Devotionals for the Heart: What can happen when we look for Jesus Christ

Looking for Something?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

—Matthew 2:1b-2 (NLT)

The Magi (Wise Men) mentioned in the Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ on Earth, were very astute. They knew the night skies and saw a new star.

I don’t know about you, but there are millions of stars up in the heavens, and I am not sure I could pick out the one star that was different. I am not a stargazer extraordinaire. However, I have been known to watch meteor showers, the night sky when camping, or while at home in our pasture or sitting around the campfire. The skies do indeed, proclaim the work of God’s hand (Psalm 19:1).

These Magi noticed this new star and began formulating a plan that included a trip to Jerusalem. Most believe they traveled about a thousand miles or more to get to the epicenter of Jewish life: Jerusalem. But that long journey did not deter these men. They were determined. They were on a quest, and they would not stop until they knew the answer to their question. They were, indeed, looking for something.

Or rather, they were looking for Someone. The Lord said in Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT), “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

What are we looking for? Some may answer with: Happiness. Wealth. Health. A good marriage. A good time. Anything but what they have currently. But is what we are looking for worth the search? Are we looking for the wrong thing? The temporal thing? A band aid or quick fix? In the long run, we need long-lasting help and answers. We need hope.

Bible commentators are quick to point out that these wise men knew Scripture, most likely because Jews lived in the region and through the generations, the men from the east began to know it too—whether or not they knew the God behind the Scriptures. The point to note is they saw the star in the night sky, and they went on a trek to find the place where Jesus was—the star was shining on him as a spotlight. They looked for an answer. They stopped everything they were doing and went across the miles in search of the Answer.

God promises we will find Him when we search wholeheartedly for Him (see Matthew 7:7). Do we pack up our lives and search for Him? Do we stop what we are doing or where we are going and make an about-face to find Him? Do we pay attention to the prick in our hearts to satisfy the longing that has been there ever so long?

If not, why not? Even if we have a relationship with God already, we could have strayed or gotten off the path, gotten busy, gotten distracted, gotten bitter, or not gotten our way. Therefore, we tuned out, turned off or wandered. The point being we are not where we should be, and we know it. And we feel the tug, the prick, the nudge, the longing. Then we finally acknowledge we are missing something.

Someone.

This Someone was the baby born in Bethlehem. Now He (Jesus) is our High Priest and Savior. The Bible says His name is Jesus because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Will you be like the Magi and chart out the course to find Jesus? Will you stop the ordinary hustle and bustle and search wholeheartedly for Jesus? Will you keep searching until you find Him and are fully satisfied? He is worth the search. He is our Manna from Heaven. He is our Peace. He is our Joy. Jesus is our Hope.

Let’s Pray: Father God, Lord of all creation. Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He is the long-awaited Messiah who came to Earth to dwell among us, to go to the Cross as Your sacrificial Lamb and to redeem us from our sins. You Lord are Sovereign and beautiful. Your perfect will is amazing. Thank You for giving us opportunities to seek and find You. You are not far off. You are near, available and You are love. Thank You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

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

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Thoughts about Jesus Christ as our Messiah

“I Thirst”
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” –John 19:28 (KJV)

This simple verse of scripture is full of wisdom, spiritual depth and assurance.

It first speaks of Messianic fulfillment. Jesus Christ became Messiah to fulfill the law and to be the typological fulfillment of the visions that the prophets of old intoned. Jesus may well have been quoting Psalm 69:20 where the psalmist was beseeching the Lord to hear of his plight and intercede in his behalf, with his marauding adversaries. Under real persecution the psalmist says that the enemies had reproached and dishonored him.

Reproachment comes in many different ways. Subtle marginalization, economic distancing, othering, then physical assaults. The psalmist pled his case before God: They have broken my heart, depressed my psyche and left me pitiful. They served me soured mush made with bile. When I thirsted they gave me vinegar to drink. It was so bitter that my head shook reflexively in disgust, and they laughed at me.

When Jesus hung, crucified, dehydrated, bruised and helpless, His persecutors treated Him with disdain and reproachment of historical reflection. He was reminded of the psalmist cry. Bearing the sins of the world and making right the wrongs of sin, he even took on that burden and said, “I thirst.” They lifted a sponge to His mouth after soaking it in a vat of cheap wine mixed with vinegar and water. When He took it, He carried the pain, shame and inequities of life for every one of us, all the way to the cross.

Christ fulfilled a prophecy showing that He knows where we are and what is going on around us. He fulfilled a prophecy assuring us that He can fulfill the purposes that were coded into our DNA.

The second concept is that because of the brutality that he had endured, Christ was physically parched and thirsty. There is no physical need that is more compelling than thirst. You can be hungry and last awhile without food. Your other sense may at times cry for fulfillment, but none will drive you quite like thirst.

In your thirsts, know that there is no temptation, no unmet need or desire that Christ has not felt (1 Corinthians 10:13). He feels what we feel and have felt. He knows how compelling loneliness can be. He knows about physical pain and desire. He knows about emotional distance and isolation. He knows about unmet expectations and unfulfillment. He carried that to the cross too, yet without sin!

Take hope and be encouraged by Christ that you too can overcome the world, including your own body, and be victorious through Christ who strengthens us.

Through it all, God was with His Son Jesus Christ. You can have that same assurance that God is with you and you can come through the challenge victorious. It may involve pain, isolation, or deprivation, but on the other side is validation, vindication and salvation.

I would like to think that when Jesus shouted into the swirling winds of dark, demonic presence as He hung dying on the Cross, He was declaring His victory over sin, death and the grave. He was claiming his victor’s cup and taking to himself the bride of Christ, His church of which we are members.

Christ’s words, “I thirst” were the intonation for all time that Jesus won and has redeemed us, not just for yesterday, but for tomorrow, and for all time and I just want to say, “Thank you, Lord!”

Let’s Pray: Thank you Lord for saving my soul. Thank you Lord for making me whole. Thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free! To God be the glory! In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

Devotionals for the Heart: Life, death, prison ministries and a Bible story

Not Dead
A devotional by Wade Webster

Key Scripture: 

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV)

I've been involved in Kairos Prison Ministry for a while now. It's an intense outreach to hardened felons. It's extremely effective for several reasons. The main one being that it's covered in prayer.

Each team is dedicated to one maximum security prison. This way we can become personally involved with the inmates after their conversion to Christ to help guide their spiritual walk. The inmates begin their Kairos experience on a three-and-a-half-day weekend. A series of talks are given by the outside volunteers. Discussions are held after each talk. The focus of the talks surrounds God's desire to become their friend. Some creative readings are given to bring out other subjects for the prisoners to think about.

One of the things each volunteer is required to do for this weekend is to write a letter to each of the 42 inmates. Each letter has their name on it. Each envelope is sealed. This will be the only unopened envelope these prisoners will receive while they're incarcerated. The length and subject of each letter is up to whoever writes it.

Some volunteers write a short note or copy a poem. I like to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide me in writing these letters. I write most of them weeks before the actual weekend because there's little free time once the time inside begins. I'm surprised by what words come from my pen while I write. Once I get the bios of the inmates, then I discover who I wrote each letter to by divine guidance. For many of these felons, these letters are the turning point in their decision to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

I usually write a few letters based on simple subjects that will speak to people locked up behind bars. God turning caterpillars into butterflies is such a topic. So is the condition of most trees in winter. I point out that these trees look dead, just like these incarcerated folks must feel like as they're locked up away from society because of something they did.

There's nothing worse than feeling like you're dead when you're still breathing. But then the warmth of spring comes. Sap begins to flow into the branches. Leaves and blossoms soon appear. What looked dead now comes back to life. That's what God can do for anybody if we let him.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 describes how God took a valley of dry bones and brought them back to life as a vast army to show how he would bring the nation of Israel back from captivity.

I don't know where you find yourself spiritually as you read this. I do know God isn't through with you no matter what you feel like at this moment. There's a good chance you feel useless, perhaps forgotten or neglected. God can still use you no matter what has transpired in your life. Your dormant season can end at any time. God will bring you back to life and make you fruitful again. Believe it, my friend.

You might have a smaller impact than you once had. But God often builds his kingdom one person at a time. Reach that one person.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster lives with his best friend (Jesus Christ) in Plano, Texas. 

He attends Stonebriar Community Church and derives most of his income from driving 18-wheelers.

He enjoys running, dark chocolate and being in nature...but not necessarily in that order.

He's the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer and blogs at http://wadewebster.com.

FlyBy Promotions presents "The Star" movie...it's not just for Christmas!

Today, I'd like to tell you about a new movie by a famous Hollywood producer. The Star is the name of the movie and DeVon Franklin is the name of the producer.

Franklin is the CEO and founder of Franklin Entertainment which is a faith-based production company. "The Star" is his first Christmas movie that was produced by his own company.

I watched the movie today and loved it! The story is told beautifully and the voice actors who lent their voices to bring the animated characters to life were very convincing! The music perfectly supported the storyline and the production of this animated movie based on the Bible story about the birth of Jesus Christ was spectacular!

The movie is available for purchase in three formats: DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital.

FlyBy Promotions would like for me to mention that there are many fun bonus features on the DVD, including a children's Bible study.

To give you a better idea of what "The Star" movie and bonus features are about, I'm including a press release from FlyBy Promotions that I tweaked to make it shorter. 

Enjoy!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Full of humor and heart” – Huffington Post

“The Star is destined to become a classic!” – The Dove Foundation

Golden Globe® Nominated for Best Original Song by Mariah Carey & Marc Shaiman

THE STAR

The Tale of Faith and Friendship Includes Six Sing-Along Videos from Mariah Carey, Fifth Harmony, Kelsea Ballerini, A Great Big World, and Kirk Franklin 

Includes a Dance Along, “How-to” Crafts Video and Much More

Available on Digital February 6 and

On Blu-ray + DVD + Digital on February 20

CULVER CITY, Calif. (January 2018) – From the studio that brought you

MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN & CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS comes the timeless tale about faith, friendship, and the importance of believing in yourself. Bo and his new friends follow the star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told.

Rounding out the all-star voice cast including Gina Rodriguez as Mary, Zachary Levi as Joseph, Grammy® Award-Winner Kelly Clarkson as Leah the horse, Anthony Anderson s Zach the goat, Ving Rhames as Thaddeus the dog, Gabriel Iglesias (Coco, Ferdinand) as Rufus the dog, Patricia Heaton as Edith the cow, Emmy® and Tony® Award-Winner Kristin Chenoweth as Abby the mouse, and Christopher Plummer (All the Money in the World) as King Herod.

THE STAR is filled with more than an hour of engaging bonus materials including the “Star-aoke: Sing Along with Bo & Friends,” a dance along to “Life Is Good” by A Great Big World, plus a collection of fun lyric videos that will have you singing along to the inspiring music from THE STAR. Families can enjoy crafting and baking with “how-to” videos “Star Mason Jar Votives” and “Sweet and Sparkly Stars,” and they also can go behind-the-scenes to explore the amazing talent who bring these characters to life. In “Faith All Year Round,”
renowned pastor and motivational speaker, DeVon Franklin delivers a fun and engaging children’s sermon discussing the themes of the film and keeping the spirit of this inspiring story alive in us every day.

THE STAR is directed by Academy Award® nominated writer/director Timothy Reckart, screenplay by Carlos Kotkin, and story by Simon Moore and Carlos Kotkin. The film is executive produced by DeVon Franklin, Brian Henson and Lisa Henson, and produced by Jennifer Magee-Cook. The Star is presented by AFFIRM films and Sony Pictures Animation in association with Walden Media, Franklin Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company. The uplifting theme song, “The Star” by Mariah Carey and veteran songwriter Marc Shaiman was also nominated for a 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. “The Star” song is now available on The Star: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which assembles new music from a bevy of powerhouse superstars.

Bonus Materials Include:

· Star-aoke: Sing-Along with Bo & Friends: In this all-new song, sing along with your favorite characters including Bo, Dave, Ruth, and the unforgettable camels

· "Life Is Good" Dance-Along: Shake your tail feathers and move your hooves in this fun dance along

· Lyric Sing-Along Videos: Enjoy the eclectic and inspiring music of THE STAR with these colorful lyric videos that allow you to sing along with your favorite recording artists

o “The Star” by Mariah Carey

o “Can You See” by Fifth Harmony

o “Children Go Where I Send You” by Kelsea Ballerini

o “We Three Kings” by Kirk Franklin

o “Life Is Good” by A Great Big World

· Sweet and Sparkly Stars: Create star-themed cookies to be enjoyed year round

· Star Mason Jar Votives: Let the light of THE STAR shine with this simple yet stunning craft

· Faith All Year Round with DeVon Franklin: A children’s sermon discussing the themes of the film and how to keep the spirit of this inspiring story alive in us every day

· An All-Star Cast: Meet the stars of the film and explore the exciting voice cast who bring these amazing characters to life

THE STAR has a run time of approximately 86 minutes and is rated PG: for some thematic elements.

~*~

Don't delay, check out this wonderful movie and bonus materials today! 

Visit the movie's website for more info: http://sites.sonypictures.com/thestar/discanddigital/?hs308=TSR084D

*DVD bonus features include a Bible study by "The Star" movie producer DeVon Franklin. 

Christmas Song Spotlight: All Is Well

I love this song by Michael W. Smith featuring Carrie Underwood. It's so beautiful, Bible-based and awe-inspiring! :)

I hope and pray that God will help you survive this holiday season, enjoy it and be able to say "All Is Well" with your heart and soul.



God bless you, dear ones! 



Love,

Alexis

A Christmas devotional written by Ada Brownell

It's what American culture calls "The most wonderful time of the year" because Christmastime is here! :) Countless songs, books, blogs and devotionals have been written about this significant holiday on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who is known to Christians and people of faith as the "Savior of the World." 

But as the years go by, is it just me or does Christmastime become more and more commercialized? Christmas music fills the shopping malls as early as the first day of November (yes, before Thanksgiving Day) and with Christmas items go on display as early as mid-October! And who knew such a beautiful holiday would cause concern and issues? By that I mean, there are people who do not want to even mention Jesus Christ or say anything about God during this time of year--even nativity scenes can cause controversy.

So what believers in God do to keep Christ in Christmas without offending people or sounding like a "preachy" Christian?

Today, I invited prolific writer and journalist Ada Brownell to address this topic. Ada's written a devotional about teaching the reason for this Christmas season to a secular world. I hope Ada's words will enlighten you and encourage you during this time of year and always. God bless you and enjoy reading! 

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How to Teach the Reason for Christmas in A Secular World

A holiday devotional written by Ada Brownell

A disabled man who grew up in a Chicago orphanage during the violent prohibition era of the '20s and '30s gave his testimony at our church in Arvada, Colo. He told how the famous bootlegger and gangster, Al Capone, visited the orphanage every Christmas, bearing gifts.

Historians say despite his unlawful activities, Capone became a somewhat respected public figure because of donations to charities. I'm sure most orphans adored the man. Yet, at least one child discovered someone greater. He heard about a Heavenly Father who loved him, and God's gift to this boy was His Son coming to earth—for Jesus brought the gift of eternal life to anyone who would accept it.

The world still needs to hear the wonder of God becoming man that we might have life.

Death is why God came down. Sin caused death. Adam and Eve believed Satan when he said, "You won't die!" So they disobeyed, ate the forbidden fruit, and soon after had to bury a son. They eventually died , too.

The Father promised a Redeemer in the early pages of the Bible, Genesis 3:15, to restore immortality. Jesus, God's Son, was that Redeemer and He suffered on the cross to take away sin.

So, Christmas is about the cross as much as it is about the manger.

How can we share the true message of Christmas with our children and grandchildren?

· Memorize and talk about John 3:16

· Don't talk about Santa as if he compares with the all-knowing, all-powerful God who is everywhere. No one is equal to God.

· Teach about the wonder of "God with us." Jesus has many names, counselor, almighty God, the alpha and omega, the lily of the valley, but "Immanuel," which means God with us, is most significant. Isaiah prophesied that it would be His name 700 years before the Messiah was born (Isaiah 7:14.) Even now, God's presence is with us and if we open our heart to him He is in us "He dwelleth with you and shall be in you" (John 14:17).

· Teach about angels. We should never worship them, but according to Psalm 91, God gives angels charge over us to protect us. They also sometimes deliver messages, as Gabriel did to Mary, when he told her she would be the mother of Jesus.

· Teach about giving and gifts. It is more blessed to give then to receive (Acts 20:35).

· Talk about the stable and how Mary and Joseph were content in the humble place.

· Discuss the inn and the innkeeper. What would we have done if we owned the inn? Would we have given our bed so the Son of God wouldn’t be born in a stinky stable?

· Have you opened your heart to Jesus? "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Rev. 3:20).
He will never leave or forsake you, and He’ll guide you and bless your life.

©Copyright Ada Brownell

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Author bio:

Ada Brownell is the author of five books, about 300 stories and articles in Christian publications, and she spent a large chunk of her life as a reporter, mostly for The Pueblo Chieftain in Colorado. She and her husband L.C., have five children, one of them in heaven, eight wonderful grandchildren.and two great-grandchildren.

Among Ada's books: The Lady Fugitive (released July 18, 2014), Imagine the Future You, a youth Bible study (November 2013). Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult (Jan. 15, 2013), Swallowed by Life: Mysteries of Death, Resurrection and the Eternal (Dec. 6, 2011) and Confessions of a Pentecostal (out of print but released in 2012 for Kindle). All the books are available in paper or for Kindle. Imagine the Future You audio book is available at www.Audible.com Readers can receive a free book with new Audible membership.

Connect with Ada: 

Visit Ada's blog, http://www.inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com

Buy Ada's book The Lady Fugitive, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LYDWAIW

See Ada on her Amazon author page, http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B001KJ2C06

"Like" Ada on Facebook, 
https://www.facebook.com/#!/AdaBrownellWritingMinistries

Follow Ada on Twitter, @adellerella

Subscribe to Ada's blog: http://inkfromanearthenvessel.blogspot.com for "Stick to Your Soul Encouragement"