Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always pray about everything

Why ‘Pray about Everything’ Means More Than We Think
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”—Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

I’ll be honest—I used to hear that scripture, “pray about everything,” and bristle because it felt like a flippant platitude, a pat saying people who had their lives together might offer. You’re probably familiar with it, because it’s a much beloved and well-known scripture (Philippians 4:6).

As a woman who’s been a prayer warrior for a long time, I know the value of prayer, and I’ve been praying intently for a long time. But I confess that the phrasing, as well as the fact that I’d see it everywhere from T-shirts to coffee cups, used to make the verse feel like a nursery rhyme, something we just say as if it were the easy answer to all of life’s problems. Your spouse died? Pray about it. You’ve got cancer? Pray about it. Money is tight this month? Pray about it. You’ve got a hangnail? Pray about it.

Maybe that’s how you feel sometimes, too. Maybe you’re knee-deep right now in heavy suffering that has broken your heart. Maybe you’ve been fervently praying every day, on your knees to God, and getting what feels like silence, and the doubts have begun to creep in. Maybe you wonder if He even cares. Here’s the real truth: God does care. And prayer really does help. I have learned that this scripture is no nursery rhyme platitude or easy, pat suggestion flippantly uttered when life goes awry.

When the Apostle Paul tells us we’re supposed to pray about everything, he really means it. He means everything. And it’s not for the reason we might think, which is that prayer gets us stuff. The point of prayer is not to treat God like some genie who’s there to grant our wishes because we love Him and because we are His children, that somehow we are “deserving” of his favor. The point of prayer is to serve as a conversation with our Creator, our Heavenly Father, the one who knitted us together in our mother’s womb. Prayer is a lifeline because it keeps us in connection with the Lord.

The truth is that it doesn’t actually matter how He answers the prayer, either. God is God regardless. What matters is that we know God is God, that we know He’s the only one truly worth talking to or who can do anything about our situation. That we know he’s the only one who genuinely understands why it’s so hard and why we need help. That’s why going to Him consistently and constantly—whether that’s for something really minuscule and petty or something life-shattering—is so important. It all goes back to what Jesus Christ taught in John 15, about how He is the vine and we are the branches. In this Scripture, Jesus was talking about how He is the way to eternal life and that by believing in Him, we become God’s children, too. We get salvation and eternal life, and we get to be connected to God the Father through Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.

Whatever we can do to fan the flames, to increase the strength of that connection, is important. That means prayer, yes. But also it means spending time in nature, reading God’s Word (The Holy Bible), connecting with other people or animals, and loving our neighbor with all of our heart.

Take heart: “Pray about everything” is no nursery rhyme or flippant response. It is a way for us to actively work on our connection to God, our Heavenly Father, who loves us extravagantly and perfectly, and it’s a way for us to love Him back.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your great love for me and for all your children. Thank You for letting someone like me, a mere human being, be allowed and encouraged to talk with You and go to You with my problems and trust that You do care regardless of how You choose to answer my prayer. Thank You that I can go to you in all things big and small. I love you, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Pray” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Prayers I Pray” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Pray On” by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Her third novel, Hidden Seeds, releases in May 2026 and is available now for pre-order.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 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: God is always with us and He fights for us

God is Always with Us
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.”—Psalm 91:15 (NLT)

This Psalm in the anchor scripture above is a very well-known Bible verse. I have heard it also referred to as the “Soldier's Psalm”—and for good reason.

My father-in-law is Latvian. He was a small child when World War Two broke out. But even before the perilous times of that war, his family experienced danger because of their faith in God and the fact that his dad was a pastor. He tells the story about his father reciting Psalm 91 to them so many times during those awful times of peril and suffering. God’s promises are true—they saw God protect them through their plight, flight and horrible living conditions for many years.

God is faithful. He does protect us—and sometimes that protection looks like allowing a believer to die but not without the hope of going to Heaven. I wish I knew the heart and mind of God as our Heavenly Father to such an extent I could know the answers to all my questions of why, but I do not. However, I do know God is faithful, He is good and He is a loving Father. He is with us in times of trouble, He answers when we call and He rescues us.

Sometimes these answers look vastly different than we thought they would. It's rather like God says to us in Isaiah 43:2. We pass through the deep waters and rivers of difficulties. But God is with us through it all. We do not walk over a bridge to the other side. We put on our waders and walk in the water, on the river rocks, over the mossy river bottoms, encounter strong currents, dodge snags, and climb up the bank, wet, tired and ready for a hot cup of coffee, tea or cocoa.

We walk through the waters, we go through the trials, we experience hardships, but we do not lose. We do not walk away in defeat. We do not get eaten alive (so to speak), unless it is our Heavenly Father's will for us to encounter more than we thought we could handle. Ultimately, the victory is ours because God is our Warrior God and He fights for us (Exodus 15:3). We will not be cast down, we will not lose our salvation and place in Heaven, nor will we lose our inheritance (Ephesians 1:3-14). These are the most important things. We focus on the temporal, the comforts, the here and now. But God focuses on the eternal and the good work He is doing in us to make us more like His Son (Philippians 1:6).

I will admit I get tripped up here a lot. I like bridges over troubled waters. I am unsure of rushing rivers and snags. I do not like to get wet if I do not have to— especially on a cold, wintery day.

But God. He has plans for us and they stand firm forever (Psalm 33:11). They are so much better than we could ask or imagine. So, as we embark into this new year, let us go forward knowing God is already there in each day. He is with us in each trouble, fear, bear encounter, rushing river, relationship, health challenge and financial situation we may face.

May we always hold on to the hope we have in knowing that He is our God and He is a good, loving Heavenly Father.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your presence with me every single day. Whether I am in the river stepping on river rock, or climbing up the bank, You are with me. Thank You that you have always been with me in the past, will stay with me in the present and continue to be with me forever in the future. I am so thankful You do not leave me in the troubled waters alone. You are with me. Even though I walk through dark shadows, You are with me. I hold onto that promise and comfort from You for this upcoming year. And I hold onto You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “You Are With Me (Psalm 23)” by Ginna Claire Mason. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “He is With Us” by Love & The Outcome. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “When You Walk Through the Water” by Allison Durham. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Fighting for Me” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: The truth about why it takes time to heal

It Takes Time to Heal
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”—James 1:2-3 (NLT)

When someone is ill or undergoes surgery, the popular response is often: “Get well soon” or “I wish you a speedy recovery.” When your friends or loved ones are down on their luck, an encouraging response might be: “Praying you get through this hard time fast.”

These phrases may seem like the right thing to say in the moment, but have you ever considered that maybe it isn’t the right thing to say? Our hearts are in the right place, but do we really know what we are praying for or asking God to do?

For example, according to WebMD (Broken Bone Pictures: Signs Your Broken Bone Is Healing), a broken bone can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to heal—sometimes longer. The first few weeks are probably the most painful as the body starts the process and there is inflammation. The next few weeks start the development of cartilage and fibrous tissues to bridge the gap in the broken bone. It is not until about the eighth week when the bone just starts to harden, offering a little more support. For a full recovery, it still takes several more weeks or months, and sometimes years.

Another example is that a virus can take a week or two before it passes through the body. Medications may help you feel better, but the virus must run its course. In the meantime, your body needs rest and hyrdration in order for your immune system to fight off the infection completely.

If we rush the recovery process, it actually does more harm than good. You will not recuperate properly in order to sustain yourself in the future to fight against further sickness or disease. In a case of a broken bone, you will not gain enough strength to be restored to a place of proper functionality. You may also risk breaking the bone again. It takes time to heal.

Fortunately for me, I have never broken a bone, but I can remember becoming ill and wanting to recover as quickly as possible. I caught the flu from a friend who told me the illness lasted about two weeks. I was determined to get well in less than a week. I tried my hardest to build my immune system, and I remember going back to my daily routine when I should have been resting. Before long, I relapsed and I became even more ill than when I first started. Although I felt better, my body was not fully recovered and I pushed myself into another bout of illness.

Many of us want to rush through the unpleasant parts of life, not understanding that those same parts of life are building our patience and our endurance. Without the hard times, some of us would never recognize our need for a Savior (Jesus Christ). The trials in our lives make us stronger. We develop our character that make us fit for the Kingdom.

I remember there was a time in my life when I was involved in an unhealthly relationship. When I finally had the courage to leave that relationship, I remember feeling hurt and alone. At the time, I didn’t realize that this period of solitude was also a period of healing. I learned more about myself, and I allowed God to shape me into the person that He called me to be. Eventually, I met and married a man who is now my husband of almost 21 years. The brokenness and healing process had to take place to prepare me for the next phase of my life where I experienced wholeness, and then I was ready for a marriage relationship. If I had met my husband any sooner, I would not have been ready for the relationship.

Let’s not rush the healing process. Instead, let’s learn how to endure, knowing that by God’s grace, we will benefit from all our struggles in the end.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the trials in my life. Although I may not appreciate the process of going through difficult times, I am grateful that You promised to bring me out stronger. Thank You for your abiding presence through it all. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Beautiful Day” by Jermaine Edwards. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Count it All Joy” by Bebe & CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God and she is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s fourth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

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

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Devotionals for the Heart: What God taught me about making plans

Learning to Plan with Open Hands
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.— James 4:13-16 (NLT)

Since childhood, making decisions would always make me feel anxious.

I grew up with the same opportunities as my big sister, but she was more successful than I because when she would make a decision, she would stick with it and work hard to see her goals come to pass.

We both studied at the same ballet school, and while she faithfully went to class, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to continue with ballet or do other things. My sister’s hard work and determination paid off because she eventually became a part of a ballet company. I on the other hand, bounced from one endeavor to another, never sticking anything out. My mother got frustrated with me because I would start and quit everything from gymnastics, to ice skating, to musical theater. As I entered adulthood, I discovered that many people make decisions based on how they feel and what looks best; but as believers, God is calling us to make decisions that line up with His will.

God’s will is “knowable”, but the question is, “Do we want to know His will?” One of my favorite passages is Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

I have always had a tendency to go one of two extremes when it came to making decisions. I would either assume something is okay because it “seems right” without asking God or I would get so paralyzed I would do nothing out of fear of making the wrong decision. The consequences of wrong decisions can be absolutely devastating—that is why God clearly outlines in His Word (The Holy Bible) on how to make decisions aligned with His will.

Here are three ways to make decisions that honor God and keep us on a level path:

Way #1: Read God’s Word (The Holy Bible). God’s will always aligns with His word. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) says “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Way #2: Pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) tells us to “pray without ceasing.” That means to always have a heart that is open to prayer and to make prayer a priority.

Way #3: Seek wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 (ASV) says, “Where no wise guidance is, the people falleth; But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

I am so thankful for the amazing women of God in my life that I have always been able to go to for sound biblical advice. They always know the right questions to ask and steer me to seek answers from the Lord on my own. This has been especially helpful in those “gray” areas.

Thankfully, Jesus Christ did not leave us to figure out everything for ourselves—He sent us His Holy Spirit to guide and counsel us. John 16:13 (NLT) says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

We all make wrong decisions at some point in our lives, but thankfully we have a God that is always present to help “re-route” us.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You are always there to keep us on the right path. Thank You for loving us enough to send your Son (Jesus Christ) to make a way when there was no way so we can know and love You and walk in Your light. Thank You for your Word and your precious Holy Spirit. Help us to be guided by You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Order My Steps” by GMWA Women of Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

Her passion is to help women understand their true worth and walk in their God-given purpose. After many years working as a Christian in the entertainment industry, she is thankful to be able to share all her learning experiences in her blog posts and on Instagram.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

· Finding your purpose and using your talent for God’s glory

· How God always looks at the heart and the meaning of inner beauty

· Understanding that we are all a work in progress and God is not done with us yet

Cherie’s TV credits include The Equalizer, Bull, and Blue Bloods (CBS). She also appeared in the PureFlix film Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider.

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in Texas. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, photography, and movie night.

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Connect with Cherie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheriemendez/

Devotionals for the Heart: When the "joy of the Lord" is your strength

God’s Joy is My Strength
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”—Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)

Have you ever been guilty of using a scripture without pausing to truly think about what it means? I know I have. You hear other believers sharing their favorite verses and before you know it you have your own collection of favorites to pull from!

As a believer who is still new to studying the Bible, I am grateful for those who share scriptures that have gotten them through tough times.

However, I have been guilty of storing God’s Word in my heart without giving it much thought. I wasn’t stopping to explore the context of the verses or how it applied to my life. While there is nothing wrong with holding onto scriptures that empower you without going deeper, I want to encourage you to go a step further and ask God to reveal why that scripture speaks to you. That’s exactly what I did, and it completely opened my eyes to what I was missing!

For months, Nehemiah 8:10 had become an anthem of mine. I would find myself walking around my house audibly saying, “The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength!” But one day, I asked myself, “What does that even mean?”

God immediately impressed the following words on my heart: “When you do as I have called you to do, your obedience brings Me joy. It is knowing that you are a source of joy to Me that you find strength to keep going.”

Here are some examples of how I now apply this revelation to my every day life: When I drag myself out of bed one more time in the middle of the night to comfort my baby boy, I bring joy to my Heavenly Father. When I wash the dishes and fold the laundry – for the millionth time – with a grateful heart, I bring joy to my Heavenly Father. When I take a minute out of my busy day to encourage a friend, I bring joy to my Heavenly Father. When I choose to make reading the Bible as a family a priority, I bring joy to my Heavenly Father.

Everything that I once saw as an inconvenience is my very source of strength, if I recognize it. It brings joy to the Lord and it is that very joy that drives me to take one more step.

I don’t know what you are facing or what you are needing strength for today. What I do know is that when you approach your situation with a heavenly perspective, it changes everything!

Faced with a disheartening diagnosis? Your decision to trust in God will be your source of strength.

Stretched financially? Your decision to continue to tithe while making cuts elsewhere will be your source of strength.

Tempted to turn back to sin when things get hard? Your decision to run to God instead will be your source of strength.

I pray this realization encourages you as much as it did for me! Now I look for ways to bring joy to the Lord, knowing it’s the very thing that will keep me going.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your one and only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice so that You could have a relationship with me. Help me to delight in doing what pleases You knowing it brings You great joy! Let that joy overflow into my life so I may continue to walk in Your will without growing weary. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Joy of the Lord (feat. Katie Torwalt, Dante Bowe & Naomi Raine)” by Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine.

  

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward in past trauma that she had suppressed for decades. Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other.

God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should set our goals with God

Goals with God
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” 

–Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

I love the feel of a new year.

It’s like a blank slate just waiting to be filled with hopes and dreams, experiences and adventures. Anything seems possible while the door closes on the previous year’s journey, no matter what happened along the way. Usually, I have a new planner waiting for my activities and experiences to be reported. I also have a crisp, clean journal inviting my stories to be written and my experiences to be chronicled.

During the week between Christmas and New Year I always set aside time to take an inventory of the year about to close—a “year in review” of sorts. I relive highlights of the year—happy times and hard times—as I observe all the ways God showed up along my journey. I find Him in the mountaintop moments where I experienced rich joy in His presence. I also encounter Him in the deepest valleys where I had to cling to Him for comfort so my grief would not consume me. This review reminds me that I serve a loving and faithful God who promises never to leave me nor forsake me. He is my constant companion.

My “year in review” also serves as the perfect launching pad to look at the “year in view” – the new year on the horizon. As I stand on the threshold of a new year, I sometimes feel like the Israelites when they sent out the scouts to the Promised Land. On one hand I am hopeful, anticipating great things from the God who assures me in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has good plans for me, plans not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future.

But on the other hand, I can feel the imposing presence of giants lurking in the shadows, a reminder of the adversary who is always looking for a way to devour me and distract me from what God has planned. I don’t allow my thoughts to linger there too long before I fix my mind on Jesus Christ who has already defeated the devil. Therefore, I begin to prayerfully pen plans and goals, dreams and expectations for the year ahead.

It’s exciting, albeit slightly daunting, to see on paper the many things I hope to accomplish in the coming months. I find peace in the reminder that while I make my plans, I serve a God who will order my steps into His perfect will for my tomorrows and for eternity. I can then step confidently into all He has for me.

While God invites us to review the past, He doesn’t want us to dwell in it. While He encourages us to set goals and pursue dreams for the future, He also reminds us to not worry about tomorrow. Those “steps” that God orders on the path to pursuing our plans happen in the present. The present is where we encounter God daily. He meets with us in the everyday moments of our lives, attending to every last detail. He desires daily, intimate relationship with us. Our spirit will thrive when we seek Him with greater intensity than we chase our dreams.

As much contemplating and planning as I do at the onset of a new year, when I come to the year in review, I'm always sure to see sweet little surprises my Savior gifted me with along the way. I try not to box God into my plans. Instead, I leave them open to His creativity along the way. He has unlimited resources and unexpected methods of making things happens for our good and His glory. And I don’t want to miss a single one.

Let’s Pray: Creator God, thank You for being my faithful guide and constant companion on my journey through life. I am so grateful You are accessible in my every moment, joining me in the joy on the mountain tops and accompanying me as I trudge through the valleys. I marvel at Your creativity as You unfold your plans and purpose for my life in surprising and unexpected ways. I appreciate Your patience and faithfulness as I stumble in the steps I take in efforts to walk in your will. I am grateful that Your gentle hand is ever present to pick me when I fall far from Your plans, and set me back on the path You've placed before me. While I prayerfully pen my plans for this new season, help me to stay out of Your way. Teach me how to surrender any expectations of outcomes to Your ways, Your will and Your timing. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie devoted to living her life for Jesus until the day she is living with Him.

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God's Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your life "souled out" to the One whose love has no limits.

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Connect with Cyndi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: Following God's path and staying on track

Get Back on Track
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

"Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the Lord says: "When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around."

— Jeremiah 8:4-5 (NLT)

The car is packed, your essential snacks are in tow, the gas tank is full, and you've just entered the address to your destination into your navigation system. Finally, you are ready to go. You hit the road, and things are running smoothly. Traffic is minimal, and it looks like you will get to your desired destination in good time.

As you're singing along to your favorite tune, you suddenly realize you've missed your turn. The navigation starts to re-route you, but that will take you miles out of the way and add more time to your travels than you would like. So instead of being re-routed, you decide to turn around to get back on track. It saves time and energy from having to be taken entirely out of your way.

If only we made it that simple to get back on track with God when we deviate off course. Like Jeremiah 8:4 (NLT) says, "When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?" We won't allow ourselves to stay on the wrong path for too long while driving, mainly because we don't want to veer off too far from our intended destination. So why can't we do the same in life?

We will veer from God's path for our life and somehow think we can figure out how to get back on track on our own. Then, instead of just making a U-turn, we decide to re-route ourselves, which takes us farther and farther away from the intended destination and we end up completely lost.

In the first few chapters of the book of Jeremiah, God is casting out His judgment and plans of destruction upon Jerusalem because they turned their back on God and worshipped other idols. All the while, He gives His people plenty of opportunities to turn away from their sins and get back on track, but they refuse. They instead choose to continue down a destructive path.

Sometimes the easiest thing to do instead of being re-routed is to stop and turn around. Why continue down a path of destruction? Why do we always think we know better than God? He is forgiving, loving, and merciful, but somehow, we always want to do our own thing. It is much easier than we think to get back right with God. Just stop, turn around and go back to Him.

Don't let your own desires for life make you too proud to turn back to God. It is never too late. You can avoid a fate of devastation, confusion, and ruin by simply turning around.

Let's Pray: Father God, forgive us for turning away from you, even for a moment. Forgive us for thinking we know a better way than yours. Father, we are stopping today right where we are and turning back. We are making a U-turn and coming back to you in total surrender. We ask for your mercy and forgiveness. We will trust you from here on out to be our forever guide through this journey of life. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique is a writer, wife, and bonus mom to a 14 year old. She just recently unleashed her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY where she still resides, and serves on the prayer team of her church The Gathering Harlem. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her, but never felt the need to surrender. Until that is when life started veering left, and she no longer wanted to steer so she finally gave Jesus the wheel. After forming her relationship with God she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that the word gave to her. She always felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write, but was afraid of what people might think. So her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book, and the book into a blog.

Slowly but surely God’s love started to cast out all fear. She started to consistently update her bi- weekly blog yourstrulymoe.com. Her obedience led to further revelation. God revealed to her that he would use her to help others along their walk the same way God helped her along hers. Since Monique did not grow up in church she always felt intimidated by the Christian life. She thought that she would be losing so much of herself, not realizing that she would actually find her TRUE self.

Since God has shown her who he really created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those that are taking their first baby steps in this walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, and soon to be published book. She is excited to extend her reach to podcasts and speaking engagements in the near future.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all reflect his image and fulfill his purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Devotionals for the Heart: When God chooses you to do a mighty work

The One You Least Expect
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts.” –Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)

I have been listening to my Bible app quite a lot lately, and when the story of David and Goliath was read to me, I was especially attentive.

The Bible says that David was a warrior and the future King of Israel. I have always enjoyed this story, ever since I was a little girl. However, once I became an adult, and after I have witnessed much and experienced much in life, the story of David and Goliath resonated with me even more.

This story of David’s battle with Goliath can be found in 1 Samuel, Chapter 17. Goliath taunts the Israelite army and they become terrified and deeply shaken by his threats. But David is courageous enough to face this “giant”. When David volunteered to fight Goliath, King Saul doubted his abilities to battle Goliath and win. After David describes his previous fights with lions and bears—ones that Saul was not aware of—Saul then grants David’s request for a one-on-one dual with Goliath. I think most of us who spent time in Bible study and church service, know how the story ends: Using only a sling and a stone, David takes down the giant and chops off his head.

What a victory! Right? However, when you look closer as you read this story, you see that David was not confident in himself. Better than that, David’s confidence was in the Lord. He knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God was on his side and that victory was already attained. What a powerful realization that can serve as a life lesson to us today!

This story makes me think about how we shouldn’t count out people who God has counted in. We shouldn’t judge people based on their physical appearance. The Bible says that “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT).

David may have been younger and shorter in stature compared to many of the soldiers in the Israelite army. He may have been considered untrained by some–lacking the required credentials to go up against such a large man. Yet, the one whom many considered unqualified was the very one God had chosen. They say that “God doesn’t call the qualified; He equips the called.” And that is very true in this case. God equipped little shepherd boy David to successfully slay an enemy that even the most experienced soldiers feared.

The story of David and Goliath also makes me think of the story of Samuel and his mission to anoint the next king of Israel. Saul had lost favor with God due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:10-11), and David was selected to be Saul’s successor (1 Samuel 16:12). After seeing all of Jesse’s sons, and after Samuel made his own assumptions of who would be the next king by considering appearance only, in the end, it was evident that David was the one. He was the youngest of all of his brothers and the “least expected”, but he was to be the next king.

Unlike David, we may never be a king or queen. Many of us may not do something heroic that will gain national or international attention. However, we all have been issued a God-given assignment that is of utmost importance! God has called each of us to do something extraordinary for Him, and He has given all of us the necessary tools to carry out that assignment and to complete it successfully.

Our specific assignments may differ. Yet, the ultimate goal is the same: To bring God glory!

So if someone looks at you as though you do not matter or says to you that you are not important, that you do not have any of the necessary credentials, that you have nothing to contribute, or that you are not capable of accomplishing a certain goal, remind yourself of David’s story. Remember that the one who is often underestimated is the one who is often destined to do great things. Also, keep in mind that we all have a little bit of David in us.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Thank You for equipping us to do a mighty work for you! Help us to always listen to you and follow your lead in this life. Help us to not be afraid of any giant in this world. Make us brave like David and help us remember that it’s “not by might, nor by power” but by Your Spirit that we overcome the obstacles we face. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Temeka’s devotional today reminds me of the song “Not By Might” performed by Leslie Phillips. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name “Positivity Inspires,” is an author, speaker, minister, PharmD, multi-state licensed pharmacist, founder and owner of Positivity Inspires, LLC, and most importantly, a servant of the Lord. 

She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily.
​
Dr. Borden has been blessed with a variety of gifts, and she has gained much professional experience in a variety of settings. She also has served in administrative roles in the professional and church settings. In addition to obtaining her PharmD, she also obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology (minor in English), and she is working on her third degree. What’s more, as stated in her words, “I completed a specialty pharmacy residency that prepared me for the workforce and made me a force to be reckoned with.”

Temeka is a long-distance runner, a drummer, a singer, and she has a strong “fashion sense.” She also can read and type at almost supersonic speed in some instances.

Dr. Borden loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to challenge herself.

She loves God and she loves people. She is “crazy about her family,” and she adores her friends. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone.

Temeka loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments.

Dr. Borden loves to laugh and loves to make other people laugh. She also is passionate about giving back to the community. Her favorite sayings are “Speak Up!” and “Watch God Work!”

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Connect with Temeka:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PositivityInspiresPage/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivity_inspires/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pinspires

Devotionals for the Heart: Faith

A Life Lesson On Faith
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him,

“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. 

That’s how many descendants you will have!”

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted 

him as righteous because of his faith.”—Genesis 15:5-6 (NLT)

Have you ever watched children try to do something for the very first time?

They try and very rarely are successful on their first attempt. Let’s take a baby for instance. They attempt to move an object but it’s stuck. So, they try another angle and it moves a little but not enough to get it where they want it. They keep pushing and pushing to move the object. Their gaze is steadfast because they believe they can do it. Would you say this little person is determined? Certainly! They have convinced themselves that it can be done.

What encourages them is seeing that thing buckle and move even a tiny bit. That tiny movement gives them hope that more can happen.

We’ve all taken time when we’ve attempted to create something, laboring patiently expecting a result. There are days when I wonder if I’ve made any progress from the morning to the evening and rather than celebrate the fact that one item on my to-do list was done, I beat myself up because I didn’t get the whole list done. That has begun to change. The change has been years in the making but I’m getting better. If there is one person who teaches us about faith and believing, I would say Abraham is a great teacher. However, he had to be a student first.

Let’s examine this real-life lesson: His name was not always Abraham, it was Abram. He is known as the “father of faith”. God called him to leave the town where he lived and relocate to a place Abram had never heard of and He didn’t reveal directions to take him there. Most of us would look up with hand on hip and ask God, “You want me to do what?” I don’t think Abram was any different (although scripture doesn’t note an argument). Abram did what God asked and left his country. God was his GPS as Abram left town with his wife and his nephew. They traveled by faith, trusting God’s direction, from city to city. Abram trusted God and proved it by doing what God asked. During the journey, his belief grew that God would do what He promised. God guided Abram every step of the way. Granted, Abram made his mistakes along the way but God was teaching him about His providence as He guided Abram into an unknown future. Abram was committed to the call and God rewarded Abram’s faith. According to Genesis 15:5-6 (NLT), one night, God told Abram to look up to the sky and try to count the numerous stars. God promised to give Abram more descendants than he could count! Abram believed and God was pleased. As a result, God changed Abram’s name to “Abraham” to confirm him in the promise.

Let’s apply this life lesson to our modern-day reality: We never know what tomorrow is going to look like but God asks us to take one moment, one hour and one day at a time as we trust Him to guide our steps. In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT), King Solomon encourages us to:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.”

God has been faithful to direct us throughout this year. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Just as God was with Abram, so will He be with us.

What are you afraid of? What has God put in your heart that you have never done before nor have you seen it done in your community or family history?

God may call you to a journey that you have not seen modeled before but if you trust Him and reply on His Providence as you step out on faith and follow Him, you will arrive at your destination.

Remember: If God said it, He will do it! Don’t despair or get distracted. Follow the example of father Abraham: Look up, keep moving, trust God and keep believing in Him!

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for your faithful character. As You were with Abraham and directed his steps, we ask You to direct our steps. Help us to believe and trust You to make every dream You have put in our hearts come true. Thank You for your protection and your provision this year. We place our fears in your hands and our faith in your tried and tested Word as You lead us forward in the days ahead. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Patricia’s message today reminds me of a song by Crystal Lewis called “Trust Me”. Listen to it here. It also reminds me of her song “I Still Believe”. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CDs: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons Learned from Making Banana Cake

Banana Cake
A devotional by Wade Webster

“While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.” 

– 2 Corinthians 5:4 (NLT)

My life as a truck driver is fraught with many challenges. One of the main ones is the choice on what I'll eat while out on the road for several days at a time. Truckstop food is better than it used to be but can add up quickly in costs and calories. Squeezing a big rig through a fast food drive thru is a challenge I don't even want to think about.

Growing up relatively poor made me appreciate simple solutions for my meals. Sandwiches are a great option for me. I can make enough to last a week before I leave home. The small fridge in my tractor is a fantastic tool, too. Adding some fruit and nuts makes my diet quite healthy in an occupation known for making its minions fat. I fit it all in a cooler to transport it to work.

That is when I remember to pack everything into said cooler before I exit my apartment. One week, I left my bunch of five bananas on the kitchen counter instead of bringing them along for the ride. When I returned home Friday night they were still waiting patiently for me. They just had less of a green tint and much more of a brownish yellow hue. That's the challenge with bananas, they don't have a long shelf life.

My mom did her best to keep all seven of her children well fed as we grew up. Bananas were an important part of that regimen. When she had to buy yellow ones they would go bad before we could eat them all. No, we didn't throw much food away. She always used those mushy fruits in a recipe that would change their consistency and shelf life.

Fortunately, one of my sisters made a cookbook for me that she put some of mom's favorite recipes in. I found the banana cake recipe and fired up the oven. After putting several of those pieces of cake in the freezer, I ate those bananas for several weeks.

God has a similar challenge when it comes to taking His children home to heaven after our shelf life is completed. The first 10 verses of 2 Corinthians 5 explains in detail how we groan in our current bodies but that God gives us new bodies after we die. Yeah, the older we get the more we groan.

2 Corinthians 5:9 (NLT) gives us a great summary and life goal to reach for. “So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please God.”

So, my friend, groan if you must to make it through your day. It's normal and good.

Remember that a new, pain-free body is waiting for all who accept Jesus Christ into their heart, believe in Him and follow Jesus all the way to Heaven!

Do your best to please our Heavenly Father (God) while in this decaying body here on Earth.

Let's Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for seeing me through another day. Use my aches and pains to remind me of the perfect body you have prepared for me when you bring me Home.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster is a farm boy turned city slicker, heathen turned born-again Christian, truck driver turned writer doing his best to point folks to his best friend, Jesus Christ. 

He currently lives in Plano, Texas.

Wade is the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer, a book that didn't begin as a book, just weekly prayers to a group of writer friends.

He enjoys spending time in nature, running for exercise and dark chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Apart from driving 18-wheelers for a living he has a part-time job painting houses on the side...and the front and back and inside.

As a teenager, he told his friends he never wanted to be considered normal. So far he's done a pretty good job of living up to that aspiration.