Devotionals for the Heart: How to not sin when we are feeling angry

Be Angry and Do Not Sin
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.”

—Psalm 4:4 (ESV)

Anger is a normal human emotion and something even Jesus Christ experienced.

Therefore, anger itself is not the problem. The problem is what we do with it. Today, I would like to look at a few verses that can help us to be sure we are righteous in our anger and glorifying God through our response.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) quotes this passage directly before giving added instruction: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Hebrews 12:14-15 (ESV) urges us to “strive for peace with everyone,” and to see to it that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble.”

The Psalmist acknowledges our tendency to “ponder in our own hearts on our beds.” This is where we can work through emotions safely, but the Apostle Paul also warns us not to allow the sun go down on our anger. Sometimes, things need to be dealt with immediately.

I deal with unruly children regularly. Two of my children are going through very difficult and willful seasons of life. Both of them are easily (and frequently) angered. How can I teach them that their feelings are valid, but that the way they choose to express them often leads them into sin?

I can start by modeling self-control and a godly response to my own anger. Have I learned to prevent my anger from getting the best of me, or do I allow myself to say or do things I regret? Perhaps a better question to ask is this: Does my response make things worse?

James 1:20 (ESV) reminds us that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” If my response is borne purely out of anger, and not tempered by self-control and a desire to glorify God, I can rest assured I will not get the result I am hoping for: my child’s humble repentance and future obedience.

It is a balance many of us have a hard time mastering, and not just in family life. I once saw a man strongly criticize a produce worker at a grocery store because of the price of lettuce. Yet the employee does not determine the cost of the lettuce. They simply place the packages the pre-determined price label and are required to pay that price as well if they purchase it.

Yet it is in our more intimate relationships that we risk allowing a bitter root to grow. It can cause a constant state of agitation and hostility where no one can thrive. It may even cause physical illness. Proverbs 12:25 NKJV tells us, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.” Depression can manifest itself in many ways—from a pounding heart to chronic pain to digestive issues. There are many causes of depression but let us not allow our choice to hold onto anger be one of them!

If you are holding onto bitterness or anger, reach out to Jesus today. Seek godly counsel to learn ways to acknowledge feelings of anger without falling into sin or bitterness.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, I acknowledge the ways I’ve allowed anger to lead me into sin. You know the details. I ask You to teach me how I can avoid this in the future. Lead me to texts in the Bible, or to a trusted counselor who will help me learn to make the right choices when I feel angry. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

~*~
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!

~*~
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: Finding hope when you're in a dark time

Finding Hope in Dark Times
A devotional by Tema Banner

“For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.”

–Proverbs 23:18 (NKJV)

Some places I drive to in my hometown make me want to bawl my eyes out.

I had a charming, kindhearted, blue-eyed son whose mischievousness got him into hot water with his parents and teachers more than once in his youth. In elementary school, he was known to charm the little girls into doing his classwork, and old ladies in the grocery store could not resist his winsome smile and pleading eyes for fifty cents for a candy bar—much to his mother’s chagrin. Like his grandmother, Steven made friends with everyone he met and never had qualms about asking for directions or help to find items in the store.

That same personality put him in contact with some he should have given a wide berth. Since he chose not to, many years were spent in courtrooms, rehab clinics, hospitals, and eventually, an early rest in the cemetery. During those years of highs and lows, the Lord gave me hope through this scripture (Proverbs 23:18). The first time I read this verse it was in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, which reads: “There is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” I was convinced it meant Steven would overcome his addictions and be a powerful witness to others.

Standing by his grave, I was disappointed, confused, and a little mad. Other parents’ children had overcome, why had my son not? And what about the hope I was promised? Then I read the New King James Version (NKJV) of this scripture and the word “hereafter” jumped off the page. It was beautiful proof of God’s living word and His gentle reminder that Steven’s life will continue with Him. Because Steven had accepted God’s Son (Jesus Christ) as his Lord and Savior, I knew he had a future hope that did not end in that cemetery with a dash that indicates a life way too short. And because of my faith in God, I know I’ll see him again in Heaven.

The many places that I drive in this city bring reminders of my time with Steven. They are a mix of memories that make me smile and others with a depth of sadness that squeezes my heart and makes me want to cry—sometimes I do. But more often, I see the lives that were touched by my blue-eyed boy and the faithfulness of the God we serve.

There are times in all our lives when we face battles, sorrow, and hardships. We seek deliverance and I have seen miracles and answers to prayers that are everything prayed for, but I’ve also seen times when the answer is no. I recognize in those moments that we live in a fallen world that is often harsh. I encourage you to know that even in hard times, God is still good and He loves you.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness. In our times of distress and doubt, Your Word is ever present to encourage and remind us that You are in control. Help us to remember that You have good plans for your children. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "God Loves You" by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Writing stories that take the reader on a journey of discovery into a deeper relationship with God through His Son (Jesus Christ), has been a lifelong goal for Tema. She enjoys history and continues honing her knowledge of history and writing skills to create those stories.

God is her guiding light and the reason for every endeavor in her life. She is a member of the South Carolina ACFW chapter as well as a former member of her local RWA chapter, Carolina Romance Writers.

Tema has served as president and secretary of her local RWA Chapter, Carolina Romance Writers. She is the honored recipient of the Harold Lowery Service Award, presented by the Carolina Romance Writers.

God has gifted her with a loving husband, two children and four grandchildren who are the delight of her life.

In her spare time, she gardens and digs into genealogy for nuggets to use in her stories.

~*~
Connect with Tema:
Website: https://temabannerauthor.com
Blog: www.temabannerauthor.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temabanner/

PureFlix Show Review: A Thousand Tomorrows

My Review of Episode 2 from Karen Kingsbury’s series,

A Thousand Tomorrows:

Today, I have another Pure Flix show review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! In case you didn’t know, Pure Flix is like the faith-based version of Netflix. It works the same way, but the difference is in the fact that the content on Pure Flix points you to Jesus Christ and shows you how much The Creator of the Universe loves you!

Pure Flix is a one-stop shop for faith and family-friendly movies and shows where you can confidently stream in your home with the entire family. With new premium and exclusive original entertainment choices every week, Pure Flix streaming service has the largest variety of high-quality, curated, positive, encouraging, wholesome movies, series and kids' content in one service. Pure Flix is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, alongside AFFIRM Films.

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review Episode 2 of A Thousand Tomorrows. This show is based on a book from #1 New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury. They say, “Only God knows how many tomorrows we have left. In the dangerous and competitive rodeo world, how will Cody and Ali make the most of their time together?”

This was the focus for Episode 2: As Ali’s health declines, her determination to keep competing catches Cody’s eye. What will her stubbornness to pursue her dreams cost?

Now for my review: 

Episode 2 of A Thousand Tomorrows

“I don’t want to be normal. I want to be different. I chose this.” –Ali Daniels

I’d say this quote is the driving force for Ali’s story. She’s bold, brave, determined and dying. Ali is also the one woman who Cody wants that everyone is saying he cannot have. 

Cody is the hero of this story. From the start, you will see why he is angry at his dad to the point where he refuses to follow in his footsteps by playing high school football. Instead, he grows up to be a bull rider who uses his anger as the driving force that helps him win every time.

Carl Joseph is Cody’s younger brother who has a disability. He is the reason why Cody’s dad walked out on his family and Cody has never forgiven his dad for making that decision. Cody is close to his brother and very protective of him.

Ali, the heroine of this story, is privately battling an life-threatening illness. Her health starts to decline in this episode and her parents try to intervene. But she’s bent on riding horses in the rodeo and making it to the major competition in a few months. Ali caught the eye of Cody but she’s not like the girls he usually dates. Ali is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and wants to do relationships God’s way, so she invites him to Cowboy Church.

Meanwhile, Ali’s Mom wants more for Ali than just the rodeo circuit. She tries to convince her daughter to take a break to enjoy a normal life in all the good and healthy ways. One of Cody’s best friends (Trey) is pursuing Ali and this causes a rift in their friendship. Also in this episode, Cody’s father, Mike, keeps trying to get in touch with him but Cody resists.

This is a well-crafted storyline. After watching it, I wanted to continue on to the next episode to see what happens next! The actors do a great job of staying in character and making their roles believable. The rodeo circuit scenes are true to real-life. It made me wonder if the actors used stunt doubles for those scenes. I sympathized with Ali’s sickness. I disagreed with Cody’s anger but could understand why it so hard for him to forgive his dad. I was on Ali’s Mom’s side because I want Ali to be healthy and happy and not be so focused on her dream that it causes her death. I definitely will watch the rest of the episodes in this series on PureFlix soon!

Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors. It’s an honor to watch this series on PureFlix about her book of the same title (A Thousand Tomorrows). I’d recommend this series to anyone who needs to be taught the blessing of faith, family and forgiveness.

Themes of this movie included:

· Sacrifice

· Supporting your spouse

· Making hard decisions

· Making each day count and living each day to the fullest

· Death, grief, loss

· Chronic illness and being a caregiver

· There is freedom in faith

A Thousand Tomorrows is a faith-based series based on the book of the same title by Karen Kingsbury that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it. Once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Watch the movie trailer for A Thousand Tomorrows:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/a-thousand-tomorrows

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription! Note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on Feb. 28. If you're participating in the giveaway for A Thousand Tomorrows, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c439/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. #AThousandTomorrowsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Disciples

How Will I Know?
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

– John 13:35 (ESV)

A month ago, the world watched the most poignant demonstration of anger, rage and hatred in this century. Many of the angry hoard who stormed the U.S. Capitol Building were professed Christians and patriots. Their demonstration of lawlessness was antithetical to John 13:35.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Western world thinks about affirming the people with who we are in love. Some people evaluate their relationships based upon the cards and/or gifts that they give or receive. Personal esteem and future plans are often predicated on the swag of the day.

In 1985 when I was an undergraduate Theology student, Whitney Houston released a new song. The title was a question for all the ages: “How Will I Know?” The lyrics portray a young woman who was smitten with a man. She is seeking advice from a more mature person. She is seeking some metric by which to measure whether what she feels is true love or the deceptive feelings of infatuation. True to pop music, no answer emerges, but the song was catchy and memorable.

In the days when Jesus walked on this earth and taught the people living in that era, He developed a following. The Gospels portray Jesus as, patient, kind and prescient. He cared about His followers and gave them the master key to the Kingdom of Heaven. This key was not wood or metal, but it was tangible. It was an ethic of service and an ethos of love.

Prior to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus said to His disciples, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Twelve disciples of disparate backgrounds: seven fishermen, a tax collector, a doctor, two tradesmen, and Judas (the treasurer), rounded out the group. They lived, traveled and travailed together for three years. These disciples of Jesus Christ grew through the group dynamics of forming, storming, norming, performing and transforming. Even though there was some bickering and jockeying for position, they liked each other.

Near the end of His time with them, Jesus felt the need to show them that they needed to grow to a deeper level of relationship with Him and with each other. He made visible, tactile love the single most effective key to their futures. Like apples on an apple tree or peaches on a peach tree, love would be the stock in trade of His disciples, the true believers.

During this month in which love is the theme, please accept the following list as ways to demonstrate love like Jesus did, not just to your loved ones, but to others who may come into your sphere of influence. 

Here’s the list:

#1: Help if you can. If you can’t, refer and/or take them to someone who can. (John 2:1-11)

#2: Pray for them, ideally, while you are with them. When they experience the answered prayer, your words will resonate within them. (Acts 12:5)

#3: Be the guardrail for your friends. Guide them away from trouble. (Proverbs 27:6)

#4: Forgive and let go of your hurts and misgivings. (Proverbs 17:9)

#5: Be a servant of God and a friend to all people. (Galatians 5:13)

#6: Share optimism, kindness and love. (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 and 2 Samuel 9:1-13)

#7: If you know Jesus, introduce your friends to Him. (John 1:35-42 and Hebrews 10:24-25)

If your spiritual fervor and passion for change in your home or community must become active, please let it reflect the love of Christ. The principles above, once fixed on your mind, will guide you away from rebellion, anarchy, hatred and a spirit of murder. God’s love will propel you into positive action. Peaceful and purposeful benevolence will be the order of the day, even if you are met with resistance.

Gary Chapman, a 20th century writer of relationship books with a spiritual bent, cornered the market with his book, The 5 Love Languages. In his book he suggests that we all have the need for love and that we express and receive love in one or a combination of the following methodologies:

Words of Affirmation

Physical Touch

Receiving Gifts

Quality Time

Acts of Service

In the month of February, commit to sharing at least one of these manifestations of the love of Christ to at least one person every day. If you do, February may become the best month of your year. If you master the habits, every day will become better, in every way.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for creating love and making it the bonding agent of human relationships. Please shower the Earth with a new impetus and fresh anointing to love one another. Help us to see beyond our identifiers, race, creed, color, gender, age and pronouns that might easily separate us. Help us to see You more clearly in each other. Help us to embrace and magnify the You that we see, so that the world may be able to identify us as your loving, peacemaking, miracle working, disciples and thank You for the difference that we make in the world. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. 

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Leadership

Shifts and Stages: My Reflections on Leadership 
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Moses and Aaron walked from the assembled congregation to the Tent of Meeting and threw themselves face down on the ground. And they saw the Glory of God.”

—Numbers 20:6 (The Message)

As a leader, I have been ruminating on two topics: Succession Planning and Generational shifts.

While pondering these topics, I was inspired to consider the leadership of the Old Testament patriarch, Moses. He was challenged by the privilege of leading over a million people through epochs of emancipation, the storming and norming flow of freedom and the responsibilities that come with sovereignty. He then led them into a renewal of spiritual singularity and prepared them for the conquests of nation building.

Over forty years, two generations, Moses led with divinely guided vision. His successes were not without frustration. When his frustrations peaked, there was always a calming conversation with divinity, until one day the conversation came before the conflict.

The fourth book of the Hebrew Pentateuch, Numbers 20:1-12, tells the story of a crucial conversation between Moses and the congregation of the nomadic Israelites. Miriam had died recently so the setting of this conflict is during a time of national grief and literal drought.

Once again, without water, the hoard of people hurled accusations against Moses instead of trusting God to provide for them as He had done previously. The story says that Moses and Aaron retreated to the temple to pray and the presence of God met them there with clear guidance. God said to Moses “Take the staff. Assemble the community, you and your brother Aaron. Speak to that rock that’s right in front of them and it will give water. You will bring water out of the rock for them; congregation and cattle will both drink.” (The Message)

Dutifully Moses calls the community together. Once assembled, for some ungodly reason, Moses deviated from the clear guidance of God. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses verbally accosted the people, then he struck the rock twice with his staff. Water flowed, but God was not pleased.

In a subsequent and more crucial conversation, God informs Moses and Aaron that they had failed the test of faith by acting with public irreverence. Because of that mistake, they would not be anointed to lead the people into the new phase of their national development.

Ouch! Forty years, two generations of enduring the heights, depth and breadth of leadership were truncated by an inordinate display of old school leadership. I was taught, in my youth, to believe that God is good all the time, but I struggled to see the goodness of God in this situation. I always thought that it was cruel of God, to dispossess a man from the vision that He had given.

Wasn’t it God who put this mantle upon the reluctant Moses? Now, after leading people, many of whom were two generations younger than he was, who did not grow up how and where he did, whose relationship with Egypt was history rather than biography, his moment of frustration was unforgivable? That did not seem good to me, until I read it with different eyes.

Harold Kushner, a prominent rabbi and author of the book titled, Overcoming Life's Disappointments: Learning from Moses How to Cope with Frustration, suggested that God was actually blessing Moses and Aaron. He was protecting them from the inevitable disappointment of seeing fantasy become experience. Rarely does reality match the verdant colors and contours of imagination. Fulfilled fantasies are often accompanied by disillusionment.

No doubt, Moses and Aaron were disappointed, but Rabbi Kushner paints the blessing of disappointment in the following phrase:

“…Moses had been the right leader to bring a nation of slaves out of Egypt and lead them to Sinai, but he would be the wrong leader to take them into the battle for the Promised Land. He was too old, too tied to the way things had been done in the past. God was saying to Moses as He had once bid Moses say to Pharaoh, “It is time to let my people go.” (Kushner 2006 pg. 157)

The moment at the rock near Kadesh is an apt illustration of transitional awareness. God knew that Moses had become old and though physically strong had become worn down and emotionally depleted by burn out. His leadership style was probably three generations removed from the people he was leading. Burned out, and angry, perhaps more with God than the people, Moses defaulted to the same tactic that had worked miraculously with the first generation assuming that it would be as effective for the third generation.

What force had accomplished 40 years before, was no longer an effective motivator. God wanted him to model a kinder, gentler, contemporary and forward leaning modality of leadership. Speaking to the rock, might have been a metaphor for praying with anticipation. Seeing the water flow in response to the conversation may have been God’s method of manifesting effective human connection to His power, much like when Jesus taught the disciples how to pray.

It is always good to know what time it is. It was time for a generational shift. Fortunately, Moses had been grooming some younger people for leadership. He may not have anticipated that the change would come so soon, but he was prepared.

Who and how are you preparing people in your family and field for their turns to lead?

If you are younger, who and how are you choosing and serving your mentors?

Succession planning requires a balance of remembering and forgetting. Generational shifting requires a balance of dreaming and doing. In a subsequent devotional, I will share some thoughts on how those four poles of preparation can be applied in your life. 

For today, I’m leaving you with this nugget of wisdom: Listen to the voice of Divinity (God) and do what you hear.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Grace

Giving Grace
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 
Romans 3:21-25, James 1:19-21, Romans 12:2, Romans 13:12, Luke 6:37,

Jude 1:22-23 (NASB)

Grace is a really complex, yet simple, concept. Hopefully, we understand that it cannot be earned, but is given (Romans 3:21-25) as a gift, by the only righteous One (God). We cannot grasp all grace entails. Our finite human minds just aren’t capable. God does allow us to gain more and more understanding as we surrender ourselves to Him.

We can’t fully grasp grace. Yet, we’re called to give it to others. How do we do that when we don’t understand it? As with everything in the Christian faith, it is by allowing Him to do it in us.

I can’t give grace to the driver who cuts me off without Christ doing it through me. He takes the fleshly response, which seems righteous, and tells me that it is not the way He wants me to be. That anger stirs up the negative emotions in me, not the love, joy, peace, patience (that one gets me every time!), and the rest of the fruit of The Holy Spirit that He died to give me. It does not produce the righteousness of Christ in my life. James 1:19-21 is clear about what my human anger does in my life. It’s also clear what I’m called to do instead.

Judgment has been a consistent sin for me. I respect authority, and I am a rule follower. When others don’t obey the rules/laws, it upsets me. I want justice for being a “good” person. I want them to toe the line. If I have to do it, then everyone should, right? Where is the grace in that? Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me to bring judgment into obedience with His calling has been a lifelong struggle. It has required changing my thoughts and bringing them into the obedience of Christ. (Romans 12:2)

Things that come easily to me are rarely from God. Anger is an easy reaction. Judgment is, too. To allow the peace of Christ to reign in my heart and mind is not something I am capable of doing on my own. It requires the sacrifice of laying down what I think is right, and allowing Him to teach me what is truly righteous. (Romans 13:12) If I were to continue in my judgmental thinking, I couldn’t be the minister to others He’s called me to be. (Luke 6:37) Countless times He has brought someone to me who has, what they would say, sinned in such a way that I would be offended or repulsed.

If the judgment that used to be so much a part of me was still running rampant, I wouldn’t be able to speak His truth in love to those hurting people. This does not mean I condone sin. It does, however, mean that I treat people the way Christ did in their sins. He loved them. He never accepted their wrong choices. He accepted them, and loved them to the right path. See the story of the woman at the well, or countless other passages in the Word where He confronted sin with love, not condemnation.

I believe that is what giving grace to others looks like. We can say that what they are doing is wrong, but love the person. (Jude 1:22-23) That is the person I want to be. I want others to feel safe coming to me for truth from Christ, no matter the sin in their lives. I want to be known for love. Too many believers are known more for their judgment than their love. Christ first came to love, not judge. That comes later. That’s who I want to be. Only Christ can make the changes in me, through His grace, to be grace-filled toward others.

Let’s Pray: Father God, do in me what needs to be done so that I give grace where I do not naturally want to do it. I surrender my “right” way to Your perfect way. Make me slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen that I may become more like You in grace. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Hope

Seeds of Hope
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” ~Lamentations 3:21-24 (NLT)

In the upper midwest of the United States, winter can often feel neverending. While the Black Hills where I live get a surprising amount of sunshine even in the winter, those gloomy days, cold temperatures, and biting winds can sap the strength of even the most ardent optimist.

But I know that spring will come, even if it’s still months away. Why? Because I live in hope.

Hope. Such a small word to hold such enormous promise.

Hope is the seed inside of me that says, “Tomorrow will be better.” Or “God’s got this.” Or “This journey won’t last forever.”

In the night, I hope for daylight.

In the pain, I hope for relief.

In the grief, I hope for joy.

in the chaos, I hope for order.

In the anger, I hope for peace.

Hope is not a wish or a dream. This is the foundational faith that the God I believe in will rebuild what is broken because in His Word He promised He would.

I find these verses from the book of Lamentations especially poignant. This poetic prophecy was written as a reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people into Babylon. When the world crumbled around him from the turmoil of war, this man had a seed of faith allowing him to hope that the Lord would be merciful. He knew this would not be the end of the story for God’s people.

Jeremiah had stories from Creation, the Exodus, the conquering of Canaan, the life of David, which is a fairly short time-line compared to what we have. Today, with evidence from every book of the Bible and millions upon millions of stories from people around the world who continue to experience the presence, guidance, and faithfulness of God, how can we possibly feel hopeless?

So, the bulbs in my flower garden are currently buried under layers of frozen dirt, ice, and snow. But because every year the ground thaws, the sun comes out, and the birds come back, I have hope I will eventually see flowers bloom, even through the snow, if necessary.

Why can I say that?

God has never failed me yet. Great is His faithfulness.

My Prayer: Gracious God, I know You have always and will continue to show Your faithfulness to the world. In our darkness, sadness, brokenness, and mourning, have mercy. Remind us that even if it doesn’t happen today or tomorrow, Your Kingdom will come in all its truth and glory. Make us ready. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: On Grief

The Blessing of Grief 

A devotional by Shellie Arnold

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” 

~Matthew 5:4 (ESV) 

I met Jesus when I was only three or four years old. I grew up attending church, learning about God, memorizing Scripture. But this verse always troubled me. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Even before I started first grade, I’d been hurt by others and experienced loss. This verse in Matthew seemed to contain a Christian-speak mind game, or bait and switch scheme. If you’re mourning something, you’re blessed. “Blessed” meaning ethereal goodness was at work in your life. Or, a “blessing” was coming. Simply call loss a “blessing,” and it was, because you’re a child of God, and children of God lead only “blessed” lives.

As I grew older, I couldn’t understand or see any blessing from old or new pain, and sometimes I’d get angry about that. I’d feel betrayed and think Where’s my blessing from mourning? I was looking for the blessing, something I could hold that balanced out the pain. 

Then this year the worst betrayal and mourning experience rushed upon me and my family like a tsunami. I was drowning in grief and shock. At the same time, God began making connections and opening doors I’d been praying about for years. Years!

When I could barely move. Could hardly think. And I had a book deadline and other commitments to keep, even though I couldn’t eat. The grief seemed to melt my very bones.

I could only weep and pray, listen to worship and weep some more, as I stared at my computer and rocked, trying to be faithful to the commitments I’d made. I felt the inhale and exhale of every single breath.

Then something miraculous started to happen. When I thought I couldn’t take another breath, I did. When I thought I couldn’t type another word, I did. God placed others in my path who needed to hear something I’d learned, and He gave me the breath, the words, and the energy to share.

In that dark place, I began to understand. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” God was the blessing. His presence. His provision. The part of Him He lends us, so we can take the next breath, type or speak the next word. The power to live with and through the pain, despite our mourning.

I believe that’s the blessing of mourning. God’s Spirit being so near, so intimate, He breathes for us. He moves our fingers. He sets the words on our tongues and helps us rain them on others as we point to Him. Because one day, they will face a grief that threatens to crush them and take over their lives.

Mourning can be an experience that draws us closer to God than we ever thought possible. At least, that’s what happened to me.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Shellie Arnold is a writer and speaker on marriage and family. She truly believes—despite baggage, neglect, or mistakes—if a husband and wife listen to God, they can live happily ever after. Her passion is sharing how God is helping her do exactly that.

She maintains a blog at www.shelliearnold.com and is the founder of YOUR MARRIAGE resources.

Shellie is a mother of three and has home-schooled for over twenty years. She lives in Ohio with her husband of thirty-one years.

~*~
Connect with Shellie:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shellie.arnold.7
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShellieArnold1
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/ShellieLArnold/
Website - www.shelliearnold.com

Devotionals for the Heart: On Anger and Righteousness

Is Your Anger Useful?
A devotional by Ginger Solomon

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." 

~James 1:19-20 (ESV) 

I’m a verse-mapper. I love words and finding out their original meanings. When I did these verses, I found some things that I want to share with you. I know these are familiar verses. If you’ve been in church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard them. Bear with me for a moment.

Quick - in the Greek language, it means to do something without a time lapse.
Hear - listen; to pay attention to what is being said.

When my children were little, I used to tell them that obedience meant they needed to do what I said right away. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Here, we see that God is instructing us to be “quick to hear.” But what does that mean?

I think it means we must put away our thoughts, our responses, our phones, and LISTEN to what the person is saying, not only with their words but their tone and body language.

Imagine for a moment…

A little girl says, “I don’t want to go.”

It’s a simple statement. It could be taken many different ways. Without context, it is impossible to know WHY the child doesn’t want to go.

If then she stomps her foot and crosses her arms, then we know she’s angry.

If her lip trembles and tears appear, she could be sad.

If she withdraws within herself and barely whispers the words, she might be scared.

Without paying attention, without LISTENING, the hearer would miss important clues. Sometimes it matters why she doesn’t want to go. A LOT.

Let’s move on… I think I’ve made my point.

Slow - deliberate, unhurried — moving forward after considering the facts
Anger - comes from a position of being steadfastly opposed to someone; not a sudden outburst.

“Slow to speak” is self-explanatory. We need to consider what has been said, what has happened BEFORE we open our mouths to spout our opinions. We have to engage our brains in the process.

“Slow to anger” — this one caught me a little off guard. I’ve always considered anger to be something that spouts forth quickly like a geyser. But this word doesn’t mean that. It’s like the trickle of water that wears away the rocks and dirt to become a raging river. It grows over time. Not in hours or days, but in weeks, months, or years.

Produce - work, accomplish a trade/job; acquire by trade
Righteousness - justice; approved of God; what is deemed right by the Lord

“The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (vs. 20, ESV) Ouch!

God doesn’t need our anger, righteous or otherwise.

This anger is the same word as above. It’s not explosive. It’s built up. Even justified.

I’ve been there. I’ve been angry enough to know that if the person on the other end of my wrath had been in the room, or even within driving distance, I might have taken matters into my own hands. I would have done harm to the person. And yet, Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (ESV)

God doesn’t want or need our anger. It doesn’t produce the results He’s aiming for. Not in us, and not in the other person’s life. As hard as it is, God wants us to forgive and let Him deal with it. In one day. Before the sun goes down. But maybe you’re like me and it requires doing it over and over again, day after day, until one day it happens. I’ve forgiven the person, and the anger is gone.

Until we let God take care of it, nothing positive will happen, not underneath the surface, anyway. Not in the heart. And God is ALWAYS more concerned with a person’s heart than He is with their outward actions.

I pray your heart and actions align with the will of God today and every day. May you see everyone through His eyes of love.

Blessings,

Ginger

~*~

Author bio: 

Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). 

She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre, and if she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, books are on her mind. 

She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.

Words of Faith: Davalynn's story about trust, thankfulness and two fists

Two-fisted Faith
A Words of Faith story written by Davalynn Spencer

TNT has been on my mind a lot lately—not Turner Network Television or trinitrotoluene, that explosive material with “convenient handling properties.”

I’m referring to a recent personal directive I received from the Lord with this handy acronym attached to aid in my short-term memory loss where spiritual life is concerned.

TNT = Trust and Thankfulness. Two-fisted marching orders.

I’m to walk through each day with Trust in one hand and Thankfulness in the other, regardless of what the day may bring. If I keep one in each hand, I can’t pick up worry or doubt or fear. It’s a simple decree that takes a load off my heart if I let it, much like a similar realization I had years ago in a hospital.

Evening slipped down the pale green walls of the room where our son lay following a motorcycle accident. I shifted in the stiff, plastic chair and watched Jake’s eighteen-year-old body fight to heal itself. And I was furious.

A week earlier Jake had wrecked a friend’s motorcycle on a gravel road near our home in southern Colorado. The friend never came to see him; neither did the boy’s parents. No phone calls, no cards. The disregard cut deeply and I clung to my anger as tenaciously as Jake clung to his life.

In the emergency room the night of the accident, Jake had cried out to his father and me to lift his head. “Just for a minute, Mom. Please, lift my head!” EMTs at the scene had taped him to a body board to stabilize his neck. Unknown to the ER doctors who refused to medicate him for fear of masking injuries or symptoms, the tape around Jake’s head pressed an open wound to the board. I longed to cut the tape and relieve his agony, but I knew it could result in paralysis. Due to summer thunderstorms that downed the Flight for Life helicopter, we waited three hours for a mobile trauma unit to arrive from the Pueblo, Colorado, hospital thirty-five miles away.

Gravel pitted Jake’s back, hips, and face. The accident had cost him his right eyebrow, fractured his skull, and shut down his kidneys. He was nauseous, delirious, and hateful—all common symptoms with a head injury, doctors said.

My husband and I took turns staying with him. We couldn’t leave him alone, and my anger festered. As I tried to sleep in the chair that night, Jesus spoke to me—not audibly, but undoubtedly.

“You have only two hands,” He said. “You cannot hang on to Jake and your anger and Me. Of which will you let go?”

God knew I was angry; He knew I hurt more than I had ever hurt. But He also knew that if I clung to the anger it would destroy me and maybe even my son.

Letting go of Jake was not an option, and I knew I’d never make it through the ordeal without God’s help. As I opened my fingers and symbolically reached for the Lord’s hand, the words of an old worship chorus from Psalm 3 became my unending prayer:

“Thou, O Lord, are a shield about me; 
you’re my glory, you’re the lifter of my head.”

Only God could keep Jake alive and heal his injuries, and He did exactly that. Jake recovered quickly, earlier than the neurosurgeon expected. The Lord indeed lifted his head—and mine from the death-like grip of anger.

Today as an author, I am intrigued by the poetic power of “three,” the trinity-like beauty of three images, metaphors, or examples. But God knows I need a two-fisted faith—something I can hold in each hand—and I praise Him for showing me the power of TNT.

Be anxious for nothing, 
but in everything by prayer and supplication, 
with thanksgiving, 
let your requests be made known to God; 
~Phil. 4:6 (NKJV)

~*~
Author bio: 

Award-winning author Davalynn Spencer writes bestselling inspirational Western romance and teaches writing at Pueblo Community College. 

Her novel, Romancing the Widow, won the 2015 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award for inspirational Western fiction, and her recent release, The Cowboy's Bride, was an ECPA and Publisher's Weekly bestseller. 

Davalynn makes her home on Colorado's Front Range with a Queensland heeler named Blue and two mouse detectors, Annie and Oakley. 

Connect with Davalynn:

http://www.davalynnspencer.com

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDavalynnSpencer

http://twitter.com/davalynnspencer

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5051432.Davalynn_Spencer

http://pinterest.com/davalynnspencer/boards/

How to follow God's counsel on dealing with anger