Devotionals for the Heart: A different way to view the trials we face in life

When We View Our Trials Through a Different Lens
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you!”—Psalm 40:5 (ESV)

Here in the Western Hemisphere, it is common for a Christian to read Romans 8:28 and consider how it applies to their own life. Many of us would be surprised to realize that in other parts of the world, Christians read this promise through a very different lens. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) tells us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

North American and European culture focuses heavily on the individual, yet there are many cultures that see everything in terms of the whole—family, community, and tribe. One might call these cultures collectivist. We often forget that the authors of the Bible lived in a collectivist culture too. This stands out in Psalm 40:5 (ESV), with King David’s use of the word us when he said, “You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us.”

This changes the way I read Romans 8:28. Perhaps when Paul says that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, he means that God is working all things for the good of all who love Him.

From watching the lives of those who have gone before us in the faith, we know that good does not necessarily mean a favorable outcome in this life. In the past, there have been generations that have seen nothing but struggle. They died, and the promise was realized in another generation. Hebrews 11:35-40 tells us of the things believers have suffered throughout the ages. It helps to remember this part that says they “did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us” (Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV). Their suffering opened the way for future generations to believe, be saved, and encouraged through their trials.

Throughout the Biblical narrative, we can see the way all of Israel’s sufferings eventually led to the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet even this was during a time of the heavy-handed Roman occupation of Judea and the entire known world. Salvation from Rome did not come during Christ’s lifetime. After Jesus died, was resurrected three days later and ascended into Heaven, His Church on Earth began to grow and flourish. However, that resulted in Roman rule becoming more oppressive and persecution of Christians began. In this difficult time, God was not so much interested in the good of the individual, but the good of a far greater number of people—future generations that would believe in Him.

If you are suffering today, take heart. If you have had a loved one pass from this life without receiving what God has promised, don’t let your faith be shaken. Though God is certainly interested in our individual lives, our personal struggles, and our very tears (Psalm 56:8), these are not the only things He has in mind. Our suffering may be intended for something greater—the good of many.

Now with this in mind, would you join me in praying that God would help us to see our suffering through a different lens?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that Your plan is being worked out in the most intricate and beautiful way. I know my story weaves in with countless others throughout time—even those that have not been written yet. When I suffer, please remind me that my struggles will be used for good in ways I do not even know. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Blessings” by Laura Story. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: The world will know us by the way we love others

Focus on Love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Keep the main thing the main thing?”

I try to do that, and perhaps we all do. But some days, it can be so difficult!

The other day I was at the grocery store for one item specifically: ketchup. Normally, I shop with a list so I buy what I need, not what I want, and also because I get distracted. But that day, I tried to keep it simple and decided I didn’t need a list. Surely I’d remember the ketchup, plus two other things I remembered as I was walking inside.

You can probably guess what happened: Three items turned into ten as I browsed the shelves, and when I left the store, can you imagine what I forgot? The ketchup!

Of course, forgetting ketchup is a minor inconvenience. What’s worse is when we forget the important things.

Every week, Christians around the world gather to worship the Lord and hear God’s Word so we can grow in knowledge and become spiritually mature. But what happens the rest of the week?

Think about the road rage and aggressive driving on our streets, the TV shows we watch, the music we listen to, the way we treat people in our homes and workplaces, the gossiping and the constant worries and the lies and the worldly concerns that fill our minds and our hearts until they drown out the one thing that’s supposed to set us apart: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Or maybe this looks different for you—maybe you’re immersed all week long in matters of faith. You listen to Christian music on the radio, read the Bible every morning, work hard, volunteer at church or at a soup kitchen, and gather regularly with other believers…Only you’re so busy working and gathering and doing that there’s no place left over for the Holy Spirit to move.

All the spots are taken.

Jesus Christ said the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another (John 13:35). In Matthew 22:37-40, when asked by church leaders what is the greatest commandment in all of God’s law, again He pointed to love: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (NIV).

And that’s not all Jesus said about love. He also said:

Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).

Love with mercy and extravagance (Luke 10:25-37).

Love with sacrifice (John 15:9-17).

Love with obedience and holy unity (John 14:15-21).

And yet look at us, those of us who call ourselves Christians. Can others see that love in us? Can they see it in our words and our actions, our mercy and our unity? Denominations are fighting each other over what Jesus would do or say. Christian people are pointing fingers at sin, forgetting the proverbial log in their own eye (Matthew 7:3-5). What is all of this doing to draw other lost sheep into God’s flock?

Nothing.

As 2024 begins, a lot of people are selecting words for the year, themes of purpose or self-growth they need to embrace. Courage. Peace. Hope. These are all good things. But as someone who goes to the store for ketchup only to forget it with all the other distractions, I know the word I need to choose this year. My word is love.

The apostle John tells us, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). He adds, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

This year, let’s keep the main thing the main thing. Let’s focus on what Jesus said was most important: love.

Let’s Pray: Father God, you are love. You sent your son to save us out of your vast love, and he told us love was the most important thing we should focus on—love for you and love for others. Help me not be distracted by worldly concerns or selfish desires or even hard work but instead to keep my focus on you, on love, now and forever. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "Know Us By Our Love" by Moriah. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

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, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

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.

Jessica has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Grace

God Promises to Give You Grace
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”–2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB)

I sat quietly in disbelief after receiving the news that three people in my life were now deceased. Two men of faith who mentored me for decades, suddenly fell asleep (they died). A younger cousin, who I'd seen just months prior, was suddenly taken from our midst.

My heart ached, but the tears would not come. Death can be unexpected and sudden. I felt as if I’d been punched in my gut and the wind was knocked out of me because this pain caught me off guard. There was nothing I could do about this loss. I was emotionally and physically exhausted from fighting in this game called life. I was working two jobs in order to provide for my family and still I was barely making ends meet. I was overwhelmed to say the least and I cried out to God, “Lord, help! This is too much to bear.”

If we are honest, as Christians, we find ourselves at a place of overwhelm a lot. Life throws us curveballs, monkey wrenches, and game-changers unexpectedly. We are oftentimes faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This is a part of our faith walk. Our faith does not make us exempt from the adversity of life. However, our faith sustains us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The Bible says we should not fear evil because God is with us! This truth is tested when we are in the valley because it is then when we experience feelings of despair, loneliness, depression, anxiety, doubt, pain, anguish. We feel defeated as we struggle to walk through the valley. However, we can find solace in the fact that God is with us. He is present to console us, guide us, and provide for us in that place of hardship.

In 2 Corinthians 12:6-9, Paul finds himself in an unfortunate situation. He sought the Lord diligently multiple times, asking God to remove a thorn from Him. He uses a thorn to express a point of extreme difficulty, pain, complexity, and/or controversy. According to three Old Testament scriptural references (Numbers 33:55, Joshua 23:13 and Judges 2:3), Paul’s “thorn” was a demonic angel or messenger sent by Satan to continually stir up persecution against him.

It is documented throughout the book of Acts that virtually everywhere Paul visited, he was persecuted. 2 Corinthians 11:23-26 details his experience. According to this scripture, Paul testifies that he was imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel several times, beaten, and had near death experiences as he spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Five times he received thirty-nine lashes and a beating from the Jews. He was beaten with rods three times and pelted with stones. He was shipwrecked three times and spent time in the open sea. He was constantly on the run from people who wanted to harm him. His life was full of persecution, but this was God’s plan for Paul. Remember: Jesus prophesied that Paul would suffer many things for the sake of Christ at his conversion on the road to Damascus.

After seeking God to take this burden away, God responds by promising His grace. God doesn’t remove Paul’s “thorn”. Instead, He gave him the strength to endure it. Grace is the God-given ability to do what God requires. Grace is giving us what we don’t deserve: ability to conquer and overcome. God enables us to do what we cannot, within our own power. The grace of God is sufficient–it is enough for us to endure hardness as a good soldier.

God promises grace over our lives every day so we can navigate life’s hard situations. The Bible says His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). Not only is God with us, He enables us to stand in the face of adversity even when it feels like our knees will buckle. And if our knees buckle, we can find grace, mercy, and help at His throne. When we are weak, He is strong. In essence, we find our strength through our relationship with God. We lean on the strength of an all-powerful God and our character is perfected. In our weakness, we discover His power and greatness as we walk through life’s valleys. We grow to know and love Him more deeply in trying times and we are better for it.

We can do difficult things and overcome obstacles through the power of Christ.

Call to Action:

1. Acknowledge your true feelings. It’s okay not to be okay. Take that overwhelm, anger, frustration, etc. to God. He is able to accept anything you bring to Him. He can handle your anger, frustration, and pain. Give it all to Him and exchange them for His grace.

2. Face the situation head on. Know that you have sufficient grace to stand firm by faith in the midst of any difficulty. God is with you. 

3. Lean into God’s presence. Find solace in His presence through prayer, mediation, praise, and worship. Even silence, when you don’t have the words, allows you to tap into God’s presence. 

4. Believe that God enables you to accomplish what He requires. If you need to grieve properly, forgive, confess, repent and change your lifestyle, it may not be easy. But God will empower you through His grace to do it. It may be difficult, but it is possible.

5. Remember: All things are possible to him who believes. God’s grace is enough and by faith through grace He equips us to address whatever life brings our way.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your grace that is enough for me. It is enough to sustain and comfort me when I’m in a state of overwhelm, sadness, hopelessness, and despair. You enable me to stand by grace and in faith when life hits hard. When misfortune catches me unaware, I am not alone. You are with me and You are not caught off guard. You know the ending from the beginning and You know the way that I take. Help me to believe in the power and presence of Your grace in every circumstance I find myself experiencing. Thank you, Father, for hearing and answering my prayers. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Were It Not For Grace” by Larnelle Harris. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Taylor is an author, educator, minister, youth advocate, recording artist, podcaster, and improviser. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College. 

She is a veteran educator of Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Language Acquisition with National Board Teacher Certification. She is an advocate of lifelong learning, language learning, and multiculturalism.

Essie is the CEO of KenMar Press, an author agency, and The Essie Faye Collection. Essie is the author of Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love & Acceptance, and Finding The Love Your Deserve: A 60-Day Healing Journal For Women of Faith.

She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. She loves God, people, and helping others.

Essie has been a Christian for nearly all of her 39 years. She was born again at 15 years old. She has been a bilingual worship leader and interpreter for 10+ years. By the grace of God, Essie helped to establish bilingual ministries at five churches in her young life. She is a survivor of domestic violence (verbal and emotional abuse) and marital abandonment in a prior marriage.

Essie is a Chicago native. She lives in Chicago with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When your idea of "family" is complicated

When the Idea of Christian Family is Complicated
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

We hear it all the time—“Father” God. My “brother” or “sister” in Christ.

Likening our relationships with the divine and each other to family members is a common thing. Jesus used familial terms, as did the apostles Peter and Paul.

For some of us, myself included, this analogy works well. I love the idea that I am a “child of God”, that God is my divine parent, and that in Jesus Christ, because of the power of the Holy Spirit that connects us all, I have Christian brothers and sisters across the globe. It makes me feel valuable and reminds me the connection between us is intimate and personal. Just as if we were one big body, if one of us hurts, we all hurt.

But what if the concept of family is painful for us? What if we had an awful, dysfunctional relationship with our earthly father? What if we experienced abuse at his hands, or if he abandoned the family and we never knew him? How would calling God our “father” feel if this is the case for us?

Or the concept of Christian siblings—what if we have a poor relationship with our family? What if we are estranged from a brother or sister, or they harmed us in some devastating way that we are still struggling to forgive?

Recently on Twitter, a Christian woman commented about how she unfollows anyone who calls her “sister in Christ” because she feels it is inappropriate and harmful. Yet my experience is so different. I genuinely am heartened when someone calls me sister. I have a handful of close Christian male friends, friends I have done ministry and mission work with alongside my husband, who I regularly and joyfully call my “brothers.” Feeling like someone is my sister or my brother is helpful for me because it tears down unhealthy human divisions such as racial, age, or cultural barriers. I know in heaven we’ll all be united, and this is my way of helping “Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

And it’s the same with God as father, for me. While I personally think God is so incomprehensible and all-powerful that even ascribing something as basic as gender is a bit like putting God in a box, I still like to think of God as my father. Yes, it’s a human way of looking at it, but Jesus called God his father, and I find it helps me feel closer to God when I call him my father, too.

I loved my earthly father, but I had a complicated relationship with him. He struggled with mental illness and alcoholism, and though he died a Christian, his issues created much pain in our family. Yet when I think of God as “father,” it’s healing for me. God is perfect, the ideal representation of what “father” should represent. He’s the father who never lets us down, never causes pain.

But note one important thing here: all of this is “for me.” See, for me it is healing and helpful to consider God my father and other Christians my brothers and sisters. Yet I know it’s not that way for everyone.

We live in an imperfect world, and other people do let us down, sometimes in horrible, evil ways. When it’s our family, this can have devastating reverberations, sometimes for generations.

Some of us eventually get to the point where we can push aside pain about human family and come to understand and fully appreciate the heavenly family we have instead. But for some of us, that pain is just too raw. We don’t get to that point of acceptance until much, much later in life.

And that’s OK—because God understands.

It’s important to realize our kinship as Christians is far deeper than family ties or family names and roles. Father, brother, sister, mother… those are just titles. The reality is the connection we have through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit lives inside of each of us who believes in and follows Christ. As we’re told in Romans 8:9, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”

It doesn’t matter what label we ascribe to that connection, whether brother or sister or friend, or no word at all. The label doesn’t change the truth, and the truth is that the Holy Spirit lives in and connects each of us to one another, with Christ as our head.

If you are one who has complicated family dynamics and struggles with the concept of God as father or fellow Christians as brothers and sisters, take heart. God knows you and knows why you feel this way. God understands. Perhaps in time, your heart will come to understand the concept of family in a new light.

If you are one who doesn’t have these issues and struggles to understand those who do, I pray you are filled with compassion over the pain some of us have had to experience. We don’t have to understand to love each other and respect each other.

Whether we call ourselves family or not, the reality is that we are one—no matter what label we use.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for all the ways You love us. Help us heal and grow in spite of the issues we face here on earth, and help us love each other well. Enable us to remember the words of Romans 8:28, “That in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “God’s Family” by Tommy Walker. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. She is the author of Feed My Sheep: A 40-Day Devotional to Develop a Heart for Hunger Ministry (2019) and More Like Jesus: A Devotional Journey (2018) and the editor of a number of other books from her newspaper’s Advocate Press, which she helped found in 2017.

She has won more than 100 writing awards and is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, and BibleStudyTools.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.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now. 

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Jesus Christ is Alive forever!

Today is known as "Easter Sunday". It's a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16) that gave us the gift of salvation (Romans 6:23) so we can be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10-11). It is proof that God loves you and He is in the restoration business of restoring souls. He doesn't want to live without you but it's your choice to accept His FREE gift of salvation, be saved and go to Heaven when Jesus Christ returns to take His faithful followers home to Heaven.

How can you be saved?

The Holy Bible says in Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

That's all you have to do to accept Jesus Christ into your heart then you have to live for Him. What that looks like is spending time reading His Word (The Holy Bible), praying to Him, praising Him daily for all the good things He's done in your life, sharing your faith in Jesus with others, trusting Him, obeying Him and following Him all the way to Heaven. 

If you have not already, join a Bible-based, Holy Spirit-filled church where the leaders and pastors have Biblically sound theology and preach God's truth. Make friends with fellow followers of Jesus Christ too because God calls us to live in community with each other and lift each other up in prayer. We are not meant to do life alone.

Meanwhile, here's a song for your heart by Kari Jobe. It's about the fact that Jesus Christ defeated death, rose from the grave, is alive and will reign forever (Revelation 11:15)!

Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should stay close to God all the time

Stay Close to God
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” –Psalm 27:5 (NIV)

It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze. I decided to take a walk at the neighboring park which had a lake and plenty of seating area. I also took my journal and a pen with me, just in case I found a nice spot to sit down and write.

The park was full of people, but it wasn’t too crowded. It was as if everyone realized it was too nice outside to stay indoors. I walked around the lake two times, and I passed by the same people who were walking in the opposite direction. We greeted each other with a smile as we continued to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

I saw a picnic table under a gazebo directly next to the lake. I walked off the path, away from the other people who were walking around the lake, and I sat down at the table. I made myself comfortable as I opened my journal and prepared my pen to write down some thoughts.

In less than a minute, I saw a lady walking toward me. She was looking directly at me, and she sped up as she approached my table. She had been walking behind me when I circled the lake, and she noticed that I was sitting by myself. As she drew closer to me, she said hello and she smiled, but she did not sit down. Instead, she told me about a man who was seated on a bench just directly over her shoulder almost behind a tree. She asked me if I noticed him, and I could not remember seeing anyone over there.

She asked me not to look in that direction as she was speaking to me. She explained that the man was talking to himself, and his words were forceful and somewhat violent. She said that he was very animated, and it was rather intimidating. Then she said she followed me to the table because I was isolated and away from the crowd. I was seated alone and that made me vulnerable. She was concerned for my safety. I thanked her as I promptly gathered my belongings and made my way back home.

As I left the park, I was reminded of how similar this instance was to our daily lives as believers in Jesus Christ. During this journey called life, it would behoove us to stay on the path that leads us to Christ. This includes spending quality time with God, praying throughout the day, reading the Word of God (The Holy Bible), and surrounding ourselves with other believers. When we veer off the path away from others and find ourselves alone and vulnerable, we must remember that the enemy is waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack us. He waits patiently like a lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Once we let our guard down, that is when we are the most susceptible to the devil’s schemes.

Whatever the cost, be vigilant and aware. Seek the attention of other caring believers who will look out for you, and by any means necessary, stay close to God.

Let’s Pray: Loving Lord, thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. If we ever wander from your side, Lord, draw us back to you, and keep us safe in Your loving care. Thank you for Your protection. In Jesus’ s name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” (song) by Mahalia Jackson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood.

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

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

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. 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. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you don't know how to help someone

When You Don’t Know How to Help
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Sometimes when tragedy hits someone you care about, you struggle with how to love them well in the midst of it—especially when there is little you can do. Have you been there before?

A week before Christmas, my amazing and precious niece Kendall, who just turned nine, complained about a bellyache as she fell asleep. Her parents (my husband’s younger brother, Beav, and his wife, Brandy) felt a sizeable hard lump on Kendall’s stomach, just below her sternum, that hurt when they pushed on it.

When they took her to the doctor the next morning, scans discovered their worst fear: it was a massive tumor coming off her kidney.

Beav said it felt like a cold shock ripping through his body.

“In that moment, my entire life changed,” he shared.

As days passed, a biopsy revealed it was a neuroblastoma, an aggressive, fast-growing cancerous tumor on her kidney that was so large it was pushing her spine over. Kendall went through one round of chemo and then the next (with a little break to celebrate Christmas and her birthday in-between). Currently she’s on pause, waiting to begin round three, and a stem cell collection was done yesterday.

The best news is the cancer has not spread beyond the kidney, even though it is what’s called MYCN positive and is a more aggressive mutation of the disease. She’s responding extraordinarily well to treatment so far, getting outstanding care at one of the best pediatric oncology centers in the nation (Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston), and prognosis is positive.

But it’s also incredibly hard—for her, for her parents, and for everyone else in her world. Kendall is the middle child, with an older sister who is eleven and a younger sister who turns two this May, so the diagnosis has caused major upheaval and lengthy hospital stays, with local relatives and friends doing lots of heavy lifting when it comes to childcare and transportation. And the whole situation is terrifying with what feel like hundreds of unknowns…What could happen? What will long-term effects look like?

Family, friends, and acquaintances have been showering the family with well-wishes and other expressions of support. Last week, my husband and I attended an event in honor of Kendall at Jack Brown’s, Columbia, to support a charity called Happy Wheels, which brings brand new books and toys to approximately 400 children weekly at all three children's hospitals in South Carolina. Each child gets to pick out one toy or book of their choice every week for the duration of their admission. They get to keep the gifts and take them home.

All of this is good, touching—thoughtful gestures of love and support to, in some small way, support the care provided to Kendall and kids like her and let them know they are not alone and not forgotten.

But … what else can we do? For me, that’s perhaps the hardest part of all of this—knowing my sweet niece, the fierce firecracker who’s had my heart since her birth, is going through this and there is absolutely nothing I can do to make it better or take it away from her.

For those of us in the family who are Christians, surrounding her with prayer is the only thing we really can do. And so we pray… that God equip her medical team with the skills and knowledge to treat her well, that God enable the medicine to shrink and eventually dissolve her tumor, that she and her parents feel peace, joy, and comfort even on the hardest of days, that she experience a full and complete healing that not only draws her closer to God but also somehow glorifies His mighty name.

We also look for ways to pitch in and help when necessary, whatever that looks like.

That is what we as Christians are called to do. Jesus tells us in John 13:35 (NIV), “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

He says we are to care for each other intimately and lovingly, as if we are caring for the Lord himself, whether that person is sick, in need of clothing, or in prison (Matthew 25:36-40).

Other Scriptures echo this, such as Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

My church is praying for Kendall, as are the churches of a host of friends and family members, including Kendall’s own church. Together as one voice, we lift her up to the Lord, the “great physician” (Luke 5:31), who has the power to do all things.

If you are struggling with illness, or if you have a loved one who is, know you are not alone. This broken world is far from perfect, but one day we will all be together in a place no disease can touch. That place is Heaven. Until then, let’s love one another, care for each other, and pray with all our hearts to the One who made the stars.

Let’s Pray: Lord, please be with Kendall and with all people who are struggling with illness. Help them feel Your love every step of the way. And help us to love them well in Your holy name. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. She is the author of Feed My Sheep: A 40-Day Devotional to Develop a Heart for Hunger Ministry (2019) and More Like Jesus: A Devotional Journey (2018) and the editor of a number of other books from her newspaper’s Advocate Press, which she helped found in 2017.

She has won more than 100 writing awards and is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, and BibleStudyTools.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.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Thankful Thursdays: Baby Christians

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for new (“baby”) Christians!

They are so on fire for Jesus Christ and endeavor to spread the Gospel Truth, also known as “The Good News” with everyone they encounter. The pore over the pages of The Holy Bible and they are eager to tell the world about a Man named Jesus who saved their soul (John 3:16).

For about a year now, I’ve seen different cars with similar bumper stickers and window stickers that say something like, “New Driver. Please be patient.”

When I see that, I automatically think of spiritual parallel along the lines of “Baby Christian. Handle with care” or “New Believer. Please be patient.”

Why is it important to be patient with people who are new to believing in God and following Jesus Christ? Simply because they are still learning and “growing up” in their faith walk with God. And just as when you start anything new (a job, a book study, becoming a parent, etc.), you need to give yourself grace and room for error. Nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Why? Because we’re all human which means we have flaws! We are not perfect.

Oftentimes, we either stand amazed at the passion baby Christians have for God or we are astounded when they make mistakes that more mature Christians would have avoided. This is why it’s important to be patient and help guide them back to the Bible. We need to help them survive their rocky road that happens after the new, exciting, fulfilling and invigorating feel of being a Christian fades away.

It's important to encourage baby Christians to keep drinking their “milk” but also prepare to start eating “meat” as they grow up in their relationship with God. Read more about this in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2.

Christians who are older and more seasoned by life should come along those new to the faith and share their wisdom in due time. We should make them aware of the pitfalls and remind them that there’s always hope because God is always there for us. The Bible says He will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We should encourage new Christians to keep the line of communication (prayer) between themselves and God open and remind them to keep talking to God even when He seems distant. The Bible says if we draw near to God, then He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

If you are reading this and you are a baby Christian, I want to encourage you to always go to God, no matter how you feel. He loves you with all of His Heart! When times feel dark and all hope seems lost, choose your faith over your feelings and keep moving forward in your faith journey with your Creator (God) because He is right there, by your side. He never left. Rest in Him. Abide in Him.

Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep trusting in Him. God didn’t bring you this far to leave you. He is with you every step of the way. Keep following His Son (Jesus Christ) all the way to Heaven.

Be encouraged by listening to this song by CeCe Winans, "He's Always There."

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog

My Review of the NEW movie "God's Not Dead: We the People"

My Review of God's Not Dead:We the People (movie)

Recently, I had the remarkable opportunity to view a pre-screening of the new movie, God's Not Dead: We the People. This is the fourth film in the God's Not Dead franchise and it's just as poignant and well-done as the previous installments!

Before I share my review with you, I'd like to tell you about the movie through a word from Momentum Influencers: “The God’s Not Dead franchise continues in God’s Not Dead: We the People as Reverend Dave (White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families. He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for, Reverend Dave is called to Washington D.C. to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come. In the words of Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is a fragile thing”. Individual freedoms and liberties are at the center of this passionate and emotional story, and it runs from the heart of the country to the corridors of Washington. Who will decide what a child needs to know for generations to come? Will God be left behind?”

~*~

My Review of God's Not Dead: We the People (movie):

This movie was amazing from start to finish! 

The viewer is able to join the characters on their journey. It's like you're invited into every scene and experience all the feelings of the actors who did a great job of staying in character!

God's Not Dead: We the People tackles an issue that is close to the hearts of many Christian parents who feel led by God to homeschool their children instead of sending them to public schools. The debate and conflict around this issues was perfectly portrayed in this fiction story on film. I believe that any Christian parent who struggles with deciding what's best for their child's eduction, will appreciate this story brought to life by these wonderful actors!

Speaking of the actors, I was delighted to see that one of my favorite Contemporary Christian musicians had a lead role in this movie! Francesca Battistelli stars as a wife and mom who wants to homeschool her children. 

(Pictured above: Francesca Battistelli in character)

Just like her mother Kate Battistelli who played Anna opposite of Yul Brynner in the Broadway play The King and I, Francesca delivered a believable and well-done performance! Clearly, the acting apple doesn't fall far from the tree and singing is not Francesca's only amazing talent.

This movie included several subplots that enriched the overall story and each little picture contributed to they big picture. Speaking of pictures, the Director of Photography truly delivered! Every scene and backdrop is beautiful.

I also enjoyed seeing several of the actors from the previous movies in this series, return to the screen. It was wonderful to see how their personal stories continued in this movie.

God's Not Dead: We the People arrives in theaters tonight (Oct. 4) and will continue playing on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6. However, those are the only dates for when you can see this movie for now. So don't wait! Buy your ticket here and visit the movie's official website here for more details.

Watch the official trailer for this movie here:

Learn about the heart of the movie here:

Devotionals for the Heart: Discipleship

The Path of Discipleship
A devotional by Wendy Wilson Spooner

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:34-35 (KJV)

Jesus Christ was the perfect example of staying on the path of discipleship. He showed us the ultimate way to live: His way.

Three important milestones mark the road of Biblical discipleship.

Milestone #1: Love your enemies.

Love is certainly the defining attribute of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Mosaic command was to love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind and strength. But Christ’s personal teachings went deeper and extended the commandment to love your enemies as well. Ultimate love was shown when Jesus laid down his life for his friends, His disciples, the lost, you, me, and even the very worst of sinners.

Milestone #2: Feed His sheep.

In Romans 10:14 (KJV), disciples and followers of Christ were taught, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” In Christ’s time, early believers made a world of difference when they opened their mouths, testifying and sharing the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose form the dead that we might all have eternal life.

Milestone #3: Endure to the end.

Hebrews 3:12-13 (KJV) says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Enduring to the end means doing your best to stay faithful to the last day, in keeping God’s commandments, believing in His Word, and having faith amidst even the worst of trials.

The early disciples of Jesus Christ were brave and courageous testifiers in an incredibly barbaric time in the history of this earth. What we can learn from them will surely help us in our day.

These same three important milestones mark the road of present-day discipleship.

Milestone #1 (revisited): Love your enemies.

This is a big one in our day. With our nation (for those of us here in the United States of America) seemingly divided on many topics, where and how do we show love for our enemies? Some of us have the opportunity daily to practice. Many find success by being kind on social media, standing for Christ without guile in the midst of an anti-Christian workplace, and by turning the other cheek when persecuted by hostile neighbors.

Milestone #2 (revisited): Feed His sheep.

Belief in Christ cannot exist without knowledge of Him. Maybe this is why Isaiah 52:7 (KJV) says, because salvation comes only from hearing the gospel, the feet of those who bring it are beautiful. My painted toenails do kind of make my feet beautiful, but I don’t think this is what the apostle Paul was getting at. In his day, the common footwear was sandals. Dirty feet were part of everyday life. But imagine receiving the good news from someone like Paul, who was so committed to sharing the gospel that he gave his life for the very cause. That’s beautiful. And to those who were saved because of Paul’s efforts, I’m sure it was a beautiful sight to see his feet approaching.

Milestone #3 (revisited): Endure to the end.

What does it mean to endure to the end today? It hasn’t changed over time. It still means to have faith that God will carry us through the worst of trials, that keeping the commandments matters for our happiness and others, and that the atonement of Jesus Christ will make everything right in the end.

Are we disciples today? I know countless people who are. And we can bring more into the fold before the second coming of our Savior (Jesus Christ). How can we best show Jesus that we follow Him and love Him?

By bringing others unto Him.

We become true disciples of Jesus Christ when we learn to live for others. God is the director of the work in which we are engaged. He knows sometimes the path is overgrown with weeds, or that it’s so dark we will stumble for a time. But we belong to Him.

We are His, and He will help us every step of the way.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help us stay on the path leading back to you. When we stray, aid us in quickly returning to avoid getting lost. And Father, help us guide others to you and your path, that many of your sons and daughters can return arm-in-arm, strengthened together by each other’s fortitude. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Wendy’s devotional message today reminds me of this song “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wendy Wilson Spooner, Lic. G., LCoT, is a professional Genetic Genealogist by day, a writer by night, and an artist in between.

Her love of what we can learn from history compels her to write the true stories she unearths during research, and she’s found that truth is indeed, much more exciting and inspiring than fiction.

Wendy writes about family, faith, grief, art, and overcoming obstacles in life by coming to know who we really are—children of God, and, the descendants of remarkable people who paved the way for us—even if they really struggled. She believes in learning from ancestors, honoring them, and then standing on their shoulders to become someone even better.

As an award-winning author of professional articles and poems, Wendy Wilson Spooner turned to novel writing to share what she knows with a greater audience. When she is not writing or researching, she currently serves as National Vice Chair for Daughters of the American Revolution over Art & Sculpture in the annual American Heritage contest. She also serves as Chairman of the Advisory board for Century Vital Records in Bengaluru, India.

Wendy loves to read, hike, paint, travel, binge on Bollywood movies, and spend time with her greatest loves—her family.

Her debut novel, Once Upon an Irish Summer, released April 3, 2020. It has been a best-seller in the several different genres. She’s looking forward to releasing book two in the series!

~*~
Connect with Wendy:
Website: https://wendywilsonspooner.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3lpNZSY
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorWendyWilsonSpooner/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wendy_W_Spooner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyspooner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-wilson-spooner-07741249/

Devotionals for the Heart: Religion

Religion and Our Modern Day
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” 

– James 1:26-27 (NIV)

I’ve written before how I love the book of James for its fire. It’s an exhortation more than a letter or as the kids say he’s “calling us out”. If this was a sermon, the preacher would be leaning over the pulpit, arms waving, in full voice. He’d be shaking the back pews with these words. In the verse above, his focus is on how we practice our religion.

Now, hearing the word ‘religion’ can make some of us wince. The world has soured on religion and the term has taken on some negative connotations. I don’t think this is because the world is any more sinful than it has ever been. I suspect it has to do with Christians (and others) behaving badly, while claiming faith. It’s also likely a shift in the modern mindset.

In a lot of ways, technological advancement has become a kind of religion itself. It doesn’t take a lot to put your faith in modern science and medicine. It doesn’t cost you anything, asks nothing from you. You can keep the parts you like and reject the rest. Faith in Jesus Christ, however, that takes work, it will cost you your life, so to speak. We die to self when we follow Christ.

In our modern times there’s an emphasis on self-expression and individuality. Being heard is a big deal. Sometimes, that’s a good thing. But as Christians, we need to be careful about what we express. We need to watch what we put out in the world. Essentially James is calling on us to ‘mind your business’, the Kingdom’s business.

Whether its traffic when you’re running late, an obnoxious coworker, a rude customer, a family member in crisis, or even a stranger spewing hate, we need to keep a grip on ourselves. We need to remember our purpose and focus our mind and bodies on the mission, not the moment. That can be a serious challenge in times like these when we are pressed from all sides.

However, now is when we need this control and focus the most. When we’re being distracted by culture, politics and fear, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and our tongues in check.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, please give us the strength to love our enemies, friends, and neighbors in all circumstances. Make us instruments of your peace in a fallen world. Please help us to be salt and light, unpolluted by the world while active within it. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction. 

She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college’s literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house.

Her most recent work, The Redemption Road, finished the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England.

~*~
Connect with Christa:
Website: www.christamacdonald.com
Newsletter: https://christamacdonald.com/connect-with-christa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538432676468229/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33uk329
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CricketMacD
Christa's book publisher: http://mountainbrookink.com/about-us/authors/christa-macdonald/

Devotionals for the Heart: Choose Joy

Joy
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”–Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

Do we “find” joy or do we create it? Is the joy we want sitting below the surface, waiting for us to uncover it, like a seashell on the beach? Or is it something we need to actively work at because we’re not going to be joyful all on our own?

I believe, like so much of the Christian life, it’s probably a little bit of both.

In Christian circles, we often talk about the difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is more about circumstance so that some days we are happier than others. During hard times, it’s understandable for us to be less happy in general, than during those days when our lives are easier. But what about joy? Should we be joyful during those times, even if we can’t quite manage to be happy?

Years ago I read an article about the psychology of cheering yourself up if you were feeling blue. It suggested playing some music that matched your mood. Maybe it was a little sad or heavy, then as you continue to listen to music, begin to choose songs that are more upbeat and happier. Pretty soon you’ll be feeling lighter, too. Is it an artificial feeling? Maybe somewhat, but we have hearts and attitudes that can be swayed when we choose to.

In a similar manner, can’t we choose joy as well? In the verses from Habakkuk above, we see evidence that the nation of Israel was not doing well. Although we don’t know a lot about this particular prophet, scholars have determined that he was probably a contemporary of Jeremiah and Zephaniah. The days were difficult, yet he is determined to declare that he will rejoice in God. He knew what God had done for the Israelites over the years and that there would be salvation for the righteous. Whether Habakkuk felt it or not, he encouraged them—and himself—to see the joy even in those things.

James 1:2 (NLT) says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” That one doesn’t sugarcoat it at all. We should be joyful in spite of our circumstances or even more because of them. That’s an important reminder.

Philippians 4:4 (NLT) reminds us to “Always be full of joy in the Lord.” His life was marked by shipwrecks, stoning, and prison sentences. He couldn’t always have felt joyful, but he knew he should always be rejoicing. In chapter 5 of Galatians, Paul tells us that joy comes as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Hopefully as we mature in our walk, the fruit we see in our lives will become fuller and more evident. How great would it be to spill over with so much joy (as well as peace and patience and all the others) that we can’t help but spread it wherever we go?

So it seems like God will help us find joy as we create space and opportunity for Him to do so, through obedience to the Holy Spirit, regardless of circumstances, and certainly regardless of our feelings.

I’m ready for some holy joy today. How about you?

Let’s Pray: Father God, give me a sense of joy in whatever I face today. I want more of You and Your Spirit and I want to share that love and joy to those around me. Thank You for your faithfulness in all things. I love You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. 

~*~

Connect with Glynis:
Website: www.glynisbecker.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7

Devotionals for the Heart: How to tell if a person is a disciple of Jesus Christ

Can people tell I’m a Christian?
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Maybe I’m wearing a Bible verse T-shirt and carry a cute travel mug with “I run on Jesus and coffee.” Maybe I clasp a cross around my neck, tuck a Bible into my work bag, and say things like “God bless you” or “I’ll pray for you.”

Is that enough? Is that how other people can tell I’m a Christian?

Sadly, no. It doesn’t matter what we wear or even the words that come out of our mouths. We can say the sweetest, kindest words, but nothing identifies us as a Jesus-follower other than one key thing.

Love.

At the Last Supper, the day before His crucifixion, Jesus was talking with His disciples about the importance of caring for each other. He’d washed their feet, exemplifying servant-leadership, and shared bread and wine with them, which he said represented His own body and blood, which would soon be sacrificed for them.

Then Jesus told them He wouldn’t be with them much longer. Therefore, He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV).

These words are profound: a commandment to love, just as Jesus loved us. We are to love with an all-encompassing, sacrificial love, a love that points to the Father first. This love Jesus speaks of isn’t just a feeling—He’s talking about love as an action. And how do we love others? We love them by caring for them, tending to their needs, feeding them.

In Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV), before the crucifixion, Jesus indicated how we are to love: with mercy. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

And in John 21, after His resurrection, Jesus gathered around a campfire on the bank of the river roasting fish they’d just caught and reiterated this. “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep’” (John 21:15-18 NIV).

If you love me, you’ll feed my sheep, Jesus says—you’ll take care of my sheep.

Who are Jesus’s sheep? All of us. Those who already believe in Jesus, who belong to God’s church, are His sheep…but so are those who don’t yet believe, but one day will. All are His sheep. All are valued. And all deserve love.

So if you want to wear a Scripture hoodie, great! If that cross tattoo helps you stay focused on your faith walk, go for it. But remember: nothing we wear or say indicates that we follow Christ—only the love we show others in His name.

How can you show others the love of Christ?

Let’s Pray: Lord, You know I’m a work in progress, and that I don’t always love my neighbors as myself. Help me to open my heart to people. Put compassion and love in my heart. Help me to see other people and their needs and have the strength, courage, and Spirit to step up and help them in Your name. Help me to showcase Your love in all I think, say, and do. In your precious name I pray, Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Jessica’s devotional today reminds me of this song “How Beautiful” performed by Twila Paris.

~*~
Author Bio: 

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

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, and a member of the Wholly Loved Ministries team.

Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need faith in God and good works too

Faith and Works 
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” –James 2:14-18 (NIV)

The book of James is a favorite of mine. Plain-spoken and convicting, he’s dropping literary bombs through the whole text. He is on fire, like an old-time revival pastor up in the pulpit preaching with every fiber of his being.

The passage above is powerful, practical wisdom, and then that kicker in verse 18, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” Mic drop.

“Faith without works is dead.” We’ve heard it said so many times, but what does it actually mean? For me, it’s been a question I’ve asked myself at every stage of my life because faith and works at 15 can look different than it does at 50.

My family was fractured when I was growing up. Although healing and reconciliation came later, there were years of struggle. I will tell you the truth; nothing puts a chip on your shoulder faster than growing up as a have-not among the haves. It isn’t easy. You can’t help but compare yourself with those around you, and if you somehow manage to avoid it, your peers will happily remind you.

That was the lens through which I viewed the world as I grew into young adulthood. It helped me see the hypocrisy in the churches that would say all the right things but ignore the needs in the community around them. They’d support missions overseas while homelessness and poverty devastated their neighbors. What’s the point of a church that has no heart for their neighbors? If they’re writing a check but not giving of themselves, what good is it? God calls us to be salt and light. The only way we can do that is by actively participating in the world around us, not to become worldly, but to shine God’s light in the darkness.

Whenever I log on to start a day at work, whenever I interact with anyone outside of my house, I remind myself that I am not just a woman, a mom, wife, and manager, but I’m also a redeemed sinner, a Christian, and my highest calling outside my home is to show my faith by my deeds in a world that is hungry for the Gospel. Every decision I make, every action I take, I need to keep my focus on God. His priorities have to come first, not mine. Not an easy task, but it’s a vital one.

God doesn’t need Christians in gated communities to write checks for good causes and only associate with other believers. He wants us out in the world, ministering, witnessing. Whatever way He has equipped you, whatever your gifts, don’t hide them away or save them for church on the weekends. Show your faith by your deeds to the world that so desperately needs the Good News. Be a light for all.

Let’s Pray: Lord, we pray that the Holy Spirit fills us each time we step out of our doors so that we live our faith in word and deed, being the salt and light in a dark and troubled world. Help us to use the gifts you’ve given us to live the Gospel and reach the lost. In Jesus Christ's Name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction.

She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college’s literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house. 

Her most recent work, The Redemption Road, finished the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England.

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Connect with Christa:
Website: www.christamacdonald.com
Newsletter: https://christamacdonald.com/connect-with-christa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538432676468229/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33uk329
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CricketMacD
Christa's book publisher: http://mountainbrookink.com/about-us/authors/christa-macdonald/

Devotionals for the Heart: Joy and peace that can only come from God

Overflowing Joy
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

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

The biblical book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, a Jewish man of Greek culture and Roman citizenship. He was smart and erudite. He claims to have been educated in the school of Gamaliel, which was an academic prep school of Jewish law for Pharisees.

We know that he was ardent, passionate and persuasive with more than a dash of sociopathy. We know this because of his pursuit and persecution of early Christians. But then he met the risen Jesus Christ on Damascus road. Over the course of time, he gained the confidence of the burgeoning group of Christians and became the most prolific of the Christian evangelists.

As he matured in his experience with his new friend Jesus Christ, he became less legalistic and more filled with grace, peace, joy and hope. This became his legacy for the church. As I have matured, I too have moved away from legalism and the accusatory, holier than thou, mindset that it incites. Thank you, God!

Now, I understand the intent of true spirituality and how we grow in grace. This verse actually articulates a method or pathway to spiritual effectiveness and power. Clearly, the first step is the acceptance of the implicit foundation of faith that there is a God who is personally concerned with your life and how you impact the world around you.

Because all behavior is based on foundational beliefs, we act upon our belief in God, hoping that the faith is not in vain. As we exercise our hope, we develop confidence. Because we have accumulated positive experiences, we become assured of the presence, guidance, and affirmations of God.

Armed with the confidence of God’s presence and the confidence that it gives, fear and timidity are minimized and peace is magnified and projected. The foundation of fear is a sense of insufficiency. I do not have the strength, confidence or acumen to meet my immediate challenge. But, when you have the confidence that God will not put upon you more than we can bear, we look for that supernatural infusion that meets the need, or the way of dignified escape.

We should not become arrogant, but we should be confident that the welded relationship with God is unbreakable. With that, we stand with internal peace that radiates from us to those around us. To this peace comes the awareness of joy. We can notice the beauty around us, smell the scents of flowers, hear the chirping of the birds in the trees and see artwork in the clouds. This peace is notable. I think of Daniel’s influence in Babylon, even and maybe especially while in the lion’s den.

A few years ago, I became friends with an Arabian Sheikh. He was a member of the Court of the King of Bahrain. He invited me to his home and sent a chauffeur to pick me up. After we chatted for an hour, he had his personal chef bring us some tea and snacks. As it turns out, we appreciated the same snacks. Before our meeting adjourned, he told me that he had a friend that I had to meet, then he stepped out of the room.

After a few moments, I heard a dog barking and running down the hallway to the parlor where I was sitting alone. I hoped that it would not be a big, dangerous dog. It was a Springer Spaniel. He bounded across the cavernous room and I spoke to him and put my hand near the floor. He slid to a stop on the marble floor, right at my hand and rolled over for me to rub his chest. The Sheikh came into the room and was startled. He called his wife to come and see the dog contentedly allowing me to pet him.

The Sheikh said to me, “If he likes you that much, I must do the same. You will always be welcomed in our home.” He then introduced me to his wife. I think that the dog ratified to the Sheikh that I was a godly man of peace and joy. When your life is moving up the pathway of peace, the world and all therein recognize it. That is the overflow that Paul mentions in the next phrase. Some may accept and revel in your hope, peace and joy. Others may challenge you. If they do, stay planted in your faith and experience. Look for the overflow of joy!

I have often said that “if the fulfillment of your dreams does not require the miraculous intervention of God, it is too small.” I think this may have been what the apostle Paul meant when he used the phrase “overflow with hope.”

Every morning when God wakes you to start a new day, I advise you to do this: Check your hope, peace and joy. Open your spirit so that what God has given to you can flow into the life experience of others.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps. 

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. 

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.