Devotionals for the Heart: What plants taught me about turning to Christ

Leaning Toward the Light
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’”—Luke 19:39-40 (NIV)

Have you ever really paid attention to the little kernels of joy God gives us in the everyday? He gives us signs and promises in even the most mundane or commonplace things. For example, my house plants.

As much as I’d love to say otherwise, I’m not terribly great at all things domestic. But one thing I’ve mastered is taking care of my house plants. Through hard work, I’ve figured out how to keep them alive. I’ve actually had one since before my son was born—and my son just turned 20.

My plants—seven at last count—are all grouped together behind my kitchen sink in this little triangular nook, nestled between two large windows. What I think is so neat is how they tilt. It doesn’t matter how I turn them or what position they started out in, but after I’ve watered them for the week, as the week progresses, I noticed them curving ever so slightly to the left, toward where they get the brightest morning sun. Their entire bodies seem to quiver in expectation of the love and nurturing they get from that sunlight. After all, they need that light to grow and thrive, to be healthy and strong.

We are a lot like those plants, only our life source isn’t necessarily the sun—it’s the Son (Jesus Christ), right along with the Father (God) and the Holy Spirit. God, three in one, is the preserver and savior and lover of our souls, the one who provides the only things we truly need.

We think we need the things of this world to survive. We think we need money and shelter and all those other creature comforts, but really we just need the Lord because He provides everything else. He provides exactly what we need, and He takes care of us in every circumstance.

Yet in response, what do we do? Like my house plants, do we swivel our bodies and our hearts and our minds toward Him, desperate for His love and all He provides? Do we stay where we are, sturdy in our own prideful, misguided notion that we can take care of ourselves just fine, thank you very much? Or do we turn the other way and seek comfort in things that have nothing to do with Him? Things like worldly, fleshly pleasures?

I think my plants know best. And I think we’d all do well to mimic them—to let our whole selves naturally incline toward the Lord. Reach for Him. Long for Him. Dance for Him. Bask in His love.

Like the plants, we were created intentionally for the Lord. As sentient beings, we have free will—the will to turn our lives toward God or away. But I think deep down we know what we were created for, and what is truly best for us, just like the plants do and just like animals do.

We were created for the Lord.

I choose to act that way. I hope you do, too.

Let’s Pray: 

Dear Lord, 

I love You—but I don’t always act that way. Sometimes I let other things get in the way of my love for You, my focus on You, and the things You want me to focus upon. I let my worldly wants and cares distract me from what is most important. Help me to honor the pure and righteous relationship You created me to have with You. Help me to push aside the unimportant and instead to focus on You, your love, and your intended purposes for my life. And help me to love others in your name, now and forevermore. In Jesus’s Name I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Thirst for You” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Artist of My Soul” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Her third novel, Hidden Seeds, releases in May.

Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. 

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Be a light for Jesus Christ in this dark world

God Makes Order Out of Chaos
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!” 

–Genesis 1:31a (NLT)

I would describe myself as mid-level organized. 

I like things in their place, but I tend toward clutter.

My desk is usually spread with papers, but I like to tidy things into piles at the end of the day. Once everything reaches a certain level of chaos, then I feel the need to put it all right, but until them I’m fine. I would love to be a person with a lovely, detailed, color-coded planner that organizes my life into categories or have a clean cabinet with crisp, neat folders of all my important papers. But at my age, I am doubtful that this will ever happen.

Fortunately, when my life gets too messy, I have a God who is a master of making order out of chaos. In the very beginning of the Bible, and the beginning of time itself, God spoke the world into existence from nothing (Genesis 1:1-2). If I believe that He did that, then I can certainly believe that He can redeem whatever mess is in my life.

I’m always struck when I read the account of creation at how orderly it is. God spoke and He created light and darkness (Genesis 1:3-4). Then He made the sky (Genesis 1:7), followed by the seas and land (Genesis 1:9). He goes on to make the stars, sun, and moon (Genesis 1:14). Next are sea creatures and birds (Genesis 1:21), then all the animals (Genesis 1:24). Finally, He breathes into the dust and creates human beings in His image (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:7). He carefully placed each item exactly where it should be and gave it a purpose.

So my question to myself is: Am I trusting that God has placed me where I am at this moment, with the joys and the messes and the hardships and the trials? And if I trust that He has, then will He create something organized out of that chaos? I have to believe that He will.

Don’t misunderstand. This doesn’t mean that our circumstances are guaranteed to change or that our lives are going to always be smooth sailing. We live in a broken world and no matter what we do, life will probably be hard. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t working in the background to create something beautiful out of that circumstance, or that we are necessarily doing something wrong.

I will choose today to trust that God is a not a God of disarray, but as the One who placed each star exactly where it’s supposed to shine, He put me here in this time and place to be a light in the darkness. 

Let’s shine together, friends!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing creation, which includes each of us. Please forgive us for how we have cluttered it up with sin and darkness. Help us turn to You to bring order into the chaos and remind us that You are always working circumstances for our good. We love You and praise You in Jesus’s Name. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. 

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two college-age children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.

~*~
Connect with Glynis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7

Devotionals for the Heart: A life lesson learned from opening a shutter

Closed Shutter
A devotional by Kay Pflueger

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” 

– Psalm 119:18 (NIV)

Modern technology baffles me at times.

Prior to the pandemic shutdown of 2020, I had never used a laptop computer; but when my employer requested that we work from home, I was given one to use to stay connected to my co-workers. I learned the basics—just enough to get by. I ended up purchasing one of my own when my employment tenure ended and learning the nuances of a laptop vs. a desktop computer has been interesting to say the least.

I recently had an experience with my laptop that was embarrassing but enlightening at the same time. Our family has a weekly Zoom call on Sunday afternoons, and when I logged on per usual, my camera was blacked out. So, I logged off and tried again—with the same result. As we are all told to “reboot” when all else fails, that is what I did. No change. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling the camera app with no success.

Fortunately, my laptop was still under warranty so at this point, I contacted the Geek Squad via on-line chat. After the pleasantries of “hello” and “what is issue?” the technician asked me if my laptop had a slide bar at the top where the camera lens is. I had never noticed that bar before, but I discovered it had somehow been moved and was covering the lens. Problem solved! How embarrassing that something so simple had caused such anguish!

As I said, this was also an enlightening experience. Now I know how to solve this issue should it arise again, but I also learned a greater lesson through this. If I had taken the time to check out the features of my laptop, I would have known that slide bar was there and that it could shut off access to the camera if I desired. Investing the time to discover that feature would have saved the frustration I felt that Sunday afternoon.

I thought about how often I have tried to resolve problems using my own tactics only to find no resolution. It all seems futile and dark—much like that closed shutter of my camera. In my own efforts to figure things out, I often miss the answers that only He can provide. Much like investing that time to learn about my laptop, spending time in reading God’s word, in fellowship with other believers, and in connecting with Him in prayer will help discern His direction.

Reading the manual beforehand would have helped me to quickly troubleshoot the problem with my laptop; just as knowing God and reading His Manual (The Holy Bible) before problems arise can help us find the answers we need.

Opening the closed shutter of my mind and heart allows His light and love to shine in. My cloudy vision is made clearer. I am reminded of John 8:12 (NIV), where Jesus Christ says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

All it takes is opening the shutter.

Let’s Pray: Forgive us, God, when we think we know how best to solve our problems. You and only you have the answers. Keep our minds and our hearts open to your guidance. When all seems dark and we can’t find our way, help us focus on your light and your love. You are the light of the world. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Kay’s devotional today reminds me of the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart” performed by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Learning to read as a young child opened a world of adventure for Kay Pflueger. She came to realize that words can have a unique power and beauty.

Choosing to share those words in her devotional writings has become a joyful and rewarding experience for her. As a widow, she feels a special affinity towards those who are grieving or experiencing loss.

When she is not spending time with her married son and three grandchildren, she is either reading, cooking, writing, or working on pursuing her Copyediting Certification.

Kay is an avid baseball fan who looks forward every summer to following her favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

She is an active member of Victory Lutheran Church in her hometown of San Diego, California.

Kay enjoys writing devotions to be shared on her church’s website and personal social media.

~*~
Connect with Kay:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kay.m.pflueger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishsweetpea/

Devotionals for the Heart: The Light

Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

It had been a hard week—rent was due, and she had no idea whether she’d make it or have to ask the landlord for an extension. Again. Her cupboard was down to Ramen noodles, two eggs, white rice, and a can of black beans, and while she still had gas in her tank, it wouldn’t be long until she ran out.

Despair circled her like a cloak. Would it always be this way? Why did everything feel like such an uphill climb and she was walking against the wind?

Then, in line at the post office, the lady in front of her waves her ahead, winking kindly. “You go first, sweetheart. I’m in no rush.”

Trying to turn left in traffic, first one car stops for her and then another, letting her pass instead of having to wrestle her way through the throng.

Walking into her office building, a man holds the door for her, and in the elevator, an older woman puts her cell phone away and looks her in the eye.

“Good morning! Beautiful day, isn’t it?” the woman says to her with a smile—the sort of smile that says: I see you. You matter. You are a child of God.

With that, her mood has lifted. Her circumstances haven’t changed, but a kernel of hope, comfort, and perseverance has taken hold of her heart. A fresh wind begins to blow.

And that day, driving home from work, she finds herself doing much the same: letting someone go ahead of her in traffic. Smiling at a stranger. Saying hi to the little kid on the stairwell.

They are such simple things, these small acts of kindness. They cost nothing, usually, and yet have the power to bring such great love, consolation, support, and camaraderie to those around us. A smile. Meeting someone’s eye. Holding a door. Little things, but hugely significant in impact—like a sliver of moon shining in the dark night can illuminate your path, or the glow of one small cell phone light in a pitch-black hotel room can help you feel safe.

In Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, He talks about the importance of being that light to others: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT).

Sometimes, life can be hard, and it can feel like you are an island by yourself in the middle of a storm. Even for believers, the light of Christ might shine in your heart, but it’s tough to see any other lights in an often-gloomy world.

But Jesus tells us not to bury that light beneath a basket, not to hide it in our hearts. Instead, we must place it on a stand for all to see. That means compassionate gestures in a cold, isolating, sometimes unfriendly world. That means offering words of comfort or sweetness to another, even a stranger, when we feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit. That means paying for someone’s meal behind you at the drive-thru just because.

You never know what your light can mean to someone else—or how you can draw them to Jesus.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, and a member of the Wholly Loved Ministries team.

Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com/shiningthelight.

Devotionals for the Heart: Light

Twinkle Light Promise
A devotional by Paula Moldenhauer

“I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.”~ John 8:12 (TLB)

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. . . . If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!”~ Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

Our first Christmas tree had only white lights. For years, held in bondage to a legalist understanding of Christmas, we’d skipped the Christmas tree, but I was hungry to express joy at the thought of Christ’s birth, so I hung white lights in the window as a reminder that Jesus, the Light of the World, came to save us from darkness within and without. All other decorations in the years to come built upon that first strand of lights, just as our lives begin with and build on Jesus.

Life is illuminated by Jesus’ grace and truth. Our thoughts, identity, and decisions are illuminated by His light.

Where there is light, darkness flees. It doesn’t matter how the enemy lied to us or who tried to steal light from us. It doesn’t matter, because Jesus, the Light of the World, is with us now. Darkness cannot exist in the presence of light.

Jesus chases the darkness away. His light heals us. His light leads us to freedom.

Jesus is the Word Incarnate. The Word is a lamp to our feet, a light to our path.

Jesus, our Light, reveals next steps. Steps of life-giving light.

In Jesus is life, and His life is the light of all mankind. The darkness of this world has not overcome His light. It cannot! (John 1:4)

God’s light is pure. In Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

He not only lights our way, He lights us! We are like the Christmas tree. It can sit, unnoticed deep in a forest. When night comes, it is shrouded in darkness. But when wrapped in twinkle lights, that same tree cannot be hidden.

When we are illuminated by the Light of Jesus, we light up our space in this world. We are like Him: pure, white light, like a city set on a hill that can’t be hidden. Like a lamp or a candle set in the middle of a dark room.

Even in the dark times of our lives or of the world, His light shines in us and through us.

In this world of suicide bombers, gunmen in schools, and war in the Middle East, the darkness fights for position. In this world of hidden abuses that tear at personal worth and identity, darkness tries to suffocate.

But it cannot win.

In the most inky, black darkness, the tiniest light always pushes back the black. Whole caverns of darkness cannot overcome one little flickering candle.

There is no greater worship than a life surrendered to the Light. Surrendered lives pierce the darkness as they lift glowing arms to point to Jesus.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are perfect light. In You there is no darkness at all. I surrender to Your light. Take it deep inside me and heal me. Shine it at my feet and guide my next steps. Glow within me, lighting me up from the inside out that I may bring glory to Your name.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction.

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado.

Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com and sign up for her newsletter to get a weekly Flourishing Moments and periodic updates on free days for her books. For daily Flourishing Moments “like” Paula’s author/speaker page

Today’s devotional was adapted from Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent. Download the devotional book for *free* here (www.paulamoldenhauer.com/gifts) or you purchase it for 99 cents if you prefer to read on Kindle. 

Words of Faith: The Introduction

Dear Wonderful Readers of "God is Love" (blog): 

I'd like to introduce a new series coming soon to my blog! Starting on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, we will have special guests talking about their faith journey with God. We will host a special guest every Friday throughout the year 2016.

"Words of Faith" will provide YOU, my readers, with a focus on faith in God as told through real-life experience from followers of Jesus Christ! Our special guests want to share stories of their faith in God with you to encourage you along your journey through life.

An emphasis on Bible verses that teach us about faith will be a focus throughout this series. So, at least one bible verse on faith will be included in every story told for this series.

Every Friday, you can expect a devotional or a personal essay (guest post) about what faith means to one of our guests. Example of talking points from our guests include but are not limited to: talking about how and when they first found faith in God, sharing a testimony about how their faith in God helped them to overcome an obstacle, showing us how to "grow up" in the faith, speaking on why faith without works is dead, sharing how they apply their faith in God to their everyday life (and how you can too), talking about how their faith has helped others find a relationship with Jesus Christ, sharing how their faith impacts their world and why they choose to keep the faith....the variety of topics and depth of story may be the very hope and inspiration you need.

"Falling in Love with Jesus" told us WHY people have faith in God, now "Words of Faith" guests will show you HOW people can find faith and hope in a broken world. 

So that's all for now. Stay tuned for more every Friday, right here on this blog! 

Love,

Alexis

Song Spotlight: Day After Christmas

Christmas Song Spotlight: His Plan

I love this song! Here's what I want you to remember as you listen to it: God is working out His plan. The proof is found in real-life AND in Scripture. Read the following texts: John 3:16, John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.

No matter what you're going through or how long you've been going through it, REMEMBER, God is still in control and HE is working out His plan for you. He's promised to save you if you just believe in Him. As you believe, you must also trust. Trusting God gets tough when life gets hard but hold onto HOPE because HE will never let you go!

Be encouraged, dear hearts! 

Love,

Alexis

25 Days of Christmas Stories: A Season of Encouragement

Simply wonderful is the message today from our guest Marianne Evans! She's an award-winning author who has a passion for creating "Faith Affirming Fiction" and she's great at encouraging the hearts of her readers.

Marianne's latest release is called Christmas at Tiffany's and it is a true, creative delight! Read more about her book toward the end of this blog post. 

Now Marianne would like to share a short guest post that she wrote with you in mind, hoping to encourage your heart. I hope you will enjoy reading it!

~*~
A Season of Encouragement 

A guest post written by Marianne Evans

My publisher, Pelican Book Group, launched a most encouraging Christmas campaign via Twitter, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Editor in Chief Nicola Martinez encouraged PBG authors to share uplifting quotes, re-tweet them, and give a boost to those who are struggling during this emotionally charged and very busy season.

While I prayed for discernment, while I scoured the Internet and Bible for hope-filled quotes, I considered what an enormous mission field we face at the moment. 

Our world, at the surface level, seems so devoid of Christ’s light and hope. I strive to make it part of my job as a Christian writer, as a missionary and disciple, to let modern culture know that God’s love and joy endures, that Christ lives and breathes in the actions of each one of us. All the same, I become overwhelmed. I cry out in a desert and wish for calm, for peace, for a a ramp-up of simple joys. Even though I know the truth of Christ’s providence, I sometimes become lost in the stress and bustle of the holidays. It’s then that I do my best to pull back, focus within, and remember who I belong to, and what exactly it is I’m celebrating…and honoring.

Christmas isn’t just about a birth. It’s about a promise. It’s about a bridge from brokenness and sin to our Father’s perfection. It’s about redemption and the purest love mankind will ever know resting in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes.

I hope this social media exchange provides meaning and light in the face of darkness. Do you crave a helping of Spirit and encouragement? Log on to Twitter and check out #NeverGiveUp and #HaveFaith. If you face challenges that leave you struggling this Christmas season, always remember—in the words of Matthew West—“You are a child of the One True King.”

Read Psalm 16:8, a message filled with hope, that says, "I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Click to Tweet the following links:

Do you crave a helping of encouragement this Christmas?

In the bustle of the season, remember: You’re a child of the One True King

~*~
Author bio:

Marianne Evans is a multi-award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction with over twenty titles to her credit. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

~*~
Book blurb for Christmas at Tiffany's:

All she wants for Christmas is her Master’s Degree. All he wants is a one-way plane ticket back to Los Angeles.

Tiffany Zelling’s mission is to become a crisis therapy counselor using specially trained animals as comfort tools. She's focused on reaching the end of her school career, and nothing will stand in her way—not even a fantasy-world attraction to colleague Mitch Alexander. 

After a year as interim Director of East Coast Operations Mitch's tenure has been a resounding success. Now, he’s set to return to California and lay claim to a well-deserved promotion. He can’t wait to leave behind the cold and snowy darkness of Manhattan, but when corporate bullying and a massive snowfall throws him together with Tiffany Zelling, Mitch wonders if heading west is his best future.

As two hearts build a pathway to love, goals shift and evolve. But as Christmas joy and hope move through the streets of New York, critical decisions must be made. Can their lives truly meld? Can Christmas at Tiffany’s be God’s answer…for them both?

~*~

Connect with Marianne:
Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest