Devotionals for the Heart: God can help you believe in Him if you ask

Asking God to Help My Unbelief
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”—Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV)

Lately, the Lord has been asking me the question, “Do you believe?”

Repeatedly, I find myself answering, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

This situation makes me think deeply about what we want out of our life. And it makes me wonder, “Why are so many of us hesitant to ask or believe God for great things?” Though we read of miracles throughout the Bible and hear of modern miracles such as the “unexplained” disappearances of cancer cells in a person’s body, it is so easy to act as though those things were for other times or other people. We would never deny that it is within God’s power to do them, yet we are reluctant to ask for these miracles. Or if we do ask, we do so with lingering doubt.

Let me say that it is important to recognize that God’s answers to our prayers may not look like we expect or want them to. However, we have to check our heart when we pray. For example: When I pray for someone’s healing, why do I feel the need to tack on, “God, even if Your ultimate healing is to bring that person home to be with you.” Am I genuinely relying on God’s sovereign plan or am I safeguarding myself because I already believe that what I’m asking for isn’t going to happen?

Even as I write this devotional, I have to let that thought sink in. For many years, I have unwittingly fostered the attitude that what I am asking God for probably isn’t going to happen. Even when He has given me a specific promise, I tend to treat it with an “If God blesses me with this” mindset, rather than a “When God fulfills His promise” mindset.

Recently, I have been convicted about that, and I have started to open up to God about it. My fear of Him not coming through, coupled with the tendency in many churches to brush these things aside, left me feeling alone and sitting on this promise in silence instead of pursuing it prayerfully with trusted friends. I was even discouraged from talking to my husband about it.

Where does this fear of believing come from? God spoke to people many times in the Bible. He made promises and fulfilled them just as He said He would. Battles were won, miraculous provisions were made, people were healed or even brought back from the dead. Who are we to think that the God who did those things thousands of years ago doesn’t work the same way today? Has He changed?

Malachi 3:6 says that God never changes! Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Numbers 23:19 (ESV) says, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

I know how it feels to think, “Maybe I heard God wrong.” For those like me who are a little thick-headed or slow to hear, God is patient. Sometimes, He confirms things over and over until we get it. I really don’t believe that it is wrong to ask for confirmation either, especially if it is a matter of importance. God already knows that sometimes we lack faith, so it is better to be honest with Him about it than refuse to keep an open line of communication with our Father in Heaven.

It’s time to grab hold of God’s promises! I’m not saying to, “Name it and claim it.” I’m saying, “Take God at His word.” Maybe it simply means speaking honestly about what God has told you, or maybe it means acting on those things.

Remember: God can give us the faith we need to please Him and move mountains. All we need to do is ask Him, believe in Him and put our faith into action.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, please forgive me for any areas in which I have allowed unbelief to prevent me from walking in Your promises. Even if they remain unfulfilled, help me to begin to walk as though they are assured because in You, they are. If I need to share my prayer requests with trusted friends who genuinely believe in You, help me to tell them how they can support me in prayer. If there are actions I need to take, empower me to do those things. May You be glorified as I take increasing steps of faith. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. 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/aubtaybooks8
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 God's Voice and listen

Who Are You Listening To?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

—John 10:3-4 (NIV)

Anyone who has grown up in a West Indian or African household will agree on one thing: When you are called by your parents or an elder, answer quickly.

Taking your time or choosing whether to answer or not is not a luxury you get to enjoy. Additionally, make sure you’re responding to direction from your parents instead of your friends! In these households, instruction took priority over anyone else’s. I cannot confidently say that today in this era that statement remains the same. Between the government, schools and society, many voices compete for our allegiance. However, in the Kingdom of God, the rules have not changed. God’s voice reigns supreme and there is a blessing that comes with it.

When we look at the life of Abraham, he was promised a blessing through his offspring because of his obedience. Genesis 22:15-18 (NIV) reads: “The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Because one person obeyed, the generations to follow would receive something they had nothing to do with. Isn’t that mind blowing? Because Abraham listened to the voice of God and obeyed, the effects of his obedience went beyond his lifetime. So, whose voice are you listening to? Whose voice reigns supreme over your fears, your doubts, and your insecurities? We still get to choose who to listen to.

Remember, free will is a gift God gave to every human being. He desires we choose Him over the enemy (Satan). The enemy of our soul comes to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10). That will never change. The devil has no intention for you to prosper or to have hope. But your Heavenly Father does! He loves us unconditionally and He has good plans for our life.

Let’s learn more about God’s plans for us by reading Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) that says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has good plans for us! Plans to prosper us. Plans that don’t involve harm. Plans to give us hope. Plans to give us a future. Everything associated with the enemy is death. But everything connected to God brings life and Jesus Christ has come so we might have life abundantly (John 10:10).

So how can we know the Lord’s voice? Let’s address this on a personal level: How do you know the voice of your parents, siblings, and friends? You’ve spent time with them. You’ve heard them speak repeatedly. You’ve spent time with them to know how they behave and treat you and others. When you hear something out of the ordinary about someone you know and love, you stop and question it because what you’re hearing does not match what you know. The same is true with the Lord but even better the Word of God, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:8 (NIV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Jesus doesn’t change. His voice, His behavior, His word will never change. We can completely trust Jesus all the time. I encourage you to spend time with Him and read His word (The Holy Bible). When you know Christ’s voice, you know where to find comfort, encouragement and direction.

Knowing God’s voice allows you to know when a stranger is speaking. Let’s look at one more lesson from life: We learn from a very early age, to run from strangers. Concerning strangers, although they try to speak in the “voice” of our parents, we know instinctively that something is wrong. We sense danger, so we run away from those people who are not our parents or guardians. Let’s know the voice of our Savior so well that nothing can make us doubt Him. Let’s learn to run to Jesus, not the world. Only Christ brings the comfort, support, hope and healing we need.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us and telling us in your Word that You love us. Help us to hide your Word in our hearts so we won’t sin against You. Help us to know your voice so well that nothing will make us doubt You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Just Want to Know You” by Andrae Crouch. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Abundantly” by Avalon. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Voice of A Savior" by Mandisa. 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: When God's Holy Spirit feels like a cool breeze

Holy Spirit: Our Cool of the Day
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”—Genesis 3:8 (ESV)

When in Hawaii, my husband and I leave the doors and windows open to take advantage of the ocean breezes.

Without the exposure to the weather, the space inside our home gets uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to sleep at night. Air conditioning is unusual in traditional tropical homes. Instead, high ceilings, louvered windows, and ceiling fans move the sea air throughout the house, taking the edge off the hot temperatures.

But when the trade winds weaken there is little that can subdue the heat. The humidity adds to the discomfort, making even the tile floors sticky under bare feet. Paradise isn’t so perfect without the quieting airflow.

The Bible introduces us to this breeze benefit in the coolest of ways in early Genesis (pun intended). The Holy Spirit of God is first mentioned as being active in creation prior to God’s voice calling light into action. We are introduced to the presence of God’s Spirit, in the likeness of a circulating trade wind in Genesis 1:2 (ESV) that says, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

Ruach is the Hebrew word for the Spirit of God and is also translated breath or wind. The Bible uses all these English words in its translation of Ruach. When humanity entered the scene, we get more intimate details of the interactions between God the Creator and man (Adam who was the first created human being). We see God using His breath to bring man to life (Genesis 2:7), and His word to instruct man on how to maintain life (Genesis 2:16).

Despite the beauty of paradise, the first humans ever created by God changed the climate with sin. Suddenly Adam and Eve (his wife) found themselves sweating in a sticky situation after choosing to circumvent God’s instruction on living well.

It’s at this moment that God comes in on a cool breeze. Let’s read about it in Genesis 3:8 (ESV): “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

The phrase “cool of the day” in this verse is none other than Ruach! God’s Spirit, the One who hovered over a dark void, re-enters the scene as relief in a tense time.

We often read this scripture as the point when an angry God walks in to lay down the law on evil. But God identifies Himself as love, light, and through Ruach, a cool breeze. Instead of seeing our Savior as the volcano who needs to be appeased, He is the gentle wind who takes the heat off us.

From the foundation of the Earth and from our own first breath, God’s Spirit has been hovering and providing us an atmosphere of comfort. Jesus Christ reiterated this when promising the Holy Spirit to His followers in John 14:16 (ESV). He said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

How we view the love of our Heavenly Father (God) matters to the climate of our lives. There is always a cool breeze available if we keep the windows and doors of our hearts open to God’s Spirit.

Let’s Pray: Holy Father, we are so grateful for your saving grace, and the gift of your Holy Spirit living within us. Help us recognize the cooling of your Holy Spirit in the heat of each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Fresh Wind” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove has a diverse background in business, fitness, and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community. 

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She was privileged to participate in leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she’s served, Sharon sees the great need for encouragement and connection. Within ministries served, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and building cross-cultural communities has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys nature, deep conversations, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, writing devotionals for other websites, and is working on a nonfiction book titled, The Whole-Of-Us: Putting Church Back Together.

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Connect with Sharon:
Email: sharon@sharonmusgrove.com
Website: Sharonmusgrove.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkmusgrove/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust Jesus Christ with your burdens

When Depression Becomes an Opportunity
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”— Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a slump, the kind of low where getting out of bed seems like a task so exhausting you might as well go back to sleep just to avoid it?

I don’t have real, diagnosed, ongoing depression, but I’ve experienced those days. Maybe you have, too. They make my heart ache in compassion for those I love who have chronic depression—people like my daughter, who have fought so hard and so long to keep their mood from slipping. Who fear they’ll spiral down into the depths once more. Who wonder whether the next time they do, the hole will be too vast and deep and wide they won’t be able to climb out.

It’s a scary place to be.

I’ve walked beside her in that dark place, advocating for her and fighting with her, and it’s scary for me, too. Jesus Christ meets us there, and He walks beside us, but it’s not a happy place, a place any of us relish visiting once more. Recently, I battled a crash of exhaustion that seemed to have no cure. It’s subsided, but it reminded me of that dark place, and those feelings troubled me. Each day, I forced my weary body from the cozy allure of sleep … forced myself to get up, to make breakfast, to brew coffee, to walk and to pray. And each day as I did, joy settled into my bones, searing deep like a power. That’s when I realized that even in darkness, even in slumps, even in exhaustion or depression or suffering, a beautiful opportunity presents itself.

Getting out of bed, getting up and getting moving, becomes an opportunity for God’s goodness to display itself through us. Sometimes, getting out of bed becomes an act of faith and hope. And God meets us there, celebrating with us. Just like He’s celebrating every time my daughter strives to keep dark moods at bay. Every time someone chooses His path instead of the world’s. Every time someone chooses life instead of death.

Depression is a real thing, my friends. Sometimes, prayer and faith can keep it at bay, but other times, medication and counseling and other avenues are needed. I believe God provides all those paths as a good and righteous way to battle the darkness. He understands.

The Bible is filled with a number of people who battled depression. A few years ago, I wrote an article about it for Bible Study Tools, “What Does the Bible Say About Depression”, and I still get emails today about how much it encouraged readers to know they’re not alone in their struggle, and that God’s Holy Word (The Bible) addresses this, too. 

Some Bible characters who struggled with depression include:

· King David (see Psalm 143:4-7, in addition to many of the other psalms he penned during low periods in his life)

· King Saul (see 1 Samuel 16-20)

· Moses (Numbers 11:14-15)

· King Ahab (1 Kings 21:27)

· Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14-18)

· Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)

· Job (Job 3)

· Elijah (1 Kings 19:4)

· Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11)

Jesus knows we all battle darkness and knows He was the only true rest we’d find. As He urged us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If you are battling a slump, whether that’s true depression or a low mood you’re having trouble managing, know that you don’t fight your battle alone. Remember that even though it feels like you’re drowning, keep swimming. Every stroke you take toward the surface is an opportunity. Every time you fight, get out of bed, make a move in the right direction, is an act of faith and hope. God sees this. I see it, too. 

If I can pray for you or with you, please reach out. You’re not alone.

Let’s Pray: Lord God, thank You for seeing me and walking with me no matter what I experience. Sometimes it’s hard to remember I’m not alone, but the reality is that You are always with me in spite of how I’m feeling at the moment. Help me remember that You celebrate with me as I strive to walk with You. I love You, Lord. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Through It All” by Andrae Crouch. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

She released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent. Learn more about Jessica’s fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast.

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: The power of prayer still works for us today

Open the Window and Pray to God
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”—Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

The Bible story of Daniel in the lion’s den has always captivated my spiritual imagination. It is a true tale about a noble, old man standing firm on his faith in the face of demonic conspiracy to erase his godly influence within the kingdom.

No guile was found in Daniel, yet he was dragged from the opulence of Babylonian/Persian royalty and thrown unceremoniously into a den of hungry lions. Daniel survived the night in a den of lions because the king and his friends in defiance of the law that put him there, prayed for Daniel.

The miracle of Divine intervention has three dimensions I would like to highlight. First: King Darius fasted and prayed to God to save Daniel then he became converted because Daniel was not killed by the lions. Second: The same people who conspired against Daniel and tricked the king were uncovered, disgraced and sentenced to the same punishment they had arranged for Daniel. Third: Because Daniel opened his windows and prayed during the crisis, the entire world was informed of the Living God. Daniel and others prospered even more, and many people came into a knowledge of God’s love, providence, grace and mercy.

What if we opened the windows of our minds to the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God when we prayed? Would we pray differently, more confidently? Might we see Him in places that we don’t expect? Daniel saw God’s presence and power in the den of lions. Where do you need to see Him?

What if we prayed humbly and sincerely in public places? Years ago, a young man whom I have known since birth was driving home from college. His speeding ticket summoned him to appear in court. In the hallway outside the courtroom, his lawyer told him that the penalty for driving over the speed limit at 90 miles an hour could be six months in jail. I said, “Let me pray for you before you go into the courtroom to intercede for this young man.”

The young man, his mother, sister, twin brother, the lawyer and I immediately stopped. Together, we prayed. The lawyer went inside the courtroom while we continued to pray. After a few minutes the lawyer returned looking amazed. He told us that the arresting officer spoke well of the young man’s demeanor. The judge reduced the level of the infraction, pronounced a fine and released the young man with a warning never to drive that fast again, anywhere. As they say in some Christian churches and circles, “Won’t He (God) do it?”

As we were leaving the hallway, people who saw us praying asked what happened. When we told them, a few asked if I would pray with them. I did. I did not stay to see their verdicts, because I had already seen the glory of the Lord. This I do know: People who saw it told that story to others. The best preaching comes in the form of sincere testimonies about what God did, does, can and will do for humankind.

My challenge for you today and every day is: As you pray, don’t be afraid to open the windows of your mind, your house, your car and let your faith be seen. Do not be a spectacle. Do not be offensive to others, but don’t be ashamed to pray to God.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Hear our prayer today and help us pray like Daniel did. It is clear that Daniel could pray with hope and confidence because prayer was a habit for him, as were seeing answers to the prayers he prayed. May that be our experience also. Grow our faith by answering our small prayers. Then, Lord, move us to bigger prayers and answers as you did for Daniel. This I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real featuring Arden. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Somebody Prayed for Me” by Dorothy Norwood. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: How to rise above the troubles of this world

You Have Wings
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”—2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

My college roommates and I usually stay in touch by viewing each others’ posts on social media. Sometimes the posts are photos of family and friends, a weekend trip, or a fun vacation. Other times, the posts include words of wisdom or a humorous meme. Whatever it may be, we are sure to read each one and add our own comments to the post.

Recently, I read one of my college roommate’s posts that received some attention from other viewers. The post was: “To all of the geese and seagulls I see dead in the street…YOU HAVE WINGS!” In other words, it’s difficult to understand why a bird would get struck by a vehicle, when a bird has the ability to avoid the vehicle by flying high above or far away from the vehicle. In this case, didn’t the birds know they had wings? Didn’t the birds know that wings are their superpower to escape whatever comes their way? Some people agreed with the post and some laughed at it. As for me, the post caused me to stop in my tracks and think about the underlying meaning.

God has given us everything we need to live a godly life and He has provided us with precious promises so that we can partake in everything He has in store for us. (2 Peter 1:3-11). But are we using those qualities and promises to better ourselves and others?

For the times when you feel like the walls are closing in on you, and the trials of this life are too great to handle, remember that this world may offer tribulation, but God has overcome the world (John 16:33). You have wings!

Perhaps you are tempted by an addiction or a habit that you cannot seem to break. Remember that there is no temptation beyond what you can bear, and God will provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). You have wings!

When you feel unnoticed, alone, dejected, and unloved, remember that God loves you with an everlasting love and nothing can ever separate you from that love (Romans 8:35-39). You have wings!

In times of uncertainty, when you start to doubt your purpose and you wonder if your dreams will ever come to fruition, remember that God will finish the good work that He has already started in you (Philippians 1:6). You have wings!

God did not leave you here on Earth to fend for yourself. He is right there with you, especially when you feel helpless and hopeless. God has equipped you with what you need to succeed in this life. He promises to be your help and to restore your hope.

Just like those birds in my college roommate’s post, God has given us wings and He expects us to fly! Let’s make a commitment to use our wings and rise above the troubles of this world.

Let’s Pray: Father God, we thank You for granting us access to the qualities that will get us successfully through this life. Help us to honor You in all that we do by allowing You to use us to our fullest potential, as we lean on You and Your promises. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "You Set Me Free" by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Connect with Angela:

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to be honest in our relationships

The Necessity of Vulnerability
A devotional by Kayla de Jong

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”

—1 John 4:18 (NLT)

How does it feel when someone opens up to you?

I am usually flattered that the other person not only trusts me but also finds comfort in my listening. God creates all kinds of personalities. Some of us are more naturally reserved and have to make an effort to achieve intimacy in relationships. For me personally, it boils down to trust issues, which are rooted in fear. But, as the opening verse states, perfect love casts out fear.

Let me explain what this devotional is and what it is not: This devotional is for people like me who have struggled similarly and are striving for deeper, God-honoring connections. This is not a devotional on trust or even handling rejection, nor is it a secret recipe for perfect relationships that are free of hurt feelings.

I want to encourage you to be vulnerable in a way that strengthens the bonds of your relationships, including with God. God desires for us to be honest with ourselves, with Him, and with others. Being honest about how we feel, even if we are embarrassed to admit what we feel, can be a form of honesty. This is the first step in working through emotions or thought patterns that could lead to sinful behavior. Being honest about thoughts and feelings does not indicate that our thoughts and feelings are the truth. In fact, the opposite is often the case. When voicing our feelings to a God-fearing person who we can trust, it becomes easier to identify the lies of the enemy.

Please let me make something clear before continuing: I am not advocating that we put ourselves in situations that can be dangerous in an effort to be open with another person. And I’m certainly not saying that in order to initiate an intimate relationship we must start spewing all the traumas we have ever been through, hoping the other person might find something relatable in our monologues.

Likewise, being vulnerable with someone does leave room for rejection. Other people might not understand why you are talking about things so openly. It might intimidate them. That being said, do not focus on any perceived rejection you face. This causes rifts in relationships, and if you are like me, it will cause you to clam up and become cold and aloof. Don’t get me wrong, I understand how challenging it is to put these words into practice. I think it takes equal parts boldness and humility to be vulnerable.

Isn’t it comforting though when another Christian, especially one you have viewed as being very nearly sinless, confesses to you the struggles they have walked through? Aren’t you so thankful that person was vulnerable with you and allowed you to learn from their mistake or misfortune? Maybe you are thankful for their honesty, and it has made the bond between the two of you closer.

I’m going to be honest and vulnerable when I say that while drafting this devotional, I was tempted to avoid writing about my weaknesses and instead attack the sins I see in others as an indirect way of venting my frustrations with some relationships I have right now. As I admit this, I can scarcely believe how spiritually immature I sound! I’m glad God convicted me to write the devotional I would need. In other words, I am preaching to myself right now.

I could go on, but I think I have said enough to get you thinking about how you can put this message I’ve written to practical use. Is there someone in your life who you know God is calling you to start or repair a relationship with? Would it help if you began by being honest with that person? I do not mean confronting them about whatever wrong they may have done (that is a topic for another time). I am talking about asking God to help you remove the walls that you have allowed to guard you from being close to someone or to keep them out.

If even a small part of you identifies with what I have said and you want to change, start by praying the prayer below. And if the Holy Spirit guides you to pray about specific relationship struggles, heed that guidance. God has designed us for relationships, and He knows we are sinful, and we struggle to not let past hurts influence our decisions. God wants to help you form thriving relationships, and change starts by acknowledging you cannot change apart from God’s help.

Let’s Pray: God, I have allowed walls to be put up around my heart so that I am not close to (fill in name). I do not want to be cold and distant in my relationships. I want to shine the light of Your love. Help me to be vulnerable, open, and honest in a way that glorifies You. Let me live in love, not fear of rejection. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “If We're Honest” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hi! I’m Kayla de Jong! 

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

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

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