Devotionals for the Heart: How giving and receiving blessings creates joy

The Joy of Accepting Blessings
A devotional by Melissa Henderson

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”—James 1:17 (NIV)

I looked forward to attending a writer’s retreat where I would share writing ideas, fellowship with other writers, learn how to improve my writing craft as I sat in workshops, collaborate on devotions, meet with literary agents, and have other rich experiences. Every retreat I attended in the past was filled with laughter and a few tears. The relationships between these writers were strengthened by God.

However, my plans to attend the writer’s retreat changed when arthritic pain in my neck and back intensified. My heart ached when I decided not to attend. Through my decision to stay home, I soon learned the joy of accepting blessings. I sent emails and texts alerting my group of friends that I would not be attending our retreat. Immediately, the responses flooded my inbox: “Oh, Melissa, we’ll miss you. Are you sure you can’t attend?” “What can we do to help?” The compassion and love from the group warmed my heart. Each person covered me with precious prayers and blessings.

After that outpouring of love, I began to feel awkward about letting the group down. The plan was for a dear friend and me to share a room at the rental house. That would help with cost. Most of all, we love sharing time together. This special friend sent a message that she would refund the payment for my part of the room. I explained that she didn’t need to give any money back to me. My anxiety began to surface. I worried about accepting that check from my friend. I thought: “What if she needed that money?” “How could I accept her offer?”

But then, God began to speak to me in wonderful ways. He reminded me that sometimes we need to accept blessings from others. There is no need to feel awkward or embarrassed when someone offers to help. Yet, I am encouraged and inspired when I’m the person who is offering a blessing by helping someone in need. God reminded me through Scripture that every good and perfect gift is from Him. There are times when we can bless others with our words and actions. There are other times when we need to be blessed.

I accepted the check from my friend. That money was needed for an unexpected expense. God knew what was needed. My friend listened to God and blessed my husband and me. Accepting a blessing can bless the giver and the receiver. What a beautiful way to share God’s love and glory!

Today, I paused to think about different types of blessings. We bless people when we acknowledge them, look them in the eyes, and say hello. Listening and hearing what is being said can show God’s love to someone who needs to share about something happening in their life.

I also considered the Blessing Box that my husband and I fill at different times during the month. A team of volunteers from our church are assigned a week to fill the box with food and personal hygiene items. One of our team members recently shared that a man approached him while he was placing items into the box. The stranger thanked him for the food and toiletries.

I also remembered a time when my neighbor was exiting her vehicle this morning and sneezed loud enough to make us laugh. I said, “God bless you.” She responded with a smile and a “thank you”. She said that sneezing made her jump. A simple blessing over a sneeze allowed two neighbors to share a conversation.

I have learned the joy of accepting blessings, and it has encouraged my heart. Have you been blessed in a special way?

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for big and small blessings. Each one is provided by You. May we look for ways to bless others every day. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Counting My Blessings” by Seph Schlueter. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “So So Good” by Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Blessings Everywhere (Live from the Loft)” feat. Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Brighter Days” by Blessing Offor. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages sometimes humming with humor. 

With articles, devotions, and stories in print publications and online, Melissa shares her love for God and life. Some of the inspirations for her writing come from family life.

Melissa and her husband Alan have been married for over 46 years. Their son Mike, and daughter-in-love Christine have blessed the family with two precious children: Rowan and Eden. These precious souls bring laughter, love, and many funny experiences, which can often be found in Melissa’s writing. The family motto is: It’s Always a Story with the Hendersons.

Melissa is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), CWFL (Christian Writers for Life), and many other organizations.

Melissa’s books for children include Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator.

Melissa serves in Christian ministry as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.

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Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaghenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaHendersonAuthor
Twitter: https://x.com/mimionlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissahendersonauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ahenderson312/

Devotionals for the Heart: We all need people in our life who encourage us

The Blessing of a Barnabas
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

We all know people who bring doom and gloom wherever they go—the ones who never have a kind word to say, who always find the downside of everything, and whose complaints fill every conversation.

These are not the voices you want speaking into your dreams or shaping your faith. If you want the calling God planted in you to grow and flourish, you need people who will nurture it, protect it, and cheer you on when the road gets tough. In other words, you need a Barnabas.

Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), was the kind of person who made others believe they could become who God called them to be. He didn’t just believe in people from the sidelines, he championed them. When others doubted Paul’s conversion and questioned his sincerity, Barnabas stood beside him and vouched for his transformation (Acts 9:26-27). When John (also called Mark) failed in ministry and others wrote him off, Barnabas gave him another chance (Acts 15:36-39). He saw potential where others saw only problems. He looked beyond someone’s present struggles and called out their God-given destiny.

Every one of us needs someone like that, someone who reminds us of God’s promises when doubt creeps in, who speaks life when our confidence wavers, and who pushes us closer to our purpose when we’re tempted to give up. For me, one of my greatest encouragers has always been my mother. She has prayed over me, believed in me, and consistently pointed me back to God. When challenges came, she refused to let me sit in self-pity. Instead, she spoke truth and hope into my life, reminding me of God’s faithfulness and His plan. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” A true encourager doesn’t just comfort you; they strengthen you in the Lord.

Maybe you’ve been blessed with someone like that, a mentor, friend, coach, or spiritual leader who poured wisdom and encouragement into your journey. If so, cherish them. And if you haven’t had that person yet, don’t give up. Pray and trust that God will bring a Barnabas into your life at the right time.

But what happens when the encouragement you need doesn’t come from the people you expect? Maybe the ones closest to you don’t understand your calling. Maybe they question your dreams or even try to “protect” you from disappointment by discouraging you from taking bold steps. That can feel painful and isolating. But remember, even Jesus Christ experienced this. His own brothers didn’t believe in Him at first (John 7:5). When He returned to His hometown, instead of celebrating Him, the people were skeptical and dismissive (Mark 6:4). Yet Jesus didn’t let their doubt derail His mission. He stayed focused on what God had called Him to do.

You and I must do the same. Keep loving your family and friends, but don’t allow their fear or uncertainty to become your roadblock. God is the one who planted this calling in your heart, and He will provide the right people to walk alongside you and encourage you in the journey.

And while it’s a blessing to have a Barnabas, it’s equally important to be one. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) instructs us, “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today.’” Someone in your life needs your voice of hope. Someone needs to hear you say, “I believe in you. God’s not finished with you yet.” They need your prayers, your presence, and your willingness to stand with them when the world counts them out.

Everyone needs a Barnabas. And maybe, just maybe, someone is praying for you to step into that role. So, ask God to help you recognize those who need encouragement and give you the words to speak life over them. And as you pour into others, watch how God surrounds you with encouragers of your own—people who will champion your dreams and walk beside you as you pursue your God-given calling.

Let’s Pray: Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life who encourage me, speak life into me, and remind me of who I am in You. I’m grateful for every Barnabas You’ve sent my way, those who believe in me when I doubt myself and point me back to Your promises when I feel discouraged. Please, help me to be that same kind of encourager to others. Open my eyes to see who needs a kind word, a prayer, or a reminder of Your faithfulness. Use my voice, my actions, and my faith to strengthen someone else’s journey. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Speak Life” by TobyMac. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Somebody Prayed” by Crowder. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What makes a true friend who loves unconditionally

A Friend Loves at All Times
A devotional by Ashley Martin

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

—Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)

Jetlag clung to me like fog after returning to the USA. I had only been home from Greece for 24 hours, and the reality of daily life rushed in with full force.

Piles of laundry spilled from the hamper, the refrigerator was bare, and both the dog and cat demanded attention because they had run out of food and patience. My houseplants drooped in silent thirst. My little boy craved attention, and my husband had left for a business trip at dawn. I stood in the middle of the kitchen, exhausted and emotionally frayed. “God, I feel overwhelmed and lonely right now,” I whispered in prayer. “Help me.”

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Lindsay. “I am coming over,” her text read.

God answers like that. He knows precisely when to send the right person at exactly the right time. Lindsay understands me in ways words cannot always capture. Sometimes, her simple presence brings the calm my soul aches for. We met at Eufaula High School in Alabama. As we both taught eleventh graders, we began chatting between classes and after faculty meetings. A shared love of ‘90s music, travel, and true crime documentaries sparked our friendship, which quickly deepened. We spent every spare moment together until another relationship—my alcohol dependence—took over. I withdrew. But after I entered recovery and reached out with trembling humility, Lindsay embraced me without hesitation. Grace flowed through her, and our friendship was not only restored but transformed.

Then came the night that changed everything. The phone rang in the middle of the night, and Lindsay’s voice trembled with grief as she spoke about her 8-year-old son, Cade. He had been killed in a tragic ATV accident. I rushed to her side. In the quiet devastation of that moment, as I held her hand, she whispered through tears, “This is why you got sober.” Her words pierced through the pain. That moment bound our souls in something sacred—suffering shared, comfort offered, and love that did not wane. Two years later, when my son arrived two and a half months early, wrapped in tubes and uncertainty, Lindsay stood beside me again. She was one of the first people to cradle him with steady hands and unconditional love.

True friendship is forged not just in laughter but in the crucible of crisis. Lindsay and I have borne each other’s burdens—grief, growth, motherhood, and battles of the soul. Her love has been a steady echo of God's faithfulness in my life. Proverbs 17:17 came alive for me through her presence in my life, portraying a love that shows up, love that stays, and love that shines brightest in the darkest nights.

Lindsay's friendship has shown me the very heart of Proverbs 17:17—a living example of what it means to love unconditionally and to be there in times of trouble. The verse offers a timeless truth about the nature of authentic friendship: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Written by King Solomon, this proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom literature in the Old Testament of The Holy Bible. It is intended to guide readers in godly living, relationships, and moral decision-making.

In ancient Hebrew culture, familial bonds were central, but Solomon elevates friendship to a similar—if not deeper—place. A true friend does not just appear in moments of ease but remains constant through life’s storms. The “brother” in adversity refers not just to biological kin but to someone who rises to the occasion, stepping into a role of spiritual brotherhood when trials hit hardest.

In today's world, where relationships often suffer from busyness and surface-level connections, Proverbs 17:17 reminds us to be present, faithful, and sacrificial. True friendship means showing up when it’s inconvenient, offering a prayer when words fail, and staying when others walk away. Whether in seasons of celebration or sorrow, godly friends embody Christ-like love—steadfast and unwavering. This verse reminds us that lasting friendship is not accidental but cultivated through loyalty, compassion, and courage in the face of hardship.

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for the gift of faithful friends who reflect Your love in our lives. Help me to be the kind of friend who shows up in both joy and sorrow, offering grace, strength, and presence just as You do. Teach me how to show the agape love that Jesus Christ has for us, with everyone all times. Help me to stand firm in adversity as a true reflection of Your heart for humankind. Thank You for helping me to love others like You love me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “My Friend” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Ashley Martin is a history teacher who has transitioned into a being a professional Christian writer and speaker. 

She felt a calling to the ministry at the age of eighteen, having known God from a young age. However, her struggle with alcoholism hindered her from pursuing this path. For nearly twenty years, Ashley taught history while battling her addiction. In 2013, she entered treatment, and at that point, the barrier between her and God finally came down.

Since then, Ashley has been sharing her story and developing her ministry. For the last nine years, Ashley has been married to her husband, West. Together, they have an eight-year-old son named Grant, and Ashley has a fourteen-year-old stepdaughter named Cameron. They call Alabama home, and they enjoy traveling the world as a family.

Nowadays, Ashley continues to teach history to middle school, high school, and college students. She also works for an online women’s ministry named Called Creatives.

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Connect with Ashley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.klages.54/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymartinministry/

My email: ashleyclairemartin@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How being a friend of God transforms us

Transformative Love of Friendship
A devotional by Essie Faye

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

—John 15:13 (KJV)

I’ve never known a friendless day and for that blessing, I am grateful.

I was conceived with a bestie and soulmate. I’m an identical twin and we are very close. More than 40 years later, we still talk multiple times a day. We even spend time together multiple times a week if we can. My sister and I have a special bond. It’s the kind of relationship where we understand each other, even without speaking words. We have a close connection that I cannot describe. It’s a family and friend relationship in a class of its own.

Despite our bond of lasting love as twins, nothing compares to the transformative love of friendship with Jesus Christ. Jesus who is sinless, eternal, and sovereign, stepped from His glory in Heaven into our sin-ridden planet (Earth). He wrapped Himself in flesh to walk the earth that He created (Galatians 4:4-7). He became human in order to redeem fallen humanity and reconcile us to God (John 3:16-17). When our sins demanded our death, Jesus sacrificed Himself and died in our place to appease the wrath of God (Romans 6:23).

The love story of the Gospel can be summarized in a few words: God sacrificed His Son to save the ungodly–even His enemies. What amazing love! Maybe some humans would die for those who love them, or even for those whom they love. But Christ died for those who love Him and his enemies who hated Him.

Jesus admonishes His disciples to love one another (John 15:9-17). Loving one another includes caring for one another and bearing each other’s burdens. It includes sacrificing for each other—this is giving up something for the sake of another. Jesus continues His teaching when He said in John 15:13 (NLT), “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” He expounds on the significance of the sacrifice that He would make. Laying down one’s life means sacrificing with all that you are—it is walking in humility and displaying love for your friends, even to your hurt. Then Jesus called His disciples His friends.

Here we see a transition as Jesus calls His disciples friends, whereas prior they called Him Master because they were servants. Christ’s friendship with these men transformed them from inexperienced students of the Bible to holders of God’s Word and later, teachers of His Word. Friendship with Jesus transformed these 12 men He chose to be His disciples and friends. It caused them to, though at first scattered by fear after Jesus was taken by Roman soldiers to start the journey to His death on the Cross, to stand boldly and proclaim the Good News after Christ’s resurrection. His friends had matured in their faith. Now they were ready to take on the mantle of ministry to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the world.

The love of Christ was evidenced by His words and His actions. He was a man of integrity. He always did what He said He would do. Jesus loved His disciples but because of this love, He corrected the disciples when needed (Proverbs 3:12) and taught them truth through grace. Jesus demonstrated the power of God through preaching, teaching, healing, and deliverance. Even today, more than 2,000 years later, his loving friendship still transforms.

Call to Action:

1. Think about it: Are you a friend of God?

2. God wants to be your friend. He is calling you gently with agape love. Will you answer His call?

3. Strive to be like Jesus Christ using friendship as a transformative tool to share His love for humankind around the world.

4. Let your friendship with Christ in your private life spill over into your public life because you never know who needs to experience it.

5. Remember: God’s friendship transforms us so that we can use our friendship with Him to transform others.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your transformative friendship and love for humankind. You took a step toward us even when we were running far away from You. You pursued us passionately and captured us with Your love. Thank You for never giving up on us. Give us a passion to befriend the friendless and unfriendly people in this world. Help us to shine the light of Jesus Christ into the dark places of this world. May our friendship with You give hope to others, even while it transforms us. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Friend of God” by Israel Houghton. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Selah. Listen to it here.

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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.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefaye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons learned from harvesting blueberries

The Mutual Blessings of Leaving a Generous Margin
A devotional by Sharon Musgrove

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the LORD your God!” ­­–Leviticus 23:22 NIV

The Lord’s wisdom in how to live peacefully in community has always been ways that bless all parties. But how could leaving some profit on the ground be a blessing for the person who owns the field? The answer is in believing that God’s blessings are bountiful! He wants to bless everyone with provision and plenty.

In 2017, my husband and I purchased a home with 18 well-established blueberry plants. As summer came around, we eagerly awaited a harvest of sweet treats. But we soon came to realize that our plants were putting out volumes of fruit daily—a crop we hadn’t prepared sufficient time to harvest. Picking daily, we’d return the next afternoon to a garden that looked as if we hadn’t touched it. We were overrun with produce! With such a haul, we began freezing gallons bags of blueberries, only to run out of freezer space. We were outmatched by the abundance of this garden!

The blueberries were a lesson in God’s love and bountiful provision. When trying to harvest every single berry ourselves, storing them up for some rainy day, we became taxed and resentful of the weight of our work. We no longer saw the crop as a gift. We saw it as a burden. But when we invited others to come and help themselves to the wealth on our land, something wonderful happened! Suddenly anxiety in our workload was exchanged for joy in relationship building. Reaping alongside others opened the door to sharing not just fruit, but friendship. The time spent together cultivated conversation, creating opportunity to get to know people.

Additionally, allowing others to do their own gleaning, instead of simply handing them a pre-picked portion, took away the stigma of indebtedness that can come with a gift. And being honest about our need for help meant they understood their efforts were valuable.

We often forget, as we strive to build up ourselves, the importance of brotherhood in that effort. Relationships are the economy in which love is exchanged; the field in which our hearts grow. We do well to remember that God said in Genesis 2:18 (NIV), “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

While not everyone has an abundance of berries, God gives all kinds of gifts to His children to grow and share. Sometimes we are blind to the provision of God, but His fruit comes in all shapes and sizes.

A good friend who retired from a career in nursing continues to harvest in caring for others as a foster parent for teens. And a widow with a heart for the arts opens her home to music students, appreciating the beauty of their work. These are modern day examples of God’s old school rule of leaving margin in your life for others. Both women see the extra space in their homes as “edges of their fields” that can feed the needs of those currently without. But in addition to the space they provide, these two engage with those who glean in their gardens, cultivating friendships and growing love.

Where in your life has God provided extra? Are you harvesting right up to the edge, leaving no margin for others? The nature of God is to fill you with the fullness of His love, which includes blessing you with companions that will help you continue to be fruitful. Do not be afraid to be generous, rather look for the harvest your hands are too full to hold and invite others in for the excess. In this way, the hands and hearts of a community will be filled.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, You know our every need and You supply for those needs. Open our eyes to the abundance of Your provision, that we might feel liberated to live generously. And show us the value we gain in relationships when we share ourselves as well. Help us sow and harvest crops of love. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Generosity” by Jerome Collins. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sharon Musgrove has a diverse background in business, fitness, and health industries. This background led her to a unique position writing curriculum and teaching for two private, Christ-based, residential recovery programs. Both programs primarily served women in the homeless community. 

Sharon has traveled multiple times to Kenya, serving on medical teams and teaching in the rural Maasai communities. She was privileged to participate in Leadership camps for maturing young women. These annual camps have a mission of encouraging and empowering the impoverished, underprivileged, and often abused young Maasai girls.

Identifying personally with the brokenness of the women she’s served, Sharon sees the great need for encouragement and connection. Within ministries served, Sharon has witnessed the transformative power of loving words spoken to the broken-hearted. Sharing God’s love and building cross-cultural communities has become her passion.

In her leisure time, Sharon enjoys nature, deep conversations, and a good story. She and her husband, Jeff, divide their time between Oregon and Hawaii. They have two grown children.

Currently, Sharon is encouraging others via her inspirational blog, writing devotionals for other websites, and is working on a nonfiction book titled, The Whole-Of-Us: Putting Church Back Together.

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Connect with Sharon:
Email: sharon@sharonmusgrove.com
Website: Sharonmusgrove.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sharon-Musgrove-Untethered-102208978041060
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkmusgrove/

Devotionals for the Heart: When you are weary and need to be restored

From Weary to Restored
A devotional by Casey Wayne

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

I sat in my closet on a phone call, trying to prevent my children from interrupting.

Tears streaming down my face, and hardly able to speak, I shared with someone I am not very close with my most recent struggles. It awkwardly came out in what I often call “word vomit”. Her simple question led to an unfiltered response that I am confident she was not prepared for. It felt painful, but freeing at the same time.

Sharing what I had been trying to keep inside as I survived a mentally and physically difficult week just came pouring out. I felt bad, but I also felt so relieved to get it out. In the end, I was so thankful for her response. Maybe she thought it was awkward too. I would not blame her. However, she did not let that show. Without hesitation she stopped to pray with me. Right there on the phone. What a beautiful representation of Jesus Christ.

It begged the question: Why did I not stop to pray in the midst of my pain?

Somehow giving myself grace and understanding can be so much harder than giving it to others. Let's be honest, I don’t do well with asking for help. Maybe you can relate. The more troubling instinct is my hesitation to bring it to God, especially if I have already prayed about it once. As if our Heavenly Father does not want us to come to Him as many times as it takes—even if it takes 100 times seeking Him to find the restoration our souls need in that season of pain.

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

That’s exactly what I needed in that moment. To release the anxiety and allow Jesus to replace my anxious thoughts with His peace “which surpasses all understanding”. I am so thankful to my fellow sister-in-Christ for stepping in that gap for me. Her grace, love and encouragement in that moment guided me through the process that I so desperately needed. She took my pain to my Heavenly Father in prayer.

Now I will not pretend that the fear and struggle disappears in an instant. This broken world still tries to knock us down. Some seasons take more time than others to return to a place where I can hopefully be that person for someone else. I want to be like Christ in a season of pain for someone else who is on their knees in tears. This is the awesome power of the body of Christ. We are to support each other and encourage each other without hesitation. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

If you are in a season of struggle I pray that you can give yourself the grace to no longer pretend like everything is okay. Release it all to Jesus Christ, praying over and over, as many times as it takes. He is faithful, in His timing, to heal and restore the broken. If it is disturbing your peace then it is something Satan will try to use against you, so take a breath, and say a prayer. Reach out to another follower of Christ if needed, to help lift you up and pray when you feel too weak to try. God will meet you where you are. Trust Him. Seek Him. Never stop allowing Him into those spaces, so that He can use them for His glory.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the grace and peace we have in Christ. As we willingly release our anxieties, You faithfully restore our hearts. I pray for the strength to remember in those moments of struggle to lift my eyes to You. As you comfort me, give me the strength and conviction to comfort others, sharing the love of Christ for Your glory. Speak peace into my heart today and every day as I lay my burdens at your feet.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Still” by Rend Collective. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Casey Wayne is a wife and mother of two children. 

She enjoys time with her family doing simple things like movie nights and cooking together.

As a devotional writer, Casey strives to share her story with relatable honesty, showing how God is faithful throughout the big and small moments of life.

She has a heart for encouraging the faith walk of other moms, praying they gain a deeper connection with our Heavenly Father.

Her family lives in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.

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Connect with Casey:
Website: https://www.caseywayne.org/
Blog: https://peaceoffaith.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseylwayne
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.FaithCaseyWayne

Devotionals for the Heart: How the kindness of God can change the world

God's Kindness Changes Everything
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” 

—Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Unexpected kindness is one of life's sweet surprises.

I needed something sweet after attending a friend’s funeral last month, so I stopped at Trader Joe's on the way home. It was the day before Mother's Day, and carts were full of colorful produce and fragrant bouquets of roses, tulips, and carnations. I typically avoid crowded places like a date with my dentist, so I planned a quick exit.

When the cashier asked how my day was going, she missed the evidence my mascara left behind. I'm not a good liar so I told the truth: My friend passed away.

The cashier looked at me with tears in her eyes and walked away. Puzzled by her departure, I admired the dark chocolate bars at the register and threw some in my cart. Moments later, when she returned with a bouquet, my words seemed inadequate. It was one of the kindest things anyone had ever done for me, and I left determined to pay it forward.

Hundreds of decisions define us each day while we’re living here on Earth. Some are life-altering, while others are insignificant, like what kind of eggs to fix for breakfast, what toothpaste to buy, what flowers to plant, and what song to tell Alexa to play next. But when we go out of our way to be kind, it costs nothing, pays big dividends, and makes us feel fantastic.

I'll never forget when my friend John who was grieving significant losses of his own, offered to put my dog down, knowing how hard it would be for me to do it alone. Or the joy in a first grader's eyes when I gave him an Easter basket. Or the gratitude my friend felt when our church's life group served the food at her sister's funeral.

I belong to what my pastor calls “the kindest church in Minnesota” because being kind is the way we live. When our women's ministry isn't making gift baskets for a local women's shelter or blankets for a local kid's outreach, our church’s Care Ministry sends cards to members who are sick or grieving.

The possibilities to do good are endless, but the ultimate act of kindness happened 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (John 3:16). There was nothing random about His mission to save us (Luke 19:10). He showed us how to live a holy life (1 John 3:16-20) and changed countless lives in the process.

When you experience God's kindness for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to change you from the inside out, He gives you the power to live as Jesus did. And that, my friend, changes everything.

The opportunities to be kind are everywhere if we look closely enough. While you're out in the world today, take time to do an act of kindness for someone. Most likely, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what happens next.

Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to show me how powerful kindness is. Help me identify opportunities around me today to be His hands and feet and, in the process, bring You glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Kindness” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Review of Sun Moon (movie)

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

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

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie Sun Moon. The main idea for this movie, in words from the producers, is: Kelsey is running from failure, heartbreak and humiliation. In an attempt to understand God’s purpose for her life, she goes to Taiwan to teach English. Will her leap of faith pay off?

I watched this marvelous movie before it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix. It made me laugh out loud, cry for a moment, sigh several times, smile at one point in almost every scene, and seriously crave some bubble tea at the end!

Now for my review: 

Sun Moon is a beautiful story about how God can turn your heartache into hope and make your life a blessing to others along the way. This movie is filled with faith, hope, love, second chances, sweet school children and characters who have a heart for helping each other. The storyline is filled with highs, lows, twists and turns that will keep the viewing audience engaged. It may even make you want to sip some bubble tea (you'll have to watch the movie to find out why). I loved everything about this wonderful movie and it encouraged me in my real-life journey of learning how to step out on faith and follow God's lead where He may send me. Let me highlight a few main points about Sun Moon…

MacKenzie Mauzy, the actress who played Kelsey, did a delightful job of portraying this character from heartbreak to hope. She stayed in character throughout the movie’s highs, lows, twists and turns. I’m also impressed how in one scene, she climbed over a very tall gate after-hours so she could return to her apartment. I was hoping she wouldn’t get hurt. The movie watcher may identify with Kelsey’s story—especially those who have experienced being left at the altar in real life. But the story doesn’t end with the pain of jilted bride, it only begins there! This is a wonderful reminder about how God can use our pain to catapult us into our purpose.

Kelsey finds her purpose in Taiwan and her life is forever changed in a very good way! Who knew that answering a call to be a missionary would be just what she needed? Just like in real-life, God knew! Oftentimes, we can forget that God has us right where He wants us to be and we cannot mess up His plan for our lives because the Bible says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

I also like that the storyline showed that despite Kelsey leaving her church and abandoning her faith in God for a while, God never left her alone to do life on her own. He continued to be with her every step of the way even when she tried to run away from Him and push Him away. This is a beautiful portrayal of God’s love that endures forever not just in faith-based fiction stories or in Christian movies, but in the real world.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that Sun Moon should win an award! It was delightfully done in a way that will educate, inspire and encourage viewers to seek God's plan for their life and follow it fearlessly. This movie will touch your heart and help you hope again just when you thought all hope was lost.

Themes of this movie included:

· Keeping up appearances/your image

· Learning new cultures

· Loving all of God’s people, being afraid of losing loved ones/sick relatives

· Being angry at God for how events unfolded

· Moving forward after loss or unplanned events, healing

· Friendship

· Learning to trust in His timing

· Struggling with disappointment and loss of faith

· God uses everything, even the hurt and pain

· Finding confidence

· How to walk through difficult and challenging times

· There is a season for everything

· Grieving loss

· God will push us out of comfort zone (all the way to Taiwan)

· The difference we make in the lives of other people

· “God did not burn you” your boyfriend did

· Choosing to not blame God in difficult situations

· Overcoming adversity

Sun Moon is a movie that will introduce you to Pure Flix, prompt you to join and watch it again and again! And once you’re a member of Pure Flix, you’ll find more content to view that will encourage your heart. So don’t delay, join today!

Watch Sun Moon movie trailer:
https://www.pureflix.com/movie/sun-moon

Jean Thomason from Momentum Influencer Network interviewed Sydney Tooley, writer and director for Sun Moon. Watch their conversation here: https://youtu.be/UX0a9X4DEcg

Before you go, enter this contest for your chance to WIN a FREE 3-month Pure Flix subscription! Note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. The giveaway starts today and ends on May 12, 2023. If you're participating in the giveaway for Sun Moon, please note that we cannot accept winners that have won a Pure Flix subscription in the last six months.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c448/?

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

#SunMoonMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork 

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog

Devotionals for the Heart: When you let Jesus Christ be more than a guest

Beyond the Foyer
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” 

–Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Sometimes, I do not invite my guests to go beyond the foyer of my home—especially guests I did not prepare for.

Maybe this means I have poor hospitality skills, but some people just choose the absolute worst times to come over for a visit. Once I hear them knocking on the front door, I take about five seconds to make sure I look somewhat presentable before answering the door and allowing them to step inside the foyer—but no further.

Why? Here are a few reasons: There are dishes piled high in the kitchen sink, along with orange juice that was just recently spilled. There are at least three loads of laundry in my living room. And if that is not bad enough, I haven’t even seen my dining room table in at least a week because of the clutter. All of the doors inside of my house are shut in order to hide the mess.

Everyone can relate to the above scenario to at least some extent. For a long time, this is exactly how my relationship with Jesus was. He was my Friend. I wanted Him to come into my heart and spend time with me. But I never let Him go beyond the foyer. I did not want Him to see my mess. Or worse, I did not want Him to reject me for my mess. If I allowed Jesus to go further into my heart, surely He would make me get rid of some things—He would tell me to throw away the clutter I had grown accustomed to.

Some days, I would work at cleaning the mess myself. I told myself that after everything looked good, then I would let Jesus in. Somehow, my efforts only made things worse, and the mess only grew. Then, I would hear Jesus knocking. I was tired, despondent, and desperate. I needed help. So, I opened the door.

Jesus was not surprised by the mess I was in. He just wanted me to stop hiding and start building my relationship with Him. After that, I opened all my doors. One by one, Jesus would knock, and I would open. It was hard at first, but it got easier when I realized that by surrendering my heart, I was inviting Jesus to be the Master of my heart—not just a guest.

This year, I am going to spend time with Jesus as He shows me the plans He has for my heart. What about you? Where does Jesus stand in your heart? Is He standing in the foyer as a guest, or is He the Master who is allowed to see, heal, and restore all parts of your heart?

You can trust Jesus with your heart. He longs to go beyond just a Friend you think about on the weekends. He wants to be the first person you think about when you wake up in the morning. He wants to have continuous conversations with you. He wants to be more than just a guest.

Jesus is knocking. Are you going to answer?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for Your gracious acceptance and understanding. Please help us to open each door You knock on. Grant us the courage to open our hearts to You and be willing to make the changes You desire in order to grow in our relationship with You. Help us to surrender everything to You. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Movie of Reflection: “The Perfect Stranger”. It’s a story about a non-believing woman who is invited to dinner with Jesus Christ in person. Watch the movie trailer here on YouTube. You can also watch the full movie for free on YouTube via this link.

~*~
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: Life Lessons Learned from the death of a friend

Present Absence
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.” –Isaiah 57:1-2 (NLT)

The wise writer of the Hebrew wisdom book, Ecclesiastes, said that the day of our death is better than the day of our birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1). One of my friends died on May 31.

I am celebrating, even as I grieve. He is free now. We were classmates and colleagues in school and ministry for 40 years. He used to have a muscular, athletic body that had defended quarterbacks and wrestled giants but unhealthy habits led to heart failure.

He was not a perfect man. He was a rather simple man. Unremarkable. Non-confrontational. Easy to please. He was loyal. His imperfections, like our own, crippled him at times, but he knew the Lord and sought to lead others to know and love Him too.

I visited him last week. We talked frankly and honestly about life and death. He knew that his time was approaching. He told me that he was not afraid to die. He had some hopes and few regrets. There were a few things that he wished to do before dying, but if not able to do so, he was ready.

And so, it has happened. The inevitability of the mortal mutiny is now history. My friend is dead. His memory exists within the minds of everyone who knew and loved him. He is in that place between two distinct periods or eras. He is absent from the body, waiting for the resurrection that will give him a new healthy body and usher him into eternity in the presence of God.

Death is a present absence. He is gone, but forever present in our memories. For a righteous person, death is a divine gift. No more vulnerability to evil, greed, lusts, illness, dysfunction or age-related deterioration. For him and all believers, his death was the final blessing of God. Revelation 14:13 (KJV) says, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

My friend’s absence is very present around us. His body lies in storage soon to be embalmed and buried. He died believing and confidently awaiting the Resurrection Day when the dead in Christ will rise first and we who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

I am celebrating today because my friend, though fallible and mortal, was ready to die. Had he done all in life that he dreamed of? No! But he lived believing and teaching that Jesus Christ was Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. He had accepted Jesus as his Savior and lived in the confident knowledge that he was saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

He declared to his doctors that he did not fear death and was ready because death had already been swallowed in the victory of Christ’s resurrection. He died confident that one day he would awaken from the slumber of death and be reunited with Christ, his wife, sons and grandchildren. He died knowing that when he rises again his heart and entire body will be repaired and renewed to the creation standard. He was confident that his destiny was not the cessation of bodily function, the absence from his body. His destiny was post resurrection eternity in an immortal frame.

We too are destined to die. The key to life is not how or when we die. It is how what we believe guides our living. If we believe and live like my friend did, how and when we die won’t matter much, because, not even death can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

I shall grieve with his family as we prepare for the funeral. I shall celebrate my friend’s death because he was ready. Are you?

I challenge you to consider your life. If death came to you today, could you greet and embrace it fearlessly? Is your eternal destiny secure? If not, I challenge you to consider a leap of faith.

Make a commitment to order the rest of your life around the life of Christ and the grace of God. It will change you from the inside out. It won’t always be easy, but the process is simple.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, be with the person reading this devotional today. Move into their lives. Fill them with the love of Jesus and Your grace. Save them in Your Kingdom today, so that whenever their time to die arrives, they will meet it fearlessly, as did my friend. Secure them now so that they can have eternity in Your Presence. 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.

Devotionals for the Heart: God is still in the business of making miracles!

The Business of Miracles
A devotional by Anthea Kotlan

“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."—Luke 5:4-5 (NIV)

I didn't grow up in a Christian home or attend church regularly as a child. However, after becoming a Christian at age 15, I joined a youth group and accepted an invitation to a Christian camp with the other young women.

Upon arrival, I was settling into my cabin and unpacking my suitcase. I realized I had no towel with me for the three-day weekend ahead. I mentioned this to my new friend Tera, and she stunned me with her reaction.

"Here, you can use one of mine."

Such a simple yet generous offer left me standing there stunned. This young lady had met me only minutes earlier, and now she was handing out her possessions to me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Generosity didn't spend much time at my house growing up. Instead, I knew far too much about scarcity and the need to guard one's possessions and avoid being taken advantage of. However, I knew at that moment there was something in the way Tera lived her life that was completely different.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus Christ calls his first disciples. While Jesus is teaching on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, he finds fishermen washing their nets after a long night of fishing. They have completed their night shift and are undoubtedly ready to go home. But, instead, Jesus climbs into Simon's boat, continues teaching, and then tells Simon to go back out to fish again.

Simon might have felt frustrated by Jesus's request. What did Jesus, a teacher, know about fishing?

Simon wants to make sure that no one misses the truth. He doesn't think this is a good idea. He reminds Jesus that they have caught nothing all night. But Simon's worldview was about to be changed forever when he accepted Jesus's invitation.

My worldview was also transformed all those years ago at camp by the generosity of one sister in Christ. She would become one of many women who discipled me with their words and actions. I was newly following Jesus and seeing my whole world turn upside down. The Lord knew what I needed. I gained the use of a towel and a lifetime of friendship.

Simon did as Jesus asked. He sailed out into the deep waters, and Luke 5:6-11 tells us a miraculous fish catch happened next. Those freshly washed nets even broke, thanks to the abundance of the haul. Other boats had to come and assist. Everyone saw the overflowing generosity of God and how Jesus was in the business of miracles and had the power to defy the laws of nature.

This moment changed the trajectory of Simon's life. Jesus told him, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”(Matthew 4:19 ESV)

Simon would be catching souls for life in Christ. He would no longer need those broken nets due to the abundance that Jesus offered him. He was ready to leave them behind and follow Christ as a disciple.

How has Jesus invited you to experience transformation? Is He calling you into doing something that doesn't make sense in the natural? Is He asking you to trust Him in a new way? Cast that net out! Don't miss out on a transformational invitation to so much more than you can imagine.

Let's Pray: Lord, thank you that you always make abundant provision for us when you call us to follow you as a disciple. Help us to see all the ways you are doing this every day. Help us accept your invitations and directives so that we don't miss out on all You are doing. We long to be in step with You by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Born in the highlands of Scotland, Anthea Kotlan made her way to Texas as a third grader.

After studying the new language at length and mimicking the Houston locals, she found ways to blend in. Years later she floated down the San Marcos River, attended Journalism classes, and completed an undergraduate degree in in Journalism.

After getting married to Bill, she completed a graduate degree in English at Texas A&M. Ever the multitasker, she had two daughters and carried one of them into her graduation ceremony hidden under her billowing graduation gown.

Over the years she has served as a women’s ministry leader in several churches, spoken at women’s events, taught college freshmen English, lead various Bible studies and writes whenever she can on her blog.

Anthea makes her home in Conroe with her husband Bill, a bi-vocational priest and engineer, and spends all the time she can with her two grandchildren, Ian Michael and Margaret Yael.

~*~
Connect with Anthea:
Website: www.antheakotlan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthea.kotlan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antheakotlan/

14 Days of Love: Her Next Dance

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a book by my author friend Susan C. Fischer.

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Book Blurb for Her Next Dance:

Outspoken attorney and single mother, Lauren Miller, is trying hard to earn a living in a firm where her boss takes over her cases and has no respect for her.  

Her only escape is in taking dance lessons with single dad dance instructor, Marco Gonzalez. 

Although she senses a possible attraction to Marco, she struggles to trust him, remembering her ex-fiancé who abandoned her. 

Will Lauren and Marco's passion for dance turn their friendship into love?

~*~
Author Bio:

Susan Fischer is an author, Christian Mediator, and speaker. 

She leads a worship service in her community and is active in several other ministries and groups.

Susan has a Juris Doctor degree from Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law) and has practiced law in both Michigan and Florida for over 30 years.

She has a son and daughter in law who live up north and she currently resides in Bradenton, Florida, near a dance studio and her favorite beach.

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Buy Susan's book on Amazon

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Connect with Susan:
Website: www.susanfischer.org
Email: info@susanfischer.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.fischer.7186
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susancfischer

~*~
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: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Devotionals for the Heart: Why Praying Friends Are the Best Kind

A Praying Friend
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 

–Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

The words roll off my tongue as if on auto-reply: “I’ll pray for you.”

Yet what better thing can we do for a friend in need than stop what we are doing, bend our souls to the Risen One, and offer up heartfelt prayer?

I didn’t always think this way. I used to think the best way I could love my friends was listen to them—or even better, offer them advice (often unsolicited). I’d stay on the phone late into the night as my friends and I would talk about boys, school woes, and family drama. “Being there for them” was how I’d describe it.

Later, I might choose to love a friend by walking her dog or entertaining her newborn, raving about her performance at work, or cooking dinner for her when she had a cold.

Yet over the years, I’ve realized the very best thing I can do is pray. Yes, I still listen (and yes, sometimes I still offer unsolicited advice, though Little Miss Know-It-All over here is trying very hard to keep that at a minimum!). And yes, I still do favors, buy trinkets, cook meals, or whatever else might help.

But prayer is often my first response—and, I’ve come to understand, it’s the biggest gift of all.

See, a praying friend is a Godly friend, a forever friend. A praying friend is the best there is.

This is because a friend who prays for you knows the bond you share isn’t just in this world but also the “real” world: the eternal kingdom ruled by God the Father, the kingdom that has no end and transcends death, lasting for eternity. A praying friend knows the One who’s really in control of all things we worry about is God, and there’s no better way to deal with those worries than to bring them to God, to lay them all down at His feet and ask Him for help.

In James 5, the apostle tells us to fan the flame of faithful prayer always. As he writes, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:13-16 NIV).

Elsewhere we get the same encouragement. Ephesians 6:18 urges us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” And in 1 Timothy 2:1, we’re encouraged that “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

And, of course, there’s Jesus—our model of how we should live and love others. In John 17:6-26 we are shown how Jesus prayed fervently for his friends.

His example is a powerful display of true, God-honoring friendship, the kind of friendship that points to the Father.

If you’re not sure how to pray for your friends, it’s okay! God doesn’t need fancy language. An earnest heart is enough. Start however it feels natural to you. Perhaps begin by listing your friends by name, creating a picture of them one by one in your mind, and asking God to bless them. You might know the needs of your friends, such as a health issue or a work conflict, and you ask for God’s hand upon those circumstances, or you might find that as you pray for your friend, a need they haven’t even expressed to you comes to the surface. Even just saying their name in your head as you lift the thought of them toward God can be a prayer.

Another way you can pray is to write their names in the margin of the Bible passage you are currently reading, and let God’s Word take care of the rest.

Others like to journal their prayers for others, appreciating the focus and tangible action of the practice. You can pray for people by text and social media, too. There are so many ways!

Whatever you do, trust that God hears you, and know that the Holy Spirit is weaving a mighty cord of heavenly love among you and those you love.

Happy New Year, friends! Share below how you like to pray for your friends or other loved ones.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help me to love my friends the way Jesus loved His: with prayer, with sacrificial love, and always pointing to You. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis: Jessica’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “My Friend” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

Jessica is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

She has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. 

You can also connect with Jessica on Facebook and Twitter.

Stories of Love: A Christmas Hallelujah by Dori Harrell

Today, we're featuring my author friend Dori Harrell's book, 

A Christmas Hallelujah.

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Book Blurb:

Romance is the last thing on their minds—who'd take on their crazy lives anyway? 

When her mom decides it's time to "find herself" and takes off to points unknown, illustrator Piper Castleton is left in charge of her hurting, troubled teenage sister and the family's alpaca ranch. Giving up her job in the city and returning to the farm is a no-brainer, but how is she supposed to raise her sister when all she wants is their mother back? And Christmas? That's off the table.

Alex Saunders's young son was diagnosed with severe separation anxiety disorder after his mother's death a year and a half ago, and he hasn't left Alex's side in months. Alex is stretched too thin to even think about celebrating Christmas this year, so when his mom suggests they spend the holidays in Cranberry Creek, he cautiously agrees.

But when Piper and Alex meet, life takes a few unexpected turns. As a surprising and heartwarming friendship unfolds before their eyes, will Piper and Alex orchestrate a Christmas hallelujah out of the beautiful messes that are their lives?

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Author Bio:

Dori, a lover of red licorice, is an award-winning writer and editor and a USA Today best-selling author—plus she speaks at writers’ and editors’ conferences nationwide.

She owns Breakout Editing and also serves as managing editor of Redemption Press. She edits for indie authors and publishers, including Kregel Publications and Gemma Halliday Publishing.

As an editor, she releases more than twenty books a year.

Dori is the author of A Christmas Hallelujah and Grateful for You. She has published more than a thousand articles in newspapers and magazines nationwide. She loves living in the Pacific Northwest, and she’s an avid Seahawks fan (go Hawks!).

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Connect with Dori:
Website: doriharrell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doriauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doriharrell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dori_Harrell

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