Devotionals for the Heart: How to set an example for the people in your life

You are Called to Set an Example
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”—1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)

Did you know that you are called to set an example to the people around you?

Regardless of your “qualifications” or what you feel you may lack, God has called you to set an example for those in your life. While Paul is specifically addressing Timothy in this verse, a young pastor friend of his, this admonition applies to anyone in any stage of life.

It doesn’t matter if you feel like you are “too old” or “too young”, “not enough” or “too much”, God has a plan for you. You can make a difference right where you are regardless of whether you feel “capable” or not.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV), “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

Doesn’t that spark such hope in your heart? It does in mine. Take Moses, for example. When God called him to go back to Egypt to tell Pharoah to let His people go, Moses protested, saying he was “slow of speech and of tongue” (Exodus 4:10b ESV).

When God said to Jeremiah, “I appointed you a prophet to the nations”, Jeremiah protested, saying he was “only a youth” (Jeremiah 1:5-6). God responded, saying, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:7-8 ESV).

Both Moses and Jeremiah had reasons to protest, but as is the case for Paul and all of us, God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God has called you, dear friend. You are irreplaceable and have a purpose in this world unique to you, an identity that God has given you unlike anyone else. Don’t believe the lie that you shouldn’t because you “can’t”. That’s where God is glorified, in our weaknesses and when we humbly recognize we can’t do it on our own but need God to do it through us.

God wants us to make a difference where we are right now. If God has called you to something today, don’t wait. Don’t hesitate because you “can’t” because even when you “can’t”, He can.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, thank You for this truth that You have called me! Thank that no matter how I feel about a situation or about my capability, it’s Your truth that stands. I know I can do all things through You who can strengthen me (Philippians 4:13). In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Garden in Manhattan” by Josiah Queen. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others. 

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to follow God’s calling to pursue writing seriously. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). In addition to fiction, she also writes devotionals and has been published on other websites. Her prayer is that her readers leave deeply encouraged and more in love with Jesus.

When not writing, Hannah also enjoys being involved with local theater companies, with a primary focus on Biblical theater. She wants to show the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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Connect with Hannah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/

Devotionals for the Heart: God has a job for all Christians to do on Earth

Our Job as Christians
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

—John 15:12 (NIV)

When I was a kid, I had one job: Watch over my little sister.

Back in the 80s, I was your classic latchkey kid, and we did all those 80s things you might hear about—drink from the hose, play outside all day long, things I don’t think my kids have ever done, sadly. My little sister was three and a half years younger than me, but in my head she was completely my responsibility. The fact that she had rebellious streak and loved to play jokes on her super-serious, rule-following big sister didn’t help, but I wasn’t deterred. Even today, the weight of that responsibility rests on my shoulders like a mantle. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve always felt like her little mama, and it makes no difference at all how old we get. I feel that way still.

We all have responsibilities. Maybe we’re parents, maybe we’re employed somewhere, maybe we’re the boss—whatever it is, our jobs are usually pretty clear. Yet sometimes we forget we have a job as Christians, too. This is our most important job, but I’ve found it’s not talked about quite as often as the rest of our responsibilities. Consequently, many of us are fuzzy on it, or maybe we get confused and think other things are our “main” job. Our job as Christians is to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ to the end of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

Now, obviously this job, this command, this work, is for people who are already Christians. Becoming a Christian in the first place is a change that happens in our hearts and minds. We must believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and repent of our sins. We must try our hardest to point our lives toward Christ, even if we get it wrong sometimes. But once we become Christians—followers of Christ, members of God’s family—we’re supposed to be disciples. And Jesus was very clear what he expected from his disciples.

When he resurrected from the dead, he spent forty days walking among his disciples before his ascension to heaven, teaching them how to live and what they needed to know. He urged them to feed his lambs and tend his sheep (John 21:15-19). He promised them the Holy Spirit would come as their advocate and friend (1 John 2:1).

And he told them their job: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).

The Holy Spirit stuff is just about accepting he’s in our soul, with us every moment. Feeding the lambs and tending the sheep ties into what Jesus said about the greatest commandments—love God with all our hearts and our minds and our souls and, second, love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). We’re supposed to take care of each other, not be selfish.

But the directive about going and making disciples? Evangelizing? That can be really hard for some of us. A lot of people think it means getting up on a stage or standing on a street corner shouting about Jesus all day.

Yet bringing people to Christ, making disciples, often has nothing to do with words at all. For some, it’s about writing. For others it’s about serving with your church in the name of Jesus. Maybe for you it’s about living your life out loud, letting people know that you believe in Jesus, you go to church, and follow his ways. Or maybe it’s about relationships, inviting other people to study the Bible with you, pray, or join you for worship.

How we make disciples—how we evangelize, bring others into the fold—can look very different depending on who we are and what our gifts are. But however we do it, the point doesn’t change: We have to take care of other people and help them become followers of Jesus also.

Some of us get so passionate about debating theology, calling out sin, or making big grandstands about morals and values that we forget about our main job. Disciple-making takes a back seat—but it shouldn’t. Leading others to Christ must be our first priority.

It doesn’t mean these other things can’t be important to us. Turning from sin is a huge priority in my life. I’m constantly on a quest to be like Jesus. It’s called sanctification, the process of becoming more holy, and I’m probably going to spend the rest of my life doing it and never getting close, but I’m trying. But sin is not the main thing. The main thing isn’t speaking out about issues, or pointing fingers, or any of those other things we can easily get caught up in.

The main thing is growing God’s kingdom. It’s bringing other people into the flock of sheep along with us and helping them know the True Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Sometimes we live our lives like we’re immortal, like the day of our death or the day of Christ’s return is so far off. We let other things get in the way. We lose our sense of urgency. But the time is now, my friends. Do what you can to bring others to Christ, to help other people believe, to help them know they belong. Our job is not to point fingers or to serve as a barrier. It’s to beckon people close.

Today, I hope you’ll join me and praying about how you personally can begin to make this a priority in your life if it is not already, to make us all get better and better at attracting people to Jesus. We don’t have to worry about having the right words to say, or even using words at all. We just have to understand that this is our job, and our priority, and surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit, who will use us to do this in way he knows is best.

It’s not about us. It’s about Him. Let us not stop until everyone knows Him.

It’s a powerful act of love.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me remember that if I do nothing in my life beyond commit myself to You and bring someone else to you, too, then I serve You well. Help me do all I can to surrender to you in all aspects of my life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. Listen here.

Song of Reflection #2: "For Such a Time As This" by Wayne Watson. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

She has won more than 100 writing awards. Jessica is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies. Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Jessica holds a Master of Arts in English. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Jessica now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Jessica has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaJBrodie
Facebook Author: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie
Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaJBrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicajbrodie/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/shiningthelightjessicabrodie/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie

Devotionals for the Heart: How a dog inspired a life lesson about love

Hands of Love
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Ronny was a small, black dog, his eyes crusted over with sleep and his nose a mess from doing whatever dogs like to do in the dirt. I could tell he was a puppy by his size, but he wasn’t terribly young, just young enough to be filled with excitement about life—and wary of strange people.

I was there to work on his owner’s house for a week, along with a team of other mission volunteers, providing him with a new roof and some other fixes, and his owner was training him to be an outdoor dog. We called him Ronny, even though we didn’t know his name, and he spent his days under a shade tree hanging out in an old utility trailer, tied up on a leash and watching us with extremely cautious eyes.

But he was so adorable, and I couldn’t help myself. On roofing breaks, I’d find myself walking in the back to check on Ronny. I watched from a distance at first, and he’d always scurry out, curious, then run like mad back to his hiding place.

One morning I approached him slowly, slipping my work gloves off and gently holding my hands out for him to inspect. He took a look at my hands and hightailed it for the shadows. I’m not sure what he thought I was going to do with my hands, but he was scared, and I didn’t push it. A few hours later, I checked on him again. And again, Ronny ventured out to look at my hands, then retreated. But this time I spoke sweetly to him, and I tiptoed closer, and he nervously approached me once more. At first, Ronny started to pull back, but I reached out and petted him. He liked it, but then he skittered away, and I went back to my work. We repeated the same little dance twice more that day.

The next day, I expected the same.

“Hey, sweet boy,” I called over to him, slipping off my work gloves and approaching softly.

But this time when I held my hands out to him, Ronny knew what was coming. And this time he didn’t dart back or even flinch. This time he let me pet him right away.

By the end of the week, he was licking my legs and cuddling with me. We were pals, Ronny and I, and I miss him!

As our trip progressed, it got me thinking about hands and how we use them. We can use them to hurt, to push down and oppress. We can use them to point fingers, judgmental and accusatory.

Or we can use them to shake someone’s hand and give them a hug—or, as in Ronny’s case, scratch them behind the ears. We can use them to show love.

We can also use them to help in other ways, cooking a meal for someone, or holding a hammer like I did all that week, nailing shingles to a rotted-out roof so someone else has better shelter.

We can use our hands to reflect Jesus Christ, or we can choose not to.

As a follower of Christ, I want every aspect of my life to reflect Jesus. That means my thoughts, my words, and my hands and feet. That’s one of the things people who do mission work say a lot: that we want to be “the hands and feet of Christ.” But that’s not just about mission work. There are so many ways we can be the hands and feet of Christ.

Think about your own hands today. If you have use of them, how are you able to use them? Are you able to write a letter or hold out your palm in fellowship to a brother or sister, even one who doesn’t seem a lot like you on the surface?

If your hands don’t work, what else can you do? Can you use your heart, your mind, your prayers, anything else at your disposal?

Ronny very quickly understood the difference between hands that want to hurt and hands that want to help. We understand the same.

May we always do what we can to help and love others in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior—our way, our truth, and our life.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13 NIV).

“Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 30:9-10 NIV).

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me model and reflect You in the world, whether that is through kindness or physical labor. Help me to shine Your light in the darkness now and forever. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com. She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. 

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Jesus Christ can calm all the storms of life

A Perfect Storm
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”—Mark 4:37-41 (NIV)

Have you ever nearly drowned in a sea of difficulty that left you speechless?

That happened after I spent a week troubleshooting with Google. When a computer technician told me my Gmail account was unrecoverable, I had to find all my contacts from scratch, and I will never know what urgent emails I lost. To make matters worse, a friend refused to talk to me for no reason. I suffered a disabling injury, and a hopeful business relationship dissolved in a perfect storm that left my security underwater.

The dictionary by Merriam-Webster defines the term “a perfect storm” as “a critical or disastrous situation created by a powerful concurrence of factors”.

Despite our efforts to avoid them, the fiercest storms strike without warning. They leave us vulnerable and discouraged and force us out of our comfort zones. When they capsize our relationships, health, or finances then like the disciples, we wonder where Jesus went and why He didn't do something to prevent these storms in the first place.

As fishermen, the disciples of Jesus Christ knew the devastating impact a powerful storm could have on their livelihoods. Fighting the wind and the waves that day while Jesus was asleep made them wonder why He abandoned them when they needed Him most. But to their amazement, Jesus awoke, commanded the storm to cease, and they realized He had been in control all along.

If a tsunami has left a wake of destruction and you're left holding on for dear life, remember this: Jesus isn't asleep, and your storm is no surprise to Him. While your struggle is real, nothing happens without a divine purpose (Romans 8:28). While your present difficulty is far from good, He can use it to increase your dependence on Him (2 Corinthians 1:8-9), build your character, strengthen your faith (1 Peter 1:6-7 and Romans 5:3-5), and give Him glory (Psalm 50:15).

Here are seven ways to stand firm in your faith when the storms of life are taking you under:

1. Be honest with Jesus. He already knows how you feel, but you'll feel better trusting Him with your concerns and leaving them there.

2. Remember His faithfulness in the past as you trace His hand through the trials you've overcome.

3. Lean on others for support. Burdens are easier to weather when you share them with caring friends.

4. Dwell on His Word, not the waves. The Bible has hundreds of promises tailored to your concerns that will build your faith and give you peace.

5. Trust His timing. Jesus sees beyond what you're going through to the benefits of letting you weather it. 

6. Pray for perspective. You are not alone. Think of others you can encourage who are also struggling. This may help you feel better in the process.

7. Ask Him for wisdom. Jesus promises to guide and lead you through difficulty when you ask in faith (James 1:5).

Let's Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for controlling the storms I face. When the waves threaten to engulf me, help me trust You to carry me safely to shore. Help me to remember when You command the storm to cease, I will be stronger, wiser, and grateful for the lessons I've learned. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Let the Waters Rise” by Mikeschair. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

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

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

Since 2022, Sarah’s devotionals have been published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: The Plan

Succession Planning
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” –Acts 1:26 (NKJV)

Succession planning is an imperative in corporate as well as church leadership. It really is an imperative in family planning and life mapping too.

God, through Moses, prepared Joshua to pick up the reins of leadership when Moses transitioned. Elijah prepared Elisha.

After Jesus Christ was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas overcome with guilt, intentionally and permanently absented himself from the other apostles. In Acts 1:15-26, the disciples, 120 of them, then led by Peter, deliberated about filling the vacancy among the apostles. There were two criteria for the candidates who would be considered. These men had to be long- term followers of Christ. They had to be witnesses of all that Jesus had done. From His baptism by John the Baptist, to Christ’s arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension, the replacement for Judas had to be one who had witnessed all of it. They prayerfully submitted their votes for Justus and Matthias. Matthias was chosen to be the new 12th Apostle. This group of 120 disciples, 11 of them Apostles, knew each other so well that they could pick two men out, one of whom would make his new role the personal fulfillment of God’s expected end for him.

This prompted me to think about my social network. Most of us are believers and have strong testimonies and spiritual experiences. But, if I could not testify, who would I want to stand in my place and share his or her experiences with God through Jesus Christ? If you were transported back to that moment in time and were a participant, who in your network would you vote for?

If the answer to that question is hard, and you can’t find two names among your many friends, that may be a divine signal that you need more godly people in your network. If your friends were similarly transported back to that moment in time, do you think that any of them would nominate you? If not, maybe that is a sign that it is time for some focused spiritual growth.

The plan of the living God marches on the feet of determined, delivered saints who are growing in grace and in their witness of and to the love of God. Are you marching among them? If a leader in your fellowship of faith fell to death, failure or crisis, would you be willing to step up like Justus and Matthias were?

Who do you follow? Are you ready to pick up their mantle? Who will follow you? Are you preparing them for success? What legacy of faith and imprint of ministry are you leaving, day by day? Let’s pray and ask God to focus us and facilitate our growth as we help others in their preparation to serve.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for the life that You have given us. Help us to make our time on Earth matter and our influence count in the lives of others. If we are seniors, help us prepare the younger ones by our example. If we are young, help us to find meaningful mentors who will prepare us for our time to shine. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Paul 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: Life Lessons Learned from Escape Rooms

Life Lessons Learned from Escape Rooms 
A devotional by Chaplain Anderson

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 

–1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

Some of my friends went out for a night of fun. They went to an escape room.

The fun of this experience for them was finding clues, cracking codes, solving complex problems and completing puzzles. The challenge to escape was intensified by a time clock that set the rules: Escape in 60 minutes or less and you won.

There have been times in my life when I have felt boxed in by challenges or temptations. Some of them seemed to last forever and my endurance failed. Some abated in due season. Early in my adult life, I heard a preacher say, “God has the key to every seemingly interminable temptation or unrelenting circumstance. Stop looking at the problem and look for the way of escape.”

He was referring to 1 Corinthians 10:13. The New Living Translation of this Bible verse says: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

When you are burdened, tempted, or facing some of the inevitable trials of life, strengthen yourself with three thoughts:

Thought #1: Whatever you are experiencing may be new to you, but someone has experienced this and overcome it. In fact, Jesus, our High Priest, was tempted in every area of life—like we are, have been or will be—and He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). You can get through this like those overcomers who blazed the trail for you.

Thought #2: God is faithful! He will not abandon you in your times of deepest allurement. When the waves of oppression or opposition threaten to overwhelm you, call out to Emmanuel and remember God is with us!

Remember the Bible story found in Daniel 3:1-30 where three disciples of Jesus Christ had their faith in God and allegiance to Him tested. They refused to bow down to the gold statue of King Nebuchadnezzar, even under the threat of being thrown into a furnace! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego believed that God would be with them, even under fiery duress and God showed up for them, right in the middle of the flames so they were not set ablaze. These three friends lived to tell the story of how their God saved their life! They rightly perceived that they would not be able to escape via the same portal through which they were thrown into the flames. But they chose to only bow down to God, not man. And God rewarded their faith-filled loyalty!

However, though unsinged and smokefree, they were not the same men who went into the flame. Likewise, when you are delivered from your prevailing circumstances, you too will be different. Surviving the fires of life transform us. Faith experiences refine our characters. You will be different because you survived in the midst of the flames. You will be more confident about yourself and your God who secured and delivered you.

Thought #3: The third thought is that you, by faith, can find the exit to any situation. You may have gone to the wrong place and stayed too long, but, God has prepared—even before your arrival—a way of escape. But they key is that you must access it. Looking at the door is not sufficient. Move to the portal and step into your deliverance by faith!

When the places of comfort and validation become threatening, we must act in faith rather than fear. Those who are weak-willed will give in and never find the divine portal of transformation. When God delivers the ones who leave, He leaves them different, triumphant and exalted.

So, take this text with you today: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

This is the key to your escape room from temptation, opposition and oppression.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, may the readers of this message find encouragement and fortitude for the day and for their future. If and when they feel locked into strife, enticement or conflict, please help them to shift focus from the trial to the way of escape that you have promised and provided. Deliver them from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: "Another In The Fire" by Hillsong UNITED. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Paul 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: How to find strength in the storms of life

Strength in the Storm
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.” –Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)

A few years ago, my husband and I planned on going on vacation during the month of August.

When people heard where we were going and the time of year, they remarked on the fact that we were going during “hurricane season”. I’m not a weather specialist but I was not overly concerned. Depending on where you are in the world some parts are prone to stormy weather, especially if you are going on a cruise and passing through the Caribbean regions during this time.

The word ‘storm’ means something different to us living in Southwestern Canada, who have only a faint idea of what it means to board up windows, run in the basement and buckle down for cover. How do you not curl up in a ball knowing winds could beat the window frames in? How do you not crumble under the terror of the winds? How do you find strength to stand in the storm that could possibly take you out?

Jesus Christ and His disciples were journeying in their boat when the weather became stormy. Let’s read about this in Luke 8:23-24 (KJV): “But as they sailed, he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.”

While the storm was happening, Jesus was asleep. The storm didn’t disturb Him. His disciples had to wake him up. The storm scared them, but it wasn’t strong enough to jolt Jesus awake. When Jesus arose, He rebuked it. Mark 4:39 (NIV) says, “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” God created everything that exists, so we have to trust that He knows how to manage His creation. While the disciples were fretting (as most of us would too), Jesus remained asleep. He literally was having a siesta while those onboard were fighting for their life!

Jesus was able to sleep because His perspective on the storm was different from the disciples. He was in control. He had authority over the storm. Jesus knew who He was in relation to the storm. The question for us is: How do we perceive the storm we are in?

You might see the storm as an in interruption to your life. Maybe you’re becoming fearful because storms bring noise and can possibly cause damage. We all need strength to face our storm. We need strength to discern the direction it is going so we can ensure we are not in its path. Ultimately, we pray for strength to survive it. We want to still be standing after the winds and rain cease.

Remember where Jesus was in the boat. He wasn’t on the deck trying to steer the ship. He was in the bottom having a good rest. Jesus knew who He was, and He knew He was in control. God has given us Holy Spirit to draw strength and courage to face the winds of worry and fear. We have access to this power to not only face the storm but survive them when they surface.

Take courage my friend, nothing has changed. God knows the storm that we’re in or will enter into. He knows when they are coming. He has the final say on how hard the storm hits. I believe His desire is that we know Him in such an intimate way that we trust Him to protect us as He protected His disciples. Jesus wants us to copy His behavior by taking courage and resting till the storm passes over.

Draw strength in knowing that Jesus has us covered, protected and safe—even when the storms of life rage all around us. We are safe in Him.

Let’s Pray: Father God, we draw strength from You. Thank You for covering us and protecting us from the strong winds of fear. Thank You for the comfort of The Holy Spirit to give us peace until these storms pass over. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Remembering the Resurrection

Remember the Resurrection
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” – Luke 24:6-7 (NLT)

Denae was asked to clean the bathroom because friends were coming for dinner the next day, but she kept putting it off, feeling confident that she could get it done with no effort just before company arrived. The problem was that Danae tended to put off things that were important. She was often distracted and delayed in doing what her mother had asked her to do. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and she remembered what she had forgotten to do.

Does this sound familiar?

How many times have I remembered late in the day to do something because I did not write it down or put it in my calendar to remind myself? I know I’m not the only one. Writing tasks down so we can read and remember or using another hack to help us not delay getting things done is imperative. There are some things and some events that are important to remember so we don’t forget. One event that should always be remembered is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus told his disciples repeatedly the purpose of his coming to this planet (Earth). He told them about the plan he had for calling them to follow Him. He also prepared them for what would take place in the days to come concerning his death. Jesus told his disciples a very important piece of God’s plan: Although he would die and be buried, he would not remain buried. He would rise again in three days!

Although we don’t like to hear about people dying, the Bible reminds us that every one of us has a scheduled appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27). Sounds weird, I know, but it’s a fact. I personally have mixed emotions typing this as I think about some people in my life who are struggling with this inevitable “appointment” to meet their Maker. Only God our Father knows the day and the hour. While I am praying for their healing—trust me, I wholeheartedly believe without a doubt that God is able to lengthen their days—I also know I am not in control.

For the disciples to hear their Rabbi who was also their Teacher and Friend, speak about his impending death was extremely hard. But Jesus wanted to assure them that he would not remain dead and buried in the ground. He would rise again by the power of God and that would give them hope—not only for His disciples, but for all of His faithful followers who are living today!

Remember, on the third day, Jesus Christ rose from the dead! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us hope for everything else He said He would do. What does this mean? You can always trust God to fulfill His promises!

Read and reread God’s promises to us in His Word (The Holy Bible). Don’t rely on your memory as Danae did. Time slipped away and she forgot about the task.

As this Easter holiday approaches, let’s not only reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let’s also remember that just like Jesus said He would rise again, He will also come again (to Earth to take His faithful followers home to Heaven)!

Let’s Pray: Father God, we are forever grateful for the hope we have because Jesus rose from the dead. We would be most miserable without it. Thank you for your Word that reminds us of all the promises you have given us. Thank you for keeping your promises, Father, in Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Patricia’s devotional reminds me this song by Dallas Holm called “Rise Again”. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

She also travels to speak to audiences internationally.

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: What it means to walk and live like Jesus

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” 

–Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

At our favorite pancake house, one of the waitresses is in much demand.

Her station is always full. She moves easily from table to table, taking orders, dispensing coffee, and paying close attention to her customers. We love it when we’re seated in her section because she remembers we are the “with lemon, no ice” and “with ice, no lemon” couple. How she does it, I’ll never know.

There’s another reason why we enjoy eating at her table. Even though she’s been working there for a long time, she always greets us with warmth, and then waits on us as though she’s been waiting all her life to serve us. Another cup of coffee? Coming right up. A spilled glass of juice? Not a problem.

The restaurant is located near the city’s hospital district, so many of her customers are either out-patients, relatives visiting loved ones receiving care, or people waiting to hear what their doctor has to say. She is sensitive to each one and takes time in her constant hurry to speak to them, to listen to their stories, and to encourage them. People rarely leave her station as dejected as they were when they arrived, and on each ticket, she signs her name and puts a little smiley face beside it, thanking them for their patronage.

In the verse from Colossians above, the word “heartily” is used. In this connotation, the word means joyful exuberance. That’s what our waitress exhibits, even when she’s working short-handed and is in a rush. Her customers appreciate her kindness and her service, and many times they become part of the regular crowd that flocks to her.

Jesus was like that. Patiently and tirelessly, He walked the Judean hillsides and the countries surrounding them, meeting every need. Five thousand people are hungry? Bring Me what you have, and I’ll feed them. Terrified disciples on a little boat in a violent storm? Don’t worry. I’ve got this. Huge crowds of people all around Him, and yet He knew when one woman touched the hem of His garment and was healed. None of it was a disruption or a problem for Jesus. He went on each path with a single purpose—to serve each person with care and dignity. And with love.

Jesus kept moving along His earthly path, placing His hands on little children in blessing, touching a leper and making him clean, restoring sight to the blind, and even raising the dead to life. Always, wherever He went He reasoned with the religious leaders who couldn’t fathom Who He was—and still is today—the Son of God and the Son of Man. As Jesus walked through the Promised Land, He deliberately moved closer to Jerusalem, and to His death on a cross.

On the night before He was crucified, Jesus washed the dirty, sweaty feet of His twelve disciples. Kneeling before each man, the Lord Jesus Christ tenderly bathed and dried each foot. He had been waiting all their lives to show them how much He loved them, and He gave them a vivid portrayal of His love in action.

Then He sat down and taught them another lesson they needed to learn. He taught about servanthood. He told them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15 ESV).

His message is still resonating in the hearts of all who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, even in our world today. Now we serve the risen Lord Jesus, and we want to do our work heartily, as for our Lord. You need a piano player? It would be a pleasure. You want me to teach the little kids a Bible story? Sure, which one? You want me to feed the hungry? I’ll bring a bag of groceries and a ladle.

Sometimes our work for the Lord takes us to humble places, to hurting people, or to the sick and dying. With each job He gives us, we rejoice in becoming a visible representative of Jesus’ love. We become an extension of the hands and feet of Jesus. And in doing so, we fulfill His purpose for us—to wash each other’s feet in joyful exuberance.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of serving You. We ask for Your strength to sustain us, and for Your love to fill us. Please give us Your humility to serve others as You showed us. We praise You, the Lord of Heaven and Earth. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons on Witnessing for Jesus Christ

Knowing When to Walk Away
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

 – Matthew 7:6 (NASB)

There is something captivating about watching a particular action repeatedly.

Children enjoying a carousel. People riding a Ferris wheel. A hamster running on its wheel in its cage. Many individuals can sit and watch others enjoy those activities for hours. Watching the repeated action can bring a sense of joy and tranquility. It’s also interesting that the amount of energy required for the repeated action does not bring progression in reaching a new destination.

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves putting a lot of much energy into other things and other people. If this resonates with you, you may also admit to rarely taking a moment to assess whether or not the time and energy you spend actually brings progression in your life. If this is something you identify with, you may be able to acknowledge your purpose of doing things that bring you progression on your journey. Sometimes we do things we want to do out of the goodness in our heart. Sometimes we do things we feel called to do. If nothing else, we believe we are expected to strive to work heartily and only to God and not unto man (Colossians 3:23).

No matter how genuine our heart is as we desire to do things for the Lord, we have to be willing to acknowledge when our actions and pure intentions are not well-received everywhere we go. Matthew 10:14 (NIV) tells us, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” This is what Jesus expressed to His disciples who were sent out to share His message. When it was realized that not all places His disciples were sent would be receptive of His word, it was suggested that His disciples leave. Even though the disciples were sent out to spread God’s word to everyone, the disciples were also released from the places that did not accept God’s message.

It can be difficult to know when to abandon an assignment.

A person who can be considered as a person after God’s own heart is genuinely fully committed to helping others know who Jesus is. It is also important to recognize when you have done the work and the work is not welcomed in the place where you are. Staying in that place will have negative effects that are twofold.

First, you will find yourself tired. You will spend a significant amount of time and energy in a place doing an action that will not bring you any progression on your journey. In the moment, you will feel joy and tranquility because you know the work you are doing is for God. But when you take a step back, you will recognize the wheel you were spinning had a lot of traction although it was not actually moving towards a goal.

The second negative effect is that there is an attempt to devalue God’s precious work. He took His time to create you and to prepare you to do the very thing He created you to do. When you go to some of the places that need His good news, not only do they refuse to receive His word, but they also aim to separate you from His goodness.

God tells us, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6 NASB). If we fail to recognize when we are “spinning our wheels” in His name, then we will eventually find ourselves so tired that we will not have enough energy to continue doing the work or have the energy to fight the things that may come with doing the work.

Be willing to walk away. It’s not always easy, and it is not out of selfish ambition. It is a way to preserve the hearts of those who love Him and desire to continue doing His work. It is a way to focus on continuing to spread His good news. Without being willing to walk away, you may be taking a risk of possibly losing sight of doing His good work.

Let’s Pray: 

Precious Lord, thank you for hearing our hearts before we have cried out to you. You answered the prayers that we haven’t uttered yet. You know our hearts because you know what we desire to do. Thank you for being omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and never-changing. If you never change, then Your Word (The Holy Bible) never changes. Since Your Word never changes, we have to trust the instructions you have given us for times like this. We don’t always know what we are doing or where we are going, but knowing You are with us is enough. Thank You for preparing us for every step on this journey. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more’. With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts. 

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about Biblical Womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world.

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry. When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education.

Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.

Devotionals for the Heart: Obeying God When It Doesn't Make Sense

When What God is Asking of You Doesn’t Make Sense
A devotional by Jessica B. Turner

“However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” –Matthew 17:27 (ESV)

If you are like me, you have likely read this scripture without much thought because of what precedes it. Starting in Matthew 17:24, you can find one of the many examples of authority figures trying to trap Jesus with their questions concerning the law. This time it was involving a two drachma tax, a form of Greek currency. But it’s not the units of money that I want you to focus in on today.

It's what Jesus tells Simon Peter to do in response to the tax that I want us to explore.

Could you imagine being in Simon Peter’s shoes in this moment? Jesus is telling you to go fishing as a means of providing provision, but not from selling the caught fish, but instead by simply opening its mouth! Do you realize how bizarre this command really is?

I can’t help but think that Simon Peter walked away wondering how this plan would work. What are the odds of a fish swimming around with a coin in its mouth, much less a coin worth exactly what they need to pay for both of their taxes? Or better yet, that this coin would be found in the very first fish caught?

It’s just such an odd way to solve a problem, isn’t it? An impossible way. But this is a reminder that nothing is impossible when the orders are coming from God Himself!

How often do you find yourself in a situation where you know God is leading you to a solution, but you just can’t make sense of how it will work out in your favor? The odds appear to be stacked against you. Everyone around you is telling you to go a different route, a safer, more predictable route. Yet, you know in your heart that isn’t what God is asking of you. You want to be obedient, but you seem paralyzed by all the pieces that don’t seem to make sense.

This is where the faith of a mustard seed, referred to in Matthew 17:20, comes into play. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to lean on Him when all logic seems to disappear. When things cannot be explained in any other way than “But God!”

These are the moments where we are given an opportunity to truly see God at work! But He needs us to be willing to do more than just listen; He needs us to act alongside Him.

Simon Peter would have never experienced God’s provision that day if he would have let logic steer his decisions. He would have missed out on a miracle.

What is God commanding you to do in this season of your life? What are you missing out on because you are afraid to take the first step?

I pray this message gives you the courage to stop over-thinking it all and simply put your trust in a God whose thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours. I can’t wait to see what He is going to do through your obedience!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, it brings you such joy when I come to you for wisdom instead of looking to the world for answers. Yet sometimes it can be hard to muster up the courage to act on what you are asking of me. Lord, please give me the faith to take that first step in obedience. Strengthen my confidence in your ability to show up against all odds in my favor. Open my eyes to how you are working in and through my life and allow me to be a vessel of praise and glory towards Your holy name as a walk in Your will. I love you and I trust you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine. 

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: When Jesus Christ prays for you

My Past Does Not Predict My Future
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” –Luke 22:32 (NKJV)

In my profession of Human Resources, there is a technique called behavioral interviewing that is often used when assessing candidates for a position within the company.

This technique involves posing open-ended questions to the candidate that create a scenario or circumstance. The candidate will then draw upon past employment experiences and provide specific examples that demonstrate how they handled the situation. The answers to the behavioral interview questions are supposed to deliver evidence of how candidates would react under certain circumstances, using their skills, knowledge, and abilities. This technique is based on a principle indicating that past behavior predicts future behavior.

For the purposes of this devotional, let’s focus on the Bible story of when Peter denied Jesus Christ. In the scripture above (Luke 22:32), Jesus is talking to Peter, one of His disciples, about the impending danger that Peter would soon face. Jesus explained that Satan would be coming for Peter, in an attempt to steer him off course and ultimately destroy his ministry.

As a preemptive strike, Jesus prayed for Peter. Jesus knew that Peter would deny knowing Him three times and He just wanted Peter to prepare for this test of faith. Instead, Peter confidently expressed his undying loyalty to Christ by saying “…Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33). Not too long after that, Peter ended up denying Jesus three times just as Jesus said he would do. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’” (Luke 22:61)

After making such a grave mistake, this could have marked the end of Peter’s ministry. He was distraught by his failure. “So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62) He could have taken matters into his own hands and ended his life just like the disciple Judas who also betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:5). However, Peter went on to do amazing and noteworthy things.

Peter was the first disciple to enter the tomb when Jesus rose from the dead (John 20:6). Peter was responsible for gathering the disciples together in the Upper Room to lead prayer meeting and select someone to replace Judas (Acts 1:12-26). Peter was the disciple who preached a powerful sermon at Pentecost that led to the baptism of over 3,000 people (Acts 2:14-41). Peter also wrote two epistles in the Bible, titled “1 Peter” and “2 Peter”, that still serve the purpose of strengthening our faith. The last part of Jesus’ prayer for Peter came to fruition, the part where Jesus said, “…when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:32)

Despite Peter’s past failure, he found favor in God’s sight. Because Jesus prayed for Peter, this disciple’s past had no power over his future. The same applies to us today.

When Jesus was on this earth, he prayed for His disciples then and now—that includes you and for me. (John 17:6-26). Jesus knew that we would be in danger because the enemy wages war against believers. One of the schemes of the devil is to bring up our past in a feeble attempt to control us or make us feel unworthy. But remember, Jesus prayed for us and more importantly, Jesus died for us (John 3:16)! Those sins of the past hold no merit and they do not define who we are in Christ.

Regardless of what we have done, the blood of Jesus covers us if we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Because of Jesus, we can confidently say that our past does not predict our future.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

We praise you for the blood of Jesus Christ that covers a multitude of sins. 

Thank you for loving us and caring about us enough to protect us from the enemy. 

May we always be reminded that You have erased our past and You have allowed us to have a future in You. We want to live with you forever in Heaven and on the Earth made new. 

Thank You, Father God, for everything! We love you. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
*Note from Alexis: Angela’s devotional today reminds me of this song “The Mission Field” by Blessid Union of Souls. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12.

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. 

Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

She has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

~*~
Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: Failure

The Remedy for Failure
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.”

–Mark 9:18 (KJV)

There are some people in this world who do not or rarely fail at anything. I am not one of them. Failure is humbling and humiliating. It is embarrassing to the one who failed as well as those who had great expectations.

In Mark chapter nine, Jesus Christ enters a scene where a crowd had gathered around His disciples. They were contending with them because they had publicly failed to exorcise a suicidal demon from a young man. Can you imagine, or remember when you approached a task with confidence and through no fault of your own, failed? It can be frustrating and demoralizing.

I spent 20 years in the Navy as a chaplain. My first three years were with the Marine Corps. I did a great job and loved the challenge. The Chief of Chaplains personally selected me for my next assignment in Washington, D.C. I excelled in that job too. While in the second job, I became eligible for promotion to Lieutenant Commander. I thought that I would be a “shoo-in”, even though it was a competitive process. I was not selected. It happened again the next year. Just like He did in this story, Jesus showed up for me.

When He approached the crowd and asked what was happening, the crowd gave a negative report. They said that Christ’s disciples failed! In a stroke of masterful leadership, Jesus, without condemning the failure, stepped into the gap of expectation. He shifted the focus from the disciple’s failure to the faith of the father whose child was possessed.

Once the father articulated his faith filled doubt, Jesus rebuked the demon. In so doing, He demonstrated three spiritual leadership lessons:

Lesson #1: He turned a public failure into a teachable moment.

Lesson #2: He met the needs of the father, the boy, the crowd and the disciples. Everyone left the scene, whole, with restored confidence in the power and grace of Christ.

Lesson #3: He raised the level of spiritual preparation that the disciples would have to pursue to meet future challenges.

Failure often teaches more indelible lessons than success. Easy, immediate, and frequent success can lead to an inflated sense of capability and arrogance. In this story, after Jesus healed the boy, the crowd dissipated, and Jesus came into the room where the disciples had retreated. They asked Him why they had failed. They had done what they had seen him do. What made the difference?

His answer gives a key to the ascending levels of spiritual power. The disciples were learning the basic math of spiritual leadership and power. Now, Jesus was introducing them to Algebra in preparation for the Calculus that would be required to lead His church into the geometric impact that they would have on the world.

From day one, Jesus had shown them the power of plenty that lay just beyond the surface of their efforts. Miraculous demonstrations of God’s provisions won their trust and allegiance. They gained power through their proximity to Him. Now, He was preparing them to suffer the cost of leadership and power.

Isolation, intense expectation, and condemnation often typify the atmosphere that surrounds top tier leaders. Athletes, tycoons, evangelists and other apex leaders graduate into an accelerating vortex of ever-increasing challenges and expectations. 

Fasting and prayer were the spiritual disciplines that would prepare the disciples for their future trials and victories. Fasting and prayer are the antidotes for arrogance, the fear of failure as well as the corresponding highs and lows of leadership. Lessons learned in the trenches and valleys are the vehicles that transport us to our peak performances.

Fasting and prayer drive us back to the foundries of faith where once again we are tried and purified in the fires of failure. It is there that our characters are refined and displayed. It is through increasing expectation and fatigue that strength is formed.

Fasting and prayer is where divinity introduces us to vision, providence, and possibility. Faith is the key that opens the transparent veil between what we envision and what we can grasp. Fasting and prayer is not simply deprivation, it is preparation.

Getting ready for your greatness? Do what Jesus taught his disciples to do: fast and pray.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, if we have failed, help us to learn. Strengthen us so that we can fast and pray. When we do, speak to us through our hopes and dreams. Open our eyes so that we can see what lies ahead and face it without fear. Bless us with Your guidance, wisdom, faith, and fortitude, as you did for the disciples with whom you lived. Live similarly within us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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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: Trouble

Troubles of the World
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33 (NIV)

How often in times of unrest have you asked or thought, “How did I get into this mess?”

Most, if not all, people fear being in trouble and want to avoid it at all costs, but it still manages to find them. Once they are in it, they want to get out of it as fast as they can, whether or not it is of their own making. Trouble is a storm they don’t want to face.

When trouble comes, most question it and compare it to others that don’t seem to have any troubles. But even those that appear the happiest, most content, and most blessed people have trouble in their lives. No one is immune to trouble. In fact, Jesus Christ tells us in John 16:33 (NIV) that trouble is guaranteed to find you. So, why must we endure trouble?

We live in a sinful world where trouble can come at us from many sources: the act of sin itself, conflict, emotions, and reactions to difficult life situations. And sometimes trouble can blindside us when it is least expected. Yet, Jesus tells us to “Take heart!”

Sometimes we call on God to get us out of our trouble and wonder why it feels as though He has left us in it for too long or abandon us in it. That’s what happened to Jesus Christ’s disciples when an unexpected, turbulent storm came up while they were crossing a sea. Jesus was in the boat with them but they were still terrified! To their shock and dismay, Jesus was asleep. Few people can sleep peacefully through a terrible storm. But Jesus could because He knew that as quickly as a storm can form, by the power of God, it can cease.

Yet, we still tend to doubt during times of trouble. Why? Trouble is a test of faith and endurance through Jesus Christ. During trouble, even Jesus’s disciples panicked and doubted the power of who was with them, despite the fact that they had already witnessed Him do miraculous things! Much like we do when trouble comes and we call on God to help get us out of it, the disciples woke Jesus and begged Him to rescue them from a situation they were sure could kill them, asking, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38 NIV) Of course he does! Jesus cares about everything, especially saving us from ourselves.

To aid his disciples, first Jesus addressed the origin of their fear and quieted the storm. Then, in turn, he questioned their fear and lack of faith. He caused them to consider what their fear and doubt was producing. From this we can glean what we must do when trouble comes. Above all else, we must have faith and put our trust in God. Resist fear and lack of understanding of our situation and look to God for guidance and wisdom.

Jesus Christ has the power to change our situation at the right time because of our faith in Him. If our faith can move mountains (Matthew 17:20-21 NIV), it can take care of the trouble in our lives. And even if we can’t yet see the outcome of our trouble, He has promised to overcome them because He has and will continue to overcome the world.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me in times of trouble to have faith in you. Teach me how to trust you in every circumstance. Overcome my fear with your mighty power to calm the storm in and around me. Thank you, Lord, for every test of faith that brings me closer to you. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Mirachelle’s devotional message reminds me of this song “Soon I Will Be Done” performed in recent years by Bethany Devine. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater.

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan