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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

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

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

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: How to write a psalm of Thanksgiving

Writing Your Own Psalm of Thanksgiving
A devotional by Joy Beless

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

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

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God Still Works Today
A devotional by Hannah Benson

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

—Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

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

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Famous For (I Believe)” by Tauren Wells, Jenn Johnson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should never stop praying to God

God Rewards Relentless Prayers
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

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

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Wonderfully Made” by Ellie Holcomb. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure!

Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, Gott Mit Uns. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or taking care of her home and family, she enjoys singing and dancing with friends from a German choir and a Bavarian folk dancing group. She is also a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats!

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Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to know the voice of Jesus Christ

Do You Know His Voice
A devotional by Patricia Russell

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

—John 10:27 (KJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbering Our Days
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

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

—Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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