When Violet searches for a job to help Ivan support their family of four (they have two girls), she can only find work as a teacher and the woman who hired Violet told her that she only is hiring her because there’s a shortage of teachers in their school. She makes it known to Violet that they prefer to only hire “their people” (Russians) and makes Violet repeat words that are meant to dehumanize her and make her feel worthless. Violet’s boss then tells her to recite those words in her head every day at work and remember that her life has no value. This made Violet break down and cry. But she stays strong as accepts the job, showing up faithfully and doing the work even though she faces discrimination and mistreatment in her work environment every single day.

Elizabeth Mitchell plays the lawyer who holds the fate of the Petrosyan family in her hands. Her portrayal of this cold-hearted, racially tone-deaf attorney is well-done. I did not like the negative and cruel way she treated Violet and Ivan. She made them feel lesser than and tried to twist their words when they spoke on the witness stand before the court. This lawyer tried to make it seem like their pain and claims of racism were unfounded. She tried to argue against what Violet and Ivan knew to be true because they experienced it when they lived outside of the USA.

The tension in the courtroom scene is so thick that you can cut it with a knife. And the way that the actors draw you into the story makes you want to know what will happen at the end of this movie. The way that it all plays out will keep you guessing until it’s over.

Final thoughts: This movie was incredibly well-done and delivered. I think it’s worth buying tickets and seeing it for yourself in theaters this Jan. 26 to Jan. 28.

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More details for you:

Official website for “Between Borders” movie:
https://betweenbordersmovie.com/

Watch the movie trailer for “Between Borders” here.

Buy tickets today to see Between Borders in theaters only January 26-28. Here’s the site where you can go to purchase your movie tickets:
https://www.fathomentertainment.com/events/between-borders/

Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

#BetweenBordersMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Giveaway:

If you live in the USA, you are eligible to enter this giveaway contest. The winner will receive a gift card worth $10 to spend on Amazon.com. Enter the giveaway contest via this link to Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c504/

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to love each other how Christ loves us

Love Exemplified
A devotional by Easter Lilly Young

“We know what love is because Jesus Christ gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters.”— 1 John 3:16 NIRV

Love is a complex concept. Many of us can confirm this. Even psychologists are divided on their theories about love. They believe it to be a complex emotion accompanied by behaviors that demonstrate a number of positive characteristics.

There are various types of love and signs that prove the existence of love. It can be quite confusing and overwhelming. This is why God did not leave the definition of love in the hands of His creation. He inspired John (a disciple of Jesus Christ) to write a verse (1 John 3:16) that would direct our attention to the ultimate example of love’s expression—the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made when He took on the sins of the world and died on the cross (John 3:16-17). Christ gave His life so that humanity could experience abundant life on Earth (John 10:10) and look forward to being reconciled with God and experiencing eternal life in Heaven.

This is the gospel “good news” message we have heard about in church-related events and ministries like Bible study, small group discussions, and personal revelations from Jesus Christ when we spend time alone with Him in prayer. It is so important that the gospel is shared with the world to give us hope and teach us about a God who loves us with all His Heart. We will never understand the depth of God’s love for us while on Earth. However, we can understand the idea of exchange. On a simple level, love is about self-sacrifice and reciprocity. This is why John sees Christ’s example as instruction for how Christians should live in community with each other. We should prioritize and cultivate connections with humankind as well as demonstrate empathy and compassion toward everyone.

Love recognizes that every life has value. Humans made in the image of God have purpose and destiny. There is commonality among us as well as diversity. It affirms that humans were designed to live alongside each other. This makes human connection and fostering a sense of belonging a priority. We can acknowledge the power of community by reaching out to others intentionally. We can think about the benefit we all gain through initiating positive social interactions with others. We are enriched and encouraged by robust conversations, fun social gatherings, learning opportunities and group experiences. Even when there is conflict, it is a lesson in self-discovery and relationships.

Love acknowledges that certain aspects of our lives are part of the human experience. There will be joy and sadness. There will be health and sickness. There will be struggle and pain. When we accept that these experiences are part of life, we can see empathy as a way to connect with others. We will be able to be compassionate toward others regardless of the depth of our relationship. We will allow God to help us to imagine what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes because we realize that there may come a time when we will experience something similar.

This is John’s admonition in Scripture: Laying down your life for others is about refusing to be self-centered. It is about being vulnerable enough to consider your humanity and to stand with others as they experience life. This can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit and after we have surrendered our ideas about love to God. Only He can show us the true definition of love through progressive revelation. As God does this for us, He will empower us to love others more deeply.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,

Help us to live a life filled with visible expressions of love. If we have a skewed view of love, correct it. If we have had negative experiences with love, heal us. Show us how the love exemplified in the life of Jesus applies to our everyday lives. Bring Scripture to life and reveal Your love to us daily. Help us to love ourselves and to love others in words and with our actions. Empower us to love deeply and consistently. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Easter Lilly is a native Chicagoan who is passionate about working with youth and families. 

She discovered her life's passion through participation in early college and mentorship programs, where she experienced the transformative power of wrap-around services and support. As a result, she has a unique perspective and aims to provide adequate support to the most vulnerable members of our population: the disenfranchised and often forgotten. Easter is an urban youth worker, minister, mentor, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is an advocate for the use of holistic and evidence-based approaches that result in real change.

Her educational credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University, a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry with a concentration in Youth Ministry Studies from North Park Theological Seminary, and a Masters of Social Work from UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work.

Easter has worked in the educational nonprofit field for 20 years. She has a wealth of knowledge because of her experience with youth development, youth guidance, counseling, and the provision of support services in faith-based and community organizations. She is energized by society’s challenges and driven by a genuine desire to serve others.

Her life’s mission is to be an ally, and valuable resource to youth and families as they learn, grow, and experience success together. She believes that this is one of the best ways to positively impact the world.

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Connect with Easter:
Email: eastermaeyoung@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to pray in a powerful and effective way

How to pray in a way that is powerful and effective
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

—James 5:16 (NIV)

Why is it we resort to prayer as the last thing? Or, let others know we have done everything we can, so the rest is up to God? Is this what we are to do? We are told in the Bible book of James that prayer is powerful. It is effective. It is enough.

Enough. More than enough actually. God never said in His Word (The Holy Bible), “God helps those who help themselves.” That is a saying from the mid-1800’s, or even earlier. Pioneers would repeat this. Books would reiterate it. This saying was passed on as wisdom, when in fact, it was and is, a lie.

God desires for us to pray and He gives us the reason: it is powerful and effective. Jesus Christ also taught about prayer on more than one occasion, and His disciples caught Him many times praying alone with His Father. Jesus showed us that we should always persevere in prayer. Luke 18:1 NIV says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

If Jesus taught us the importance of praying continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17), endurance, patience as well as the power of prayer, then it must be true and something we as followers of Jesus Christ should always do.

However, we are prone to give up when we don’t receive the answers from God we expect and on our own timetable. We are quick to throw in the towel when things get tough or stop praying all together. There are times when we pray for seconds, days, months and years. God cannot be put in a box. He won’t always answer our prayers in the same way nor respond to us the exact same way every time.

But God never changes! He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Remember: Our God is good all the time and we can trust Him. There is an amazing quote from The Chronicles of Narnia (written by C.S. Lewis) that gives us a poignant reminder: "Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

God is good and what He does is good (Psalm 119:68). Therefore, He is the One who is trustworthy to not only hear our prayers but answer them in His time and in His way. We can trust that His ways are good ways, and God’s timing is perfect.

As we are told by James and by Jesus Himself, we are to have a part in the praying process. We are to be the ones who pray then believe and have the faith God will hear and answer us. We shouldn’t give up even when the answer takes a long time.

How is this possible? How can we keep going? For starters, we can remember our prayers are powerful. They are effective. We need to remind ourselves God is good and faithful. He is Sovereign. We can hold onto truths presented in Scripture and lay them before the Lord then wait for Him to act.

It is also good to surround ourselves with God-fearing people who believe in the power of prayer. Ask them to pray for you and with you. Study the topic of prayer and get serious in your own prayer life. Write down your prayers in a journal and record God’s answers to your prayers. Review this journal to see how indeed God answers our prayers.

As we continue into this new year, let us challenge ourselves in our prayer lives. To pray continually, earnestly, faithfully and resist the temptation to give up. Our prayers are powerful, and they are effective. May we come to a place where we can call God good—even when all our circumstances say otherwise.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for being good. Thank You for loving me and giving me this incredible means of communicating with You (prayer). Your Son (Jesus Christ) modeled it, taught on it and showed us how important it is. May this year be a year of growth in my prayer life and may I learn to trust and believe that You answer all my prayers. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When We Pray” by Tauren Wells. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on 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 24 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 the 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 four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: How to rest in God as the source of joy and peace

Good News in the Suffering
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

The year 2024 ended differently for me.

Twelve days before Christmas, my mom had a stroke. I complained to God about my mom because this is the third time I have had to take care of a stroke for a family member. My grandma was first, my husband with his brain cancer, and then my mom. Suddenly, I had to carry all the burdens one more time—from finances to preparing her back from the hospital, preparing all the medical equipment and caretaker for her because she could no longer be independent since she was half-paralyzed. Additionally, I don't get to see my children this year. The best thing we did was a video call from three different countries. It was challenging, but it eased my heart.

I had planned my December and kept myself busy since I knew I could not spend it with my children. Last year was the first time we all had to celebrate Christmas alone. So, I agreed to join the choir ensemble and sing for Christmas Eve. But when my mom was hospitalized, I almost gave up all of them. I missed the practice. I was tired and invested in my problem. My spirit was crushed, and I didn't feel like doing anything. I was angry.

Suddenly, the rush from the past overloaded my mind. I am trying not to repeat the same pattern. The old me would give in to the situation and paralyze myself with the big problem in front of me. Then I thought, I need to learn to calm down in this situation since this isn't new to me. The unfortunate tragedy happened during the most joyous season when everybody looked forward to celebrating Christmas and the holidays. While debating how to deal with this situation, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 popped up in my mind to remind that God tells us to “Rejoice always!” It says always, not telling you to rejoice only in certain circumstances. Then it says to pray continually, and we were asked to keep praying and to give thanks in all circumstances. Again, it says all. Not “pick and choose” certain circumstances.

While meditating on that verse, I could feel the many changes within me. I decided to put my burdens and anger in God’s hands. I started to give thanks for all the things that happened in that short period. With all my strength, I went to church and finished what I started. When I sang “Joy to the World” for the first time, it resonated with my life. I realized that despite my problems, Jesus still comes to give joy to the world, no matter our circumstances. He is here to share the joy, the good news.

The new year is here and some of us may be facing 2025 with uncertainty. I am sure most of us have anxiety about wondering what is next in life. But with the perspective of God as our Heavenly Father, we can rest in that He is the source of joy. We can rely on Him. Joy should always be in our hearts, and that gives us peace.

Let's Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are an amazing God whose very presence promises to bring peace into our lives. I want to surrender my life to You. Thank You for holding me in the palm of Your Hand and never letting me go. Thank You that I don't have to take on all the burdens in this life alone. Please forgive my unbelief and doubt that you can give me joy in the hardship when life is overwhelming and tough. You tell us to give thanks in all circumstances so You can give us joy. Thank You for always being with me and holding my hands. May Your will be done in my life. I love you, Lord.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (song) conducted by John Rutter. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: Reflections on The Parable of the Prodigal Son

What the Father Really Wants from Us
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” —Matthew 7:7-11 (NIV)

For people who grew up in the Christian church and read the Bible often, one the most familiar parables spoken by Jesus Christ and recorded in The Holy Bible is the one about a father and his two sons. This story, known as “The Parable of the Prodigal Son”, is found in Luke 15:11-32. So simple on its surface, yet so profoundly deep, it speaks to me in new ways every time I read it. As I dwell on it this time, I’m struck by the character of the father, and how often I forget who he really is and what he really wants from his children.

In the story, the younger son demands his inheritance early and heads to a distant country to live his life the way he wants to, away from his father’s watchful eye. When the money runs out and reality sets in, he realizes that even his father’s servants have it better than he does. Broken and ashamed, he returns home prepared to grovel and beg his father to treat him like one of his hired servants (Luke 15:19). Meanwhile, the older son remains at home, dutifully doing his chores and patting himself on the back for being the “good son”.

For all of us, there are times when we behave like the younger son on some level, knowingly choosing to do something that brings us pleasure in the moment instead of what God knows is right and best for us. Whether we spent a long season seeking self-satisfaction or only give in occasionally to our human weakness, we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s high standard (Romans 3:23). When remorse comes, we like the younger son, feel shame and unworthiness, believing that our Heavenly Father will only punish us if He will listen to us at all.

How does the father in the parable respond to his sinful son? Does he show the anger and judgement that his son expects and, let’s face it, deserves? Does he display a look of disappointment and deliver a lecture on how he hopes the son has learned his lesson? No. Not even close. Luke 15:20 (NIV) tells us, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”

There was no anger, no lecture, no punishment; in fact, the son had barely finished apologizing when the father called to his servants and said, “Let’s have a feast and celebrate” (Luke 15:23). It wasn’t just a small party, either. The father wanted the most expensive food prepared and the finest clothes brought out for his younger son. I must confess: This is not how I often think of God.

It’s easy to forget that the story didn’t end there. Maybe we’d like a nice, happy ending with father and son reunited in celebration, but there’s still the older brother to address. His reaction to his sibling’s return and his father’s lavish outpouring is anything but happy. He flat-out refuses to enter the party, and when his father comes looking for him and pleads for him to join the festivities, he says in Luke 15:29-30 (NIV), “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!”

Could it be that the older son is sometimes forgotten because his reaction seems justified? After all, what he says is true. He hadn’t done anything wrong, yet his little brother, who shirked his duty and squandered their father’s money on prostitutes, gets all the attention and praise. Didn’t he have a point?

The father in this story doesn’t give the older son the affirmation he’s fishing for. Rather, he simply reminds him that, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours” (Luke 15:31). The older son believes he should have earned his father’s approval through his own efforts, but his father’s love was freely his all along. If I’m honest with myself, I’m a lot like the older brother at times, too.

Scripture tells us that Jesus told this parable to an audience made up of “tax collectors and sinners” as well as Pharisees and teachers of the law (Luke 15:1-2).

The story was addressed to all of them, and all of us. It reminds us that our Heavenly Father’s abundant love is freely given to us all. What He wants from us is relationship and fellowship, not box-checking. We don’t have to earn His love, and we can’t do anything to lose it.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for your infinite, unconditional love. Help me to remember that I don’t have to work to earn that love, and that, even when I miss the mark, You are always waiting for me—not with a lecture, but with open arms and a big heart of love. Help me to fully receive the love you freely give. In your Son Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “He Wants It All” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Prodigal” by Sidewalk Prophets. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

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Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to have a child-like faith in God

A Child’s Faith in God
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 18:3 (ESV)

As the youngest of four girls, my childhood revolved around hand-me-downs. Most were clothes, which always came in handy, but my favorite relics were the dolls my sisters had outgrown and passed along.

The soft-bodied baby dolls were precious to me. They needed lots of feeding and burping and changing of their perfectly clean diapers. Little nightgowns were for sleeping, and for an outing they needed to put on hats and coats before they were bundled into the doll stroller to get some fresh air.

Playing dolls was so important to me that I even convinced the little boy next door to play “Pioneer Family” with me. We set up our “cabin” under some shade and then moved in the doll beds and highchair. Then, while I tended babies, he went to “provide food for the family” which entailed elaborate hunts for imaginary deer, a much more pleasurable pursuit for a young boy.

But all that play set the stage for maturity. Especially as I became a young mom, I loved holding our boys, tending to them, and watching them grow into their little jeans and T-shirts. They discovered any kind of ball game, and I watched hours of T-ball, Wiffle ball, and eventually, tennis as our children matured.

In God’s perfect wisdom, He created families where little kids could grow up, start new families, and then teach their children to grow into healthy, happy kids, teenagers, and young adults. It’s an amazing cycle of birth, growth, adulthood, and parenthood—complete renewal.

As we tend to the kids around us, the most important thing we teach them is to love God. The child-like faith of a little five-year-old is precious to behold. She trusts God to bring her alcoholic parent to Jesus Christ. Her innocent prayers are dear to her Father (God) in Heaven, and He hears her cry.

One of our then three-year-old granddaughters found a most curious bug crawling on the driveway and excitedly asked me to take a picture. That photo remains a favorite to this day. I didn’t know how to switch the camera to take a selfie, but she did, and right as I took her bug picture, she switched the view. Her look of fascination far surpassed the fantastic bug she’d found. The faith of the child with eyes wide with wonder is a breath of exhilarating air. This child found such delight in her find, and I found joy in her.

The apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV), “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

This is child-like faith, to savor the days of dollies and little bugs, imaginations and dreams. It is ours if we exercise the Lord’s patience with the children in our lives. The children in the “Pioneer Family” grew up to start their own families, teaching their own children and grandchildren about Jesus. The young bug watcher is now a dedicated animal and insect lover. And the little girl who prayed for her Daddy saw him come to know his Savior. It was almost 50 years of waiting, but the Lord was patient with them both.

This same child-like faith can be ours for all of life, as well. There are sacrifices to be made along the way, of course. Staying up all night battling mosquitoes became the preview of a meteor shower that set a teenager on a life-long quest to explore the great outdoors. His photographs grace my wall with the pages of the newest calendar he and his family created. Then there’s ascending a mountain you never thought you could climb, but the view from the top changes your whole perspective. And the joy of the Lord is in them both.

And sadly, we often miss out on so much because we want to control the outcomes of our lives. We want to make money, or we let age creep up on us, a ready excuse not to climb to the top of the hill. Perhaps our love for Jesus has grown old and cold. It takes the faith of a child to open our Bible and ask God what He wants to teach us today. And then it takes child-like faith to obey what our Savior tells us.

Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 (ESV), “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” He is calling to us, dear sisters and brothers, to embrace the faith of a child.

Let’s Pray: Lord, You have shown us the joy of children as we watch Your magnificent ways. Please teach us to wake up every morning with excitement and eagerness as we wonder what new thing You have in store for us. And then give us strength and courage to embrace a new day full of Your possibilities. In child-like faith, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “A Childlike Faith” by The Pfeifers. 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: How to prepare for the new year

Packing for the New Year
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13 (NIV)

I welcome the New Year as if I were opening a fresh, new journal.

Flipping through the blank pages they call out to me, begging to be filled with new adventures and life lessons. I look forward to the coming season with a sense of expectancy and the assurance that God is in control. It’s like packing for a trip when I don’t know what’s coming.

I’ve been thinking about how God made His presence known to me throughout last year. Events flashed through my mind at warp speed. It was like watching a theatrical trailer for a new movie that shares the most exciting and dramatic moments in under three minutes.

The first memory that popped into my head was hearing the news that our adult daughter might have cervical cancer. The doctor moved swiftly and a biopsy was taken within a few days. We were told results would be back in a week to ten days. Time moved at a snail’s pace and every day that passed seemed like a week. Prayer warriors were on their knees, and we cried out to God for His grace and mercy. On day seven she got the call. There was no sign of cancer! I wouldn’t be surprised if our shouts of praise could be heard throughout the neighborhood.

Last year the mysteries and miracles of God were front and center. In the midst of unexpected circumstances, we saw God’s protection and compassion for loved ones who were thrust into situations filled with drama, turmoil and confusion.

Jesus Christ comforted family and friends as they experienced serious illnesses, surgeries, and medical procedures. Activities that were once routine became difficult, leaving feelings of frustration in their wake. But in His tenderness, God poured His patience, grace and peace to all involved.

During the heat of the desert summer, God brought relief to anxious souls, which resulted in life-changing discoveries. I watched in awe as hearts were healed and peace was restored.

In addition, there were birthdays, holidays, and graduations sprinkled over the months like confetti. As I look back, I feel the warmth of God’s goodness. From start to finish, the last twelve months put a spotlight on the unshakeable presence of God. He is always with us and even if you try, you cannot loosen His grip. The goodness of God permeates our lives.

What did I receive last year that I’ll pack for the New Year? The power of the goodness of God, His tender mercies, and His promise to sustain and rescue me (Isaiah 46:4).

As we step further into the new year, may your suitcase be filled with God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and your heart drenched in His love.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you Lord, for your love and comfort. Heighten our awareness of your presence and fill us with the peace of Jesus. May His light shine through like a beacon in the darkness and His love bring us great joy this New Year. Praise be to God. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Been So Good” (feat. Tiffany Hudson) by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: http://colleenchoward.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to put God first in your life this new year

Six Ways to Prioritize Loving God in the New Year
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you started feeling that January slump?

As much as I love the idea of a new year—a fresh start, a clean new page in my calendar, and a slate of New Year’s resolutions to motivate me in the gray chill of winter—when Christmas is over, I usually can’t help it. My mood and my spirits naturally dip. I try to throw myself into work or a new exercise regimen, convinced they’ll snap me out of my funk, but that slump is inevitable.

Still, as the words to one of my favorite songs proclaims, I serve a God of both the highlands and the heartache—He’s with me in the highs and the lows, the mountains and the valleys, no matter what. (Take that, seasonal mood swings!)

That’s why this year, instead of making resolutions, I’m keeping things simple and focusing instead on prioritizing my relationship with God above all. That’s because I’ve learned that when my sights are fully centered on Him, everything else naturally shifts into place—my health goals, career goals, everything.

And I invite you to join me in this.

See, so many of us spend our lives fighting God in some way, even though we usually don’t have any idea we’re doing this. We put idols before him, whether that’s money or dreams and wants or loved ones. We refuse to let God be God and instead cling to the idea that we can control our lives.

But I’ve found that when I surrender to the Lord, simply focusing myself on getting in alignment with the plan He already has for me, I don’t have to work so hard. In fact, I don’t even have to know what that plan is—I just need to draw close to Him, and He shows me the way.

Here are six ways we can all draw closer to God in the New Year:

Way #1: Read the Bible
I’m already doing this, and maybe you are, too. I have a rule with myself that I’m not “allowed” to do anything on my phone—check email or texts, go on social media, nada—until I read my Bible chapter. I admit that even now, after about a decade of this, I don’t always understand what I’m reading. I just finished the Book of Ezekiel, and many mornings I closed my reading more confused than comforted. But reading the Bible isn’t about my personal comfort. It’s about me trying to get closer to the Lord, to tuck His words into my soul, to remain obedient and honor Him. Sometimes, people read the Bible once or twice all the way through and consider their task “done”. But daily Bible reading is more than an intellectual exercise. And committing to it is an act of love that helps us draw closer to God.

Way #2: Pray
Some people pray in bed, during their commute, or while they exercise. Some pray micro-prayers throughout their day, while others record prayer in a journal or the margins of their Bible. There’s no perfect way to pray. Last year, I experimented for a long time with the ACTS method of prayer—expressing adoration (A), confessing my shortcomings (C), offering thanksgiving for the blessings God has provided (T), and asking God to provide in my life or the lives of others through prayers of supplication (S). For this year, I’ve just ordered a prayer journal. Spending time with the Lord in prayer—and not just rattling off our wishes and needs but genuinely listening to Him—needs to be an essential part of our day.

Way #3: Spend time in nature
I have a gym membership as well as a treadmill and a weight bench in my home, but my favorite way to exercise is outdoors. That’s because instead of “exercise”, the experience becomes a time to savor creation and bask in worship of the Lord. When we get outside, our problems and worries tend to decrease in view of the vast world around us. Concerns tend to get smaller. Even just sitting on my patio helps put things in perspective. It’s hard not to focus on God when you’re outside.

Way #4: Join a group Bible study
There is something to be said about getting together with other believers to study God’s word. Superficial relationships turn into real friendships. Church more like it’s supposed to—a congregation of God’s people united with the common goal of discipleship. Christianity is harder when we go it alone. We can get lonely, and we all know the wolf (devil) has an easier time snagging the stray sheep than dealing with the whole flock.

Way #5: Take a faith risk
Is there something you feel God nudging you to do—big or small—that requires a measure of sacrifice, risk, or surrender? Why not see if that nudge is actually a call from God? Take a faith risk in some way. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) reminds us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Countless stories in the Bible remind us that God often urged His people to do things that were wildly uncomfortable. A few examples in the Bible of this challenge are in the stories of Noah, Abraham, Mary and Jesus Christ’s disciples. When they accepted God’s challenge, they received blessings beyond measure, and most importantly a deepened relationship with the Lord.

Way #6: Do what God asks
Obeying God is important. He outlines what He expects of us in scripture. Most important are loving Him with all our heart, mind and soul and loving our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22:36-40). But other ways to love, honor, and obey God are peppered throughout the Bible. As 1 John 2:3-6 tells us, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

Be encouraged to know that everything else will fall into place when we make the effort to prioritize God over all.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s time. Help me push aside all the frivolous concerns and petty priorities that clamor for my attention and instead focus on You, trusting that You will bring clarity and understanding about how I should live this year. Help me remember that You are in control, not me. I love you, and I surrender to you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "First" by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Lord Over All" by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "First Things First" by Consumed By Fire. Listen to it here.

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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.

Jessica has won more than 100 writing awards. She 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.

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

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie 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.

Brodie 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, 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/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie/
Twitter: https://x.com/JessicaJBrodie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jessica-brodie
Download her free e-book:
https://www.jessicabrodie.com/ebook-god-centered