Devotionals for the Heart: How fasting and prayer helped me land a new job

How Fasting and Prayer Changed My Life
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”—Mark 9:29 (KJV)

“Effective next month, your job will be eliminated.”

I did not hear anything else my boss said after she uttered those words. I was under the impression that I would be in that particular position at work until I decided to leave, but in this case, my job was leaving me.

I started praying very earnestly about what to do and I began to complete applicatiaons and send resumes to available positions on-line. Even after all of those efforts, nothing seemed to work. No one was returning my calls, no one was responding to my emails, and no one seemed interested in my resume.

At the same time, a friend of mine who did not know anything about my circumstance approached me about fasting. There were people already doing it on Mondays and I was asked to join them in this exercise of faith. At that point in my life, I had never tried fasting for a whole day. The thought of it was unappealing to me so I declined, but something kept tugging at my spirit. I was in a desparate situation and nothing else was working. I felt like Heaven was locked in silence. I just wanted to do something to get God’s attention, so I decided to try fasting without telling anyone, including the friend who invited me to do this on Mondays.

After the first Monday of fasting, I had a meeting with someone who I thought would be able to assist me with finding a job. Unfortunately, that person could not help me, but she set up another meeting for the following Tuesday with someone else who could. I fasted the Monday before, praying for a good outcome from that meeting. When I finally had the meeting, I was instructed to send my resume. I was not thrilled at the idea because I had been sending resumes everywhere with no results. I sent the resume anyway and by that Friday, I received a call from a recruiter who scheduled an interview with me and a hiring manager for the following Tuesday.

On the Monday before the interview, I fasted again in preparation for the interview on Tuesday. By the time I was done with the interview, I was invited to a second interview that Friday over lunch. By the end of lunch, I was offered a position with higher pay and benefits, and a start date in June—the same date that my current position would be eliminated.

It's easy to look at this situation and automatically believe that fasting was the reason why my prayers were answered. However, it is important to understand that fasting and praying are not intended to manipulate God into getting our own way. Instead, fasting and praying aligns us with God’s will for our lives and prepares us for the work He is getting ready to accomplish in our lives. By fasting and praying, I thought I was getting God’s attention, but He was One who was getting my attention.

The exercise of fasting was more than just self-discipline for me. It allowed me to stretch my faith by just being open. I was introduced to a greater spiritual focus as well as a more profound experience of God’s presence in my life. Through fasting, I cultivated a deeper and more intimate relationship with God, and I built a stronger and more resilient faith.

I will never forget how God showed up for me in that moment. I truly believe that some things in life can only come about by fasting and prayer. This testing of my faith allowed me to overcome obstacles and achieve breakthoughs in areas where progress seemed impossible. I encourage you to be willing to do what God impresses you to do in order to reach that next level of faith in your relationship with Him.

Let’s Pray: Father, I believe that You can do all things, and these things will happen in Your time. Help me to exercise more faith and to be open to whatever is required of me so that I can have the level of intimacy that You desire. I give You my heart and my mind. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “When God’s People Pray” by Wayne Watson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s fourth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

Angela is a life coach for mothers. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. She works to help them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when God says no to your prayers

What is Your Response When God Says No?
A devotional written by Colette Lawrence

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”— Romans 8:28 (NIV)

When my siblings and I were children and asked our parents for things, the answer that excited and filled us with joy was “Yes.” Our ears seemed not trained to hear any other response.

In our limited mind view, hearing “no” meant we were denied what we through our young eyes thought was best for us, and we pouted or threw tantrums. We believed what we asked for was what was best for us, and hearing that response made us feel that our parents did not love us because if they did, they would have given us what we wanted. This is how we respond to the Lord at times.

2 Samuel 12 recounts how David sinned against the Lord by sleeping with Uriah's wife. The Lord sent Nathan the prophet to confront him about it, and he acknowledged his sin. Bathsheba became pregnant, but that child would die according to the word of the Lord. You may wonder what this has to do with God saying no. It has everything to do with it. The child became ill, and David decided to fast. This is a spiritual discipline where you abstain from eating food and drinking. You spend a lot of time praying to God from the depths of your heart about what you hope He will answer “yes” to in response. Perhaps in fasting, David thought the Lord would heal his baby and the child would live. But God said “no” in the answer to David’s prayers. David’s newborn baby died.

How often has God said no to your request, and your response is just like King David’s initial idea to fast and pray hoping God will change His mind? Maybe you haven't, but I can recall situations when God said no to me, and yes was the answer I thought I needed. My response was to fast and pray in strong hope that He would change His mind, but He didn't.

Sometimes we forget we serve a Sovereign God who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10), what we need, when we need it, and what is best for us.

The Lord tells us in Matthew 7:11 (NIV), “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Therefore, if we petition God for our needs and in His Sovereignty, He says no, then it stands to reason that His no is based on Him knowing all the facts, what is best for us and not giving something to us that He already knows would ultimately not work for our good.

Have you ever been so desperate for God to do something for you, so desperate for His yes, that when He responds differently than you expected, you are left in a tailspin, feeling dejected, neglected, and wondering if God doesn't understand what you need? That was me. In those times, I used to pout and be miffed at God because He denied me something I believed was best for me.

As we read further in the key scripture above, King David fasted and prayed. God still said “no” and his baby died. Consider David’s response from 2 Samuel 12:18-20 (NIV) that reads, “On the seventh day the child died. David’s attendants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, “While the child was still living, he wouldn’t listen to us when we spoke to him. How can we now tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate.” David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves, and he realized the child was dead. “Is the child dead?” he asked. “Yes,” they replied, “he is dead.” Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.”

David's response should be our model response. He hoped he could change God's heart, but he couldn't because the baby wasn't part of God's plan for him. Instead of pouting and withholding his love from God in worship, David changed his posture. He cleansed himself, and then he went to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we hear God's response to our request, and it doesn't meet our expectations, I believe the Lord desires us to come to Him, let Him know how we are feeling, and choose to worship Him instead. We need to trust in His Sovereignty and trust His heart for us. God’s response of “no” is never meant to withdraw or withhold anything good from you. But because He is all-knowing and has your absolute best interest at heart, if He says “no” then that answer is in our best interest.

What are you struggling with today? Have you fasted and prayed about it, and God has still said no? Would you choose today to respond like David by accepting God’s “no” then worshipping God for who He is, the King of all kings, the Creator of Heaven and Earth? Remember, God is your Heavenly Father and He loves you.

Today, let's choose to worship God instead of worry and trust that His plans for us are perfect. Whatever God’s response to our petitions are, our responsibility is to acknowledge His Lordship and Sovereignty then be reminded that God always work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Let’s Pray:

Father God,

How grateful we are for your love and the good plans You have for us. We confess that we don’t always understand when our requests aren’t answered in the way we expect and want. Please forgive us for doubting your good plans for us. Thank You for being Sovereign Lord. Thanks for the assurance that we can trust You. Help us to remember that You always keep your word. Strengthen us as we wait on You.

In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Sovereign (Live)” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Lawrence is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons.

Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettemarie_cm/
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ColetteMarie-cmc
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: The power of prayer still works for us today

Open the Window and Pray to God
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”—Daniel 6:10 (NKJV)

The Bible story of Daniel in the lion’s den has always captivated my spiritual imagination. It is a true tale about a noble, old man standing firm on his faith in the face of demonic conspiracy to erase his godly influence within the kingdom.

No guile was found in Daniel, yet he was dragged from the opulence of Babylonian/Persian royalty and thrown unceremoniously into a den of hungry lions. Daniel survived the night in a den of lions because the king and his friends in defiance of the law that put him there, prayed for Daniel.

The miracle of Divine intervention has three dimensions I would like to highlight. First: King Darius fasted and prayed to God to save Daniel then he became converted because Daniel was not killed by the lions. Second: The same people who conspired against Daniel and tricked the king were uncovered, disgraced and sentenced to the same punishment they had arranged for Daniel. Third: Because Daniel opened his windows and prayed during the crisis, the entire world was informed of the Living God. Daniel and others prospered even more, and many people came into a knowledge of God’s love, providence, grace and mercy.

What if we opened the windows of our minds to the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God when we prayed? Would we pray differently, more confidently? Might we see Him in places that we don’t expect? Daniel saw God’s presence and power in the den of lions. Where do you need to see Him?

What if we prayed humbly and sincerely in public places? Years ago, a young man whom I have known since birth was driving home from college. His speeding ticket summoned him to appear in court. In the hallway outside the courtroom, his lawyer told him that the penalty for driving over the speed limit at 90 miles an hour could be six months in jail. I said, “Let me pray for you before you go into the courtroom to intercede for this young man.”

The young man, his mother, sister, twin brother, the lawyer and I immediately stopped. Together, we prayed. The lawyer went inside the courtroom while we continued to pray. After a few minutes the lawyer returned looking amazed. He told us that the arresting officer spoke well of the young man’s demeanor. The judge reduced the level of the infraction, pronounced a fine and released the young man with a warning never to drive that fast again, anywhere. As they say in some Christian churches and circles, “Won’t He (God) do it?”

As we were leaving the hallway, people who saw us praying asked what happened. When we told them, a few asked if I would pray with them. I did. I did not stay to see their verdicts, because I had already seen the glory of the Lord. This I do know: People who saw it told that story to others. The best preaching comes in the form of sincere testimonies about what God did, does, can and will do for humankind.

My challenge for you today and every day is: As you pray, don’t be afraid to open the windows of your mind, your house, your car and let your faith be seen. Do not be a spectacle. Do not be offensive to others, but don’t be ashamed to pray to God.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Hear our prayer today and help us pray like Daniel did. It is clear that Daniel could pray with hope and confidence because prayer was a habit for him, as were seeing answers to the prayers he prayed. May that be our experience also. Grow our faith by answering our small prayers. Then, Lord, move us to bigger prayers and answers as you did for Daniel. This I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real featuring Arden. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Somebody Prayed for Me” by Dorothy Norwood. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: How to seek God when you need to be healed

Seeking God for Our Healing
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.”—Isaiah 58:8 (NIV)

One day I woke up with pain in my left foot. I experienced a bit of discomfort. I had no idea where this pain came from, but it was undeniable.

The pain wasn’t debilitating, and it didn’t hinder my day-to-day operations. However, the pain was nagging. It stayed with me for weeks. I tried so many things to rid myself of this nuisance. I tried home remedies, massages, stretches, and exercises. But nothing seemed to work. Until one day it disappeared. I had no idea when the pain left; I only knew that it did–suddenly. I was healed, praise God!

In the Bible book of Isaiah, chapter 58, the prophet addresses the power of fasting and its place in individual and corporate healing. The chapter opens as God addresses Isaiah with the charge to cry aloud against the transgression of His people. Isaiah was to show the people of God their sin. Though the people of God desired relationship with Him and proximity to Him, they had a problem—their hearts were full of strife and pride. They also were misappropriating the sacred practice of fasting. Clearly, they had the wrong priorities. They were fasting with the wrong motive. God speaks about the purpose of the fast that He ordained.

God-ordained fasting penetrates the soul and spirit, while simultaneously disciplining the body. Fasting is the act of abstaining from all or some kinds of food or drink, especially as a religious observance. It is the bowing of our will to God. Fasting helps to clear our mind so we can think with clarity, and it enables us to make good decisions about what God wants us to do. During our time of fasting, we deny our flesh in order to elevate and edify our spirit. In essence, we willfully give up food and drink in order to align our heart and mind to the will of God. Fasting is the embodiment of the constant battle between the flesh and spirit present in our human experience. Fasting is a work within us that shows up outside of us when God answers our prayers.

You will be counted as righteous before God because you have humbled your soul before Him by acknowledging your need for Him through fasting. The glory (presence) of the Lord shall be your rear guard. God has your back; He will stand for You. God will cover you with protection, peace, provision, and all the good things that come from His presence.

When we are committed to the spiritual discipline of fasting, God can respond with deliverance. Fasting enables God to align our thoughts with His. Remember: The power isn’t in our fasting. Healing comes from God in response to the spiritual intimacy of fasting. Nothing may change dramatically after fasting. We may still experience depression and behavioral health issues because those are rarely resolved through spiritual disciplines alone. Fasting is not the complete remedy for all that is making us ill, but it does help us in our faith walk with Jesus Christ. And sometimes, it does result in our healing—if not here on Earth, then in Heaven.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Help us to remember that Jesus Christ died on Calvary’s Cross so we might be healed by His stripes. Help us to believe and receive it. Help us to act in faith and move toward our restoration. Help us to deny our fleshly desires while edifying our spirit as we practice fasting. Help us to walk in victory, liberty, and light. We need Your help. We thank You for hearing our prayers and answering us. In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Surrender All” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor 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 where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: Discipline

The Warfare of the Soul
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Beloved, I urge you, as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”—1 Peter 2:11 (ESV)

As I awakened one day and moved into my devotional headspace, God whispered a warning into my soul. God was listening to my prayers about a new professional opportunity. 

In preparation for the next steps in the journey of my life, God invited me to fast, not from food, but from other distractions. This fast would allow my spiritual senses to be honed. The second part of the invitation was to physically exercise. Whatever might come next would meet me with new challenges. The fortification of the soul begins with the disciplines of spirituality.

Jesus Christ demonstrated this principle for us when after His baptism, He fasted and conquered the temptations presented to Him by Satan. After Jesus successfully battled and overcame the warfare for His soul, He went from the height of temptation to the mount of blessings. There, at the peak of victory, He shared the ethos of how to live lives of divine fulfillment. The victory of purpose is found in rightly regimenting our innate passions.

Seeking, above all else, to be in a right relationship with God, our family and neighbors, is the portal through which we enter the experience of signs, wonders, miracles, and spiritual fulfillments that will exceed and defy our imaginations (Matthew 6:33).

During the pandemic, I started to feel run down and achy. I was sneezing, coughing and my nose was running. I took the home test for COVID-19. The lines were bright pink. Even though I had faithfully masked and frequently washed my hands and clothing, my body was infected. I was sick. The symptoms of the illness were indicators that my body was fighting the infection. The body loses when it can no longer repel an illness.

Similarly, if we do not manage the passions in our lives, our souls will be infected. Impediments will occur to our spirituality, our godly purpose, our immediate impact in our sphere of influence and our destinies. Just as our bodies combat infections internally, the warfare in the soul is fought on the battleground of our passions.

Passions are not sins. We were created to appreciate and utilize our senses, intuitions and inclinations. They are vehicles of pleasure, warning and security. Sin occurs when the passions that are subject to our control begin to control us, such as when we overindulge in our passion for food. Eating to live is a radically different experience and state of life than living to eat.

We are losing the battle when we give control of our choices and resources to the wasteful diffusions of our creative energy. Worrying, fantasizing, plotting and striving for the affirmations of our social networks can become intoxicating and dangerous.

Gain the victory and the spiritual high ground by living above the level of passion. Plunge into service for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Postpone and regiment your passions so that your soul is strengthened in preparation for the next exaltation that God has for you.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Fortify us for the battles of the day, every day. Help us to have the victory in Jesus Christ. In the matchless and mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Victory Belongs To Jesus (LIVE)” by Todd Dulaney. Listen here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching.

He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address, psanderson75@gmail.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Failure

The Remedy for Failure
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

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

–Mark 9:18 (KJV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~*~
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.

Romantic Reads: The story behind "Love, Laughter, and Luminarias"

Welcome Jaycee Weaver to the blog!

 She's here today to share the story behind her Christmas holiday story: 

Love, Laughter, and Luminarias.

~*~

The Story Behind Jaycee Weaver’s Christmas story,

 "Love, Laughter, and Luminarias"

A huge fan of Christmas books (especially novellas), I’d wanted to write one since beginning my first novel. Unfortunately, every time I sat down to write or even just brainstorm, nothing worthwhile came out.

I remember running errands in August of 2018, asking the Lord for an idea while also grousing about how hard to was to feel Christmassy in the triple digit summer heat. Less than a minute later, still driving, I had to pull out my phone and dictate the ideas that came before I’d even finished praying!

What if my hero was an author attempting to write a summer book in December? What if his main character is based off his real-life love interest and he doesn’t even know it?

On the way home, I swung into the nearest Starbucks and sipped a vanilla iced coffee while scribbling into my ever-present notebook as fast as my hand could move across the page. I left an hour later with the whole first chapter completed and a character sketch of my heroine, Nina, to go with Garrett, my author hero.

I thought, what if his best friend preferred movies and comics to books?

Friends-to-more is my favorite romance trope, but I knew I didn’t want it to be the same old unrequited love angle I’d read hundreds of times. What if neither of them ever had feelings for the other… until suddenly, they do? All these what-if questions helped the characters and plot start coming together.

Staring down the face of a deadline if I wanted to release it in time for holiday sales, I again went to my knees for direction. Before opening my eyes, I felt a distinct promise in my spirit—if I would fast from reading anything but the Word for the rest of the month, He would give me the story faster than anything I’d ever written before.

Not read for a few weeks? I could give up chocolate more easily than books. When it comes to reading, I’m voracious, so you can imagine my distress. But I did it. I used the time I normally spent buried between the pages working at my computer or notebook. Two and a half weeks later, the first draft was done. Two and a half weeks after that, it’d been through multiple edits and I was moving on to cover design and then sending it to advance readers.

When those readers came back with wonderful things to say, I knew this little book was completely and utterly the result of God’s faithfulness to keep His promise when I’d responded in obedience. It’s a lesson I pray I never forget.

Before I ever published a single book, I knew I wanted to showcase my hometown, Albuquerque, New Mexico, in every book. Since then, I’ve branched out a little into fictional towns in NM and Oklahoma, but primarily all of my books are set where I live. It’s good we have a lot to offer all year through, because after twelve books I still haven’t run out of things to highlight about life here.

My favorite Christmas tradition in the whole state is that of luminarias. Throughout the holiday season, buildings all over the state display electric luminarias in lieu of regular Christmas lights, but the most beautiful are only lit Christmas Eve. Paper lunch sacks are rolled down at the top, and inside a simple votive candle is nestled atop a few inches of sand. These bags line the tops of walls, sidewalks, and basically every horizontal surface available. As soon as the sun goes down, people light the candles (which can take hours!) and hold vigil to keep them lit. We drive through participating neighborhoods with the lights off and admire the simple, peaceful beauty.

In Love, Laughter, and Luminarias, I explain the tradition and some of the cultural beliefs surrounding it, but I also use it to illustrate our place in the family of God. Nina particularly finds this message meaningful in a whole new way that transforms her life and sets her on the path to Christ… and maybe love where she least expected it.

I hope you will, too!

~*~
Author Bio:

Lover of Jesus, family, books, coffee, music, and crafting (in that order), Jaycee Weaver is perpetually pursuing at least one of her passions. 

She writes contemporary Christian romance stories featuring realistic characters in everyday situations where God is at work in big ways. 

She appreciates books where the characters face shortcomings, temptations, and adversity but always get their happy ending, so that’s what she writes.

~*~
Book Blurb for "Love, Laughter, and Luminarias"

He has his books. She has her fandoms. They've always had their friendship. Could Christmas projects, snowball fights, and local traditions spark feelings neither knew were there? 

Surprisingly successful action-suspense author Garrett Wilson is struggling to write a summer novel in December. That is, until he witnesses his best friend, Nina, chase down a shoplifter and realizes that maybe his tough, attractive heroine might not be based solely in fiction.

Geeky-chic Nina Trujillo finds herself contemplating a God she’s never believed in after her brush with danger taking down a thief. That one decision could change the whole course of her life, and quite possibly, her feelings for the one guy she’s never considered more than a friend.

When Nina dives head-first into a series of Christmas projects and ideas for new traditions, she drags Garrett along for the ride. Will her newfound courage and all the extra time together bring their feelings out into the open, or will Nina escape back into the comfort of her fandoms and lose him forever?

~*~
Connect with Jaycee:
Website: https://www.jayceeweaver.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayceeweaver
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayceeweaver
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/weaverjaycee
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/weaversgrrrl
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17239020.Jaycee_Weaver
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jaycee-weaver
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Jaycee-Weaver/e/B076CVKRPJ?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vu00_i1
Honored to be an InspyRomance author/blogger on the web and Facebook.

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Devotionals for the Heart: Focus!

Focus
A devotional by Temeka Borden

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

– Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)

One day, as I was doing one of my live Biblical teachings, I asked viewers what were some of the greatest challenges they have faced or are facing right now. One of the most common answers to my question was remaining focused. In other words, many are becoming distracted while trying to meet their goals.

Allow me to begin this devotional by writing the following: When God assigns you a task (or sets a goal for you to meet) don’t think the path to completing that task will always be easy. However, remember that “not being easy” can be a good thing because if everything we attained was always easy to get, we would not have the opportunity to grow and become stronger spiritually. There is a benefit to encountering resistance.

Recently, I gave up some things so that I could better “focus.”

In January of 2020, I announced my sabbatical from Biblical teachings, which later became a sabbatical from posting on social media, which most recently became a sabbatical from even logging into my social media accounts, except when absolutely necessary. Why? I’m trying to avoid as many potential distractions as possible while I’m on this journey of becoming as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared as possible for when I resume my postings and teachings.

As a sidebar, I have spoken at length regarding the importance of taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually in the past, and I intend to talk about this topic even more upon my return to the social media world as I know the pandemic we are currently facing has impacted so many in a variety of ways, including mentally and emotionally.

During the time of my sabbatical, I have begun running again, including long-distance running, and not only that, how often I run have changed. I run almost every day now; I have never done that before in my life.

I’ve (unintentionally) become vegan again, and most importantly, I’m spending much time in the Word, in worship, and in prayer. I’ve established a reading schedule that will allow me to read the entire Bible before my social media return in August, and I’m listening to certain Biblical sermons frequently.

All I can say is that doing all of these things is making a difference. Now, there have been days when I got that “itch” to log into my social media account and post something not necessarily spiritually related (or just take a peek at what is going on in the social media world), and then the Lord would kindly remind me of why I’m on my social media sabbatical in the first place (in His own very unique way).

I must say that when I “focus” on God and His Word, I am better able to “focus” on continually becoming the person He wants me to be. Sometimes we must temporarily remove ourselves from certain people, certain situations, and/or certain environments so that we can be strengthened in Christ.

However, I also want to caution you regarding the spirit of “guilt” when doing what I mentioned above. Because I’m not posting encouragement, I experienced moments of feeling guilty because of this. I felt as though I was not fulfilling my Christian duties by being there for others. However, as I’ve mentioned so many times before, you must feed and fill yourself before you are able to adequately feed others.

Ultimately, what I want you, the reader, to get out of this devotional is to do all you can to avoid potential distractions while working toward your goals, and you will see a difference.

God has given each of us an assignment, a purpose, and the enemy (Satan) knows this and will do all he can to stop you from fulfilling that purpose. Still, remain focused. Remember why you are doing what you are doing. Commit to it. See it through to the end, and know that a reward awaits you for your faithfulness.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily.
​
Dr. Borden has been blessed with a variety of gifts, and she has gained much professional experience in a variety of settings. She also has served in administrative roles in the professional and church settings.

In addition to obtaining her PharmD, she also obtained her bachelor's degree in biology (minor in English), and she is working on her third degree. What's more, as stated in her words, “I completed a specialty pharmacy residency that prepared me for the workforce and made me a force to be reckoned with.” She is a long-distance runner, a drummer, a singer, and she has a strong “fashion sense.” She also can read and type at almost supersonic speed in some instances.

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

She loves God and she loves people. She is “crazy about her family,” and she adores her friends. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone. She loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments.

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

Interview with Jevon Bolden, author of the NEW book "Pray Hear Write"

Dearest blog readers,

You are in for a special treat!

Today, I'm interviewing a publishing giant named Jevon Bolden about her new book AND she's giving away not one but two copies of her book "Pray Hear Write." Details about that are found toward the end of this blog post.

Jevon is a multi-talented woman who is passionate about books and seeking God! I believe that you will be blessed by reading what she has to say today!

Enjoy your time with Jevon. Read on! 

~*~

Interview with Jevon Bolden about her book, Pray Hear Write: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Breakthrough in Your Writing

Alexis: Jevon, I LOVE your book! It’s an answer to my writer related prayers! What inspired you to write this book?

Jevon: Books should answer questions and solve problems—especially nonfiction books.

Over my career and service to authors, I’ve been asked a lot about how I generate ideas and how I have been able to produce the volume of work that I have over the course of my fifteen years as an editor and writer. Prayer is at the center of my ability. I am no saint, but I am in constant communication with God all day every day. I do not only have one set prayer time. When things get really challenging and I need ear to hear what God is saying and eyes to see what He is trying to reveal, I fast. Sometimes, I believe, it is the split difference between success and failure.

My experience in publishing has left me with the feeling that most of what editors are expected to do is almost impossible. Instead of stressing out and going to a place of cynicism, I turn inward to see what new challenge God and I are going to meet. I truly believe that with only us some things are impossible, but with God all things are possible.

And then with God, it is not only possible but the product—the outcome—is phenomenal and yields better results, better than we could have thought or imagined.

In my experience, praying, fasting, seeking, knocking, asking, being brave enough to obey, then giving Him glory for it all is the perfect formula.

Alexis: Have you always been so passionate about writing and editing books? Explain.

Jevon: Yes. I have written as long as I could write—keeping a diary and journaling mostly, at first. I couldn’t not do it.

I didn’t really start writing to be read until I was in college. I wrote for the university student newspaper. I was also so very graciously mentored by the best—and maybe only—real writer I knew at the time. He really encouraged me and told I was good at writing. I loved English, and though I had my educational path aimed toward being a neurosurgeon, I changed my major to English after concluding that it was really where all my true passions were stored. My deciding factor was that English was the only class I would not skip in high school. When I was being true to my heart, I could see myself writing on the beach in another country with little inhibition. I am getting closer to that vision every day.

Alexis: Briefly tell us about your career journey. How did you get started in the publishing industry? How did you start your own company and why did you decide to become a literary agent?

Jevon: Upon graduating from college and after starting a family, I started looking for jobs for which my degree was a fit. I applied to over thirty companies. Of those, one called me in for an interview. It was an entry-level position as a copyeditor for a Christian book publisher in Lake Mary, Florida—Charisma House.

First, Florida was a yes for me always. I love warm weather; God knows that. I moved up quickly within that company and ended my twelve years with them as a senior acquisitions editor. I immediately transitioned to the role of senior editor for Scholastic and their imprint that produces nonfiction books, activity kits, and other cool things for their more that 120,000 school book fairs. During my time there, my skills and experience in adult Christian nonfiction continued to pull on me until I have no other choice but to make a choice. This is when I knew it was time to launch out on my own and start my company Embolden Media Group.

Throughout my life, I have done my best to submit myself to the movement of the Spirit of God, listening, waiting, praying, responding, and all that. It’s an intuitive exchange that we have, and so I just knew when it was time to make the moves I made. Not any of them have been easy, but almost all of them have come as a response to some pull or demand. The same is true to my becoming a literary agent, which is my newest opportunity. The need, the pull, the open door presented itself, and I walked through. I am taking it very slowly—one proposal at a time—again, listening, waiting, moving as God leads. Like most agents, I know I am not fit to represent anyone and everyone. So even with that, I am praying and listening step by step.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope that your book, Pray Hear Write, will help ignite your readers’ passion to write?

Jevon: I hope that it will be a tool to help open portal between them and heaven to see their writing and publishing lives soar to new heights.

I don’t want them to just write a good book; I want them to write a God book—a book that catapults readers into new realms of living, one that heals, one that exposes darkness, one that brings light and welcomes unity, one the restores breaches and broken places. And then I want them to see it go farther than they ever could. It’s amazing the places books end up. They travel miles one person could never do in a lifetime. I want to see that for them, and I pray this book helps all of that become real for the writer who reads it.

Alexis: What is your advice on what writers can do to hear God better, especially when it comes to His plans concerning their call to write?

Jevon: Get alone with yourself and God, pray, be still, get quiet, and when necessary fast. A couple parts in there may be the hardest because of what we feel our culture requires of us, but for the writer there is no other way—solitude, stillness, and quiet are parts of our formula for great writing.

Alexis: Why is it important to go to God first, not people as you endeavor to get the right words to the right people? Explain.

Jevon: From my view, being able to write can only happen when a writer writes with the perspective of the One who knows their readers better than they do. A writer can only write with such power and impact if completely surrendered to the Spirit of God who reads the hearts of humans everywhere and knows where they hurt and where their deepest desires lie.

As people, we are limited in our knowledge and understanding. God isn’t. It is His desire to show us things we don’t know when we seek Him (Jer. 33:3). It also His Word that is a plumb line for everything else. When we have a word from God, we can compare everything else to it and what doesn’t corroborate doesn’t stay. It makes decision making a bit easier, I think. With Him as our guide, we get access to His unlimited resources—wisdom, discernment, resources, insight, and so on. These intangible things are greater than tangible things like money. When line up to the intangible things, other more tangible things follow—and then we have the humility, grace, and wisdom to sustain them.

Alexis: Regarding the format of your book: Why did you choose to make it a prayer guide and fasting journal?

Jevon: I trust that as God speaks, the writer will be compelled to write. I also saw this book as a keepsake of sorts that writers can return to time and again to recall what God did for them in their 21 days. They will also be able to return to the ideas He gives them as they pray. I feel that for the writer pray and writing many times goes hand in hand, but we don’t always create space for that type of exchange. I’ve learned to keep a journal with me at all times. And it has been for me that even during a church service, during worship, or a sermon, God gives me incredible ideas, and if I am not ready to capture them at that moment they’re sometimes gone forever. I’ve learned to not take God ideas for granted. This book was designed with that belief in mind.

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember the most about your book? Why?

Jevon: The time they spend with God, making their call to write the center of their prayer focus. Writing sometimes isn’t given the value it should have. I write about the power of writing in the beginning of the book, so I will not go deep here. But I want readers to remember their time with my book as a time when writing while inquiring of the Lord and beholding His beauty was their one thing.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jevon! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Jevon: I love books. I love my authors. I love what I get to do, and I pray that love is contagious.

~*~

Author Bio: 

Jevon Bolden is a book editor, writer, literary agent, and CEO of Embolden Media Group, a boutique publishing consulting firm in sunny Florida.

The books she has written as other people have appeared on ECPA and CBA best-sellers’ lists and have sold hundreds of thousands of copies around the world.

As a conference speaker, workshop facilitator, writing coach, and mentor, Jevon shares the best of what she knows with passionate, creative, and influential individuals and groups who desire to publish great books that make a difference.

~*~
Book Blurb for Pray Hear Write:

Ignite your passion to write!

You know what God has spoken. But where do you start? What should you write? Who will read it? And how do you get it to them?

Pray Hear Write is designed for you to hear God speak His specific plans concerning your call to write, develop a writing plan and practice, and be positioned to connect with a receptive audience. In her more than fifteen years editing and writing best-selling books, Jevon Bolden has found no substitute for getting the right words to the right people than first going to God.

This prayer guide and fasting journal will help you:

- Overcome writer's block and feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt

- Cultivate heightened spiritual awareness about what to write, whom to write to, and when to write it

- Develop a strategy for starting, completing, and publishing your work

- Flesh out God ideas and track divine connections

- Take action toward your dreams and stay encouraged throughout the journey

You are God's scribe. You have been called to write words that bring life and light to those who read them. Now set yourself to seek Him for all you need to get it written and published. Your most life-arresting book may be just a prayer away.

~*~
Buy Jevon's book on Amazon, BAM!, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo

~*~
Connect with Jevon:
Instagram - Instagram.com/jevonbolden
Facebook - Facebook.com/jevonbolden.editor
Twitter - Twitter.com/jevonbolden
LinkedIn - LinkedIn.com/in/jevonbolden

Website - https://www.jevonbolden.com

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Devotionals for the Heart: Queen Esther, prayer and the power of fasting

For Such a Time as This
A devotional by Nanci Rubin

The book of Esther is a dramatic account that can give us insight into God’s special and purposeful plan for our lives. He didn’t create ‘junk’ when He created you and He wants you to succeed. Take a look at the life of Esther.

Esther is a young and beautiful Jewish woman living in Persia and reared by her cousin, Mordecai. Because of her beauty, she was taken to the King of Persia to become part of his harem. He saw something special in Esther and took a liking to her and made her Queen. However, he didn’t know her Jewish heritage.

Haman is the scoundrel of the story. He is a vengeful and egotistical advisor to the King. Haman tells the King that the Jewish people have different customs and do not obey the King’s laws. The King authorizes Haman to handle the fate of these people. Haman announces a government issue edict of genocide.

What can Queen Esther do for her people? The King hadn’t requested her presence in a month. Mordecai persuaded her to speak to the King on behalf of the Jewish people reminding her of her unique place in history and that silence is not an option. Let's read what Mordecai told Esther in the Book of Esther, Chapter 4 and verse 14 (KJV):

“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed, and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 

Esther knew that going to the King unsolicited could be her death sentence. So, what does she do? She calls for the Jewish people to join her on a three day fast. Following the fast, she dresses to the nines, approaches the King, and tells him of Haman’s plot against the people. The Jews are saved, Haman is hanged on the same gallows he’d prepared for Mordecai, and Esther receives Haman’s estate.

There are six lessons to be learned from the Book of Esther:

Lesson #1: God has a plan for our lives. We may not be called as Esther to assist in the delivery of God’s divine plan to save a nation, but we may be called upon to witness to someone in need. Don’t despise small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10 (KJV) says, “For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven, they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Lesson #2: We are given divine moments to alter circumstances. As believers, there are no such things as accidents or coincidences. God’s timing is providential. Esther’s divine moment of providence came by accepting her responsibility, to go to the King. God will use you only if you’re ready, or He will find someone else. Psalm 37:23 (KJV) says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way.”

Lesson #3: We must stand with courage. There are many modern-day martyrs The Columbine massacre comes to mind. Rachel Scott and Cassie Bernall were reported to have professed their faith in God, refusing to deny their beliefs. Valeen Schnurr also held fast to her faith and survived the ordeal. Pastors around the world are imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ. Pastor Andrew Brunson was released from a Turkish prison. And of course, there was Queen Esther. Read about how she survived and saved the Jews in Esther 4:16 (KJV) says, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I also and my maidens will fast likewise, and so will I go into the King, which is not according to the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Lesson #4: Fasting and prayer bring clarity and hope for deliverance. God is not mentioned in the Book of Esther even once. But Esther was clear that in this situation, a Heavenly response was needed for an earthly situation. She needed direction. When we need God’s grace, fasting and prayer opens the portals for spiritual growth, removes distractions and places us on a path to humility. Fasting does open Heaven’s gates. There are moments in our lives when a situation calls for a solemn fast. Joel 1:14 (KJV) says, “Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord, your God, and cry unto the Lord.”

Lesson #5: God demands obedience. Esther’s obedience saved God’s people from genocide. She acted in obedience and by doing so she saved a nation and received the best. We don’t get a pass on this one. God’s Word is pretty clear about where He stands on obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) says, “To obey is better than sacrifice.”

Lesson #6: God uses everything and everybody for His divine purpose. No part of our lives is untouched. God is in control of every aspect, whether we want him to be or not, and there is nothing that is not subject to him. Hebrews 2:8 (KJV) says, “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.”

We may not be called upon to save a people but God has chosen a plan for each of us. Something that only we are capable of doing. When we feel totally unqualified for service, it is probably the best time for God to elevate you.

I pray for the courage that Esther had, I’m sure she was afraid to boldly go to the King, but obedience to God and loyalty to her people shoved her fear behind her as she took a leap of faith.

Let us listen for God’s direction and be obedient to follow where He leads.

~*~
Author Bio:

Nanci is a poet and short story writer published in Cypress News, Family Times E-Zine, Free Verse and the Commonwealth of Poetry. 

She belongs to RWA, ACFW, and Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild where she’s enrolled in his novel writing program.

Nanci lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and cats, Romeo and Juliette, along with their newest member of the family, Roni, a seven-month-old Goldendoodle.

Recently, Nanci completed her debut novel, A Betrayal in Cross Keys. It is an Amish romance that she has placed in her agent's capable hands. The rest is up to God.

Devotional by Laura Thomas: Queen Esther and An Invitation

Invited
A devotional written by Laura Thomas

When Queen Esther made the decision to come before the King uninvited, she literally risked her life. As dramatic as it sounds, it was a reality, and one she did not take lightly.

“…any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives….” ~Esther 4:11 (NIV)

Esther knew she had to be in the right headspace and heart space to go through with the ordeal, culminating in either an audience with her royal husband or meeting her Maker. She carried the heavy burden of knowing the Jewish race was about to be slaughtered, annihilated, wiped off the face of the earth, and there was a chance that she could make a difference. She could save the lives of a nation.

On hearing about the dire situation facing her people, Esther informed her dear cousin Mordecai to instruct the Jews in the area to fast for three days. She would do likewise with her maids—no food or drink for three full days.

When it was time for her to go before the King, she dressed to the nines in her royal robes, even though she must have felt horribly weak physically, and she presented herself, uninvited, in the royal court. I can only imagine how beautiful that gold scepter must have appeared when the King extended it her way and invited her in.

At this point, I’m pretty sure I would have exhaled in sheer relief and simply blurted out the whole story of wicked Haman plotting to wipe out the Jews. Get it over with. But Esther procrastinated her plea to the King—she asked if he and Haman might join her for a banquet. Cool, calm, and confident Esther. She followed God’s guidance in complete obedience, and knew she had to be cautious even in her courage.

There’s more—at the banquet, clearly the King was in an awesome mood because he offered her up to half the kingdom! This would have been the time to spill the beans on Haman’s plan. Yet Esther requested that they come to another banquet the following day, where she would make her plea known. Intrigued by her beauty and wit, the King agreed. As a fly on the palace wall, I would have been a nervous wreck watching this transpire—the King could easily have become frustrated and enraged. Esther was not yet safe.

But she trusted.

Esther spent three intense days fasting and drawing close to the Father’s heart, seeking His will and guidance in this horrific situation. She knew she was unable to face her husband and tell him of Haman’s schemes in her own strength or her own timing. There was too much at stake to risk being ignorant or arrogant. She sought after God and He heard her.

How blessed we are today as God’s children to come before The King of Kings with confidence and boldness! We don’t have to wait and guess the mood of our King, whether He will want to accept us and hear us. Because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we are invited.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”~ Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Esther’s plan worked out perfectly in the end—she bided her time and petitioned the King at just the right moment with just the right words. God used her and spoke through her in a mighty way. As a result of Esther’s obedience and longing to do God’s will, evil Haman was hanged and the Jews were saved.

Does it make you wonder what God might do through us when we seek after Him wholeheartedly, spend time listening for His voice, and then act in obedience like lovely Esther? We are invited to approach His throne today to “find grace to help us in our time of need.” And that, my friend, is the most prestigious invitation imaginable!

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Author bio:

Laura is a published Christian author with a heart for inspiring and encouraging readers of all ages. 

She is truly multi-genre—with a published Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, children’s stories, devotionals for Union Gospel Press, musings on her blog, and she now has a literary agent representing her Christian romantic suspense novel.

Laura is English and Canadian, married to her high school sweetheart, mom of three, passionate about faith and family…and chocolate!
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Connect with Laura:
Website - www.laurathomasauthor.com
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