Devotionals for the Heart: When God's Holy Spirit feels like a cool breeze

Holy Spirit: Our Cool of the Day
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”—Genesis 3:8 (ESV)

When in Hawaii, my husband and I leave the doors and windows open to take advantage of the ocean breezes.

Without the exposure to the weather, the space inside our home gets uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to sleep at night. Air conditioning is unusual in traditional tropical homes. Instead, high ceilings, louvered windows, and ceiling fans move the sea air throughout the house, taking the edge off the hot temperatures.

But when the trade winds weaken there is little that can subdue the heat. The humidity adds to the discomfort, making even the tile floors sticky under bare feet. Paradise isn’t so perfect without the quieting airflow.

The Bible introduces us to this breeze benefit in the coolest of ways in early Genesis (pun intended). The Holy Spirit of God is first mentioned as being active in creation prior to God’s voice calling light into action. We are introduced to the presence of God’s Spirit, in the likeness of a circulating trade wind in Genesis 1:2 (ESV) that says, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

Ruach is the Hebrew word for the Spirit of God and is also translated breath or wind. The Bible uses all these English words in its translation of Ruach. When humanity entered the scene, we get more intimate details of the interactions between God the Creator and man (Adam who was the first created human being). We see God using His breath to bring man to life (Genesis 2:7), and His word to instruct man on how to maintain life (Genesis 2:16).

Despite the beauty of paradise, the first humans ever created by God changed the climate with sin. Suddenly Adam and Eve (his wife) found themselves sweating in a sticky situation after choosing to circumvent God’s instruction on living well.

It’s at this moment that God comes in on a cool breeze. Let’s read about it in Genesis 3:8 (ESV): “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

The phrase “cool of the day” in this verse is none other than Ruach! God’s Spirit, the One who hovered over a dark void, re-enters the scene as relief in a tense time.

We often read this scripture as the point when an angry God walks in to lay down the law on evil. But God identifies Himself as love, light, and through Ruach, a cool breeze. Instead of seeing our Savior as the volcano who needs to be appeased, He is the gentle wind who takes the heat off us.

From the foundation of the Earth and from our own first breath, God’s Spirit has been hovering and providing us an atmosphere of comfort. Jesus Christ reiterated this when promising the Holy Spirit to His followers in John 14:16 (ESV). He said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

How we view the love of our Heavenly Father (God) matters to the climate of our lives. There is always a cool breeze available if we keep the windows and doors of our hearts open to God’s Spirit.

Let’s Pray: Holy Father, we are so grateful for your saving grace, and the gift of your Holy Spirit living within us. Help us recognize the cooling of your Holy Spirit in the heat of each day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Fresh Wind” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove has a diverse background in business, fitness, and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community. 

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She was privileged to participate in leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she’s served, Sharon sees the great need for encouragement and connection. Within ministries served, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and building cross-cultural communities has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys nature, deep conversations, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, writing devotionals for other websites, and is working on a nonfiction book titled, The Whole-Of-Us: Putting Church Back Together.

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Connect with Sharon:
Email: sharon@sharonmusgrove.com
Website: Sharonmusgrove.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkmusgrove/

Devotionals for the Heart: God is with us and faithful in all the seasons of life

God is Faithful
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”—Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

The last day of our Hawaiian vacation had arrived, and we still wanted to go snorkeling. Our friends described a beautiful bay less than a mile up the beach. They offered to let us borrow their equipment. Immediately, we changed into our suits, gathered our things, and headed out on our adventure!

It was a perfect morning. The sun glistened on the water as the white foamed waves rhythmically rolled into the shore. We marveled at the beauty as we walked along the beach. The sandy terrain gradually transitioned into a rocky landscape, where the ocean waves crashed forcefully against the lava-rock-lined shore.

Navigating our way became increasingly challenging as we encountered slippery rocks covered with algae. At one point, we had to climb to an elevated, narrow pass to avoid the jagged rocks. Suddenly, everything changed. Even though the trail appeared solid, the sand gave way when I stepped on it, sifting through the rocks. Immediately, I tumbled three feet down onto sharp, jagged lava boulders.

My snorkeling gear bag flew out from my hands, and I found my bottom wedged between two large, jagged boulders. Every inch of me hurt. My husband, alarmed, rushed to my side. Very concerned, he asked, "Are you OK?" Struggling to catch my breath and assess my injuries, I moaned, "I don't know, I think so."

It was a harrowing experience, and it took considerable effort and time for my husband to reach me. It was not an easy task to rescue me from the rocks and assist me back to the safety of the sandy shore. He supported me as I limped, then rested, limped, then rested all the way back to the beach house. I couldn't put much weight on my bleeding foot, and every move shot pain through my body.

Upon returning to the yard, my husband assessed my wounds, gently washing away the sand and blood. As we reflected on the ordeal, there were mixed emotions of disappointment at missing out on snorkeling yet gratitude that my injuries weren't more severe. Following a call to our friends for assistance, we contemplated a visit to the emergency room but ultimately decided against it. I would need to rest and prepare to leave the next day.

This experience left a profound impact. It reminded me how suddenly our lives can be tipped upside down, from one moment of joy, plans, and anticipation to being thrown into a storm filled with fear and uncertainty. It brought to mind the comforting words written throughout the Bible book of Isaiah. Words to us from Jesus Christ saying, “I will be with you.” Life can change in a second without notice, throwing us into a season of loss, grief, pain, or uncertainty, but God continually promises to be with us. He is faithful!

My accident in Hawaii is minor compared to many other devastating events. We had to cancel our plans for the rest of that day, and when flying home, I needed assistance to and from the gate. When I returned home, I did see my doctor to confirm there were no broken bones or infections from the wounds. My body has since healed, but the scars are still visible.

Healing from loss and tragedy takes much longer, and the scars can alter what “normal” used to look like. But God is faithful! Even though we feel like we are drowning, or the fire is consuming us, He is there protecting us, promising strength and comfort. God will never leave us.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in every surprise, challenge, and step in unfamiliar territory. You warned us that we would encounter troubles in this life but promised that You would not leave us. Thank You for Your promises of comfort and strength in the valleys. Help us to rely on You and identify Your blessings in the storms. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham Speer. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He’s Always Been Faithful” by TaRanda Greene performed with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God in turbulent times

Learning How to Trust God in Turbulent Times
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” 

–Psalm 107:28-30 (NIV)

My love-hate relationship with airplanes started when I experienced turbulence for the first time.

My father traveled for work, and he occasionally took me to exotic destinations. One year we boarded the company jet and headed to Hawaii. As the plane reached cruising altitude, the change in pressure gave me the worst earache imaginable. I shrieked, and my mother told me to yawn or chew gum, but nothing helped. Over the loudspeaker, the pilot said we were flying through a thunderstorm and were in for a bumpy ride for the next ten minutes. Though my father reassured me it would soon be over, I sobbed and clutched the armrests until we landed.

As we left the airport, the warm sunshine and tropical breeze caressed my skin. Towering palm trees swayed, and a Hawaiian woman welcomed me with a floral necklace. Once I arrived in paradise, I suddenly forgot about my pain.

When a turbulent situation threatens our security, and everything we do to alleviate our pain fails, our priority is usually surviving the next ten minutes. But as powerless as storms make us feel, they don’t surprise God (1 Peter 4:12). He's taken weary travelers through the worst of weather, so we can trust Him to help us too.

I can only guess what makes you hold on for dear life today. Maybe your boss handed you a pink slip after thirty years. Maybe your troubled teen's latest outburst troubles your sleep. Maybe a diagnosis has shattered your hopes and dreams, leaving you devastated.

The truth is that unless we trust Someone greater than ourselves to help us survive the world's chaos, we will clutch the armrests of the world in the vain hope of finding relief.

Friend, Jesus Christ is greater than the storm you're facing. He knows it’s more than you can handle. And while He never promised a smooth ride through this life (John 16:33), He will accompany you for the duration of it (Joshua 1:9). Relax. You'll be through the worst of it before you know it (Romans 8:28).

If you’re struggling to cope, these four traveling companions will give you the hope you need until the skies clear:

1. Ponder God’s promises. He hasn't failed to keep one yet. Find verses that resonate with you and meditate on them day and night. (Numbers 23:19 and Philippians 4:8).

2. Consider God’s character. His goodness and faithfulness don't fluctuate with life's circumstances. You can trust Him to do what is best for you. (Hebrews 13:8 and Psalms 103:8).

3. Prioritize prayer. When you give your burdens to Jesus, you'll travel light (Galatians 6:2). It's not your job to carry the world's luggage on your shoulders.

4. Practice His presence. You can't escape trials, but when you spend time with God and ask Him to fill you, He equips you to face them (Psalm 23:4).

Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing everything I need to weather this storm. When turbulence tests my faith, Your presence gives me the confidence that I will reach my destination. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Into the Sea” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Your Presence Is A Promise” by Mack Brock. 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 Gigi (her Cocker Spaniel) was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Since 2022, Sarah’s devotionals have been 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

Devotionals for the Heart: Greetings

Joyful Greetings
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!”
– James 1:1 (NLT)

I absolutely love vacationing on the Hawaiian Islands! Sunshine, warm ocean breezes and vibrant blue waters are a soothing balm to my to frazzled mainland soul. Conversely, the zesty pineapple and sweet mango revive my taste buds during winter’s lull in fresh produce at home. It is a sensory feast that contrasts the gray days of home.

While I delight in all the tangibles, it’s the Hawaiian “Spirit of Aloha” that I desire most. This spirit of aloha is a lifestyle of love and unity. The Hawaiian word “Aloha” is associated with “Hello” and “Goodbye,” but also means love, kindness, compassion and grace. So when greeted with, “Aloha,” it is more than an acknowledgment that we see each other. The heart behind the word says, “Friend, together we share the bounty of this earth. I am grateful it is this way. May there be friendship and love between us!”

I want in on that.

It turns out, the early church also had a single word of greeting that included in its meaning, not only love, but the good news of Jesus Christ! This word, “Greetings,” in the Greek, is “chairein,” actually meaning “rejoice!”

My favorite use of this word occurs in James 1:1 (NLT) (italics are mine): “This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes” —Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!”

Rejoice!

There are two amazing things about “Rejoice” as a greeting here. First, James describes himself as being a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ ... and he is happy about that! James is writing to Jewish refugees and suggesting joy!

The context of the Jewish people in those days was that they went from being slaves in Egypt to slaves of the Roman Empire (with some rescuing in between). They were accustomed to living in slavery and were desperate for freedom. Not only that, but their own Jewish laws kept them in a state of works-oriented, religious slavery. Ouch and double ouch ouch! 

I relate to living in slavery to the expectations of the culture I reside in. I relate to being tethered to the works mentality and the lies that I must produce to be of value. That’s why I desperately want escape...to Hawaii...or frankly, any other culture but the one I feel stuck in!

Secondly, James continues, post-greeting, to encourage believers by suggesting they should consider the trials they continue to encounter as “opportunity for joy.” Wait, what?

According to James 1:2-4 (NLT), he says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

How on earth can I be rejoicing when I feel cut to the bone?

James reminds that while we reside physically in a world that hurts us, God is using that hurt to heal us. When we allow God to work in us, we’re making headway in His Kingdom, rather than squirreling in a cage. Not just for Heaven’s sake, but here on Earth too.

Jesus Christ came to set us free from the law and from living a single life to living an infinite one! To live in Jesus’s name is to live life His way ... happily tethered to good deeds and in love with all life. Unified with God and unified with man. That sounds like paradise! I think I feel the sun and taste pineapple on my lips! 

Apparently, I forgot the culture my faith brought me.

What if we change our greeting? What if we lead with a salutation that is encouraging, both to ourselves and our neighbors? A salutation that reminds the truth of the Spirit of God? Would you see rainbows on your dreary days?

Let me be the first. Friend, rejoice!

~*~
Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove is a self-proclaimed sociologist. The opportunities opened to her, over the years, have led her on a fascinating journey observing human behavior.

She has a diverse background in business, fitness and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both recovery programs served women primarily from the homeless community.

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She's been privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Easily identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she's served, Sharon now sees all people as needing more encouragement regardless of cultural or socioeconomic status. Within these ministries, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and witnessing its transformative power has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys her garden, health food, travel, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, make their home in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. They have two grown children. Currently, Sharon is writing her first Christian historical fiction novel utilizing her study, experience, and understanding of self-destructive behaviors.