Devotionals for the Heart: How to face the giants in your life and win

Facing the Giant
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” –1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV)

Have you ever asked someone to do something for you or with you and their response sounded something like these statements listed below?

“I don’t think I’m good enough.”

“Why would you choose me?”

“I don’t know enough to participate.”

“I don’t think I’m qualified.”

“I’m sure so and so would do a better job. Why not ask them?”

These are just a few reasons that are often actually excuses people may give. At some point and time, I’m sure you and I may have given a similar response to an “ask” from someone. We may see the invitation to be a part of something that in our eyes looks too big. We have come up with all sorts of reasons why it’s not possible.

In 1 Samuel 17 we read about the great army of Israel standing before the Philistine giant, Goliath. God presented an opportunity to stand in faith and represent him, but their faith was challenged. They shrunk back and came up with reasons why it can’t be done because of what they saw in the natural: They heard his booming voice. They saw his stature that towered over their heads. They saw his heavy armor. They heard about his undefeatable reputation. They were scared by his taunting words.

I don’t know about you, but based on what I saw and heard, Goliath would really scare me too.

David visited the camp where his brothers were part of the Israeli army. His earthly dad sent him on a mission to bring food for them. However, we can see how David’s Heavenly Father (God) allowed him to be there on a greater mission. David saw and heard the same things his brothers heard but responded differently. David realized that all the experiences he had in the past had prepared him for this moment. David was anointed to be king, and the reigning king was there leading the army, so he simply offered his assistance. He basically said, “If ya’ll are afraid, I’ll fight this giant!” What I love about David’s response was that he didn’t state he would fight in his own strength. According to 1 Samuel 17:37 (NKJV) he said: The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

What is the name of the giant facing you today?

What is that mountain that looks insurmountable?

I understand the fear of not knowing how the bill is going to be paid. I too have experienced the uncertainty of where the next paycheck is coming from. I’m right there right now. And yet I believe the Lord who provided in the past will provide for my present. I believe He will deliver me, because has proven himself in the past.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us to read the Biblical record of what you did for David and the army of Israel. Thank you for allowing us to read about David’s confidence in You. Increase my faith to trust You the way David did so I can boldly step forward and face these situations that face me today. I trust you will give me what I need when the situation looks bleak. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Never Lost” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord, I Trust You: Words of Encouragement, to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey.

  

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has travelled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 33 years. Together, they serve the community through their local congregation in various capacities. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and watched on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy”—her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Website: http://www.patrussellonline.com/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

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

The One You Least Expect
A devotional by Temeka Borden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Spotlight: Roar Like a Lion

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on Levi Lusko's NEW devotional book,

Roar Like a Lion: 90 Devotions to a Courageous Faith.

This is what his book is about (blurb):

Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to "run toward the roar" as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.

Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a richer spiritual life. In his first children's devotional for ages 6 to 10, Levi tackles real issues our kids face with a lighthearted and approachable tone. 

Kids are equipped to approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God's faithfulness with the help of fascinating stories and facts, eye-catching art, Bible verses, prayers, and simple action steps.

This 90-day devotional covers highly relevant topics such as:

• facing fears about school and friendships 
• having courage to try something new 
• handling new challenges, past disappointments, and grief 
• dealing with peer pressure and bullying 
• understanding how we each fit into God's great story 

As a parent and pastor, Levi is able to address real-life situations with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity. Roar Like a Lion is a great way to spark discussion with your kids on meaningful topics and get them in the habit of reading a biblically-based devotional.

Offering practical approaches to faith in everyday life, Roar Like a Lion will inspire your kids to nurture their personal faith in a God strong enough to protect and guide them as they run toward the roar during the challenges in their lives. 

~*~
My Review:

This book has a beautiful cover. But the beauty doesn't stop there. When the reader opens the book they'll find a wealth of wonderful information inside and pretty graphic designs to illustrate every point.

Throughout this devotional book, the author (Levi Lusko) points people to the God of the Universe who loves humankind with all of His Heart. Lusko includes timeless wisdom, Bible stories, Scripture and real-life applications on every page of this 90-day devotional.

This read is worth your time even if you are an adult! However, it will speak most effectively to the younger audience for whom it was written and intended to reach.

Reading this devotional will encourage your heart and inspire your soul to seek God, read the Bible, soak up His Truth and follow Jesus Christ all the way to Heaven.

*Disclosure: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

~*~

Author Bio:

Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah.

He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. 

Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya who is no longer living on this Earth. 

~*~

In closing, I'd like to share the purchase link for Levi Lusko's book:

https://www.roarlikealionbook.com

Devotionals from the Heart: How to have freedom from fear

Freedom from Fear
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have reviewed the spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry, Abba! Father!”
–Romans 8:15 (ESV)

Let me tell you about something I seriously hate: FEAR. It is by far the worst thing that is out there in this world. It’s running thick in this season in many people around us. It is the very enemy of our souls. Once it attaches itself to you, its bondage can be very difficult to break.

This is my story:

I spent the majority of my life bound up in fear. My mom was a believer but a worrier, and she often expressed her worries to us. She had many worries, mostly financial. There were many times we were facing homelessness, not having enough food, having the lights turned off. It was a high stress environment. Because of our family’s lack in my childhood, I vowed to never struggle financially as my mother did. I would never require help from others and I would do everything myself. I set out to be financially independent.

Everything I did in my life was based upon this fear: that I would not be able to take care of myself and have no one to depend on. There’s a lot of pride in this belief that it is up to me to provide for myself. I was a believer, but my actions stated that I did not believe or trust that God would take care of me.

With my way, I thought I was being safe. I thought I was free.

In reality, I was deceived. I had become a slave to my fear.

And sadly, like fear does, it flows into other things: fear of love, fear of losing loved ones, fear of losing control, fear of sickness, fears about what others think, etc. In my mind, if I didn’t have any of the above fears happen, I’d be okay. Life would be good.

Then my biggest fear happened: I lost my mother.

I ran to God, but I also started building a wall. I closed myself inside it. I vowed to not let anyone in for the fear of the pain of losing someone again.

The beautiful thing about God is, that once we are His children, He’ll only let you live in bondage for so long before He comes in and starts shaking things.

That’s exactly what He did to me. He brought a friend to kick a hole in my wall. Then another. And another. I started to venture out, to see what life could be like outside the walls of my self-protection. When scary things happened I would run back inside. Eventually, I would stay outside my walls longer and longer. I’d let more people in, start new friendships, try new things, find new adventures.

My walls were still there until one day, after I had another world rocking moment, God knocked my walls down. I felt exposed, vulnerable. God said, “It’s time to learn how to live free.”

My life has never been the same.

It hasn’t been easy. I still deal with fear daily. I just choose not to live by it. It no longer rules over my life. In fact, I do many things that I fear. But, I am doing them with God. He’s always there. He always will be. He loves me and as soon as I cry out to Him, He’s right there.

Once that truth is realized, there is so much freedom. We are not meant to live in fear. It is bondage. It’s a spirit of slavery and we are NOT slaves. We’re meant to be free, just like God says in the following verses from His Word (The Holy Bible):

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear but you have reviewed the spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry, Abba! Father!”
–Romans 8:15 (ESV)

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

– 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

In this current season where fear is running rampant and we’re questioning our mortality, remember this: God is bigger. He is bigger than our fears. Bigger than any virus. Bigger than our “what ifs.”

Run to Him. Trust that He cares for you. Choose to live in that freedom.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and launched her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Interview with Emma Mae Jenkins (Part 2 of 2) about "Be Loved" (book)

Dear Reader Friends,

Today, as a continuation of yesterday's post, I have a special treat just for you! 

It is part two of the interview with Emma Mae Jenkins about her captivating nonfiction book, Be Loved. This is a pre-made interview created by the author's publisher. 

Please note that none of these words below are original words written by me
(Alexis A. Goring, founder of "God is Love" blog).

Enjoy your time with Emma Mae today!

~*~

Faith, Freedom and the Love of God

An interview with Emma Mae Jenkins, author of Be Loved

(Part 2 of 2)

…

A Message from the publisher (New Growth Press):

 

Being a teen is hard. Pressures to fit in, conform, and be the best push in from every direction, even from within. Yet, each and every person was uniquely created by a God who loves them. 

Emma Mae Jenkins, a young writer and social media influencer, wants to reach teens with exactly that message. She has inspired thousands of girls online with the freedom she has to be herself—a dearly loved child of God. In her first book, Be Loved, she invites readers to join her on a journey of life-changing faith and the freedom that comes from knowing the love of God.

She chronicles her own high school journey through starting a new school, navigating the typical pressures of school work and sports, going to prom, and even homecoming. Emma Mae faced each new challenge with the confidence that God was with her and was going to make her uniquely useful in the place he had prepared for her.

For Emma Mae, it all starts with her relationship with Jesus. Because she knows she is loved by him, she is free to be herself and to live out her faith no matter what the cost. As a young, passionate, and intimate lover of Jesus, Emma Mae's love for her Savior overflows unashamedly into her unconditional, fierce love for people.

In our interview with Emma Mae, we talk about her about her faith, the challenges she has faced, and the message she wants all teens to hear.

~*~

The Interview 

(continued from Saturday, June 13)

New Growth Press: Bullying is a major problem in schools today, in fact, you experienced your fair share as well. Why were you a target, and how did you handle it?

Emma Mae Jenkins: The bullying I experienced was online via social media, and it continues still in waves. I was and am because the One living in me was not understood, was not known. Sometimes people scoff at what they do not understand. It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who lives within in me and therefore, I cannot contain He Who is joy and peace and power and love and light. 

The people of the world would love me if I belonged to the world, but I am simply in the world, I am not of it. He said that if the world hates you, remember that they hated him first.

I handled it by surrendering it. When my heart is overwhelmed, God leads me to the rock that is higher than myself. I could not handle it on my own—I needed Him and always will. Through Him, it was handled, by me hiding His Word in my heart, trusting that He spoke over me before the world ever had an opportunity to. I had people in my life who walked with me and reminded me of truth. They continued to be the light of the world with me. We were not made to do life alone, so I needed my community. 

Through God’s eyes, I could simply see the people hating on me did not know how loved they were, so it was a beautiful chance to love them. God has said for me to love my enemies, pray for those who curse me, and bless those who persecute me. I can only do this when I know that He loved me first. When I begin to see myself the way that God sees me, I can then see others the way that He sees others too.

NGP: Why is it so important to start the day in prayer and in God’s word? How do you encourage teens to get into that routine, since most young people (and a lot of adults too) are not usually morning people?

EMJ: In Mark 1:35, Jesus rose very early in morning, went to a quiet place, and prayed. Jesus lived in such a way that we are called to live as He did. He set the example. In Matthew 6:33, God says to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, so this means that He is worthy of the first part of my day. How we begin our day determines the posture of our heart as the day goes on, so to be armed with His Word and encouraged in talking with Him in prayer sets myself up for success and deepens our relationship with Him.

As soon as I walk into the day, I know that there is an enemy who has a target on my back and is out to steal, to kill, and to destroy me. He is the father of lies and he is out to devour, so I am setting myself up for believing the lies and being attacked off guard when I do not prepare for battle by spending time in conversation with my Defender and hiding His Word that will not fail me in my heart.

I encourage everyone to cultivate this rhythm. We make time for what is most important to us, so if I truly am saying that God is most important to me, then spending time with Him is more important than the snooze button. It is more important than my feelings of tiredness or morning moodiness. He is simply more important, and the more I do it, the more I will grow in love with this time. Delighting in Him outweighs not being a “morning person.”

NGP: So much of life seems to revolve around being online. What are some tips for developing authentic relationships with those around us?

EMJ: Our generation is definitely immersed in a culture of technology, and there are so many beautiful things about it. I initially got an Instagram account for the purpose of staying in touch with my friends because I moved quite a bit growing up. 

Later, social media became a way to share the gospel with people all over the world whom I have never had the opportunity to meet. It is quite remarkable the impact that technology has provided.

Still, face to face, arms linked relationships are vital. Solomon said, “woe to the man who falls and has no one to pick him up,” and “just as iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another.” James said that when we confess our sins to one another we will be healed. Paul said to continue to build up one another. 

Jesus said to love our neighbor as He loved us, and He prayed for us to be united. In the beginning, God said that it was not good for Adam to be alone. Our God is the God of relationships. We were made to be in relationship with Him and with one another.

Here are some tips for developing authentic relationships:
- Seek God first: When I seek His kingdom first, my relationships are going to reflect Him too.

- Be humble: It is important to consider others above ourselves and to have the heart posture of a servant when building relationships.

- Encourage others: Seek to build up your people. See the beauty in people and speak it OUT over them so that it may benefit them. Celebrate their victories and mourn with them when they are hurting.

- Be vulnerable: The level of vulnerability in what you share with whom comes from discernment the Spirit gives, but I cannot expect authentic relationships to go deep and bloom if I am not willing to be honest and vulnerable. I cannot expect deepening when I stay on the surface.

- Be intentional: In order for authentic relationships to be built, one must be intentional to work and invest into fostering that relationship. That may be sending an encouraging text, planning to get together for a coffee visit, or praying for one another.

NGP: What are some ways teens can be light in the lives of those they come in contact with at school? How can they be an encouragement to others?

EMJ: What we fill ourselves with is what we think about. What we think leads to how we act, and after a while that is who we become. As we think, so are we. Teens can make an impact in the lives of those they come into contact at school by choosing to be in the Word, being intentional about the music they listen, being thoughtful in regard to the shows they watch, and being purposeful in who they hang out with and allow to influence them.

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV) says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

This is basically saying that we are blessed, and we are a blessing when we are particular about who influences us and by meditating on the Word always. I am a light and an encouragement to others when I fill myself with His Word. I cannot expect myself to be like Jesus in the lives of people around me when I am not spending time with Him and am listening to things and watching things that are against His heart.

I am also a light and encouragement to others when I am around those who glorify Him. If I hang out with the foolish, I am going to become foolish. If I hang out with the wise, I am going to become wise. Spending time with friends who encourage and sharpen me will equip me and build me up to be a bold light in the darkness to the precious people that do not yet know Him. When I am intentional about who I let influence me, I can walk confidently in how I influence others.

NGP: What is the secret to not being discouraged and comparing yourself to others?

EMJ: The secret to being content in who you are and where you are is to rest in the truth of what God says about you. It sounds so simple and some say that is cliché, but to say that is to forget the power of His Word. 

Who He says you are is unchanging and never ending. Who He says you are is personal and on purpose. When we begin to see ourselves the way that He sees us, we will then also see others the way He sees others too. God made each of us to be original and reveal His heart in a unique way, so to compare ourselves to one another only leads to discouragement.

Begin to praise God for the beauty that you see in someone else. Celebrate them in ways that they do not even see, such as how you think about them. Ask the Lord to help you be confident in who He made you to be and to also rejoice in how beautiful He made others to be.

NGP: Why is it important for each of us to embrace the unique person that we are?

EMJ: God says we are His masterpiece, so when we embrace who He has made us to be, we are embracing who He Himself made in His image and said was very good. For us to embrace all that He purposefully knitted within us, is to also embrace all that He has for us and wants to deliver through us. 

When I am embrace who God says I am, I am able to lead others to realize the true beauty that God placed within them. I cannot lead from a place I have not been. In this example, I cannot lead others to be who God has called them to be if I myself am not daily surrendering to embrace being who He has called me to be as well.

God wants to be glorified through every part of who we are. He wants to be praised through the strengths and gifts He has entrusted us with. The weaknesses in us are what He sees as opportunities for His glory to shine through. To not embrace all that I am in Him is to miss out on a lot of beauty and excitement that He wants to reveal to me and through me.

It is so important because it glorifies Him for me to embrace the unique person that I am.

NGP: What is the main message you hope young women will take away from reading your book?

EMJ: I pray that young women will receive and respond to the message that God is pursuing their hearts. He desires to be in relationship with them personally, and from an overflow of this relationship, they may they live boldly and freely in Who He says they are. I hope they love others just as they themselves have been loved. May they be loved.

~*~
Author Bio:

Emma Mae Jenkins describes herself as a lover of Jesus and people. 

She is a social media influencer, writer, speaker, and YouTuber with the sole purpose of leading others into a relationship with Jesus, sharing this chain-breaking freedom, and being a vessel of God’s Word. She is excited to share with girls and young women about how much God loves them and has called each to a unique purpose for his glory.

Jenkins began chronicling her journey through high school on social media and in doing so has inspired thousands of young people to live their faith freely and with courage. She is currently a sophomore at Liberty University where she is majoring in Women’s Christian Leadership.

The founder of Son Seeker Ministries, Jenkins’s vision is to lead her generation into having a genuine relationship with Jesus. Her new release, Be Loved, is her first book.

During school breaks, Jenkins makes her way back home to northwest Arkansas where her parents and brother live.

Learn more at emmamaejenkins.com and follow her via social media.

~*~

Blurb for Emma Mae's book, Be Loved:

Emma Mae Jenkins, a young Christian writer, has inspired many with the freedom she has to be herself a dearly loved child of God. In her first book, Be Loved, she invites readers to join her on a journey of life-changing faith and the freedom that comes from knowing the love of God. 

 She chronicles her own high school journey through starting a new school, navigating the typical pressures of school work and sports, going to prom, and even homecoming. Emma Mae faced each new challenge with the confidence that God was with her and was going to make her uniquely useful in the place he had prepared for her.

For Emma Mae, it all starts with her relationship with Jesus Christ. Because she knows she is loved by him, she is free to be herself and to live out her faith no matter what the cost. As a young, passionate, and intimate lover of Jesus, Emma Mae's love for her holy Savior overflows unashamedly into her unconditional, fierce love for people.

Readers will experience the chain-breaking liberty of knowing the Lord's presence and the freedom to be unique. This full-color, hardback book includes pictures from Emma Mae's life, along with key Bible verses that God used to strengthen and guide her through the ups and downs of her high school years as a young Christian. Readers will learn to face the challenges of their student years with religion, courage, hope, and lifegiving love for others.

~*~

Buy Emma's book, Be Loved online via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook

~*~
Connect with Emma Mae:
Instagram (@1corinthians13_love) 

YouTube (Emma Mae Jenkins)
Facebook (@sonseeker.org) 

Twitter (@emmamaej99) 

Pinterest (emmamaejenkins)

~*~

Publisher info: New Growth Press publishes gospel-centered Christian books, small group, and children’s Bible resources for discipleship, biblical counseling, and missional ministry. For more information about Be Loved and other releases from New Growth Press, visit www.newgrowthpress.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Arise

Arise: Learning to be comfortable with what God has called you to do
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” 

– Isaiah 60:1 (ESV)

Since 2014, on January 1st, God has given me a new word to define my year:

Hope (2014)

Change (2015)

Authority (2016)

Restore (2017)

Victorious (2018)

Trust (2019)

And every year, on New Year’s Eve (December 31), I try to cheat by trying to find out what my word will be before New Year’s Day (January 1) or by giving God ideas of what I think my word should be.

This year (2020) was no different. I found myself asking, “God, will my word be Brave? Can you give me a hint? What difference does a few hours make?”

God never gives in to my attempts to cheat. I imagine Him smiling as He tells me, “You know the drill. You’ll find out at midnight on January 1.”

This year I brought in the new year with friends. We ate an enormous amount of food, played board games and had an indoor “snowball” fight. It was so much fun that I forgot about my desire to know my word for the year. As I got into the car to go home past midnight, God said to me, “Your word for the year is Arise.”

This word stopped me in my tracks. “Arise?” I asked, quite stunned.

“Yes. Arise.”

I pondered this word for a moment, still not quite sure of what to think about it. Then I smiled.

“Okay, Arise it is. I like it!”

Since January 1, this year has felt like a whirlwind. I didn’t have much time to sit down and study my word out of the year until recently.

I love to break words down and study them out. When I found a free moment, I plopped down in my favorite chair, grabbed a chai latte and dug into all things Arise. Here’s what I discovered: Arise as defined by my favorite gal pal (Merriam Webster) means, "to begin to occur or to exist: to come into being or to attention, to get up or stand up, to move upward."

Arise requires movement. A stepping up. Not staying in the same place.

Renouncing the old and embracing the new. Changing levels.

Arise scared me.

I don’t know about you but I love being comfortable. I love routine and LOVE when things don’t change. There is a sense of safety in all these things. To arise, to walk out the word that God gave me to define my year, would require movement. Stepping up. Change. Things that I feared. Things that weren’t comfortable or required a ton of trust. Things that wouldn’t allow me to hide anymore.

As I fleshed this word out, God brought this verse Isaiah 60:1 (ESV) to me: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

We can be so tempted to stay hidden for fear of failure, or what others think. We can embrace remaining comfortable or disdain change because we fear moving forward. I think what causes us to feel this way is that we forget who is inside us. We forget God is walking with us, lighting our way.

God is our light.

God fills us with His glory.

Therefore, we must get up, move forward in what He has for us and shine so that others may see Him.

When God is asking you to arise, whether it is a new job, relationship or parenthood, He knows the plans he has for you and He knows your potential. With God, we can’t fail. So friend, take that step. Move toward that scary thing that you want to do. Arise. Shine and remember, the glory of the Lord is with you.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and hopes to launch her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Truth

Fight guilt with God’s truth
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 
– Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Do you ever beat yourself up or struggle with guilt after making mistakes?

I do.

I’m starting a podcast and it’s all very new to me: working with audio equipment, using the right app for editing and learning about soundproofing.

All of this is way out of my element. I’m a writer, not a podcaster. Then God informed me that I would do this podcast and now I am both.

It’s been quite a learning curve. I mess up a lot.

Today’s blunder involved sound.

Several months ago, I set up an interview with a friend that God selected who has a wonderful story to tell. Grateful that she said yes to this new endeavor of mine, I placed her on my calendar several months out so I would have enough time to prep for her interview.

Finally her interview date arrived. I turned off all fans, dripping water, anything that could mess up my audio quality for this interview. With my equipment set up, sound checks done, I was ready to go.

Then the sound of metal clanking and an engine revving floated through my window.  My landscapers were here and my microphone was picking up every single sound they made. I forgot that my landscapers usually arrive on Thursday mornings around 7 o’clock to do yard work. Therefore, I had to cancel the interview.

My guest was gracious and rescheduled but I felt terrible. How could I forget such an important detail?

Honestly, I am my worst enemy when I make mistakes. (I may have a slight problem with perfectionism.) I am overly hard on myself. I play the mistake over and over again in my head, going over what went wrong and how I failed. I tell myself things like:

“You should know better.”

“You’ve failed.”

“You never get things right.”

“You let everyone down.”

“Why do you always forget the details?”

“You’re a disappointment to God.”

After this conversation with myself, I’m not feeling too great. These lies have weighed me down. The guilt hangs on me like a heavy millstone. I feel myself slipping away from God, too ashamed to be in His presence.

I forget the most important truth found in Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Because we are children of God, we’ve gained our freedom from condemnation through Christ’s sacrifice. He put himself on the Cross because He loves us and wanted to take the weight of our sin away. That weight is eternal suffering and separation from God.

When we sin, repent and ask for forgiveness, God out of love forgets it. It’s as if the sin never occurred. So when we choose to continue to bring up that sin or feel guilty about it after receiving God’s forgiveness, we are basically saying that our sin, our mistakes are too big for the Cross.

Nothing is bigger than the Cross.

God knows we’re human. He knows we’re going to mess up. Yet He loves and forgives us anyway.

When you’re feeling guilty or unable to forgive yourself, remember that no condemnation comes from God. God convicts our hearts when we sin, but offers love, forgiveness and ways to change. Any lasting guilt and shame you’re feeling comes from Satan. We have an accuser, an enemy of our soul who seeks to destroy us through false accusations, shame and guilt. When you’re struggling with this, you’re being attacked friend.

When those attacks come against you, fight back with truth. Here are some of my favorites:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” –2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” 
–Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 

–Hebrews 10:17 (NIV)

When guilt comes, remember: 

You are loved. You are chosen. You are forgiven.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and hopes to launch her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Dreams

Devastated but Determined
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“…Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” ~Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)

Dreams have no deadline, but inspiration has a gestation period.

Have you ever awakened with a vibrant idea that could lead to greatness but were too busy to write it down and pursue it? I have. Several times. Alfred North Whitehead wisely said that, “Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.”

The first step in nurturing creativity is to write down good ideas as soon as you can after it is perceived. Write with as much detail and clarity as possible. Later, review what you wrote and expand on the idea. If you do not, the power and clarity of the inspiration will fade. I am actually, smarting from the loss of a good idea that recently faded due to my own proclivity to distraction.

I woke up one day about two years ago, inspired, with a book in my spirit. Immediately, I wrote the introduction and outlined 12 chapters. It was to be a short, small book about first aid for injured relationships. I would think about it, ponder thoughts and write, occasionally, but soon, I lost the muse.

I regained the passion this year, in March. I wrote diligently on my iPad, saved each addition and almost finished the book. Then, I got distracted, again. When I went back to the file, it was gone. All that was left of my work was the original outline. Devastated does not begin to express how I felt.

Procrastinating when inspired is a bad and costly habit. The book that I was working on, once completed, may or may not have sold a million copies. The cost, however, of losing it, is not counted in money, but in the content, context and currency of the soul.

Last week I stood among the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, in Turkey. Among the artifacts of the ancient city was found and displayed a marble fresco honoring the ancient, mythological, goddess Athena. Athena was a fierce and ruthless warrior. Victory was her slogan.

The marketing gurus of the popular sports brand, Nike, extracted their logo, the swoosh, from that fresco and the legend of Athena. Her sense of immediacy in battle was condensed into the marketing slogan, “Just do it!”

When noble inspiration strikes you, don’t delay or procrastinate. Just do it! Write it down so that others may learn from it, advance it and grow.

The lyrics of the third stanza of the rousing ballad “Lift Every Voice and Sing” capture the pathos of lost inspiration: “Stony the road we trod/bitter the chastening rod/felt in the day that hope unborn had died…”

Dreams unpursued that lay stagnant in our souls are often reabsorbed into the cosmic nexus of inspiration, to be shared with a different responsive spirit, or die stillborn in our souls. When a woman miscarries a baby, it must be extracted lest the decay within challenge her continued existence. What happens when inspiration dies inside? The soul becomes putrefied and withers.

However, praise be upon him, God, the ultimate muse, is a restorer. God believes in and generates new beginnings. A lost opportunity is not the end of life. It should be instructive and act as an igniter when a new muse whispers.

Be assured that the next book that God inspires in my spirit will be written. The next noble impetus in my soul will be acted upon, quickly. May the same determination that I feel be your experience as well.

Go forth and conquer. Your success is conditioned by your response to inspiration. Just do it! Do it now and complete what you started.

~*~
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 Columbia Union College (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland. He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees–a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, 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.

Devotionals for the Heart: Bravery

Will I Stand for God?
A devotional by Tammy Karasek

“Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were filled with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted and mistreated…” 

~Hebrews 11:36-37 (ESV)

The sufferings at the hands of others spoken of in the above verse are rough words to read. Though the forms of death mentioned above may not be methods of persecution we hear about much today, they are still used. Many Christians through the ages were “killed with the sword” for expressing their faith in God or for refusing to denounce Christ.

One example in scripture is Zechariah who was stoned to death for his faith. In 2 Chronicles 24:20-22, Zechariah was chosen by God to replace his father as priest under King Joash. He stood firm in his faith and held his position as priest seriously. The people of his town didn’t want to hear about his God and conspired to stone him to death. But Zechariah wasn’t worried or ashamed of his faith and stayed true to the God who was always there for him. Zechariah stood for God, risking being stoned, and spoke truth for his love for God.

There are Christians in the Middle East currently that have been “killed with the sword” for their faith in Jesus and their refusal to say they don’t follow Him. Unfortunately, some of these events are recorded and shown on the television throughout the world of these Christians being killed. Far too many nights, the evening news speaks of these persecutions.

While we think these may not affect us here on American soil, let us not forget the senseless killings that are happening to people standing up for their faith. The one that comes to mind is the story of the 17-year-old girl from Columbine High School in Colorado—Rachel Scott. The events of April 20, 1999 are still hard to read almost twenty years later. Rachel was the first student to be shot and killed that day. The boy sitting next to her on the lawn lived, though paralyzed from the gunshots he received, and was able to share what the gunmen said to her. These fellow students and gunmen mocked her for her belief in God. The shooters said, “You still believe in God now?” and more. They ended their rant with, “Go be with him!” and shot her in the temple.

Oddly, one of the bullets actually went through a journal she had. In the journal was a prayer for one of the boys who killed her. Rachel had a mission to reach out to the unreached at Columbine. She had another journal in her backpack with a powerful drawing she’d drawn, which seemed to be prophetic. The picture was drawn less than an hour before she was killed. The drawing is a rose and 13 teardrops—there were 13 victims that day. She drew it in class then showed it to her teacher. The last thing that she said to the teacher was “People are going to know who I am someday.”

For more information on Rachel’s legacy and ministry see racheljoyscott.com.

The people above are what we describe as martyrs. Dictionary.com defines a martyr as: “A person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion. A person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle or cause.”

While I may not encounter this in my life, I do believe I need to assess my heart. If I were face to face with someone demanding me to denounce Christ to save my life, what would my answer be? I want to say I know I would stand firm for my faith. But would I? It sounds easy sitting here in my warm home typing on my keyboard, yet in a moment, something could change and I could be looking down the barrel of a gun with my opportunity to stand boldly for God.

Though I can’t guarantee what I’d say, I’m so encouraged by the following scriptures:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” ~Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” 

~James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Have you thought about this or even been in this situation? 

What are your thoughts about standing up for your faith?

What will it be—when faced with the decision of possible persecution, will we stand up for Christ and trust in Him?

I pray that I say YES! And you?

~*~
Author Bio:

You’ll find Tammy seeing humor and causing laughter in every aspect of life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, is the driving force of her passion to always encourage others and give them The Reason to smile.

She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 37 years, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen and wrapped around the paw of a little dog named Hattie. Born and raised in Ohio, her family now resides in South Carolina.

She is the President of Word Weavers Upstate SC, member of ACFW and member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy.

She’s the Blog Coordinator/Editor for Florida Christian Writers Conference, a contributor in the 2018 Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments, a monthly contributor for HeartWingsblog.com and God is Love (capturingtheidea.blogspot.com).

~*~
Connect with Tammy:
Blog: http://www.tammykarasek.com
Email: tickledpinktammy@gmail.com