Devotionals for the Heart: Are you a follower or fan of Jesus Christ?

Mad About God
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not.—Jeremiah 20:9 (NKJV)

For college basketball fans, March Madness is the highlight of the season.

Every year, during March and April, teams battle through a series of intense elimination games to determine the national champion. It’s an exciting time full of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and unexpected upsets.

But March Madness isn’t just about basketball. It’s about passion.

Die-hard fans will do just about anything to stay glued to the games. Employees mysteriously “call in sick” so they can watch their favorite teams play. People paint their faces—and sometimes their entire bodies—in school colors, proudly displaying their loyalty. Offices buzz with excitement as co-workers bet on who will take home the championship. Brackets are meticulously filled out and updated, sometimes by the hour, as fans track every win and loss.

Even though I don’t get caught up in the full madness of it all, I do enjoy watching the games and cheering for my favorite teams. But as I watched the championship game last year, something struck me. I couldn’t help but wonder: What if we, as believers, were as passionate about being on God’s team as these fans are about their basketball teams?

That thought challenged me, and I hope it challenges you too. Because if we're truly playing for God’s team, then we should live like it. That means asking ourselves some serious questions (see the questions in bold below).

Question #1: Do Others Know Whose Team You’re On?

You can always tell who the die-hard basketball fans are. They proudly wear their team’s colors, chant their fight songs, and defend their team to anyone who will listen. Their loyalty is loud and clear. But as followers of Jesus Christ, can the same be said about us?

Do people know you belong to Jesus? Can they tell, not just by what you say, but by how you live? The Bible reminds us in Romans 1:16 (NIV), “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” That means we don’t just represent Jesus Christ on Sundays. We represent Him in our workplaces, in our communities, and even in the everyday moments when no one is watching.

We may be the only Bible some people will ever read. And while none of us get it right 100% of the time, when we fall short, we must be quick to repent and get back in the game.

Question #2: How Are You Getting Along with Your Teammates?

There’s an old saying that Christians are the only ones who shoot their wounded.

In basketball, a team can’t win if the players are constantly fighting with each other instead of working together. No matter how talented individual players are, their success depends on unity.

The same is true for the body of Christ. We are all broken people, saved by grace, and called to love and support one another. John 13:35 (NIV) says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” That love isn’t just for the people who are easy to get along with—it applies to everyone, even those who challenge us.

As believers, our goal isn’t to tear each other down. It’s to build each other up. To extend grace when others fall. To be quick to forgive. To encourage one another to keep pressing toward the ultimate prize.

Question #3: Are You Playing to Win?

In basketball, every player on the court has one goal in mind: the championship trophy. They train relentlessly, push through exhaustion, and stay focused because they know what’s at stake. As believers, we are also pressing toward a prize—but ours is much greater than any earthly championship. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Life will bring challenges. We’ll face obstacles. We’ll have days when we feel like quitting. But 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) reminds us: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Remember: Your trials are temporary. Your struggles will not last forever. But your faithfulness to God? That has eternal value. Don’t let the distractions of this world pull you away from what really matters. Keep your eyes on the ultimate prize: eternity with Jesus. Stay in the game, stay committed, and keep pressing on.

March Madness fans go all out for their teams. They wear their colors, cheer with everything they’ve got, and never miss a game. What would happen if we showed that same level of passion for God? What if we lived so boldly in our faith that people had no doubt whose team we were on?

The truth is, we are all in the middle of a game—one that’s far more important than basketball. And the best part? We already know how it ends. In Christ, we have victory. So, suit up, stay faithful, and play to win. The final championship—the one that truly matters—belongs to those who endure to the end (Matthew 24:13).

Are you in?

Let’s Pray: Lord God, I am madly in love with You. Help me to stay all in so that I may endure to the end and receive my eternal crown. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Am Not Ashamed” by Heritage Singers. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Victory Belongs to Jesus” by Todd Dulaney. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC. It includes Her RICH Coaching where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats. She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Movie Review: Nothing is Impossible

My Review of Nothing is Impossible movie

Today, I have another movie 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 the difference is in the content that points you back 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 the movie Nothing is Impossible. I watched this heartwarming movie twice in the month of October 2022 because it was that good even though I think this story had a slow start. I’ll talk more about that in my review below. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum (PR for PureFlix) then I’ll share my thoughts (review). 

Here’s what they had to say: 

“Nothing is Impossible” teaches us that times of uncertainty are when we should lean into our faith and trust God has a plan for our lives. Here’s the main story: Down on his luck, Scott Beck gets a second chance at his dream career of being an NBA player. After much loss, pain and regret, Scott Beck begins to seriously doubt his trials and tribulations are worth it. But now he has a second chance at both love and life. Will his dreams be realized? Can he let go of past pains and open himself to God’s purpose? Or will new challenges keep him from the future he always hoped for?

Scott was a high-school basketball star with dreams of playing in the NBA. Fast forward 20 years and he’s a janitor at the high school where he once played. Ryan, Scott’s high school girlfriend, is now in charge of her father’s professional basketball team, The Silver Knights. Financial woes leave her no option but to host open tryouts to attract media attention and bring new (and cheap) talent to the team. Nick, Scott’s best friend, coaches the high school basketball team and has dreams of being a pastor. He tries to mentor his friend who is stuck in the past instead of looking toward the future. Scott’s father needs a heart transplant but won’t quit drinking and doesn’t go to his doctor’s appointments.

As you can see from the summary above, life hasn’t been easy for the hero of this story—until life presents a surprising turn of events and opportunity for him! Get a clue when you read my review below...

My Review:

I think this movie had a slow start. I was ready to stop watching it after the first 10 to 15 minutes. But I hung in there and I’m so glad I did because after that 15 minute mark, the movie really captivated me and the story became very intriguing. Just like staying up late at night to finish reading a book because you cannot stop turning the pages, this movie kept me wanting to know what happens next! The actors did a splendid job of portraying the characters! I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Scott and Ryan. They really played their love interest role well. I found myself invested in the characters and their happiness. I was concerned about their health and well-being and I really wanted everything to work out for the good of these people. And every time the chaplain or pastor prayed over the basketball team in this movie, I found myself saying “Amen” because I was that into this movie! It was almost as if I were on the sidelines in this movie, rooting everyone on as they journeyed toward their dreams. Such a good film.

Here's a bit more from Momentum about the themes of this movie:

• “Don’t be afraid of losing because winning doesn’t teach you anything.”
• Despair causes us to distance ourselves from God.
• Don’t let the past dictate your future, trust in God’s timing, not your own.
• Dreams and aspirations, with prayer and discernment, can be messages from God on what our lives are supposed to be.
• You can’t blame God for your choices.
• We aren’t promised an easy life, free from trouble, failure or worry. We’re promised that we have God to lean on when troubles arise – our sufferings aren’t meaningless (Read the book of Job in The Holy Bible for a prime example of this point)
• God is faithful! He’s still working on each of us. We have to be open to the possibilities He has in store for us.

My Closing Points

I think that a lot of people can relate to this movie, especially if you’re older than age 30 and the dreams you had for your life have not yet come true.

Nothing is Impossible is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And 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!

See the movie trailer for Nothing is Impossible here:

https://www.pureflix.com/movie/nothing-is-impossible

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN one 3-month Pure Flix subscription!

Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on October 18, 2022.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c413/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. If you're participating in the giveaway for Nothing is Impossible, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

#NothingIsImpossibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Everything can and will change but God ...

Does anything stay the same?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

–Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

All around us things are changing faster than we can blink. You know this because the rules on what you can and cannot do keep changing in this era of pandemic.

We have had to stay alert, listen and learn a lot about what it is to make changes with very little time and very little notice. I know that for most of us it has been frustrating and we have truly had to rely on the strength of the Lord to bring us through. So how are you doing? Are you still enjoying little makeup as you don your mask and walk into public arenas? Am I the only one who misses walking in a mall versus curbside pickup? It’s been a lot of change, I know.

Back in the day when I used to play basketball, the word “pivot” was part of our language in the game. There was a drill we did where you stood with one foot anchored, holding the ball and shifting quickly on a different angle in an effort to either make your shot for the basket or toss the ball to a nearby team member. It was an exercise that you had to become proficient in because you would definitely use it at some point in the game.

You were doing several things at one time and you had to be quick! If you had a clear shot of the basket, you had to pivot and make the shot. The other option was to quickly hand off the ball before another player intercepted your pass. You had to stay alert to the game, to shift and adjust your game plan as needed. Sometimes it could become frustrating because of the constant changes you would be forced to make. However, that is the nature of playing basketball.

If there is one thing that we can be assured of it’s the fact that God remains the same. He doesn’t shift or pivot, nor is he surprised by anything. God is the same as He was from the beginning of time. He will not change. How comforting is that to you and I? How much does that bring us reassurance in the midst of turmoil?

Weather changes, gas price changes, people’s loyalties and your weekly grocery bill … everything can and will change. My husband remarked at the number of dandelions that have popped up this year. They have doubled between the time he mowed the lawn from one day to the next. Now I can’t say that I have stopped to count them but I’ll take his word for it. The neighbors agree with him. Like I said, everything changes!

If you have ever read the Bible from cover to cover, you notice God’s constant reassurance of His love for us and his commitment to us. Let’s look at an example of this beautiful truth in Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV):

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,

And not have compassion on the son of her womb?

Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;

Your walls are continually before Me."

In Malachi 3:6 (NKJV) we also read: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”

The Great I Am, always will be. He has made a commitment to us and made it clear that it is possible for a mother to forget her child (I know that sounds impossible). But God says that we are so important and so dear to Him that we are permanently printed on the palms of His hands.

I don’t know about you, but for me the love of our Heavenly Father is a deep commitment that is comparable to none. There is no human being, no mother or father whose love for us is comparable to His. Does this give you confidence? Does this give you hope? In the midst of a changing world we can rest assured that we serve an unchangeable God who loves us with a never ending, never changing, unconditional love.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I am so grateful for your love for me. Thank you for reminding us that while everything around us is changing, you remain the same. I stand in that confidence today, regardless of what I face tomorrow. Thank you for your faithfulness to us. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

True Love Stories:“Turn Another Corner, And..."

Basketball, ESPN, Garfield, and a teddy bear named Pooky, all played a role in the creation of the true love story featured today! :)

A love story that wouldn't had stood a chance if Marianne Evans did not allow God to take control and lead her in the direction of meeting the man who she'd marry after a whirlwind romance.

Curious to know what happened? Read on...

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“Turn Another Corner, And..."
A True Love Story written by Marianne Evans

The last thing I wanted to do on that Friday night in early December all those decades ago was attend my dad’s company Christmas party. Seriously. A parental Christmas function for an eighteen-year-old? Thanks, but no. Still, out of obedience, I went.

The last thing Steve Evans wanted to do was watch his beloved Purdue Boilermakers lose a college basketball game on ESPN. Seriously. Anything would be better – even a tenant Christmas party being held at his apartment complex. So, he went.

From there, God took over, teaching me the truth that He leads—always. In this instance, as in so many others, had I turned another corner, my life would have been radically different.

Arriving at the party, Steve sat next to a charming, though abundantly chatty middle-aged woman. At one point, he was ready to leave, but the woman refused his exit. She took hold of his arm and said, “You can’t leave. There’s a woman coming – she should be here any time – and you really need to meet her.”

This well-meaning soul had no idea I was coming to the party. My belief is she simply wanted him to stick around and socialize. Out of respect, Steve sat down and resumed their conversation. Soon, my parents and I just happened to sit next to them and God’s push and pull went to work, unfolding in a connection that sparked immediately.

Steve and I spent a couple of hours talking, laughing, and getting acquainted. Meanwhile, our matchmaking friend moved on (six months later, we found out through a friend that she passed away).

When I left the party, Steve helped me put on my coat. We exchanged phone numbers. The next night, he called. Our first date was to see his church’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. He was so charming and sweet – and from then on, we saw each other almost every night. On the nights we didn’t meet, we shared lengthy phone-chats. We were both cat lovers and fans of the Garfield comic strip. We often shared laughs over Garfield’s antics – especially when his teddy bear, Pooky, made an appearance. We wrote notes and left them under car windshields. We followed a path to forever paved by what we knew for sure was the direction of God.

Steve’s Christmas plans included a visit to his family in Fort Wayne. I missed him terribly the week he was gone. But then, in the midst of Christmas hustle and bustle, I received what my family jokingly refers to as ‘The Deal Clincher.’ He sent me a flower arrangement for the dinner table housed in a beautiful pewter plate which I still display each Christmas. After all, it was his first-ever gift to me.

I think we discussed marriage the first month or so we dated. We just knew. And then came my birthday. We had plans to eat dinner together at my favorite restaurant, an Italian place with romantic atmosphere and wonderful food. We were led to a small room with three or so small tables which were empty for the moment. Chianti bottles decorated the walls.

After we were seated, Steve left the table, saying he had forgotten something in the car. He returned carrying a crinkly plastic bag with colorful decorations on the front. I recognized the logo on the front – it was from a children’s toy shop.

What on earth was he doing bringing a gaudy toy store bag into a high-end restaurant?

He sat down, handed me the package, and said, simply, “Happy birthday.”

Inside was a teddy bear. Pooky. Pooky’s paws were banded together to hold a ring box, which I opened through tear-blurred vision and with trembling hands. Steve, meanwhile, dropped to one knee and proposed.

We met in December, he proposed in February, and we married at the end of July. An unexpected, joyous whirlwind of a year. 

Through the good times and bad that Steve and I have shared during our 30-plus years together, I’m grateful I didn’t ‘turn another corner’ that night in December. I thank God for the fulfillment of Jeremiah 29:11. He had wonderful plans for us. Life and heart changing plans.

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Author bio: Marianne Evans is a multi-award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction with over twenty titles to her credit. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. 

Readers laud her work as: ‘Riveting.’ ‘Realistic and true to heart.’ ‘Compelling.’ Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award from Greater Detroit RWA as well the Heart of Excellence Award from Ancient City Romance Authors. She also earned wins for Best Romance of 2012 from the Christian Small Publisher's Association and the Selah award for best Novella of 2013.

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Connect with Marianne:

Website: www.marianneevans.com

Blog: www.marianneevans.blogspot.com

Facebook Reader Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarEvansAuthor

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/marianneevans

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marevansauthor/

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Blurb for Marianne's book, Aileen’s Song:

All her life, Aileen Brewer has dreamed of singing on stage and winning the heart of Liam Douglas. When she sings, she exudes confidence and charm. Away from the spotlight, she's the shy, curvaceous woman who has always tried to maintain a sweet, Godly spirit despite her radical upbringing and a sense that she's not quite good enough.

During a music festival at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Aileen takes the stage with her three best friends, and Sisters in Spirit is born.

Liam, a Christian record producer, is captivated by the wallflower of his youth who has blossomed into a magnetic performer. He champions a record deal, and a quest for Aileen's heart begins, but can she find confidence enough to take command of the group...and accept Liam's love? Can Liam help her see the beauty of the woman she has become?

Dreams just might come true in ways only God could orchestrate...

Amazon Purchase Link

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Blurb for Marianne's book, Sisters In Spirit:

Aileen, Siobhan, Kassidy and Maeve–long ago they made a purity pledge to God and a friendship vow to one another. Now this quartet is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime banding together as the Christian music group Sisters in Spirit.

Follow their lives and loves in this exclusive print offering of the entire, four-book anthology from Marianne Evans and Pelican Book Group.

Pelican Purchase Link