Devotionals for the Heart: How to discover the power of letting go

The Power of Letting Go
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

“Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.”

—Jonah 2:8 (NIV)

Perhaps you’ve heard the story—attributed to various tribes depending on who tells it—about how a hunter can catch a monkey using nothing but a hollowed-out coconut and a piece of fruit. The hunter places the fruit inside the coconut through a small hole in the shell and secures the trap to a tree. When a hungry monkey comes along, it reaches through the hole, grabs the fruit, and tries to pull it out, but can’t. Its fist is too big for the hole.

But wait, you might be thinking. All the monkey has to do is let go of the fruit, slip its hand out of the coconut, and run free. You would be right, but what the hunters know is that monkeys will not let go of the fruit, even when their captors come to take them away. They keep holding on until it’s too late.

Aren’t we all like those monkeys sometimes? Humans have a hard time letting go. Maybe it’s an innate survival instinct, or a mindset taught by culture, or a combination of both, but people tend to grab hold of things within their reach and cling tightly to them. “Mine” is a word children learn early, use often, and carry into adulthood. We humans love to obtain, collect, and accumulate as much as we can, building bigger barns or renting more storage units to keep it all in. It’s what we do.

In a world that is constantly telling us that we can have everything we want, and that we deserve to have it all right now, it’s hard not to grab onto things that bring us instant gratification, especially when we’re hungry or in pain or facing difficult circumstances. The fruit in the coconut can seem like the solution to our immediate problems, so we grab onto it. With our fists closed around the wrong things, however, we cannot receive God’s greater blessings.

The Bible tells of a time when a wealthy young man approached Jesus Christ and asked him what he needed to do to have eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22). Jesus told him he must sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and then follow Him. Instead of jumping at the chance to do what was necessary to get what he’d asked for, the Bible says the man went away sad. He was not willing to let go of what he had in the here and now, so he could not receive God’s eternal blessing.

The things we cling to in the moment aren’t necessarily bad things. God knows we need food, money, and material possessions in our earthly lives. It’s when we hold on too tightly, when we begin to trust in the things themselves instead of the One who gives them to meet our needs, that those things become idols that turn us away from Him. With our focus on idols, we become trapped and fail to see the danger that’s coming because of it.

Jesus understood human nature. He was tempted in the desert by the devil to seize things that might have brought him temporary satisfaction in the here and now (Matthew 4:1-11). Later, facing death, He asked his Father (God) if there was any way to avoid the pain and suffering He knew was coming (Matthew 26:39). Each time Jesus chose not to take the easy way out—to grab the fruit in the coconut—but said instead, “Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39 NIV).

Jesus knew the power of letting go. He set the ultimate example of avoiding the trap of instant gratification. We can read about it in Philippians 2:5-9 (TLB) that says, “Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross. Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name.”

When God asks us to let go of our idols, He’s not just trying to take away things that make us happy. He wants us to open our hands and our hearts to receive His blessings that bring eternal joy.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, help me to recognize the things in my life that I’m holding too tightly and taking my focus off of You. Help me let go of my idols before I become trapped by them. Thank You for Jesus, who set the example for us. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

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Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to let Jesus Christ be our Anchor

Where is Your Anchor?
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven.”

—Hebrews 6:19 (TLB)

Throughout my childhood, my family spent most of our summer vacation on a spring-fed lake nestled in the wooded hills of northern Michigan.

Each day was filled with endless opportunities: hikes in the woods, fires in the fireplace, card games, hours in the water, and much more. My favorite activity as a teenage girl was sunbathing. Often, I would do this with a girlfriend, a sister, or a cousin on towels spread on the dock. Sometimes, we would swim to a raft and lie in the warm sun until we were dry. I’ll never forget the bravery it took to jump into the chilly water and swim to shore.

One day, with the sunlight shimmering on the lake like sparkling diamonds, my girlfriend and I decided to take her little sunfish sailboat out. We weren’t great sailors, but the wind was calm, so we figured the boat wouldn’t go far. We drifted aimlessly while basking in the sun, and the waves soon rocked us to sleep. How shocked we were when we opened our eyes and realized we had drifted far out of sight from our familiar shoreline!

We searched for the paddle to help guide us back to shore. Panic struck when no paddle was found, and we would need to raise the sail and navigate our way back. It took us quite a while to return home, making us understand the value of an anchor and a paddle.

Jesus Christ is referred to as an anchor. He is the source of our hope and strength in times of persecution and challenge. Jesus connects me to His power and direction. His anchor has a line providing some freedom of movement but always keeping me tethered to Him, even amid stormy seas. As my relationship grows with Christ, I become more aware of His presence and keenly sense His gentle pull when I begin to drift with the waves of distractions.

But just like the story I shared from my childhood, in my daily life as an adult, I am still vulnerable to drifting. Whether it is the winds of distractions pulling me away from tasks and relationships, the wandering thoughts sidetracking my prayer time, or the worry waves consuming my mind and causing panic and anxiety. During these times, I am much like that boat, drifting in the middle of the lake. An anchor secures me and keeps me centered on my purpose. It’s not meant to be a burden or weigh me down.

How do I keep this connection with God and not be weighed down by the world? How do I strengthen my awareness of Christ’s presence amidst the many distractions in my daily living? I’ve learned that reading devotions everyday help to center my mind and anchor my soul in God’s Word, but sometimes, I require more. Scripture encourages us to rest just like God rested on the seventh day after creating the world and all that is in it. Sabbath rest is important to help humankind stay healthy and anchored in God. I have found this concept of rest to be helpful.

Let’s return to my story about the time when me and my friend drifted far from shore. Here’s how the story ends: After the panic subsided, my girlfriend and I regrouped. She remembered putting the sail up with her dad, and we clumsily raised it as the boat rocked back and forth. We tried to catch the wind, but not being sailors, we did not understand the physics of tacking back and forth against the force of the breeze. We were burned and exhausted when we reached the shore but relieved to walk on solid ground. We definitely needed to rest!

Two lessons learned that day were the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and persevering when faced with a challenge. God promises that He will be there when we are unprepared or unsure. As our guide, He will help us find our way through difficulties by staying anchored to Him.

How do you connect with God’s hope and strength? Remember: He can be your anchor when you are drifting in the waves of distractions or tossing in the turbulence of the stormy seas.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, I confess that I tend to do things by my own strength. I leave things undone, focus on the unimportant, and respond to urgent voices. Help me to place my hope and strength in You to avoid drifting to the aimless wind, be aware of Your presence, and be anchored to Your purpose and course. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Anchor Holds” by Ray Boltz. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: How difficulties help us grow stronger

Don’t Deviate from the Difficult
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”

—James 1:2-4 (TLB)

When my son, John, was around eight months old, he was making strong headway toward being independently mobile by pulling himself up from sitting to standing. Not really crawling yet, still he was making progress. And then Zachary arrived.

Cousin Zachary was six months older than John and he was walking. In those weeks while Zachary stayed with us, John quit trying to crawl, devoting all his energy to becoming ambulatory. John was no longer content with his unhurried pace of development, suddenly a fire was lit to be upright.

But it turns out that crawling is beneficial to both muscular and psychological maturity. Skipping this stage is thought to inhibit full brain development. When we, like my young son, see someone succeeding at something we want for ourselves, we can be tempted to take the shortcut. However, bypassing the difficult route requires of us a couple things: deviation and double-down.

Deviation might look like shifting priorities, shirking responsibility, quitting current tasks, and avoiding accountability. It might mean breaking promises, or not being completely honest. Maybe deception...even if just self-deception.

Double-down is the extra energy required to get somewhere faster than normal. Symptoms could be longer work hours, skipping breaks, feeling driven, irritability, or feeling put-upon.

Achievements arrived by shortcut methods are typically short-lived because they lack the muscle of steadfastness to maintain the level of success attained. The shortcut is also short-sighted. Our maturity requires that we go through the challenges that build strength of character. While it’s human nature to choose the least painful routes or be tempted to skip ahead, the very process of falling down and getting back up develops the stability we need to withstand the next level of growth.

In his letter to fellow followers of Jesus Christ, James suggests that we can consider the hard way through life as the best way due to the amount of spiritual muscle we achieve along the way. Difficulties produce patience. And patience helps us endure through every future challenge. It’s a strength we take with us on the rest of our journey.

My little son John took many tumbles in his efforts to walk. At some point, though, he found himself on his hands and knees and realized he could crawl after all. He didn’t stay on all fours for long, but it was there that he got what he needed to advance toward his next adventure.

When we find ourselves knocked down, it’s best we be honest with ourselves about where we are and why. We are not completed yet. And there’s no shame in continuing to be a work-in-progress. Rather we can be happy about the opportunity to practice a while longer! Before we know it, a greater level of challenge will come and we will be glad God was developing such strength in us.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, You know what is best for us and You direct us to walk in the way we should go. Help us to remember that Your ways are higher (wiser) than our ways and that we do well to trust You...always. Thank You for walking along side us in our challenges. Thank You for not abandoning us...especially in our foolishness. Continue to guide our steps and to bless our spiritual muscles as we follow You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Walk With You” by Michael Bethany. 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/

Devotionals for the Heart: Preparation

Does God Prepare You for Everything?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.” –Luke 2:17-19 (TLB)

Can you remember a time in your life when you told the Lord you would do anything that He wanted you to do and when that time came you said yes with all your heart? However, days after accepting His will, you felt somewhat unprepared for all that the task required. You suddenly felt nervous about what was next. Sometimes when we don’t have a picture of the way things are going to roll out piece by piece there can be that feeling of being unprepared.

Specifically thinking about Mary, Jesus Christ’s mother, I believe she could relate to this question. Mary was a faithful and highly favored servant of God. Yet, when she received the instruction and news from Angel Gabriel saying she was chosen to carry the son of God in her womb and she accepted God’s will, I don’t know if she was prepared for all that life would entail in accepting this sacred assignment.

Mary heard the angel’s prophecy that she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:31-32). She acknowledged it. She said she was honored to receive the call, but have you ever wondered if she was really prepared for all that would unfold in each stage of this special child’s life? If you were to ask the average mother if she was prepared for the events that occurred in their child’s life, you would get a resounding “no.” And yet, mothers must take a breath and walk-through tears of sadness, laughter, pondering, lying awake at night, watching the phone during the day, praying, pondering, beseeching the Lord and all the while, never being fully prepared to face everything that happens in their child’s life.

How do you accept God’s call completely without preparation? Maybe the better question is, “Why would you?” My answer to this would be, “You accept it on the basis of trust.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) tells us to: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Also in Psalm 37:5 (KJV) we are advised to, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” And in Joshua 1:9 (NIV), the command goes forth to be “strong and courageous”. All of these passages and many more are reminders to us that while we do not know what tomorrow will bring, as long as we are walking and talking with Jesus, not only are we safe, but we will get our next step directives. God will give us what we need when we need it. We can walk confidently knowing that he has us.

We are not God. We don’t have knowledge of what our tomorrows look like. Even though she was carrying the son of God, Mary had to do what we all must do to accept God’s call by faith. Believing He will give us the same wisdom and grace that Jesus grew in, to carry it out and grow along the journey. Mary was not prepared for all the feelings she would experience during and after the birth of Jesus. She really was not prepared for the attacks on both her and her son’s character. She was not prepared for the miracles, the criticism, and the challenges they would encounter along the way. And even though she was told he would die; she could not have been prepared for the emotional rollercoaster she would experience. 

Neither will we be prepared for all that we will face during our lifetime. So, we trust God. We trust He knows what is happening and He will give us the direction and guidance to make it through every experience and come through as a winner.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, many days life looks and feels uncertain, but we thank You for Your Word again that reminds us that You will direct our paths as we trust You. There are days when I feel unprepared, so help me to rely on Your Word and not my feelings. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection:
“Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is an encourager. She passionately uses her gifting as an author, speaker, pastor, recording artist, worship leader and coach.

Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body & Spirit (a book that she wrote) was an Amazon Bestseller in October 2020.

Patricia sings! She has released two CDs titled Draw Me Nearer and Lord I Trust You.

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

When she is not ministering to save souls in God’s Kingdom, Patricia enjoys reading, writing and connecting like-minded people who can sharpen each other in the journey to their dreams and goals.

As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, her desire is to coach others to live life to the fullest by understanding their gifting from God and using it.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ is The Good Shepherd for humankind

The Good Shepherd
A devotional by Kay Pflueger

“I am the good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” 

– John 10:11 (TLB)

One of my favorite images of Jesus Christ is one that seemed to be hung on the wall of every Sunday school classroom I entered as a child.

It was a familiar one to me that pictured Jesus carrying a lamb on His shoulders. I must admit that all I knew about sheep is that you count them to fall asleep at night. So, I spent some time on Google reading about them. I discovered some interesting facts in my reading.

I learned that in biblical times there were two types of sheep pens. There was a permanent pen that was constructed of stones with one entrance so narrow that only one sheep could enter at a time. This allowed the shepherd to easily count the sheep as well as to assess their physical condition. The second type of pen was a rather makeshift one constructed out in the field with whatever the shepherd could find to piece together. The shepherd would lie down across the opening, creating a “human” gate of sorts to keep predators at bay.

What images of Jesus does this conjure up in your mind? To me, as the “gate” in the permanent pen, He keeps track of us and monitors our condition. On the flip side, as the temporary gate, He protects us with His life and body.

As well as proclaiming that He is a gate for the sheep, Jesus calls himself the “Good Shepherd". He mentions some of the characteristics of a good shepherd: someone who knows his sheep and calls them by name, someone whose voice the sheep recognize, and someone who would lay down his life for his flock.

Jesus knows us completely, and that is a comforting thought to me. But, let’s look at it from the other side. What kind of knowledge do you have of Him? Do you recognize His voice?

As part of knowing us, the Good Shepherd (Jesus) calls us by name and was willing to lay down His life for us (His flock). In John 10:28 (ESV) we read, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Take a moment to ponder the depth of that kind of love.

As we join our hearts in prayer, meditate on these words from 1 Peter 2:25 (TLB): “Like sheep you wandered away from God, but now you have returned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls who keeps you safe from all attacks.”

Let’s pray: Forgive our wanderings, Jesus. Thank you that you search for us and always bring us back into the fold and into your loving arms. In your name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Kay’s devotional reminds me of this song based on Psalm 23. Listen to it on YouTube here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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