Devotionals for the Heart: How to deal with disappointments in this life

How to Deal with Disappointments
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Have you ever been disappointed when someone didn’t show up?

I’m feeling sure we’ve all had our hopes dashed when the promise of seeing someone fails to happen. Whether you’re waiting at the coffee shop, the airport, or at home, the common thread is this: You are waiting. You are waiting with a heart filled to the brim with joyous anticipation! But in an instant, it fades away with a message that says, “I’m so sorry, but I need to reschedule.”

That feeling of joy has just been ripped from your heart, causing a tiny crack in your armor just big enough for the enemy to sneak his way in. His goal is to burrow into your thoughts with lies like, “I’m not good enough. I’m not important enough. I am unworthy of this friendship.”

I’ve had my share of disappointments and it seems impossible to drive away the piercing feeling of discouragement. It wells up in your soul, spills from your eyes and lingers for a while. Be patient with yourself and you will eventually emerge from its grip.

But how do you restore the joy that propelled you into this moment? Instead of giving power to this line of thinking, take time to pray for your friend who might be facing a similar setback. Instead of giving power to the enemy, ask God to part your sea of tears and see you through the disappointment.

Circle back to what you know about your Creator (God) who cares for you and always shows up on time. His plans are for your welfare, and He will never abandon you. In the middle of the waiting, God is there for you, every single day.

He’s not just with you for the fabulous, “I can’t believe it! I want to tell the whole world!”, days. He is with you every day. Even in the most horrible, no-good day that seems to never end, Jesus Christ is right beside you. He carries you when you can’t walk, speaks when you can’t speak, and gives you strength when you are battle weary.

Disappointments are a part of life and usually show up when we least expect it.

What can we do to recover from disappointments? Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and thank the Lord for His many blessings. He is with you through the disappointments and the victories, days filled with heartbreak and the ordinary days in-between. God is always present in your life. Look and you will see Him, listen and He will comfort your heart.

Our hope is in Christ alone. He is divine, loving, powerful, compassionate, majestic, and ever-present. Every single day with Jesus is a gift, and another day to serve Him.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Open my eyes and fill my heart with your unspeakable joy. Remind me to look along the path You set before me and allow me to see a glimpse of your plans for me. You go before me, walk beside me, and my hope for the future rests in you alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “In Christ Alone” by Keith & Kristyn Getty (feat. CityAlight). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Will Carry You” by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s Song)” by Dámaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Come and Fill My Heart” by Avalon. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter. Listen to it here.


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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a follower of Jesus Christ, educator and writer. She lives with her husband in the Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are relentless and the winters are a little slice of Heaven. 

Colleen earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. This degree opened opportunities to write science curriculum, develop district programs, work with Arizona teachers, community leaders, and more. With NASA Grant funding, she was also able to work with teachers all over the country and expand their knowledge of teaching science as a collaborative effort.

Over the last few years God has 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 Him. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, Colleen believes that if you fix your eyes on Jesus then you will see the heart of God.

Colleen’s writing has been published in the following online publications: Living By Design, Her View From Home, Inside Out Worldwide, Inkspirations, and in anthologies like From Ruins to Restoration, Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions of Bold Faith, and The Miracle of Prayer. She is a monthly blogger for Dressing in God’s Love.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Interview with Jaime Jamgochian about her new book on surrender

Sacred Surrender (book) author interview with Jaime Jamgochian

Alexis: Congratulations on writing your first book! Sacred Surrender: The Practice of Waiting Well with God, is about trusting God can make the hard times holy. How did God do this for you?

Jaime: When we suffer in some way (sickness, loss, relational stress) we can come to know a side of Jesus Christ few get to. He suffered for us and when we walk through a season like this it shows us that the hard times can be Holy. Years ago, I saw the nearness of God when He invited me into a Holy season of understanding through Lyme Disease. I learned this valuable lesson.

Alexis: Describe one of your darkest days. How did your relationship with Jesus Christ help you survive that dark time?

Jaime: One of my darkest days was when I was so light and noise sensitive all I felt I could do was sit in a dark room for some relief. It was in that moment when I felt alone, lost, and confused by the season that I was experiencing. I sensed the Lord invite me to recite scriptures from the Bible that I knew by heart. This brought so much comfort to me and drew me closer to Him.

Alexis: You said that you don’t believe in coincidences. Instead, you believe in divine appointments. What do you mean? Share an example of this from your life story.

Jaime: I believe God orchestrates everything. He is the Author of Life, and the Bible says He directs our steps. My very first record deal came through a divine appointment with a family that wanted to start a Christian music label (Centricity Music). I met them at the church where I was leading worship at and interning. When you were in the Bible school/internship program they place you with a host home. It was a total God set up and divine appointment to be placed there which lead into a serious kingdom relationship.

Alexis: You’ve learned that just because you surrender your life to God, it doesn’t mean you won’t still suffer and experience hard trials in life. How did God teach you that life lesson? Explain how it impacted your perspective.

Jaime: The Bible tells us we will all walk through trials in life, but Jesus promises to be right there with us. I have seen this in my life several different ways and times. One time I felt overlooked in ministry and did not understand why I was not invited into a certain area. Now I can look back and see that it was God’s divine protection and Him making me strong in other areas where there were giftings that needed to blossom in my life. It showed me that His ways are always higher than ours and all we need to do is trust Him with all our hearts.

Alexis: How did you come to realize that God’s dreams are bigger than our own dreams for our life? Share how you pray about your heart’s desires after that realization.

Jaime: I started praying a simple but life-changing prayer as a young believer: “Lord, I want to dream the dreams that YOU have for my life.” The Bible makes it clear that our hearts can be deceitful above all else, so I wanted to make sure I was not pushing for something that He did not have for me. I laid down all my music giftings and dreams for a season to see if it was really Him. He brought it all back in ways only He could. This is a form of surrender and trust that can yield much good fruit in your life.

Alexis: You believe that happiness is fleeting, but joy remains. What does that mean for you? Explain what that can mean for the people who read your book too.

Jaime: Happiness comes and goes. A good, fresh Italian pizza with real ingredients makes me happy. But it is fleeting—here today and gone tomorrow. We can search for happiness in so many places but will always keep chasing for more of it. However, joy is a fruit of The Holy Spirit. It is something that will remain in and through every season. It has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your walk with the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our greatest strength. So lean into that which is eternal instead of just trying to seek out happiness.

Alexis: In your book, you encourage your readers to not give up before their story gets good because God is still writing it. What does that look like in your own life?

Jaime: There have been many times that I wanted to throw the towel in and quit, especially professional speaking. I am so glad I stayed faithful to God and did not give up too soon because many doors would not have opened. Keep trusting and waiting on His perfect timing.

Alexis: You’ve advised against falling into the trap of comparison but instead, learning to know your identity as a follower of Jesus Christ. How does that help a person?

Jaime: It is so easy to compare. I have learned that trusting God requires us to stay in our own lane—the one that He has for each one of us. It will look different than anyone else’s. Comparison is rooted in jealousy and that is not something we want to walk in. Focusing on what God is doing in your life will help you guard against the temptation to compare your story with others.

Alexis: You’re a single woman in her 40s. What do you have to say to encourage women who feel like they’ve missed out on true love, marriage and creating a family because they are over forty? Explain how God’s timetable is always on time.
 
Jaime: I talk about this a lot in the book (so make sure to grab a copy!). I would say that we are all on the timetable God has for our lives. If He placed that desire in your heart then I do not believe our good Heavenly Father would just leave it there unfulfilled. Start living in the all the other places your life is thriving. Use the waiting season as preparation. Do all the things you might not have the time for when you are a mom or a wife. Live each season to the fullest and trust that God has not forgotten you.

Alexis: Thank you for the interview, Jaime! How can we support you?

Jaime: Thanks so much! Please just pray for God’s will to be done in my life.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jaime Jamgochian is a Dove-nominated singer, songwriter, worship leader, and popular speaker for women’s events. 

Waiting seems to be a perpetual theme for the 25-year music veteran. Yet, threads of persistence, determination, and perseverance are also woven throughout Jamgochian’s remarkable story as she’s navigated not just the highs and lows of a challenging, ever-changing music industry, but also the peaks and valleys of life over the past two-plus decades with Lyme disease. Her valuable experience and hard-won perspective all culminate in her latest project, Sacred Surrender, an album she never expected to make. And now, Jamie is writing about how to live in Sacred Surrender in those in-between times in life.

Jamgochian, a classically trained pianist and vocalist who studied at Berklee College of Music, first honed her craft playing jazz in bars and on cruise ships. The first in her family to become a Christian, Jamgochian was saved at 21. She eventually helped her family find the Lord and began using her musical gifts to serve the local church. Still in the infancy of her faith, the Boston native signed a recording contract with Centricity Music that launched her career in Christian music and secured her a No. 1 song with “Hear My Worship.”

Through it all, she’s never wavered in her faith. With a new album coming out and the writing of her first book by the same name, Sacred Surrender, she wants to see people encounter the love of God and experience hope.

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Blurb for Sacred Surrender (book): 

Can your impatience become gratitude and your darkest fear lead to deeper faith? 

Jaime Jamgochian knows what it means to live in uncertainty. A Dove Award–nominated singer-songwriter, she has leaned on her faith to navigate daunting personal health struggles and an ever-changing music industry. Now she shares her story of learning to ground her life in gratitude, joyful worship, and a trust in God’s timing rather than her own.

In Jaime’s music and writing, she encourages women of faith to persevere and: 

• Find prayerful ways to make even the hard times holy
• Experience joy in worship and intentional gratitude
• Trust that God’s plan and timetable are in place

Are you experiencing uncertainty and disappointment as you wait for answers in your life? 

Jaime helps readers turn worry into worship and live a more light-filled season of waiting, knowing that God is working within us at all times.

~*~

Buy Jaime's book:

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

Target 

Walmart

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Connect with Jaime:
Website: https://www.jaimejam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimejamgochian/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimejamgochian
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaimejamgochianmusic
Apple Music: Jaime Jamgochian - Apple Music

Devotionals for the Heart: Trust God

Trusting God Even When We Can’t See
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”—Matthew 16:25 (ESV)

Trusting God is hard, especially when I really want something, and God doesn’t seem to be doing anything to give me what I want. Can you relate?

Our circumstances may testify to one thing, but God is not limited by our circumstances. In fact, I think that when our circumstances look the bleakest that this is when God shows us His power. Even as I write this, I hold hopes and dreams in my heart. Dreams not yet fully realized, dreams I don’t know if I will see ever come to fruition. But I am challenged daily to trust God even when I can’t see all the ways He is providing.

Trusting God has been a key theme for me this year. I can’t tell you how many times I struggle to have faith. I’m often tempted to look around at my circumstances and become discouraged, but I fail to remember that present circumstances do not necessarily determine the destination.

In Matthew 16:25, Jesus Christ says that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it. Does this mean that we will be a martyr for Christ? Not necessarily. But I do believe, in a practical sense, He is calling every single one of us to lay down our dreams and what we hold dear at His feet.

Are we willing to lay down everything, even if it means losing it, and give it to Jesus?

This is a challenge for me everyday as I find myself struggling to lay down what I want and surrender it to the One Who loves me most. I used to pride myself on having control of my life. I gripped God’s good gifts with an iron fists, terrified of losing anything. I’ve mentioned before that my mom was diagnosed with cancer last year. I love her so much and greatly feared losing her. During that season, for the first time in my life, I felt completely helpless because there was a situation I couldn’t change. I had to learn to surrender to God’s plan.

God calls me to lay everything, even my hopes and dreams, at His feet.

And you know what? When we lay down our hopes and dreams at the feet of Jesus and truly trust Him with everything, then we will find that in Jesus, we have everything we need. Right now, I have so many unanswered questions about the future. There are so many things I can’t change that I wish I could. I wish I could change XYZ about my finances, relationships, and so on. Can you relate? But the fact is, there are some things in our life that no matter how hard we try or wish were different, we simply can’t change and some answers we don’t need to know right now.

Through the uncertainty, God is calling me to trust Him even when I don’t have all the answers. Whenever I begin to fear the future, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness and am challenged to trust Him. What unanswered questions do you have today? Do you feel God calling you to trust Him?

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, please help me to lay down my hopes and dreams and entrust them into Your care. I know You care about me and that my hopes and dreams are better in Your hands than in my own. Help me to trust You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Lay it Down” by Sanctus Real. 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: Why God's plans are better than our own

God’s Ways Are Greater Than Mine
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:9 (ESV)

Trusting that God knows best can be a difficult lesson to learn. If you’re anything like me, then I’m sure you have plans. Perhaps hopes and dreams that eventually become plans. Maybe you’re planning to go to college or pursue a career that you’ve long admired as a child.

As much as we try to, the fact is that we don’t have control over everything in our lives. When God’s plans don’t line up with our own, it’s tempting to become angry.

I’ve been there.

When it comes to long-time choices like careers or even smaller decisions like what groups to join, classes to take, or trips to embark on, we may have our plans. But at some point, if we go ahead without truly seeking God, He will intervene and show us that it was not His plan.

Now, that might sound harsh, and like I said before, it can be a tough pill to swallow.

But God only has our ultimate best interest in mind. When we truly surrender to God and His will for our lives, we will find that His plans are so much better than our own.

I remember when I was a child, I had plans to pursue acting full-time. I thought that perhaps I would get a job in the Christian film industry. I began heading down that path and focused on acting. Looking back, God was trying to get ahold of me and show me that acting wasn’t all He had for me. But in my stubborn deafness, I refused to listen until one day God revealed to me that He had other plans.

At the time, I inwardly rebelled against them. Acting was part of my plan, and I didn’t want to change my plan. When God revealed to me that the plans I had for myself weren’t what He had for me, it was incredibly disappointing at first. No one likes to realize that their entire life plan isn’t the path they should be going down.

Maybe my plan sounds less dramatic than your “entire life plan.” Maybe it’s your goals for this year, this month, or tomorrow. Maybe it’s a job opportunity that logic tells you should take but you know in your heart God wants you to trust Him and choose another, less “obvious” option.

I encourage you if you don’t know what God’s plans are for you, ask Him. He will show you. Maybe we won’t know where we’re supposed to be 10 years from now. That’s okay. But He will guide us through each day. And if our hearts are in tune with His Spirit, then I believe that He will unveil His plan for each of us. Sometimes God’s plans for us unfold slowly and not as quickly as we would like, but we can trust that He will show us His plans for our life in His perfect time.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, please forgive me for following my own plan. Please help me to be in tune with You and to listen when You call. Father, I want to hear from You! Please help me realize that I don’t need to know every single part of Your plan for my life right now. Teach me how to rest in You and trust You to make everything clear to me. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Control” by for KING & COUNTRY. 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 seriously follow God’s calling to write a novel. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has at least four novels in the works. For the past five years, she has been involved with her local Biblical theater company. She wants to show others the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

When she’s not acting or working on her upcoming novel, you can find Hannah laughing with her siblings, cuddling her little fluffy dog, or reading books (usually historical fiction or fantasy stories). 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:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Blog: www.loveunconditional.blog

Devotionals for the Heart: When God meets your needs and answers prayer

Saying Yes to The Opportunities That Move God's Heart
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”­—Ephesians 1:3-6 (NIV)

As I picked up the phone, my client Pam sounded upset.

“Sarah, do you have a minute? I’ve had a rough week. Frank is a handful, and I can't care for him anymore. I want to find him a good home but can't stand the thought of putting him in a shelter, so I wondered if you would take him. He loves you so much. I feel like such a failure, but knowing he'll go to a good home would be an enormous relief.”

For a moment, I pondered this life-changing choice. I loved Frank from day one and would give him a good life, but I couldn't deny the sacrifice of owning a second dog. Yet, God knew I wanted to adopt a Dachshund, and this was His appointed time so I accepted Pam’s offer. When I hung up the phone I was over the moon and a few days later I welcomed him home and handed Pam a care package to show my support, knowing how hard it was to say goodbye to him.

When we're at a crossroads, we can be confident when our hearts say yes to what moves the heart of God. But doing something out of obligation when our hearts aren't fully invested causes us to miss God’s best, leading to a lifetime of regret. Love is the core from which God acts, and we glorify Him when we enthusiastically accept the opportunities that He places in our path to do His work on this Earth until He returns to take His faithful followers home to Heaven.

Perfect love motivated our gracious and merciful God to say yes to humankind's original dilemma by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins on the cross at Calvary. God’s unchanging love saves us from living forever in a dark and lonely place (Matthew 13:49-50). When we accept God’s gift of salvation (John 3:16), He adopts us into His forever family so we can spend eternity in His heavenly home.

Fellow traveler, God isn’t surprised by what you're facing today. If you feel weary or defeated, keep your chin up because He already has a plan to deliver you (Psalm 50:15). Don’t be surprised if He places someone in your path today who is ready to say yes to Him by meeting your need (Philippians 4:19). Christ’s “yes” to you at the cross means He’s available now at a moment's notice. So, go to Jesus today and lay your burdens at His feet. He’s waiting to shower His extravagant love on you.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your forever family by rescuing me from a dark future without you. When the trials of this life test my faith and I’m too weary to take another step, help me remember that when Jesus came to save me, His “yes” at the cross means everything else I face will work out according to His plan. In Jesus’s Name, I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “No Longer Slaves” by Zach Williams. 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: When God's plans are better than our plans

Staying On Shore
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.” –Jonah 1:3 (KJV)

I used to think that the worst possible scenario for big life decisions was that God would never answer my questions and I would be left uncertain.

I was wrong. The worst possible scenario for big life decisions is that God says “no” to what you really want and “yes” to something that you say “absolutely not” to. So far, I feel like God says “yes” to everything I don’t want and “no” to everything I do want. Sounds like a typical parent, right?

A couple of weeks ago, I felt a passion to do and accomplish something like I had never felt before. This certain thing was a good and honorable thing that would consume many hours of my life and I was willing to jump in full-heartedly. However, it was only two days in when I started to hear God’s voice. His voice wasn’t audible to my ears, but I knew in my heart that He was telling me “no”.

I argued with God for more than a week. I listed all the good things that could come of my new venture. I thought about all the people I could help and reach for His glory. I would remind God that I was doing this for Him. But the more I negotiated and continued to make my own plans (similar to Jonah), the less peace I had. Isn’t it amazing that God takes away our peace when we are straying from His will?

I didn’t get on the ship. I would like to say that the reason I didn’t get on the ship was because I am spiritually mature than Jonah. However, I have to honestly say that my heart was weary of trying to hide from God. I had no peace and I knew I would be absolutely miserable if I went any further. So, I threw away my plans and stayed on the shore, watching my ship of grand ideas drift out to sea. I cried a few tears and turned around, drudging toward Nineveh and the things that I knew were God’s will for my life. Is this the path I would have chosen for my life? No, but there are great things that are about to happen in Nineveh—things that will reveal God’s glory more than I ever could with my own ambition.

Often, I wonder what would have happened if I had gotten on the ship and went ahead with my own plans. First, I would have been miserable without the peace of God. But I also wonder how long it would have been before the storm came and I was thrown overboard—my plans and dreams along with me.

God’s will for your life will be accomplished. Sometimes, we decide to try our own plans for a while, but we are only prolonging our journey to true peace and contentment. Don’t get on the ship of stubbornness and self-fulfillment. Stay on the shore and in the peace of God.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for guiding us through life and loving us too much to let us wander wherever we would like. Grant us the courage to stay on the shore and leave our own plans behind. We want to follow wholeheartedly after You—no matter the cost. Help us to die to self, pick up our cross, and follow You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Will Follow (Lyric Video)” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five.

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

PureFlix Show Review: A Thousand Tomorrows

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

A Thousand Tomorrows:

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

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

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

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

Now for my review: 

Episode 2 of A Thousand Tomorrows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Themes of this movie included:

· Sacrifice

· Supporting your spouse

· Making hard decisions

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

· Death, grief, loss

· Chronic illness and being a caregiver

· There is freedom in faith

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

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

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

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

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

Movie Review: Nothing is Impossible

My Review of Nothing is Impossible movie

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

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

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

Here’s what they had to say: 

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

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

My Closing Points

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

Nothing is Impossible is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

See the movie trailer for Nothing is Impossible here:

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

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

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

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

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

#NothingIsImpossibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Why you shouldn't give up on your dreams

Keep Dreaming
A devotional by Shirley A. Denson

“Now Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him even more.” 

–Genesis 37:5 (AMP)

Joseph was a dreamer from a young age.

He was 17 years old when he had the first dream about him being in rulership over his brothers. The brothers didn’t receive it well, and hated Joseph him for his dream. He then had a second dream, that pretty much confirmed the first dream, and he told them again. Of course, they didn’t like the second version either, and hated him the more because of it. Joseph, like so many of us, get excited about our dreams and plans, and share them prematurely—or to the wrong people. His brothers were literal haters, and because of that hatred they decided to get rid of him.

As a result, Joseph had to go by way of the pit, Potiphar, prison, and Pharaoh before he reached his place of rulership at the palace. However, every pitstop/detour on Joseph’s journey played a part in positioning him for dream fulfillment. Although Joseph was 17 when he had the dream, and 30 when the dream was fulfilled, it still came to fruition. Although 13 years had transpired between the dream and fulfillment, Habakkuk 2:3 (AMP) reminds us that, “For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time. It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.”

I know that this verse may sound contradicting, but there’s a notable difference between tarrying/delay and processing. You, like Joseph, may have concluded that since what God shown you hasn’t come to pass yet that there’s a delay. However, what’s actually happening isn’t delay, but it’s the processing.

Processing is often times viewed as a dirty word in the church. There is nothing more despised that having to endure the process of a thing. Understandably, it’s because the timeframe is undisclosed, and we live in a microwavable generation where everything has to be quick, fast, and in a hurry. Although Joseph had the dreams at 17, the appointed time was when he was 30. Joseph’s dreams didn’t tarry, but they did process. After they finished processing, 13 years later, then was it the appointed time for them to be fulfilled. In the in-between time, Joseph had to endure some hardships on the way to fulfillment, but he never stopped dreaming, nor believing what God had showed him in his initial dreams.

Joseph didn’t let what he had been through deter his dreams. Though he had been put in a pit, prevaricated on in Potiphar’s house, placed in prison, and petitioned by Pharaoh before he was provided the palace, he kept dreaming! Don’t let what you’ve been through, or are going through, steal/silence your dreams.

When those closest to you no longer want to be around you because of your dream…keep dreaming! When you’re talked about and lied on…keep dreaming! When people/circumstances try to restrain you, or box you in…keep dreaming! What you are carrying is posturing you to fulfill the need of a Pharaoh, that will ultimately provide you the palace. You’re not too old, or too young to dream, so don’t let anything hinder you. And by all means, keep dreaming! After you dream, wake up, and then execute! God still fulfills dreams! If it hasn’t happened yet, there’s still time!

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for being omniscient. You knew my end from the beginning, and You knew the path that my life would take. Help me to remember, and pursue, the dream(s) You’ve placed on the inside of me. Give me the patience to endure the processing time it takes for the dream(s) to be fulfilled, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection: “Just the Beginning” by Kurt Carr. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Shirley A. Denson is a native of Statesboro, GA.

She found out at a young age that she had a creative mind and a way with words. Later on in life, she learned to cultivate her passion for writing as a budding author.

Shirley is very passionate about writing. Each book that she releases will be a product of God stirring and cultivating the gift He’s entrusted her with. She has won numerous writing awards/certificates, and is a published poet and blogger.

For the past six years, Shirley has worked as a professional ghostwriter, editor, and author. It is her joy and goal that through print, she might impact lives and leave the imprint of the King.

Visit her website to stay in the loop about her new book releases, current projects, and to read her blog posts.

~*~
Connect with Shirley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SayWhatEnterprises
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saywhatenterprises/

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should ask God for what we want

What Do You Want?
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” 

–Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

One of the salient questions of life is, “What do you want?”

The fulfillment of that question elicits dialogue and occasionally, negotiations. The question implies explicit trust in the relationship between the one asking and the one being asked.

For birthdays, Christmas and rites of passage, the question is always asked, “What do you want?” The answer considers expectations and future realities. The answer is also an assessment of the ability and willingness of the benefactor.

When my children were young the answer was usually a doll, roller skates, video games and/or a bicycle. When they began to drive, they envisioned and tested my ability to provide them with cars that would enhance and not detract from their self-image. When they got married, they had very concrete expectations about their wedding and reception.

When her parents balked at getting her a dog, one of my granddaughters asked my wife and I to provide her with a dog that she could visit, at our house. We asked, “What kind of dog do you want?” She is still thinking about it. Maybe she has forgotten.

Psalm 27 is a song of David that expresses confidence in the power, presence and compassionate interference of Divinity on behalf of the shepherd who became king. The audacity of the psalmist, in this verse, is based upon former assurances of God’s covering when he had slain a lion, a bear and a giant. In this verse, he pronounces his sole desire to dwell in the house of the Lord. This phrase is a familiar refrain from Psalm 23.

The house of the Lord, here mentioned, is not a place in space as much as it is an attitude of worship. It is a state of being, a construction of the soul rather than an external monument. Psalm 22:3 declares that God inhabits, occupies, abides in and relishes the worshipful praises of His people, who are Israel. This declaration includes the genetic descendants of Israel as well as those who are engrafted by Christian faith.

So, the answer to the salient question, “What do you want?” is to be gifted with a perpetual attitude of gratitude. An attitude of gratitude will always elevate the person praising God from danger to deliverance, from insufficiency to more than enough. An attitude of gratitude always delivers us from evil and out of temptation, to the table of grace and beneficence.

The psalmist, knowing this spiritual hack, shares the key code to the attitude of gratitude, the house of the Lord. It is in the next phrase in Psalm 27:4: “…to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.”

Romans 1:20 suggests that the character of God is made evident and visible in the things that He created. Nature is a photograph of the presence of God and it inspires praise and worship, which constructs His temple.

So, the sole desire of the psalmist was to worship God by focusing on nature, divine interventions and epiphanies of God’s presence. Out of that awareness and devotion to destiny flowed all of the blessings that David experienced. Long life, opulence, security and legacy encompass all of the things that we average humans might want.

As you think about your answer to that salient question, “What do you want?”, consider basing your ask on appreciative reflections upon what God has already done for you. Then, cast your sanctified vision upon the Lord, believing that He who made the rose, the eagle, the lion and the wonders of the world, believes in you and can engineer your dreams. See it! Believe it! Sing it! Do your part to live faithfully in pursuit of it.

A friend and mentor once told me, “The hand of God never points where His hand has not already made a way.” Celebrate the hand of God as it becomes apparent in giving you the desires of your heart.

Let’s Pray: Greetings, dear God. Please bless the reader of this page today. Hear and receive their praise reports. Direct their attention to something beautiful or awesome in nature. Then, dear God, usher them into your wondrous presence as You fulfill your plan for their lives. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 27” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
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: How to claim your God-given calling

Claim Your Calling
A devotional by Cyndi Staudt

“Let everyone be devoted to fulfill the work God has given them to do with excellence, and their joy will be in doing what’s right and being themselves, and not in being affirmed by others.” 

–Galatians 6:4 (TPT)

In my early days as a Christian, I recall experiencing gift envy.

I knew God’s Word (The Holy Bible) assured us we were each given gifts to be used for the furthering of God’s Kingdom. But I had no idea what my God-given gifts were. Instead of seeking God, the Giver of our gifts, in my quest to discover what my gifting might be, I chose to turn my focus to what others were doing around me.

I saw a young mom serving faithfully in the MOPS ministry, as she had been doing for over 10 years, and wondered how she knew that was where God wanted her to serve. I watched enviously as my friend stepped confidently and boldly into children’s ministry even though hers were grown. I sat on the sidelines in women’s ministry when a dear sister-in-Christ dove in headfirst, while admitting she didn’t know what she was doing, but saying she felt God was calling her to get out of the boat. Each time I saw them bearing fruit for the Kingdom from their faithful service, I would find myself longingly wishing I was serving in that ministry, in that capacity. I wanted to discover where my place was in God’s Kingdom work and feel like I was accomplishing something worthwhile for His glory.

I remember my pastor at the time asking me to lead a Bible study. I reasoned, “He hears from God and must know what I’m supposed to do." So of course I said yes. And so began a several year journey of saying yes to every offer that I received to serve at church. I grew to feel like a distracted Martha, scurrying around the church trying to get everything done, yet accomplishing nothing and grumbling under my breath as I was doing it. Leading to complete burnout and total dissatisfaction, I began to question whether God could or would use me to do anything meaningful for the Kingdom.

I think I was waiting for my burning bush moment when God would miraculously appear to me and call me to His mission and purpose for my life. But I began to realize that event might not ever happen. Then again, I’ve never spent years on the backside of a mountain tending sheep like Moses in the Bible did (Exodus 3:1-14), nor did I want to. So, I knew I had to find another way to figure out what God had in store for me. Surrendering myself fully to the process, I began seeking the Lord and asking Him specifically what gifts He had given me, what He had created me for, and what purpose He had plans for me to fulfill.

Knowing I wanted to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when I enter His glory, I committed to be obedient to His call, even before knowing His answer, whatever it might be. I said with the most sincerity in my heart possible, “Here I am, send me!” I prayed, I fasted, and I prayed some more. I took spiritual gifts assessments, sought Godly counsel, and persisted in prayer. Eventually I felt my heart and mind begin to acquiesce into a state of waiting upon the Lord, with a spirit of expectation, but contentment in His ways and timing. And that's precisely where I discovered that was where God wanted me, sitting at His feet in hopeful anticipation of hearing Him speak. I began to realize that what the call was wasn't nearly as important as seeking the One who was bestowing the call.

It reminded me of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus while her sister scurried around making practical preparations for His visit. Jesus confirmed there was only one thing worth being concerned about and Mary had chosen what is better, sitting at the feet of her Savior and hanging on His every word. In the quiet moments as I sat tenderly seeking the guidance of God, I discovered the desires He had placed in my heart. I began pursing those desires, devoted to fulfilling His call with excellence, reaping a heart full of joy and contentment. How sweet it is to leave behind the impossible need to please everyone else and sit securely in the space God purposed me for and the call He created me for.

Let’s Pray:
Gracious Father, thank you for your endless patience towards me and your persistent pursuit of my wayward heart. When I chase after misguided intentions, use the power of your Holy Spirit to gently guide me back onto the path You created me for. Help me keep my eyes focused on You and my heart turned towards the distinct calling You have placed on my life. Show me the unique qualities You placed in my innermost being that make me perfectly poised to fulfill the work You have given me to do with excellence. Grant me great joy in simply doing what's right, being myself, and seeking only Your approval. May I never grow weary in carrying out everything You call me to, knowing that Your work is never in vain and You will carry on to completion every last detail. Thank you for the incredible privilege and honor of serving Your people and being included in Your Kingdom work. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Cyndi’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “I Will Go” by Steve Green. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Cyndi Staudt is a Jesus-loving, adrenaline junkie who is devoted to living her life for Jesus Christ until the day she is living with Him. 

With a passion for cultivating a craving for God’s Word, her devotions and Bible studies are saturated with faith and hope to stir your soul to connect with God in deeper, more intimate ways.

Through her writing she hopes to ignite your desire to read God’s Word, invite your heart to experience God’s love, and inspire you to live your live life “souled out” to the One whose love has no limits.

~*~
Connect with Cyndi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/souledoutcyndi/

Devotionals for the Heart: When God provides for you right on time

God’s Provision for a Yielded Heart
A devotional by Janis Van Keuren

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”—Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

As newlyweds, excited for the next step in our married life, we sought the Lord for one of the most important decisions we would make: owning a home.

After one year in our rented apartment, it was time to look for a house we could turn into a home. A home filled with the love and laughter of children and a place to entertain friends and extended family members.

No decision, especially one this major, could be made without seeking God’s wisdom and counsel. So, we penned our request on a yellow-lined slip of paper and dropped it into our Christian community’s prayer basket. Besides relying on the person called by God to lift up the requests, we also had our evening time of worship and praying to God.

When I realized my husband, Tom, was asking the Lord for a four-bedroom house, at a specified price, and close to his work, my jaw dropped. I was astonished at his presumptive attitude. Afterall, I had been a new Christian longer than he, and I assumed you only asked the Lord for what you needed. I did not comprehend why we would need a house that large!

But then I remembered that the Bible says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

Even though I disagreed with my husband’s assumption and explained my reasons to him, I dutifully dropped the prayer request into the sacred basket. Yet, when we prayed nightly as a couple, Tom would request the four-bedroom house while I whispered to God that a three-bedroom would meet our needs.

Our exhaustive search ensued throughout the western part of the San Fernando Valley in California. Each house our realtor suggested either needed repairs, had little appeal, or was located near traffic. On one of our quests, we met a realtor who recommended another house.

We made an appointment to see the house that met Tom’s requirements. We walked up to the house located on a cul-de-sac of homes with manicured front yards and knocked on the door. As we passed through the front door, the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted our way. The owners greeted us warmly and led us on a tour through their home, sharing family memories colored with love.

We envisioned my grandmother’s dining room table and chairs sitting under the shimmering glass chandelier. Each of the four bedrooms was spacious enough for our meager furniture. The living room boasted a wood-burning brick fireplace and through the sliding glass doors was a small patio fit for a Sunday BBQ. A lush, green lawn stretched beyond the patio to a wooden fence.

“Is this the house?” I asked the Lord silently as the mouthwatering aroma of fresh cookies tickled my nose and tempted my tastebuds.

The price was higher than our prayer request.

I thought, “That’s not a good sign. It exceeds our budget.”

Tom discussed the price with the realtor and the homeowners while I held my breath. The owners were being transferred out of the country and that gave Tom bargaining leverage. Within an hour, the price had dropped to meet our limit.

I was so nervous that we had to walk up and down the street. Taking slow, deep breaths and discussing every aspect of the house with Tom, I asked God again if this was the right house.

We signed the paperwork in the Spring and by June we were moving in. As planned, my widowed mother moved in with us. Two bedrooms were already occupied. We turned the third room into a den/computer room. And the fourth bedroom was eventually filled with guests until our first son was born.

Through this process, God taught me two lessons: First, He knows what we need and will provide for us when we seek Him and His direction. Second—one I keep relearning—is to trust the Lord working through my husband. This means we discuss our decisions with mutual respect. It means I must rely on God’s work in my husband. We all make mistakes, husbands and wives included, but ultimately, I need to trust God’s headship through my husband. I know this is true because of what the Bible says in Ephesians 5:22 (NIV): “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”

God confirmed His leading through the lifetime of memories we shared for 17 years in that home. We both learned to seek the Lord often for decisions affecting our family, finances, and our relationship. When we followed our own inclinations, stumbling down rocky paths, God graciously led us back to His wise plan.

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for leading us and providing for our needs even when we may not understand your plan or your ways. Thank you for your patience with us, your sheep, who may need to learn the same lesson repeatedly. Thank you for your faithfulness in working through those whom You have placed in our lives. Give us hearts of submission to You, Lord. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Janis Van Keuren is a published author and freelance writer with stories appearing in “Divine Interventions,” a Guideposts’ compilation, and in denominational and secular publications. 

She began writing for her high school newspaper and the career stuck through college, despite a temporary blip when she toyed with majoring in economics.

When she hung up her hat as an award-winning professional writer to raise a family, she discovered the Lord calling her to write and edit a publication for her Christian community. Occasionally, she guest posts inspirational pieces on other author’s websites.

Currently, Janis is working on her first devotional book revealing God’s touch in the stories of thirty individual women’s lives.

When Janis is not writing, she and her husband Tom enjoy traveling through God’s majestic and varied creations capturing His artistry in her photography, coupling it with Scripture. Summers find these desert dwellers relaxing along the beaches and rugged coastline of California.

~*~
Connect with Janis:
Her website Heart-Filled Moments: https://janisvankeuren.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://facebook.com/heartfilledmoments/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/janisvankeuren4/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heartfulmoments/

Devotionals for the Heart: Reasons why there's no gain without pain

No Gain Without Pain
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” 

–Romans 12:1 (NASB)

I want to lose ten pounds. But here’s the shocking part: I don’t want to give up any of my favorite foods. I really hate to exercise. I like to sleep. Consequently, I don’t want to get up any earlier and walk or run or stretch or sweat or anything. So guess how long it will take to lose that weight? Maybe forever.

I want to be a published writer. But writing is hard work! Most days I’d rather spend my free time watching television, reading a book someone else wrote, or scrolling social media on whatever device is closest at hand. Will my book ever get written? At that rate, it’s not likely.

I want a deeper relationship with Jesus. But I resist regular prayer time and Bible reading in favor of other, easier distractions during the time I should be spending with Him. And the end result? A stalled growth in my faith and a gap between us wide enough for temptation and sin to flood inside.

We are constantly bombarded with messages about all the things we deserve and the shortcuts we can take to get them. Whether it’s “making money with these three easy steps” or “lose weight while you sleep,” all of us can get sucked into the idea that we can gain what we want with no sacrifice on our part. But it’s not true.

Our salvation is a free gift from God. We don’t earn it. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB)

Don’t be mistaken. There is a cost. If we want to gain the fullness of what God has for us here in this life…If we want to be good ambassadors of His kingdom…If we want to share His love to its fullest extent…If we want to know Jesus, not just know about Him, then we must give up whatever we know is holding us back from doing that.

In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27), a man asks Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. When He told the young man to keep the commandments, the man said he always had. Jesus then told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. Did Jesus know the one thing that held this rich man back from truly becoming a follower? Of course, and so He knew exactly what to ask for. The man walked away, saddened, because he wasn’t ready to give up his riches. I’ve always felt great compassion for this man, probably because I see myself in this story.

What is that I hold onto so tightly that if Jesus asked me to give it up, I would walk away, saddened because I just couldn’t do it?

We are only weeks away from Easter Sunday. Jesus’s sacrifice should be our model every day (not just when Easter comes around) of how, while our sacrifices may feel too hard, in the end, that surrender will be greatly rewarded. Our willingness to give up things we love—comfort foods, television, personal property, whatever He asks of us—proves to ourselves that our provision is in Christ alone.

When we know our true priorities, we can let go of anything that doesn’t line up with them. Do you and I really want to be followers of Christ? If so, ponder this: What is He asking each of us to let go of today?

I’m ready to prayerfully consider the answer to that question. Are you?

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us what a life committed to God looks like. Please show us today what things hold us back from a life lived completely for You. We love You and praise You for your goodness, grace, and forgiveness. In Your Name I pray. Amen.

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Note: Today’s devotional by Glynis reminds me of Keith & Kristyn Getty’s performance of the song "In Christ Alone”. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting.

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Connect with Glynis:
Website: www.glynisbecker.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckerglynis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlynisBecker7