Devotionals for the Heart: Why God is our stable Rock in troubled times

God is My Rock and My Fortress
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

—Psalm 18:2 (KJV)

There's a verse I keep returning to when everything feels unsteady.

King David didn’t write this verse (Psalm 18:2) from a place of comfort. He wrote it after years of being chased, betrayed, and nearly killed. He wrote this verse after watching the ground shift under him over and over again. What he landed on, after all of that, wasn't a strategy or a self-improvement plan. It was not a person. He landed on the Lord. David didn’t say, “the Lord helped me build something stable.” He said, “The Lord is my rock.” The difference is everything not “God helped me get stable,” but “God is my stability.” David didn't build it. He didn't earn it. He just stopped looking elsewhere and stood on what was already holding him.

That’s the difference I want to sit in today.

Notice how many words David uses to say the same thing: Rock. Fortress. Deliverer. Strength. Buckler. Horn of salvation. High tower. Seven images, one truth, said seven different ways.

I don't think that's poetic excess. I think it's what happens when one word isn't enough to hold what you're trying to say. When you’ve been steady in some ways and shaken in others, strong in some ways and terrified in others, you reach for every word you have because no single image captures the whole of what you need God to be.

A rock holds your weight. A fortress keeps danger out. A deliverer reaches in and pulls you from where you are. A high tower lets you see what’s coming before it arrives. David needed all of it because life doesn’t threaten you in just one way. It comes at you from every direction, and so his language for God had to come from every direction too.

Here's what stands out to me most: David doesn't say God gave him a rock. He says God is the rock. That’s not a small distinction. A rock you’re given can be taken away. God the “rock” cannot. If my stability depends on a job, a relationship, a season of life going well, then the moment any of it shifts, my stability goes with it. But if my stability is God himself, nothing that changes around me can touch the foundation because the foundation was never any of those things to begin with.

I think this is why so many of us feel unstable even when nothing is technically wrong. We've built our sense of safety on things that were never built to hold that weight such as: achievement, other people's approval, the absence of conflict, the illusion of control. Those things shift constantly because they were never rocks. They were just things that looked solid until the weather changed and we realized they were like sinking sand.

David is naming something different. He says, “My God, my strength”. He isn't crediting his resilience or his track record. Not in how well he’s holding it together. He’s naming where the strength lives: in God, and nowhere else. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV), “for my strength is made perfect in weaknesses.”

I want to be honest about something: Saying “the Lord is my rock” doesn't make the storm disappear. Remember: David wrote this after the danger, not instead of it. The men were still after him. The years of running were still real. The fear in the moment it was happening was not fake just because he later wrote a psalm about trusting God through it. Faith here isn’t the absence of fear, it’s what David reached for in the middle of the fear.

That matters, because I think a lot of us quietly believe that needing to lean on God this hard means something has gone wrong with our faith. It hasn’t. King David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), needed seven different metaphors to describe how badly he needed somewhere solid to stand. If he needed that many, we’re allowed to need ours too. One of my favorite places to stand is Romans 8:18 (KJV). It says, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Let’s look at our anchor text (Psalm 18:2) again and focus on where David wrote these words: in whom I will trust. That phrase sits in the middle of the verse and it’s easy to read past it, but it's doing a lot of work. Allow me to explain: Trust isn't a feeling you wait for. It’s a decision you make, often while the feeling is nowhere close. David didn’t say “in whom I feel safe” he said, “in whom I will trust.” Future tense. A choice being made in the middle of the hard place that hadn't been resolved yet. He was choosing to trust the rock before he could fully feel its solidity under his feet.

That’s most of what trust looks like, if I'm honest. Not the calm certainty we picture, but the decision to keep standing on something you can’t fully verify yet because you’ve decided it’s trustworthy, not because the ground has stopped shaking. My late pastor used to tell me, “Faith is not needing to know the details.” We learn to trust God when we can’t see nor trace Him.

If you’re in a season where everything you used to lean on feels unreliable—people, plans, even your own resolve—I don't think the answer is to try harder to make those things solid again.

I think the invitation is the same one David found his way to. Stop asking the shifting things to hold your weight. Instead stand on the thing that was never going to move. Not because it will remove what you're facing. David still had men after him. The storm doesn't always pass just because you’ve named your rock correctly.

But you can be in a storm and still be standing on something solid. That’s not nothing. That might be everything. My rock. My fortress. My deliverer. My strength. My high tower. My buckler. My horn of salvation.

Let’s say it the way David did with all seven words because one was never going to be enough. Let these words be true before it fully feels true because that’s where trust starts. Not at the end of the storm, but in the middle of it, on a rock that was never the one shaking to begin with.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

You are my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. You are my God, my strength, the one in whom I choose to trust not because I always feel it, but because I have decided You are trustworthy. You are my buckler, the horn of my salvation, my high tower.

I confess that I have spent seasons leaning on things that were never built to hold my own strength, other people's approval, plans that felt solid until they weren’t. Forgive me for asking shifting things to do what only You can do. Teach me to lay my weight down on You instead, even when I cannot yet feel the ground beneath me.

I will not pretend the storm isn’t real. The danger David faced didn’t disappear just because he knew where his strength came from, and mine may not either. But let me be like him—afraid and trusting at the same time, shaken and standing at the same time, in the middle of the storm and still fixed on something that isn’t moving.

Where I am unstable, be my rock. Where I am exposed, be my fortress. Where I cannot save myself, be my deliverer. Where I have no strength left, be my strength. Where I need to see what’s coming, be my high tower.

I will trust You. Not because everything is resolved, but because You have never once stopped being who You said You are.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Cornerstone” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Great God” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “My Help (Cometh from the Lord)” by VaShawn Mitchell (ft. Maranda Curtis). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Way Maker” by Sinach. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Keith & Kristyn Getty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when everything is falling apart

Encouraging Yourself in the Lord When Everything Falls Apart
A devotional by Erica N. Bryant

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”—1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

When trials hit you out of nowhere or if you find yourself at a low point—and we all have them—the weight can feel entirely overwhelming. In those moments when your foundations are shaken, you need to encourage yourself in the Lord. It is not just a good idea; it is a spiritual necessity.

In 1 Samuel 30:1-8, during one of the darkest chapters of his life, David gives us a powerful, practical pattern to follow when we don't know where else to turn.

Before he was king, David had set up a temporary residence in Ziklag while on the run from Saul. He wasn't alone; he was surrounded by 600 fierce, elite warriors and their households. These men had started out as broken, indebted outcasts hiding in caves. Still, over the years they had married, raised their children, and grown into a tight-knit family. Read about this in 1 Samuel 22:1-2, 1 Samuel 27:3, and 1 Chronicles 12:1-2. One day, David and his fighting men returned home from the battlefield only to discover absolute devastation. The Amalekites had raided the area. They had attacked Ziklag, burned it to the ground, and captured the wives, children, and everyone else, carrying them away to an unknown place.

When reading this account, the pain these men felt is almost palpable. The Bible tells us they wept aloud until they were physically too weak to cry anymore. To make matters worse, David’s personal pain was compounded by a terrifying betrayal. Not only were his own wives and children taken away, but his faithful followers—the men he had led, prayed with, and fought with—had now become an angry mob insistent on stoning him. He was entirely alone, facing total loss and the threat of death.

But right there in the midst of his pain, we find one of the most powerful phrases in Scripture is found in 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV). It says, “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” In the presence of God the Father, David was strengthened and fortified, emboldened to take the next steps. True biblical encouragement is not about practicing self-reliance, counting on your own willpower, or having confidence in your ability to pull yourself out of a pit. To encourage yourself in the Lord is to reach out to Him with urgency and fervor, knowing that He will lift you by His divine power and strength when your own has failed.

If you are facing a Ziklag season today, David's experience shows us a way to navigate the pain.

Let’s read and reflect on these three steps:

Step #1: Go Ahead and Cry. It's Okay.

Crying is not a sign of a lack of faith. It can be cathartic and healing. Know that God cares deeply for you. He knows about every heartbreak, every devastation, and every bit of pain you have faced. He has accounted for every single tear you’ve shed. He is not unaware of your suffering. He sees, He knows, and He is working on your behalf. The Bible says in Psalm 56:8 (NKJV), “You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”

Step #2: Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness

When your current circumstances look bleak, you must intentionally redirect your focus. The love of the Lord is unfailing, and you can count on Him to be there in every circumstance. Remind yourself of that! Remembering what God has done in the past can help you hold on during difficult times. David knew this, and he often remembered past victories to help him overcome the immediate challenges he faced, anchoring his hope in what the Lord had already done.

King David said in 1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV), “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Step #3: Talk to God and Get the Plan

Do not let your pain paralyze you or drive you to make rushed decisions. In the midst of his grief, David inquired of the Lord. He prayed and asked God whether he should pursue the invading troops and whether he would succeed. God met him in that place of prayer, affirmed David’s course of action, and assured him that he would have divine success. In times of intense pain and uncertainty, follow David's lead: pray. Talk to God and let Him lead the way. Through His Word and His Holy Spirit, God will tell you whether to move or wait, go or stay, pursue or avoid. Follow His leading, and you will have divine success.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel 30:8 (NKJV), “So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

If you are standing in the middle of a broken situation today, remember that the story isn't over. Go ahead and cry; God knows and understands your tears. But when you are ready, dry your eyes, seek the presence of your Heavenly Father, and steel your resolve to encourage yourself in the Lord!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a God who sees and understands everything I encounter. I am grateful for Your presence during times when I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and uncertain about the future. In those moments, help me to turn to You for the strength and encouragement I need to keep moving forward. Remind me of the victories You’ve brought into my life before. Give me with a clear plan to move forward and the resolve to follow Your guidance, trusting that You are actively working on my behalf.

In Jesus' name, I pray.

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Just Cry” by Mandisa. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are” by Virtue. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Everything Falls” by Fee. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6:  “That’s Who You Are” (Original song by Megan Tibbits). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7:  “Hold Us Together” by H.E.R. and Tauren Wells (Hope Mix). Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Erica N. Bryant is a passionate Bible teacher, speaker, and author who desires to see believers live in the complete freedom and joy of the Holy Spirit. 

As the founder of Sparrow's Song Ministries, Erica invites a community of believers to get to know God by falling in love with His Word. Through Bible study resources, devotionals, teaching, and mentorship, Sparrow's Song encourages others to grow in intimacy with God and walk daily in the power of His Holy Spirit. She began The Word W.O.R.K.S. campaigns to help believers walk in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success.

Erica is a writer with several published works including devotionals for adults and children, topical and textual Bible studies, and Scripture journals. In her debut book, Dwell: Living Life Fully Knowing that the Holy Spirit Lives in You, Erica draws from her own journey of healing from childhood trauma, rejection, and the struggles of fear and anxiety. With honesty and hope, she invites readers to embrace the life-giving truth that God's Spirit resides within them. Erica believes that when you know the Holy Spirit dwells in you, everything changes.

Erica is a passionate speaker who effectively communicates God’s Word with clarity and conviction. She speaks a relevant word to hearers and ministers to their hearts, inspires practical application, and empowers them to grow in faith and purpose.

Erica is a devoted wife and loving mother who actively serves in various roles at Strait Gate Deliverance Center.

Ultimately, she is just a girl in love with God and she is a soldier for Jesus Christ.

Devotionals for the Heart: The bond between our Shepherd (Jesus) and us

The Lord is My Shepherd
A devotional by Anne Madison

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

—Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

As a shepherd, King David—the author of Psalm 23—understood the bond between a shepherd and his sheep.

He knew firsthand the devotion and sacrifice required to care for the flock. David understood his role as a guide, protector, provider, comforter, and healer. He also recognized the sheep’s tendency to wander, their fears and weaknesses, and their complete dependence on their shepherd. In light of this, it is natural to wonder how this shepherd-king came to see his relationship with the sheep as a reflection of his relationship with the Lord. A look at Psalm 22 may provide insight.

In stark contrast to the opening statement of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” in Psalm 22, David penned this in Psalm 22:1-2 (NIV), “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” David goes on to say in Psalm 22:13-15 (NIV), “Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.”

Yet David held on to shreds of a Biblical truth in his despair. He said in Psalm 22:3-5 (NIV), “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”

David seemed to come to a refined understanding, a peace in his relationship with the Lord, between the writing of Psalm 22 and in Psalm 23:1 (NIV) where he says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Maybe, as he cared for the sheep, God spoke to his shepherd’s heart and connected the dots. Maybe as in Jeremiah’s visit to the potter's house, David had an epiphany and heard God speak (Jeremiah 18:1-6). Whatever the case, in Psalm 23, David gets it and records it in a way that makes sense and brings comfort to all the people of God. The Lord is a good shepherd.

In his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller (who is a modern day shepherd) wrote, “So when the simple—though sublime—statement is made by a man or a woman that “the Lord is my shepherd,” it immediately implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker. It links a lump of common clay to divine destiny—it means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence. This thought alone should stir my spirit, quicken my own sense of awareness, and lend enormous dignity to myself as an individual. To think that God in Christ is deeply concerned about me as a particular person immediately gives great purpose and lend enormous meaning to my short sojourn upon this planet. And the greater, the wider, the more majestic my concept is of the Christ—the more vital will be my relationship to Him. Obviously, David, in this Psalm, is speaking not as the shepherd, though he was one, but as a sheep, one of the flock. He spoke with a strong sense of pride and devotion and admiration. It was as though he literally boasted aloud, “Look at who my shepherd is—my owner—my manager!” The Lord is!”

We, like sheep, need guidance. We are vulnerable when we roam without direction. “All of us like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6 NKJV). We are fully, wholly, and completely dependent on the loving kindness and care of our Good Shepherd.

The Lord is my Shepherd. I am a sheep of his flock. He provides so that I shall not want. He protects. His rod and staff calm all fear, for I am safe in his refuge. He supplies water for my thirsty soul, leading me beside still waters. He knows me, calls me by name, and declares, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14 NIV). His promise to be with me in the dark valley comforts my weary heart. He restores my soul. His goodness and mercy follow and watch over me all the days of my life. His promise is secure: I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let’s Pray:

Gentle Shepherd,

Your loving kindness is better than life. Daily, You provide all that I need: food, water, rest, safety. You watch over and protect me from the fowler’s snare and enemies who seek to do me harm. Good Shepherd, lead me in all wisdom and truth. Guide me on this path of life, both here and in eternity. How great it is that You know me and call me by name. Tune my heart to hear and follow your voice, silencing the noise of all others. Stay ever present in my life. Restore my soul when life’s sorrows break my tender heart. Renew a right spirit within me as I walk beside the still waters with You. In, with, and present with You is where I always want to be. Shepherd of my heart, shepherd me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Psalm 23” by Phil Wickham ft. Tiffany Hudson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)” by People & Songs ft. Josh Sherman. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Shepherd of Love” by The N Crew. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “All We Like Sheep” by Don Moen. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: How being grateful can help heal you and others

Gratitude Brings Healing
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

—Psalm 107:1 (KJV)

One of my favorite pastimes is doing something that requires great subtlety.

It’s something that I think we should all do but see it as a personal development exercise. It’s called people watching. You don’t need to be trained on how to do it but if you tend to stare with a frown on your face, you’re doing it wrong. You have to be subtle. One of my favorite places to watch people is in the grocery store.

I watch the way customers interact with the cashier while checking out. Here is where you see all kinds of personalities and behaviors. My blood starts to boil when customers start yelling or speaking harshly to the associates who are checking out the groceries. A different price comes up and the shouting begins. I’ve tried to stand in the shoes of that associate who may have struggled to get out of bed that morning, get their children off to school, deal with a sick family member and still make it to work on time. Saying “thank you” to the associate for the dispensing of change, the bagging of groceries, the diligence and even just for smiling, can make things better for the person on the other side of the cash register.

Gratitude is becoming an age-old activity that I feel compelled to impart to people every day of my life. From writing an honest but encouraging review to carefully choosing my words as I write an email or seeing the Amazon delivery driver bringing the package to the door rather than just throwing it at the step (he or she didn’t have to do that) . . . all of this gives me gratitude.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “gratitude” is “a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done to help you.” There is so much we can complain about and yet there is so much goodness God has showered on us that I often sense the scales are not balanced between our gratitude and complaints.

Think about Jesus Christ’s interaction with the 10 lepers (Luke 17:11-19). They were sent on their way to go and show themselves to the priests. Jesus did not require the lepers to return to Him and express gratitude for their healing. Yet I believe something arose in the heart of the one leper who was so grateful that he felt compelled to return and give Jesus thanks because he knew deep down it was Jesus who healed his body.

This was huge because he not only got physical healing, but Jesus gave them hope for a new and better life. All of them knew what it was to live in isolation from the community because of their illness. This would have affected every area of their life—from relationships to earning an income and purchasing food—yet most of these people forgot so quickly after being healed to turn back and give thanks to Jesus. The Scriptures state, “and he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:16 KJV).

Culturally, Samaritans were looked down upon by Jews. They were a scorned people group. Yet, Jesus looked beyond their nationality and saw their need. He exemplified love in action. The Samaritan leper knew this, which increased his gratitude.

Perhaps we in our modern day should ask ourselves, “How are we expressing gratitude and thanks, both to God and to people?” There are opportunities where we can show this that are often overlooked. Here are a few suggestions: We could express gratitude for the mailperson who neatly puts your mail in the box. We could appreciate the gas attendant at the gas station or the cashier to whom we pay for our gas. We could show appreciation for the associate at the store. We could thank the custodian or cleaning person sweeping the store, school or community center. And we could be kind to the cleaning lady in the hotel where we stay.

We don’t know what many of these individuals have to go through to just show up at their post daily. Many times, people look past them. Even the person pushing the shopping carts back to the grocery store can be overlooked. We might say “that’s their job” and I understand. However, “their job” is the reason I can have access to a clean room, store, and checkout line. Saying “thank you” with a smile goes a long way. A simple expression of gratitude can empower them to keep going.

Remember: We can begin our day with gratitude first not to people but to the Lord when we open our eyes in the morning. A great day begins with a grateful heart.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, we are so thankful for waking us up this morning. You have protected us and kept us safe. Lord, we are so grateful. Thank You for allowing us to see a new day. Help us to stay alert to opportunities to express gratitude to everyone who we encounter. May our hearts always be grateful for big and small things.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “God I'm Just Grateful” by Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Thank You” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here. 

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology "Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit", as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When God uses struggles to strengthen you

The Necessary Struggle
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

—1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)

Nobody tells you that growth feels like breaking.

I know this because I had to eulogize my aunt, my hero, the cornerstone of my family, while I was still figuring out how to breathe without her. I stood up and found words for everyone else’s grief while mine was still raw, still unprocessed, still too big to name.

They show you the before and after, the transformation, the glow-up, the redemption and skip over the part where you were on the bathroom floor at 2:00 in the morning wondering if you will ever feel like yourself again. They skip the months when you couldn’t tell if you were healing or just getting better at pretending. I’ve been thinking about that gap a lot. The space between who you were and who you’re becoming. Nobody warns you how long you live in that space. How uncomfortable it is to exist in the middle of your own story, without knowing how it ends.

Here’s what I’ve come to believe: The struggle isn’t a detour. It is the road.

We’ve been sold this idea that difficulty is a sign something has gone wrong. That if you’re suffering, you must have made a wrong turn or picked the wrong career, the wrong relationship, the wrong path. So, we spend enormous energy trying to outrun the hard parts, or numb them, or at least make them look more bearable on the outside.

But what if the friction is the point?

Muscles don’t grow without resistance. A person doesn’t either. Not real growth, not the kind that changes how you see yourself, how you move through the world, what you’re willing to tolerate and what you’re not. That kind of change requires pressure. It requires uncomfortable confrontation with your own limits.

The struggle isn’t proof you’re failing. It’s often proof you’re in the middle of something that matters. I’m not romanticizing suffering. Let me be clear about that.

There is suffering that serves nothing and grinds you down without teaching you anything, that you should walk away from if you can. Not all pain is meaningful. Not all hard things are worth enduring. Some struggles are just bad situations you need to exit. But there’s another kind. The kind that comes from choosing something difficult on purpose and starting over, telling the truth, walking away from what felt safe, asking for help when your whole identity was built around not needing it. That struggle is different. That struggle has direction to it.

The question I’ve learned to ask myself is: Is this hard because I’m growing, or hard because I’m ignoring something? The answer changes everything about what to do next. The hardest part of my own necessary struggles hasn’t been the struggle itself. It’s been resisting the urge to rush through it.

We want resolution. We want to arrive. We want to be the person who has already figured it out, not the person still in the middle of figuring it out. So, we skip steps. We declare ourselves healed before we are. We perform the after before we’ve lived through the during.

And then we wonder why the same patterns keep showing up. There’s no shortcut through the necessary struggles. You have to let them take the time they take. You have to sit in the discomfort long enough to learn what it’s trying to teach you.

That’s the part no one wants to hear. But it’s the only part that’s true.

There’s a promise in 1 Peter 5:10 that I keep coming back to. It says, “after you have suffered a while, God himself will make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

Four words. Four distinct things. And I don’t think they’re accidental. Let’s examine each word:

Perfect means not flawless, but complete. Whole in ways you weren’t before. The broken places filled in.

Stablish means established. Rooted. Fixed to something that holds even when the ground moves.

Strengthen means not just surviving, but capable. Able to carry what you couldn’t carry before.

Settle means that deep, quiet thing. The internal stillness that does not depend on your circumstances being calm.

Notice what all four of these words have in common: None of them are possible without the suffering that precedes them. You can’t be settled without having first been shaken. You can’t be strengthened without having first been stretched. The struggle isn’t the enemy of the outcome; it’s the condition for it.

If you’re in the midst of something hard right now that you chose or that chose you, I want you to know something: The fact that it’s hard doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. The fact that you’re not okay yet doesn’t mean you won’t be. The fact that you can’t see the other side doesn’t mean there isn’t one.

Remember, God promises to restore you “after you have suffered a while”. Not forever. A while. There is a duration to this, even when it doesn’t feel like it. And on the other side of it not despite the suffering but through it you will be more complete, more rooted, more capable, more settled than you have ever been.

Some of the most important becoming of your life is happening in the moments that feel the least like progress. Keep going. Not because it will get easier immediately. But because you are, right now, being built into something stronger than what you were whether it feels like it or not.

The struggle is necessary. So are you.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

I come on behalf of everyone reading this who is in the middle of something hard—the ones holding it together on the outside while quietly falling apart within. The ones who have cried in the car, in the shower, in the silence of 3:00 in the morning when the rest of the world is asleep. The ones who are grieving for what they lost, what they never had, or who they used to be.

Meet them here. Not on the other side of this, but here. In the thick of it. In the mess and the confusion and the exhaustion of a struggle that has gone on longer than they thought they could bear.

Remind them that You are not absent from their pain. That You are not waiting for them to get it together before You show up. That You are close to the brokenhearted—not close to the healed, not close to the finished, but close to the broken, right now, exactly as they are.

And Lord, let Your promise in 1 Peter 5:10 be real to them today—that this suffering has a while on it. That is not permanent. That on the other side of this, You will make them perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle them in ways they cannot yet imagine.

Do what only You can do in what they are walking through. Make them whole where they are broken. Root them where they have been shaken. Strengthen them where they have been emptied. Settle them where there has only been chaos.

And until that day, give them just enough grace for today. Just enough strength for this moment. Just enough hope to keep going. They are not forgotten. They are not forsaken. They are being formed.

In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on You” by Elevation Worship & Maverick City. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Open My Heart” by Yolanda Adams. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Won’t Complain” by Le'Andria Johnson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “God Restores” by Dynamic Praise. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Meet Me There” by Lydia Laird. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Eye of the Storm” by Ryan Stevenson (feat. GabeReal). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Jesus Walks with Me” by Be Still Studios. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ taught His disciples about prayer

Principles of Prayer
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”—Luke 18:1 (NLT)

Many years ago, a woman in our church made a statement that has stayed with me. She said, “Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power.” Prayer is like gasoline in a car. For the car to move forward, it needs fuel. Likewise, we need prayer to fuel our lives every day.

First, prayer is communication between us and God. The disciples of Jesus Christ had seen Jesus pull away from them on several occasions to go and pray. They saw that His ability to do all He did and function the way He did was clearly because He received his power from His Father (God). They heard Jesus talk repeatedly about His Father. They heard and could see there was a connection between Him and God. Keep in mind that communication involves speaking as well as listening. Jesus was willing to teach them how to do this. He did so and taught them what we know as the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:2-4).

Jesus taught His disciples to pray to their Heavenly Father by first acknowledging the most important things: Praise God and honor His holy name then ask Him to provide for your daily need. Daily repent of sin asking God to forgive you and pray to stay alert to temptation. This was a basic framework on how to pray. This doesn’t seem complicated, does it? So why don’t we pray?

Secondly, prayer requires persistence. Prayer requires hope that what we are praying for will happen. We must not give up. The Bible tells us that we must believe that God can do what we are asking. It is a requirement to believe that He is who He says He is (Hebrews 11:6). Belief in Him comes from reading His Word (The Holy Bible) and praying. Like any great relationship, you have to be consistent and persistent. Jesus taught His disciples persistence in a parable about a friend going to another’s friend seeking assistance because an unexpected visitor has come to visit. His friend tells him to come back tomorrow. But he keeps knocking on the friend’s door until the friend finally gives in, not because of the relationship but because of the persistent knocking on the door. How can you ignore a persistent cry for help? The lesson is don’t stop asking, be persistent in prayer (Luke 11:5-9).

Thirdly, prayer requires persistent faith. As mentioned, when we pray to the Lord we come to Him believing He is God and He is able to do what we ask. Jesus said in Luke 18:1 (KJV), “Men ought always to pray.” The passage goes on to share an illustration of widow who refused to give up on getting the justice she needed. She needed an answer. So, she went to the only one she knew who had the power to change her situation. She was completely focused on going to the judge who was the only one who can respond to her need. Jesus wants us to do the same for us. Go to the One (God) who can do something about your situation. The widow was unrelenting, focused and determined. Her story is a prime example of the fact that seeing and receiving the answers to our prayers requires persistent faith.

How is your communication with the Lord? Do you only speak to Him when you need something from Him or is He the first person you speak to in the morning, during the day and before you to go sleep at night? We put time and energy into our earthly relationships. Is the Lord the center of your life so that He is not an afterthought but a priority in your life? We can be so busy doing the Lord’s work that we forget about the Lord of the work and spend time communing with Him to ensure we are really living and doing what He wants.

Let’s endeavor to grow in our relationship with the Lord. If you’ve struggled in the past, know that He is ready and waiting to hear your cry and answer your prayers of faith. God can send you all the help you need.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for always wanting to keep an open line of communication between us through the gift of prayer. Thank You for always listening to my prayers. Forgive me for looking to others before coming to You first. Thank You for reminding me to never give up and to always pray. Help me to trust You with all my heart and not lean to my own understanding. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Take It to the Lord in Prayer” by Aeolians of Oakwood University. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Pray” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “My Prayer for You” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When the press is part of God's plan for you

Hardship Produces What You Never Knew Was Inside
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”—2 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)

Long before olive oil found its way onto kitchen shelves and dinner tables, someone had to press the olive. Not gently. Not carefully. The stone wheel rolled over it with full, crushing weight and only then did the oil flow. The most valuable thing inside that small, humble fruit was never going to come out on its own. It required the press.

Now think about your life right now. The weight you’re carrying. The pressure that seems relentless. The season that is lasting far longer than you thought you could endure. What if, just what if the press you are under is not punishment, but process? What if God is not squeezing the life out of you, but drawing something priceless from you?

The Press Has Always Been Part of the Plan

The Garden of Gethsemane—the very place Jesus Christ went the night before His death on the cross—means “oil press” in Hebrew. Jesus, on the most agonizing night of His earthly life, chose to go to a place named for crushing. It was there, under the weight of what was coming, that His surrender produced the salvation of the world.

Nothing about that night felt like victory in that moment. But Heaven knew what the press was producing. Let’s read about it in Isaiah 53:3-5 (KJV). It says, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Christ was bruised so that peace could flow. That is the theology of the press. Not that suffering is good, but that in the hands of a sovereign God, nothing is wasted. Not one tear, not one sleepless night, not one moment of pain that you thought would break you.

Suffering Has a Produce

The Apostle Paul was not a man who wrote about suffering from a distance. He was well acquainted with suffering. Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and abandoned. He knew what it felt like to be pressed from every side. And yet he teaches us that every step is producing something.

Let’s read more about this in Romans 5:3-5 (KJV). It says, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Tribulation produces Patience then Experience that turns into Hope, which results in God’s Love Shed Abroad. Every step in that chain has weight and purpose. Tribulation is not a dead-end, it is producing patience. Patience does not grow in comfort. Experience is not produced on easy days. And hope the kind that maketh not ashamed is produced in the exact moments when hope seems hardest to hold onto.

What the Press Produces in You

Think about the people whose faith has moved you most. The ones whose testimonies stopped you in your tracks. Chances are, they were not people who had easy lives. They were people who had been pressed and out of that pressing came depth, compassion, resilience, and an anointing that simply could not have come any other way.

God is not interested in producing a shallow version of you. He is after the gold. And gold, scripture reminds us, is tried in fire. Let’s look at 1 Peter 1:7 (NIV) to explore more of that this means. It says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Your faith is being tried, yes. But it is also being proven. Every time you choose trust over fear, praise over despair, and surrender over control, the press is producing something eternal in you.

You Are Not Being Crushed—You Are Being Prepared

There is a difference between being destroyed and being pressed. The Apostle Paul knew it. He lived it. And he made sure we understood it. Let’s read what he says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV). He wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”

Troubled on every side but not distressed. There is a boundary on what this season can do to you. The press is real, but it does not have the final word. God does. And what He says about you is that you and I are being prepared for greater fruitfulness, for deeper influence, for a testimony that will set someone else free. Hallelujah!

The olive doesn’t get to choose the press. But it doesn’t have to. Because the one holding it knows exactly how much pressure is needed, and exactly when to stop. The Lord knows the same about you. Let’s read Job 23:10 (KJV) for more knowledge about this. It says, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Be Strong and Let the Press Do Its Work

In my devotional published on this blog last month, we talked about what it means to be strong. But strength is not the absence of pressure it is the decision to trust God in the pressure. It is believing that the One who allowed the press is the same One who will catch every drop of what it produces.

You are not being punished. You are not forgotten. You are not too far gone. You are in the press and what is coming out of you is more valuable than you know. Your tears are not wasted. Your endurance is not invisible. Your faith, tried in this fire, is orchestrated by Heaven and will be used in ways you have not yet imagined. Hold on. The oil is coming.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, I don’t always understand the press I’m in, but I trust the hands that are holding me through it. Help me to remember that you waste nothing. That every hard thing is being worked together for good. That I am not being destroyed; I am being prepared. Help me to surrender to the process, to give thanks in the midst of it, and to believe that what you are producing in me is worth every moment of the pressing. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Greater is Coming” by Jekalyn Carr. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Refiner” by Maverick City Music. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Blessing in the Storm” by Kirk Franklin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: When God calls you to be strong in heavy warfare

Be Strong: Why the Warfare Has Been So Heavy
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

—Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)

Early one Tuesday morning, the Lord woke me with a shout: “Be Strong!” I knew immediately what He meant and I knew it was not just for me.

I have been walking through a season of overwhelming challenges, the kind that leave you literally speechless. When I asked the Lord what was happening, He spoke clearly to me: The assignment of the enemy has been to silence your voice.

Maybe you can relate. Maybe you, too, have found yourself muted by circumstances, overwhelmed by spiritual warfare, or quietly wondering why the attacks have been so relentless. The moment the Lord uttered those two words “Be Strong”, I was immediately anchored in Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) that says, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Notice it does not say be strong in your own strength, your own resolve, or your own resilience. It says in the Lord, in the power of His might. That is where our strength lives. And the warfare we are experiencing is often the very sign that something significant is at stake.

Heavy Warfare Means You Have a Voice Worth Silencing

The enemy does not waste his resources on things that do not matter. If he has assigned a coordinated, relentless attack against your peace, your words, your confidence, or your ability to speak then it is because what flows from your mouth carries weight in God’s Kingdom.

Scripture confirms this in Isaiah 59:19b (KJV) saying, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”

A flood is not a mild nuisance. A flood is an overwhelming force designed to submerge everything in its path. If you feel submerged, it is because the Spirit of the Lord is about to raise a standard and you are standing right in front of it.

Do not misread the intensity of the warfare. The enemy is not attacking you because you are weak. He is attacking you because of what God is about to release through you. Be strong!

Strength is Not the Absence of Struggle—It is the Decision to Stand

Being strong in the Lord does not mean you feel invincible. It does not mean the pressure is not real, or that grief is not heavy, or that the silence has not cost you something. It means that during all of it, you decide this: I will not lay down my assignment.

Ephesians 6:11-18 (NIV) describes the full armor of God. Let’s read it below: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Every single piece of that armor is meant to help you do one thing: stand. “Having done everything, stand” (Ephesians 6:13). God is not asking you to win the battle in your own strength. He is asking you to stand while He fights.

The wiles of the devil are strategies that are calculated, patient, and layered. What has felt like random hardship may be a carefully constructed attempt to wear you down until you sit down. This is the moment to put on every piece of God’s armor that He describes in Ephesians 6:11-18. Remember that our spiritual armor includes these elements: Truth around your waist. Righteousness on your chest. The gospel on your feet. Faith as your shield. Salvation covers your mind. The Word of God in your hand. And prayer that is unceasing covers it all.

You may be weary. Stand anyway. Be strong!

Your Silence Is Not Your Defeat

There are moments when God allows us to be brought low not to break us, but to strip away everything we have been leaning on outside of Him. The silence the enemy intended as a weapon, God is using as a wilderness. And wildernesses, in Scripture, always precedes a new dimension of power and purpose. Remember these Bible stories: Jesus Christ came out of the wilderness in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14). John the Baptist emerged from the desert with a voice that shook a nation. The silence you have endured has been preparing something in you that could not have been formed any other way.

Listen to this clearly: The enemy's goal was for you to stay silent. God's plan is for you to come out of this season with a testimony so undeniable, so forged by fire, that it breaks chains in the lives of people who hear it. Your voice restored, refined, and rooted in what God has walked you through is what the enemy feared all along.

Do not let the devil and his evil forces win. Open your mouth. Praise before the breakthrough comes. Speak the Word over your life even when your voice trembles. The flood is meeting the standard. Be strong!

Let’s Pray:

Father God, I come before You in the name of Jesus. I thank You that You are not surprised by this season and that before I ever felt the weight of this warfare, You already had prepared a way through it. You woke me with Your word telling me to “Be Strong!” You have not left me to face this alone.

Lord, I confess that there have been moments when the pressure silenced me and when the enemy's flood felt higher than my faith. But Your Word declares that when the enemy comes in like a flood, You raise a standard. Today I stand on that promise. I receive that standard. I declare that what the enemy meant to silence; You are about to amplify for Your glory.

Strengthen me now not in my own might, but in the power of Your might. Let my mouth—the very thing the enemy came after—be opened wide and be filled with Your praise, Your Word, and Your testimony. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Trust in God” (feat. Chris Brown & Isaiah Templeton) by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well)” by Tori Kelly. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: You are beloved by your Maker (God)

It Changes Everything to Know You Are Beloved
A devotional by Anne Madison

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”— John 13:34 (KJV)

There is a word that shows up all throughout the Bible. It is easily browsed over without much thought yet deserves a second look. The word is “beloved”.

Beloved is not said casually. It is not a compliment simply thrown around. Beloved, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means “dearly loved” and “dear to the heart”. I would also say that it means you are deeply loved, completely cherished, and fully valued. Most importantly, beloved is what God calls you. Being beloved is not based on accomplishments; it is about who you are at the core of your being. Beloved. Before you even took your first breath, before you did one thing, God loved you. In Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV), God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

God’s everlasting love, like beloved, is not something earned. It is not, “I’ll love you if you get it right” or “I love you because you serve me.” It is simply, “I will love you forever.” No conditions or expectations. Everlasting love is love that is given freely, without requiring anything in return. In a world that is always telling us we must push harder and look better to prove our identity and worth, it is easy to feel like we will never measure up. But God looks at you, just as you are, and says, “You are enough. You are truly cherished and cared for. You are beloved because of my everlasting love for you.”

But what about when you mess up, are in a bad mood, or are plain outright mad at God for something you feel He failed to do for you? The answer is your being beloved does not change. Romans 5:8 (NIV) says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That means God loves you even when you are at your worst. He loves your doubts, flaws, mess, and all.

No need to prove your worth to God your Creator. You do not need to measure up to earn His love or prove your value, because His love and value of you have already been determined. That truth changes everything. It frees you from trying to earn love and instead lets you live from love. It sets you free to live beloved, to show up in the world as someone who is so sure of God’s love that there is not room for proving anything.

What does it look like to live as beloved? Living as beloved means letting go of the striving to be loved. It means reminding yourself that your mistakes do not define you. Living beloved is living as the truest you. It holds space that allows you to live as a beloved child of God. And it means seeing and treating others as beloved too.

Therefore, the truth is you are beloved, so is the cranky neighbor next door that calls animal control every time your dog barks. So is the playground bully trying to find his or her place in the world. So is the struggling single parent who is always late for things, whose kids are unkempt, and who always needs something. Because you are fully loved (flaws and all) you can treat and love others without judgment. Just as in Jesus Christ we are beloved by God, so are those around us.

Right now, take a second. Breathe. Let this truth settle in: You are beloved. Say it aloud. “I am beloved.” Not someday. But right now. Just as you are.

Let knowing that you are beloved by God be your anchor when life feels overwhelming. Let being beloved speak louder than the lies that you do not and never will measure up. Let this truth move you to love others, not to prove anything, but from the fact that you are fully beloved. You are precious. You are priceless. You are beloved. Rest in this status.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for loving me just as I am. Not for what I do, not for how well I perform but because You made me and call me beloved. Somedays it is hard to believe that, so help me hold onto this truth. When I forget, please remind me. Show me how to live fully loved and help me love others the same way. Thank You for calling me beloved. Help me to see myself how You see me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Beloved Let Us Love One Another” by Psalty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “It’s Time to Own Your Belovedness” by Sarah Kroger. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Even at My Worst” by Blanca. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “My Beloved” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

~*~
Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: Someone who remains the same every day

The Person and the Promise Remain the Same
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

—Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

I have found myself doing what my parents used to do when I was younger—pointing out places that “used to” be where a store or a building was located.

It has either been built over by a condo or new development, leaving no evidence of what was there before. I’m sure you can relate. Maybe you’ve gone back to visit a neighborhood that in your mind held memories but no longer looks the same. Sometimes it’s for the better, but many times there is a sadness that accompanies that change.

We were created to grow and become more like our Creator (God) and reflect His image in the Earth. Because of Adam and Eve’s original sin they committed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:1-3:24) our human nature leans more toward evil than good. However, when Jesus Christ died on the cross (Matthew 27), was buried and rose again (Matthew 28), that event broke the power of sin over us (John 3:16).

Now, when we put our faith and trust in Christ, He gives us a new nature and the power to become conformed to His image. We receive the power to change for the better forever. It is an amazing gift of grace that was given to us by God, and it’s all based on a sure promise because our God cannot change and will not go back on any of His promises.

The promise of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) coming to die in order to bring us back to a relationship with God was a promise that never changed. Once again, the promise was made by the promise keeper, God, who remains the same. Our life as humans are filled with change: Our world is changing every day. Men and women alike are never satisfied with what they have but are always wanting more. Politicians make promises that often go unfulfilled. Today it’s sunny and tomorrow it’s raining. As we age, our bodies change too. I’m often stating that obvious, that I’m not 16 anymore! Our hair color goes from one shade to the next, and our other features change as we grow older.

Perhaps you’ve asked, “Does anything remain the same? Is anything constant?” The true answer is yes because God never changes. The writer of the book of Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) states, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

You can open the Bible, read a promise in one passage, keep turning the pages and you’ll see His consistency: God does what He says He will do. His character does not evolve or become something other than who He has always been. Our faith can be rooted in this knowing. Our faith must be rooted in Someone who is constant and unwavering for it to grow. We have one constant in life who never changes: Jesus Christ.

There have been times when I’ve been discouraged and disappointed, but when I recall the goodness of God and how He has allowed me to hear a message, receive a timely phone call or text message I can see that He has not forgotten me. I can see how He has kept me. I can see His constant provision in my life. Why would I not trust Him whose name is “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11)?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for never changing. Your Word reminds us that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There is no one like You. I want to be like You in character. Please help me to be consistent in my speech and behavior so that I can reflect your holy nature and serve You as a witness to the world for Jesus Christ while I am living on this Earth. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Same” by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula | Ft. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 36 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What true love looks like in our modern world

Love Reimagined
A devotional by Essie Faye

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

I am convinced that most people in our world today do not know the true meaning of love, nor do they know how to show it and share it in a healthy way.

An example of this is when I watched on as a group of teenage “friends” interacted. They made fun of each other and embarrassed each other. One minute they were cool and the next they were arguing bitterly. Some days I didn’t know if they were friends or enemies. So, I’d tread lightly. Teaching adolescents is sometimes a rollercoaster. One minute, students love each other and the next they hate each other. It is often like riding a rollercoaster. I couldn’t keep up with the relationship drama and frequent changes my students were experiencing.

True love in today’s world is tough to find. People say they love you, but truthfully, most don’t know love. They’ve come from broken families and have had a history of broken relationships. It is safe to say that all of us are broken in some way. True love comes from a healthy place. True love can be freely given when a person experiences healing of their heart. Many people can’t properly love others because they don’t properly love themselves. Or they’ve never truly been loved in a healthy and safe manner. More importantly, many people don’t know love because they don’t have a real relationship with Love Himself: God is Love.

In Romans 8:38-39 the Apostle Paul writes about the persevering and unstoppable Love of God. Love pursues us relentlessly until God captures our hearts and transforms our souls. God’s love is like the love of no other. It is unchanging and unconditional. There is nothing we could ever do or fail to do that would cause God to stop loving us. God’s love provides for us consistently. His love protects us from harm and heals us from pain. His love rescues us from danger. His love hears us when we call. God’s love for us is never ending, overwhelming, incomprehensible, and unfathomable. We don’t deserve His love, yet He chases after us to lavish His love upon us. Nothing and no one can separate us from God’s love.

Call to Action:

1. Thank God for loving you unconditionally and consistently.

2. Learn from the mistakes you’ve made on your journey to loving yourself, God, and others.

3. Treasure the love of God in your life.

4. Look around to see how God loves you and how He proves it.

5. Remember: God’s love must be reimagined. We think we know love. We do not. We must be reintroduced to Him.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

There is no god like You. You are Love. You gave Your only son (Jesus Christ) to save our souls because You love humankind. You sent Your Comforter (Holy Spirit) because of your love for our broken hearts. You sent Your Word because You want us to read The Holy Bible and get to know You. Thank You for loving us passionately, unconditionally, and with abandon. I pray that we can accept this unfathomable love, though we don’t deserve it and we can never comprehend it. Help us to love one another with a love so pure and pleasing to You. Thank You for hearing and answering us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “No Greater Love” by Rachael Lampa. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Faye is a woman of faith. 

She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter.

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/58980-grow-through-it-7-healing-practices-that