Devotionals for the Heart: Believing in God isn't the same as knowing Him

Believing Isn’t the Same as Knowing Him
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

—Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

A pastor friend of mine asked me to teach a Christian Foundations course for a group of aspiring ministers she's raising up. This week's lesson was “Faith Toward God.” I've taught on faith more times than I can count, but I didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. But somewhere in the middle of preparing, I got stuck on one question: How does faith in a God I can't see turn into knowing Him?

Because those are two different things. I think a lot of us live in the first one without realizing it. Let’s break this down.

Believing He's There:

Most of us start here, whether we remember starting or not. Somewhere along the way we came to believe God exists. We believe there is a Creator, a Judge, a Someone behind all of this. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) puts words to that starting point: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

That's a real and necessary step. But as I sat with the next verse this week, I realized I read past something important my whole life that is found in Hebrews 11:6 (NJKV). It says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

It's not just “believe He exists”. It's “believe He rewards those who seek Him”. That second half is the part I think I'd been skipping. Believing God is there is one thing. Believing He responds when you look for Him is another thing entirely, and it's the part that turns faith from an idea into a pursuit.

I Can Believe the Right Things and Still Not Know Him:

This is the verse that stopped me while I was preparing for the lesson. James 2:19 (NKJV) reads, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”

I read that and thought, “Well, that's humbling. Demons have better theology than half of us. They know exactly who God is. And it does absolutely nothing for them, because knowing facts about someone isn't the same as knowing them.”

I think I've done that with God more than I'd like to admit. I believed the right things. Said the right things. And still kept Him at arm's length, more like a concept I agreed with than a Person I walked with.

He's Not an Idea, He's Alive:

What changed something in me this week was sitting with this phrase: the living and true God. Paul uses it describing people who'd turned away from idols. He said in 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NKJV), “For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Idols don't do anything. They don't answer, they don't respond, they don't know you're there. And if I'm honest, I can treat God like an idol without ever bowing to a statue just by keeping Him as a distant idea instead of a living presence. Jeremiah 10:10 (NKJV) says it plainly: “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.”

Living. Present. Here. That's a very different thing to have faith towards than a concept in a book.

So How Do You Actually Get There?

I don't think this shift happens automatically just because time passes. A few things stood out to me as I thought through it—not as steps to check off, but more like doors that were already open, waiting. One is simply hearing from Him. Paul says faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). I can't know someone whose voice I never listen to, and I think that's true of God too. The more time I spend in His Word and in prayer, the less abstract He becomes.

Another is that seeking Him isn't a shot in the dark. God promises this in Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV), “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” That's not a maybe. That's a promise from a God who wants to be found. It is a reminder that we can't do anything to earn His love. His heart toward us was set long before we ever sought Him.

And then there's what Jesus says eternal life is. Not “believing the correct doctrine.” Knowing Him like He says in John 17:3 (NKJV) that reads, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” The Apostle Paul wanted that so badly he called it the goal of his whole life. He said this in Philippians 3:10 (KJV): “That I may know Him.”

Not know about Him. Know Him. In other words, not a mere intellectual belief, but an experiential, intimate relationship with Him. That’s what I want. I want to know Him and live so close to Him, that when He whispers, I hear it.

Coming Closer, Not Just Believing Harder

Here's what I keep coming back to since teaching this: because of Jesus Christ, we're not left to approach an unseen God from a distance, hoping He notices us. Scripture says we get to come close. According to Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV), “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Boldly. Not timidly, not from far off, not just believing Him from across the room. We're invited in. That's the shift I was trying to put words to in class this week: Faith toward God was never supposed to be the finish line. It's the doorway. On the other side of it is an actual Person, alive and present, who wants to be known.

The Bible says in John 1:12 (NKJV), “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

The Holy Spirit spoke to me years ago. He said, “Faith is progressive and it is historical.” This means we grow in faith as we continue to approach Him through His Word (The Holy Bible), and in prayer. Faith is historical because there is this record of God’s love and faithfulness toward us that says, “If He did there (wherever there is), surely He can do it here.”

Believing got me to the door. Knowing Him intimately is what's on the other side of it and honestly, I'm still walking through.

Let’s Pray:

Lord,

Thank You that You are not a distant idea, but the living and true God who is near, present, and real. We confess that it's possible to believe the right things about You and still keep You at arm's length. Forgive us for the times we've settled for facts about You instead of relationship with You.

Stir in us a hunger to seek You with all our heart, trusting Your promise that those who seek You will find You. Let our faith not stop at believing You exist but carry us into knowing the way the Apostle Paul desired in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him.”

Thank You that through Jesus we don't have to approach You from a distance. We can come boldly, not because we've earned it, but because You've already made the way. Draw us closer today. Let what we know about You become what we know of You.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “I Believe God” by Kurt Carr (feat. Timiney Figueroa-Caton). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “God's Favor” by Donald Lawrence featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burrell, and Kelly Price. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “You Are God Alone” by Marvin Sapp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Just to Know You” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7: “Oh, I Want to Know You More” by Steve Green. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker. 

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

~*~
Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

My Review for "The Story of Everything" documentary film

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review “The Story of Everything” feature-length documentary film by Sypher Studios, I agreed because it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to explore how scientific findings can prove the existence of a divine Creator. We are not here by accident. Life has purpose. And we are not alone because the Creator (God) of all that exists is always with us. I also thought this film would be a good resource for people who doubt God exists and believe there’s no life after death.

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a few words from Momentum Influencers Network about this film:

After a successful nationwide theatrical run that sparked conversation across faith, science, and culture, “The Story of Everything” is now available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video!

Inspired by Stephen C. Meyer’s bestselling book Return of the God Hypothesis, the cinematic documentary invites audiences to explore one of humanity’s oldest—and most consequential—questions: Does the evidence point to a universe shaped solely by blind chance, or is there evidence of purpose and design?

Synopsis: “The Story of Everything” is a cinematic exploration of the cosmos that reveals the hidden hand behind our universe. From the precise laws that govern the stars to the intricate patterns found in every living cell, the film traces evidence of intentional design throughout nature. Whether examining distant star-forming clouds or the spiral structure of DNA, we discover a consistent signature woven into the fabric of existence.

~*~

My Review for “The Story of Everything”

“The story of everything has purpose, that behind everything there is an author. The alternative is that none of that is true. We are the result of blind and impersonal processes that did not have us in mind.”

This quote (above) was mentioned toward the end of this feature-length film. But it holds the meaning of the film’s title. After hearing it, I knew that’s why this production was called “The Story of Everything”. It really shows how the core message of this film was to present two main schools of thought: Belief in a Creator of all things vs. Belief that we were created by nothing and our life has no real meaning. I think these are important points to explore as part of the human experience on Earth. As a believer, I’ll always point you to Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of humankind and the His divine light breaks through the darkness in our world. Like a popular Christian bumper sticker says: “Know Jesus, know peace. No Jesus, no peace!” I have found this saying to be true in my everyday life.

But Jesus Christ is a true gentleman. He’s not going to force you to believe in Him. He always gives humankind the freedom to choose who we will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

If you are on a search for truth but don’t want to start with a Bible yet, start with this film then pick up The Holy Bible (you can buy a physical copy or read it via Bible Gateway online for free) and ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you understand the words you are reading. It is key to ask Him to teach you as you read because the Bible is understood through a spiritual lens, not a lens of doubt or a carnal mind.

Speaking of truth, this other quote was also mentioned in the film, “Sometimes the path toward the truth leads through beauty. And that is an important window. We need to be willing to open that.” Those words resonated with me because I never thought about my search for truth like that before. This film is filled with profound messages that will make you think and challenge you to decide what you believe.

On a lighter note: The set designs for most of this movie looks like it is from the 1970s. Many of the people who were interviewed or spoke on camera also were dressed in a way that looked like eras of the past. However the set design and clothing style did not take away from the points made in this movie.

If you have a scientific mindset or are curious to know how everything we see in space and experience on earth was created, then this movie is for you. Every detail is designed to make you think and ponder Biblical truth supported by science when it comes to the questions, “Is there a Creator of everything? Is God real?”

This movie might help you answer those questions.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Sypher Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

~*~

More information:

"The Story of Everything" is available for purchase on Prime Video via this link.

Church and Homeschool Resources:
https://www.thestoryofeverything.film/resources

#TheStoryOfEverythingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

My Review of "The Sacred Thread"

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review “The Sacred Thread” docuseries by Angel Studios, I agreed because it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to dig deeper into God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and understand what The Lord’s Prayer truly means, which is what this series is centered on. After watching all seven episodes that were each about 30 minutes long, I had a better understanding of The Lord’s Prayer. Now, I want to share my review of this helpful resource with you!

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a few words from Momentum Influencers Network about this inspirational docuseries:

Most people know The Lord’s Prayer. Very few understand the world, language, and meaning behind it. The Sacred Thread takes viewers deep into the historical and cultural context of Scripture, helping audiences experience The Lord’s Prayer the way Jesus’ original audience would have heard it. This is not just another Bible study. It’s a cinematic journey through the land, history, language, and deeper meaning of one of the most important prayers ever spoken.

Angel continues to create thoughtful, high-quality series that make Scripture feel alive, relevant, and deeply personal.

These are the target audiences for “The Sacred Thread”

Primary Audiences:

● Christians and faith-based audiences

● Bible study groups and church communities

● Viewers interested in Biblical history and context

● Families looking for meaningful, spiritually enriching content

● Audiences who enjoy Scripture-focused documentaries and teaching series


Secondary Audiences:

● Young adults exploring faith more deeply

● People wanting to better understand the Bible

● Fans of thoughtful, cinematic nonfiction storytelling

● Viewers who enjoy historical and cultural exploration

The Sacred Thread is a cinematic documentary series exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary world in which Jesus first spoke it. Hosted by Brad Gray and featuring insights from scholars including N.T. Wright, the series takes viewers across biblical landscapes to uncover the deeper meaning and context behind one of the most well-known prayers in Scripture.

Through cinematic storytelling and accessible scholarship, the series invites audiences to see Scripture with fresh eyes and rediscover the richness, depth, and relevance of the Biblical text.

~*~

My Review of “The Sacred Thread” series:

“The Sacred Thread” series is hosted by Brad Gray. Everything about this docuseries is well done. It is equally educational as it is inspirational.

The cinematic storytelling style of this series truly drew me in. I couldn’t stop watching it so I binge-watched all seven episodes in only two days.

I appreciated the deep dive into the culture and heritage of the people who lived in the ancient world during the time the Bible was being written. It helped me understand the historical context and background of the Bible. I also appreciated that each episode was no more than 30 minutes long because that made it easier to digest. The way each episode was structured proved to be clear, concise and very rich in the story being told.

Every episode was informational and inspiring in a way that stays with you. But the one that resonated with me most deeply was the third episode, titled, “Holy Be Your Name”. This is what stood out to me:

I was impressed to learn what it means to hallow God’s name. They said that taking the Lord’s name in vain doesn’t mean to use His name as a swear word; it means misrepresenting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It reminds me of the Gospel music song “Wear Your Name” by Gylchris Sprauve.

I loved learning about how the term for the rich color “Royal blue” was coined and learning why God wanted His people to have this color on the clothes they wore. Brad Gray (the host) said, “Blue held significant value in the ancient world because it was arduous to make and hard to come by. This was a color used only for people of high standing or of royalty. Hence, the designation “Royal blue” and God called His people to have this color on them.”

Blue, purple and scarlet were the principal colors in the Tabernacle design. And therefore, they played the leading role in the visual representation of God’s dwelling here on Earth. Another fact: Blue was the predominant color of the clothes work by the high priests. They said, “The high priests and the priests were responsible for mediating on behalf of God to the Israelites. But the Israelites as a whole were responsible for mediating on behalf of God to the rest of the world. And that blue cord was a reminder of their identity and mission as a kingdom of priests.”

They also said, “The other implication for why God chose blue revolved around status. Remember, the Israelites prior to the exodus had the identity of slaves. Now, they’re being instructed to wear blue, the color of royalty. From rags to royalty quite literally. God wanted His people to remember daily who they were. So, when they looked down and saw the blue cord contrasting against the white ones, they were reminded that they wore the priestly color, they carried the name of God and they were valued as treasured royalty.”

The final powerful point that they said during this episode was about salt and its Biblical role in Christian living. They said, “While we think of salt primarily as a seasoning, in a world without refrigeration, salt was used as a preservative to make food last longer. And because of this, salt became a symbol in the Hebrew Scriptures for God’s long lasting covenant faithfulness to His people. So, when Jesus says you are the salt of the earth, He’s saying that’s you, that’s your identity. When you follow God’s commandments and carry His name well, you’re preserving life in a world of decay.”

All the episodes were good but this one (Episode 3) was the most well-thought, planned and presented one that really had special significance that can apply to our journey with Jesus Christ in our modern-day era. I was most inspired by this one.

If you want to know more about the meaning of The Lord’s Prayer as well as learn more about the Bible, then “The Sacred Thread” series is for you. Each episode focuses on a verse of The Lord’s Prayer then breaks it down with historical context and Biblical accuracy. The way this is done is second to none. I hope you will sign up for the Angel Guild and watch every episode in this docuseries. God bless you!

Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#TheSacredThreadMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

~*~

More information:

"The Sacred Thread" is available now for you to stream on Angel.

Visit the official website for “The Sacred Thread” on Angel Guild:

https://www.angel.com/shows/sacred-thread

Join the Angel Guild and support stories that bring meaning, hope, and purpose back to entertainment.

My Review of The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids

When Momentum Influencers Network (MIN) asked me to review The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids, I readily agreed because I love reading God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and sharing it with everyone! This version of the Bible is a bit unique because of the way it caters to children. I found it to be an asset to the book world for young readers.

But before I share my review with you, I’d like to share a word from Momentum Influencers Network about this innovative product:

Splash into Scripture this summer! Dive into God’s Word and soak up truth with these Bible resources for curious and creative kids:

• Explorer Bible for Kids

• Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids

• Scripture Memory Cards

• Bring the Bible to life for kids with the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids and companion products! Explore the (yet) unknown with the NEW dictionary and lock in key truths with these fun, NEW Scripture memory cards!

• Summer Goal: Develop joyful Bible study habits as a family! Get kids excited for
consistent days in God’s Word with Bibles designed for them.

Purchase link for this Bible Dictionary and to shop summer resources:
Explorer Bible for Kids - B&H Publishing

~*~

My Review of The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids

The first thing I noticed about this book is the colorful and decorative cover with pictures and a design that is very kid-friendly. I believe this factor alone will draw children to this book and encourage them to ask their parents to buy it for them.

When I opened the book, two blank pages covered in a gorgeous shade of teal greeted me. This hue of blue put my mind at ease at once and created a sense of calm in my spirit. It helped me to relax and prepared me to read this book.

The most surprising feature of this book is the Table of Contents because it is listed by the letters of the alphabet and each letter corresponds to a page. For example, it looks like this: A…2 and B…18. I’ve never seen this before, so I found that feature to be intriguing and it encouraged me to keep turning the page to figure it out.

After the Table of Contents is a page that says, “For Parents and Teachers”. I found this to be important to inform adults who may want to read this book with their children. This letter prepares them to be able to properly instruct the children about God’s Word and the people who we read about in the Bible.

Following the letter to the parents and teachers, there is a short section on one page titled “Just for Kids”. I found that to be very user-friendly and something the kids will love because it makes them feel included and like this is their book even though they might need an adult to help them read it.

The next three pages are very colorful and filled with facts that teach about reconstructions, illustrated charts, definitions, Name of God and other features including a pronunciation guide that the reader will encounter in this book.

Finally, we turn the page to see the title page: “The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids” and that lets the reader know their journey through God’s Word has begun.

The first page we see as we start reading the Bible Dictionary portion of this book is the letter “A” in big case and lower case and beneath to the right page we see that A stands for Aaron (a Bible character) then we read all about him. We learn about his story in the Bible, his birthdate, the meaning of his name, his occupation, his relatives, his claim to fame and a few related details.

After Aaron we turn the page to learn about Abraham who was known to be a friend of God then Adam who was the first man God created on Earth. As we continue turning the next few pages, we learn more about Bible characters, including a woman named Anna who was old and known to be faithful to the Lord.

Something that impressed me was the attention to detail, not only with the content but in the page layout design and illustrations. It is very vibrant but careful not to overload the reader with too much information or too many images. Impressive!

This book follows the same layout format for every page until we reach the last two pages after the letter Z. The final page to the left lists the Art Credits and the final page on the right concludes those details. The last two pages of this book are the same gorgeous shade of teal that restores a sense of calm to the reader’s mind.

I highly recommend this book to all children within the publisher’s target audience. I believe it provides an immersive experience that is very educational and informative at the same time. I think the content will not only enrich young minds but encourage the youth to ask questions about the Bible and that is a good thing.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Giveaway: 1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Explorer Bible for Kids + Toddler Theology

Series Bundle (retail value of approx. $149.99)

Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be a resident in the United States of America.

To enter: Entrants must fill out the form on Lifeway's website (there’s no other way to enter) by 06/10/26. Here is the link: Explorer Bible for Kids and Toddler Theology Series Bundle Giveaway | Lifeway

Bundle contents: 2 copies of the Explorer Bible for Kids, 2 Explorer Bible for

Kids Dictionaries, Explorer Bible Stickers, an Explorer Bible T-shirt, and the Toddler

Theology Series set (6 books in set).

#ExplorerBibleDictionaryMIN

#explorerbibleforkids

#christianstandardbible

#EBFK

#learningathome

#homegrownkids

#splashintoscripture

#scriptureforsummer

Devotionals for the Heart: A trip to Tanzania taught me about great faith

Great Faith
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

—Luke 7:9 (NIV)

Recently, I had the privilege of teaching primary school teachers at a Christian school in Tanzania. I was asked to teach on studying the Bible. It was a remarkable experience that humbled me.

Since I teach Bible study in America, I worked through a portion of Scripture I was to teach while here (I am currently still in Tanzania while I write this): The story of the centurion who had a sick servant and he asked Jesus to heal the servant.

One of the points we concluded from our time was that this passage talks about faith. Even Jesus Christ was amazed at the great faith of the centurion soldier. What is notable about this man was that he was a Gentile (a non-Jew), he was a Roman soldier, he was a friend of the Jewish elders, and he had heard about Jesus—presumably about the fact that Jesus was healing people from sickness.

Through the course of the interchange, the centurion says he does not want Jesus to come to his home but to just say the word and his servant would be healed. The centurion recognized the authority Jesus had to heal. He had the faith to come to Him, ask Him for healing (not for himself, but for his servant) and to have faith to know Jesus could heal from a distance. And Jesus was amazed by his faith.

Little did I know I would encounter this type of faith in Tanzania. The people here—especially Christians—are so sweet, loving and kind. I have seen a heart for the lost like I have not seen in a very long time. I have seen a passion to grow closer to God through daily Christian living by placing importance on fasting, Scripture memorization, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, discipling, teaching, reaching out to children, and finding ways to share Jesus with others.

I have been humbled by their great faith. Part of my time has been spent working with the leaders of the kids’ clubs here. I was asked to help update the curriculum and so I spent a lot of time with five young adults (all are about the age of my own children, with their leader slightly older). They amazed me because I saw how their passion for children and for the lost is off the charts. The topics covered in their lessons are deep theological concepts.

One might think that it should not work with children in teaching them about sin, grace, the holiness of God, the Advocate we have in the Holy Spirit, and much more. However, I was able to participate in a kids’ club when we taught on these topics, and these street children ate up every word. They listened, answered questions, memorized long verses and genuinely engaged in meaningful conversations. They asked questions relating to the Bible story and wanted to know the answers.

These leaders have such great faith. They believe God will lead them where they need to go to teach the children and they give their all to them. They sing their hearts out, they give of their time, and they give of their resources (which is not much because two of the five are finishing up Bible college). In addition to these leaders, the teachers at the school demonstrated to me a desire to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). We agreed that is the way Jesus is calling us to live and that while it is hard, it is the best way to walk out our faith.

Walking by sight means we believe because we see. We can touch it, we can hold it, we can use it to carry us through. However, walking by faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Walking by faith means going all in for Jesus. It means going door to door to share the gospel. It means talking with your neighbor who is of a different faith and befriending that neighbor to start a relationship that will go beyond borrowing a cup of sugar.

Walking by faith is knowing what you are doing has eternal value for the kingdom of God. It is knowing our God is a holy God worthy of our worship and our time. It is knowing He is with us in the fire, in the storm and in the valley as well as on the mountaintops.

Jesus was amazed at the centurion’s great faith. And that was a question we had to ask ourselves: Would Jesus be amazed at my faith? Would He call it ‘great faith’? Why, or even, why not?

May we press on, ride hard and keep our eyes on the prize of Heaven with God for eternity. May we tell others about Him and may we spend our lives doing so. May we give of ourselves day in and day out. And know that by our faith, we are pleasing God.

Let’s Pray: Father God, You are amazing. You are holy, worthy, and beautiful. You give us our faith and You give us opportunities to grow our faith by loving You and loving others. Thank You for giving us this faith and may we use it daily as we walk with You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Eyes on the Prize” by Sara Groves. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Another in the Fire” by Hillsong UNITED. Listen to it here.

~*~

Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise their family. 

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 26 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than 10 years, a Bible study writer for six years, and a devotional writer for more than four years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own journey of more than five years with broken feet. She hopes to to encourage others with her faith walk and real-life stories.

~*~
Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: When you need to adjust your attitude and path

Do You Need an Attitude Adjustment?
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

—Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

I’ve had a variety of teaching assignments in my years as an educator. However, one of the best was teaching Aviation Science at the school district’s Flight Center, which was designated as a field trip for all fifth-grade classes.

Whether you’re the pilot of a private plane or the captain of a major airliner, there are required safety checks before take-off. In addition, the pilot and navigator continually monitor the instrument panel throughout the flight. Each instrument has a specific job and looks for important things such as obstacles in its path, air speed, and altitude. The more time I spent at the Flight Center, the more I realized how safety checks could be applied to our everyday lives.

Do you ever feel as if you’re moving too fast, flying too high, going the wrong direction, or spinning towards a nose-dive? I’ve felt this way from time to time. That’s when I need to remind myself that we have access to the ultimate pilot who can help us avoid disaster. His name is Jesus Christ.

When we allow Jesus to take control of our lives, we can trust Him to know exactly what to do when we’re in danger. Imagine waking up each morning, grabbing a coffee, and spending time with Jesus for a safety check regarding your faith walk. This will make a difference in everything we do, because we’re putting God back into his rightful place as the captain of our lives.

There is one instrument on the flight deck that requires continual monitoring. This instrument shows when the plane is level, banked, climbing, or descending. It’s called the attitude indicator, which provides the pilot with critical information needed for the plane to arrive safely at its destination. It reminds me of a phrase repeated by teachers and parents at one time or another. They would say to the young people, “You need an attitude adjustment!” But isn’t it possible that grown-ups need an attitude adjustment from time to time?

The airplane pilot is responsible for safely getting passengers to their destinations, just as Christ is the director of our lives. As followers of Christ, we might want to consider this question: “Is Jesus the pilot of my life, or am I continually fighting for control?” Why do we tend to negotiate with God in attempt to take control and be the pilot of our own life when we are inexperienced and ill-equipped? Who are we to assume we should be in control? Why do we have such a need for control, knowing it will most likely lead us down the wrong path?

The attitude of our hearts should be level and heading straight toward Jesus. We need our Savior! As Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” 

Before flying into your day, position yourself before God and ask Him to check your attitude indicator. Approach Him with gratitude and humility, and He will make the necessary adjustments. When we put our trust in Him, then our heavenly destination is ensured.

Let’s Pray: Dear Father God, I come before You today, knowing that You are the Creator of the universe. You are aware of our inadequacies, and yet thanks to Jesus, we are flawless in your eyes. Help me to step out of your way, to give you all my heart, soul, and mind. Thank You for your faithfulness to me. I know that You will guide me on the path You have set for me, which ultimately leads to You. It’s in you alone I put my trust. Praise be to God! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Shane & Shane. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Honey in the Rock” by Brooke Ligertwood. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: authorcolleenchoward.com

Book Spotlight: Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness (devotional)

I Chased Success and Found Emptiness
A guest post by Dr. Gladys Childs

Have you ever chased something you thought would make life more full, only to realize it was quietly draining the life out of you?

I have.

A few years ago, I stood at a crossroads that looked impressive from the outside. I was serving as Chair of the Religion Department. I loved my students. I loved the rhythm of teaching. Summers gave me space to breathe and time to be present with my son. My life felt full in the right ways.

Then the Provost approached me about stepping in as Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Letters. I had not been campaigning for it, but the invitation stirred something old in me: leadership, influence, and impact. My husband and I prayed, talked late into the night, and finally decided to try it. We told ourselves it was temporary. If it did not fit, I could step away.

At first, I convinced myself it was working. I avoided the political games of Dean’s Council and met with each dean one-on-one instead. I hired an executive coach. I launched initiatives that protected programs and strengthened morale. On paper, everything looked successful.

But my body told a different story.

I stopped sleeping well. I ate standing up between meetings. My inbox felt like a living thing that multiplied overnight. I would sit in my car before walking into the building and feel a tightness in my chest I could not pray away in five minutes.

Then one afternoon, in the middle of class, a student looked at me and asked, "Do you even want this job?"

The room went still. I said yes. My voice cracked. And in that crack, I heard the truth. I did not want it. I was exhausted. I was slowly disappearing behind a title.

When the permanent dean search opened, everything intensified. Complicated dynamics made applying feel less like ambition and more like escape. I told myself that if I just secured the position, the chaos would settle. The stress would make sense. The sacrifice would be worth it.

I made it to the final three candidates. Then the whispers started. A small group of faculty spread rumors. There were threats of a no-confidence vote against the Provost if I were chosen. What had once felt like an opportunity began to feel like a trap closing in. The Provost called me in and asked me to stay another year as interim, with assurances the permanent role would follow. I sat there, listening, feeling the weight of expectation pressing on my ribs.

And I remembered the words from months earlier. "If you do not like it, you can walk away. You do not need this." So I said, "No." Shock flickered across faces. Some were angry. Others confused. The very people who opposed me celebrated. But when the word left my mouth, something shifted inside me. The tightness eased. I walked out of that building lighter thjan I had felt in months. The “no” was not a failure. It was freedom.

In the quiet that followed, I began to see how subtly I had started chasing fullness in the wrong place. I chose the weight of control over trusting God’s ability to handle any situation. I had carried a weight Jesus Christ never asked me to shoulder. His words in Matthew 11:28–30 came alive in a way they never had before: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

I had been yoked to something else. No wonder I was worn thin.

As I stepped back into a simpler rhythm, I began to notice what had been missing. Peace that did not depend on outcomes. Joy that did not rise and fall with performance. Patience returned when I was no longer grasping for control. The fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22–23 was not something I could manufacture through work or control. It grew when I stopped striving.

That season reshaped me. It exposed how easy it is to chase the illusion of security while quietly running on empty. And that is why I wrote my new devotional book: Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance.

This devotional was born out of lived surrender. It is not a call to try harder. It is an invitation to slow down long enough to notice what we are really chasing and to let the Holy Spirit cultivate what lasts. Each day focuses on one aspect of His fruit, not as a checklist, but as evidence of a life rooted in Him.

If you have ever lain awake rehearsing tomorrow’s demands, wondering why success feels thinner than you expected, you are not alone. If you have smiled through meetings while feeling hollow inside, you are not crazy. And if you suspect God is inviting you to loosen your grip on something impressive, that nudge may be mercy.

Saying no to the corner office did not shrink my life. It redirected it. It opened space for writing, for hosting my tv show, Bare Faith, for walking with others who stand at their own crossroads.

Fullness is not found at the top of a ladder. It is found at the feet of Jesus.

So let me ask you gently: What are you still saying yes to that God never asked you to carry?

The chase can end. And in Christ, true fullness can begin.

~*~
Author Bio: 

Dr. Gladys Childs hosts the TV show Bare Faith, where raw faith and deep pain meet a relentless God.  

Known as the "Truth Doctor," she names the lies standing between people and God’s truth. 

A pastor’s wife, author, speaker, former religion professor, and boy mom, Gladys, speaks with authority, heart, and real-life grit. 

Her new book, Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, offers practical guidance, Scripture, and encouragement to live fully in God’s abundance. Learn more at gladyschilds.com. Follow on Instagram or Facebook.

~*~

Blurb for Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness:

Stop chasing what leaves you empty. Discover the spiritual abundance only God provides.

Feeling drained by the pursuit of approval, success, or endless busyness? Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness: A 45-Day Journey to Spiritual Abundance is a daily Christian devotional rooted in Galatians 5:22–23. This 45-day Bible study blends short, impactful devotionals with reflective journaling to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and other biblical virtues—guiding Christian women and men to deeper faith and spiritual self-help.

With this Christian devotional, you’ll: deepen your faith with daily Scripture and Christian meditations, overcome anxiety and spiritual dryness with practical steps, and grow in biblical virtues through inspiring journaling prompts.

Perfect for Christian women and men seeking spiritual self-help, this devotional leads to the abundant life God intends. Get Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness today, and unleash the joy of God’s abundant love!

~*~

Buy this book on Amazon

Devotionals for the Heart: What true love looks like in our modern world

Love Reimagined
A devotional by Essie Faye

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

I am convinced that most people in our world today do not know the true meaning of love, nor do they know how to show it and share it in a healthy way.

An example of this is when I watched on as a group of teenage “friends” interacted. They made fun of each other and embarrassed each other. One minute they were cool and the next they were arguing bitterly. Some days I didn’t know if they were friends or enemies. So, I’d tread lightly. Teaching adolescents is sometimes a rollercoaster. One minute, students love each other and the next they hate each other. It is often like riding a rollercoaster. I couldn’t keep up with the relationship drama and frequent changes my students were experiencing.

True love in today’s world is tough to find. People say they love you, but truthfully, most don’t know love. They’ve come from broken families and have had a history of broken relationships. It is safe to say that all of us are broken in some way. True love comes from a healthy place. True love can be freely given when a person experiences healing of their heart. Many people can’t properly love others because they don’t properly love themselves. Or they’ve never truly been loved in a healthy and safe manner. More importantly, many people don’t know love because they don’t have a real relationship with Love Himself: God is Love.

In Romans 8:38-39 the Apostle Paul writes about the persevering and unstoppable Love of God. Love pursues us relentlessly until God captures our hearts and transforms our souls. God’s love is like the love of no other. It is unchanging and unconditional. There is nothing we could ever do or fail to do that would cause God to stop loving us. God’s love provides for us consistently. His love protects us from harm and heals us from pain. His love rescues us from danger. His love hears us when we call. God’s love for us is never ending, overwhelming, incomprehensible, and unfathomable. We don’t deserve His love, yet He chases after us to lavish His love upon us. Nothing and no one can separate us from God’s love.

Call to Action:

1. Thank God for loving you unconditionally and consistently.

2. Learn from the mistakes you’ve made on your journey to loving yourself, God, and others.

3. Treasure the love of God in your life.

4. Look around to see how God loves you and how He proves it.

5. Remember: God’s love must be reimagined. We think we know love. We do not. We must be reintroduced to Him.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

There is no god like You. You are Love. You gave Your only son (Jesus Christ) to save our souls because You love humankind. You sent Your Comforter (Holy Spirit) because of your love for our broken hearts. You sent Your Word because You want us to read The Holy Bible and get to know You. Thank You for loving us passionately, unconditionally, and with abandon. I pray that we can accept this unfathomable love, though we don’t deserve it and we can never comprehend it. Help us to love one another with a love so pure and pleasing to You. Thank You for hearing and answering us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “No Greater Love” by Rachael Lampa. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Faye is a woman of faith. 

She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter.

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path.

Essie is a Chicago native.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/58980-grow-through-it-7-healing-practices-that

Devotionals for the Heart: Being part of God's family is a game changer

Game Changers
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Have you ever been part of a team?

I’ve been a member of quite a few teams in my life. I’ve served on musical theater teams, dance teams and planning teams. I’ve been part of worship teams and Bible study teams. And, as long as I live, I’ll always be an active member of my family: Team Howard!

Most successful team leaders do the following:

● Select team members who have specific gifts, talents, and skills to offer the team.

● Inspire team members to work together in harmony to accomplish their goals.

● Encourage and support each other.

But here’s an important part necessary for every team to succeed: Every team needs a leader who is gifted in a specific area to support the team. Sports teams have coaches who’ve studied the game and know how to lead the team to victory. Music directors understand the nuances of the music and know just the right words to use in communicating with the orchestra in order to blend the instruments to create a pleasing sound.

God can do all of these things and more! He’s in the transformation business and has provided a firm foundation for creating successful teams. He’s the coach, manager, and Chief Executive Officer rolled into one. The best part is He doesn’t charge any fees for these services. Ponder that for a minute.

In my role as the K-12 STEM Specialist for our local school district, I was a team member in the Science Department. Each of us had an assignment, and my job was to work with community leaders and school principals to enrich student learning by combining science, technology, engineering and math as a cohesive, collaborative experience. It was a bit of a rocky start, but I quickly learned that relationships are the glue that holds the team together. Getting to know the principals and teachers was key to helping them achieve their desired outcomes. Seeing their success was the very best part of my job!

However, accomplishing profound change isn’t easy. We have to work hard at our craft and be dedicated to the goal. It takes courage to climb the professional ladder and get that promotion and perseverance to cross the finish line. Romans 12:2 ESV says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

We are members of God’s Family! Therefore, we have the privilege to proclaim His marvelous light and share it with the world. This is a game-changer.

Being a member of God’s family flips our agenda. Our relationship with God changes everything—how we see others, how we view the world, and how we approach the trials in our lives. For me it was coming to the conclusion that relationships unlock the power of team efforts. When we realize we live every moment of our lives in the presence of God, and know how much He loves us, this truly changes everything.

Let’s Pray: Gracious God, we are so thankful for the privilege of being on your team. You send the Holy Spirit to guide our steps and encourage us to work in harmony for your good and glory. You are the conductor of our lives. Blend our talents and gifts to reflect your light to the world. Praise be to God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “People Need People” by CAIN. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When you feel like your life is too small

Your Life is Not Too Small
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.”

—1 Corinthians 1:28 (NLT)

“My life is too small now,” I thought to myself as I looked out the subway window on my way to work. Brown wintry trees and tall grey apartment buildings seemed to mirror my dull spirit.

When I first moved to South Korea to teach English, the excitement of my new adventure ensured that I spent every spare moment exploring. I delighted in visiting colorful palaces, walking the narrow streets between traditional “hanok” houses, finding cute cafes, and taking in mountains, parks, and beaches. As I went through the highs and lows of adapting to my work and new surroundings, I felt I had plenty to write about or post on social media.

However, a couple of years and a wedding later, I found myself figuring out how to “settle down” in Korea. Life became “normal.” I got into a routine of home and work responsibilities. I didn’t have the same time or energy for always going out as I once did, and somehow my life began to feel too small and ordinary. Was there anything truly meaningful in my story now?

I grew up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)—moving between numerous cities and even countries during my younger years—and I knew that many other TCKs also struggled with perceived smallness or stillness when they tried to settle down after many years of going to and fro. I knew it could be hard to adopt a different, slower rhythm of life.

But as I made my way to work that day, a question rose up inside me: “Who gets to decide what ‘small’ is, anyway?” I felt God whisper to my heart, “Slow, small, settled, or still does not equal ‘meaningless.’”

The things that we might consider small and even unimportant are not so to God. For example, Jesus Christ said in Matthew 25:40 (NIV), “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Luke 16:10 (NIV) reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

And then there is the story of the boy with five barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:1-13). His small lunch fed thousands because he was willing to offer the little that he had to Jesus.

It’s important to note Ephesians 5:2 (NLT) where the Apostle Paul writes, “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.” Jesus spent most of His life on Earth in obscurity, doing the humble work of a carpenter before He stepped into public ministry. Perhaps our ordinary days—without adventurous thrills or social media validation—are the best way to learn how follow Christ’s example and to live a life filled with love. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

So, that day on the subway, I put aside my inner grumblings. I went to teach my English classes with a renewed perspective. I hoped that my students wouldn’t just learn new grammar and vocabulary, but that they would smile, and that they would feel the love and interest of God flowing through me to them. Then I went home and loved my husband by preparing bowls of sliced fruit and putting clean socks in the drawer. These ordinary tasks, this unglamourous day, still held value in learning how to love.

Friend, if you too are sometimes tempted to feel that your life is too small or ordinary, remember that your life makes ripples of loving impact that go on and on, no matter what your day looks like. That is no small thing.

Let’s Pray: Lord, teach us to look at our lives through Your perspective. You care about sparrows and lilies and the hair on our heads. May we too value seemingly small things. Help us to see that our most ordinary days, our most unexciting tasks, and our apparently slow or small life seasons, still hold purpose and meaning. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Little is Much” by Downhere. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

~*~
Connect with Lynette:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordsforwanderers/
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Miracles can happen when you praise God

Power in Praise
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

—Psalm 150:6 (ESV)

In my early 20s, I didn’t fully comprehend the power of praise until I was in desperate need of God’s divine intervention on my behalf.

I was a new drama teacher on a three-year provisional teaching license, since I had been unable to pass the math section of The Praxis, the state teacher’s exam. Math and I have a love-hate relationship. I avoid it at all costs. Yet, I had been forced to take the math section three times because each time I missed the passing score by one point.

When I discovered the state had gone to a composite scoring system (combining scores for writing, reading, and math), I was elated. This meant I could take the reading section again and, by increasing my points, I could offset the math deficiency. I needed to score three points above my previous reading score to make it work.

For months, I studied the guides to The Praxis reading test. The night before the test, I knew I had done all I could do to be ready. One study guide even said not to study anything more the night before because the likelihood of absorbing anything new was low. So, I tried to relax, but my mind raced with worry. What if I didn’t get the extra points I need? I had run out of time to take the test again. This was my last shot.

Everything I tried to use as a distraction didn’t work. So, I opened my Bible and prayed. I went to the Book of Psalm and I found comfort in Psalm 18:6 (ESV), “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

Psalm 18 is King David’s address to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies. As I meditated on the Psalm, it hit me:

Whenever David had a problem, he prayed, worshipped, and then, he praised God. He praised God in every circumstance. In the highs, the lows, the sufferings, and yes, even the pain. He is our example of a true worshipper with a heart after God. So, I followed his example. I put on my praise and worship music and for several hours I sang, danced, wept, and praised my God.

The next morning I rose, refreshed and renewed, and took my final reading test. The rest was up to God. Weeks later, I got a notification that my scores were ready. During my lunch break I made the call. When I heard the score I couldn’t believe my ears. I had passed! Not with just three extra points, but seven above that!

Seven is God’s number of completion. I felt in my spirit that not only did He give me what I needed, but because I had taken the time to praise him despite the outcome, he honored his word in Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV), that says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Don’t miss the most important part of those verses! He is able to do according to the power at work within us. What ignites His power within us is praise.

No matter what your situation, there is power to face it, endure it, overcome it, and change it through your praise. I guarantee it! I encourage you to take the leap of faith forward with praise. Praise Him through your tears, heartache, stress, or sorrow. As David declared in Psalm 150:6 (ESV), “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”

Praise is power. And God’s power will overcome for you! Praise the Lord!

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for working on my behalf as I seek You in my need. I praise You with all that I have and all that I am. I praise You on the mountain and in the valley because You are worthy of all praise in every circumstance. There is no one like You, God. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.”

If you’re not sure how to praise, the song below is an excellent place to start.

Song of Reflection: “Psalm 150” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer currently residing in Northern Virginia. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, ACFW, ACFW Virginia Chapter (Treasurer), The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint. 

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. Her first historical fiction novel is set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England. She loves horses, cats, dogs, and all things peppermint!

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirachellecanada/
Email: mirachelle@mirachellecanada.com

Devotionals for the Heart: When God gives you space to struggle

Space to Struggle
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

–1 Peter 5:10 (KJV)

Have you ever heard it said that if you help a butterfly escape his chrysalis, he will die shortly after?

It is difficult to watch the butterfly struggle to push out of its chrysalis. We don’t enjoy sitting back and watching difficulty or suffering. But it is this struggle that strengthens the butterfly and prepares it for the future.

This past year at university, I had a professor who would not answer all my questions. After I asked a question in class she would say, “Hmm, that is interesting. We should explore that.” I knew by the look in her eyes that she knew the exact answer to my question, but she wanted me to figure it out on my own. At first, I was baffled that she would not just answer my questions. Answering questions is what teachers do! But after researching my questions and coming to answer them on my own, I understood why my professor would not just give me the answer. I learned so much more through the process of searching for the answer than I would have if she would’ve given me the answer as soon as I asked the question.

In the career field of Education, there is a certain area of learning that all teachers strive to guide their students toward. As students learn, they move toward things they are capable of understanding, but do not yet understand. In this area of learning, students struggle. However, the place of struggle is the optimal environment for learning to take place. The best learning takes place during the struggle.

I have often been guilty of going to God and asking why He would allow me to struggle. It is okay to ask God questions, but it is not always easy to hear His answers. Sometimes, we struggle because in our struggle we are learning to lean on God for our strength–far more than we would without the struggle. Through our struggles, we are spiritually strengthened and more established in God’s love.

A butterfly must struggle out of its chrysalis in order to survive in its new and beautiful life. As Christians, we are learning to live a new and beautiful life in Jesus Christ. The struggles we go through are a natural part of life, though they can be painful in the moment. Take hope to heart as you remember this truth: After the struggle, you will be stronger and more established in your relationship with Christ than before and you’ll be better because of it.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for the struggles You send our way to strengthen us! Please help us to remember that our struggles are only for a season. You are preparing us for a new and beautiful life. Help us to look beyond our struggle and keep our eyes on You and trust that You are working all things out for our good. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Not for a Moment” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
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!

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God's promise to always be with you

A Promise of God’s Presence
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

 –Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

I was in awe and utter disbelief as I stood before a small group of teens. I was teaching a lesson about integrity and hope. I’d asked if anyone in the group knew the story of Adam and Eve. One teen vaguely knew the details of the creation story. That fact struck a chord within me. To think that these teens experienced the absence of the presence of God’s Word in their lives was devastating. I could not imagine a life absent of God’s presence. I never want to imagine that.

My faith journey began as early as I could remember. I was practically born on a pew, surrounded by and steeped in faith. As a child, I knew God was present. His Word was present as I memorized Bible verses and by faith, believed them. The presence of God’s Word in my life has brought me great comfort and security. God’s presence in my life has always assured me of His provision. As the ninth child of fifteen, I saw God’s hand provide for our family daily. Because of my faith in God’s promise of His presence I knew that He would provide all of my needs. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) declares,“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” His provision for me is certain because of His presence.

God’s presence brings me peace amid life’s storms and despite my personal fears. His presence gives me hope that everything will be okay because God is in control of my world and I can trust Him with my life. I want all of my students to embrace the promise of God’s presence because in His presence we experience joy, hope, love, peace, and pleasures forever. I am a witness. I want teens to experience joy and hope in a world where depression runs rampant, destroying lives and families. I want them to experience true love and peace amid a world filled with those practicing hatred and environments full of chaos. I want them to know the pleasure of growing to know an incredible God who loves them unconditionally, just as they are.

God’s presence invokes His Deity. God is sovereign. He is the Creator of the Universe. He called this Earth into existence from nothing. He always has been and He always will be. He is omnipotent and omniscient. He is in a category alone. He is preeminent. There is no one comparable to God and there are no other living gods except Him.

God’s presence invokes His character. He is holy, sinless and without error. He is integral, faithful, and true. He makes no mistakes and He watches over His Word to perform it. He is morally pure and righteous. He is love and His mercy are everlasting. His truth endures to all generations.

God’s presence invokes His provision. The Earth belongs to Him, along with everything and everyone in it because He is the Creator. The cattle on a thousand hills are His. He named the stars and flung them into space. Heaven holds His throne and the Earth is His footstool.

God’s presence invokes His covenant. His promises are sure. He keeps His covenant throughout all generations. He watches over His Word to perform it. God’s Word shall last forever.

In Deuteronomy 31:8 (written by Moses) and Hebrews 13:5 (written by Paul), they testify that God will never leave or forsake His people. This is a promise that God will invoke His deity, His character, His covenant, and His provision in order to demonstrate His love and commitment to a people who were finicky at best. God’s children of Israel repeated the toxic cycle of faith and doubt throughout their course of history. Yet, God promised them His presence. They were given access to the all-powerful God who even called them His “child”.

In Matthew 28, Jesus Christ declares the same promise to His disciples just before He leaves them physically. God incarnate affirms His commitment to His followers, even in His physical absence. He is with us, by faith, always–even to the end of the age. We can rest in His presence and all that comes with that. God’s presence signifies that He will indeed take care of us. Of this we can be sure.

Call to Action:

Action #1: Believe that God is present with you, even in the face of adversity. 

Action #2: Embrace all the benefits of God’s presence in your life and be grateful. 

Action #3: Acknowledge God’s presence in your life by doing the things that honor Him and getting rid of those things that displease Him. 

Action #4: Remember, David the psalmist begged God not to take His presence from Him because that meant that His life would be void of goodness. Enjoy God’s presence and never take it for granted.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for being present in my life. Your presence brings love, peace, joy, goodness, and mercy. Your presence brings Your essence, Your character, Your power, and Your provision. Thank You for assuring me that you are with me always. You’ll never leave me nor forsake me. I’m not worthy of such a gift, yet you extend it to me. I thank You. Help me to remain grateful for your love and mindfulness toward me. Thank you Father for hearing and answering me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Your Presence Is A Promise” by Mack Brock. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Taylor is an author, educator, minister, youth advocate, recording artist, podcaster, and improviser. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College.

She is a veteran educator of Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Language Acquisition with National Board Teacher Certification. She is an advocate of lifelong learning, language learning, and multiculturalism.

Essie is the CEO of KenMar Press, an author agency, and The Essie Faye Collection. Essie is the author of Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love & Acceptance, and Finding The Love Your Deserve: A 60-Day Healing Journal For Women of Faith.

She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. She loves God, people, and helping others.

Essie has been a Christian for nearly all of her 39 years. She was born again at 15 years old. She has been a bilingual worship leader and interpreter for 10+ years. By the grace of God, Essie helped to establish bilingual ministries at five churches in her young life. She is a survivor of domestic violence (verbal and emotional abuse) and marital abandonment in a prior marriage.

Essie is a Chicago native. She lives in Chicago with her husband Donald Taylor II.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com