Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always follow God's Roadmap

Following God’s Roadmap Leads to His Greatest Blessings
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”—Exodus 13:21-22 (NIV)

My parents and I vacationed at campgrounds across the Midwest every summer.

After we packed up the station wagon and hooked up the camper, we hit the open road, playing car games along the way. With my father behind the wheel, we inevitably arrived in the middle of nowhere because he refused to stop for directions. If it weren’t for my mother’s exceptional navigation skills we wouldn’t have reached our destination.

I wish my mother were here now that I live in the middle of a busy shopping district. Wherever I go, traffic is always heavy and without GPS, I don’t get very far. The same is true of our spiritual lives: without God’s guidance, we will go in circles trying to navigate life alone. When we drive solo, thinking we know better, our merciful Father sees us headed in the wrong direction and keeps us from careening over the cliff of our good intentions.

In today’s anchor text (Exodus 13:21-22), we learn that after Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go, God instructed Moses to take them on a long route through the wilderness. The shorter route seemed more convenient to the Israelites, but God saw the dangers ahead. Therefore, He went before them, faithfully leading with pillars of cloud by day and fire by night.

This story reminds us that when the way forward is unclear, we can trust God to guide us, protect us, and equip us with everything we need for the journey.

The Bible warns us in Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV), “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Following God’s roadmap protects us from dangers only He can anticipate. But when we ignore it and go our own way, we suffer consequences that we could’ve avoided if we had relied on Him.

The road of life will lead us through hills and valleys. And we can’t avoid every obstacle that comes our way. But Jesus Christ is our traveling companion, and when we let Him take the wheel, He promises to lead us on a glorious adventure here on Earth that ends with eternity in His Presence someday in Heaven.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father God,

When the pressures and stresses of life cause me to become sidetracked, I’m grateful that You patiently lead me back to You. As my Shepherd, I know I can always depend on Your perfect wisdom, love, and protection. Your Word is a light that keeps me on the path of abundance here on Earth, eventually leading to my eternal home in Heaven. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 23: Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy” by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: How to write a psalm of Thanksgiving

Writing Your Own Psalm of Thanksgiving
A devotional by Joy Beless

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”—Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Much like the fall winds that tug at the leaves on the trees outside my window, so has change come to our family and loved ones.

I will be setting two fewer dinner plates at our table this Thanksgiving. I know I’m not the only one. As much as I want the beautiful tablescape, delicious traditional menu, and smiling faces around my table, the reality cannot be ignored. This year has been marked by loss, grief, and difficult circumstances. I want to honor the loss of loved ones before moving on to the festive table chatter. Much like noticing the fallen leaves before raking them into a pile for my grandchildren to jump in.

I need to step away and take some time to care for my soul and prepare for this hectic but meaningful holiday season. I spend hours preparing the holiday meal, my house, and décor before our loved ones joyfully come through the door announcing their arrival. Likewise, I want to care for my soul to receive my guests from an authentic place of peace and hope, not a cultivated artificial smile.

How do I do this? I begin with a ritual every November of writing my own psalm, patterning after the biblical psalms. There are six different kinds of psalms in the Bible, including those of thanksgiving, which are divided between personal prayers and prayers for the nation of Israel. Written by King David, the psalms are rich in description and often are ones we still sing today. While we generally associate thankful songs as happy and upbeat, a closer look at the personal psalms of David reveals something different. Psalm 30 (referenced above) is written in an authentic and reflective tone. As he looks back, David recalls being “lifted out of the depths” by God and not letting his enemies boast (verse 1), sparing him from sliding into a pit of despair (verse 3) and crying for God’s mercy (verse 8).

David also contrasts calling for God’s help and experiencing his healing (verse 2), God’s anger and his favor, weeping and joy (verse 5), and wailing and dancing (verse 11). Lastly, David mentions singing or praising God five times throughout the twelve verses. As David reflects on a painful and difficult season of his life, he sees the faithfulness, deliverance, and restoring power of God through it all and repeatedly praises Him.

As I consider writing my own psalm of thanksgiving, I will not think too hard about how it sounds or if the grammar is correct, but rather let it simply flow from my thoughts and allow the raw emotions to run through my arm, hand, and pen onto the paper. I may include laments, confessions, and prayers answered and unanswered. As thoughts of God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout this time rise in my soul, I jot those down too. When I recall sweet memories of those who are absent, that also goes on the paper.

My objective is not to have a beautifully crafted psalm for generations to read but rather an outpouring of my soul as an offering for God, who is the sustainer of hope through it all. The words may be something I read to a few close people, but most often will be an entry into my private journal.

When Thanksgiving in the USA ends and I begin to purchase and wrap Christmas gifts, I usually feel an invitation from God to set aside some time to reflect and write down a psalm of thanksgiving and gratitude. I feel encouraged to embrace the season of gratitude similar to the “selah” pause in the Psalms, a reset for my soul. Henri Nouwen said, “Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice.” I agree completely with this sentiment.

It is a choice to come to the festive table with a lighter soul and a heart overflowing for the many ways I experienced the love and hope of God. I mentioned the two empty place settings at our table this year, but I’m so very grateful for the two additional place settings that I will add once my two grandbabies can move from their mother’s laps into the high chairs. And for that I’m very grateful and praising God!

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have been faithful in the highs and the lows of the past year. Your strength has sustained me, and your love preserves my hope. I am grateful and thankful for so many things, including your presence on the journey.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Sovereign” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should never stop praying to God

God Rewards Relentless Prayers
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.”—Luke 18:3 NIV

“I just can’t do this anymore. I am tired. I am done. I quit.”

Have you ever uttered these words? Or been the listener to them? When life gets hard, we want to give up—on our marriage, our pain, our financial duress. Fighting is so much harder than walking away, it seems. However, there are times when true grit is longed for, required and rewarded.

Are you in a situation where the tough has got going so long ago that the distant past seems, well, quite distant? Perhaps what started out as a passing affliction or momentary trouble has taken over, consumed your life, pocketbook, and emotional tank. Have you more than once wanted to throw in the towel, or have already quit?

Jesus Christ shared a parable in the Bible to give us His desire (and reason) for prayer. In Luke 18:1 (NIV), Jesus tells us to “always pray and not give up”. He knows perseverance and persistence in prayer is not only vital but powerful for our faith walk with God. Are you asking how this is possible? Let me explain with some questions for you to ponder: Do our prayers change God’s mind? Do our prayers change our circumstances from what God has intended all along? What does sovereignty of God mean for us in modern times?

These are tough questions that may not be answered in our lifetime. But we can know from Scripture that Jesus is concerned about our prayer life. He knew in Bible times and this modern era that we would want to give up. He knew life would get hard and doubts would plague our minds or shake our faith in Him. Jesus knew we would face obstacles that appear larger than life. He knew a doctor’s office, the unemployment line, the courtroom and an empty holiday table would be part of life here on earth.

Jesus knew the true enemy (Satan) would be relentless in pursuing us with dashed hopes, unfinished business, broken relationships, mortgages and car payments. God is Sovereign, He knows all. And He wants us to know He is with us through it all. God promises to always answer us when we call on Him—even when we offer Him our relentless, wild and desperate prayers. He welcomes us into His Throne Room and He wants to help us. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

This is the definition of a real walk with a loving Heavenly Father. Only God can handle the big prayers we send up to Him. Only God can handle it and truly comfort us when we lose it, mourn, and cry out in agony. Only God can wipe away the never-ending tears that emerge from experiencing a sad, life-changing event.

What are you facing or contemplating today? What situation has you fretting and feeling like giving up? What is God saying to encourage you to keep pressing on? We all have problems and situations that we have spent a long time—days, months, years—praying for, asking God to intervene. Let us not grow weary in praying.

We are given permission by Jesus to pursue Him relentlessly, all day, every day with our requests. Big or small. Long or short. As you read Luke 18, you can see His compassion and desire. His love. His care.

Let us knock and keep on knocking at God’s door and coming boldly before His Throne with our requests. May we not stop petitioning our Savior until we receive justice, answers and a blessing from Him.

Let’s Pray: Father God, sometimes the fact that our prayers can change your mind seems impossible to believe. We may fear that we will wear You out with our relentless pursuit of You as we ask for your justice, mercy, healing, and answers to our life problems. But You literally are all we’ve got when we have nothing left to give, take, follow or hold onto—except You. This is everything. You are everything we need. You are enough! I lay myself at Your feet, exhausted, but in a posture of prayer, thanksgiving and worship. Thank You for hearing me, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Everything” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Pray On" by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 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 our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.

Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

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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/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be confident in who God made you to be

We Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by God
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

—Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

We are often taught that we must not have a high opinion of ourselves because according to The Holy Bible in Psalm 147:6 (NKJV), “The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.”

However, I want to encourage you today with this statement: There is something to be said for discovering who we are in Jesus Christ and enjoying becoming the person He made us to be! Does that mean we get to enjoy being ourselves? Yes!

Most of us struggle with one of two extremes: We wrestle with pride, or we harbor guilt and shame for our sin and imperfection. If we work to remain humble, we are aware that our words are little more than an outward show of self-deprecation.

For many years, I believed that my personality and interests meant nothing because I was supposed to reflect Jesus alone. Since then, I have learned that when we truly begin to discover who He has created us to be, we begin to love ourselves the right way, and we are prepared to go out and fulfill the purpose for which He created us.

When we are confident of who He made us to be, we are able to spread His love in a unique way. Perhaps there are people around us who can only be ministered to by someone who has been where we have been, experienced what we have experienced, or who cares about the things we care about (the things we think no one else sees). When we aren’t trying to be what someone else tells us we should be or share God’s love the way someone else has told us to share His love, we are more confident in sharing His story—our story.

Your testimony is irrefutable. You know for certain that this is your story—the story of what God has done in your life. I went from fearful and insecure, unsure if I was “allowed” to do anything outside of going to church and raising my kids, to a life full of amazing opportunities in a variety of areas. Each of these areas provides unique opportunities to shine for Jesus, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Indeed, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The love Jesus has for us must enable us to love ourselves, because if we are filled with self-deprecation and self-loathing, people see that. Furthermore, if we don’t love ourselves, I doubt we are really able to love others the way God wants us to. I can’t help but wonder if that’s one of the reasons sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the Good News) is so difficult for us. How can I share what I have if I don’t feel confident in it myself?

A few years ago, I received a fortune cookie that read, “The best thing you can do is get good at being you.” It was perfectly timed with what God was taking me through already—a journey of discovering who He made me to be.

During that season, I learned that I didn’t have to set aside my own interests out of fear that they would distract me from God. Rather, He gave me these gifts to serve His purpose in the world. I also found that I was no longer afraid to step out of the comfort zone of church and family to “go where the people are.” My calling and ministry didn’t have to look the way others said it should—it was unique, and I was made uniquely for it.

Today, let’s ask the Lord for a renewed confidence in who He created us to be. Let’s ask Him to teach us how to see ourselves through His eyes and appreciate the unique gifts and callings He has bestowed upon us.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus,

I struggle to find the balance between seeing myself as you see me and feeling ashamed that I’m not who I think I should be. Today, I ask for a renewed vision of the person You’ve made me to be. Remind me that it was in Your image I was created and that it was by Your blood that I was redeemed, according to John 3:16. May I remember that everything You created is good. Help me to walk in that goodness, so that others will see Your love in me. Show me how to tell others my story (testimony) and Your story (the Gospel) with joy.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Wonderfully Made” by Ellie Holcomb. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure!

Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, Gott Mit Uns. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or taking care of her home and family, she enjoys singing and dancing with friends from a German choir and a Bavarian folk dancing group. She is also a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats!

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Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to learn how to number our days

Numbering Our Days
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

—Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

When God created us in His own image back in Genesis 1:27, He also designed us with an internal clock.

Only He knows the exact moment when our time on earth expires. We are clueless when we try to determine our life’s span, although many of us desperately try to figure it out, especially when we try to stave off death by taking any number of vitamins, special diets, or guaranteed exercise programs to postpone the inevitable.

But God isn’t interested in us scrambling around trying to number the days of our lives. He already sewed that up. In Psalm 90:12, God calls us to do more than just buy stock in the most recent Fountain of Youth. He calls us to make every one of our days count—for eternity.

Okay, that sounds daunting, right? We tally up the scores for our good days and our bad days, hoping that the good days will somehow counterbalance the bad ones. Then, maybe, our eternity will be in Heaven, and not in Hell. That will never work, but God has a plan.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to Earth in the form of a helpless baby and grew into a man, the Son of Man. He began to teach people about God, His Father. And because He is God, He never had days when He was bad. He went through His life only doing good—our sinless Savior.

Then the evil in people killed the Son of God—crucified Him, and then buried His lifeless body. But three days later, Jesus rose from that grave, defeating death and all the evil that tries to rule us. And because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, we can accept His sacrifice for our own sins and believe in Him as our Savior. That decision leads us to not just good days, but the best days as we prepare for our life in Heaven with Him forever.

So, today counts, but with another question: “How?”

The possibilities are endless! Because we believe in Jesus as our Savior from sin, we are God’s children, His men and women. We read His Word, the Bible, and gain wisdom. We are just and kind to every person we meet. We respect the other eight billion human beings who share the planet with us. And we tell as many people as we can about the living Jesus who died for us so that we wouldn’t have to die eternally for the sins we’ve committed. We teach them to turn away from their sinful lives and to trust Jesus with their todays and their tomorrows.

Most of all, throughout each day, we are obedient to our Lord. He tells us to love God and to love all those eight billion image bearers of God. And not just like them, either. Jesus tells us we are to love them as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). And that is hard. So, we try to obey, and the Lord Jesus helps us to do it. We won’t ever be perfect at loving others as we love ourselves, but our honest attempts are what count. They make our days count.

And now for the best part: Our obedience leads to the ability of our hearts to gain more and more of God’s perfect wisdom. It grows more love, more kindness, more goodness, more of everything that creates connections between us. People draw close to new life in Jesus. And we have whole new families of people we may not know, but who share the love of Jesus with us. And our hearts grow fuller and richer with His love in us. These are the days that count, for today and for all eternity.

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for Your wisdom. Please give us Your strength as we walk through our days and as we make them count—for You. It’s in Your Name we pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Teach Us to Number Our Days” by Marty Goetz. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers. 

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Knowing God can give you calm in chaos

Seeking Calm in the Chaos
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

—Mark 4:38-39 (NIV)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in a crowd?

There I stood in a mass of people, waiting to gain entrance to my son’s first college orchestra concert. The swirl of noise and the sea of bodies set my senses on overload as, all around me, the jostling and high-pitched laughter shifted into high gear, buzzing with festivity. While I knew I was in a safe place, still my heart began to thud and my skin to tingle.

Breathe, I told myself.

There before me, my eyes rested on the wall where someone had painted an artful tree trunk. The blues and greens and teals blended together in a whirl of delicate design, and I admired the artwork as I focused on my breathing. Soon the joy I felt in simple admiration crowded out the swirl of sensation all around me. Peace settled in and took over, and slowly yet blissfully I began to relax. All was well once more.

Chaos can do that sometimes, can’t it? Yet no matter what, even in the scariest, most chaotic, most crazy of crazy times, we can achieve a sense of peace and calm by remembering the most basic of truths: No matter what, we are not alone because Jesus Christ is with us every step of the way. The Bible tells us over and over again that our Lord is Lord over all creation, commanding even the toughest and most harrowing situations. We know the disciples felt tremendous fear when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, and their small boat was tossed about the waves, water rushing over them. We can read about this Bible story in Mark 4:38-39. The Bible says that Christ’s response to the peril his disciples were experiencing was to rebuke the wind and waves, commanding it to be quiet and still. As a result, the wind and the waves obeyed. After all, their Creator, the Word come to the world in the flesh, always prevails (John 1:14).

He does this even still … in the storms around us today, in the chaos of the crowd, in the terror of the darkest nights. We might not be able to feel Him around us, commanding the chaos to quiet and be still, but we can trust that He is there, working for and within us. Now and always.

The Bible says this over and over, and it’s a truth we can trust. We can read about this throughout Scripture. Here are a few key verses to remember …

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” (Psalm 107:29-31).

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).

If you are in the middle of the storm—whether the anxiety of a crowd or a harrowing, dreadful ordeal—take a moment to breathe and remember: You belong to the King of the Universe, and He loves you with a wildly extravagant and generous love filled with mercy, compassion, and perfect strength.

All is well.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for the extraordinary love You have for me. Please help me remember that no matter what I experience, no matter what I fear, You are mightier than anything else. I can put my trust in You now and always. I don’t need to fear. I simply need to focus on You and have faith that all will be well, now and forevermore. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Your Love Is Extravagant” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Firm Foundation (He Won’t)" [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Sometimes He Calms the Storm" by Scott Krippayne. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden and the 2024 Florida Christian Writers Contest SonShine Award for her novel, Hidden Seeds. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

This year, she’s released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent. Learn more about Jessica’s fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. 

Jessica 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: Why we need to be rooted in the truth

Rooted in Truth: Building Your Life on God's Foundation
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”—Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

As a Christian life coach and mental health coach, one of the most common desires I hear people say is, “I want to find my purpose.”

This longing resonates with so many of us because we want our lives to matter. For those of us who know Jesus Christ, this desire often shifts to something even deeper: a longing for significance that has Kingdom impact. We yearn to understand how our unique gifts and calling fit into God's bigger picture and how we can use them to make a real difference for His glory.

But discovering our purpose is only part of the journey. Our Kingdom purpose is found in who God says we are and carried out in the community of other believers. To truly understand our Kingdom calling, we first need to know who we are in Christ. Our identity is foundational. It shapes how we see ourselves, how we use our gifts, and how we engage with the world around us. In a world that often pushes us to find our worth in accomplishments or approval, God invites us to root our identity in Him. When we see ourselves through His eyes, our purpose becomes clearer, and we begin to walk in the unique calling He has placed on our lives.

There’s no better example of this than how God established Jesus Christ’s identity when He was preparing to fully step into His purpose on earth. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, as He came up out of the water, “… a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.”

Three points stick out to me from this short verse:

Point #1: God said this to Jesus when He was baptized, before He began His earthly ministry.

Point #2: God established His identity by speaking it over Him.

Point #3: Before Jesus did anything for God, He got His identity from God.

It’s imperative we know that we are His child, we are loved by Him, and God is pleased before we do anything. Our identity is already established and doesn’t need to be earned.

I think it’s interesting to note that right after Jesus was baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Do you know one of the ways the devil attacked Jesus? By getting Him to question His identity. In Matthew 4:6 (NIV), we see the enemy (Satan) say to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God throw yourself down…”. Satan tried to get Jesus to question His identity and to act on those incorrect beliefs. I don’t think it’s a coincidence God called out who Jesus was before sending Him into the wilderness. He wanted to make sure that firm foundation was set before the testing came. We too need to know who we are and believe it so that when the enemy tries to tell us otherwise—and he will try—we can rebuke those lies with the truth. I am a firm believer in Biblical affirmations, speaking God’s truth out loud over yourself, just as God did to Jesus. Faith comes by hearing. We need to hear ourselves say what God says about us to increase our belief.

If we do not believe what God says about us and have our identity firmly built on the foundation of our relationship with Jesus and who God says we are, everything we do will flow from a faulty belief system. We will lack stability and struggle to bear fruit. If you have made the decision to follow Jesus and be baptized, then I believe that your Heavenly Father is saying these words over you: “You are my son/daughter. Whom I love. I am pleased with you.” Our job is to believe what God says!

Walking in our Kingdom purpose isn’t about striving or proving our worth; it’s about resting in who we already are in Christ. Just as Jesus’s identity was affirmed before He began His ministry, so too is our identity established in Him, rooted in love, and anchored in truth. This week, let God’s words over you settle deeply in your heart: "You are my beloved child. I love you, and I am pleased with you." Let this affirmation shape every step you take, reminding you that your purpose flows from His love and that He has equipped you to impact His Kingdom. Embrace this truth, rebuke any lies that say otherwise, and let your life reflect His glory.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me Your beloved child and for establishing my identity in You. Help me to rest in this truth, knowing that I am loved and that You are pleased with me, not because of what I do, but because of who You’ve made me to be. When doubts arise and the enemy tries to shake my foundation, remind me to stand firm in the truth of who I am in Christ. May Your words be the foundation upon which I build my purpose, and may my life reflect Your love and grace to those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Time to Believe” by ForeverJones. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” [feat. Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes] | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt, founder of Walking the Walk Ministries, is a Kingdom-focused writer, speaker, and coach, passionate about helping women worldwide awaken their hearts to see their God-given purpose and thrive in their walk with Christ. 

With a desire to cultivate a craving for God's Word, her writing is saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing, speaking, and coaching she hopes to ignite your eagerness to pursue God passionately, invite your heart to experience God’s love personally, and inspire you to live your life “souled” out to the One whose love has no limits.

Cyndi lives in Central Florida with her two kitties and is a Jesus-loving, adventure enthusiast devoted to living her life for Jesus until the day she is living with Him.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkingtheWalkMinistries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkingthewalkministries/
Website: https://walkingthewalkministries.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we shouldn't do things to expect praise

Do Things Without Expecting Praise
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”—Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Upon Waking is a 60-day devotional by Jackie Hill Perry that I’ve already gone through twice this year. That’s how good it is. Today, I want to speak about Day 17 of the devotional, where Perry writes about not doing things expecting to receive praise.

First, she shares the Bible story about Jesus Christ changing water to wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). She talks about how the master of the wedding feast praised the bridegroom for the excellent wine, but it is Jesus who deserves the credit. Jesus doesn’t correct them. He lets them enjoy their wine and the party without demanding praise.

Perry then writes, “When is the last time you did good without expecting, hoping, or suggesting it be noticed? When you gave, served, prayed, fasted, studied, rejoiced, taught, died to, wiped, cooked, cleaned, labored for, organized, plucked out, cut8 out, built up anything, did you expect a parade? When it didn’t come, how did it leave you? Bitter? Discouraged? Both, maybe?”

Friends, I am here to remind you that we should not do things with the expectation of receiving praise afterwards. We should not serve with the intention of getting credit or praise afterwards because that defeats the purpose of Christ’s desire for us to be a servant of others. If we are doing things to receive praise, we are doing it with the wrong intentions. These aren’t pure intentions, and God knows when this happens because He knows us from the inside out. God knows our hearts.

If you do things with the hope of praise afterwards, ask yourself why. Do some self-reflection to understand why you feel the need to receive praise after doing something for others.

Jesus gives us instructions in Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV) about serving others. He said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Perry ends the devotional by reminding us of this command from Jesus. She writes, “Beloved, Jesus commands us to do as He does. Turn the water to wine, let them drink, watch them rejoice in it, and if they leave your name out of their song, that’s okay. There’s a better praise awaiting you.”

I’m not sure about you, but I’d rather get my praise from God than other humans because God’s praise is worth more than human praise. Will you join me in prayer?

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

If I ever do things expecting to receive praises from others, please help heal my heart and remind me that this isn’t the intention you want me to serve others. Lord, please let me be more like Jesus daily and serve others with no expectations in return. Although it is hard because human nature wants to be praised, we must die to our human desires and want your will for our lives, Lord. Thank You for the examples You have provided us, Lord, and may I always follow your lead.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Every Praise” by Hezekiah Walker. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidy De La Cruz is a published writer/author and podcaster. She writes the weekly newsletter “Into My Thoughts” on Substack where she shares personal development content, life experiences with life lessons, and faith-based encouragement posts. 

Heidy is the host of “The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants Podcast” where immigrants share their stories about moving to the United States. She is also a podcast coach and helps those who desire to host their own show launch.

Heidy holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She works as a Medical Coding Analyst.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and spending time with her husband and their two kids.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Website: https://heidydelacruz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/

Devotionals for the Heart: We can find the rest our soul needs in God

Rest for Our Souls
A devotional by Joy Beless

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”—Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

What is shaking your world? The news bytes of the last 48 hours are enough to convince me to stay in bed with the covers over my head!

What is shaking your family’s world–conflict, exhaustion, financial need? I don’t need to convince you of the stressful and seemingly dangerous world we live in. And yet, was it not the same for King David who wrote the Bible book of Psalms?

Many people think that King David wrote this psalm in the anchor text above at the time his son, Absalom attempted to overthrow the government in rebellion against his own father’s authority and kingship. Rather than wait until David dies to reign, Absalom decides to accelerate the timeline. The story does not begin here but rather has evolved over years of division and conflict.

We each have a story that evolves over time and needs a course correction and desperate prayer for help. When our family of six lived in Tokyo (Japan), I had to learn a new way to live. Moving from a Dallas (Texas) suburb to live in Tokyo required a different way for me to do the most mundane things like buy groceries, visit the bank, and navigate the city driving on the left side of the road. I was trying to learn the language and culture while parenting four children. Then the “9/11” tragedy occurred in the USA during this time and the whole world changed overnight. I became so stressed and anxious that my hair literally fell out. I developed the autoimmune alopecia condition. There was so much I could not control—except for resting and trusting in the Lord. I knew I could not continue in the same way underneath all this stress and uncertainty life was hurling at me.

What about your story? Even as you read this devotional, what thoughts are surfacing and lurking beneath the veneer? Both domestically and internationally, the newsfeed at our fingertips reminds us that we live in perilous times—just like David. So perhaps we can learn some coping strategies from David and this psalm.

In Psalm 62:5-8, David declares where his rest and hope come from: God—pure and simple. No contingency or exit plans. What do you need rest “from”? What kind of rest? According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, there are several different kinds of rest that we need to feel restored. Physical, mental, social, and emotional rest are just some of the areas we need to bring calm and space into our lives.

Some important questions we can ask ourselves are:

What do we need “less of” to restore our mind, body, and soul?

What do we need “more of” to renew our mind, body, and soul?

What life patterns are contributing to our current stressed life?

What changes can we identify and control that are restorative?

I quickly realized I needed to make some changes when life seemed to spiral downward. I was in an exhaustive state trying to juggle all the “plates” of family and ministry. I realized our Sundays in church and at home were as busy as the other six days in the week, so I began to scale back extra activities. This was hard and impacted our children’s activities the most. However, not only I but the whole family needed more time to rest. We made Sundays in our household a day to restore, relax, and slow down the pace.

I realized my morning habit of walking was squeezed out of the day’s agenda and recognized my need to be outside and have some space of margin in my life, so I made that a priority. Reluctantly, I let go of my language class after two years, as I identified that as very stressful. I began to listen to music that calmed my soul and brought me joy. Playing it in the background seemed to bring down the stress of the whole household, not just mine! Lastly, I began to share with trusted people about what I was experiencing and identify the emotions that were building up ready to spew like a volcano! I learned not only was this giving me emotional and mental rest, but also modeling an important life skill for my children who were entering their teen years.

King David said in the Bible book of Psalm, that it is in God he finds rest for his soul. David trusted God with his kingdom and personal worries and when he reached an old age in his lifetime, he was confident that God is trustworthy to be present in difficult times. David reminds himself who God is to him: his hope, rock, salvation, fortress, honor, and refuge (Psalm 62:5-8). That is quite a list. As you slowly read over the list again, which word seems inviting to you in your present circumstances? Are there some areas in your life that need adjusting with “more of” or “less of”? Ask God to lead you in this process of seeking rest then follow Him into the rest your body and soul needs.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Truly You are the source of rest for our souls. We are thankful that You are a rock in our ever-changing world! Thank You for being a refuge of peace for us. We are grateful to pour out our hearts to You.

In Jesus’s Name, I pray.

Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Find Rest” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

~*~
Connect with Joy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.beless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.beless/
Website: www.joybeless.org

Devotionals for the Heart: When God puts you through a pruning process

The Pruning Process
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”—John 15:1-2 NIV

Despite the crowds, the stress, and the long lines, I’m like a kid in a candy store when I arrive at Costco.

First, I grab a cart and make a beeline for the snack aisle for a case of Skinny Pop popcorn and graham crackers. Then, I head to the deli department to select one $5 rotisserie chicken. After I size up the birds and put the plumpest in my cart, I let up on the gas and people-watch as I glance around for the last-minute purchases that catch my eye.

This time of year, truckloads of fall mums arrive in vibrant maroon, yellow, orange, and pink. The one I purchased sits on my balcony, and its neon pink and orange blossoms are the perfect backdrop against the stunning sunset. Even though I watered it thoroughly and gave it lots of sunlight, the blossoms dried up. Surprisingly, it wasn’t dying as I suspected; it just needed pruning to divert energy away from the dead buds into creating new ones.

In today’s anchor text above (John 15:1-2), Jesus Christ gave His twelve disciples a final sermon. He used a gardening metaphor to describe the importance of growing spiritually and drawing strength from Him—the true vine. He told them that He was setting them apart to bear fruit. For that to happen, pruning was essential. His ultimate concern for them and us is the condition of our hearts.

Like the branches in Christ’s story, we’re all unique, and our pruning won’t look the same. He will prune us differently. This is a process where we surrender to Him, knowing that He is up to something good in our lives.

Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed God’s pruning process. Sometimes, He has removed friendships I prioritized over Him. Other times, He asked me to part with a bad habit that distracted me. God also dealt with my attitudes that grieved Him. It was never a pleasant experience, but in hindsight, I was grateful that He loved me enough to take my spiritual growth to the next level.

My mum plant is blooming today because I took the time to remove the dead flowers that were stunting its growth. In the same way, Jesus wants to remove the fruitless areas of our lives so we grow to our full potential, experience a deeper walk with Him, and pursue His kingdom above our own.

Whatever keeps you from thriving in your relationship with Jesus, let Him remove it. The beauty you see in yourself afterward will be worth it.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Father,

So many things in life clamor for my attention that I sometimes give you less time than You deserve. Please forgive me for setting my heart on lesser things. Align my desires with Yours and do whatever is necessary to help me flourish spiritually so I follow you more closely and do the kingdom work you’ve prepared for me to do. In Jesus’s Name, I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Pruning” by Tehillah Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their ‘best of’ spread. 

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to know God's Voice and listen

Who Are You Listening To?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

—John 10:3-4 (NIV)

Anyone who has grown up in a West Indian or African household will agree on one thing: When you are called by your parents or an elder, answer quickly.

Taking your time or choosing whether to answer or not is not a luxury you get to enjoy. Additionally, make sure you’re responding to direction from your parents instead of your friends! In these households, instruction took priority over anyone else’s. I cannot confidently say that today in this era that statement remains the same. Between the government, schools and society, many voices compete for our allegiance. However, in the Kingdom of God, the rules have not changed. God’s voice reigns supreme and there is a blessing that comes with it.

When we look at the life of Abraham, he was promised a blessing through his offspring because of his obedience. Genesis 22:15-18 (NIV) reads: “The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Because one person obeyed, the generations to follow would receive something they had nothing to do with. Isn’t that mind blowing? Because Abraham listened to the voice of God and obeyed, the effects of his obedience went beyond his lifetime. So, whose voice are you listening to? Whose voice reigns supreme over your fears, your doubts, and your insecurities? We still get to choose who to listen to.

Remember, free will is a gift God gave to every human being. He desires we choose Him over the enemy (Satan). The enemy of our soul comes to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10). That will never change. The devil has no intention for you to prosper or to have hope. But your Heavenly Father does! He loves us unconditionally and He has good plans for our life.

Let’s learn more about God’s plans for us by reading Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) that says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has good plans for us! Plans to prosper us. Plans that don’t involve harm. Plans to give us hope. Plans to give us a future. Everything associated with the enemy is death. But everything connected to God brings life and Jesus Christ has come so we might have life abundantly (John 10:10).

So how can we know the Lord’s voice? Let’s address this on a personal level: How do you know the voice of your parents, siblings, and friends? You’ve spent time with them. You’ve heard them speak repeatedly. You’ve spent time with them to know how they behave and treat you and others. When you hear something out of the ordinary about someone you know and love, you stop and question it because what you’re hearing does not match what you know. The same is true with the Lord but even better the Word of God, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:8 (NIV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Jesus doesn’t change. His voice, His behavior, His word will never change. We can completely trust Jesus all the time. I encourage you to spend time with Him and read His word (The Holy Bible). When you know Christ’s voice, you know where to find comfort, encouragement and direction.

Knowing God’s voice allows you to know when a stranger is speaking. Let’s look at one more lesson from life: We learn from a very early age, to run from strangers. Concerning strangers, although they try to speak in the “voice” of our parents, we know instinctively that something is wrong. We sense danger, so we run away from those people who are not our parents or guardians. Let’s know the voice of our Savior so well that nothing can make us doubt Him. Let’s learn to run to Jesus, not the world. Only Christ brings the comfort, support, hope and healing we need.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving us and telling us in your Word that You love us. Help us to hide your Word in our hearts so we won’t sin against You. Help us to know your voice so well that nothing will make us doubt You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Just Want to Know You” by Andrae Crouch. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Abundantly” by Avalon. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "Voice of A Savior" by Mandisa. 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: How to trust Jesus Christ with your burdens

When Depression Becomes an Opportunity
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”— Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Have you ever been in a slump, the kind of low where getting out of bed seems like a task so exhausting you might as well go back to sleep just to avoid it?

I don’t have real, diagnosed, ongoing depression, but I’ve experienced those days. Maybe you have, too. They make my heart ache in compassion for those I love who have chronic depression—people like my daughter, who have fought so hard and so long to keep their mood from slipping. Who fear they’ll spiral down into the depths once more. Who wonder whether the next time they do, the hole will be too vast and deep and wide they won’t be able to climb out.

It’s a scary place to be.

I’ve walked beside her in that dark place, advocating for her and fighting with her, and it’s scary for me, too. Jesus Christ meets us there, and He walks beside us, but it’s not a happy place, a place any of us relish visiting once more. Recently, I battled a crash of exhaustion that seemed to have no cure. It’s subsided, but it reminded me of that dark place, and those feelings troubled me. Each day, I forced my weary body from the cozy allure of sleep … forced myself to get up, to make breakfast, to brew coffee, to walk and to pray. And each day as I did, joy settled into my bones, searing deep like a power. That’s when I realized that even in darkness, even in slumps, even in exhaustion or depression or suffering, a beautiful opportunity presents itself.

Getting out of bed, getting up and getting moving, becomes an opportunity for God’s goodness to display itself through us. Sometimes, getting out of bed becomes an act of faith and hope. And God meets us there, celebrating with us. Just like He’s celebrating every time my daughter strives to keep dark moods at bay. Every time someone chooses His path instead of the world’s. Every time someone chooses life instead of death.

Depression is a real thing, my friends. Sometimes, prayer and faith can keep it at bay, but other times, medication and counseling and other avenues are needed. I believe God provides all those paths as a good and righteous way to battle the darkness. He understands.

The Bible is filled with a number of people who battled depression. A few years ago, I wrote an article about it for Bible Study Tools, “What Does the Bible Say About Depression”, and I still get emails today about how much it encouraged readers to know they’re not alone in their struggle, and that God’s Holy Word (The Bible) addresses this, too. 

Some Bible characters who struggled with depression include:

· King David (see Psalm 143:4-7, in addition to many of the other psalms he penned during low periods in his life)

· King Saul (see 1 Samuel 16-20)

· Moses (Numbers 11:14-15)

· King Ahab (1 Kings 21:27)

· Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14-18)

· Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)

· Job (Job 3)

· Elijah (1 Kings 19:4)

· Jonah (Jonah 4:1-11)

Jesus knows we all battle darkness and knows He was the only true rest we’d find. As He urged us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If you are battling a slump, whether that’s true depression or a low mood you’re having trouble managing, know that you don’t fight your battle alone. Remember that even though it feels like you’re drowning, keep swimming. Every stroke you take toward the surface is an opportunity. Every time you fight, get out of bed, make a move in the right direction, is an act of faith and hope. God sees this. I see it, too. 

If I can pray for you or with you, please reach out. You’re not alone.

Let’s Pray: Lord God, thank You for seeing me and walking with me no matter what I experience. Sometimes it’s hard to remember I’m not alone, but the reality is that You are always with me in spite of how I’m feeling at the moment. Help me remember that You celebrate with me as I strive to walk with You. I love You, Lord. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Through It All” by Andrae Crouch. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism.

She released an Advent devotional for those seeking true closeness with God, which you can find at https://www.jessicabrodie.com/advent. Learn more about Jessica’s fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast.

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, 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: Who you can turn to when life is overwhelming

God is Mighty to Save Us
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”—Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Sometimes, life feels heavy. The weight can be overwhelming, whether it's the pressure of responsibilities, struggles we didn't see coming, or just feeling like we're not enough. But Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a different perspective—one where God steps in as both a powerful defender and a loving Father.

Think about this for a second: God, the Creator of the universe, not only saves us from trouble but delights in us. He rejoices over us with singing. That kind of love goes far beyond what we usually imagine. We might think God tolerates or is disappointed with our shortcomings, but this verse tells a different story. God sees us, loves us deeply, and finds joy in who we are, even when we don't feel worthy.

It's hard to grasp sometimes. We're used to conditional love—love based on performance, behavior, or how well we “measure up”. But God's love doesn't work like that. He's not distant or detached; He's right here with us as a "Mighty Warrior" who fights for us, saves us, and sings over us with joy. The next time we feel weighed down by the struggles of life, remember that God is with us, loving us every step of the way.

Here are some practical steps to help you during times of struggle:

Step One: Take Time to Be Still. In the middle of the chaos, pause. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and be in God's presence. You don't have to do, say, or prove anything. Just let the truth sink in: God delights in you, and He is with you right now. It might initially feel strange, but this practice can be a powerful reminder that you're not alone.

Step Two: Lean on God's Strength, Not Yours. When you're facing something difficult, remember that you don't have to handle it on your own. God is described as a "Mighty Warrior" for a reason—He's strong enough to fight the battles that overwhelm you. Pray for His strength and trust that He's working for you, even when you can't see it.

Step Three: Practice Receiving Love. This might sound simple, but for many of us, it's hard. We're used to striving, trying to earn approval, or feeling like we're never quite enough. Today, take a deep breath and allow yourself to receive God's love as it is—free, unconditional, and overflowing. Remind yourself throughout the day: “God loves me right now, just as I am.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there a situation where you feel like God is distant or uninterested? How does knowing that He is with you and rejoicing over you change the way you see that situation?

2. What might it look like to fully embrace God's love for you without trying to earn it or feeling like you must prove yourself?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for being a Mighty Warrior who saves and a loving Father who delights in me. Sometimes, believing that You rejoice over me is hard, but I trust Your Word. Help me to rest in Your love, lean on Your strength, and stop striving to earn what You freely give. Let me experience the joy and peace of knowing that You are always with me, even in the most challenging moments. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Mighty to Save” by Laura Story. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry. 

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons learned from harvesting blueberries

The Mutual Blessings of Leaving a Generous Margin
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God!” ­­–Leviticus 23:22 NIV

The Lord’s wisdom in how to live peacefully in community has always been ways that bless all parties. But how could leaving some profit on the ground be a blessing for the person who owns the field? The answer is in believing that God’s blessings are bountiful! He wants to bless everyone with provision and plenty.

In 2017, my husband and I purchased a home with 18 well-established blueberry plants. As summer came around, we eagerly awaited a harvest of sweet treats. But we soon came to realize that our plants were putting out volumes of fruit daily—a crop we hadn’t prepared sufficient time to harvest. Picking daily, we’d return the next afternoon to a garden that looked as if we hadn’t touched it. We were overrun with produce! With such a haul, we began freezing gallons bags of blueberries, only to run out of freezer space. We were outmatched by the abundance of this garden!

The blueberries were a lesson in God’s love and bountiful provision. When trying to harvest every single berry ourselves, storing them up for some rainy day, we became taxed and resentful of the weight of our work. We no longer saw the crop as a gift. We saw it as a burden. But when we invited others to come and help themselves to the wealth on our land, something wonderful happened! Suddenly anxiety in our workload was exchanged for joy in relationship building. Reaping alongside others opened the door to sharing not just fruit, but friendship. The time spent together cultivated conversation, creating opportunity to get to know people.

Additionally, allowing others to do their own gleaning, instead of simply handing them a pre-picked portion, took away the stigma of indebtedness that can come with a gift. And being honest about our need for help meant they understood their efforts were valuable.

We often forget, as we strive to build up ourselves, the importance of brotherhood in that effort. Relationships are the economy in which love is exchanged; the field in which our hearts grow. We do well to remember that God said in Genesis 2:18 (NIV), “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

While not everyone has an abundance of berries, God gives all kinds of gifts to His children to grow and share. Sometimes we are blind to the provision of God, but His fruit comes in all shapes and sizes.

A good friend who retired from a career in nursing continues to harvest in caring for others as a foster parent for teens. And a widow with a heart for the arts opens her home to music students, appreciating the beauty of their work. These are modern day examples of God’s old school rule of leaving margin in your life for others. Both women see the extra space in their homes as “edges of their fields” that can feed the needs of those currently without. But in addition to the space they provide, these two engage with those who glean in their gardens, cultivating friendships and growing love.

Where in your life has God provided extra? Are you harvesting right up to the edge, leaving no margin for others? The nature of God is to fill you with the fullness of His love, which includes blessing you with companions that will help you continue to be fruitful. Do not be afraid to be generous, rather look for the harvest your hands are too full to hold and invite others in for the excess. In this way, the hands and hearts of a community will be filled.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, You know our every need and You supply for those needs. Open our eyes to the abundance of Your provision, that we might feel liberated to live generously. And show us the value we gain in relationships when we share ourselves as well. Help us sow and harvest crops of love. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Generosity” by Jerome Collins. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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