Devotionals for the Heart: How to live by faith with one small step at a time

One Small Step
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I think of God’s command to be strong and courageous every time I open the door from my house to the garage. Yes, I’m referring to that giant room attached to your home that stores cars, tools, memories, and perhaps an extra fridge with some snacks.

But when I open the door to my garage all I see is darkness and being courageous is not my first thought. A tinge of fear shivers down my spine as I take my first step into the dark abyss. But the instant my foot hits the floor, light floods the garage as if it’s high noon on a hot summer day. Where is this light coming from? Its seemingly magical appearance is due to the motion-sensor light bulbs installed in our garage.

But in contrast, each morning when my feet hit the floor, I head for the kitchen. Without even thinking about it, I assume the coffee maker will fill my cup, the shower will offer a steady stream of warm water, and of course, the car will start when I turn the key. So, why do I easily place my faith in these conveniences, but sometimes hesitate to trust God? I don’t know about you, but it’s difficult for me to surrender the details of my life without knowing what’s coming next. However, uncertainty is a given when walking down the path of life. When you decide to move forward it takes faith and courage.

Many writers, politicians, and soldiers have described courage as not being the absence of fear, but moving forward in the face of it. Personally, I’m partial to John Wayne’s quote, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”

When facing big decisions in the midst of a challenging season I know I need to turn to Jesus Christ and ask Him for wisdom. But humans are a complex mixture of faithfulness and fear. We want to trust, but we falter. We have faith, but it wavers. However, Jesus wraps us in His everlasting arms and is with us wherever we go.

But be aware, the enemy wants us to believe otherwise. How do we fight against the enemy’s attack? Take your fears to God and lay them at the foot of the cross. Ask Him to steady your feet, fill you with strength, and give you the courage to step out in faith—one small step at a time. God’s love for humankind is unwavering, and His grace is abundant for us.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

We are thankful for your love and provision. You hold us steady and fill us with strength. Shower us with the courage to let go of the fear and step out in faith—one small step at a time. We are in awe of you, the Father of all comfort and mercy. We love You, Lord.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Turn to Jesus” by Katy Nichole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “No Fear” by Jon Reddick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “What If” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Thankful Thursdays: God is close

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful God is always closer than I realize.

Last night (April 5), I was discouraged because for months now, I have asked God to show me how to get closer to Him. The crazier our world becomes, the more important it is to have a close relationship with God and follow Jesus Christ’s lead. But to me, my prayers to God were met by radio silence from Him. And in the process, it felt like I was drifting farther away from Him. 

The silence and distance felt devastating. I asked God over and over again how to be closer to Him. I asked Him to help me feel His presence and experience His peace but still it felt like He wasn't answering me nor drawing near to me.

I am also a perfectionist and an overachiever. I know that God speaks to His people through His Word. So I bought a new study Bible in hopes that reading through it from Genesis to Revelation, would help me become closer to God. Yet despite my best efforts to draw closer to Him, God still felt distant to me and I was becoming more and more discouraged by this situation. 

However, in the midst of my discouragement and feeling far away from God last night, He put a song on my heart that I hadn’t heard nor thought of in almost two decades. The song is called “You Were Much Closer” by Fred Hammond and the lyrics remind the listener that God is always present in your life. The lyrics also encourage the listener by saying God is much closer than you realize! 

The Holy Bible says God will NEVER leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus Christ promises to be with us until the END of the world (Matthew 28:20) and He means that in the most literal sense!

God often speaks to my heart through songs. When I look up the lyrics and listen to the song on YouTube, it’s always exactly what I need in that moment.

Last night was no different. God met me in my situation through this song. And I am so grateful. I think He also was letting me know that I don’t need to perform my way into a closer relationship with Him. God just wants us to trust Him and let Him lead. I am determined now to remember that God is not far away and out of my reach. He’s right here with me, in fact, He is closer than I realize!

What are you thankful for today?

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA
Founder of "God is Love" blog

Thankful Thursday: Be Encouraged

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for this song "Encourage Yourself." Listen via the video below before reading what I have to say...



Beautiful song, isn't it?

It speaks to my reality. Since being laid off from my day job two years ago, I have struggled to find another day job that provides me with a steady and sufficient income. My hunt for a new day job has not landed me in a new career...yet!

I say "yet" because I know that God is in control of my real life story and He will lead me to where He wants me to be.

But some days, the weight of everything related to not having a day job really discourages me. I shared these thoughts with a friend today and as we were talking, God brought this song to my mind and I realized that now is the time for me to encourage myself.

So instead of lamenting over defeat, I'm going to speak victory.

Instead of worrying about my human (and therefore finite) timeline for my own life, I'm going to trust God's Divine (and therefore infinite) timetable for my life.

Instead of rehearsing the difficulties in my mind, I'm going to be still and know that God is God, as He advises me in Psalm 46:10, and use that energy to pray more to Him.

Instead of complaining about the big size of this mountain, I'm going to tell this mountain that my God is bigger and He can move it for me.

Ultimately, I'm going to work on encouraging myself and trusting in God's perfect timing.

If you too are experiencing defeat in any area of your life, I challenge you to bring your concerns to your Creator (God), pour out your heart to Him then listen to this song again and practice the art of encouraging yourself in the Lord.

Know that I'm praying for you too!

God bless your dear heart.

Love,

Alexis

Devotionals for the Heart: Freedom

Abundantly Free
A devotional written by Paula Moldenhauer

"Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth."

– Ephesians 1:7–8 (MSG)

Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are abundantly free. Free from our imperfections. Free from our guilt. Free from the constant demand to “live up” to unrealistic standards.

Let me paint a picture of freedom. Many years ago when I was a young mother, my kids and I had a really bad day. I was unkind. Mean even. And then I felt awful! Shocked by the pain in their precious eyes, I gave myself a timeout—only it wasn’t a healthy one.

Instead of confessing to the Lord my shortcomings and accepting His forgiveness, I wallowed in self-loathing. I hated the way I acted and felt I didn’t deserve His grace. I couldn’t forgive myself. In the more distant past, I would have wallowed in guilt for days. But praise be to God for His marvelous grace, He’d begun breaking that cycle within me. I was growing in my ability to understand that since Christ took my sins upon Himself, and I was covered by His righteousness, I could live a life without condemnation, even during my failings (Romans 8:1).

The happy ending of that hard day is that I cried out to the Lord to help me, and He did. My emotions calmed. I went to my children and asked their forgiveness. Then an amazing thing happened. My oldest son, then about ten-years-old, ministered to me. I don’t remember what scriptures he spoke that day, I only know they were led by the Holy Spirit, and they offered God’s heart of forgiveness.

Soon all four children and I piled up together. We forgave each other, ordered a pizza, and watched a movie.

It was over. Just like that.

And that is freedom.

Relationship. Forgiveness. Moving on.

If you ever are tempted to punish yourself when you blow it, please consider this: Christ died so we could have forgiveness. He took our punishment upon Himself. He doesn’t want us to penalize ourselves. Scripture says He didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17). He took our life of failings upon the cross and replaced it with the perfect and complete freedom to enjoy His grace.

As I’m learning to rest in the grace of Jesus, there’s a beautiful side effect. God is changing me into His image. I’m still not perfect, of course, but as I accept the gift of the cross—freedom from the judgment and punishment of my misdeeds—some of the old junk I struggled with is simply dropping away.

Won’t you join me, my precious friend in Christ, in accepting the abundant freedom of His grace?

My Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the deliverance and salvation that comes through Your blood. Your gift of forgiveness, the remission of our shortcomings and trespasses, is an example of the generosity of Your gracious favor. Empower us to walk in the freedom of Your grace. 

*Note: My prayer is a paraphrase of Ephesians 1:7 in the Amplified Version.
~*~
Author Bio:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. 

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Her most recent release is included in A Bouquet of Brides. 

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. Today’s devotion was adapted from her devotional book, Soul Scents: Bloom.

Watch your calendar because you can download Soul Scents: Bloom for free to your Kindle on July 24 and 25! Or sign up for Paula’s newsletter at www.paulamoldenhauer.com for updates on these free days and to get a weekly Flourishing Moments devotional.

For daily Flourishing Moments "Like" Paula’s author/speaker page on Facebook. Here's the link, https://www.facebook.com/PaulaMoldenhauerAuthor/.

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Devotionals for the Heart: War, Veterans and Focusing on God

Keep Your Eyes On The Captain

A devotional by Don E. Atkinson

Some years ago, my Dad, a World War II veteran, told me of his voyage across the Pacific Ocean to the South Pacific theater of war. He and approximately 500 other soldiers were boarded on a liberty ship troopship (LST, as Dad so often referred to it) and set sail with a convoy of ships for the South Pacific theater.

LST’s were approximately 57 feet wide, 440 feet long and cruised at 11 knots (13 mph). Being designed as cargo ships, the LST’s were not heavily armed. Consequently, they relied primarily upon destroyers and cruisers in the convoy for protection from enemy aircraft, war ships, and submarines. Approximately 225 liberty ships were converted from cargo use to troop transport ships, able to transport 550 troops. President Roosevelt nicknamed these ships “ugly ducklings.”

Warning: Enemy Submarines and Crazy Kamikazes!

Because of their vulnerability, about 200 liberty ships were lost to submarine torpedoes, mines, explosions, Japanese kamikazes, and other aircraft during WWII. Dad noted there was a freight load of fear among his fellow soldiers. Due to their extreme fear, and in some cases also sea sickness, many soldiers could not eat much. When they noticed Dad eating well they asked him how he had such a strong appetite in such dangerous circumstances?

Look to the Captain

Dad told his inquirers that early in his wartime voyage he “looked up” to the bridge and noticed their captain did not appear worried. So, he asked himself, “Because the captain is calm in this situation, why should I worry?” Dad did not suffer from sea sickness and with a greatly reduced fear and anxiety level, ate well on his wartime voyage filled with several potential dangers.

How are you doing in your voyage of life? Are you fearing possible “emergencies” or “trials” or “losses” in your voyage that might be compared to deadly enemy submarines? Like Dad, look up to the captain of your boat, Jesus, the author and completer of your faith. Regarding the “voyage” ahead for each one of us, the author of Hebrews exhorted his readers:

“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete...So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up." ~Hebrews 12:2a, 3 (The Promise).

Yes, keep your eyes and mind on Jesus. Your boat’s captain is calm, strong, and all-knowing. He will: (1) “lead” you in the various storms of your voyage; (2) help you with “discouragement;” and (3) bring you safely into the harbor. He accomplished this for a WWII soldier years ago and He can do it for you today and in the future!

At the beginning of this New Year, make a resolution to more regularly “look up” and gaze on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of your faith—and the “captain” of your little boat.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Don E. Atkinson was born and raised in Lincoln, NE. He attended Southern Nazarene University (formerly Bethany Nazarene College) and Colorado State University securing a Bachelor of Science degree. Later, he completed his Master of Science degree at Texas A&M University. 

He completed a significant amount of coursework towards a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS).

Don has been active in his local church teaching adult Bible studies and preaching as needed. Married in December of 1982, he has three grown children. Currently, Don and his wife reside near Lyons, NE.

Connect with Don via his website (www.daybydayintheword.org) and his blog (daybydayintheword.blogspot.com).

Interview with Cheryl Martin, author of "Distinctly You" (book)

Today, we have a special guest. She's a high-profile broadcast journalist, speaker, communicator and author with a passion for helping women and inspiring audiences. Cheryl Martin is her name and she's here to talk about this book:

Here's what Susan, a reader of Cheryl's book, had to say about it: “Cheryl, I heard you speak on Life Today and ordered your book Distinctly You during the program. God has used many books to help and to heal me but Distinctly You was the timeliest tool He has ever given to me. I had been struggling under jealousy and comparison because I was raised that way. And right as it came to its highest peak yet in my 50 years of living God showed me His answer, "Distinctly You". I have recommended it to numerous friends already. This collection of personal stories along with the biblical accounts has brought healing, much learning and a tool for me to use to help others… Many women need this tool of freedom. God Bless You, precious sister. Susan”

Now guess what? Today, you, my dear blog readers, have the distinct honor of hearing from Cheryl Martin as she's talking about her book Distinctly You in this author interview. 

Guess what else? She wants to giveaway one copy of her book to one of you! Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget's form below then proceed to read my interview with Cheryl. God bless you! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with Cheryl Martin about her book, Distinctly You:

Alexis: What led you to write Distinctly You?

Cheryl: I wanted to encourage women to stop fixating on what they are not or do not have and instead, develop their God-given uniqueness. I believed that sharing my journey and my God-stories would inspire them to become ALL God meant them to be.

Alexis: What message do you want your readers to take to heart?

Cheryl: Every woman has a God-given distinction, but on this journey called ‘life,’ we experience attitudes and actions, “blockers” to our distinction. To counter these “blockers,” we must activate “builders.” I mention in Distinctly You, twelve of each.”

Alexis: What do you think of the 3 Cs: comparing, competing, and coveting” that we as women fall victim to? How can we overcome that pitfall?

Cheryl: I like to say that those 3C’s lead to 3Ds: discouragement, discontentment, and depression, and they are deadly. You cannot win when you are consumed with any of the 3C’s because they can prevent you from developing your strengths and distinctions. There is always going to be someone smarter, prettier, younger, and more talented.

We need to remember that someone else’s greatness will take nothing from our God-given distinction. When we believe this, we will applaud and affirm another woman and her giftedness.

We can overcome the 3C’s by remembering that it’s God who determined our talents, looks, and assignments. We exist to glorify Him. He will reward us based on what we do with what we’ve been given. We can get the same commendation as someone multitalented or more beautiful or smarter when we do our best.

I have learned much by studying the great attitudes of John the Baptist, Jonathan, and Elisabeth in the Bible. They applauded the “higher” positions appointed to Jesus, David, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. There was no competition or rivalry. They recognized the sovereign hand of God in choosing whom He would exalt.”

Alexis: Thank you for writing this book. You share your personal stories of the battles you faced in life. In what ways do you hope that your heartfelt transparency will help women readers?

Cheryl: I am by nature a private person, but I believed God wanted me to share my internal struggles with self-acceptance and doubt at certain times in my life to encourage other women. So many times, people think that those who have experienced a certain level of success don’t have to overcome their fears and rejection. So many times, we as women find it difficult to verbalize what we are feeling and experiencing and how we really see ourselves. We don’t open up to anyone about our dislike of our body image or skin tone, or height or weight. I decided to share things I’d only talked to God about because I wanted other women to know I’ve been there and there is a way to breakthrough to freedom and fulfillment.

Alexis: What were the challenges of writing “Distinctly You?

Cheryl: I actually had a lot more material than I thought. I needed to rely on God’s wisdom to know what to keep in and what to take out. Also, it took awhile to get a publishing contract. I had these concepts in my heart for more than seven years, but in God’s perfect timing, the book was picked up by a publisher (Bethany House) that was excited about the project. How the book came to be could easily fit into the premise of what Distinctly You is all about…that God has a distinct path for all of us and He desperately wants to lead us on the best course for our lives.

Alexis: What tips can you share with us to help us discover our distinct God-given purpose in life?

Cheryl: I believe that studying the 12 “blockers” and the 12 “builders” covered in the book will provide great insight on what is holding any woman back from her destiny. All might not apply to each reader, but you can identify the actions and attitudes that need to be discarded and those that need to be developed.”

Alexis: Complete this sentence: At the end of the day, I am _________________________because ________________________.

Cheryl: At the end of the day, I am thrilled that I committed my life to Jesus as a child because this relationship has shaped my life. I have no regrets that I made Him my Savior and Lord.

~*~
Author bio: 

Cheryl Martin is a professional speaker, communications expert, and the host of Excellent Living, a weekly radio broadcast offering practical and relevant principles that assist women in making wise choices. Cheryl Martin was the popular moderator of Lead Story, a Sunday news analysis program on Black Entertainment Television (BET). The show brought together some of the top African-American journalists to discuss the major national and international news events of the week and interview top newsmakers. 

During her tenure at BET, Martin was a news anchor and also reported and produced several half-hour specials for the network: “The Legacy: Dreaming and Living Success,” an inspirational look at successful African Americans and the parents who inspired them to excel; “Mission in the Hood,” a look at initiatives by Black, inner-city churches to curb violence and strengthen the family, and “Passage to Democracy,” a chronicling of Martin’s visit to South Africa to cover the historic first all-race elections.

She is the author of the books: Distinctly You: Trading Comparison & Competition for Freedom & Fulfillment and 1st Class Single: Rules for Dating & Waiting God’s Way.
~*~

Connect with Cheryl:

Facebook - facebook.com/excellentliving
Twitter - twitter.com/excellentliving
Website - cherylmartin.org