Devotionals for the Heart: When you want to know the heart of God

The Heart of God
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“For He does not afflict willingly and from His heart or grieve the children of men.”

—Lamentations 3:33 (AMP)

Having been in a long season of suffering (8+ years total and counting), whenever I see the word affliction in Scripture, I apply the brakes. I ask myself questions like, “What is the circumstance surrounding this verse and what are the promises I can hold onto? And how does it point me to Jesus?”

About ten years ago I prayed Philippians 3:10 because I wanted to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in his death.

I was focused more on knowing Christ. Now I am starting to realize God was sanctifying me in all three areas, not just in the knowing. Knowing sounds romantic, feels good and “easy”. Understanding His power is for the super-spiritual (this was my thought process at the time), and I was wanting to work up to this level. Suffering? Well, that was for the uber-spiritual like Corrie ten Boom, Jim Elliot, Hudson Taylor, Billy Graham, Amy Carmichael.

God’s ways are not my ways and that is good because God’s plans and actions are far above anything I could possibly ask or imagine. My hard-working efforts and pursuit of my dreams stop at the ceiling. But God’s ways of providing and blessing His children are limitless.

Why do I settle when He has so much more? I truly wanted to know Christ in a very real and intimate way. Deeper than I had ever gone before. I wanted to know everything about Him that I could possibly acquire. Everything.

I think God understood that prayer.

Jeremiah beautifully explains his thought process in Lamentations 3. He declares and mourns his lot in life. Yes, things were bad. Awful, in fact. But he turns a corner in verse 21, saying, “Yet this I recall to mind and therefore I have hope.”

Jeremiah continues to spell out God’s character, His compassion, His faithfulness, His goodness. He speaks of God’s heart and wants to follow His will. It’s all there. We have a front seat in Jeremiah’s prayer closet, and it is overwhelmingly intimate. One can feel the anguish, the release, the worship, and the honesty of a child with his Abba Daddy.

Want to know the heart of God? Read the third chapter of Lamentations. Want to recall to mind the goodness of God because it’s been awhile since you’ve actually remembered God is good? Life happens and life can get messy, upside down and painful. When we recall to mind God, our God, something breaks: We do. Our stubborn hearts begin to crack, and we allow God to come in. We allow Him to have His way.

As we read Lamentations 3:33, we learn God does not willingly afflict His children. It’s that word willingly that catches the heart. But, because He is a good Father, He knows there are times when affliction and suffering will be the best teacher. We learn that God is Sovereign. Lamentations 3:37 (NIV) accurately describes the Sovereignty of God: “Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?”

Everything filters through God’s hand. Let me say that again: Everything filters through God’s hand. Everything like pain, sorrow, suffering, trials, tribulations, scorn and mockery from others, bad things and good things. Since God is Sovereign it means He is always in charge of everything and everyone— including me and including you. He is aware of everything that happens here on this Earth and throughout the universe. You cannot pull the wool over His eyes.

The enemy wants us to believe certain things don’t matter or because God has so many other children and an universe to care for, He’s too busy to help us. Nothing could be further from the Truth. We matter to God! We are created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). We are made to enjoy and glorify Him forever. We are here to lift Him up and worship Him. We are to praise Him with our breath (Psalm 150).

God is good and we can trust His heart. He is a loving Heavenly Father with our good and His glory in mind all the time. Will you trust Him?

Let’s Pray: Oh Father God, You indeed are magnificent. You are powerful, amazing, and love us endlessly. Your heart is limitless and Your faithfulness is forever. You are good and what You do is good (Psalm 119:68). Please forgive my doubts, my secrets, and my fears. I believe and I trust You. I renew my commitment to You to follow and not lead. To be still and to know You are God. Thank You, God, for everything. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Good Good Father ft. Pat Barrett” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.

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

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

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

Music Review and Giveaway of Chris Tomlin's NEW CD "Holy Roar"

Dear Blog Readers,

Today, I’m reviewing Chris Tomlin's new CD “Holy Roar” for FlyBy Promotions. You’re in for a treat because they’re offering one copy of his CD to one lucky winner!

Here's a photo of the album cover:

Enjoy this music feature!

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Artist Bio:

Chris Tomlin is one of the most heralded singer-songwriters in the world who has amassed an impressive body of work. He has sold more than 8 million albums, 11.3 million digital tracks with 16 #1 singles. 

Chris is one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 Billion digital radio streams, others include Justin Timberlake, Pitbull and Garth Brooks. 



The Grammy® winner’s list of music awards include an American Music Award, 3 Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award and more. Chris’ concert tours have sold-out venues in major cities including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, The Forum in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and Red Rocks in Denver, among others.

This spring, Chris marked another career milestone by launching his own imprint record label, Bowyer & Bow, in partnership with Capitol Christian Music Group.

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Ready for my review? Read on! 

Every song is rated between 1 and 5 stars. Here’s the meaning of each starred rating:

5 stars = Wonderful! I love it!

4 stars = Great song and lyrics, I really like it!

3 stars = Nice tune but not too spectacular

2 stars = I really do not like this song

1 star = Not worth listening to

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Song #1: Holy Roar
Rating: 5
Review: As the title song for this album, “Holy Roar” is worth its weight in gold! It’s like the rallying of the troops in God’s Army, a gathering of His people from around the world to worship Him. The tune is inspiring and the lyrics move you to worship God right along with Chris Tomlin and his band.

Song #2: Nobody Loves Me Like You
Rating: 5
Review: Listening to the lyrics of this song accompanied with the soft, peaceful sounds, is like watching the sunrise from the window of your home. The feel of this song makes you feel like you live in a beautiful, serene mountainside log cabin in the picturesque part of Montana (USA)! I can almost smell the fresh mountain air and feel the cool breeze. This song feels very much like the Fall season on the East Coast—beautiful in color, tone and feel. Through the sound and lyrics of this song, Tomlin does a wonderful job in moving the listener to worship God as they reflect on His Goodness that we’re reminded of in the song’s lyrics. It is beautifully serene, sweet and whimsical.

Song #3: Resurrection Power
Rating: 4
Review: My first thoughts in hearing the first two lines of this song were, “I heard this song on the radio!” Haha. It’s very familiar to me. I enjoy listening to it. The message that God has given us freedom from the bondage of sin if we just choose Him and accept His gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, really resonates with me. The lyrics are straight-forward and Bible-based. The tempo of the song is upbeat but perfectly paced. Nice!

Song #4: Goodness, Love and Mercy
Rating: 3
Review: This song is a nice rendition of Psalm 23. There’s not too much to it. Tomlin basically sings the Bible verses without adding or taking away anything, which is good but the sound is a bit boring. It just didn’t move me.

Song #5: Satisfied
Rating: 3
Review: This song serves to remind the listener that in a world of thirsty people, only Jesus can truly satisfy. It reminds me of the Bible verse about how wells filled with water run dry but when you drink from the Living Water (a relationship with Jesus Christ), you will never thirst again. You won’t thirst for the temporary trappings of this world. Knowing Jesus is freedom from the ways of this world that don’t save your soul. Only Jesus can save your soul. Only He can quench your thirst when you’re searching for something more or trying to figure out the meaning of life. Hint: Jesus is what your soul longs for and only He can save your soul, ushering you right into eternity when He returns to Earth to take His faithful followers home to Heaven. This song reminds me that Earth is not our Home. It helps tune me into the Bigger Picture where God wins over sin and the enemy, where His plan for humanity is restored—a plan where death, destruction, and pain have no place ever again! Despite the wonderful life lessons I hear in this song “Satisfied”, I didn’t like the tune and I thought some of the lyrics could have been written better, which is why I’m giving it this rating.

Song #6: Impact
Rating: 4
Review: This song is like a welcome to worship God. It starts off slow and sweet then picks up tempo before taking off like an airplane on a beautiful musical journey, destination: the presence of God!

Song #7: Praise Him Forever
Rating: 4
Review: This song is a worship tune for real. It made me want to stand and clap my hands and dance down the church aisles. The sound of this song will make you happy and remind you of all of God’s Goodness. His Love for humankind is unrivaled.

Song #8: Is He Worthy?
Rating: 4
Review: This song is filled with questions for the listener (literally) but these questions are not without purpose. The lyrics challenge the listener to think deeply about the meaning of life, love, and God.

Song #9: Forever Young
Rating: 5
Review: Now who doesn’t want to be “Forever Young?” But this song isn’t about the “Fountain of Youth”, it’s about the Eternal King, Creator of the Universe who is forever true to His Word (The Holy Bible) and caring about His people (humankind). I love the line about Jesus creating “rivers in my soul.” It’s beautiful on every point: sound, lyrics, tempo, everything!

Song #10: I Stand in Awe (feat. Nicole Serrano)
Rating: 5
Review: Nicole Serrano’s voice is the first sound I heard in this song, and it’s beautiful. Her voice is soulful and deep yet light as air. The way that Tomlin’s voice joins hers first like a backup singer then as an equal results in a breathtaking duet between two professional singers who know what they’re doing—they’ve created a musical masterpiece!

Song #11: Praise Is the Highway
Rating: 4
Review: This song has a powerful message about the power of God to break strongholds and how praise is the highway to the throne and heart of God. I could hear the guitar and drums, which in this case are just as necessary as the lyrics.

Song #12: How Sweet It Is (feat. Pat Barrett)
Rating: 3
Review: I thought that this song was sweet but it’s not my cup of tea. The message, however, is nice because it talks about how sweet it is to be loved by Jesus but I didn’t like the song or Pat Barrett’s singing voice.

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Buy Chris Tomlin's "Holy Roar" CD here, 
https://christomlin.lnk.to/HolyRoarQW

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Hear Chris talk about the idea of his new album "Holy Roar," here.

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Read this message from FlyBy Promotions regarding the giveaway of Chris Tomlin’s CD “Holy Roar”: 

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

~*~
Enter the giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to WIN a copy of "Holy Roar" (CD) by Chris Tomlin: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devotionals for the Heart: God sends messages with beautiful rainbows

Rainbow Messages
A devotional by Paula Moldenhauer

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.”~ Genesis 9:13 NLT

My nine-year-old burst through the front door. “Did you see? There are two rainbows outside!” The family rushed to the window. I trailed behind, caught up in a glum mood.

“Hurry, Mom!” My seven-year-old pleaded. “You gotta see this!”

I caught my breath as I joined them at the window. The perfect rainbow arched right in front of our home. Its colors were so rich it looked surreal, like something from a children’s Bible storybook instead of honest-to-goodness reality.

A tug in my heart said God gave me the rainbow to remind me of His promises.

Like the grumpy woman I was that day, I rejected the happy thought, reasoning with the left side of my brain that science has shown us how and why rainbows were made. The rainbow was delighting many families throughout our neighborhood. It wasn’t personal. It wasn’t a reminder to hope in God. Instead of reveling in the wonder of the rainbow’s beauty, placement, timing, and perfection, I recited the colors of ROY G. BIV.

Even people who’ve never read the Genesis account of Noah know the rainbow is a symbol of hope and promise. Whether or not God painted that rainbow for me at that moment can be argued either way. That isn’t the point.

The point is the Holy Spirit wanted to whisper hope into my heart as I gazed upon the rainbow’s wonder.

But that afternoon, I didn’t want to feel hopeful. It would mean choosing faith over whining, and, quite frankly, I felt like complaining.

I shut my heart and turned from the glorious rainbow. Oh, outwardly I tried not to dampen the enthusiasm of my children. I said the right things. Smiled an outside smile. But on the inside, I willfully closed my heart to the gentle reminder of the Holy Spirit that God’s promises were worth holding onto.

What a waste! I could have rushed down my stairs, flung open the front door (and my heart)! I could have run onto the lawn, my arms spread wide, embracing the promises of the Creator! I could have twirled in the street underneath the brilliant arch and laughed in joyful acceptance of His loving encouragement!

How about you, my friend? Are there gentle whispers of hope you turn from?

My Prayer: Father God, help me embrace the moments of hope You so freely give.

~*~
Author Bio:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. 

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Her most recent release is included in A Bouquet of Brides. 

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. They treasure time with their growing family of adult children, spouses, and spouses-to-be. 

Paula loves peppermint ice cream, going barefoot, and adventuring with friends. 

Today’s devotion was adapted from her devotional book, Soul Scents: Rooted. Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Authority

Is God Arbitrary?
A devotional by Linda Wood Rondeau

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” 

–Exodus 20:2 (NIV)

When it came to authority, our teenage son resisted any edict that did not mesh with his own crafted idealism. Every rule we made resulted in endless hours of debate. We tried to explain our rationale for the decisions.

However, discussions generally ended with the final statement, “Because, we said so. We are your parents, and we are responsible for you. We know things you do not. You will obey.”

Eventually, he concluded resistance was futile and acquiesced, if not from comprehension then out of respect for our position and if not out of respect for our position then out of respect for our power.

We held the purse from which his blessings flowed.

I reminded him: My ways are not your ways.

Throughout the Books of the Law, God explained his reasons for expectations. He instituted blood sacrifices, sin offerings, grain offerings, and wave offerings. He specified under what conditions each could be offered. Aaron, as the priest, was given explicit instructions on his wardrobe, his deportment and his handling of the offerings.

In some instances, God offered explanations for his edicts. Ultimately, however, God reminded Moses who was in charge and from where the blessings flowed.

According to Leviticus 11:45 (NIV), God said, “I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God: therefore, be holy, because I am holy.” He also said in Leviticus 19:37 (NIV), “Keep all my decrees and all my laws and follow them. I am the LORD.”

As we read the Law in our modern world, even the least pious among us will not argue the wisdom behind many of God’s ordinances. Our knowledge of the harmful effects of bacteria lends credibility to the handling of the meat and blood following sacrifice, the confinement of persons with infectious skin diseases and discharges, avoidance of certain sexual behaviors, and the fair and trust treatment of others.

These rules were intended for blessing, good health, and safety. Disobedience brought about death and disease. The Creator knows its creation and the result of its misuse.

We imperfect humans understand that our knowledge, as imperfect as we are, is of a greater scope than an infant’s. We make rules for our children to keep them safe, and we do this because we love them. Our decisions for the welfare of our children are not based upon their understanding or permission. We make our decisions based upon our knowledge of their individual needs and circumstances, our knowledge and experience, and the lessons we ourselves have learned from our own mistakes.

The future happiness and security of our children is our primary concern. We expect obedience even though they may not fully comprehend our reasons for the rules. How much more than does our Heavenly Father, perfect in every way, desire good things for His children?

God’s Laws are not given to cause hardship and drudgery. They are given to help us be secure in Him. When we are obedient, blessings will flow as a natural result. According to Leviticus 26:12-13 (NIV), God said, “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.”

Conversely, as a natural result, disobedience will beget unpleasantness, separation, and death. In the list of calamities that God tells Moses will befall the disobedient, God warns in Leviticus 26:18 (NIV), “If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over.”

Yet, even after His harsh warnings, God provides atonement for those desiring to return to Him. According to Leviticus 26:45 (NIV), He said, “But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the LORD.”

God did not institute His Law arbitrarily. He cares for us.

Let’s Pray: I thank you Lord that you know what is best for me. I thank you that your discipline is never arbitrary. You are Sovereign. Help me to trust you and renew my confidence as I increase in obedience.

~*~
Author Bio:

Award-winning author Linda Wood Rondeau writes to demonstrate our worst past, surrendered to God becomes our best future. 

A veteran social worker, Linda now resides in Hagerstown, Maryland. 

Readers may visit her website at www.lindarondeau.com. 

Connect with Linda on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Goodreads. 

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