tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48776018869225843872024-03-18T00:00:32.897-04:00God is Love"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
-- John 3:16.
God is Love.
God loves you!
Enough said. =)Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.comBlogger2188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-47285021964000545552024-03-18T00:00:00.031-04:002024-03-18T00:00:00.151-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Why God wants us to practice forgiveness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72iD0jtLEpS5VqRFMPFtKwr5BxfuQAhHkPCP3YDadF7m7K1NLeO2P5R_hHLwFDh71mTbbgwDquFPWRi9I_XdMnZdX3CX4_4ZM2rfH5UDex2pRTd7PdSRTVTjrryf_8RsiAKxKbnwQ4lMWgojLttbBAuHLVgc_chUv-RRuMB8xpWmk_HksO71JY1dXWFY/w341-h224/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="341" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> Forgiveness: A Gift from God</b><br />A devotional by Joy Beless<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Luke 23:34 (NIV)</div><br />On a rainy day in Dublin, I knew where I wanted to be. I said goodbye to my husband and we separately made our way through the winding streets to see the last stop on our “must-see” lists before leaving Ireland. We later met up to share our experiences over dinner.<br /><br />It’s hard to explain the “pull” of the Holy Spirit but it was unmistakable: I needed to have space to reflect on my time in Ireland and listen to God’s quiet whisper. <br /><br />I yearned to sit in a quiet chapel and soak in the ancient story of Saint Patrick at his namesake cathedral. As I approached, I joined the other tourists who for whatever reasons, also made their way through the magnificent stone doors into a dimly lit gothic style cathedral. It was beautiful and intriguing but not quiet. I made my way to the end of the building to the Lady Chapel where few people were sitting and they, like me, yearned for a quiet worshipful experience. As I sat there, still and breathing in the damp air, the word “forgiveness” surfaced in my soul. <br /><br />Forgiveness is a major theme in St. Patrick’s story and, if we are truthful, in <i>all</i> our stories. Saint Patrick lived in Britain and as a teen was taken captive to work as a slave in Ireland, turning to God through prayer for his strength. After six years he escaped and returned to his family. While home, he dreamt the Irish people were begging him to return. After becoming a priest, he returned to the island of his slavery and preached the gospel for another forty years until his death. <br /><br />If we unwrap our culture’s version of St. Patrick’s Day—celebrating by wearing green color apparel, focusing on four-leaf clovers, shamrocks and fables—we discover a remarkable story of the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We see how it gives us strength to untwist the complicated stories of our lives and empowers us to forgive others. <br /><br />Throughout the New Testament, forgiveness is an important theme. So much so, Jesus Christ spoke of it in The Lord’s Prayer, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 NIV). The Apostle Paul also emphasized forgiveness in his letters to the early church. He wrote in Ephesians 4:32 NIV: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Paul was keenly aware of the power of forgiveness after he received forgiveness for the relentless persecution he led against the early church before he met Jesus. He was also thankful, by God’s grace, to forgive those who persecuted him as a Christian.<br /><br />As I sat in the small room hidden at the end of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, I had no agenda other than to be present with God and to listen to Him. An undeniable quiet voice spoke, “Love others. And to love others is to forgive.” I continued to sit quietly and pondered who and what is tucked away like a rock in my soul, waiting for forgiveness. Shortly, thereafter, I stepped back through the thick stone doorway out into the cool rain of the afternoon, knowing to love Jesus Christ is to follow Him in forgiving others.<br /><br />There is much to be said about the subject of forgiveness. It does not necessarily mean “forgetfulness” or to pretend the words or action never happened. Rather, it is a journey God desires to walk with us, understanding the complexity and difficulty of releasing the person and the hurtful act or words into His hands. Forgiveness is freeing ourselves from the power of the unjust act. This creates space in our heart to receive the intimate redeeming love of Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Is there a name, a relationship or experience that is rising in your soul as you read this? Perhaps emotions of grief, anger or anxiety? Talk with God about it. Ask Him to show you the first step and identify someone who is safe you can trust to walk this journey of healing with.<br /><br />St. Patrick knew the power and necessity of practicing forgiveness every day. Jesus Christ demonstrated to us how to forgive people, and I desire to live a lifestyle of forgiveness.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray:</b><br />Thank You, Jesus, for teaching and demonstrating for us the importance of living out the forgiveness we receive from You and extend to others—especially when it is undeserved and difficult to give. Thank you for the life of St. Patrick who, through forgiveness, brought Christianity to a nation. Help me to forgive. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Forgiveness” by Matthew West. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9J6xOT3Ldw" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdmH0AbbAWsZtqXaWqcbBt2KhuKKMHTVUbqU9W5VPVKDViZod5Py8wXJxiQzzmUVzQB_EabqylRrJH9dpLmmrVTJexbYz_5HssKaBDmW-cNsn1i5jO8f_yU3xpaOSmWAmuWU3KpYoZ6xOQNG53sm9_zA3-kA0qQ40ih9dZp0cFFUi4Ql2F5tWKGLMaUI/s320/Joy%20Beless,%20cropped%20photo.png" width="230" /></div><br />A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Joy:</b><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless">https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/">https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/</a><br />Website: <a href="http://www.joybeless.org/">www.joybeless.org</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-68194622862110125522024-03-15T00:00:00.033-04:002024-03-15T00:00:00.452-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Consider this while you're waiting on God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2RC7-wBy2oseg9TwJcS-sNKNfiA9YsYmNbFH9yplE61yDKwWihVg-3TFMrdppDf2TVIffJptTILv4MDWvvCTA1pjvBZBMOQsRlI0IvfujgIGARH2SPdEjj_Bt4mAX7N0gimLs5SKTTAqIEzDNDjdA5M6w7lpIc3HU_kG4_oIg1BA9FDYSFQR3hnMSxY/w336-h220/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="336" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> In the Waiting</b><br />A devotional by Hannah Benson<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Lamentations 3:25 (ESV)</div><br />Are you in a season of waiting?<br /><br />I can relate.<br /><br />Right now, I feel like I’m in a season of waiting. I'm waiting on God to show me the next step and to provide the answers I seek. Waiting is hard, and I’ll be honest, I don’t always like it.<br /><br />Maybe you’re waiting to hear the results of a test. Or maybe you’ve been praying the same prayers and are beginning to wonder if the cry of your heart has even been heard. Dear friend, I don’t know where you are right now, what you are waiting for. But I promise you this: God sees you and hears the cry of your heart.<br /><br />As painful as it can be sometimes, even waiting serves a purpose. When we wait, we are given opportunities to trust God in ways we might not otherwise. Waiting stretches us. It grows our faith. Certainly, it tests our patience!<br /><br />Life can be such a mystery. There are hard times but there are also beautiful things to look forward to. It can be so tempting to want to rush through the hard times. But it’s the times of waiting, the hard times, that build character. Waiting is hard, but don’t miss the beauty that can be found there.<br /><br />When I find myself growing impatient while waiting, I’m challenged to consider if my impatience is a result of a lack of trust in God. Sure, it’s easier to trust God when He gives us the answers we want <i>when we want</i>. But do I trust God if His answer is “No”? Do I trust God if His answer is “Wait”? Do I trust God even if I don’t have all the answers?<br /><br />Personally, impatience for me usually stems from a fear that I’ll miss out on something, that I need [fill-in-the-blank] to make me happy. However, I’ve learned that only God can truly satisfy me. Don’t let the enemy tell you lies and lead you to believe you’re missing out because you’re not yet where you wish you were. God has good plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He will make sure you are where you’re supposed to be at the right time <i>and not a moment before</i>.<br /><br />Trust Him.<br /><br />God is working even in the waiting.<br /><b><br />Let’s Pray:</b><br />Dear Father God, I often find myself growing impatient and wanting to rush through the waiting seasons. Please help me to trust You. Nothing is wasted. Please help me believe in my heart that You are working in the waiting, even when I can’t see it. I believe that every season has its purpose. Thank you, Lord, for being patient with me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ2RIhS4Qwg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2301" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkOekd6B-4iovOdyTr1AGwOKvYkZCHMWbeV4o8yo5kPgtpA7zXJ6o3HVJbocFtBLaWebg4uq9Bfw3mEcNaZ_tE2IK3rRaLgRjbm6ZHIaA8NmLz7SfVLMpYIkuv8G26pUCJlYrZEIb1-sTbRb7Ku8icnsygjkcgB72g4S36YF9iIS-Cdzk8hnqt7NaApI/s320/Hannah%20Benson%202024%20photo.JPG" width="214" /></div><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Hannah:</b><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/">https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/">https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-89392292603282643382024-03-13T00:00:00.044-04:002024-03-13T00:00:00.145-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons about Jesus learned from a lint brush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH2Fpeo9jEWTLAlkxNR6uKiyyeoTz4yZr7BNKW61kyJJk4vxuN_G0EOdCyagXYcKvtCeGiDJ2B5AeBSWtjqr7mZA5BzQ2SzEfvudW3c8s8SyZYtIlCUgym4GAXPXmyIRh25NkLb2RuU1PfDs_ZDajI_4hZ1H9ENAZppVadGV6zA-ivXcZTlWSNImj5ZI/w342-h224/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="342" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b>How a Lint Brush Reminded Me of Jesus </b><br />A devotional by Angela Anderson<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”—2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)</div><br />One morning as I was getting ready for church, my 11-year-old son walked into my bedroom with lint all over his black pants. He explained that he was sitting on the rug in the living room while he was reading a book. I told him that he had to clean up before leaving and I asked him to look in the other room for the lint brush. <br /><br />Moments later he returned with the lint brush in his hand and started brush to the front of his pant legs repeatedly. I reminded him to brush in the direction of the arrow which was located on the handle of the brush. With every stroke of the brush, you could notice a remarkable difference as his black pants were becoming lint-free. As he continued to brush, he became more fascinated by the lint that seemed to disappear into the head of the brush. After some time, both pant legs were clean and appeared to be brand new.<br /><br />My son was so intrigued by the lint brush that he decided to start brushing the velour blanket on my bed. He wasn’t paying close attention to the direction of the arrow on the handle as he started brushing in the opposite direction. After a while, all of the lint came off the brush and was transferred onto the blanket. Although the lint brush was completely clean, now the blanket was all dirty!<br /><br />This situation caused me to think about the days of the Israelites in the Old Testament of The Holy Bible. In order to atone for their sins, they were required to bring a lamb that was free of blemishes to the altar as a sacrifice. This meant that all of their wrongdoing was transferred to this animal, and the bloodshed was symbolic of reparation for all of their offenses. This process brought hope to the sinner because it was a way to reconcile with their Creator (God).<br /><br />This method of atonement came to an abrupt end when Jesus Christ died on the cross (John 3:16-17). He became the Holy Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. All of our dirt, our guilt and our shame was placed on Jesus. He was sinless but He became sin, so that He could die in our place. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for our sins. His blood that was shed gives us a new life in Him. And now He reconciles us with God by covering us in His robe of righteousness and presenting us faultless before God’s throne. We can be thankful for our union with God because of what Jesus did for us! <br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Dear God, I am so thankful for the blood that Jesus shed for me. Because of His death, my life can be free from guilt or shame. May I never forget the sacrifice Jesus made for me. I am so grateful that when you look at me, you see Jesus standing in my place. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank you for offering forgiveness for all of humankind’s sins. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection:</b> “Jesus Messiah” by Chris Tomlin. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdxSC1tHJn0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="1960" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnM2g5N7MaMDpmLeBgcRqyGqY-T9IyIIl2mGBiTTv1L6A1YUZJRYXZ9KdAdsFUWYuDeJroJzvzYZDBGNNKYIzCJolvMx91_BqeP__UuBsCDWwfSzsrj8Gf3HU32UUIDemga_RErFN2WGv6JtB18kp7ni7seaX_Jw_ykoVydL2_I5sXHydjBtldEjNUHs/s320/Angela%20Anderson%20for%202024.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />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 <i>Just When I Thought I Knew God</i>. She is currently working on another devotional book. <br /><br />Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking. <br /><br />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, <i>Hope When Your Heart is Heavy</i>. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in <i>Living Unbroken</i>, which is also a publication produced by Proverbs 31 Ministries. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Angela:<br /></b><br />To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on <a href="https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson">Facebook</a>. <br /><br />Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @<a href="https://youtube.com/live/80awI1BA-Bs?feature=share">The Angela Anderson Show</a> 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: <a href="http://www.chatwithcoachangela.com/">www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />You can also like and follow her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/">Facebook</a> page for her devotional book, <i>Just When I Thought I Knew God.</i></span> </div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-48525026514159953632024-03-11T00:00:00.042-04:002024-03-11T00:00:00.254-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Showing why we need Jesus Christ in our life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgwKzF_PQeHfZ81URR33GtKE3NF6k0s3FLN7JFKHOfUlmAuw8oQmI-QL9rj9KDu0ZjG41E19BzTEu74e4Lf8cDHeD4e7fwyVFkS-5l5JJ9sBMgToCzQ_DkHiN8WyD_Y7zmvPYOBNC0CNuYxGJkzcmL6q52psDBhapLeEq4rXohcxRrEoiKqjda2FZM3k/w348-h228/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="348" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> A Bruised Reed</b><br />A devotional by Aubrey Taylor<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Isaiah 42:3 (NIV)</div><br />Some people don’t want God. They think they don’t <i>need</i> God. Even if they might identify themselves as Christians, their behavior shows pride and stubbornness. They are self-made. <br /><br />Occasionally within the walls of the church, the subject comes up about God needing to break our stubborn will, our pride, our obstinacy. It can be quite frightening to think we are all that way; that we are all raising our fist in God’s face, or that we are all untamed horses, needing to be broken in.<br /><br />The other day I was tempted to pray this for someone in my life who needs to allow Jesus Christ to have His way: “Lord, please break this person.” Then I felt God speak to my heart: “This person is already broken. They are wounded and <i>that</i> is what is keeping them from trusting Me.” <br /><br />This is entirely different from being stubborn and self-reliant. The person does not need to be broken again. The person needs to be healed. I suppose it is true that some wounds need to be broken <i>again</i> for healing to take place, but this is not God’s heart when He says of Jesus, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” Something like a reed is delicate and needs to be handled gently. A person in that condition needs to learn to trust.<br /><br />I have been such a reed. My heart was damaged and trust seemed impossible. I berated myself, believed I was in sin, and sat under a weight of guilt and shame, feeling that I could not possibly measure up to the standard. Yet I also could not detect what was wrong. It was only then that I realized I needed healing, not brokenness.<br /><br />We all have a measure of stubbornness and pride. But beloved, if you feel distant from God, do not automatically assume that some undefined sin is keeping you away from your Heavenly Father. A father who loves his child is going to help that child see where sin might exist in their life. But if there is no sin, we need to ask deeper questions. A good place to start may be, “Lord, what is it that stands between us?” For me it became an issue of, “Lord, what happened in my past that makes it so difficult for me to trust<i> in You</i> today?”<br /><br />Perhaps you are already too keenly aware of your brokenness. Don’t shy away from healing; ask God to help you find ways to overcome. Our Father longs to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Seek restoration, not as a stubborn sinner who has gone against a loving God, but as a hurting child who longs to rest, fully confident, in the arms of their Father. <br /><b><br />Let’s Pray:</b> Dear Lord Jesus, I ask You to search my heart and show me if it is pride and stubbornness that is keeping us apart, or if there is something deeper. Let me know if I have a deep wound that has caused me to be unable to trust You. If that is the case, I pray today that You would begin to heal me. Show me ways in which I can seek healing. Help me open up to You, and begin to trust again. In Your Name Jesus, I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection:</b> “Stay Broken” by Duawne Starling. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLJaSauYHJk" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />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. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2155" data-original-width="1797" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ0VV-nN4GyOb85fg7LrxT2D1LbJsYQ6coDb7weRBZGb2eFY00T7yqvx3c5LesPMIFqBXZZ40hp5dTXSMTO87xJYpvBi4e34J852DUpgnQ84tIsJXLeg4YGBwCxXPvzO9LZqWkL4S3doWNREinA0F31zJQ-1bIDzonWttESvGozN1RXDJBxlDfKEwbFE/s320/Aubrey%20Taylor.JPG" width="267" /></div><br />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! <br /><br />Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, <i>Gott Mit Uns</i>. 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!<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Aubrey:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/">https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com</a><br />Blog: <a href="https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog">https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/">https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks">https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/">https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/</a><br />Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor</a><br />BookBub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor</a><br />Amazon Author Page: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-67615136946646853872024-03-08T01:00:00.049-04:002024-03-08T01:00:00.191-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Witnessing the majesty of God's creation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmBWk6WSfMFKUD7wvr9_18ZSXwwwPqJvDdrY6HTEhqDre77QVHEswEToYm_cRSNJndKVg63b0qqHl0OvV1Altj13zTQ8jHk6OU61cFAU4w-JpFm4O05YJEqhf1urXT2ma2ePnTlpGh_y5o57YSCLnjNeNrsa-ZMKKCO-XvMzn2s_RSuqqNRfwCzYRhTY/w353-h232/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="353" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> Summit of Faith: Finding God’s Faithfulness in the Waiting</b><br />A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“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.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)</div><br />There’s immense power in waiting when our faith rests in God. <br /><br />Today unfolded like any other day, yet with a spark of hope for a day of rest during our vacation. The Zugspitze, the country of Germany’s highest peak, had eluded us despite multiple visits to the area. Clouds and rain had consistently obscured our view, making the journey seem futile. But today, a glimmer of hope emerged as I approached the counter to inquire about Zugspitze's visibility. To my astonishment, today was perfect for the trip. With directions in hand, anticipation surged within me as I prepared for the visit.<br /><br />Micah (my husband) and I couldn't contain our excitement. After years of waiting, the moment had finally arrived to ascend to the summit and witness the majesty of God’s creation. I knew that view would remind me of Psalm 27:4 (NIV), which says, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” <br /><br />Boarding the Sky Lift just in time, we ascended to 2,962 meters—the culmination of our patience and trust. As I gazed out from the Sky Lift, memories flooded my mind of previous failed attempts. But today, a resounding message echoed within me: Don’t give up! Keep trusting God. Life’s hurdles, from job loss to health struggles, had tested us over the past six years. Yet, these challenges had a purpose—they prepared us for the blessings ahead. In the breathtaking vistas atop Zugspitze, I felt God’s presence. Tears welled in my eyes as His faithfulness enveloped me, lifting the weight of past grievances and fears.<br /><br />On the ninth day of April 2019, as I stood at Germany’s highest peak, I found release and reconciliation. God’s miraculous interventions flooded my thoughts—healing, restoration, and provision beyond measure. Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? God desires to lift the heaviness of your heart. You can lay your burdens at his feet.<br /><br />What are you waiting for today? Trust in God, for His timing is perfect, and His promises never fail. May this day be a testament to the power of faith and patience, reminding us that even in the waiting, God is working wonders beyond our comprehension.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Gracious Lord, thank You for your faithfulness to answer our prayers and the desires of our heart. As we stand before You today, we are filled with gratitude for Your faithfulness and provision in our lives. We thank You for the journey You have led us on, even during trials and waiting. We surrender our hearts to You completely. Lift the heaviness within us and fill us with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Just as You granted me the opportunity to ascend to the highest peak, You also promise to lead Your children to the mountaintops of Your presence. Help us to trust in Your plan, knowing that You are always working for our good. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin and Karen Clark Sheard. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djcg0508aWc" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />Dr. LaVonda McCullough is a Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and pastor who specializes in women empowerment with Christian-based approach.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdcIWY0n5GA1g1ti40Ah7c9mRoqQRLvwuaLnWStBZYGAW06vORAqqU7pJ2Iow0Y_fcaVuBL3K5335SbFsO411kKfweJOfdrDE3EcdMEQN78H_lizHYWBH-GL_CZKjuJ_HZjXdYK5EzparN7G3UiC0YCRuUkFCHyRUzi16b8sA1AbKCNDe4vxKx6FJsXQ/s320/LaVonda%20McCullough.jpeg" width="278" /></div><br />Since 2012, LaVonda has coached countless women into compete freedom, teaching them to enhance their spiritual practice. Through one-on-one Coaching, Bible Study, Prayer Walks and retreats (Joyful Journey RefresHER retreat) she teaches women how to reach the divine power within and discover their purpose.<br /><br />With the foundation of her personal practice the discipline of a Daily Quiet Time, she works closely with those she coaches to develop their own intimate relationship with God. Always using a spirit-led approach, she focusing on the whole person: mind, body, and soul. LaVonda values providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment that allows those she works with to tap into the divine and commune with God themselves. <br /><br />LaVonda has a deep understanding of healing through intimate relationship with God due to her personal experiences with shame, trauma, loss, and depression. <br /><br />She is passionate about helping people find freedom and joy in their journey through the cultivation of spiritual practice. <br /><br />Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has traveled throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012, where shares her life with her husband of 33 years. <br /><br />LaVonda and her husband have three children.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with LaVonda:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.lavondamccullough.com/">https://www.lavondamccullough.com</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/">https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor">https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor</a><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/">https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/</a><br />LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-69300896573416303572024-03-07T19:44:00.004-04:002024-03-07T19:46:26.133-04:00Thankful Thursdays: When God answers prayers we don't think to pray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="2048" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholnMABMXNRIJQ0C10-6snhkd3YWpG3OILkRyWwL5VVMhf_cltA2dnTFpsp5hQC21LSuL1UKwxfvWBY0UZQ4td9eH42_dhw55FPHEAu-gp9AgczV5cLDg-wvn-tHVYh6HSSivbqbSOm8e3GLV0dY7lTCY918VwCUliB5d5lVC6_mJ3GkKtpN9kx7GzXzY/w380-h249/FINAL%20design.jpg" width="380" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for how God answered a prayer I didn’t think to pray.<br /><br />Earlier this year, I had the privilege of serving on Jennie Allen’s book launch team for her new book that was released in February 2024. The title is, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Untangle-Your-Emotions-Naming-Knowing/dp/0593193415/ref=sr_1_1?" target="_blank">Untangle Your Emotions: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It</a></i>. For the purposes of her book launch, Jennie and her people decided to mainly communicate with all of their launch team members via text messages sent to our cell phones. After Jennie’s book launch was over, I stopped reading the texts. She was still sending a few texts every few days with bonus material and notes for the people who served on her launch team. It wasn’t often but whenever I saw one, I’d just ignore it for no good reason.<br /><br />However, on February 22, I felt nudged by God to read the text that I received from Jennie’s team and I’m so glad I did because I found out that Jennie was giving each of her launch team members a FREE ticket to attend the <a href="https://www.ifgathering.com/if2024/" target="_blank">IF:Gathering 2024</a> event online! Now here is why this gift was so significant and such a blessing to me: A few weeks prior to receiving this free ticket, I saw on social media that the IF:Gathering was happening again this February 2024. And I thought to myself, “I enjoyed my time attending the IF:Gathering online for the first time a few years ago. I’d love to go again but I cannot afford it. Oh well.” As quickly as the thought came, I dismissed it and carried on about my day. I didn't even think to ask God about it and pray for Him to make a way for me to be able to attend. Then less than two weeks later, what does God do? He blesses me with a FREE ticket so I can attend ALL of the IF:Gathering 2024 events online and also access the vault of previous gatherings broadcasted in the past ten years! This 2024 is the 10th year of the IF:Gathering hosted by Jennie Allen. God gave her this idea and she ran with it!</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I attended the IF:Gathering 2024 event from the comfort of my own home and was so encouraged by everything from the musicians to the messages shared by speakers who love Jesus Christ and are dedicating their life to Him. The arena where this event was held in Texas was filled to the brim. It was beautiful to see so many people chasing after Jesus and being about His business of sharing His Word with the world. We all need Jesus. Only He can save us (John 3:16). And this event was a beautiful reminder of just how much God loves humankind. <br /><br />Through this, I learned that God not only answers prayers we don’t think to pray; He also hears our heart and wants to give us the desires that are according to His will. God knew that I needed to attend this evangelistic event to feed my soul and strengthen my spirit as a follower of Jesus Christ. So without me praying or asking Him about it, He made a way! God is so good. <br /><br />He did this for me and He can do this for you too! Don’t be afraid to tell God what’s on your heart. Don’t be afraid to ask Him what you want. God may not always give you everything you <i>want</i> but He will <i>always</i> give you everything you <i>need</i>. I’m so grateful that God is faithful!<br /><br />What are you thankful for this Thursday?<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Alexis A. Goring, MFA<br />Founder of "God is Love" blog</span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-13786197438689911232024-03-06T01:00:00.038-04:002024-03-06T01:00:00.158-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: When God interrupts your life as you know it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7eJLLvNh629Lo4vaCGkL4S9tzjfhFF4X6q8nQo6ptjwIPDicGDZw6qSL7C_-sP6Yb2hrJzi40a6Ek5XVQHfLxRjzZZv9piu322pBwHRHnlBy9D1ldAHuf3xI_5is5vcLtujJs5j5vVq3YPdvC0yrygYnoEEfahMUriL2hUkStAyWrz6wippsUypFdis/s320/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> When God Interrupts Our Plans</b><br />A devotional by Leslie Bake<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Acts 8:30-31 (NIV)</div><br />How many of us appreciate interruptions? <br /><br />It depends on the day, our patience level, what we’re trying to get done or put off. Some of us create a structured schedule with every hour planned while others don’t mind more flexibility and spontaneity. If you’re like me, you prefer a balance of structure and freedom. <br /><br />Sometimes the interruptions take the form of detours and delays, like road closures, and it’s difficult to stay calm while our GPS re-routes to what feels like the “long way” to arrive at our destination. <br /><br />God wants us to be ready and available for His “interruptions” from what we might consider our productive and important work. We need to obey as the Holy Spirit redirects our plans. It’s part of the surrendering process. The key is in <i>recognizing</i> the interruptions and responding not in frustration, but in humble submission. But anger or fear can get the best of us if we are consumed with our own agendas. Don’t mistake an interruption from a distraction. Distractions are not from the Lord and tempt us away from where we know our focus needs to be. <br /><br />Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is interrupted from her simple peasant life when the angel of the Lord appeared to announce her forthcoming pregnancy (Luke 1:26-56). Interruptions can be upsetting and bewildering when we think we are already doing what we believe the Lord has called us to do. We’re on schedule. Everything is going as planned until the Lord interrupts us and changes our whole life like He did for Saul on his way to Damascus. Read about it in Acts 9. <br /><br />Let’s delve a little deeper into Scripture, focusing on Acts 8:26-40. During the first century A.D., persecution against followers of Jesus Christ scattered the apostles and other believers away from Jerusalem. This interruption of their every day life was the beginning of the Christ-followers beginning to witness to people about Jesus “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In one case, Philip developed a successful preaching ministry to great crowds in Samaria, but the Holy Spirit interrupted this gig and told him to go to Ethiopia. It’s not exactly a hop skip and a jump away. Ethiopia is located several miles south of Samaria and probably the last place Philip expected to go, but he obeyed God and traveled to this destination on what may have been a hot, uncomfortable desert road. <br /><br />During his journey to Ethiopia, Philip encountered an Ethiopian eunuch in a chariot. The Holy Spirit prompted Philip to approach the eunuch, who was reading the Bible book of Isaiah. The eunuch was frustrated because he didn’t understand what he was reading. Let’s read what happens next in Acts 8:30-31…<br /><br />“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. <br /><br />“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.<br /><br />It was the perfect setup for Philip to share the gospel. When we share the gospel, we should start where the other person’s concerns are focused. Then we can show how God’s Word applies to those concerns. What lesson can we learn from all of this? Follow God’s lead, even if seems inconvenient and feels like a delay or a demotion. At first we may not understand why, and maybe we never will, but we must trust that God’s plan will have the greatest kingdom impact. <br /><br />As a Bible Study Fellowship small group leader, I must monitor 45 minutes of time together on Tuesday mornings for our discussion. The children’s program is active during this time so that moms can enjoy adult fellowship, but most littles are anxious to re-unite with moms, so moms are encouraged to leave immediately to pick up their kids. This particular year, my kids are in a public school, so I myself don’t need to rush off. This was a blessing one Tuesday morning when a new, elderly group member was assigned to me. Instead of leaving with everyone else right at 11 o’clock as I normally do, the Holy Spirit told me to stay with my new member and help her make the appropriate adjustments on her phone so that I could contact her. Half an hour later, she was set up on my group contact app and appreciative.<br /><br />Interruptions are not setbacks, failures or delays, but a re-direction of our time and energy. Think of them as a nudge from God to forsake our agendas and joyfully surrender to His. Giving up our own expectations and control does not come easy. Neither does self-denial, yet life presents no higher calling than giving up our agendas for the Lord’s. <br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b><br />Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize when You are re-directing my plans and expectations for teaching me something new and furthering your Kingdom. Help me surrender my agenda to You and remain sensitive to your promptings of where to go and what to do. Forgive me for those times when I have deliberately ignored you out of fear or frustration. You were sovereign then and You are sovereign now. Thank you that no amount of my sin ever blocks your plans for my life and for those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song for Reflection: </b>“I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJUh_e2O6dw" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1698" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlkdcUX2DZepAVV_InwPvGpDvVbd1RbYrTzgBOeOSYfwp-QnyHlqnnOgQkAjoSl-GVxo31Bpk3ckln5MXdI-V5OLLrlX6lhFXO3e7me5fDbHAtXcj1-4FDUkeaBGR3CFDb1nx0cBB8tdr3ZoZwfAZ5QVPqifYBN7RzNDLq9AfCUAS02wonp1MRTksU1o/s320/Leslie%20Bake,%20cropped%20photo.png" width="265" /></div><br />She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then marriage. Then a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life. <br /><br />She taught ELL for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published, and it details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children, one in fourth grade and one in kindergarten, and they make their home in West Des Moines. <br /><br />She now maintains a monthly blog and is working toward expanding her writing ministry. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing. <br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Leslie: </b><br />Website: <a href="https://lesliejoybake.com/">https://lesliejoybake.com/</a><br />Substack: <a href="http://lesliebake.substack.com">lesliebake.substack.com</a><br />Email: Leslie.bake@ yahoo.com</span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-17370228386742820062024-03-05T01:00:00.078-04:002024-03-05T01:00:00.142-04:00The story behind a NEW book by Becky Beresford that releases today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmlIgFpfjfBIBzOO7jndPHYFtDfLG7OcZ_C_S5DwR-Ik3B8oxlMPiO7mEUrSw_RxgdIKK6VO8y3ipNL2zVUcYeiJGdwFgkNJMNgP3qEDw92nJj1bJ1KTEgzzcua_uZMdLND3rFoXTvFwTQ3b90wFiAfMhmMVpgXs5M6Hojv5ieCC3d6Z8trwVOoyD7wE/s320/03.05.24%20post%20for%20my%20God%20is%20Love%20blog.png" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Join me in wishing my author friend, Becky Beresford, a "Happy BOOK Birthday" because her debut nonfiction book (<i>S</i></span><i style="font-family: georgia;">he Believed HE Could, So She Did)</i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> releases into the world today </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">(March 5, 2024) and it's going to be amazing! In fact it already is. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But don't take my word for it, read all about her story in the post below.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The story behind the book by Becky Beresford: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> I never thought I would be a serious writer, let alone write a book like the one God has asked me to write. <br /><br />After working in ministry with women for five years, I got married and quickly became pregnant with our oldest son. I was used to meeting face-to-face with women and discipling them over a cup of coffee or in a small group setting. But motherhood (especially mothering a little one with special needs) soon proved to be a new season where I couldn’t pour into women like I once had. With the passion still in my heart, I asked God to either remove my desire for ministry or to somehow make a way for ministry and motherhood to coexist. He responded with a third option, something I had never considered before. The Lord expanded my idea of ministry and showed me that discipleship could also take shape in the form of writing, and now He was asking me to write for Him!<br /><br />With shaky hands I sent my first blog post out into the world in 2015, not knowing if anyone would see it or if they would want to read what I wrote. Little did I know the plans Jesus had for the words He was inspiring. People began to respond and relate to the messages God was laying on my heart to communicate. And so, I decided to pursue the idea of writing an actual book. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />After three years of trying to publish a separate book that is not S<i>he Believed HE Could, So She Did</i>, I felt worn down to the bone. Not only was I receiving rejection after rejection from publishers, my life was full of overwhelming circumstances, all of which left me feeling like a failure. With special needs parenting, financial strain, health issues, loss, and a marriage on the brink of divorce, I came to the end of my own strength and sufficiency. I tried hard to believe I could handle whatever life threw my way—that if I could just keep my head afloat a little longer, then everything would be okay. Instead of relying on God as my source and security, I kept taking matters into my own hands. Jesus had to show me I didn’t have to be the savior of my story. It was never my job to have, but His. <br /><br />During this hard time I had a sign on my writing desk from my husband with the popular saying “She Believed She Could, So She Did”. But the more I stared at the statement, the more unsettling it became. Did I really think I could hold everything together and be enough for everyone always, including myself? I was weary from trying to do it all, a state many of us find ourselves in today. <br /><br />But God never intended for His Daughters to live with the burden of carrying the world’s concerns or trying to make everything happen. Instead, He wants to bring us back to the message of the gospel where we come to Jesus in our weakness and allow His love, truth, and strength to empower us to face trials. We don’t need to believe solely in ourselves when there’s a God who is able to do immeasurably more than anything we could imagine or think. We can take a deep breath and lean into the care and capacity of Christ.<br /><br />This is why I wrote <i>She Believed HE Could, So She Did.</i> It goes against the grain of culture’s popular self-empowerment mindset, but also challenges similar sayings within the church. We need to go back to the Bible and see what God truly says. I pray the message found within this book’s pages will inspire women to stop striving according to society’s standards and in turn, surrender everything to the God who can. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">True freedom is possible when we ground our whole selves in the Good News. <br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Becky Beresford lives in North Carolina and is happily outnumbered by her husband and three wonderful boys. She is an author, speaker and coach with a Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Theological Seminary. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqF1cRe_imxcz0I1JCYe0dO6I56mLuJc9pOhyphenhyphenOP0-0IMRjU2CJQpiRwEC6kO6OJ6XrlT5DQNNC0aRmDSCLusL_dftEXqoqjZsjGIwtgK19nqVJDCD8ADA9YFom3QVKmpmidr5g0QR7ohTgRkSTTAOf-EnJkVCcCNgfroBL55RvIHFFjCvNPQwypmENas/s320/Rebecca%20Beresford.jpeg" width="240" /></div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Becky loves encouraging God’s Daughters to embrace Christ-centered empowerment through the truth found in the gospel. Her work has been featured in large online communities including Crosswalk, (in)courage, iBelieve, HuffPost, DaySpring, and she recently became a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 writing team. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Becky’s book with Moody Publishers, <i>She Believed HE Could, So She Did</i>, releases in March.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Buy Becky's book:</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/She-Believed-Could-Did-Christ-Centered/dp/080242998X" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/she-believed-he-could-so-she-did-becky-beresford/1143787286?ean=9780802429988" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/she-believed-he-could-so-she-did-by-becky-beresford-paperback/-/A-90215402#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Becky:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.beckyberesford.com/">https://www.beckyberesford.com/</a><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Instagram: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/becky.beresford/" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.instagram.com/becky.beresford/</a><br style="font-family: georgia;" /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/beckyberesfordauthor" style="font-family: georgia;">https://www.facebook.com/beckyberesfordauthor</a><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Sign up for Becky's Empowered Email Tribe: <a href="https://www.beckyberesford.com/sign-up">https://www.beckyberesford.com/sign-up</a><br /></span></div></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-23732005585059298802024-03-04T01:00:00.048-04:002024-03-04T13:47:46.193-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: God has a job for all Christians to do on Earth<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6roP2XbcRUPOzPBQ66WNO3-c3bN7HFXI1G9eIF4GLqUW6RPa5GMF-GQ9vd6aeIxxRYVu-AhkMaMM0IgrXRJ1srX3IA5VZsYWObHDOXbq7YuEG6QuUhdpPpvCUJGeYHZFG7WQH1bLD4OYAJEXfeJFE3qXJxnfKZnLq4LGhHumhyoZzpfsn664FWORrHhc/w360-h236/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="360" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Our Job as Christians </b><br />A devotional by Jessica Brodie</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">—John 15:12 (NIV)</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />When I was a kid, I had one job: Watch over my little sister. <br /><br />Back in the 80s, I was your classic latchkey kid, and we did all those 80s things you might hear about—drink from the hose, play outside all day long, things I don’t think my kids have ever done, sadly. My little sister was three and a half years younger than me, but in my head she was completely my responsibility. The fact that she had rebellious streak and loved to play jokes on her super-serious, rule-following big sister didn’t help, but I wasn’t deterred. Even today, the weight of that responsibility rests on my shoulders like a mantle. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always felt like her little mama, and it makes no difference at all how old we get. I feel that way still.<br /><br />We all have responsibilities. Maybe we’re parents, maybe we’re employed somewhere, maybe we’re the boss—whatever it is, our jobs are usually pretty clear. Yet sometimes we forget we have a job as Christians, too. This is our most important job, but I’ve found it’s not talked about quite as often as the rest of our responsibilities. Consequently, many of us are fuzzy on it, or maybe we get confused and think other things are our “main” job. Our job as Christians is to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ to the end of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).<br /><br />Now, obviously this job, this command, this work, is for people who are already Christians. Becoming a Christian in the first place is a change that happens in our hearts and minds. We must believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and repent of our sins. We must try our hardest to point our lives toward Christ, even if we get it wrong sometimes. But once we become Christians—followers of Christ, members of God’s family—we’re supposed to be disciples. And Jesus was very clear what he expected from his disciples. <br /><br />When he resurrected from the dead, he spent forty days walking among his disciples before his ascension to heaven, teaching them how to live and what they needed to know. He urged them to feed his lambs and tend his sheep (John 21:15-19). He promised them the Holy Spirit would come as their advocate and friend (1 John 2:1). <br /><br />And he told them their job: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).<br /><br />The Holy Spirit stuff is just about accepting he’s in our soul, with us every moment. Feeding the lambs and tending the sheep ties into what Jesus said about the greatest commandments—love God with all our hearts and our minds and our souls and, second, love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). We’re supposed to take care of each other, not be selfish.<br /><br />But the directive about going and making disciples? Evangelizing? That can be really hard for some of us. A lot of people think it means getting up on a stage or standing on a street corner shouting about Jesus all day. <br /><br />Yet bringing people to Christ, making disciples, often has nothing to do with words at all. For some, it’s about writing. For others it’s about serving with your church in the name of Jesus. Maybe for you it’s about living your life out loud, letting people know that you believe in Jesus, you go to church, and follow his ways. Or maybe it’s about relationships, inviting other people to study the Bible with you, pray, or join you for worship.<br /><br />How we make disciples—how we evangelize, bring others into the fold—can look very different depending on who we are and what our gifts are. But however we do it, the point doesn’t change: We have to take care of other people and help them become followers of Jesus also. <br /><br />Some of us get so passionate about debating theology, calling out sin, or making big grandstands about morals and values that we forget about our main job. Disciple-making takes a back seat—but it shouldn’t. Leading others to Christ must be our first priority. <br /><br />It doesn’t mean these other things can’t be important to us. Turning from sin is a huge priority in my life. I’m constantly on a quest to be like Jesus. It’s called sanctification, the process of becoming more holy, and I’m probably going to spend the rest of my life doing it and never getting close, but I’m trying. But sin is not the main thing. The main thing isn’t speaking out about issues, or pointing fingers, or any of those other things we can easily get caught up in. <br /><br />The main thing is growing God’s kingdom. It’s bringing other people into the flock of sheep along with us and helping them know the True Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Sometimes we live our lives like we’re immortal, like the day of our death or the day of Christ’s return is so far off. We let other things get in the way. We lose our sense of urgency. But the time is now, my friends. Do what you can to bring others to Christ, to help other people believe, to help them know they belong. Our job is not to point fingers or to serve as a barrier. It’s to beckon people close. <br /><br />Today, I hope you’ll join me and praying about how you personally can begin to make this a priority in your life if it is not already, to make us all get better and better at attracting people to Jesus. We don’t have to worry about having the right words to say, or even using words at all. We just have to understand that this is our job, and our priority, and surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit, who will use us to do this in way he knows is best.<br /><br />It’s not about us. It’s about Him. Let us not stop until everyone knows Him. <br /><br />It’s a powerful act of love.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray:</b> Lord, help me remember that if I do nothing in my life beyond commit myself to You and bring someone else to you, too, then I serve You well. Help me do all I can to surrender to you in all aspects of my life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection #1:</b> “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ3SrJ-3VSE" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Song of Reflection #2: </b>"For Such a Time As This" by Wayne Watson. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4nclo_nWvI" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjCndG6roL5QAADyjnx7zw_FN6CJOGP8qQXILI0QfxNHKqqbcw8Mwve5OZC92IgXgwbPjkNYLUaHTx5JUBqwQ-kJ6KTWYIH7k-OiyAlp_8fncTFB2ZNI263FRx0uwW6yrumg7aWy4o8LLNtwFAIdVn8BkJ6-6557cDo9eTsGleA35wdXQrYDvwWjjVRQ/s320/Jessica%20Brodie.jpg" width="213" /></div><br />Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the<i> South Carolina United Methodist Advocate</i>, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is <i>Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas</i>.<br /><br />She has won more than 100 writing awards. Jessica is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies. Jessica also produced a free eBook, <i>A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed</i>.<br /><br />Jessica holds a Master of Arts in English. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Jessica now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.<br /><br />Jessica has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel T<i>he Memory Garden</i> won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and her novel <i>Tangled Roots </i>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, <i>Hidden Seeds</i>, now.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Jessica:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.jessicabrodie.com/">https://www.jessicabrodie.com/</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie">https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie</a><br />Facebook Author: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie">https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie</a><br />Facebook Personal: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie">https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/">https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/</a><br />Linked In: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/</a><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/">https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/</a><br />YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie">https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie</a></span></div></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-64117004817884431012024-03-01T01:00:00.047-04:002024-03-01T01:00:00.131-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Discipline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtmoG4qBThyphenhyphenSi2U3pCf9MdqKw9YBeY9zaLbefXdz4-ZPOc2AK9L9aPy0VpXCD04X3nmt7r-uFJgp808EVEbTDhf1QOgch_JDtOsmXVjuh0VKQx-8iIjH5ycm_mu5XfkzTUEjifcgMMJLjXGCA_zP2bxMAS1LxdnXBPtoloSUc7axH9-Uf2ugHoPP7d9s/w355-h233/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="355" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> The Warfare of the Soul</b><br />A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Beloved, I urge you, as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”—1 Peter 2:11 (ESV)</div><br />As I awakened one day and moved into my devotional headspace, God whispered a warning into my soul. God was listening to my prayers about a new professional opportunity. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">In preparation for the next steps in the journey of my life, God invited me to fast, not from food, but from other distractions. This fast would allow my spiritual senses to be honed. The second part of the invitation was to physically exercise. Whatever might come next would meet me with new challenges. The fortification of the soul begins with the disciplines of spirituality. <br /><br />Jesus Christ demonstrated this principle for us when after His baptism, He fasted and conquered the temptations presented to Him by Satan. After Jesus successfully battled and overcame the warfare for His soul, He went from the height of temptation to the mount of blessings. There, at the peak of victory, He shared the ethos of how to live lives of divine fulfillment. The victory of purpose is found in rightly regimenting our innate passions. <br /><br />Seeking, above all else, to be in a right relationship with God, our family and neighbors, is the portal through which we enter the experience of signs, wonders, miracles, and spiritual fulfillments that will exceed and defy our imaginations (Matthew 6:33).<br /><br />During the pandemic, I started to feel run down and achy. I was sneezing, coughing and my nose was running. I took the home test for COVID-19. The lines were bright pink. Even though I had faithfully masked and frequently washed my hands and clothing, my body was infected. I was sick. The symptoms of the illness were indicators that my body was fighting the infection. The body loses when it can no longer repel an illness.<br /><br />Similarly, if we do not manage the passions in our lives, our souls will be infected. Impediments will occur to our spirituality, our godly purpose, our immediate impact in our sphere of influence and our destinies. Just as our bodies combat infections internally, the warfare in the soul is fought on the battleground of our passions.<br /><br />Passions are not sins. We were created to appreciate and utilize our senses, intuitions and inclinations. They are vehicles of pleasure, warning and security. Sin occurs when the passions that are subject to our control begin to control us, such as when we overindulge in our passion for food. Eating to live is a radically different experience and state of life than living to eat. <br /><br />We are losing the battle when we give control of our choices and resources to the wasteful diffusions of our creative energy. Worrying, fantasizing, plotting and striving for the affirmations of our social networks can become intoxicating and dangerous.<br /><br />Gain the victory and the spiritual high ground by living above the level of passion. Plunge into service for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Postpone and regiment your passions so that your soul is strengthened in preparation for the next exaltation that God has for you.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Dear God, Fortify us for the battles of the day, every day. Help us to have the victory in Jesus Christ. In the matchless and mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.<br /><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Victory Belongs To Jesus (LIVE)” by Todd Dulaney. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa78qxQCKgo" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />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. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNaLVqx_mWqd9e6WtoaE5ZKBKvZH71B0hOq1iwfrNxb5rBlTgpvE_0tORZnUZICldNy0eFCOxqgp8fJe7E9M47EfXe0y_NG0neG5V5VHOucSaUjwpHQa4lF440w1dcF_7XZbDisdoynAUyNJLtV1SAHvPRPhNOUONopm0tHYD69_kWkYhH3dzYgYu0RE/s320/Paul%20Anderson%20for%202024.png" width="270" /></div><div><br /></div><div>His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.</div><br />He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential. <br /><br />His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, <a href="mailto:psanderson75@gmail.com">psanderson75@gmail.com</a>.</span></div></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-40834309021050499012024-02-28T01:00:00.042-04:002024-02-28T01:00:00.260-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: How to build a deeper connection with God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyl48jIalbvV6plyqZGoX2ht1vouVVaGFTMHOi9KryDmEwkqZr4Iw2WNG7cjXSAb00wvPvJcjvAGlLojU8RUhvZWWlo_xQlJS-isQsoQWVbUwcrE1093O1k6TTanLhy45Nn-31PC75wD3JHO5Q4xpKtqfrkoCobR-BFGndr_3KnE4qrPjpoMWCZR7555I/w352-h231/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="352" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> Building a Deeper Connection with God</b><br />A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”—1 John 4:16 (ESV)</div><br />I’m a writer, speaker and a leader. But, to be completely honest, I am an introvert. <br /><br />During the Covid pandemic, I was happy as can be staying in my house day after day. I struggle to make deeper connections with others. However, I have learned if I want to make deeper connections, I must act intentionally. Intentionality matters in relationships. This is true when it comes to our relationship with God.<br /><br />Have you ever wondered how to deepen your connection with God? Well, you're not alone. Building a deeper connection with God is a journey of love, compassion, and most importantly, devotion. I believe there are four building blocks to creating that deep connection we crave. <br /><br /><b>Building Block #1: </b>The Foundation of Love<br /><br />Let’s talk about love. Not just any love, but the kind that forms the essence of our relationship with God. In 1 John 4:16 (ESV), we're reminded, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” Imagine that! Abiding in love means abiding in God Himself.<br /><br />But how do we live out this love in a way that draws us closer to God? By loving others. Jesus Christ said loving others is the second greatest commandment, right after loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-39). Through acts of kindness, compassion and love, we reflect God’s love to the world then in turn, we deepen our connection with Him.<br /><br /><b>Building Block #2:</b> The Art of Devotion<br /><br />Devotion enriches your relationship with God. It's more than just routine; it's about setting aside meaningful time to be with God, to talk to Him, and to listen. Think of it as a daily coffee date with your best friend where you share your hopes, fears, and dreams.<br /><br />However, it is essential to note that devotion requires consistency. It's not about the grand gestures. It is about the daily decision to seek God through prayer, reading the Bible, or simply sitting in silence, acknowledging His presence in your life. Psalm 1:2 (ESV) says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Imagine the depth of connection you can build by delighting in God's Word day and night!<br /><br /><b>Building Block #3:</b> Compassion is Love in Action<br /><br />Compassion is love in action. It's seeing the needs of others and moving to meet them, just as Jesus did throughout His ministry. In Matthew 9:36 (ESV), we see Christ’s heart for the people: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” When we embody this kind of compassion daily, we serve those around us and grow closer to God, understanding His heart for His people.<br /><br /><b>Building Block #4: </b>Cultivating a Deeper Connection<br /><br />So, how do we put this all together and cultivate a deeper connection with God? Here are four practical steps:<br /><br /><b>Step #1: </b>Set Aside Time: Make a daily appointment with God. It doesn't have to be long, but it should be intentional.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b>Step #2: </b>Engage with Scripture: Dive into the Bible to understand God's heart. Let it be a dialogue, not a monologue.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Step #3: </b>Live Out Love: Look for opportunities to show love and compassion to those around you. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Step #4: </b>Reflect and Respond: Reflect on God's love for you and how He's working in your life. Respond to His love by living out your faith in natural, tangible ways.<br /><br />Building a deeper connection with God is a journey of love, devotion, and compassion. It's about drawing near to Him so He can draw near to us (James 4:8). Remember, this journey isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. There will be days when you feel closer to God and when He feels far away. But through it all, remember that God's love for you is steadfast, and His arms are always open wide, ready to draw you in.<br /><b><br />Let’s Pray: </b>Lord, help us as we seek a deeper connection with you. Grant us strength to draw near to you as you promise to draw near to us. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Speak” by Bethany Music. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOXPVSRxttU" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDLuATfpiUeUnx6S742HpD1tN9SXx1CDP0hGduNmPvG_z-j-XrQLLVdTjbURs1E99ZaJeWdP5TvYAJp2_Sxh3mf0X3cB5YDeWylzjGgsN3LVBnzhO_4sU070FnSW7xTFjJngG2OpG8rm2y3mLo_HPzqo5tUgNTkN0h8XLyQVsrUTA0rc7U0-M3x6qB8A/s320/Gladys%20Childs%20NEW%20photo.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor. <br /><br />Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. <br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Gladys:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.gladyschilds.com/">https://www.gladyschilds.com/</a><br />Blog: <a href="https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog">https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/">https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds">https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/GladysChilds">https://twitter.com/GladysChilds</a><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/">https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/</a></span><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-38529815736761583052024-02-26T01:00:00.036-04:002024-02-26T01:00:00.260-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God as you journey through life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbJektZWabIgDOWIKFhKF9xjo45kD3bIRzXv301NzlP0VJzhrr4Ks9smDbph0_sNEJkv38eFChNKpCSA3yGRu6WhVIw29Kujukoyu5KvuO8D6OKb0s5wyU9P93wKXNYOZnzQmDBrofAdpgKelVcOgSD-PlqxFNe0wiTCUm7EowWQ-ZLIo8wkK8t2r3Rc/w338-h222/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="338" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> Trusting God</b><br />A devotional by Peg Arnold<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)</div><br />When my husband (Rick) and I arrived at a fishing camp on the Kenai River, our first sight of the Alaskan River shoreline took our breath away! It was lined with verdant green pines as the water flowed and meandered around the bend. We saw seals diving for breakfast and heard the echoes of bald eagles calling to each other from the treetops.<br /><br />We would be venturing out on five different excursions for the next week. We didn't know what to expect but knew we needed to prepare for each adventure. We were responsible for dressing for the weather each day. We wore the right shoes or waders for the vessel. We brought our water, lunch, and snacks with us. We knew arriving at the dock at the right time to meet our captain and follow his instructions was important.<br /><br />Whether we were on a vessel with twenty others going into the deep sea beyond the sight of shore or in a flat bottom pram with five people, once we stepped onto the boat, our lives and experiences were surrendered to our captain. Trusting him meant relying on his knowledge of the destination and the route and equipping us with the gear and bait to catch the right fish. In addition, he would stay with us until we safely returned to the shore.<br /><br />I started to think about this and how it relates to my daily journey with God. In the morning, I wake up and prepare myself for the day with devotions and prayer. But when I leave that space, do I actually step off the dock into the boat and allow Jesus Christ to be my captain? Sometimes I step into the vessel but Google the destination and direct God to where He should lead me. Other times I can become impatient and grab the wheel because I want to control the course I expect to travel. Do I trust God enough to let Him take me into the deep waters where the waves toss me around and I can't see the horizon of familiarity?<br /><br />There are many examples of heroes in the Bible who model complete trust in God as they step out into obedience. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is just one. She prayed as she prepared for the massive responsibility of raising the Messiah. She had to trust God to direct her every step, equip her for the journey, and trust Him to never leave her alone. Rick and I have had several times when God has directed us to step off the dock and shore of familiarity and trust God to be our captain to take us into unknown waters. Moving to Colorado from our home of 32 years was one of those times. Our job was to prepare. We had to make all the essential arrangements, pray, and trust God to know the route, then trust Him to equip us for the journey and keep us safe. This move required me to prepare my heart and mind. <br /><br />Praying to God and memorizing scripture strengthen me in times of doubt or fear. During our major move, I found myself clinging to Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT), which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”<br /><br />I wonder if you may be standing on that dock of familiarity, but God is nudging you to step onto the boat. Or maybe you have already stepped into the unknown and are doubting whether you heard God's voice. It could be a move, a change in a relationship, a loss, a job change, or a diagnosis. Whenever God nudges us, it’s important to be prepared. The essentials we need include prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and studying His Word (The Holy Bible). Above all, we must trust that God knows the route. He will equip us and never leave us. <br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Dear Lord, help us trust You even when we are in unknown territory and challenged by our circumstances. Lead us to words of hope and comfort that will strengthen our faith and guide our decisions. We want the confidence and the courage to follow where You lead. In Jesus’s Name, we pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection #1:</b> “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED (Live in Israel). Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP-00EwLdiU" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection #2: </b>“I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin. Listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFna4pEF7M8" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="1511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tYtLO9dHV_Yq3GLhGG6NCjA6sRcsazsgpbxae6CIkEELVV3bglkRpHjFbok1ar5bq8adP0QJ6XUIZRkYsJj8Yl2BRiCJ3lJGUKdkkCH4HRqnjYI4MP0kQoWnZ2RhBuWvwBmnKbyPFN6gsiB-oflDZcCFE9LeVzH-QwxxmzT_ZQWDJtHsEf4XJvsFfHg/s320/Peg%20Arnold.JPG" width="236" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.<br /><br />She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the <i>Upper Room</i>. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, <i>Devotions for the Distracted Heart</i>, received a 2022 OASIS award. <br /><br />Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado. <br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Peg:</b><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/">https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow">https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow</a><br />Website: <a href="https://pegarnold.org/">https://pegarnold.org/</a> Get some freebies when you visit!<br />YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA</a><br />Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: <a href="https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/">https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/</a><br />YouVersion: <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart">https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart</a><br />Holiday YouVersion: <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart">https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart</a><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/">https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/</a><br />LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow">https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-42398567133682034322024-02-23T18:54:00.004-04:002024-02-23T19:03:35.898-04:00Ordinary Angels (movie) review and a special giveaway just for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBzwC5xuk4QLm22kDBtS6SSxJ73wE9BR5brknvHMj6CFX3ZxPmIPAy7LOkkk59cU8MTHDCFiIe1jwhESI7RQEt0so-7nd0s6kfJuoq0RNVDmyFCOSZBcGZxmCKHK8k6um7HluY6dj9txEeNSxSzTiV-3BQ-SaZxxk5Py1-mRdTRDQE9UQNBWpIS_i1bE/s320/Poster%20for%20Ordinary%20Angels.jpg" width="213" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My Review of <i>Ordinary Angels </i>(movie)</b></div><br />Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Great American Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!<br /><br />Great American Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Great American Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. <br /><br />Great American Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me via Momentum Influencers Network to review a new movie Ordinary Angels. <br /><br /><b>Here’s the synopsis of Ordinary Angels with words from Momentum: </b>Based on a remarkable true story, Ordinary Angels centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Now for my review:</b></div></b><br />Hilary Swank played Sharon perfectly. She came across was a party girl who drowned her sorrows in booze and forgot about tomorrow. At the beginning of this story, she was all for living in the moment and being the life of every party. It takes her best friend to convince her to attend a meeting for alcoholics and that is the catalyst that changes her life because in the meeting the group facilitator challenges everyone to live for a bigger purpose. Soon after, Sharon reads a story in the newspaper at a local store that inspires her to help. The story is about a little girl who needs a liver transplant. She makes it her mission to help this little girl live. It becomes the purpose of her life and it starts when she meets the girl’s dad (Ed) at the family funeral.<br /><br />Alan Ritchson played Ed. When he meets Sharon, he looks very guarded because it is as clear to him as it is to the viewers of this movie that Sharon is on the Hot Mess Express. He lovingly and very protectively steers his daughters away from her with a polite goodbye. But Sharon is determined to make a difference in his family life and it helps that the youngest of Ed’s two daughters liked Sharon from the moment they met at her mother’s funeral.<br /><br />Watching the story unfold is like being on a rollercoaster that takes you through highs, lows, twists and turns but always gives you a safe landing. Ordinary Angels is based on a true story which makes the movie even more inspiring! The acting was superb. I especially loved how every time Ed needed to take his daughter to the hospital for urgent care, he made light of the situation so as to not upset her, by saying “Want to go on an adventure?” Each and every time her eyes lit up and her little angelic face shined when she enthusiastically replied, “Yeah!”<br /><br />This movie had heartwarming and endearing moments but it also didn’t shy away from the hard stuff such as the pain Sharon faced privately over the years trying to reconcile with her estranged son. But despite all the trials and tribulations the characters in this movie face, the producers did a great job of bringing everything together in the end in a way that was so touching.<br /><br />I think you’ll love this movie. But don’t take my word for it. Go see it for yourself!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>More words from Momentum:</b></div></b><br />Buy tickets today to see<i> Ordinary Angels </i>in theaters starting February 23, 2024!<br /><br />Don’t miss this powerful film, based on a true story! You’ll leave feeling inspired to be an angel to people in your own community! Help us make the impossible possible. Every $1 you donate eliminates $100 in medical debt. Together with RIP Medical Debt, we aim to erase $10,000,000 in medical debt relief. The gift of debt relief is life-changing—and every dollar makes a difference. #OrdinaryAngelsMovie #KingdomStoryCompany ordinaryangels.movie/rip<br /><b><br />Watch the trailer for Ordinary Angels:</b><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXTEFyoaGDU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXTEFyoaGDU</a><br /><br /><b>Official website for Ordinary Angels (movie):</b><br /><a href="https://ordinaryangels.movie/">https://ordinaryangels.movie</a><br /><br /><b>Buy tickets to see Ordinary Angels in theaters:</b><br /><a href="https://tickets.ordinaryangels.movie/">https://tickets.ordinaryangels.movie</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Final Notes:</b></div><br />Enter the giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. This is limited to U.S. winners only.<br /><br /><b>Here is the Giveaway Contest link:</b><br /><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c490/">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c490/</a>?<br /><br /><b>Disclosure: </b>Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.<br /><br />#OrdinaryAngelsMIN #OrdinaryAngelsMovie @KingdomStoryCompany @Lionsgate</span>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-73501088577241088282024-02-23T01:00:00.040-04:002024-02-23T01:00:00.129-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Healing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWuOFqLzmH7g1XwyKwYQDl68_umkVBr1tKHIl_h3_qqbb5gGrcVM1-2xbxho5T7nLMsVnPQIeV4ReP8j4TuD9m2ge9gcMavA0fgAf23bH15bOVP8O9O6DyEFQeODX-VXUbJ2cBXGSu3yH0mFt0NU3pQivMaYQzJgdqgpEVm38vTXGRqiuo0wMxQryG60/w335-h220/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="335" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> God’s Healing is Certain</b><br />A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.”—Jeremiah 17:14 (ESV)</div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Eleven years ago I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I had never felt such excruciating pain before. <br /><br />I had never been immobile until then. I had surgery to repair the rupture and the doctor ordered me to refrain from walking for six weeks. It was a nightmare because I was used to going whenever and wherever I liked without assistance. I was stuck at home for six weeks in pain and discomfort. I was prepared to experience the pain from the ruptured Achilles but I was <i>unprepared</i> for the pain of <i>healing</i>. I didn’t understand that sometimes healing pain is greater than the pain we experienced from the rupture. <br /><br />In Jeremiah 17:14, the weeping prophet Jeremiah declares the certainty of God’s healing. He affirms the sovereignty of God and His undeniable power to heal and to save. When God does a thing, He does it well. When God repairs the broken pieces of our lives, we are without a doubt restored, revived, and renewed. He leaves no stone unturned. Scripture states, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36 KJV).” When God heals and delivers you from brokenness, you are truly healed and delivered. <br /><br />In Mark 16:18, Mark declares that signs shall follow the believers. Signs follow our God as well. He demonstrates His healing hand throughout the ages in scripture. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. In Exodus 15:26 God declares that He is our Healer. He is able and willing to heal your mind, body, soul, and spirit. God is the mender of the broken heart. He is the healer of the troubled mind. He is the Savior of the downcast soul and the repairer of the broken spirit. God can put your broken pieces back together again with His healing balm. <br /><br />Jeremiah knew the reality of the healing power of God and for this, he praised Him. The good works of God deserve praise and adoration. We say thanks to God with our praise. <br /><br />After months of pain and immobility, I received my healing. I had progressed from having surgery and being cooped up in my house to attending weekly physical therapy sessions and wearing a boot. I wore three different kinds of boots as my Achilles tendon healed. I was thrilled to finally be able to walk without assistance and go wherever my heart desired whenever I wanted to. My healing journey impacted my faith in a real way. I understood that many times our healing is a process. We must trust the healer and the process. I partnered with God in order to heal. I showed my faith by my works and God did the healing. I started to understand that healing is my right. However, healing demands that I act and work consistently in order to achieve my goal. This lesson challenged and strengthened my faith simultaneously. <br /><br /><b>Call to Action:</b><br /><br />1. Acknowledge the healing power of God in your life. Have faith in God’s Word.<br /><br />2. Receive the healing power of God for your wounds and hurts.<br /><br />3. Walk in your healing.<br /><br />4. Remember, healing belongs to God’s children (Mark 7:27).<br /><br />Acknowledging God’s healing power is simply head knowledge. However, receiving the healing power of God takes heart work and the activation of faith. The activation of our faith is demonstrated by our actions. Walking in our healing takes daily discipline and trust in God’s power and provision. Healing does belong to us because we are God’s children. We must partner with God and work out our salvation and healing. <br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Heavenly Father, You are the Lord our God who heals us. By the stripes of Jesus Christ, we are healed. I acknowledge that when You heal, You heal certainly. You heal deeply. You heal fully and truly. Father, I thank you for healing the broken pieces of my heart. Thank you for healing the wounds of my soul. Thank You for restoring my spirit. You alone are the Lord my God who heals. I can call to You when I am hurting and You will hear me. Help me to receive your healing for every shattered situation in my life. I believe Your Word and I trust You. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Broken But I’m Healed” by Byron Cage. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlfGuQR4c2o">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3434" data-original-width="2560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfiq3yg3kbdFeZZSIgPYjxsdIbSOvaRoWuo7XeeEGf_z3SCKLaAv1S1QdOkzxk7om7fxcdOiQ3S7LqRhfe5jne_7giaDYHWezlcy4Z4KBLNbtYfLlEaXAKW1jBt1zO9eGkh0XNw9CNSwi6wLY8kJnT5S3BQr9oJro4sSz_oXTAeoQNrJ595qm5xUkZ-8/s320/Essie%20Taylor's%202024%20photo.jpeg" width="239" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>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. <br /><br />Essie is a Chicago native where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II. <br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Essie:</b><br />Website: <a href="http://www.essiefayetaylor.com/">www.essiefayetaylor.com</a><br />Amazon Author Page: <br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22</a><br />Listen to Essie’s music at <a href="https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A">https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A</a>. <br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/">https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/</a> on Instagram<br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39">https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39</a><br />Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: <a href="http://bible.us/r/Abn">http://bible.us/r/Abn</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-88185607620130458802024-02-21T01:00:00.071-04:002024-02-21T01:00:00.239-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Trusting God to help you reach your destiny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM3Gb76ptz169EsNv5m1AXyqAARfRNbeeNgd8UHUrXcT_atKfGNJEkaEbdVKyasBPwd0D3epbaKnN6kPPgWvraNVsR4zfIgRbqtAJe1uppVm-kUdWgFXR_kByYcUrETIxideGVGGYhdcCZAP2ZEDGC7KsSyoLUXDYvhCURMKbZEUpJCV0ObqLuhdpU5k/w357-h234/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="357" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> How God Prepares Us for New Seasons</b><br />A devotional by Sarah Cole<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Faith motivated Abraham to obey God’s call and leave the familiar to discover the territory he was destined to inherit from God. So he left with only a promise and without even knowing ahead of time where he was going, Abraham stepped out in faith.” –Hebrews 11:8 TPT</div><br />Is there a sweater in your closet you no longer wear, but you’re hanging on it anyway?<br /><br />My grey sequined sweater is my go-to top on chilly days. But as much as I adore it, it’s stretched and worn, and I don’t feel comfortable wearing it in public. Nevertheless, I can’t seem to part with it. Sweaters are only one example of what we need let go of to reach our spiritual potential. Unhealthy friendships, work environments, and mindsets can weigh us down and keep us stuck in unhelpful patterns. And comfort zones, like sweaters, aren’t meant to be a permanent part of our lives because God cares more about our character and building His kingdom within us. <br /><br />Abraham obeyed God’s call by leaving the only land he had known behind and trusting God to help him reach his destiny. With his heart set on God’s promise to make him into a great nation, he set out on a journey toward a future he couldn’t see or understand, but Abraham knew the God who keeps His promises would protect and guide Him (Genesis 12:1-9).<br /><br />In my life over the past few months, I’ve seen God unravel old mindsets and commitments that hindered my growth and wouldn't serve me well in the future. It’s been a painful and often discouraging process, and I’ve experienced grief by letting some things go, but I’m grateful God loves me enough to do what's necessary to mature me.<br /><br />When I researched online about how God prepares us for new seasons, I learned He sovereignly orchestrates our discomfort to motivate us to move forward. It’s never easy or convenient, but it’s necessary if we want to experience His best. When our lives fall apart at the seams, what seems like chaos is God positioning us for the promise we have been praying for. <br /><br />Eagles illustrate this principle beautifully. A mother eagle knows her babies will never learn to fly unless their nest is too uncomfortable to stay. So, with her long talons, she starts stirring up the nest by bringing up the thorns and sharp rocks, exposing them to the surface, and slowly moving away the comfortable feathers and wool. If God is stirring up your nest, you can count on Him to help you soar above it.<br /><br />Leaving the familiar behind can be scary, but when we obey God’s call and reach the land of promise God has prepared for us, most likely we will look back and realize the struggle to get there was worth it.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray:</b><br />Dear Father God, thank You for leading me out of my comfort zone into the future you’ve promised me. Change is hard, and when I want to return to the familiar, help me trust You to equip me with everything I need for the journey ahead. I know you’ll be eagerly waiting for me when I arrive. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song for Reflection:</b> “Seasons” by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgHvx6fwGhk" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />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. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h-Kr7Bs6nvse6_7uDrey-EBDpLW_k7OHxx0XeC5sTgBORtflG11p9eBP2PFwCYmu2s2JYjp2Vv0-enrnsQ9n6j3bPsmGDFl8j0xtAhNKhmixqZKUNHm_SKFODzn2rcXaY8BbEQ92P7czylTVPJGc6vSDQiqNOhG8JkAdecNIrd5fbqaHzkdEORPOB5Y/s320/Sarah%20Cole%20%20cropped%20for%202024.png" width="217" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.<br /><br />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 Guideposts’ <i>Mysterious Ways</i>. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s <i>The Quiet Hour </i>and <i>Devotions</i>,<i> The Secret Plac</i>e by</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Judson Press,</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">and <i>Pray a Word a Day </i>by<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Guideposts</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Too Amazing For Coincidence</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">, also to be published by </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Guideposts.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Sarah: </b><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65">https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279">https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52">https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52</a></span></div></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-35710239590163840432024-02-19T17:16:00.002-04:002024-02-19T17:17:35.273-04:00My Review of "County Rescue" and a giveaway contest for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWdvUWv8WG-bfHIztgA34KXb6-uKQNSScn9O0mu1Bi7wDFBF4Suz6F1mXedsImoMgu9sCrLJLs3BCX9gSQHwV3y83MvCwkf1Id9V7tK9e76eKpCMk3k7P-_1g8QYgeIn4yah1ZWjan6hfmaHkE3RDuCRhUJ0EziwabDipPUEibi6UMZ75ZmqQXda_K9I/w476-h268/County%20Rescue%20cover%202%20of%202.jpg" width="476" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>My Review of County Rescue series (Season One)</b></div><br />Today, I have another review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Great American Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!<br /><br />Great American Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Great American Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. <br /><br />Great American Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me via Momentum Influencers Network to review their new series County Rescue. I watched every episode in Season One of this captivating series and found it to be engaging, inspiring and heartwarming all at once. This is a series you won’t soon forget.<br /><br /><b>Here’s the synopsis of County Rescue with words from Momentum:</b> EMTs are courageous, everyday heroes, but it’s challenging to qualify for this critical job. This is the story of an EMT unit who save lives while navigating their own life, love, and faith.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Now for my review:</b></div></b><br />County Rescue is a new series that will arrest your attention from the start in the first episode of Season One and will keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of what comes next, right up to the final scene! <br /><br /><b>Here is my breakdown of the characters and storyline … </b><br /><br />Danielle “Dani” Miller is a likeable character because she is relatable. Dani represents people who struggle in knowing what God wants them to do for a living. She’s tried different jobs but stayed in none over a year or less. She admits that she is a quitter as soon as she is featured in the opening scene of this series. However, as the story unfolds, Dani shows that she is capable of true grit despite all of the obstacles she’s facing in her personal life such as dealing with the pain of breaking off an engagement and trying to get her parents to not only see that she is living up to her potential but also trying to get them to accept her faith in God. Her parents don’t believe her when she tells them that she heard God tell her that she is a rescuer. It is the main reason why she is applying to become a professional EMT. <br /><br />I think it’s commendable that Dani is serious about her newfound faith and even more serious about obeying God, doing whatever He tells her to do no matter what anyone else says. This is important in real life too. It’s said that the only opinion that matters is not of this world. We are to follow God’s direction and not let our fellow humans deter us from doing what we know God called us to do.<br /><br />Tim is a fellow rookie who wants to be a first responder but his story is different from Dani’s. He’s faced a lot of hardship and his motivation for applying for this job is so he can afford to take care of his Mom financially. He has other problems in his life that he’s not quick to admit to Dani. But it’s sweet how they go from archrivals (because the boss said he can only hire one new EMT), to true friends.<br /><br />Griffin, the son of the man in charge, shows up at a time of peace to bring chaos—or at least that’s what it looks like when he first steps onto the scene. Dani and Tim immediately notice that nepotism may result in Griffin being hired without doing any real work and that means neither Dani nor Tim will become an EMT. Knowing this, they decide to form an alliance with each other so they can outperform Griffin and convince the chief to choose to hire one of them not the boss’s son.<br /><br />Chief Scotty seems impossible to please at first (despite Dani and Tim’s best efforts) but as the series evolves from episode to episode it becomes clear that Scotty puts up a tough front as is required because of the nature of his job, but he’s truly a soft and kind person at heart. This characteristic comes into play toward the end of Season One in ways that I cannot share without running the plot for you.<br /><br />There are several other main characters who are all professional EMTs at that station and they each play a part—especially in taking Dani and Tim under their protective and wise wings. It’s very heartwarming how even the tough-as-nails type of colleagues change enough to help the rookies learn the ropes. They each play a crucial role in the development of Dani and Tim’s character. They also give very good advice. Ashley Dalton proves to be a woman of faith from the start. It’s mentioned in the first episode that she not only interviewed Dani for the job; she’s mentoring her in her Christian faith and isn’t shy about praying for and with Dani.<br /><br />I loved this series! It was a blessing to my soul. I watched the entire first season in one sitting and I cannot wait to see more episodes of this story! If you need to see content that will encourage and inspire your heart, County Rescue is for you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>More words from Momentum:</b></div><br /><b>Main Call-to-Action: </b>Watch County Rescue on Great American Pure Flix starting on Feb. 23 and Great American Family starting on Feb. 26, 2024!<br /><br /><b>Watch the trailer for County Rescue: </b><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EzIy4hlmYo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EzIy4hlmYo</a><br /><br /><b>Great American Family (cable): </b><br /><a href="https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/show/county-rescue/">https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/show/county-rescue/</a><br /><br /><b>County Rescue Series Premiere:</b><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buLLcsMcmSk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buLLcsMcmSk</a><br /><b><br />Great American Pure Flix (streaming) website: </b><br /><a href="https://www.pureflix.com/movie/county-rescue">https://www.pureflix.com/movie/county-rescue</a><br /><br />Watch County Rescue on Great American Pure Flix starting Feb. 23, 2024! New episodes release every Friday. Great American Pure Flix is the streaming service with a 7-day free trial. You can find Great American Family on this channel finder or by texting RESCUE to 877-999-122.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">~*~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Final Notes:</b></div><br />Enter the giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win a 3-month subscription to Great American Pure Flix! This is limited to U.S. winners only, and only to those who have <i>not</i> won a subscription in the last six months.<br /><br /><b>Here is the Giveaway Contest link:</b><br /><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c489/">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c489/</a>?<br /><br /><b>Disclosure: </b>Many thanks to Great American Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #CountyRescueMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork</span>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-29919563493793832932024-02-19T01:00:00.037-04:002024-02-19T01:00:00.136-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: The Church is the Beloved Bride of Jesus Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWnrtDViuqF_ca3OWrwRrt5YdVu0uK4Ia97elUn0d7W3ZY53axVbUuttXUY1XrneP1_L49nfZNoK7wcjqWVUL4NiWoW7AMKKQeRgXOgzcGGuS5bv7Drg9VJPTx7BCMVQhwydWeK2aeC3KSwyUJK3B4IlS6QrM3HZSRTRo9sh8TgBmzF4FLBPo6f_T7Zk/w355-h233/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="355" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> Jesus, Lover of My Soul</b><br />A devotional by Joy Beless<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine, your perfume more fragrant than spices.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Song of Solomon 4:9-10 NLT</div><br />By now, the flowers received on Valentine’s Day are wilted and the chocolates swiftly consumed. Our culture has moved on to the next news bite. Thankfully God does not.<br /><br />We are “in love” with being “in love”. Rom–coms, Contemporary Romance novels, Hallmark Channel movies, poetry and love songs describe the high and low emotions of being in love. I still enjoy a good love story and if there are happy tears in the end, even more so! However, as we journey through life, we can become jaded. Our personal stories, at times, do not reflect the too-good-to-be-true stories we binge watch on a cold evening. <br /><br />I remember as a young adult, the impossible expectations I placed on my husband. We were two fallible people who made a covenant commitment to seek God and cherish each other through our marriage for better or for worse. I remember a newly married friend telling me, “It is better than you think and worse than you think.” So very true. And yet, God uses this metaphor to describe his relationship with us—a love so deep and intimate, words seem inadequate to encapsulate. We <i>are</i> God’s beloved Bride. <br /><br />Somewhere in the messiness of life, feeling overwhelmed with responsibility, physically drained and depleted, I take great comfort in knowing Jesus Christ as the “Lover of My Soul”. In those times, I am anything but lovable to those around me. I feel isolated and functioning on autopilot. I begin to realize that God, in His infinite knowing “all there is to know” about me, <i>intimately</i> loves me. There is no performance requirement. Nothing to check off the list to earn this love. <br /><br />God pursues me when I’m not worthy. It is a “knowing” deep in the human soul. A pouring out of all God’s goodness, acceptance and unconditional love, in spite of feeling “wretched” and unworthy. In essence, it is a lifebuoy ring that one can quickly grasp ahold of and clench to their chest—never to let go because it saves them from sinking into the depths of the ocean and drowning. Just like Jesus Christ is our lifeline. He can save us! As I enter my second half of life, I can testify that once you know this transcendental love of God that is so unlike our worldly ways of being in love because you never fall “in” or “out” of it. <br /><br />To describe God’s love for us as “intimate” infers that it is mutual and goes both ways. It is an honest, personal and confidential relationship whose deepest love is steadfast and faithful (Jeremiah 31:3). God pursues each one of us and calls us by name (Isaiah 43:1). He created and knew us before we were born (Psalm 139:13). Ponder this truth. Do you believe and accept this? Not for someone else but for yourself? You can trust God with not only your words, but all of your emotions. Your heartaches, rejections, loneliness and questions can all be expressed to Jesus, the Lover of Your Soul. In return is a deep-seated, devoted, eternal relationship that is the rock of not only your salvation, but also as a cherished Bride of Jesus. <br /><br />Let’s read about how Jesus sees the Church as His Bride. Song of Solomon 4:1 (NASB) says, “How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are!” In the same way we feel euphoric after reading a love letter, we also desire to respond to God’s unrelenting love for us. Lingering in this quiet sacred moment is transformative. Excitedly, we often have a need to “do” something. We want to share this feeling and truth we are basking in. <br /><br />In the New Testament, Paul gives us a detailed response. Colossians 3:12-14 (NASB) reads, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”<br /><br />Knowing and feeling secure in God’s intimate love, we can love others with the same love as described above. Beginning with our inner circle of family and closest friends and moving outward to those we meet throughout the day. Can you see the vision God has for us as the dearly beloved Church? The impact on our homes, workplaces, communities and nations would be radical and life-altering. But it begins within us accepting and receiving this intimate proposal to see ourselves as the beloved Bride of Christ. <br /><br />In contrast, as we sweep away the wilted flower petals and the empty chocolate wrappers, we are reminded of a love that is unending, eternal. I can’t help but linger and contemplate God’s love for me and for you. God’s love for us is steadfast and intimate, unconditional and pure and it never runs out! <br /><b><br />Let’s Pray:</b><br />Jesus, the Lover of my soul, thank You for never stopping, never abandoning and always whispering your love for me in big and small ways. Help me to live out of this deep well of love that overflows to others around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection #1: </b>“Jesus Lover Of My Soul” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsczlte5TZQ" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Song of Reflection #2: </b>“Lifeline” by Mandisa. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuxiN08RXxM" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ykl9DcvHFol1nYwhRK7TlEdrJ0MdsXFXjql61g7cqLfoZ9dJcRf3_cy8IyJl9wtRqx21OcSCRkolMXy7ctr9FBqx5NX6Y03VcTF5MoZoIhNxEDoN3RsEZXStXnu3jcnfHbh5u4FIl-bezCfMbzcXjeYdeqRX58wBtVXsZswMQ1nBnN1phzE6ilp9EXA/s320/Joy%20Beless,%20cropped%20photo.png" width="230" /></div><br />A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Joy:</b><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless">https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/">https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/</a><br />Website: <a href="http://www.joybeless.org/">www.joybeless.org</a></span></div></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-62545226177350921752024-02-16T01:00:00.030-04:002024-02-16T01:00:00.248-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Trust God <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGC4adscaKN-SP6izNEDqHCH9YKhaoJVQZJQvRWx14SDTRo7xQjj4GpgqIIRubHSaL4qNA3P9I_iPrygV60wmg-7u5iUF2ST-gBfwXzKBbx1orGWi3ZkAVjFwVTP3JsmvAZE-XYxoUpQC63Mc98EXgXPMJNz9MACc51z2FupmptPnsp9NskwnchN8xaI/w347-h228/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="347" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> Trusting God Even When We Can’t See</b><br />A devotional by Hannah Benson<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”—Matthew 16:25 (ESV)</div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Trusting God is hard, especially when I really want something, and God doesn’t seem to be doing anything to give me what I want. Can you relate?<br /><br />Our circumstances may testify to one thing, but God is not limited by our circumstances. In fact, I think that when our circumstances look the bleakest that this is when God shows us His power. Even as I write this, I hold hopes and dreams in my heart. Dreams not yet fully realized, dreams I don’t know if I will see ever come to fruition. But I am challenged daily to trust God even when I can’t see all the ways He is providing.<br /><br />Trusting God has been a key theme for me this year. I can’t tell you how many times I struggle to have faith. I’m often tempted to look around at my circumstances and become discouraged, but I fail to remember that present circumstances do not necessarily determine the destination.<br /><br />In Matthew 16:25, Jesus Christ says that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it. Does this mean that we will be a martyr for Christ? Not necessarily. But I do believe, in a practical sense, He is calling every single one of us to lay down our dreams and what we hold dear at His feet.<br /><br />Are we willing to lay down everything, even if it means losing it, and give it to Jesus?<br /><br />This is a challenge for me everyday as I find myself struggling to lay down what I want and surrender it to the One Who loves me most. I used to pride myself on having control of my life. I gripped God’s good gifts with an iron fists, terrified of losing anything. I’ve mentioned before that my mom was diagnosed with cancer last year. I love her so much and greatly feared losing her. During that season, for the first time in my life, I felt completely helpless because there was a situation I couldn’t change. I had to learn to surrender to God’s plan.<br /><br />God calls me to lay everything, even my hopes and dreams, at His feet.<br /><br />And you know what? When we lay down our hopes and dreams at the feet of Jesus and truly trust Him with everything, then we will find that in Jesus, we have everything we need. Right now, I have so many unanswered questions about the future. There are so many things I can’t change <i>that</i> <i>I wish I could</i>. I wish I could change XYZ about my finances, relationships, and so on. Can you relate? But the fact is, there are some things in our life that no matter how hard we try or wish were different, we simply can’t change and some answers we don’t need to know right now.<br /><br />Through the uncertainty, God is calling me to trust Him even when I don’t have all the answers. Whenever I begin to fear the future, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and am challenged to trust Him. What unanswered questions do you have today? Do you feel God calling you to trust Him?<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Dear Father God, please help me to lay down my hopes and dreams and entrust them into Your care. I know You care about me and that my hopes and dreams are better in Your hands than in my own. Help me to trust You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection:</b> “Lay it Down” by Sanctus Real. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3f9GrbOXSA" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2301" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx2qgjZ_G-ahr2oCqxvGDGtBzVGB3plzqLImsESLAijgYJ3bKtA46ChGIlCNZHk7BJ174C9rn8IVzYap7H7rC0YoSMIb4c5OoX3mpEDfP99EnZH0bQqRr5OvfHMHt92tmzAYmIj6eqEzTUZOqp3grHxj49UD10dCL3-aKCG6RdR9Udrmscsf9Vlh0cJw/s320/Hannah%20Benson%202024%20photo.JPG" width="214" /></div><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Hannah:</b><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/">https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/">https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-40524642272058296212024-02-14T01:00:00.042-04:002024-02-14T01:00:00.245-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Be Deeply Rooted in Your Relationship with God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gRuiGCl8apPhmq8SK4otU06gaygIB51_PK5i114ndjRLqjdrh4ftkcSpCMWVpM41tupwziqyiRCTfjwFbNDx5QKXXgF2W9fONLJd-NJh6_RPVt2a7WwOv86xBW3ic6prens4KCI3eFt5POYurNtFhyphenhyphenXUihl5n3dhdFnHtUPQlJyXMmowT_dIOftYjX8/w354-h232/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="354" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> We Need to be Deeply Rooted in Our Relationship with God</b> <br />A devotional by Patricia Russell<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT</div><br />When my husband and I got married, we moved into a quaint two-bedroom apartment. My husband had already settled in there prior to our wedding so he had been able to settle in. We didn’t move in alone. We both brought suitcases with our belongings and also a pot. Not just any pot, but a pot holding a plant that would become a blessing to us and many other people. <br /><br />This potted plant grew very well. It was sturdy, it was green, and it came with a caregiver who happened to be my husband. That’s right. He has the best green thumb in the family. My husband nurtured this plant. He watered it. He pruned it. He made sure it had enough sunlight and was perfectly positioned in our living room where everyone could clearly see its beauty. It had large roots, and the roots run deep. So much that eventually it needed a larger pot for it to stay grounded, firm and continue to grow straight up. The plant had to have the right potting soil, the right pot and the right place to thrive. <br /><br />Our lives are very much like that plant. Some things keep us alive and help us to thrive including the environment we are exposed to. Besides being fed and clothed to protect against the natural elements, the roots of our hearts must also have the right nutrients. From a spiritual aspect, reading the word, along with prayer are the basics needed to feed our spirit man. Habits need to be formed so that there is growth. If these are in place and if the habits are consistent, we will see growth. So, let me ask you: Do you have a regular habit of reading, studying God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and spending quality time with Him in prayer? Is it marked in your calendar, set in your phone or noted in whichever way you set and check your schedule? <br /><br />There is a saying that whatever isn’t scheduled doesn’t happen. We have to develop and put habits in place to use our time wisely. Scheduling this time is important in order to establish a strong foundation in our lives. Once this is set it becomes a non-negotiable for interruptions. We don’t have to be legalistic but we need to be committed to growth. <br /><br />When Jesus Christ was tempted in the wilderness he fought the temptations of the devil with the Word of God. He was able to do this because He blocked time to spend with His Father (God) so they could commune and Jesus could receive downloads from God on how His day should progress. <br /><br />If the plant in our apartment was ignored, if we went away and it had not been checked on, the soil would become dry and you could see the cracks in the leaves. So, to prevent that from happening, we regularly watered our plant and checked the soil and repositioned it when necessary so that it could continue to thrive. We also had to change the size of the pot because the roots were going down so deep that it needed more space to grow. When we are growing in our faith and confidence in our relationship with Jesus, there will be changes. Others will see it and comment. Even if they don’t comment (because we’re not seeking man’s approval) God will see it. He will bring people into our lives who need to glean from us so they too can become rooted in their faith. <br /><br />So, if you’re feeling weak, weary and wondering about the quality of your relationship, ask the Lord to show you. You probably already know you need to check your environment. What is crowding out the roots of prayer, Bible reading, interacting with other believers in God and sharing your faith? <br /><br />These are some of the areas that, if not watered, can cause our roots to become unstable. We want to be like the tree planted by the water where our roots go down deep. Check your roots.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray:</b><br />Heavenly Father, we love You and are so thankful that we are safe in Your love. Help us to remember this as we grow, regardless of what comes our way. Teach us how to be deeply rooted in Your Word and keep us in the center of Your will. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Rooted” by Kerrie Roberts. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9vtRgjL2c0" target="_blank">here</a>. <br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology <i>Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit</i>, as well as “Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement” to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt34IlBTYXjTJTZDqQEjuDRHpfnovHSPe0L9murtdHUuSnqUr45q8aHKEMfnARsNhtOxtRnx8U8ORDo_EeFLYiywOs547hM49si55eR_xTSV7AIXBE6FwYIBRxzYj7GJw_-zBGEKKkFVXBlbtA2AsKVt2-lDDvEsJC2cjD_OVnTDtD5gYRhgIp9RZ-K9A/s320/Patricia%20Russell.jpg" width="213" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Patricia:</b><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/">https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/">https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/</a><br />Email Patricia: <a href="mailto:patrussellsings@gmail.com">patrussellsings@gmail.com</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-24890309544943569982024-02-12T01:00:00.042-04:002024-02-12T01:00:00.249-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: The Best Help and Comfort Comes from God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxaZIpM3uy4sB4mU6gAAYZAGMT0aD9qknxz0ZtLSseamygm17n9wzgUrKRskafzzqGUDNn816BY-8z8gpbjeWhOEUCrbcDLLuqLiR-_ZXsVGhXJDTsA6oDyhAs5FUz1gSXoMkRtXmc77noguRYeIqtpJilSmlMQthOQ_wIC-t7eKWl0IZ2SLG8xsvO0Go/w347-h228/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="347" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> Going to God for Help and Comfort </b><br />A devotional by Aubrey Taylor<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.”—Psalm 86:17 (ESV)</div><br />When was the last time God helped or comforted you? <br /><br />It is wonderful to personally relate to a verse like the one above, to look back at where we've been and recall all that God has done. It gives us strength to push forward through what we are currently facing, knowing that the God who was faithful before will be faithful again.<br /><br />Perhaps we do not see it. Perhaps we feel that God has failed us and will fail us again. But may we remember that, while He does allow evil to cross our paths, He has also made a bold promise in Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”<br /><br />He even promises to use those things which threaten to devastate us for good. Nothing falls outside of Romans 8:28 (ESV) which says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Do you love Him? Has He called you to Himself? God longs for you to see the way He has helped and comforted you in the past. He also wants bring good from those things which seem as though no good could possibly come out of them.<br /><br />Psalm 25:3 (ESV) promises that we will not be put to shame if we wait for God: “None who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.” The ones who will be put to shame are those who are, according to the <a href="https://www.oed.com/dictionary/wanton_adj?tl=true">Oxford English Dictionary</a>, “undisciplined, ungoverned, unmanageable, rebellious, and disobedient”. Those who wait for God will not be put to shame—in spite of their struggles. This even provides for sins and shortcomings that happen in the course of our lives. He does not sit waiting to beat us over the head for our missteps. Instead, when our hearts are repentant and long to follow Him, God is waiting to use those things for our good. <br /><br />Let today be the day we ask God to help us see how the pain in our past has worked for our good, and how He has been there to comfort us. Let’s focus on how God comforts and helps us in our day-to-day struggles, and assures us that He will be there to help in the future.<br /><br /><b>Let's Pray: </b>Dear God, Thank You for comforting me and helping me. Please help me to see where You have done so in the past, and to believe that You will do so in the future—no matter what I face. Teach me how to see You in the mundane, day-to-day struggles of my life as well. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection #1:</b> “My Help” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWydssGbUBc" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><b><br />Song of Reflection #2:</b> “Comforter” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mARrSlRAgd8" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />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.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2155" data-original-width="1797" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmUl4688LBWh_KXJ6GfJWPWHTjCmjjKrtG3ui3V_gFoV14vhxY-ERl1pwjdhcyaZeSsDPjUKCCSI3LdkJttVbuhtTeEhthf3OV_iw1BAA8rDj7LrXdbrs9X2HU873OFxyVKmDYbKoRF0LK3gCYNPySvwynEJaJXRGZFhEUvaFRP46VSPeaqmcfn9xQ2E/s320/Aubrey%20Taylor.JPG" width="267" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>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! <br /><br />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!<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Aubrey:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/">https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com</a><br />Blog: <a href="https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog">https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/">https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks">https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/">https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/</a><br />Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor</a><br />BookBub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor">https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor</a><br />Amazon Author Page: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-80928471070311445902024-02-09T01:00:00.041-04:002024-02-09T01:00:00.167-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Embracing God's purpose for your real life story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhKTJj7F8cPl-o4yUcuqK8GuZhUbmnadevhHI3S_rQIR2w-SjCS7h3JCSBzE_44Hb0_ENFn6a3dktG6C8YUPF7yrHhAu0AT3YwSIkEKcaVjRGE22e1t9UKj8wVECTFIEVRgKiwyxSwgNHz5DsaEt-yoOfgkSz8b1vJCcAbF52U8vyLbN1N9nb9cKAXF0/w336-h221/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="336" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> Embracing God's Purpose: A Journey from Overwhelm to Alignment</b><br />A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:9 (NIV)</div><br />As I stepped into the New Year, I eagerly embarked on a journey to accomplish all the goals I had meticulously set for myself. Picture a horse at the starting gate, ready to burst forth into the race. <br /><br />However, the enthusiasm soon gave way to overwhelming challenges, and I found myself grappling with obstacles that seemed insurmountable. It was in these moments that a profound realization dawned upon me: the goals I had set were not in alignment with God’s purpose.<br /><br />Godly goals, like that to a river flowing smoothly, work through us effortlessly. Attempting to forge ahead in my own strength led to exhaustion and mental distress. <br /><br />God teaches us the importance of keeping Him first in all our endeavors, seeking His guidance when we feel lost. I discovered the weight on my chest and the incessant thoughts racing through my mind as I navigated each day, desperately trying to stay afloat.<br /><br />The peace I anticipated with every small accomplishment remained elusive, replaced by setbacks and a constant feeling of inadequacy. In my heart, I knew this wasn't the life God desired for me. I began to question my faith and continued to perform tirelessly, believing I need to earn God's love. It was then that I encountered a fundamental truth: His love is unconditional. I had allowed my actions to transform sharing Jesus Christ into a burdensome duty rather than an act of genuine worship.<br /><br />My heart ached with disappointment as I acknowledged the choices I made, decisions driven not by God's guidance but by external influences. I stood at the crossroads, realizing the need to repent and accept God's forgiveness. It was time to extend that same forgiveness to myself.<br /><br />The posture of my heart was misaligned with God's purpose and plan. The burning questions lingered: How could I change? What steps did I need to take?<br /><br />In a moment of reflection, I paused and offered a prayer of repentance. I confessed my sins, recognizing my weakness and surrendering my burdens to the One capable of shouldering them. I acknowledged that my strength alone was insufficient, but that God’s grace is sufficient.<br /><br />This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey. I sought solace in God's unconditional love, a love that doesn't demand perfection but embraces the imperfect. As I immersed myself in prayer and reflection, clarity began to unfold.<br /><br />I understood that aligning with God's will requires a daily commitment to seeking His guidance. It involves relinquishing control and trusting in His wisdom. The burdens that once felt overwhelming were replaced with a sense of purpose and a newfound understanding of His plan for my life.<br /><br />Forgiveness played a crucial role in this process as I learned to forgive others and forgive myself. God's forgiveness was what I needed for my soul, healing the wounds caused by misplaced priorities and misguided choices. The journey from overwhelm to alignment was not an instant fix but a gradual unfolding of grace.<br /><br />As I embraced God's forgiveness, I learned to forgive myself. I realized that dwelling on past mistakes hindered my progress. Instead, I chose to focus on the present and the future, trusting that God's grace would guide me in making better choices.<br /><br />The transformation wasn't about perfection but about surrender—surrendering my plans, my mistakes, and my inadequacies to a God who loves me unconditionally. With each surrendered moment, I felt the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit, redirecting my path towards alignment with His divine will.<br /><br />In this journey of overcoming overwhelm and realigning with God's purpose, I discovered the beauty of a life grounded in His love and forgiveness. It's a daily choice to seek Him, to trust Him, and to allow His grace to shape our steps. As we release the burden of self-reliance and embrace the freedom found in surrender, we open ourselves to a life filled with purpose, peace, and the boundless love of our Heavenly Father.<br /><b><br />Let’s Pray: </b>Father God, thank You for being a loving God that is standing with arms ready to receive us when we wander off the path you desire for us to follow. Please align our will with your will so that we can come into alignment following your voice. We repent and ask for forgiveness. Help us to forgive ourselves and to renew our minds. May our hearts return to a posture of praise and thanksgiving honoring You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“I Surrender All” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vowPSalZHrE" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />LaVonda McCullough is a Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and pastor who specializes in women empowerment with Christian-based approach.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNVAjbEpq4TBlh21sG69o8U-IAWfpuXUcp30BvgiLNNDhmHBmPGl2Hu92UXd5b2YJprDyPbtNwolNrKIuNjW1s2IidlcdScKjSB0TWnYpsfuo8fs3KOS64zAk3vqWuOjDOHMQ1gDG79pOMvjz5Ew5fU39UIQiw3qkBReFR2VAa49spOLdtd7D5P7bQE0/s320/LaVonda%20McCullough.jpeg" width="278" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Since 2012, LaVonda has coached countless women into compete freedom, teaching them to enhance their spiritual practice. Through one-on-one Coaching, Bible Study, Prayer Walks and retreats (Joyful Journey RefresHER retreat) she teaches women how to reach the divine power within and discover their purpose.<br /><br />With the foundation of her personal practice the discipline of a Daily Quiet Time, she works closely with those she coaches to develop their own intimate relationship with God. Always using a spirit-led approach, she focusing on the whole person: mind, body, and soul. LaVonda values providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment that allows those she works with to tap into the divine and commune with God themselves. <br /><br />LaVonda has a deep understanding of healing through intimate relationship with God due to her personal experiences with shame, trauma, loss, and depression. <br /><br />She is passionate about helping people find freedom and joy in their journey through the cultivation of spiritual practice. <br /><br />Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has traveled throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012, where shares her life with her husband of 33 years. <br /><br />LaVonda and her husband have three children.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with LaVonda:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.lavondamccullough.com/">https://www.lavondamccullough.com</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/">https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor">https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor</a><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/">https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/</a><br />LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-14920571052455287012024-02-07T01:00:00.049-04:002024-02-07T01:00:00.187-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Tabernacle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAERKm7po0q-YB5UsSTk7FzBmZ7-ZkKhQOpF_QPllL4buyo6B9zlSSIj392rkz7mb4uiTmUBvIYxqJ4wjFFSo0awgSGqbYYW4akaJYQOChWQ7TYcUrRKPcfzLXRDJo1HfC4HfxX40MsxkUWHg6AEVeCKlgInFG6toCEOzvLNty5Jcdc5c03MdeIfS_bs/w369-h242/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="369" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> The Holy of Holies</b><br />A devotional by Mirachelle Canada <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”—Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)</div><br />The Old Testament tabernacle was built by Moses at God’s command. In Exodus 29:46 (ESV), during their travels in the wilderness, the people of Israel needed a place of worship where God could “dwell among them”. Tabernacle means ‘<a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tabernacle">place of dwelling</a>.’ God literally lived within its sacred confines that were sanctified by His glory (Exodus 29:43) so His people would know His <i>purpose</i> for bringing them out of Egypt. It was so He could dwell among them, and that they would know the Lord their God. <br /><br />The tabernacle became a significant place of worship in the lives of God’s people. It was divided into three compartments: The outer court, between the fence and the tent, where all the people had access and animal sacrifices (with the blood to atone for their sins) were performed. The priests washed their hands in a bronze laver for cleansing. The inner court, one of two separate rooms within the tent, called <i>The Holy Place</i>, contained an altar of incense (offered prayers), a lampstand (the light of God), and table of shewbread (the bread of presence signifying God’s covenant). And finally, separated by a veil, the inner most room, <i>The Holy of Holies</i>, where the high priest would enter one day a year to meet with God who dwelled in the ark of the covenant. <br /><br />Eventually, God’s people rebelled and were once again separated from Him. The tabernacle was destroyed, so God had to make a way for His people to be redeemed and reconciled with Him. His ultimate plan was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to become the sacrifice for sin by dying on a cross and redeeming us through the power of his resurrection (John 3:16-17). <br /><br />Hebrews 10 says, Christ came to do God’s will (Hebrews 10:7) and “by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Likewise, “...every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:11-14). Jesus became the “tabernacle” within us, or “a place for God to dwell” within us (John 1:14). <br /><br />Let’s consider our Christian life like that of the Old Testament tabernacle. Our outer court, being our outer appearance, or what people see, is an invitation to everyone. It’s the place where you live, work, and enjoy life. Our inner room, or The Holy Place, only close friends and family can enter with permission. We decide who has access, and even how much God is allowed in. The most inner, sacred place within us, the Holy of Holies, is truly where God dwells and waits to commune with us. Just like with the Israelites, He <i>desires</i> to <i>dwell</i> with us. <br /><br />In our innermost being we can grant access to the high priest, Jesus Christ. In the secret place of the Most High we can abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). This new covenant God established with us through His Son. Hebrews 10:19-22 assures, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Through Christ, we are made ready to enter in! <br /><br />We can enter in with confidence and the power of prayer. In the Holy of Holies not only is God waiting to with meet us, but also His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus loves and advocates for us before the throne of God, and the Holy Spirit, who can transform us with love, joy, peace, etc. The more time you spend in the Holy of Holies with the “three-in-one”, the more they will reveal. And just like the tabernacle of old, you will know beyond any doubt that He <i>is</i> the Lord your God. So come, go into the Holy of Holies!<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Dear Lord, thank You for making a way to dwell within me. I look forward to meeting with You in the Holy of Holies as I come boldly into your presence. Teach me to do your will. Show me how to spend time with You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Holy Forever” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xcFM9CBiOE" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><b>~*~<br />Author Bio: </b><br /><br />Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1820" data-original-width="1759" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vCAVrhdSm_JM3IcYz85YSXapFVEdcadadq3IERdMWcqV7TD2VrTFxsexBvCrnsWjxvgiP-AL_f4Sszitqs0N9CYH5lGwLoJrr93t1EjJjEucFd2oSb3PZrwkDb65Js3So35Fp4BkExC0LPMrJTCb_pSpUr6qfM3dlDUAei5dAz0PLJ1IsKjfzLiJ72M/s320/Mirachelle%20Canada%20for%202024.jpg" width="309" /></div><br />Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Mirachelle:</b><br />Website: <a href="http://www.mirachellecanada.com/">www.mirachellecanada.com</a><br />Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/">https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/miracan">https://twitter.com/miracan</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/">https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/</a><br />Email: <a href="mailto:mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com">mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com</a> <br /></span> </div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-77916388871888749922024-02-05T01:00:00.044-04:002024-02-05T01:00:00.138-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: True Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvtWd8JX6DxTNE70I-12_fGOqg4Mf0IbDluiTizENaBQrhBRCVJHpWDXuuXtfY9Cb_eWE3c_2PXvZ3gcRRpv6fJRteTptRyJIrapHPWj1MPo7Hm503unq8T04u8IBvgGwYpXPMY4F2uILzWJGVMV3SPHbFqZo13vtdagJys0aEUykFoJlqwSXj83hxyw/s320/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="320" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> </b></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>An Inconvenient Love</b><br />A devotional by Jessica Brodie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”—Luke 6:38 NIV</div><br />Have you ever gone from discomfort to devotion? <br /><br />At the risk of sounding heartless, I’ll make a bold confession: For most of my life, dogs made me really, really uncomfortable. They were fine at a distance, or if they were super old and gentle. <br /><br />But most dogs are boisterous and messy, and they like to lick and slobber and jump up on you. There’s very little sensible control when it comes to dogs, at least in my experience with them. <br /><br />My husband, Matt, brought a huge German Shepherd named Scout to our marriage ten years ago. Scout helped me get used to dogs and learn to love them. But while Scout was my first dog, he wasn’t really mine. He was Matt’s. I wasn’t “Mommy”, even though Scout loved me. I was part of the pack, and I belonged to Matt in his eyes, so he loved me too. But he was fully grown and trained by the time I came along. When he passed away a couple years later, I was sad, but Matt was devastated.<br /><br />Then, in 2021, I decided it was time: I knew how much Matt missed having a dog, and in my heart of hearts, I knew I needed to bend and grow. I needed to understand what it was like to be a dog person as well as a cat person. So we adopted Captain, a fuzzy, floppy-tongued, six-week-old German Shepherd puppy … and just like that, my world turned upside down. That first year was one of the hardest in my life. I learned firsthand how to do everything that goes with having a puppy. I had no idea how much work it would be! But in that work, I also learned what it was like to truly know and love Captain. <br /><br />We’re at a sweet spot now, almost three years in. And today, I’ve learned what it means to be a dog mom. Captain is definitely my baby. When I get home, he brings me his toys and whines in utter joy, and my heart leaps at the sight of him. When he’s scared or bored, he cuddles in my lap (I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s the size of our cats). Sometimes I wake up and have to give him a big kiss, just because.<br /><br />Now, my cats are amazing… when I get home, they sidle up to greet me. They blink with their cat smiles and show how much they missed me in their own special kitty ways. “Welcome home, special human one,” they seem to proclaim majestically. But with Captain, it’s different. It’s like his whole world was wrecked when I walked out the door, and now that I’m home, life can start anew. “Everything is right in the world again because you’re here, Mom!” he tells me with his wild, enthusiastic eyes as he vigorously circles me again and again, covering every inch of my pants in dog fur. <br /><br />My cats loved me and missed me, but life still went on. But for my dog, it was like a piece of him was missing the whole time I was gone. It got me thinking about how we humans love and treat each other in this world. Imagine with me a moment: What would the world be like if we all were to love each other like a dog loves us? Minus the licks and doggy slobber, I imagine it would be a lot like we all used to get along in kindergarten—curious, mostly friendly, and boundlessly enthusiastic. And yet that’s usually not the case with adults, is it? <br /><br />Many times we greet loved ones with barely more than a quick “hi” before rushing on to whatever else we need to do. We avert our eyes in stores rather than make small talk with neighbors, and lie “Oh, I’m great!” when someone asks how we’re doing. And that’s just social courtesy. What about really showing love…caring for others in their sickness and hunger, sharing our basic life needs together, such as clothing or money or shelter…how does that look?<br /><br />It usually looks quite different from what I believe our Savior (Jesus Christ) intended. In Matthew 10:25-37, Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart and our mind and our soul, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. As an example, Jesus gave us the “Good Samaritan” parable about a man who cared for a perfect stranger in an extravagant way, tending his wounds and paying for medical care. There’s nothing convenient about this kind of love. Loving this way is decidedly inconvenient. <br /><br />Honestly, that’s how my dog loves. It doesn’t matter what he’s doing when I get home. If he’s asleep in the corner with his foot in his mouth, he wakes up and races for me. If he’s scratching himself or eating a treat or having some silent communication with one of our cats, he drops what he’s doing and races for me. He stops everything because I am there. Nothing else matters. It doesn’t matter what I look like or smell like, if I’ve been spending time with other dogs, or if I’ve been gone for a couple of days. It doesn’t matter if the last time he saw me I scolded him for being naughty. <br /><br />He just loves me and he’s happy to see me. Do I love the people in my world that way? Sadly, sometimes I don’t. Grudges get in the way or my own selfish concerns. But what if I were to model a little bit of my dog’s kind of love? What if I treated others, those I love and those who are strangers, with the same boisterous care and enthusiasm my dog bestows on me? I imagine the world would be a much better place, the kind of place Jesus commanded us to create. <br /><br />This week, let’s see what we can do to love each other better, whether our inner circle, our neighbors, or strangers we encounter. Let’s love from a place of inconvenience. That’s what Jesus would have us do. <br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray:</b> Lord, please help me to love others with wild, boundless, extravagant care, knowing that the love I show reflects Your perfect love. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Love God Love People” by Danny Gokey. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ8D2Mx7tGg" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2254" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIkWCJQPAnGTfG1KBctCOvxHtf5tq0WRletndVNJj10YxE51E_ZMonohN_DL2XXlnrLTVT5kpsG9St2AonqeMRpj4AdqBoQQ_AlLw5VrnstkGlHGzW9R-WhLblMYtPjjhTeKgL0jmWXGuoXVTY8LAn8OSup4b81iyuDhRrFWT3B4E33aUtzkzad_tNmI/s320/Jessica%20Brodie.jpg" width="213" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the<i> South Carolina United Methodist Advocate</i>, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is <i>Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas</i>.<br /><br />She has won more than 100 writing awards. Jessica is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies. Jessica also produced a free eBook, <i>A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.<br /></i><br />Jessica holds a Master of Arts in English. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Jessica now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.<br /><br />Jessica has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel <i>The Memory Garden</i> won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and her novel <i>Tangled Roots </i>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, <i>Hidden Seeds</i>, now.<br /><br />~*~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Connect with Jessica:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://www.jessicabrodie.com/">https://www.jessicabrodie.com/</a><br />Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie">https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie</a><br />Facebook Author: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie">https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie</a><br />Facebook Personal: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie">https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/">https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/</a><br />Linked In: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/</a><br />Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/">https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/</a><br />YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie">https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-68034204133845941992024-02-02T01:00:00.001-04:002024-02-02T12:26:18.664-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: A Mandate for the Month of Love (February)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwojXYJKvFWwYulGQW8_0NoK6XapglvLGz_EtbFk-SBicjIu0Dnh8XjlPadN4OwluZmb5HlKj6KYVKy8hy1RnKKR0MaVtlQaX6iY57ZJSdhiCqKKODBO3bik2-IheJROCvAysHNBjTnUyMAl9SIkSFGwbAI4Q4m61Pmhtc5HJPLuQPCvTqnwNR7PpzW4/w334-h219/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="334" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><b> February’s Mandate</b><br />A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”—Colossians 3:12 NIV</div><br />February is known in the United States for Valentine’s Day. It is a special holiday when people express attraction and or affection for one another. New romances are ignited. Old romances are reaffirmed. Greeting cards, romantic poetry, chocolate candy and red roses are popular tokens of affinity gifted to people who are in a romantic relationship during this time. <br /><br />February is also known as Black History Month. Inevitably, someone amongst those recognizing the focus of the month will quote a speech or a prolific line from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. … My favorite quote that is attributed to him is, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” <br /><br />Another phrase attributed to Dr. King is, “Beloved Community”. He adopted this phrase from the 19th century theologian/philosopher Josiah Royce. Royce described this beloved community as a coalition of people anywhere for whom their prime directives were loyalty and truth. King believed that this beloved community would be a bastion of security with liberty and justice for all. As the month of February opens before us, I challenge you, as you are able, to fill your environment each day this month with one of or all five traits mentioned below. <br /><br /><b>Trait #1:</b> <b>Compassion</b> can be expressed as grace, humanity, and benevolence. Giving a benefit of doubt. Investing a moment of eye contact, a smile, a genuine interaction with a stranger can be re-humanizing to a person who is living in a marginalized circumstance. <br /><br /><b>Trait #2: Kindness</b> looks like genuine courtesy, goodwill and the orientation to think and see the best within ourselves and others whose paths we cross. Kindness can be expressed by noticing something positively unique about someone and complimenting them. I see and appreciate the radiance in people’s eyes and smiles.<br /><br /><b>Trait #3: Humility</b> is not self-loathing. It is a person’s ability to transcend arrogance and self-projections that minimize the humanity and efforts of people within our sphere of influence. <br /><b><br />Trait #4: Providence</b> allowed me to get a newer, used car than the one I had been driving. When I went to pick up my granddaughters from school, I could see their pride as they strode to my car. They even called out to some of their friends to draw attention to themselves as they stepped into my car. The next day, when I went to pick them up, I drove my older SUV with 220,000 miles on it. It was a teachable moment. When God provides us with evident blessings, they are to be used in His service, not paraded as the perks of piety.<br /><b><br />Trait #5: Gentleness and patience are twin gifts.</b> They come together and fit like a hand in a glove. Moving slowly through a crowd and being mindful of each person is what Jesus did. There may be moments when people draw from you. May it always be virtue and never contempt. Even if you find yourself in a toxic moment, be patient. Breathe deeply. Speak slowly and in low tones. Find points of agreement before magnifying differences. In so doing, you will find that your presence brings warmth and light that softens conflict and countenances. Be the change that you want to see by employing Colossians 3:12. <br /><br />Let these traits be the uniform that identifies you as a devotee to the person, mind and character of Jesus Christ. When you do these things, you will begin to positively change the world inside and around you.<br /><br /><b>Let’s Pray: </b>Almighty God, thank You for life in the month of February. Make us equal to the mandate of the month. Clothe us with the garb of truth, justice, humane affinity and generosity. In so doing, may our lives shine light and be examples of conflict resolution that will encircle the globe and bring peace where it has been displaced. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“I Need You to Survive” by Hezekiah Walker. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBwUkCYW2n0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio: </b><br /><br />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. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIDYcWpdQ9GTTTE2gSzP18UiM4Oxmdzjl4XjgY67MBtQ-Ad-nGTdlZmQSnFw859ZM2Cb0OqDwtZB2aECXa37oHd-4vHT0o9nV7J0w6yYx6nMJxOOnCg9_BLgb_Lx6eTGhMQfSTs0XTe7yrXqv6WQ7Bqz2cupo8g4WBltg6wzleRoO4CJa_4x5IJa0XFQ/s320/Paul%20Anderson%20for%202024.png" width="270" /></div><br />His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.<br /><br />He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential. <br /><br />His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, <a href="mailto:psanderson75@gmail.com">psanderson75@gmail.com</a>.</span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4877601886922584387.post-34618653772672154642024-01-31T01:00:00.036-04:002024-01-31T01:00:00.131-04:00Devotionals for the Heart: Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4671" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe5mwD7rMQNrkIH7XIicVEw4aAagHIh5z7iyc0yYwQeQthg9gl8e7_nKMs3pmzcXwcSpuwzr-rUPRP-K0BECXhichXQ94_lKE8oowAkUlJZMoPh-y7V4dq5tEoiEzJEqj559QFC1XWoprDuwRRTTrG68cmPRVk7alVtoMPGIqmH7cJoxE-E17Fv2CVOc/w361-h237/FINAL%20design%20for%20devotionals.jpg" width="361" /></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /> Gaining Wisdom Through Repetition </b><br />A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">—Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV)</div><br />Have you ever read a book or a Bible study several times because the content was so captivating? <br /><br />I did the Bible study “Create in Me a Heart of Wisdom” by (in)courage ministries twice because it was that good! And I’ll probably read through it again multiple times because there is wisdom in this study, practical steps to gain wisdom, and reminders that God is our ultimate source of wisdom. <br /><br />Through this study, I’ve learned two important facts: not everyone is wise and not everyone will gain wisdom. However, if put into practice, like habits, timing, and repetition, everyone who wishes to be wise can gain wisdom. In week five of this study, the writer (Melissa Zaldivar) talks about how wisdom is learned through practice. <br /><br />Zaldivar wrote, “I learned that a habit is built when we commit to doing the same thing more than once. When it comes to wisdom, we don’t only have to consider or apply it one time. No, we have the chance to really build that muscle by continually turning to Jesus and asking Him what’s best.” <br /><br />When I read that, it hit me hard because I recently experienced health issues with my son, and I must admit I didn’t turn to God first for answers. It wasn’t until the situation was becoming desperate that I turned to God and prayed for wisdom and guidance. That, my friends, should have been my first step. That’s wisdom. That needs to become a habit for me and for all of us. <br /><br />Think about the last time you went through hardship. Did you seek God first for guidance and answers? If not, this is a habit that needs to be built, and it’s done with practice and with time. Part of wisdom is knowing that we must run to God first with every inconvenience. Yes, He places people in our lives to guide us and provide advice, but in the end, we need to discern and ask Him if that advice is Godly or not. <br /><br />After running to God, asking for guidance, and asking for prayers from people in my circle, things started to take a turn. The light was starting to show at the end of the tunnel, but in the middle of the darkness, it was hard. God didn’t promise we wouldn’t go through hardships, but He promised to be there with us. The wisdom I gained in this situation is that I need to create the habit of going to God first with everything. It was something I forgot. <br /><br />So today, I am giving you this reminder to go to God first. Go to Him for everything and anything. Let’s make it a habit to have a continuous conversation with Him throughout our day. Go to Him first, especially for the hard stuff. He has the answer for it all. <br /><br /><b>Let's Pray:</b> Lord, I pray for whoever is reading this and may be in the middle of something hard. Remind them to go to You first. I pray that everyone reading this devotional today will gain the wisdom and the habit of going to God first whenever challenges come up and whenever an answer is needed. Thank you, God, for the challenges we go through, as they make us stronger and provide wisdom. Remind us that we cannot do anything <i>without</i> You but we can do everything <i>with</i> you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. <br /><br /><b>Song of Reflection: </b>“Perfect Wisdom of Our God” by Keith & Kristyn Getty. Listen to it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSnzYnOe6kI" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Author Bio:</b><br /><br />Heidy De La Cruz is a published writer/author and podcaster. She writes the weekly newsletter “Into My Thoughts” on Substack where she shares personal development content, life experiences with life lessons, and faith-based encouragement posts.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLcqLZqLKAYeP5y7xqT2ojMslblmpHvIhJ-SeiHGn4GXMDRlVjP-4ARkCu8mTZzQVTFq6edB5v0X0n0UINIxadFLEilS78C6XTzfbJF3mUyvDGnHIrtIcWrUwbv71L9G9Lw-K-oKS2YhPnArWZbQQq6I3HX-Li9PqNDCK5MYeVY88gsSjkj-2NWpdpUc/s320/Heidy%20De%20La%20Cruz.png" width="199" /></div><br />Heidy is the host of “The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast” where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States. She is also a podcast coach and helps those who desire to host their own show launch. <br /><br />Heidy holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Analyst.<br /><br />In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and their two kids.<br /><br />~*~<br /><b>Connect with Heidy:</b><br />Website: <a href="https://heidydelacruz.com/">https://heidydelacruz.com/</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/">https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/</a></span></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11985638748179175975noreply@blogger.com0