God is Love: Gladys Childs

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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: What it means to offer a “sacrifice of praise”

The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Praise
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”—Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

Have you ever thought about what it means to offer a “sacrifice of praise” to God? It may sound old-fashioned, but it's still one of the most relevant and meaningful things we can do in our modern lives. So, what is sacrificial praise all about?

First, a “sacrifice” is something you give up, often something valuable. In ancient times, it was usually a physical offering like an animal or grain. But here we're talking about a sacrifice of praise. This means our offering isn't tangible; it's our words, our acknowledgment of God's greatness and goodness, even when it's hard…especially when it's hard.

Offering praise as a sacrifice means acknowledging and glorifying God not just when we feel blessed and life is all sunshine and rainbows but also in the middle of our struggles, doubts, and pain. It's about trusting God and thanking Him for His presence in our lives, regardless of our circumstances. This kind of praise is precious to God because it comes from a place of faith and trust, not from our abundance or comfort.

It's easy to praise God when things go our way. However, when life throws us a curveball, our praise becomes a sacrifice. It's a declaration that our faith in God isn't based on our current situation but on who He is and His unchanging love for us. This sacrifice of praise isn't a one-time thing; it's a continuous choice to lift our voices in acknowledgment of His name and sovereignty over our lives.

So, when we talk about offering a sacrifice of praise, we're talking about a lifestyle of worship. This heart posture chooses to glorify God in every moment of our lives. It's powerful because it transforms our perspective, helps us see the beauty in our trials, and draws us closer to God's heart. And there's nothing more engaging and transformative than a life lived in continuous worship, constantly acknowledging the goodness of our God.

Digging deeper, the notion of a “sacrifice of praise” carries a profound personal dimension. It invites us into a dynamic and responsive relationship with God. This kind of sacrifice isn't about loss but transformation and connection. It's a spiritual practice that turns ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

Consider every word of gratitude, every conscious acknowledgment of God's goodness, and every song sung in worship, even amid hardship, as a thread weaving a tapestry of faith and trust. This tapestry becomes a backdrop of our lives, a visual and spiritual representation of our journey with God. It's unique to each of us because it comprises our individual experiences, struggles, joys, and moments of surrender.

Practically, a sacrifice of praise could look like choosing to speak words of thankfulness when you're tempted to complain, singing a worship song when feeling down, or simply saying, “God, I trust you” when facing uncertainty. These actions might seem small or insignificant in the moment, but they are influential acts of worship that honor God and shape our hearts.

What makes this sacrifice unique is its transformative power—not just in our relationship with God, but in how we view our circumstances and engage with the world around us. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God's presence and provision. This shift doesn't deny the reality of our pain or struggle. Instead, it frames it within the larger story of God's faithfulness and love.

Therefore, offering a sacrifice of praise to God is not just a biblical command; it's an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and to participate in the ongoing story of redemption He is writing in our lives. It's about finding joy and peace in the assurance that no matter what we face, we are never alone, and our lives are held in the hands of a loving God.

As we draw to a close, let's embrace the richness of what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise to God. This journey isn't about ignoring the realities of life's hardships but about seeing them through the lens of faith and trust in God's unwavering presence and love. When we lift our voices in praise, even when our hearts are heavy, we step into a realm of faith, transcending our circumstances. Sacrificial praise transforms our lives, knitting us closer to the heart of God and revealing the depth of His love and faithfulness in every season.

Let us walk boldly in this calling, making our lives a continuous offering of praise, a testament to the God whose love never fails and whose goodness shines brightest even in our darkest moments.

Let’s Pray: Lord, we offer You our praise, trusting You through our trials and joys. Strengthen us to see every moment as an opportunity to draw closer to You, making our lives a testament to Your enduring love and faithfulness. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Sacrifice Of Praise” by William Murphy. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

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.

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.

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.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: How to build a deeper connection with God

Building a Deeper Connection with God
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“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)

I’m a writer, speaker and a leader. But, to be completely honest, I am an introvert.

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.

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.

Building Block #1: The Foundation of Love

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.

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.

Building Block #2: The Art of Devotion

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.

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!

Building Block #3: Compassion is Love in Action

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.

Building Block #4: Cultivating a Deeper Connection

So, how do we put this all together and cultivate a deeper connection with God? Here are four practical steps:

Step #1: Set Aside Time: Make a daily appointment with God. It doesn't have to be long, but it should be intentional.

Step #2: Engage with Scripture: Dive into the Bible to understand God's heart. Let it be a dialogue, not a monologue.

Step #3: Live Out Love: Look for opportunities to show love and compassion to those around you. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Step #4: 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.

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.

Let’s Pray: 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.

Song of Reflection: “Speak” by Bethany Music. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

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.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Devotionals for the Heart: Prayer has transformative power for me and you

Unveiling the Purpose in Prayer
A devotional by Gladys Childs

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

—Ephesians 3:14-16 (ESV)

It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. The world bombards us with challenges, uncertainties, and the constant pursuit of success. We might find ourselves overwhelmed, grappling with unseen battles that threaten to weigh down our spirits. Our hearts cry out during these moments for strength, purpose, and resilience.

Enter the transformative power of prayer. Ephesians 3:16 (ESV) reminds us to pray for strength: “that according to the riches of his glory, he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” This verse invites us to tap into a source of strength beyond ourselves. Our hearts become vessels for God's power to work wonders when anchored in prayer.

Imagine your heart as a garden. This garden may face droughts, storms, and the wear and tear of everyday challenges. The worldly perspective might encourage us to fortify the garden with external defenses, attempting to shield it from the harsh elements. However, the biblical counterpoint in Ephesians 3:16 invites us to a different approach: a transformation from within.

This is not about building external walls or barriers, but nurturing something more profound and resilient within us. It's a subtle yet profound shift, moving from a mindset of mere survival to thriving, even in the face of adversity. With all this in mind, let us look at how this transformation from within can occur by focusing on six points from my heart to yours.

Point #1: Beyond Surface-Level Strength
Prayer is not merely a tool for surface-level strength. It goes beyond a temporary boost to face the day; it's an invitation to the Creator of humankind to tend to the garden of our hearts. The prayerful heart seeks to withstand challenges and bloom and flourish amid them.

Point #2: Shaping Character and Virtue
As we pray for strength from the Holy Spirit, our inner being undergoes a metamorphosis. The weeds of doubt, fear, and insecurity are uprooted, allowing into us the seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as detailed in Galatians 5:22–23. Our character transforms into a reflection of God's attributes when we have the Fruit of the Spirit within us.

Point #3: Aligning with God's Purpose
The purpose of prayer isn't just to make us feel good or powerful; it's to align our hearts with God's purpose for our lives. Our prayers become conversations with the Master Gardener, allowing Him to prune away what hinders our growth and nurture the fruits that contribute to His grand design.

Point #4: Impacting the World Around Us
A heart strengthened through prayer doesn't operate in isolation. Like a river flowing from a mountain, the mighty heart shapes the landscape around it. Our transformed hearts become conduits of God's love, impacting our relationships, communities, and spheres of influence. The world witnesses the beauty of a heart surrendered to divine cultivation.

Point #5: Embracing Resilience and Purpose
Prayer equips us with a resilience that surpasses worldly understanding. It's not a guarantee that challenges won't come, but a promise that we won't face them alone. The powerful heart, rooted in prayer, embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, weaving purpose into every twist and turn of life's journey.

Point #6: Surrendering to the Master Gardener
Ultimately, the reflective journey of prayer involves surrender. It's about entrusting the garden of our hearts to the Master Gardener, who knows the perfect seasons for growth, pruning, and blooming. In surrender, we acknowledge that true power comes not from our efforts alone but from yielding to the divine transformation process.

As you reflect on the transformative power of prayer, envision your heart as a thriving garden tended to by the hands of the Creator. May this reflection inspire you to approach prayer not as a duty but as a sacred dialogue that shapes your heart into a powerful force for God's glory.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive the strength and power only You can provide. Amid life's struggles, we seek a powerful heart that beats in rhythm with Your love and purpose. Strengthen us, Lord, with the light of your Holy Spirit, infusing our inner beings with resilience, courage, and unwavering faith. May our prayers be more than petitions; may they be conversations that transform us from the inside out. Let our hearts beat with the purpose You have designed for us, shaping our lives into testimonies of Your grace and power. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song for Reflection: “The Garden” (Acoustic) by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Recommended Reading: The Garden Within: Where the War with Your Emotions Ends and Your Most Powerful Life Begins (book) by Dr. Anita Phillips. Visit the author’s website for more information. Here’s the link, https://www.anitaphillips.com/book.

~*~
Author Bio:

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.