Devotionals for the Heart: Learning to trust God and wait on His timing

God’s Timing is the Best
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

The past twelve months have been a real challenge for me. I feel like I am losing direction in life, and I can’t see beyond what is in front of me in a very close range.

I have doubts about many things and opportunities that lie before my eyes. I waited for what I thought was the best timing. I was juggling decisions. Every night, after I pray to God, I spend my time with ChatGPT. Wondering around, I wish God would work in that way. When you ask, He will directly speak to you—answering all your questions. I wondered why God doesn’t work like ChatGPT, giving all the positive and encouraging answers right away.

Slowly but surely, I made a bold decision—starting with straightening my finances, recalculating, structuring debt, and cutting many expenses. I’ve been ignoring things I should have done for a long time. Sometimes, doing the right thing can be scary. But miraculously, when I did the right thing by letting go of my fear, suddenly my anxiety subsided and things started to flow nicely. I’ve learned that God’s blessings are not only for me, but also for my children. Everything came on time for them: the food they needed, the money to pay their tuition for college, and a job for extra cash. I would never have guessed God would work the way He did. He left me in awe. I am grateful for what He has done for me.

Several years ago, I met a man who captured my heart. But at that time, neither of us was ready for a commitment. Our previous marriages have hurt us both. I was afraid of losing a spouse again. The death of my husband was traumatic enough, and I don’t want to experience that again. But who can guarantee someone’s life?

For years, I have tried to convince myself to toughen my heart and to believe that no one can guarantee a perfect future or everlasting life…until last month, when I decided to say yes to his proposal. Within three weeks, we planned our intimate, simple wedding with only eight people as our witnesses. It takes courage to enter a new journey. But I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my life story. It feels like I took a ton of weight off my shoulders. It feels incredible to feel loved, and the thought that I don’t have to go through life alone anymore. I can see God’s blessing upon my new marriage.

I had to make a decision not just to get married but to quit my job which was something I’d been putting off for months because I was so worried. Every time I thought about it, anxiety rose within me. It is scary to think about quitting my job and starting a new life with someone different. Funny enough, a day after I declared my new life, my boss allowed me to quit my job. We’d spoken about this for months, but he never approved my request to stop working for him. One thing I know then and now: God is in control. Proof that God is with me was in every single decision I made—the right decision, the right path, as He wanted me to do. I am now facing another level of faith because I want to pursue my calling. A calling that will make my life purposeful: A life where I can do ministry for the teens and run my coaching business at the same time. I am passionate about this life that I feel called to live. I am starting to see how God guides my path step by step. Just like Proverbs 3:5-6 says, God will make your paths straight.

I have many reasons to worry about pursuing my passion. I still have to support two kids in college and another one next year, but I am confident that God will show me the right path to take. Uncertainty has a way of drawing me closer to God as I keep seeking Him for strength. I’ve learned that God never wastes our time. He aligns things in our lives when we align our hearts with His. When you are in God’s waiting room, don’t panic, because He is still moving. When things happen, it will feel effortless. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.

I didn’t understand God’s timing when I was in the middle of a confusing time. But now I’m living inside the answered prayer. And I realized God was never late. I was just early. His timing is always best!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being involved in every decision I’ve ever made. Thank You for proving that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You for the mercy and love that you’ve shown me amid my confusion. Help me to keep believing in You and walking on the right path by your side. I need your guidance in my life. I am so grateful that I can call you Abba Father, whom I can rely on. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “In His Time” by Maranatha Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Goodness of God” by Cece Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: Trusting God to write the story of our life

Trusting God with the Threads
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”—Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

This past week, I found myself in a quiet, unplanned moment of purpose.

I had a chance conversation with a young college student who reminded me just how much we all long for direction and reassurance. As we talked, she mentioned she was majoring in criminal justice and had been thinking about going to law school. But then her voice softened, and she said, “I’ve heard law school is really hard…and even then, there’s no guarantee I’ll have a good life if I become a lawyer.”

Her words stirred something in me. I could see the hope in her eyes, but I also saw the fear—fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of disappointment. And I understood. Because I’ve been there.

I shared with her a bit of my own journey—how I went to law school, became a lawyer, and eventually a judge. I didn’t sugarcoat it. I told her the truth: There were some high moments and some hard ones. I made mistakes. There were seasons when I cried out to God, wondering if I had missed something, messed up something, or misunderstood His plan for me. But I also told her this: There are no guarantees that law school—or any career path—will automatically lead to a good life. A good life isn’t found in a title, a paycheck, or a five-year plan. A good life is found when God is at the center of it.

I looked at that young sister and told her, “If you give God first place in your life, He will walk with you through every season—the joyful ones and the painful ones. God will make your life beautiful in His time.”

As I said those words, I smiled, because I meant them. My life doesn’t look like what I imagined it would. In some ways, it looks completely different. But I can say with confidence and peace: God is making it beautiful.

I’ve come to see life as a tapestry. If you’ve ever looked at the back of a tapestry, you know it’s not pretty. It’s a mess of threads and knots and loose ends. But flip it over, and you see the beauty of the design. Every knot has a purpose. Every thread plays a part in creating the picture.

That’s how God works with our lives. From the outside—or even to our own eyes—it may look jumbled and chaotic. Maybe it feels like nothing is coming together. But God is weaving something intentional. Something eternal. Something beautiful.

There’s an old gospel song performed by Shirley Caesar and the lyrics say we shouldn’t take anything for our journey. What that means is this: We shouldn’t resent or try to discard the experiences, good or bad, that have shaped us along the way. Every moment, even the painful ones, has value. I feel that deep in my soul. Every trial, every setback, every hard “no” that led to a better “yes”, and all of it has been part of the tapestry God is weaving in me.

Your life may not look the way you thought it would. Maybe divorce, illness, childlessness, unemployment or heartbreak have left you wondering if your story is still worth telling. I want you to hear this: God is not done. He is still writing. Still weaving. Still creating beauty.

Isaiah 61:3 reminds us that God gives us “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” That’s not just a poetic promise, it’s real. He is the only One who can turn our ashes into something glorious.

So, wherever you are today, whether you feel like the back of the tapestry or haven’t seen the pattern come together yet, hold on. Trust the Master Weaver. He’s not finished with you yet.

And when it’s all said and done, you’ll look back and smile too, knowing that through every twist and turn, God was making it beautiful.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for being the Master Weaver of my life. Even when the threads feel tangled and the pattern is unclear, help me to trust that You are creating something beautiful. May my life reflect Your glory, even in the waiting. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey” by Shirley Caesar. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God is in This Story” by Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “When It’s All Been Said and Done” by Robin Mark. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC. It includes Her RICH Coaching where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats. She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When you're waiting on God for answers

Playing Your Triangle for God
A devotional by Ashley Martin

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”—Psalms 100:1-3 (NIV)

There are moments when it is easy to shout, sing, or make a joyful noise to the Lord, but at other times, it is not so simple.

I vividly remember the first time my son got in trouble at school. He was in kindergarten. In music class, he refused to play the triangle. They were all assigned instruments. He was not thrilled with his triangle. He flatly refused even to pick it up. A triangle is not the first instrument a five-year-old boy wants to play. They want a drum or cymbal. The louder, the better. I am sure his first thought was that it was a “girly” instrument. His resistance was so strong that he was removed from the class entirely. While the office staff chuckled at the situation, I saw it as a valuable lesson. Sometimes, we must do things we do not want to do. When did God last ask you to do something painful or awkward?

That moment stuck with me and made me reflect on how God calls us to step outside our comfort zones. Sometimes, He asks us to do difficult or inconvenient things—like sharing our testimony, helping an aging parent, or serving someone we struggle to love. Sometimes, He even asks us to wait. When did God last make you wait for an answer or a blessing? For me, waiting is the hardest part. I am in that season, unsure of what God has planned for me. I am sitting in the corner, playing my triangle for Him. It may be uncomfortable sometimes, but I trust His plan is far greater than I can imagine. I look forward to seeing it unfold. Until then, I will praise God and wait.

David wrote the Bible book of Psalms to praise his Lord. He had a special connection with his Heavenly Father from an early age. It was marked by David’s deep faith and reliance on God. As a young shepherd, David demonstrated his trust in God through his courage in protecting his flock. For instance, he trusted God to deliver him from a lion and bear. His relationship with his Lord was rooted in prayer, worship, and understanding God’s presence in his life. When David met the prophet Samuel, God revealed the boy's future. David would be king. His life only grew more difficult after this prophecy. But David’s faith carried him through many challenges, including his famous victory over Goliath. He declared that his battle was the Lord’s. God showed up!

After David defeated Goliath, King Saul took notice of him and called him to speak (1 Samuel 17:55-58). Soon after, David formed a deep friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, and moved into the palace. His success in battle earned him a promotion to a high-ranking position in Saul’s army (1 Samuel 18:1-5).

However, David's rising fame did not bring him peace. Samuel’s prophecy and David’s military victories fueled Saul’s growing jealousy, driving the king to seek his death. Hoping the Philistines would kill David for him, Saul set a dangerous challenge: he offered his daughter Michal in marriage if David could kill 100 Philistines and bring back proof. Undeterred, David and his men went beyond expectations, killing 200 Philistines (1 Samuel 18:5-30).

Realizing that God was with David, Saul saw him as an enemy. Fearing for his life, David fled and went into hiding. Yet, even in exile and hardship, he continued to praise God (1 Samuel 19:11-17). Eventually, David was finally crowned king but lost his best friend, Jonathan, in the process. In sadness and in victory, David honored his Father (God) in Heaven. His reign was also tumultuous. Absalom, his son, tried to overthrow him, and David had to flee again. The king of Israel and Judah hid in a cave and still cried out to God. He told of his sorrows and fears and honored God’s steadfast love. So, David played his triangle (it was really a harp) in the corner, waiting for God to make the next move. Are you currently in a similar situation? Remember, if David can stay in a cave, you can wait in your comfortable home for God to answer your prayer. He will. God never lets us down.

The next time you feel uncertain about God’s direction in a major life decision, remember King David. His life was far from peaceful. He had to step out in faith every day. Yet, he continued to play his harp and praise God. My son has also learned to adapt, though in a different way. He has graduated from the triangle to the piano. He and his music teacher have built a wonderful rapport, adjusting and growing together along the way. As for me, I feel called to pursue full-time ministry. God continues to place people and opportunities in my path to affirm this calling. However, I have yet to see a clear way forward. So, what do I do? Like David, I choose to praise God while I wait for further direction.

Let’s Pray: Lord, when You call me to step outside my comfort zone, help me to trust in Your perfect plan. Give me the strength to obey, whether You ask me to act, to love, or simply to wait. As I sit in the corner, playing my triangle for You, may my heart remain steadfast in praise, knowing that Your timing and purpose are always good. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Hallelujah Anyway” by Rend Collective. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Ashley Martin is a history teacher who has transitioned into a being a professional Christian writer and speaker. 

She felt a calling to the ministry at the age of eighteen, having known God from a young age. However, her struggle with alcoholism hindered her from pursuing this path. For nearly twenty years, Ashley taught history while battling her addiction. In 2013, she entered treatment, and at that point, the barrier between her and God finally came down.

Since then, Ashley has been sharing her story and developing her ministry. For the last nine years, Ashley has been married to her husband, West. Together, they have an eight-year-old son named Grant, and Ashley has a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter named Cameron. They call Alabama home, and they enjoy traveling the world as a family.

Nowadays, Ashley continues to teach history to middle school, high school, and college students. She also works for an online women’s ministry named Called Creatives.

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Connect with Ashley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.klages.54/

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

My email: ashleyclairemartin@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When God interrupts your life as you know it

When God Interrupts Our Plans
A devotional by Leslie Bake

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

—Acts 8:30-31 (NIV)

How many of us appreciate interruptions?

It depends on the day, our patience level, what we’re trying to get done or put off. Some of us create a structured schedule with every hour planned while others don’t mind more flexibility and spontaneity. If you’re like me, you prefer a balance of structure and freedom.

Sometimes the interruptions take the form of detours and delays, like road closures, and it’s difficult to stay calm while our GPS re-routes to what feels like the “long way” to arrive at our destination.

God wants us to be ready and available for His “interruptions” from what we might consider our productive and important work. We need to obey as the Holy Spirit redirects our plans. It’s part of the surrendering process. The key is in recognizing the interruptions and responding not in frustration, but in humble submission. But anger or fear can get the best of us if we are consumed with our own agendas. Don’t mistake an interruption from a distraction. Distractions are not from the Lord and tempt us away from where we know our focus needs to be.

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is interrupted from her simple peasant life when the angel of the Lord appeared to announce her forthcoming pregnancy (Luke 1:26-56). Interruptions can be upsetting and bewildering when we think we are already doing what we believe the Lord has called us to do. We’re on schedule. Everything is going as planned until the Lord interrupts us and changes our whole life like He did for Saul on his way to Damascus. Read about it in Acts 9.

Let’s delve a little deeper into Scripture, focusing on Acts 8:26-40. During the first century A.D., persecution against followers of Jesus Christ scattered the apostles and other believers away from Jerusalem. This interruption of their every day life was the beginning of the Christ-followers beginning to witness to people about Jesus “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In one case, Philip developed a successful preaching ministry to great crowds in Samaria, but the Holy Spirit interrupted this gig and told him to go to Ethiopia. It’s not exactly a hop skip and a jump away. Ethiopia is located several miles south of Samaria and probably the last place Philip expected to go, but he obeyed God and traveled to this destination on what may have been a hot, uncomfortable desert road.

During his journey to Ethiopia, Philip encountered an Ethiopian eunuch in a chariot. The Holy Spirit prompted Philip to approach the eunuch, who was reading the Bible book of Isaiah. The eunuch was frustrated because he didn’t understand what he was reading. Let’s read what happens next in Acts 8:30-31…

“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

It was the perfect setup for Philip to share the gospel. When we share the gospel, we should start where the other person’s concerns are focused. Then we can show how God’s Word applies to those concerns. What lesson can we learn from all of this? Follow God’s lead, even if seems inconvenient and feels like a delay or a demotion. At first we may not understand why, and maybe we never will, but we must trust that God’s plan will have the greatest kingdom impact.

As a Bible Study Fellowship small group leader, I must monitor 45 minutes of time together on Tuesday mornings for our discussion. The children’s program is active during this time so that moms can enjoy adult fellowship, but most littles are anxious to re-unite with moms, so moms are encouraged to leave immediately to pick up their kids. This particular year, my kids are in a public school, so I myself don’t need to rush off. This was a blessing one Tuesday morning when a new, elderly group member was assigned to me. Instead of leaving with everyone else right at 11 o’clock as I normally do, the Holy Spirit told me to stay with my new member and help her make the appropriate adjustments on her phone so that I could contact her. Half an hour later, she was set up on my group contact app and appreciative.

Interruptions are not setbacks, failures or delays, but a re-direction of our time and energy. Think of them as a nudge from God to forsake our agendas and joyfully surrender to His. Giving up our own expectations and control does not come easy. Neither does self-denial, yet life presents no higher calling than giving up our agendas for the Lord’s.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize when You are re-directing my plans and expectations for teaching me something new and furthering your Kingdom. Help me surrender my agenda to You and remain sensitive to your promptings of where to go and what to do. Forgive me for those times when I have deliberately ignored you out of fear or frustration. You were sovereign then and You are sovereign now. Thank you that no amount of my sin ever blocks your plans for my life and for those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song for Reflection: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like.

She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then marriage. Then a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

She taught ELL for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published, and it details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce. 

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children, one in fourth grade and one in kindergarten, and they make their home in West Des Moines.

She now maintains a monthly blog and is working toward expanding her writing ministry. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

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Connect with Leslie:
Website: https://lesliejoybake.com/
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
Email: Leslie.bake@ yahoo.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Embracing God's purpose for your real life story

Embracing God's Purpose: A Journey from Overwhelm to Alignment
A devotional by Dr. LaVonda McCullough

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:9 (NIV)

As I stepped into the New Year, I eagerly embarked on a journey to accomplish all the goals I had meticulously set for myself. Picture a horse at the starting gate, ready to burst forth into the race.

However, the enthusiasm soon gave way to overwhelming challenges, and I found myself grappling with obstacles that seemed insurmountable. It was in these moments that a profound realization dawned upon me: the goals I had set were not in alignment with God’s purpose.

Godly goals, like that to a river flowing smoothly, work through us effortlessly. Attempting to forge ahead in my own strength led to exhaustion and mental distress.

God teaches us the importance of keeping Him first in all our endeavors, seeking His guidance when we feel lost. I discovered the weight on my chest and the incessant thoughts racing through my mind as I navigated each day, desperately trying to stay afloat.

The peace I anticipated with every small accomplishment remained elusive, replaced by setbacks and a constant feeling of inadequacy. In my heart, I knew this wasn't the life God desired for me. I began to question my faith and continued to perform tirelessly, believing I need to earn God's love. It was then that I encountered a fundamental truth: His love is unconditional. I had allowed my actions to transform sharing Jesus Christ into a burdensome duty rather than an act of genuine worship.

My heart ached with disappointment as I acknowledged the choices I made, decisions driven not by God's guidance but by external influences. I stood at the crossroads, realizing the need to repent and accept God's forgiveness. It was time to extend that same forgiveness to myself.

The posture of my heart was misaligned with God's purpose and plan. The burning questions lingered: How could I change? What steps did I need to take?

In a moment of reflection, I paused and offered a prayer of repentance. I confessed my sins, recognizing my weakness and surrendering my burdens to the One capable of shouldering them. I acknowledged that my strength alone was insufficient, but that God’s grace is sufficient.

This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey. I sought solace in God's unconditional love, a love that doesn't demand perfection but embraces the imperfect. As I immersed myself in prayer and reflection, clarity began to unfold.

I understood that aligning with God's will requires a daily commitment to seeking His guidance. It involves relinquishing control and trusting in His wisdom. The burdens that once felt overwhelming were replaced with a sense of purpose and a newfound understanding of His plan for my life.

Forgiveness played a crucial role in this process as I learned to forgive others and forgive myself. God's forgiveness was what I needed for my soul, healing the wounds caused by misplaced priorities and misguided choices. The journey from overwhelm to alignment was not an instant fix but a gradual unfolding of grace.

As I embraced God's forgiveness, I learned to forgive myself. I realized that dwelling on past mistakes hindered my progress. Instead, I chose to focus on the present and the future, trusting that God's grace would guide me in making better choices.

The transformation wasn't about perfection but about surrender—surrendering my plans, my mistakes, and my inadequacies to a God who loves me unconditionally. With each surrendered moment, I felt the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit, redirecting my path towards alignment with His divine will.

In this journey of overcoming overwhelm and realigning with God's purpose, I discovered the beauty of a life grounded in His love and forgiveness. It's a daily choice to seek Him, to trust Him, and to allow His grace to shape our steps. As we release the burden of self-reliance and embrace the freedom found in surrender, we open ourselves to a life filled with purpose, peace, and the boundless love of our Heavenly Father.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for being a loving God that is standing with arms ready to receive us when we wander off the path you desire for us to follow. Please align our will with your will so that we can come into alignment following your voice. We repent and ask for forgiveness. Help us to forgive ourselves and to renew our minds. May our hearts return to a posture of praise and thanksgiving honoring You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Surrender All” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

LaVonda McCullough is a Christian Life Coach, author, speaker and pastor who specializes in women empowerment with Christian-based approach.

Since 2012, LaVonda has coached countless women into compete freedom, teaching them to enhance their spiritual practice. Through one-on-one Coaching, Bible Study, Prayer Walks and retreats (Joyful Journey RefresHER retreat) she teaches women how to reach the divine power within and discover their purpose.

With the foundation of her personal practice the discipline of a Daily Quiet Time, she works closely with those she coaches to develop their own intimate relationship with God. Always using a spirit-led approach, she focusing on the whole person: mind, body, and soul. LaVonda values providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment that allows those she works with to tap into the divine and commune with God themselves.

LaVonda has a deep understanding of healing through intimate relationship with God due to her personal experiences with shame, trauma, loss, and depression.

She is passionate about helping people find freedom and joy in their journey through the cultivation of spiritual practice.

Originally from North Carolina, LaVonda has traveled throughout Europe and Africa speaking about healing through the power of prayer. She has lived in Germany since 2012, where shares her life with her husband of 33 years.

LaVonda and her husband have three children.

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Connect with LaVonda:
Website: https://www.lavondamccullough.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavondamccullough/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavondamcculloughauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/joyfuljourneymi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavonda-mccullough

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God's plans are better than our own

God’s Ways Are Greater Than Mine
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:9 (ESV)

Trusting that God knows best can be a difficult lesson to learn. If you’re anything like me, then I’m sure you have plans. Perhaps hopes and dreams that eventually become plans. Maybe you’re planning to go to college or pursue a career that you’ve long admired as a child.

As much as we try to, the fact is that we don’t have control over everything in our lives. When God’s plans don’t line up with our own, it’s tempting to become angry.

I’ve been there.

When it comes to long-time choices like careers or even smaller decisions like what groups to join, classes to take, or trips to embark on, we may have our plans. But at some point, if we go ahead without truly seeking God, He will intervene and show us that it was not His plan.

Now, that might sound harsh, and like I said before, it can be a tough pill to swallow.

But God only has our ultimate best interest in mind. When we truly surrender to God and His will for our lives, we will find that His plans are so much better than our own.

I remember when I was a child, I had plans to pursue acting full-time. I thought that perhaps I would get a job in the Christian film industry. I began heading down that path and focused on acting. Looking back, God was trying to get ahold of me and show me that acting wasn’t all He had for me. But in my stubborn deafness, I refused to listen until one day God revealed to me that He had other plans.

At the time, I inwardly rebelled against them. Acting was part of my plan, and I didn’t want to change my plan. When God revealed to me that the plans I had for myself weren’t what He had for me, it was incredibly disappointing at first. No one likes to realize that their entire life plan isn’t the path they should be going down.

Maybe my plan sounds less dramatic than your “entire life plan.” Maybe it’s your goals for this year, this month, or tomorrow. Maybe it’s a job opportunity that logic tells you should take but you know in your heart God wants you to trust Him and choose another, less “obvious” option.

I encourage you if you don’t know what God’s plans are for you, ask Him. He will show you. Maybe we won’t know where we’re supposed to be 10 years from now. That’s okay. But He will guide us through each day. And if our hearts are in tune with His Spirit, then I believe that He will unveil His plan for each of us. Sometimes God’s plans for us unfold slowly and not as quickly as we would like, but we can trust that He will show us His plans for our life in His perfect time.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, please forgive me for following my own plan. Please help me to be in tune with You and to listen when You call. Father, I want to hear from You! Please help me realize that I don’t need to know every single part of Your plan for my life right now. Teach me how to rest in You and trust You to make everything clear to me. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Control” by for KING & COUNTRY. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to seriously follow God’s calling to write a novel. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has at least four novels in the works. For the past five years, she has been involved with her local Biblical theater company. She wants to show others the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

When she’s not acting or working on her upcoming novel, you can find Hannah laughing with her siblings, cuddling her little fluffy dog, or reading books (usually historical fiction or fantasy stories). You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

~*~
Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Blog: www.loveunconditional.blog

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Plan

His Plan, Not Mine
A devotional by Casey Wayne

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

A few years ago I decided to start gardening as a new hobby.

It was meant to be something to bring me peace and a sense of accomplishment. I was excited to have something new to try and I was determined to do the research to make it a successful endeavor. To my surprise, it became a more frustrating learning experience than I expected. It quickly started to feel like every time I resolved one potential issue then something else arose. Pests, water management, pruning, etc. It started to leave my head spinning as I tried to control every detail.

By season two and three I started to realize the best thing I could do was create the best conditions I could but let go of the ultimate outcome. I couldn’t control every factor and would exhaust myself trying. To top it off, in the midst of trying to control it all I certainly wasn’t able to enjoy the parts of the garden that was successfully growing.

Even this year, I had a vision and plan for how it would go. Vegetables and wildflowers alongside fruiting bushes was my goal. My hope. My plan. In the end, it turned out different. Pests, little rain, and distractions of life changed the plan. Pivots were made and I began focusing more on the butterfly garden with its beautiful daily visitors. I had a plan, but have learned to not hold so tightly to it that I miss the beauty when plans change.

Are you like me and sometimes hold too tightly to your plans in life?

I have a tendency to be so focused on my vision and plan for my life that I become oblivious to what God has for me. Over the years, the Holy Spirit has taught me to hold my plans loosely. To prioritize giving God the space to pivot my steps, to guide my heart, and provide wisdom for my life. James 3:17 (ESV) tells us, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

There is peace and hope for the future, but we have to be willing to release our control over it and intentionally place it in the hands of our Lord and Savior.

I've learned how important it is to trust God’s faithfulness and guidance. Each day there is a choice to live in faith, trusting God’s wisdom for our lives, or to live based on the world’s wisdom. Scripture reminds us to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not to rely on our own thoughts or feelings (Proverbs 3:5). Our sinful nature draws us into Satan’s lie that having more control will bring us more peace in our life. This is your reminder of God’s truth that a life surrendered to Father’s will brings life and an indescribable peace even in the middle of life’s storms (Philippians 4:7).

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your faithfulness yesterday, today, and all of my tomorrows. As I release my plans and my future to You, give me peace, wisdom and discernment to guide my daily steps. I pray for the strength to wake up each morning and choose to place my hope and trust in my Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ).

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Your Way Yahweh” Jeremy and Adrienne Camp. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

~*~
Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne

Devotionals for the Heart: Reasons why you should follow God's plan

Following God’s Plan
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” –Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Mealtimes can be very frustrating in my household.

On this particular day, my youngest son who is five years old, sat down at the table with the expectation of earning the right to dessert as soon as he finished his dinner.

Typically, he enjoys food and appreciates different flavors and textures. He is adventurous and is eager to try new foods. In anticipation of getting the freshly baked cookies that were resting on the counter, he started off eating all of his vegetables and then he began to work his way to the beans on his plate. He really likes beans, but on this particular day, his love for dessert superseded his love for his food. He pushed his plate aside and announced that he was done with his food and he was ready for dessert.

Both my husband and I exchanged strange glances and my oldest son also looked confused since he too knew the rules. We all explained to my youngest son that in order for him to get the dessert that he desired so much, he must first finish his dinner, which meant eating the remainder of the beans that were now getting cold on the side of his plate.

Well, he adamantly refused and he got up from the table to point to the cookies that were enticing him from the kitchen counter. I reiterated that the cookies could be his if he sat back down at the table and finished his meal.

My youngest son did not like that idea at all. He began to cry and then buried his head in the couch in the living room. I could not understand this reaction, especially since he knew the rules and followed them on every occasion up until this point. He picked up his head just in time to see his older brother enjoying the sought-after cookies on the counter because his older brother finished his dinner.

About another 20 minutes went by. While the rest of the family continued on with the evening, I watched my youngest son from the corner of my eye. He wiped away his tears, slipped back into his seat, and began to spoon the cold beans into his mouth without hesitation. Within a few moments, he finished his dinner, and he brought his plate over to me with a smile of accomplishment.

I was a little shocked because he finished his food without any further convincing and he finished all of it, even though the beans were cold and had been sitting for almost 30 minutes. I smiled back at him and invited him to have the long-awaited-for cookie. He gladly accepted the offer and finally sank his teeth into his dessert.

Sometimes in life, your desire for what God has in store for you has to be greater than your displeasure of the struggle it will take  to get there. God is waiting to bless us with something that is beyond what we could ever imagine, but we are so resistant because we do not want to be uncomfortable or inconvenienced in any way. We must let go of our fears, worries, anxieties, and doubts and allow God to move in our lives. He has a plan for each of us, if only we would not delay and follow His lead.

Let’s Pray: Loving Father (God), You care so much about us that You would do anything just to save us, including sending Your Son (Jesus Christ) to die for us. Thank you for leading us through this journey called life and setting us up to receive Your blessings along the way. May we be patient as You work out Your plans for our lives. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Just the Beginning” by Kurt Carr. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

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

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Our Dreams and God's Plans for our life story

The Unexpected Journey: Dreaming with God
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” –Luke 2:12 (KJV)

I am a dreamer and I have a habit of dreaming big dreams.

Like most Christians, I want to do big things for Christ. I want to start a movement, impact generations, and make a difference in the world. We tend to think about long term goals and plans, especially at the beginning of a new year. God wants us to dream big dreams, but often the journey to accomplishing these dreams is not what we expect.

Throughout this Christmas season, I have considered how unexpected the birth of Jesus Christ was to the people living in that time period. The Son of God (Jesus Christ) was sent to this Earth to save the souls of humankind. God could have sent Jesus as a mighty warrior or as a victorious king, but He chose to have His Son be born of virgin (Mary) who was engaged to marry a poor carpenter. After Mary gave birth, she placed Jesus in a manger and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. This may not sound like the beginning of a big dream, but it is the beginning of the biggest and most wonderful dream of all. This was how God planned to save all humans and give us eternal life. Read John 3:16 for details. 

God has the most beautiful ways of surprising us. Sometimes, He gives us gifts that we believe are burdens or are insignificant. Then, one day, we understand why God put that trial or heartache into our lives and we simply cannot praise Him enough for it. Jesus is the greatest gift we have ever been given. Yet, He had to be wrapped in swaddling clothes. With God, things are sometimes not as they seem. The way that Jesus entered this world was unexpected, but far more beautiful than any story about a mighty king or warrior.

I also like to consider the first thirty years of His life. Jesus was a carpenter. He probably took exceptionally good care of His mother, and He probably lived a life that is similar to our own. He most likely had a schedule to follow, responsibilities to keep, and countless tasks to do. But I think He spent this time with His Father, prayed often, and simply loved the people around Him.

Perhaps our biggest problem is that we are each looking for external signs of change. We all want to see the visible miracles and physical healings. But what about the miracles that take place within your heart? These are the most beautiful miracles of all. Jesus healed many blind, sick, and dying people, but the greatest miracles He performed were the ones where He saved a soul in His Kingdom.

As you look back and reflect on this year, you may feel a little disappointed that you are not as far along as you thought you would be. Maybe you cannot even see where the road of life is taking you. Maybe you are struggling with your progress in your personal relationship with our Savior. Just remember that God’s big dreams do not usually follow the carefully planned schedule that we created.

Dream big, but do not become discouraged when things look different than you expected. Keep your eyes on the Savior and you will never be disappointed. God will fulfill His plans. Our life on Earth is the journey, but our destination is always Heaven and spending eternity with Jesus Christ. He is the one constant and the one absolute that we have in this life on Earth. Lean into God and trust Him with your whole heart.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for the unexpected blessings You have given us this year. Please help us to remember that You are the Author of our real life stories and You have a perfect dream for us. Grant us the courage to look beyond our current circumstances and always look to You. Allow us to find peace in our journey as You write our story. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Heaven on Earth” by Darlene Zschech. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois to Christian parents and has known Jesus personally since the age of five. 

She is currently attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

God’s dream of Tessa becoming a writer was revealed to her at the age of sixteen and she hasn’t been able to stop since. Though she has not yet been published, Tessa enjoys writing historical romance novels and speculative fiction.

Tessa believes God loves stories, and through her writing, she wants to reveal the happily ever after God dreams of for each of his daughters—one where Jesus is the knight in shining armor.

Tessa loves all things Georgian/Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size. When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, Tessa can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the mixing bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

~*~
Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Movie Review: Nothing is Impossible

My Review of Nothing is Impossible movie

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way the difference is in the content that points you back to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie Nothing is Impossible. I watched this heartwarming movie twice in the month of October 2022 because it was that good even though I think this story had a slow start. I’ll talk more about that in my review below. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum (PR for PureFlix) then I’ll share my thoughts (review). 

Here’s what they had to say: 

“Nothing is Impossible” teaches us that times of uncertainty are when we should lean into our faith and trust God has a plan for our lives. Here’s the main story: Down on his luck, Scott Beck gets a second chance at his dream career of being an NBA player. After much loss, pain and regret, Scott Beck begins to seriously doubt his trials and tribulations are worth it. But now he has a second chance at both love and life. Will his dreams be realized? Can he let go of past pains and open himself to God’s purpose? Or will new challenges keep him from the future he always hoped for?

Scott was a high-school basketball star with dreams of playing in the NBA. Fast forward 20 years and he’s a janitor at the high school where he once played. Ryan, Scott’s high school girlfriend, is now in charge of her father’s professional basketball team, The Silver Knights. Financial woes leave her no option but to host open tryouts to attract media attention and bring new (and cheap) talent to the team. Nick, Scott’s best friend, coaches the high school basketball team and has dreams of being a pastor. He tries to mentor his friend who is stuck in the past instead of looking toward the future. Scott’s father needs a heart transplant but won’t quit drinking and doesn’t go to his doctor’s appointments.

As you can see from the summary above, life hasn’t been easy for the hero of this story—until life presents a surprising turn of events and opportunity for him! Get a clue when you read my review below...

My Review:

I think this movie had a slow start. I was ready to stop watching it after the first 10 to 15 minutes. But I hung in there and I’m so glad I did because after that 15 minute mark, the movie really captivated me and the story became very intriguing. Just like staying up late at night to finish reading a book because you cannot stop turning the pages, this movie kept me wanting to know what happens next! The actors did a splendid job of portraying the characters! I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Scott and Ryan. They really played their love interest role well. I found myself invested in the characters and their happiness. I was concerned about their health and well-being and I really wanted everything to work out for the good of these people. And every time the chaplain or pastor prayed over the basketball team in this movie, I found myself saying “Amen” because I was that into this movie! It was almost as if I were on the sidelines in this movie, rooting everyone on as they journeyed toward their dreams. Such a good film.

Here's a bit more from Momentum about the themes of this movie:

• “Don’t be afraid of losing because winning doesn’t teach you anything.”
• Despair causes us to distance ourselves from God.
• Don’t let the past dictate your future, trust in God’s timing, not your own.
• Dreams and aspirations, with prayer and discernment, can be messages from God on what our lives are supposed to be.
• You can’t blame God for your choices.
• We aren’t promised an easy life, free from trouble, failure or worry. We’re promised that we have God to lean on when troubles arise – our sufferings aren’t meaningless (Read the book of Job in The Holy Bible for a prime example of this point)
• God is faithful! He’s still working on each of us. We have to be open to the possibilities He has in store for us.

My Closing Points

I think that a lot of people can relate to this movie, especially if you’re older than age 30 and the dreams you had for your life have not yet come true.

Nothing is Impossible is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

See the movie trailer for Nothing is Impossible here:

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/nothing-is-impossible

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN one 3-month Pure Flix subscription!

Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on October 18, 2022.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c413/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. If you're participating in the giveaway for Nothing is Impossible, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

#NothingIsImpossibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Why you shouldn't give up on your dreams

Keep Dreaming
A devotional by Shirley A. Denson

“Now Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him even more.” 

–Genesis 37:5 (AMP)

Joseph was a dreamer from a young age.

He was 17 years old when he had the first dream about him being in rulership over his brothers. The brothers didn’t receive it well, and hated Joseph him for his dream. He then had a second dream, that pretty much confirmed the first dream, and he told them again. Of course, they didn’t like the second version either, and hated him the more because of it. Joseph, like so many of us, get excited about our dreams and plans, and share them prematurely—or to the wrong people. His brothers were literal haters, and because of that hatred they decided to get rid of him.

As a result, Joseph had to go by way of the pit, Potiphar, prison, and Pharaoh before he reached his place of rulership at the palace. However, every pitstop/detour on Joseph’s journey played a part in positioning him for dream fulfillment. Although Joseph was 17 when he had the dream, and 30 when the dream was fulfilled, it still came to fruition. Although 13 years had transpired between the dream and fulfillment, Habakkuk 2:3 (AMP) reminds us that, “For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time. It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.”

I know that this verse may sound contradicting, but there’s a notable difference between tarrying/delay and processing. You, like Joseph, may have concluded that since what God shown you hasn’t come to pass yet that there’s a delay. However, what’s actually happening isn’t delay, but it’s the processing.

Processing is often times viewed as a dirty word in the church. There is nothing more despised that having to endure the process of a thing. Understandably, it’s because the timeframe is undisclosed, and we live in a microwavable generation where everything has to be quick, fast, and in a hurry. Although Joseph had the dreams at 17, the appointed time was when he was 30. Joseph’s dreams didn’t tarry, but they did process. After they finished processing, 13 years later, then was it the appointed time for them to be fulfilled. In the in-between time, Joseph had to endure some hardships on the way to fulfillment, but he never stopped dreaming, nor believing what God had showed him in his initial dreams.

Joseph didn’t let what he had been through deter his dreams. Though he had been put in a pit, prevaricated on in Potiphar’s house, placed in prison, and petitioned by Pharaoh before he was provided the palace, he kept dreaming! Don’t let what you’ve been through, or are going through, steal/silence your dreams.

When those closest to you no longer want to be around you because of your dream…keep dreaming! When you’re talked about and lied on…keep dreaming! When people/circumstances try to restrain you, or box you in…keep dreaming! What you are carrying is posturing you to fulfill the need of a Pharaoh, that will ultimately provide you the palace. You’re not too old, or too young to dream, so don’t let anything hinder you. And by all means, keep dreaming! After you dream, wake up, and then execute! God still fulfills dreams! If it hasn’t happened yet, there’s still time!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for being omniscient. You knew my end from the beginning, and You knew the path that my life would take. Help me to remember, and pursue, the dream(s) You’ve placed on the inside of me. Give me the patience to endure the processing time it takes for the dream(s) to be fulfilled, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection: “Just the Beginning” by Kurt Carr. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Shirley A. Denson is a native of Statesboro, GA.

She found out at a young age that she had a creative mind and a way with words. Later on in life, she learned to cultivate her passion for writing as a budding author.

Shirley is very passionate about writing. Each book that she releases will be a product of God stirring and cultivating the gift He’s entrusted her with. She has won numerous writing awards/certificates, and is a published poet and blogger.

For the past six years, Shirley has worked as a professional ghostwriter, editor, and author. It is her joy and goal that through print, she might impact lives and leave the imprint of the King.

Visit her website to stay in the loop about her new book releases, current projects, and to read her blog posts.

~*~
Connect with Shirley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SayWhatEnterprises
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saywhatenterprises/

Devotionals for the Heart: God wants to gently guide you through life

The Gentle Guidance of God
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Finding the will of God can be a daunting task for most Christians.

In fact, finding the will of God can seem like an impossible task. Most of us have been led to believe that the will of God is illusive. We believe we have to read the entire Bible from beginning to end at least six times before we are ‘spiritual’ enough to know God’s will. We think that we have to be ‘super’ Christians to understand something like God’s will.

Or worse, some people experience FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when it comes to the will of God. I am a Christian who is guilty of ‘fear of missing out’ on the will of God. What if God was speaking to me and I was not listening? What if I was supposed to hear a special sermon or inspirational message that would tell me exactly what I was supposed to do with my life and I missed it? What if I have completely missed God’s will and ruined my entire life?

STOP! That spiral of FOMO will never lead you closer to the heart of God, and therefore, has no place in your life. The first word from the acronym FOMO is ‘fear’. The Bible has a lot to say about fear, but simply put, ‘faith is greater than fear’. Faith is being able to step out in spite of your fear because you know that God will take care of you, no matter what.

One truth I always come back to concerning the will of God is this quote by C.S. Lewis: “For you will certainly carry out God’s purpose, however you act, but it makes a difference to you whether you serve like Judas or like John.”

God’s ultimate plan will come to pass. The book of Revelation is filled with God’s ultimate will and purpose. There is nothing you can do to stop God’s ultimate will. You can run from God. You can reject His plans for you. But in the end, God uses all things for His glory. It is not a question of ‘if’ you find God’s will for your life, but rather ‘how’ you fulfill that plan.

Many of us are searching for an emotional, dramatic, ‘Damascus Road’ (Acts 9:3-8) kind of calling. We are looking for God to directly give us permission to fulfill His will. But what if the will of God does not come in one dramatic experience? What if the will of God came in gentle whispers from the Holy Spirit? What if God is guiding us through His will right now, but we are too busy looking for extraordinary signs to notice?

What if we were never meant to ‘find’ God’s will for our lives, but rather, we are simply meant to live our lives one day at a time, trusting that God will guide us wherever He desires? That is what it means to live by faith. Faith does not rely on clearly written out plans. Faith is taking one step at a time, not knowing the destination but trusting the gentle hand of God to lead you.

Even when we think we have ‘figured out’ the will of God, life throws us a curveball and we realize we had it wrong all along. It may seem to us that there is no defined purpose in our lives, but we have to remember that we are only seeing things from our limited human perspective. God sees and knows all things.

Take that risky step into the darkness. Without risk, faith is not faith at all. We must be willing to submit and be gently guided by God toward our ultimate purpose. God loves you. He has thoughts of peace toward you. He is fighting for you. Take a risk and put all your plans into His hands.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for Your gentle guidance. Please strengthen our faith that we may fulfill Your will for our daily lives. Help us to submit to the Holy Spirit and lay our plans and agendas before you. Lead us to fulfill Your ultimate purpose for our lives. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois to Christian parents and has known Jesus personally since the age of five.

She is currently attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

God’s dream of Tessa becoming a writer was revealed to her at the age of sixteen and she hasn’t been able to stop since. Though she has not yet been published, Tessa enjoys writing historical romance novels and speculative fiction.

Tessa believes God loves stories, and through her writing, she wants to reveal the happily ever after God dreams of for each of his daughters—one where Jesus is the knight in shining armor.

Tessa loves all things Georgian/Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size. When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, Tessa can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the mixing bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/101227159

Devotionals for the Heart: Learning how to embrace life's obstacles

Embracing Life's Unexpected Obstacles
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

–Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) 

Life's obstacles are notorious for bad timing. 

For months God had blessed me with good health until I got out of bed one morning, and my spine was so out of alignment it resembled the straw with all the loops I loved as a kid.

Excruciating pain made it impossible to stand for more than a few minutes, and the timing couldn't have been worse. The next day I planned to take part in an obstacle course to raise money for charity, and the last thing I needed was back pain slowing me down. 

As I sat on the sidelines watching my friends race without me, I realized my injury was the pause I needed from the frantic pace my life had taken. I was moving so fast that even my trainer told me to slow down. As I lay in bed praying one night, God said in a still, small voice, “If you don't slow down, Sarah, I will do it for you.”

When we least expect it, an unwelcome obstacle such as illness or job loss disturbs the places in our lives we would never admit should be off limits. But what if an obstacle is precisely the course correction we desperately need? 

I wish I could tell you that God will hand you a two-week notice before the next setback takes your breath away. But life is more an obstacle course than a fairy tale, and the way we navigate it reveals where our security lies. Before my back went out, I felt entitled to as few limitations as possible. Once my defenses were down, God finally had my attention.

Sometimes, when we have the world at our fingertips, our pride fools us into thinking we're unstoppable and can manage just fine on our own. But God hates pride (James 4:6), and He will do whatever it takes to remind us He's in control and we need Him desperately.

Whatever obstacle you're facing today, I encourage you to embrace it by asking yourself the following questions:

1. What is this situation revealing to me about myself? 

2. What weaknesses or strengths is this uncovering?

3. What can I learn about God, and how can I grow in my faith?

4. Is there a purpose in this that God is revealing to me?

5. What is the silver lining I may have missed?

Friend, God loves you too much to let you settle for a comfortable life. Obstacles build the character necessary to help you reach your full potential (James 1:2-4) and teach you valuable lessons you would never learn otherwise.

So, the next time you find an obstacle in your path, remember it's not there by accident (Lamentations 3:37-38), and God will use it for your benefit and His glory (Romans 8:28).

Let's Pray:
Father God, You love us too much always to let us have our way. Your goodness and faithfulness are reasons to praise You forever. When we feel entitled to a comfortable life, help us remember that Jesus Christ’s obedience led to The Cross. May we also remember that His suffering and death bought our eternal salvation. Thank You, God! In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen. 

Song of Reflection: “Great is Your Mercy” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. 

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52