Devotionals for the Heart: The Power of Prayer and Believing God

The Power of Prayer
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

“Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.”—James 5:17-18 (NLT)

Is prayer your last resort or your first line of defense?

Life can come at us fast—sometimes striking us at a lightning-fast speed! In those challenging moments, praying seems useless. You may have asked yourself, “How can praying change what’s happening to me right now?”

If that’s you right now, I get it because I have said that before as well. However, as I grew deeper in my faith and relationship with the Lord, my thoughts changed.

Oftentimes we are expecting God to either stop the storm or don’t allow it to happen. When what’s happening does not “seem” to cooperate with our prayer, then the enemy plants a seed in our mind. It shows up as thoughts that sound something like this: See? Prayer doesn’t work! It has no power. If it did, then why did that happen? Have you ever heard those lies whispered by the enemy?

In those moments, the challenge we face may appear as if nothing is changing. But have you ever considered that it could have been worse? What if you didn’t pray? What else might have taken place that could have destroyed you? But by the grace of God, He heard your prayers and kept you alive.

As we reflect on the life of Elijah and his life of prayer and faith, it sets the tone for how we should react to what is happening in our minds and in the world around us. Elijah prayed according to the will of God for no rain to fall and it didn’t (1 Kings 17:1). It’s in that same way God wants us to exercise our faith in Him.

What if He doesn’t answer the way we want Him to and in the time we want Him to? Does that mean prayer is powerless? What I have learned is that prayer is not just God answering me; it’s building our relationship with Him. This makes a difference in our lives.

The power that prayer has is to not only pull down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4), but to help us understand that when the answer isn’t as we expected, God is still Sovereign and prayer is still a necessary and a vital piece of the Armor of God that He encourages us to wear every day and night (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Scriptures are replete with the prayers of faith that moved mountains (Matthew 17:20), caused the Red Sea to part (Exodus 14:21-23). This is evidence that prayer has power and moves God to act (Matthew 21:22). The question then becomes, “Do we believe what we are praying for?” Do we believe in the importance and effective use of prayer? The Word of God (The Holy Bible) declares in James 5:16 (KJV), “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” If we don’t expect to receive what we asked for, then there’s a good chance we are treating prayer a last resort and not the first line of defense.

This season of my life seems very long. There are things that I have been praying and believing God for—most likely you are as well. While the specific things I have been talking to the Lord about have not materialized yet, I have noticed that other things that I have prayed for decades and years ago are being answered. Prayer isn’t less effective because the answer isn’t what we expected; it’s more effective because it changes our hearts and builds our faith.

Think back to a time when you prayed and you didn’t receive what you asked for from God. Over time, what did you notice about your heart? Did the Lord open the eyes of your heart and shown you something, that all you could do was nod your head and said “Father, thank You?” I have. In that moment, did you think your prayer was meaningless because it didn’t materialize as you thought or did you think, “My God, what if what I requested had come to pass? Thank You for not answering that prayer how I wanted it to be answered!”

Today I want to encourage you to keep praying! Prayer will change things and it will also change you. Know that as the storms come—literally and figuratively— God hears our prayers and He will come through in the way that is best for us.

Don’t believe the lies of the enemy telling you that prayer has no power! The devil will stop at nothing to ensure we don’t grasp the fact that prayer always works!

God is not deaf. He will answer our prayers in His perfect time and according to His will. Remember: God’s response is either a “Yes”, “No” or “Wait”. Whatever the response you feel He is giving you, trust His timing and His best for you.

Know that before the foundations of this Earth were made and humans were created by God, He knew what you would face today. He knew the exact need and made plans for it to be met. He is not withholding from you. Instead, in your season of waiting, God is developing within you the importance of prayer and waiting.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for teaching us the importance of prayer! You showed us that even before we pray, You hear us and you answer us. Help us to look to You to access this power of prayer that You have given us to pull down, root up, to bind, to loose and to plant. It’s You who gives us this authority. Help us to stand in it and use our voice to make changes happen. We love You and thank You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

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

God Rewards Relentless Prayers
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~

Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Miracles can happen when you praise God

Power in Praise
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

—Psalm 150:6 (ESV)

In my early 20s, I didn’t fully comprehend the power of praise until I was in desperate need of God’s divine intervention on my behalf.

I was a new drama teacher on a three-year provisional teaching license, since I had been unable to pass the math section of The Praxis, the state teacher’s exam. Math and I have a love-hate relationship. I avoid it at all costs. Yet, I had been forced to take the math section three times because each time I missed the passing score by one point.

When I discovered the state had gone to a composite scoring system (combining scores for writing, reading, and math), I was elated. This meant I could take the reading section again and, by increasing my points, I could offset the math deficiency. I needed to score three points above my previous reading score to make it work.

For months, I studied the guides to The Praxis reading test. The night before the test, I knew I had done all I could do to be ready. One study guide even said not to study anything more the night before because the likelihood of absorbing anything new was low. So, I tried to relax, but my mind raced with worry. What if I didn’t get the extra points I need? I had run out of time to take the test again. This was my last shot.

Everything I tried to use as a distraction didn’t work. So, I opened my Bible and prayed. I went to the Book of Psalm and I found comfort in Psalm 18:6 (ESV), “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

Psalm 18 is King David’s address to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies. As I meditated on the Psalm, it hit me:

Whenever David had a problem, he prayed, worshipped, and then, he praised God. He praised God in every circumstance. In the highs, the lows, the sufferings, and yes, even the pain. He is our example of a true worshipper with a heart after God. So, I followed his example. I put on my praise and worship music and for several hours I sang, danced, wept, and praised my God.

The next morning I rose, refreshed and renewed, and took my final reading test. The rest was up to God. Weeks later, I got a notification that my scores were ready. During my lunch break I made the call. When I heard the score I couldn’t believe my ears. I had passed! Not with just three extra points, but seven above that!

Seven is God’s number of completion. I felt in my spirit that not only did He give me what I needed, but because I had taken the time to praise him despite the outcome, he honored his word in Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV), that says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Don’t miss the most important part of those verses! He is able to do according to the power at work within us. What ignites His power within us is praise.

No matter what your situation, there is power to face it, endure it, overcome it, and change it through your praise. I guarantee it! I encourage you to take the leap of faith forward with praise. Praise Him through your tears, heartache, stress, or sorrow. As David declared in Psalm 150:6 (ESV), “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”

Praise is power. And God’s power will overcome for you! Praise the Lord!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for working on my behalf as I seek You in my need. I praise You with all that I have and all that I am. I praise You on the mountain and in the valley because You are worthy of all praise in every circumstance. There is no one like You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.”

If you’re not sure how to praise, the song below is an excellent place to start.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 150” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint. 

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/
Email: mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God Will Help You Right On Time

Help Is On The Way
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

–Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)

I looked at the calendar for the third time that morning. Friday was only a few days away and I was trying so hard not to worry. The pandemic had just started, I had lost my job, and in my husband’s line of work, all financial transactions had come to a halt. It was one of those months.

We had to be careful and creative with paying bills: prioritizing the necessities, and putting off the ones that could hopefully wait. We had been successful in the past with this type of juggling, but this time it was different. There were more payments due than we had money to cover.

We tried all week to pull together the best we could to handle the enormous bill that was staring us in the face. It was Wednesday night, and this bill was due on Friday. My husband and I knelt to pray that night. We asked God for not just His provision, but also wisdom to handle the payment. Maybe we missed something and there was a way to do this, but we had not thought of it yet. We repeated back to God His promise that He would provide all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). We had faith that God would do something, but we were just not sure what that “something” would be.

Thursday came and went. Still nothing. Friday rolled around and before we made that dreaded phone call to the bank, we decided to check the mailbox. Everything looked the same as usual – a bunch of brochures and unwanted junk mail, but in the middle of that pile was a blank envelope addressed to me. I did not recognize the return address from across the country, but I opened it right then, out of curiosity.

Inside the envelope was a typed letter from a medical company, and right below the perforated line was a check. It was a reimbursement from a medical service that was rendered almost two years prior, and the amount of the check exceeded the amount of the enormous bill that was due that same day! We had no idea that we overpaid for this service, and we had no expectation for a refund, especially not two years later. 

When I looked closely at the envelope, I noticed that it was postmarked on Tuesday of that week. My eyes filled up with tears. When my husband and I knelt to pray on Wednesday night, that check was already en route to our address. I remembered the reassuring scripture found in Isaiah 65:24 (NIV): “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” God knew that we were experiencing this problem and He had already provided the solution.

What a memorable blessing and a reminder for us all that God is devoted to providing our every need! He has our best interest at heart and His timeliness cannot be matched. His love and gentle care for our concerns are proof that we serve a faithful God.

Let’s Pray: Our Faithful Father and God, we just want to praise You for each time that You have answered our prayers, even before we spoke the words. We are eternally grateful for Your love and we are humbled to know that You care so much about us. May we all draw closer to You and learn to trust You even more. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12.

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

~*~
Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: Answers

What Am I Searching For?
A devotional by Jessica Collazo

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” –Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)

A few weeks ago, I attended a conference where the keynote speaker said something that has stood with me, which if I am honest, I am still processing.

She talked about how Jesus had all of the answers.

You may think, “Jessica, we know that already.” But I want us to pause and think about the weight of that statement. As Jesus walked this earth, he was fully God, meaning He knew all things. Everything that has happened, was happening and would happen.

For some reason, this stood out to me this time because I truly started to think about how I can get fixated on having all the answers. On understanding why things are happening or what solutions I can come up with. This was the first time that it hit me. Finally, I realized that Jesus had all of the answers, and that didn’t stop him from feeling the weight of everything that would happen to him: the sadness of losing a friend, the anger of seeing the house of God disrespected.

I have lived my life seeking to have answers, thinking that if I have the answers, it would change how I feel or the overall outcome of the situation. I am guilty of spending more time praying for answers to my situation, than praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me through the situation.

It is only through prayer and intimacy with God that I can face my problems. I have to accept that there are times when I may have answers to why things happen, but other times I may not. I also have to acknowledge that having answers cannot supersede having faith in God.

Jesus fully surrendered His will to His Heavenly Father, and I must learn to do the same no matter what is happening in my life. I know how hard life can be, but I hope that today you can remember that so does Jesus.

Let’s Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much that you willingly came to this earth and carried the weight of our sins on that cross. Thank you for modeling what it’s like to wrestle with your emotions yet fully surrender your will to the Father. I pray for anyone who is struggling at the moment and seeking to understand why things are happening in their life. I pray that they would find peace in you. Help them to surrender their need for answers, and trust that you are taking care of every detail of their life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. 

*Note from Alexis: Jessica's devotional message today reminds me of the song "My Jesus'" by Anne Wilson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Collazo is a Chicago native with a heart that beats for Jesus. 

Her passion is to challenge women to think differently, gain a new perspective and live confidently. Because she knows, it’s possible.

Using God’s Word, a little bit of humor, strategic way of thinking and personal stories, Jessica offers a fresh take on where to go when women feel stuck, overlooked or overwhelmed.

Jessica’s greatest passion is to help women take off the identities they have been given by the world and realize who they are in Christ: known, dearly loved, set apart, and chosen.

Jessica is the senior manager of operations at Proverbs 31 Ministries who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Jerry, two sons and dog, Sawyer. Prior to working at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Jessica has over 10 years of experience working in women’s ministry, marriage ministry and outreach.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicacollazo/
Website: https://jessicacollazo.com

Thankful Thursdays: My thoughts on the power of prayer

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for the power of prayer!

Earlier today, I prayed for a woman in the parking lot of the grocery store. She asked me for money and shared her story of hardship. I told her that I didn't have money to give but I could pray for her. So then and there, I placed a hand on her shoulder, we both bowed our heads and I prayed. I asked God to send her people who could help her and to help her and her family through this tough time.

Hours later, I've already forgotten her name but I know that God knows her name and He heard my prayers for her and He'll answer those prayers according to His will because God loves ALL of His children so I am certain He will send help.

This Thursday, I'm doing something different with my routine "Thankful Thursdays" post. I'm going to share a video of a sermon by Dr. Tony Evans. The sermon is titled, "Prayer That Works." After you watch his message, I ask that you please pray for him and his wife Lois. She is battling a rare form of cancer. You can learn more about her situation by reading this article (click here).

I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that God always answers every prayer that we pray to Him. God's Word (The Holy Bible) advises us in Hebrews 4:16 (KJV), "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Read more Bible verses about the power of prayer by clicking here.

As promised, you can watch the sermon by Dr. Tony Evans by pressing the play button on the video below. 

Be encouraged, friends! God loves you!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of "God is Love" blog

Devotionals for the Heart: On Mercy

The Mercy Seat
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” ~Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Everyone knows what it means to have a bad day. The kind you wish you could wake up again and start over. I was having a couple of days that seemed to be turning into a bad week.

It started on Sunday with a 24 hour fast accompanied by a cleanse for a colonoscopy on Monday to rule out cancer, then a return to work on Tuesday to find my substitute didn’t follow my lesson plans. Later, my pharmacy was not able to fill my pain prescription because of lack of authorization. On Wednesday, I showed a brief film to inspire students and several feel asleep. Then a student decided to fiddle with, then jam the entrance/exit doors. Shortly after, I discovered that a pouch of important video cards I needed had mysteriously vanished. I’d had enough. I hung my head and cried.

To my relief, my GI doctor offered to give me medicine samples to tide me over. After retrieving said samples, I drove passed the sign for Dunkin Donuts that shined like a beacon. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why would I torture myself with a fat, glazy, carb-filled donut? Sometimes you just need to throw in the mercy towel and go for it. I dug into my purse, pulled out my wallet, and ordered the best-looking mint brownie donut on the menu. What followed was a glorious taste of satisfaction. If it helps you to judge me less, I did pray over my donut before I ate it.

Moments after my dessert escapade I was sitting at a traffic light imaging what Thursday would conjure. Starting with a viewing of security footage to find the culprit who snatch my valuable video cards, then the write ups of an incident report and a disciplinary referral and having to call home to give a parent bad news. It was a giant snowball of catastrophe that I couldn’t stop from plowing into me.

“This is crazy, Lord,” I said, picturing Jesus in my passenger seat. “I don’t need to put up with this continuous fight anymore. You are above all things, so I yield to you, Lord. I need your help!”

In the next instance, I looked into my pursue nestled in the passenger seat to retrieve some chewing gum to cleanse my donut laden pallet. That’s when I saw it and my mouth dropped open in wonder. There, directly in between some items near the top, and sticking straight up like a flag of surrender, was my video card pouch.

I have not earthly explanation for how it got there, and you’ll remember I had just dug through my purse for my wallet to purchase my donut. Even at work, my pursue is locked away in a cabinet. I believe how the pouch got into my pursue is an act of God’s mercy. My overworked guardian angel was more than happy to place such a token of God’s love and grace for me to find. 

It’s not the first time something like that has happened to me and I am sure it won’t be the last. God is faithful to us, even in the small things, and when we approach Him knowing He can help, we have only to throw up our hands in surrender, ask for His mercy, and wait for His answer. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, my results came back cancer free!

Are you in need of God’s mercy today? You can approach His throne with confidence and ask for it. Then, sit back and watch for His grace-filled answer.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia. She teaches television production at C.D. Hylton Senior High School. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England.

In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays at Christ Chapel Assembly of God in Woodbridge, VA.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirachelle77/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: When your heart is heavy and you cannot pray

Sighs, groans, and prayers
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness: for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” – Romans 8:26 (NRSV)

The words wouldn’t come. My heart was heavy. My body was exhausted from worry for a family member who had been making terrible life decisions. I had taken matters into my own hands thinking I could “fix” everything. I had not prayed to ask for help. Why did I not go to God first?

Praying doesn’t mean everything will turn out the way I want things to be. Praying gives me a relationship with God. He knows my thoughts before I think or speak.

Yet, years ago, I held on to my thinking of how life would be different for my family member if only I could help. Offering to go along on doctor visits, to cook special meals, to take the person on outings every week and much more.

If only these offers would make the person happy and find a way out of the dangerous decisions they were making. If only… I could fix this problem and make them feel better. I truly wanted to help.

Worry and anxiety consumed my days and nights. Just thinking about the wrong decisions the person was making made me physically ill. Knowing the potential of this wonderful family member brought tears more than once or twice. Watching them take a downward spiral broke my heart.

Why won’t they listen? Why do they repeat bad behavior over and over, not only hurting themselves but hurting the people around them? Why? Questions came over and over. Yet, I had not gone to God during those moments.

Oh, I may have complained and shown a less than friendly attitude when talking with God about the situation. I’ll admit that. My questions continued to be “Why is this happening? Why are You letting this happen?” Why? Why? Why?

Instead of surrendering to Him and placing the burden at His feet, I tried to carry the burden alone.

After a period of time passed, with my body weak from stress, worry, and sadness, I finally surrendered the situation to the Father.

On my knees, I asked for His forgiveness for not coming to Him sooner. I thanked Him for the love He provides freely each and every moment. I didn’t have special words. I spoke from my heart. I did not have a beautiful, thought out prayer. My prayer began with groans and sighs “too deep for words”.

And He found me, in my despair. He lifted me up. As I gave the situation to Him, my burden lightened and peace was found.

Shortly after that surrender, life began to change in a wonderful way for my family member. I know God was listening and He answered prayers in His way and in His time. God reminded me to take burdens to Him. He will handle the outcome.

Blessings,
Melissa Henderson

~*~
Author Bio:

Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.

Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by a precious grandson (Rowan).

Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.

Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: On Prayer

Prayer That Gets Answered
A devotional by Dana McNeely

Sitting cross-legged on the floor with the other eight-year-olds, I watched as the Sunday School teacher placed cutout figures on the felt board. Menacing soldiers held spears at the ready. Pagan-looking priests surrounded an altar. A king and a queen, dressed in purple robes and golden crowns, carried rich gifts for an idol. A white-bearded man, out-of-place in worn shepherd’s garb, pointed an accusing finger at the king.

I loved that exciting story—Elijah fed by ravens, the widow and her son sustained by the never-ending flour and oil, the boy raised from the dead, the fire from heaven, and after three and a half years of drought—RAIN!

Elijah was as staunch and unflinching as any action-adventure hero. And when he prayed, God answered—in miraculous, awe-inspiring ways. I’m inspired by his dramatic spiritual victories, but I’m just an ordinary person—flawed, selfish, and often cranky. How can I expect my prayers to have the kind of impact Elijah’s did?

Comparing yourself to another person’s success is never helpful. Praying down fire from heaven isn’t God’s plan for me, but he’s made clear I should pray for family, friends, enemies, leaders, the poor, the sick, and others he brings to mind. I should ask the Lord to make me a better person and thank Him for everything.

Despite his heroic persona, James 1:5 tells us “Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!”

Earnest Prayer and An Obedient Life

Notice that James says Elijah prayed “earnestly,” There was some quality to the manner of Elijah’s prayer that was especially sweet to God’s ear. The dictionary defines “earnest” as sincere and intense, steady, committed, wholehearted, fervent, deeply felt. Elijah demonstrated all these qualities in his life as well as his prayer.

While others worshiped idols, Elijah proclaimed himself the Lord’s man. He told King Ahab, “As surely as the Lord lives—the God I serve—there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!”

Elijah lived his life strictly by God’s revealed will. God said, “Go east and hide by Kerith Brook,” and Elijah went. “Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring.” No problem.

“Dwell with the widow woman in Zarephath.” Done.

When God told Elijah to show himself to Ahab, Elijah went. He didn’t shrink from that unpleasant duty, even though the king had been seeking him with evil intentions for three years. Elijah was the Lord’s servant. He was all in.

Prayer That Gets Answered

“O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” – Kings 18:36, 37 (NLT)

· At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah ‘came near’ to the altar—though he was expecting an answer by fire! What faith in God’s power and protection!

· Elijah wasn’t afraid to remind Yahweh of His covenant with the nation of Israel, boldly addressing Him as “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, Israel.” For us today, a covenant relationship is the privilege of a believer to plead that relationship, to remind God that we are set apart for Him because of the blood of Jesus. 

· Elijah’s first request was to glorify God: “Let it be known that you are God.” His second was that the people would know the Lord and come into a right relationship with Him.

The prayer on Mount Carmel reveals Elijah’s strong faith and his life’s purpose—to serve God, glorify his name, and bring people to Him. This is the kind of prayer that gets answered.

For further thought:

Do you ever feel you’ve made a mess of things and have no right to bail you out?

Here’s hope for you. The Bible says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” ~Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

God wants to answer your prayers too. Don’t be afraid to seek Him!

Other posts about the prophet Elijah ~ Love in the Time of Drought, In the Waiting Room, A Widow, a Prophet, and Provision from God, An Intersection of Time and Eternity, and Ways to Handle Drought, and On the Mountaintop.

~*~
Author Bio:

Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah and the widow’s son, Dana McNeely wondered why the prophet had come to stay with these two. Who were they? What was their life, before? And how did the boy change after dying, seeing the other world … and coming back? 

Dana began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from the boy’s perspective.

No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies. She writes biblical fiction, cozy mysteries, and has written for magazines and newspapers. Her short story “Death in the Butterfly Garden” appears in SoWest: Killer Nights (2017).

Connect with Dana on Facebook, Twitter, or DanaMcNeely.comSaveSave

Devotionals for the Heart: The Details

God, Are You Listening?
A devotional by Tammy Karasek

God is in the small details as much as He is the big ones of our lives. Scripture proves it. Read Luke 12:22-31 then ponder this: If He tends to the itty-bitty Lily of the valley and feeds the ravens, then why wouldn’t He be concerned about us as well? We worry about issues in our lives and wonder why God doesn’t answer our prayers now. Sometimes we don’t even stop to pray because we think that He wouldn’t want to be bothered with our little things.

I often think God may not be listening or may not be interested in what I need. If I’m honest, feeling unimportant is usually when I’m being impatient for a prayer not yet answered. The answer I want on my time. Through the years I’ve learned that God’s answer may not be what I was looking for and God’s timing wasn’t my timing—thank goodness!

I was reminded this past week that God has perfect timing and cares about those details in my life that are important to me. Three people made comments to me at three different times that were undeniably from God. They were directly related to questions I’d been praying—well, whining about—for several months regarding my writing and the direction in which I should go. In other words, I was searching for my purpose. Can anyone relate? None of these conversations had anything to do with the other except for the common denominator—me. None of these folks knew me, or even knew my story. They wouldn’t have had a clue I’d been praying about these things.

Yet in God’s sweet way, He used each of these three ladies to speak the words that my heart needed to hear. Words that slammed Satan’s lies to the ground faster than a throw down on a wrestling mat. The statements made in all three scenarios were delivered in such a matter of fact way, I was taken aback each time they were said. Realizing I had received answers to these long-term prayers, I just wanted to walk away to go sit and cry.

But first, I needed to ask forgiveness from God for thinking He didn’t care about the details in my life that caused me to worry and question so many things. I needed to see that He, in fact, had been listening to me through it all.

Waiting is never easy. But, oh friend, as those answers come when God chooses to deliver them, you can bet they will be at the perfect time and be just what He wanted for you. They may or may not be as fast as you’d like them and they may or may not be the answer you wanted, but you can guarantee they will be God’s best for you.

I’d like to encourage and challenge you today. If you’re holding back from asking God for an answer or for direction, might I be bold and tell you—ask for it. Then take it one step further, thank Him for the answer He will give you. Yes, have faith that He does answer and thank Him every day until you see that answer.

Step out of the way and let Him prepare you for just the right answer. In just the right time.

~*~
Author Bio:

You’ll find Tammy seeing humor and causing laughter in every aspect of life. Tammy’s past filled with bullying and criticism is the driving force of her passion to always encourage others and share with them the Reason to smile. 

She’s been blissfully wedded to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 36 years, mom to their grown daughter, Kristen and wrapped around the paw of a little puppy named Hattie.

She’s the President of Cross N Pens Christian Writers and a member of ACFW. She will be published in the 2018 Divine Moments book – Cool-nary Moments.
~*~
Connect with Tammy:
Blog - http://www.tammykarasek.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tickledpinktam
Email - tickledpinktammy@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A Widow, A Prophet and Provision from God

The Widow of Zarephath
A devotional by Dana McNeely

This is the third post in a series on the prophet Elijah. If you’d like to start from the beginning, click the titles to read Love in the Time of Drought and In the Waiting Room.

"But after a while, the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” ~1 Kings 17:7-9 (NLT)

Trusting God in Good Times and Bad

For about a year, Elijah lived by the brook Kerith while drought gripped the land. God had promised to care for him there. The ravens brought food daily and the brook continued to flow. Under these pleasant conditions, how easy it was to praise God.

But one day, the brook’s flow diminished. When the last trickle of water sank into the dry, cracked earth, what questions might have entered Elijah’s mind? God had said, “Drink from the brook.” Wasn’t that a promise that water would be there to drink?

Trusting God When Confused

If Elijah had questions when the brook disappeared, more were to come. Zarephath was beyond Israel’s border near Queen Jezebel’s birthplace. Her father King Ithobaal and Ahab were allies. Elijah faced a difficult trek across the drought-ridden land, right into enemy territory. Once there, how would he find this special widow, among so many widowed in the land? Should he throw himself on the mercy of a woman who had lost her own provider, who probably worshiped the very idols Elijah opposed?

Doesn’t it often happen this way for us? We face difficulty and we pray for the Lord’s help. We envision his response—but sometimes when the answer comes, we’re shocked at how far off it was from the answer we expected. Do we trust in good times, but doubt when we face trials?

But Elijah’s fervent prayers and time waiting beside the brook had strengthened his faith. He obeyed the Lord’s leading.

So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”

But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” ~ 1 Kings 17:10-12 NLT

The widow’s response is so poignant. She goes willingly to get him the cup of water, a precious commodity in this drought. But then his second request—Bring me a bite of bread, too. How unkind it seems for Elijah to request the first bite of her last meal.

But consider subtle hints in the text. The widow says, “I swear by the Lord your God…” indicating she knows who Elijah is—may even know his God herself. And the next verses reveal that Elijah knows this is the woman he seeks. God said, “I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” Elijah’s sojourn by the brook has shown him that if God promised the widow will feed him, her food will last as long as it’s needed.

Unexpected Blessings

But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. ~I Kings 17:13-16 (NLT)

God cares for us during difficult times as well as during “showers of blessings” but He asks for trust and obedience. When the brook dried up, Elijah might have thought that God forgot His promise. When told to go to Zarephath, the prophet might have questioned God’s direction. Instead, he obeyed, resulting in provision not only for him but also for the widow and her son.

Thoughts to Ponder: 

· Have you experienced God’s love and care during difficult times?

· What sustains you during such times?

· Think of a time when unexpected blessings were the outcome.

· For further reading: Elijah the Tishbite by F.W. Krummacher, and Elijah by A.W. Pink

~*~
Author Bio: 

Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah and the widow’s son, Dana McNeely wondered why the prophet had come to stay with these two. Who were they? What was their life, before? And how did the boy change after dying, seeing the other world … and coming back? 

Dana began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from the boy’s perspective. 

No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies. She writes biblical fiction, cozy mysteries, and has written for magazines and newspapers. Her short story “Death in the Butterfly Garden” appears in SoWest: Killer Nights (2017). 

Connect with Dana on Facebook, Twitter, or DanaMcNeely.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A relief for heavy burdens

When burdens are heavy…
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 

~Luke 22:42 NIV

Easter is quickly approaching. Preparations are being made in homes and in places of worship across the world. From Lenten services to special sermons to travel plans and more, many people are thinking about Easter. Some folks are planning family activities for Spring break from school. New outfits and shiny shoes are displayed in store windows. Candy and colorful baskets overflow store shelves. Others are thinking about a delicious meal to serve on Easter Sunday.

Yet, in all the rush and hurry to get everything just right, I pray we will remember the events surrounding Easter Sunday and the special glorious truth that Christ is Risen.

On the day and evening of Christ’s suffering and death, He endured more than we could ever bear and yet, He suffered for us, for our transgressions. The details given in the Bible are read over and over and each time our hearts break for what He experienced. Just imagining the pain and heartache overwhelms us.

Tears flow from our eyes as the story is read aloud. Thinking of the pain and anguish of His family and friends is heartbreaking. We watch movies depicting the events of His time on the cross and afterward.

Scripture tells us through all His suffering, Jesus knew God’s will was best. At the hardest point, Jesus asked His Father to take the cup from Him. He was asking God to take away the suffering if God was willing. Even while asking for the cup to be taken away, for the suffering to end, Jesus accepted God’s will, not His own.

How often do we beg God to take a heavy burden away? Do we fall on our knees and ask for His mercy? Are we ready to accept His answer? The answer to taking away the burdens from us might be yes, no, or not now. When prayers are not answered right away or the answer is something totally unexpected, how do we react? Do we say, “Thank You, God. Your will be done”? Or do we simply continue without considering His plan for us is always best? Think of a past time when the burden was heavy and the way out seemed impossible. How did you approach God?

When burdens are heavy and our hearts are sad, God is holding us in His loving arms. HIs mercies are new each day. Call to Him. He is waiting for you. God is waiting to comfort us during our burden filled times.

Let us remember through all our trials that God is an awesome God. His will is best is every circumstance, no matter what we are facing. If we are not happy with His answer, remember He loves us and He always has a plan for us. We may not know the plan and may never know the plan. We do know God is always with us. He loves us forever.

This Easter, share the love of God with family, friends, and strangers. You just might be lightening the burden of someone who is waiting for the answer.

Christ is Risen!

~*~

Author Bio:

Melissa Henderson and her husband Alan live in South Carolina.

Married for over 38 years, they have one son (Mike) who is married to daughter-in-love (Christine) and now are blessed by precious grandson (Rowan).

Melissa was taught the love of reading and writing at an early age from her parents. She is now working on her first inspirational fiction novel.

Her passions are volunteering, Bible Studies and reading and writing. Connect with Melissa online, https://mimionlife.wordpress.com.