Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should speak life with love to people

Speak Life with Love
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

—Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

A little while ago, I attended the 60th birthday party of a good friend.

She is someone with whom I’ve shared life, laughter, and legal war stories with for decades. As part of the celebration, each guest was invited to share a recorded memory or favorite story about the birthday girl.

One particular video brought a chuckle from the crowd but had me squirming in my seat. The story took place many years ago when the birthday girl, another friend and I were all young attorneys trying to find our footing in a profession that was not always welcoming to women. We had noticed that a new, younger attorney who was smart, driven, and full of promise, was struggling to be taken seriously by the senior attorneys.

So, we did what we thought was wise at the time: We invited her to lunch and gave her “the talk.” Not about work ethic, skill development, or networking. No, we told her that her skirts were too short and her tops too low-cut. We didn’t pull any punches. We told her flat out: If she wanted to advance, she needed to change the way she dressed. Needless to say, our unsolicited advice didn’t land well. In fact, it earned us a nickname that still haunts me to this day: the “Fashion Police.”

When I heard the story retold at the party, I cringed. Not because the story wasn’t true, but because of how we handled it. Even though we meant well, our delivery lacked grace, compassion, and love. Have you ever had one of those moments when you said the right thing the wrong way or at the wrong time? Maybe you had good intentions, but your words caused harm rather than help.

That day, we failed to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). And that’s where everything went sideways. Here are some lessons I’ve learned over the years regarding the power of our words in relation to others:

Lesson #1: Truth Without Love is Just Noise

There’s a reason Paul tells us in Ephesians to speak the truth in love. Truth without love is harsh. It’s like tossing a stone when someone needs a hand. Yes, our words were true, but they weren’t tender. And they weren’t asked for.

Looking back, I realize we hadn’t invested enough in a relationship with her. We hadn’t earned the right to speak into her life in such a personal way. There’s an old saying: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” That day, our colleague didn’t feel our care, she felt our criticism.

Lesson #2: Words that Build, Not Break

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Our words are meant to edify, not tear down. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” Our words can breathe life into someone's dreams or snuff them out entirely.

That young attorney later confessed that our comments had made her question her career path. Thank God she didn’t quit. Thank God she pressed on and has since enjoyed a successful, impactful legal career.

I’m ashamed that my words almost became a stumbling block. I wanted to help, but I let judgment speak louder than love.

Lesson #3: Peace Requires Prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (NIV) encourages us to “live in peace with each other.” Peace doesn’t just happen. It requires intention. Encouraging words promote peace. Careless words create confusion. After that unfortunate lunch, we didn’t just stir up gossip, we stirred up division.

If I had prayed before speaking, things might have gone differently. But in my pride and certainty, I never stopped to ask God, “Is this how You would have me handle this?”

That’s a lesson I carry with me now: Praying to God for wisdom in what you say before speaking is a spiritual discipline. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Guide. If we truly want to build others up and reflect Christ in our conversations, we must invite Him into our words.

James 1:19 (NIV) gives us the blueprint: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” That verse alone could save us from a world of regret.

Lesson #4: Let’s Be Life-Givers

As women of faith, we are called to be life-givers. Not just in what we do, but in what we say. We all have moments we wish we could take back, words we wish we could unsay. But even in those moments, there is grace. God redeems, teaches, and transforms. My unfortunate experience taught me to pause, to pray, and to speak with care. I never want to be remembered for being “right” more than I’m remembered for being kind.

Conclusion: Let’s be women who speak life. Let’s commit to building bridges, not walls. Let’s speak truth but let’s do it with gentleness, wisdom, and love. Because in the end, it’s not just what we say. It’s how we say it, and why.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to speak with wisdom, compassion, and grace. Teach me to be slow to speak and quick to listen, always seeking to build others up and not tear them down. Holy Spirit, guide my words so that they reflect Your love and truth. May every word I say bring life, healing, and peace to those around me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Words” by Hawk Nelson. Listen to it here.

~*~
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.

~*~
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: Why we need to be honest in our relationships

The Necessity of Vulnerability
A devotional by Kayla de Jong

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”

—1 John 4:18 (NLT)

How does it feel when someone opens up to you?

I am usually flattered that the other person not only trusts me but also finds comfort in my listening. God creates all kinds of personalities. Some of us are more naturally reserved and have to make an effort to achieve intimacy in relationships. For me personally, it boils down to trust issues, which are rooted in fear. But, as the opening verse states, perfect love casts out fear.

Let me explain what this devotional is and what it is not: This devotional is for people like me who have struggled similarly and are striving for deeper, God-honoring connections. This is not a devotional on trust or even handling rejection, nor is it a secret recipe for perfect relationships that are free of hurt feelings.

I want to encourage you to be vulnerable in a way that strengthens the bonds of your relationships, including with God. God desires for us to be honest with ourselves, with Him, and with others. Being honest about how we feel, even if we are embarrassed to admit what we feel, can be a form of honesty. This is the first step in working through emotions or thought patterns that could lead to sinful behavior. Being honest about thoughts and feelings does not indicate that our thoughts and feelings are the truth. In fact, the opposite is often the case. When voicing our feelings to a God-fearing person who we can trust, it becomes easier to identify the lies of the enemy.

Please let me make something clear before continuing: I am not advocating that we put ourselves in situations that can be dangerous in an effort to be open with another person. And I’m certainly not saying that in order to initiate an intimate relationship we must start spewing all the traumas we have ever been through, hoping the other person might find something relatable in our monologues.

Likewise, being vulnerable with someone does leave room for rejection. Other people might not understand why you are talking about things so openly. It might intimidate them. That being said, do not focus on any perceived rejection you face. This causes rifts in relationships, and if you are like me, it will cause you to clam up and become cold and aloof. Don’t get me wrong, I understand how challenging it is to put these words into practice. I think it takes equal parts boldness and humility to be vulnerable.

Isn’t it comforting though when another Christian, especially one you have viewed as being very nearly sinless, confesses to you the struggles they have walked through? Aren’t you so thankful that person was vulnerable with you and allowed you to learn from their mistake or misfortune? Maybe you are thankful for their honesty, and it has made the bond between the two of you closer.

I’m going to be honest and vulnerable when I say that while drafting this devotional, I was tempted to avoid writing about my weaknesses and instead attack the sins I see in others as an indirect way of venting my frustrations with some relationships I have right now. As I admit this, I can scarcely believe how spiritually immature I sound! I’m glad God convicted me to write the devotional I would need. In other words, I am preaching to myself right now.

I could go on, but I think I have said enough to get you thinking about how you can put this message I’ve written to practical use. Is there someone in your life who you know God is calling you to start or repair a relationship with? Would it help if you began by being honest with that person? I do not mean confronting them about whatever wrong they may have done (that is a topic for another time). I am talking about asking God to help you remove the walls that you have allowed to guard you from being close to someone or to keep them out.

If even a small part of you identifies with what I have said and you want to change, start by praying the prayer below. And if the Holy Spirit guides you to pray about specific relationship struggles, heed that guidance. God has designed us for relationships, and He knows we are sinful, and we struggle to not let past hurts influence our decisions. God wants to help you form thriving relationships, and change starts by acknowledging you cannot change apart from God’s help.

Let’s Pray: God, I have allowed walls to be put up around my heart so that I am not close to (fill in name). I do not want to be cold and distant in my relationships. I want to shine the light of Your love. Help me to be vulnerable, open, and honest in a way that glorifies You. Let me live in love, not fear of rejection. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “If We're Honest” by Francesca Battistelli. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hi! I’m Kayla de Jong! 

I’ve lived in Indiana my whole life and was blessed to have been raised in a Christian household. I have an associate degree in library science and have worked in various libraries for over six years. I love reading and writing!

I have mostly written poems, some of which were published in the compiled works of a local writers guild. I am in the middle of seeking a new career. I would love to be an author, artist, or journalist. But most of all, I would love to be a stay-at-home mom someday.

~*~
Connect with Kayla:
E-mail: kaylagmcdaniel@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Life lessons on friendship and wealth that lasts

Using Money Wisely to Make Everlasting Friends
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“And I tell you [learn from this], make friends for yourselves [for eternity] by means of the wealth of unrighteousness [that is, use material resources as a way to further the work of God], so that when it runs out, they will welcome you into the eternal dwellings.”–Luke 16:9 (AMP) 

Recently, I was conversing with friends who are wealthy. 

They had introduced and welcomed my wife and I to one of their new assets. They freely made it available for us to use. In fact, they insisted that if their friends did not access this property regularly, they would have acquired it in vain. In the conversation he referenced a text that I had read but never studied in depth. The text was Luke 16:9.

My friend said that "there is a responsibility that accompanies wealth". The responsibility is to invest some of their wealth in expanding the experiences, opportunities, and horizons of their trusted friends. In so doing, he said, we make everlasting friends.

In this conversation, I learned two things. First, having wealth that does not corrode the soul requires hospitable use of the resources. Generosity begets good friends. They become safe havens or metaphoric tabernacles where hopes, dreams, aspirations and even fears can be shared confidently and confidentially. The second thing that my study confirmed was the difference between eternal and everlasting. Divinity is eternal, having no end, beginning, origin or destiny. Everlasting is something that may not have existed in eternity past but will exist forever going forward. 

When people have experienced and enjoyed your hospitality, they are more accepting of the peculiarities of your faith. If your friendships are solid and the wealth you shared evaporates or loses relevance, your true friends will still be there to love you, nurture and encourage you.

The wisdom of Jesus Christ does not command that we buy, with opulent gifts, the presence and the loyalty of friends. Rather, He is saying that we should be judicious yet generous with our loved ones and friends. In so doing, barriers are bridged, memories are forged and hearts are bonded. I am reminded of a maxim from my grandmother. She said, “Pick your friends wisely and spend most of your time with people who push you to be better and to do better, because bad friends can cut your potential to shreds.” When you have chosen well and poured into your friends, they will always welcome, nurture and support you.

Who are some of your everlasting friends? Make a list. How have you invested in them? How have they invested in you? Who would you like to add to your list of everlasting friends? Let’s pray for your current and potential everlasting friends.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for those people in our lives who have become everlasting friends. Thank you for bonding us. Now, dear God, as we move into this new day of the new month, be with us as we consider our ways, our wealth and the responsible use of the money You have given to us. Help us to spend freely to help advance the cause of Christ and the work of God in the world around us. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Unexpected Friends” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Paul 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: The kind of love that only God can give to you

No Greater Love
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” 

–John 15:12-13 (ESV)

February. The month filled with hearts, flowers, and boxes of candy is upon us.

In our very modern world, we tend to believe that if we look a certain way, or say a particular phrase, or buy the most expensive gift for someone we care about that they will reciprocate and will love us back.

We call it “romantic”. We watch the sweet movies about a man and a woman who fall in love, and we shed a few happy tears when they finally kiss at the end.

Or maybe it’s the tender love stories we learned to enjoy when we were young. Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott started it for me. You can read the blurb on the cover of the book and are assured that the main characters will face hardships throughout the story, but true love will eventually rule the day.

Love is multi-faceted. We love our relatives differently than we love our best friends. We love our spouses and children in another way. We seldom talk about loving our neighbors, but we’re always ready to defend our favorite ice cream. “But I love Chocolate Chip,” we say. “It’s my favorite!”

Maybe we’ve trivialized the meaning of the word “love” so much that we don’t recognize real love when we see it. It could be that some of us entered a “love” relationship with a cute guy, or a hunk of an athlete, or the wealthy aristocrat who can whisk us away where our dreams of romance await. But that’s not always love.

Our Heavenly Father has a completely radical view of love. God’s version of love is His Son, Jesus Christ, on a cross, dying for the sins of the world (John 3:16). His sacrificial love is equal to our redemption. His love shelters us, cleanses us, and renews and motivates us.

Ultimately, God’s love makes it possible for us to find our true home in His heart. Walking in the forgiveness of our sins, we are given the opportunity to live the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10.

God’s love is a different experience from the generic kind of love that the world has contrived.

God’s love is so pure and complete that His desire is for our hearts to be cleansed, and not for our gorgeous or good looks to be our only selling point. He wants us freed from the burden of our sin which often yanks us by a chain into sometimes disastrous choices. His plan for us is to learn how to truly love each other. And His example is our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus agreed to embrace humility all the way to the cross. He carried the shame and embarrassment which we so richly deserve. He stepped into a chaotic world that was swirling in the depths of wicked ways, and in love, He laid down on a cross to let sinful men pound heavy nails into His sinless flesh.

That’s what love did.

And that’s not all God’s love did. Through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus, God granted us another freedom—access to God Himself. We can call out to the Lord to save us, to help us, to love and care for us, and then we have the privilege of asking for strength to share His wonderful love with those around us. He hears all our prayers.

It all comes down to this: Do we love other people enough to tell them about the Lord? Do we allow His love to bubble up inside of us and spill out into our everyday interactions? Do we bless others with the joy He gives? And most importantly, do we really believe that God loves us? If so, then we will share the unfathomable love of our risen Savior with the people we meet.

It’s a true love story that’s worth sharing.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord God, the Creator of pure love, please open our eyes for opportunities to share Your good news of hope, of life, and of love to the people around us. Please give us overflowing hearts of gratitude for the miracle of Your love for us. Please bless us all with Your perfect Valentine, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You, dear Father. It is in the wonderful name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Karen Marstaller is a retired high school teacher who spent most of her career challenging creative students to write. Her heart is for her readers.

She writes to encourage them, to make them laugh, to show them that life is a beautiful journey, and regardless of their past, to show them that there is joy ahead if they will just keep looking.

Karen and her husband live in central Texas in a sweet little home that they completely remodeled. They enjoy spending time with their family, which includes seven precious grandchildren.

Most of all, Karen writes in obedience to the command to love your neighbor, to offer a cup of water to those who are dying of thirst, and to comfort others with the comfort she has received.

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Movie Review for "The Thursday Night Club" and a Christmas gift for you!

 

My Review of The Thursday Night Club movie:

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

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

Pure Flix VIP Ambassador program asked me to review the movie The Thursday Night Club. I watched this heartwarming movie earlier tonight (Nov. 26), after it was made available for viewing on Pure Flix. The Thursday Night Club movie drew me in from the start and kept me in my seat waiting to see how the story unfolded.

I’m eager to share my review with you. First, I’d like to describe the storyline in the words of talking points from Momentum then I’ll share my thoughts (review).

Here’s the synopsis of the movie:

This Christmas, be reminded what true friendship and true service to others look like by watching The Thursday Night Club with your family.

The Thursday Night Club centers on a group of best college friends who meet every Thursday night for dinner and juggle their course load, jobs and hobbies. Victor and his daughter Jesse always pick a special Christmas charity project each year. Victor challenges the group of friends to think beyond their own lives, and tries to persuade the group to pick a project they are passionate about. Victor tells them they will see signs from God to guide them.

Everything changes when Victor is killed in a wrong-way driver accident right before Christmas. This group of friends are faced with new opportunities and challenges that push them out of their comfort zones and cause them to grow up in wonderful ways. Such as: Ava has an opportunity to volunteer at an assisted living home. Izzy meets a man working to expand the bone marrow registry and she has an opportunity to be a donor. Randy is reminded of a memory of his absent father. Kevin’s dad is laid off and is forced to figure out how to keep paying for college. Jesse grieves her loss and through the kindness of others, finds her purpose.

Now for my review: 

The Thursday Night Club is a wonderful movie with a whole lot of hope and a whole lot of heart.

I was impressed how the writers made this story filled with plot twists, highs and lows, come together in the most beautiful way. The acting was well-done. The characters were multilayered and unique to their own. I appreciated the diversity of the group of friends whose lives the audience follows as they watch The Thursday Night Club.

There were things that caught me by surprise and there were moments that took my breath away. This movie was incredibly well-done. The casting director picked the perfect people to play each main and supporting character. The director of photography did a great job capturing the scenes in a way that makes the viewer feel like they are in the picture with the stars, watching this movie unfold on set with the actors.

I’d say to gather your family and friends to watch this movie together this Christmas. Enjoy a cup of cocoa or apple cider and be prepared for this story to warm your heart. 

Themes of this movie included: 

Charity

Kindness

Paying it forward

Spending time helping others

Making a difference

Opening yourself to God’s calling and purpose for your life

Signs from God

Partnership with Be The Match (bone marrow transplant awareness)

For more information on the film and Be the Match, go to www.thethursdaynightclub.com

The Thursday Night Club 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!

Speaking of joining PureFlix, they’re offering a special Christmas gift just for you. It’s available to new members onlyfrom Nov. 17 to Nov. 29. It’s a “Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday tie-in” where you can sign-up for a 7-day free trial and then only 99 cents a month for the first two months. Visit pureflix.com to claim the exclusive, limited-time offer. It will revert to $7.99 per month after the promotion. There’s also a “rejoin” offer of $59.99 for the annual membership.

Watch The Thursday Night Club movie trailer:
https://youtu.be/zz_xaYvyDlw

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 Nov. 30. If you're participating in the giveaway for The Thursday Night Club, 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/f8dcb68c419/?

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

#PFChristmasMIN #PureFlixVIPAmbassador #MomentumInfluencerNet

Devotionals for the Heart: Community

Joining a Community
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

Have you seen the movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Or maybe read the book series the film is based on?

If you haven’t, I’ll give you a quick summary: A group of four female friends are out shopping, and they come across these jeans. They all end up trying on the jeans, and although they all have a different body figure, the jeans fit them each perfectly. They decide to share an equal amount of time with the jeans because they are all going away for the summer the next day. So, in a sense, the jeans keep them tied together.

I want you to ask yourself, do you have a group of friends with a pair of magical jeans that fits everyone? Probably not, but do you have a group of friends who are believers? Do you have one, two, or maybe three friends or acquaintances who you can talk to and request prayer from? If you don’t, it is important that you do because Jesus Christ calls us to be part of a community of believers, who pray for each other, who can confess our sins to each other, and to be there for one another. James 5:16 (NIV) says, “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.”

Having other believers pray for you is encouraging and uplifting, especially during turbulent times. You have this sense of fulfillment and hope afterward. It’s a little hard to explain. But being part of a community can also help with your relationship with Jesus. When I joined a “growth group” at my church, (what we call small groups), they would encourage us to worship God for twenty minutes, read the Bible for twenty minutes, and then pray for twenty minutes. Before joining, I had never done that before, and it became part of my routine. I felt like I was growing closer to Jesus and getting to know him like never before.

Think of Jesus like the pair of jeans from the movie; He fits everyone, no matter our shape. He is with each of us always, and when you gather with others to worship His name, you can feel His presence. It’s just like Jesus says in Matthew 18:20 (NIV), “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

If you are currently not involved in a small group in your church, I encourage you to pray about it and seek to join a group. Or maybe search for an online, Bible-based faith community that you can join. I’ve even been part of Christian book clubs, which also is good, but I encourage you to seek community within the Body of Christ (church).

Let’s Pray: Father God, I pray for those who are not involved in any faith-based groups that they will be able to find one. I pray that the group will encourage them and lead them closer to you, God. And for those who are already part of a community, I pray that they continue to be involved and participate. I pray that they can lead others into the group and grow in faith together. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hello, my name is Heidy (Reynoso) De La Cruz.

I am Dominican-American and I’m passionate about writing! I write poetry, encouraging blog posts about personal experiences and any message that God has stored in my heart. I am working on publishing my first poetry book.

First and foremost, I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am also a wife and a mother. I have my master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Belhaven University’s online course. I have my bachelor’s degree in Science with the concentration of Psychology and Healthcare Administration.

I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last six years. I love my career!

My hobbies include writing, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with my family.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Read my poetry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidyspoems/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidyreynoso13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13

Devotionals for the Heart: Friendship

A Sweet Friendship
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,

and the pleasantness of a friend

springs from their heartfelt advice."

–Proverbs 27:9 (NIV)

The Bible talks about different types of relationships: marriage, parental, and friendships.

It talks about the importance of each one and how the structure should be. We don’t choose our family members, but we do choose our friends, and I want to say that friendships are meaningful relationships in our lives.

We make friends in different stages of our lives because we meet people everywhere we go, but some of us are blessed enough to have one or two friendships that have gone through almost all stages of our lives. And I’m blessed to have a friendship like that.

The friend I’m talking about (I won’t mention any names) I met in middle school, and I want to say we instantly bonded, but I don’t quite remember now how exactly we became friends. I do know we played sports together, all through middle school and through high school. We were always at each other houses, and we spend almost all of the summer vacations together. She was someone who was always there for me in a time of need, to wipe my tears or make me laugh. I felt like I had a personal counselor because she always knew just what to say.

When I found out I was pregnant, at the age of 20, with no stable job and no place to go, she opened up her home to me. Although it was a small house, a little crowded with all of us there, she still welcomed me and gave me a roof over my head. That is something I will never forget, and I will forever be grateful to her. God places people in your lives for a reason. Sometimes it’s just for a season, but sometimes it’s for longer. And I am so thankful for my friendship with her.

I value our honest relationship, and I’ll never take it for granted. We may not talk every day, but when we do, it’s like nothing has changed. Of course, we’ve had our disagreements just like any other relationship has, but we always find a way to forgive each other and move on. And although we live in different states, the distance has not mattered when it comes to our friendship; it is as strong today as it was back when we met in middle school.

We aren’t meant to walk alone in this life. I mean, yes, God is always with us, but He created us for community and for relationships. God created us to be together. Today, I want to honor those special friendships I have in my life and for you to do the same. Think of someone who has been there for you through really rough times, someone who knew the right thing to say to make you feel better, or someone who was there in a desperate time of need. Let them know that you are thankful for them. Let them know that you value them and that you love them. 

In closing, please open The Holy Bible and read Proverbs 27:9 (NIV) because this verse is a beautiful reminder of how beautiful friendships can be.

Let’s Pray: God, thank you for the friends you’ve placed in my life. Thank you for the memories I’ve created with them, and thank you even for the ones who are no longer a part of my life now but once were. Because at one point, I needed those people in life for a reason. Lord, I trust that the friendships I have now will continue and stay true until the end of time. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Hello, my name is Heidy (Reynoso) De La Cruz.

I am Dominican-American and I’m passionate about writing! I write poetry, encouraging blog posts about personal experiences and any message that God has stored in my heart. I am working on publishing my first poetry book.

First and foremost, I am a daughter of Jesus Christ. I am also a wife and a mother. I have my master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Belhaven University’s online course. I have my bachelor’s degree in Science with the concentration of Psychology and Healthcare Administration.

I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and I’ve been in the medical field for the last six years. I love my career!

My hobbies include writing, reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time with my family.

~*~
Connect with Heidy:
Blog: https://heidyreynoso.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidy.delacruz13/
Read my poetry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidyspoems/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidyreynoso13
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heidyreynoso13

Devotionals for the Heart: Invitation

The Invitation
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

—Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

When I was young, getting a birthday party invitation from a classmate was a big deal.

In the fourth grade, my parents let me purchase some awesome birthday invitations in the shape of a teddy bear for my tenth birthday – a girls slumber party – that I couldn’t wait to hand out to my friends in class. On the day I handed out the invitations to everyone, I turned to see one of my classmates, Tammy, silently crying in the corner. I immediately realized why. I had passed out all my cute invitations and, because I had forgotten to put her name on my list, Tammy had not received an invitation.

It was a physical mistake that could be fixed, but the emotional damage was done. I knew Tammy felt the pain of being left out, just like those who are forgotten, picked last for a team, or overlooked altogether. I had experienced that feeling myself and knew how bad it feels.

Having a relationship with God and His son, Jesus Christ, means we are invited into fellowship every day, but it is a special invitation that requires an acknowledgement and acceptance. In some cultures, one knock at the door is appropriate and then you may enter at your leisure. However, Jesus is a gentleman who will “stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20). He calls to let us know it is Him, so we can choose to open the door and let Him in.

How often do we miss Jesus’s call and leave Him waiting outside because of life’s distractions that drown out His voice and/or cause us to forget all about Him? It’s important to always make time for Him in our lives no matter the circumstances. He should always be at the top of our guest list.

I will never forget the light that shown in Tammy’s eyes the next day in class when I presented her with a teddy bear invitation and apologized for my oversight. Though she said she understood, I could still sense a bit of sadness at being invited last, so I made it point at my party, when it came time to do a lip sync contest, to pick her as my partner. She had a smile as wide as the ocean.

You see, not matter the oversight, the mistake, or lack of invitation to a friend or to God, it’s important to remember that when we seek to do our best before God and listen for His direction, He will always find a way to honor it. God promises to “come in” to fellowship with us. So be sure to open the door and invite Him in today! 

*Note from Alexis: Mirachelle's message today reminds me of this song, "Look a Little Closer" by Helen Baylor. Listen to it here. 

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater.

  

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: A life lesson on giving and receiving love

You are someone’s neighbor
A devotional by Jessica Collazo

‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ –Luke 10:35 (NIV)

The month of February has a way of bringing LOVE to the forefront of our thoughts.

Many people think love can only be celebrated in a romantic fashion. Dinner for two, flowers, chocolate, all of the cliché things, which are not bad or wrong. But, what if this month we spend some time remembering the greatest command that God has given us in Mark 12:31?

God tells us: Love your neighbor.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the man that was beaten and left for dead did not ask for help. The Samaritan took pity on him and went above and beyond to help. He saw the need and he tended to it.

Our problem today is that we see or hear the word “pity” and we allow our pride to take over.

Yes. Pride. You may ask “How?” 

Here’s how: We say things like, “I don’t want anyone’s pity” or “I don’t need any handouts.” But in reality we are saying, “I don’t want anyone to have compassion on me.”

I’m guilty of that. God recently allowed me to see that I do not allow my neighbors to love me. In my mind, pity equals weakness, and I did not want to be seen as weak or incapable of handling what life throws at me. Loving others? I can do that. But allowing others to love me? Well, that was the hard part … until recently.

Recently, my family has gone on quite the roller coaster ride. My youngest son was born with a severe health condition that one day would require an organ transplant. That time came and in less than three months, we decided to move forward with the process, received approval to have him listed on the organ transplant list, got a match and completed the surgery. And while there are many miracles that happened in that short span of time (we will talk about those another time), one of the most beautiful things that I was able to witness and experience was the love of God through how others loved us.

Just like the Good Samaritan, we had people who took care of us without us needing to ask. Friends who created meal delivery sign-up sheets, people who we met once sent us gift cards or delivered food to the hospital, text messages, phone calls, but most importantly they prayed.

I cannot tell you how the prayers of so many people, including strangers, carried us through. I felt the love through the army of people that prayed us through that entire ordeal.

Now back to that pride thing: If it were any other time, or any other situation, I probably would not have been so receptive to receiving the love and support (emotional or financial) that was so freely given to us.

So, if you are the one who is struggling to allow others to love you, I urge you to let your guard down, swallow your pride and say yes. Allow yourself to experience God’s love and peace through your neighbor’s love.

If you are the neighbor who doesn’t know what to do, how about you start by asking, “How can I pray for you?” Then do something. Walk their dog, take them a meal, rake their leaves, shovel their snow, sit with them, send them a Scripture, and once you do something, pray again. It will be their lifeline as they walk through whatever they are walking through.

Let’s Pray: Father, I pray that as we think about what it means to love our neighbor and how we can show others the love of Christ, that you would bring to our minds someone that needs to be reminded that they are loved. That we would act as the Good Samaritan did, and most importantly, that we would allow ourselves to be loved by our neighbors because we must remember that we too are someone’s neighbor. In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Collazo is a Chicago native with a heart that beats for Jesus. Her passion is to challenge women to think differently, gain a new perspective and live confidently. Because she knows it’s possible. 

Using God’s Word, a little bit of humor, along with a strategic way of thinking and sharing personal stories, Jessica offers a fresh take on where to go when women feel stuck, overlooked or overwhelmed.

Jessica’s greatest passion is to help women take off the identities they have been given by the world and realize who they are in Christ: known, dearly loved, set apart, and chosen.

Jessica is the customer experience manager at Proverbs 31 Ministries who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Jerry, two sons and dog, Sawyer. Prior to working at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Jessica has over 10 years of experience working in women’s ministry, marriage ministry and outreach.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicacollazo/
Website: https://jessicacollazo.com

Book Review: The Loneliness Solution

 

Alexis A. Goring's Review of 

The Loneliness Solution: Finding Meaningful Connection in a Disconnected World 

by Jack Eason (Author)

 

In an era when face-to-face interactions with friends is replaced by online interactions with "Facebook friends," this book by Jack Eason is just what the doctor ordered!

 

Filled with practical advice on how to make lasting friendships that are fostered in person, Eason teaches us the value of old-fashioned community. He reminds us of a time when we actually talked to each other in coffee shops and spend quality time together, in person without modern technology as our sidekick or third wheel. 

 

Through the word and real-life stories in this nonfiction book, The Loneliness Solution: Finding Meaningful Connection in a Disconnected World, the author encourages us to connect with each other again in a way that is meaning, deep and real.

 

Loneliness is on the rise and is becoming as prevalent as the modern day technologies that keep us occupied. This book is a challenge to the status quo and a call-t0-action for every lonely heart. 

 

Beautifully written, this book is a keeper! 

 

It's also a perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas!

 

~*~

Author Bio:

Jack Eason serves nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and around the world as a consultant for fundraising, growth and development, board governance, and other areas of ministry leadership. 

Jack is the Executive Stateside Director of Crossover CUPS Mission, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been privileged to serve the local Church and missions-related organizations around the world for 30 years. Through the ministry of Crossover, Jack's team led student camps on the East and West Coasts for many years. Jack also produced a nationally syndicated radio and television show aimed at students for over 15 years. Now the Crossover CUPS mission impacts the lives of families in the Dominican Republic and Malawi.
africa2.jpg

Jack is married to Lynette Eason (the real famous one in their family, an accomplished author) and is the father of Lauryn and Will. He and his family live in Simpsonville, SC. Jack loves Jesus, his family, sweet tea, and serving others. 

In the last 15 years, God has used him to raise tens of millions of dollars for organizations like Christian radio, children's homes, mission efforts, pregnancy centers, and more. 

Whether it be raising funds for your upcoming special event or facilitating a training for your Staff and Board of Directors, Jack Eason not only has a heart to serve... he has the experience to connect and impact your team. Simply put, Jack gets results for the groups he speaks for! 

Jack is passionate about helping people understand the impact we can have when we work TOGETHER.

~*~
Book blurb for The Loneliness Solution:

 

Statistics show that, despite our connected worldworld — and partly because of it —we are lonelier than ever. Social media tricks us into thinking that we are engaged in genuine friendships, except we never quite get beyond that feeling of being outside someone else's life and looking in every so often at what they choose to show the world. Instead of intimacy we get little more than what amounts to digital small talk. But there is a solution. 

With plenty of good humor and practical advice, Jack Eason invites you to discover the benefits of doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Grounding his message in Scripture, Eason helps you:

- learn the obstacles to real community
- reimagine what real friendship looks like
- discover a place of true belonging
- and more

If you're tired of feeling lonely, this encouraging and community-building book is just what you need.

~*~
Buy this book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

~*~
Connect with the author:
Website: https://www.jackeason.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackeasonspeaks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wjackeason/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackeason
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/JackEasonCMI
Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jack-eason-podcast/id1485111148

 

~*~
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 

Many thanks to Revel Publishers for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor FlyBy Promotions/Momentum Influencer in the last 30 days, from the same blog, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

~*~
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

My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Lindsay Harrel's book giveaway

Welcome to the 19th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Lindsay Harrel.

She's here to give away one of her books!

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a little bit more about Lindsay and her book ...

Author Bio:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. 

She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years, and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, 

Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for Lindsay's book:

Women’s counselor Joy Beckman has always been a friend and helper to all. That’s why she’s given up everything to be with her parents as her mother suffers through Alzheimer’s. Joy may not have a thriving career or a love life at the moment, but she’s doing what she does best—taking care of others. And even though it’s difficult, she knows it’s where she is supposed to be.

But life throws a curveball when she has to leave her parents temporarily to travel to Cornwall, England, for the December wedding of her best friend. While there, Joy helps Sophia tackle her last-minute to-do list, and in the process, finally meets a man who turns her head—and her heart. The only problem? He lives in snowy London, and her life is with her parents back in sunny Florida.

She tries to resist Oliver Lincoln’s charms, but it’s harder than it should be. With her heart torn in two, Joy is forced to choose between a life she knows she’s meant for and the one she didn’t see coming.

Fall in love with this enchanting story that’s sure to delight fans of sweet romance. Even if you have not read The Secrets of Paper and Ink (where the quaint village of Port Willis was first born), you can fully enjoy this heartwarming holiday novella.

~*~

Connect with Lindsay:
Website - www.lindsayharrel.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/LindsayHarrel
Instagram - www.instagram.com/lindsayharrelauthor

~*~

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

Thankful Thursdays: My Thoughts on The Gift of Time and Friendship

Thankful Thursdays: The Gift of Time and Friendship

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for the gift of time and friendship.

My friend Holly brought this to my attention about a year ago. We’ve been friends for a few years. We talk often and during one of our conversations, she told me, “You have the gift of time and friendship.”

Her words caused me to pause because I’d never thought of time as a gift. I’ve always thought that friends who God placed into my life are a gift. But never once did I consider nor did I realize just what a precious gift time is especially for those who are running out of it.

Holly’s words caused me to re-evaluate my life. She spoke those timely words to me during a tough time in my career journey. It had been years since I graduated from college and my career path looked nothing like I planned. But still, God was present and blessing me through all the detours He led me to take in the journey to my dreams.

I thought my dreams had come true last year when God enabled me to land a full-time job in Journalism at a major magazine without even interviewing for the job. However, that journey as a journalist ended after five months.

However, that was all part of God’s perfect plan, because once again I had more time to spend with Him and more time to finish writing my devotional book! My devotional book, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, was published in April 2020. God confirmed that this was part of His plan. He confirmed it through the words of my friends who’ve read my book and through all of the ratings which as I write this blog post, are ALL five-star ratings!

My time with God has been and continues to be precious. I realize more than ever how important it is to always make room for Him in my life and spend time studying His Word (The Holy Bible). The older I get, the more I see just how precious His Word is and how important it is to apply His truth, promises and principles to my everyday life.

I have not landed a new full-time job since my magazine job didn’t work out last year but I have been abundantly blessed by God during this time with Him and with the people in my life who love me (family and friends).

The Gift of Friendship

Growing up, I loved to read books. Every summer, our dad would drive my brother and I to the local library to borrow books. My brother would borrow books about dinosaurs and puppies while I would reach for books about friendships and characters falling in love.

Never had I ever thought that when I grew up, I’d become friends with my favorite authors whose books I read as an adult! Thanks to Facebook, becoming friends with authors has become as simple as sending a friend request. But what I cherish even more than becoming Facebook friends with these wonderful writers, is becoming real-life friends offline! I’ve met most of my favorite authors at a Christian writers’ conference that God made a way for me to attend five years ago and He continues to connect me with more of my new favorite authors! It’s such a blessing.

It’s truly special to my heart when my favorite authors and I become such good friends that we call each other on the phone even if we cannot meet in person (my author friends live across the USA and around the world).

Just before writing this Thankful Thursdays post today, I was looking at my friends on Facebook and praising God for exactly what they are: blessings!

God helped me realize how He made all of this possible. He showed me that He has perfect timing and that He has good plans for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). God reminded me that He cares about my heart’s desires.

God knew who He would bring into my life before I even asked Him or petitioned Him in prayer. Just like God knows exactly who I need in my life, He knows who you need too! Trust Him to coordinate your connections!

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for the gift of time and friendship.

What are you thankful for today?

Sincerely,

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

Interview with Amberly Neese (Part 2 of 2) about "The Belonging Project"

Welcome Amberly Neese again to the blog today!

She's here to, via this pre-made interview from Audra Jennings (publicist), finish telling you all about her book, The Belonging Project - Women's Bible Study Guide with Leader Helps: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive.

Gentlemen: I'm sorry, but this one is for the ladies! Feel free to share this two-part interview with the women in your life. Ladies: We're wrapping up today with Part 2 of 2 of this pre-made interview featuring Amberly Neese. 

Enjoy!

~*~

A Message from Audra Jennings, publicist: 

In The Belonging Project, speaker and comedian Amberly Neese combines Bible study with delightful humor to create a refreshing and engaging experience that will encourage and equip women to pursue deeper relationships and true belonging by loving and serving one another. She describes The Belonging Project as an exploration of the New Testament as it pertains to biblical community. 

“God has designed us to live in mutually beneficial relationships and has given us the blueprints to do so in his Word. The study is designed to encourage, empower, and equip participants to thrive in the community to which God has called them,” she shares.

Neese provides biblical and practical help for cultivating meaningful relationships that glorify God through an examination of the many “one another” scriptures throughout the New Testament. She groups more than fifty of them into themes in order to lead readers on an exploration of how to:

Find One Another

Fellowship with One Another

Forgive One Another

Fortify One Another

Having women in our lives to help us grow in our capacity to love, serve, and forgive is always important, regardless of what is going on in our lives and our world around us. However, now, more than ever, we’ve become keenly aware of the need to pursue and build an authentic tribe. She shares more about that in the interview below.

~*~
Part 2 of an Interview with Amberly Neese,

author of of The Belonging Project

Question: We’ve been in the midst of social distancing for what seems like forever now. How has this period of time made meaningful relationships all the more important?

Amberly Neese: Social distancing has made us painfully aware of the pangs of loneliness and disconnection. Zoom parties and drive-by encouragement are wonderful, but they are no substitution for sitting knee-to-knee with a friend, sharing our hearts. In addition, for some, having a house full of family in quarantine can be fun (and loud), but it may not be a conducive place to be truly seen and heard.

The time away from others has helped us see the need for others in our life. Biblical community is more important than ever as we rebuild from the quarantine. One of my closest friends lost a child during this season and the inability to hug her family, have a service for her sweet daughter, mourn collectively, and support her clan in this tragedy have been salt in her wounds for sure.

The Belonging Project highlights some ways to love and serve others from the comfort of one’s living room as well as the sweet discomfort of sitting with a friend in her pain. Social distancing may put a damper on connection, but there are ways to encourage others without breaking quarantine. I am a hugger—more like a tackler—so this time has been hard for me, but it has allowed me the opportunity to explore new ways to comfort, encourage, and connect with others.

Question: Sometimes social media is the only way we keep up with our friends. How can social media be both a help and hindrance to our friendships?

Amberly Neese: Social media can serve as a wonderful way to stay in touch, but it can also serve as a source of discouragement. It is easy to get caught up in the “compare snare”—the heartache of being left out and/or comparing oneself to the feed of others. It is easy to believe that someone else’s feed, their social media gallery, is an accurate picture of their lives. I rarely see dirty dishes, marital discourse, unemployment, bad hair days, or depression on Facebook or Instagram. We only share good stuff and only after it has gone through a filter to remove our wrinkles and uneven skin tone.

We should avoid comparing our real life to the “reel” life of others because it begins to give us a false sense of reality, and we can suffer from envy, disappointment, and dissatisfaction—mindsets that erode a biblical community.

Recently, I found out on social media that many of my cronies (an old school word for friends) had started a Bible study. Without me. To try and keep the numbers reasonable, they had made a list, and I wasn’t on it. It crushed me. 

The ironic thing was I had already started writing The Belonging Project, my attempt to encourage women to seek community with others in Jesus’ name, and I was not invited. It took me a little while to recover, but my husband and I have also since started a Bible study with an amazing group of folks who were hungry for community as well.

Question: What can we learn from the life of Jesus about living in community? How was this so different from the political, social and religious culture of the day?

Amberly Neese: Jesus was counter-cultural as he set an example of including others that others cast aside. He loved those who were hurting, broken, and vulnerable. He chose to invite twelve others to do life alongside him and paved the way for us to do likewise.

Throughout his time on earth, Jesus said things that seemed revolutionary (and downright crazy) to his contemporaries. He broke through cultural, political, and social barriers during his thirty years of life and three years of public ministry. His followers (including the apostle Paul, who penned many of the letters in the New Testament) followed suit. Their behaviors, practices, and words often flew in the face of the culture and helped shape history.

God has designed us for community. In fact, Jesus was so passionate about community that He not only chose disciples—twelve guys of varying backgrounds, personalities, and gifts, to walk with him in his journey. He also instructed them to do likewise with others. He invited a myriad of others, including many women, to partner with him in ministry along his path. 

Through his teachings and the teachings of His followers, we have a blueprint for the community that he has designed for us. This blueprint can be found in the phrases in the New Testament that include the words one another, such as love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, forgive one another, and many more. Some of these concepts were certainly counter-cultural in the time of Jesus and are today as well. Jesus spoke these words in times of political, social, and religious tumult and they are so applicable in our current context as well.

Question: What are some tips on finding your tribe? As we search, what are some things we also need to find within ourselves?

Amberly Neese: Despite what we see in movies and magazines, where personal strength and winning are celebrated, we are created for community. We are meant to encourage one another, walk ahead of and behind one another, and create connections with one another. Yet even as part of a church, we often fall prey to societal patterns of comparison and competition and miss out on true community.

To find one’s tribe, we should first pray about it and ask God specifically for people alongside whom we can grow, serve others, and be willing to step outside of our comfort zone.

We need to make sure, however, that we also are willing to be vulnerable, humble, and a safe place for people. Biblical community is not for sissies. We are a broken people, and even when made holy by the blood of Jesus, we sometimes make broken choices. We speak unkindly, we act unfairly, we give grace unequally.

Community with other believers can be challenging and can take a lot of faith, but it is a gift and it is worth the hard work of extending and embracing forgiveness.

Question: The last week in the study focuses on fortifying one another. What does that look like in a practical, daily way?

Amberly Neese: It can take all shapes and forms, but first, one should commit to spending time to find a body in which you can grow in your knowledge of God’s word, stretch your faith muscles, and be built up by other believers.

If we are going to find our tribe and learn to thrive, we need to be committed to encourage others. Not the “Oh my, what a cute dress!” encouragement (although that is always fun, not the wearing a dress part, but the compliment part), but the encouragement of others in their walk with Jesus. Ask yourself: How can I encourage someone in his or her spiritual walk today?

We live in a discouraging world. The political climate, the tragedies all over the nation, the starvation of children all over the world, the disregard of the value of human life, the threat of war, the rise in stress and anxiety—it is overwhelming. How do we keep our perspective? By focusing on Jesus and encouraging one another daily. Do one small thing today to encourage another believer. One could also consider encouraging someone you know who has left the church with a text, call, email, or letter.

Finally, one can easily develop a habit of gratitude through daily practice—perhaps by writing down all the things one is thankful for each day. Find a friend with which to share that list. It becomes a blessing to both parties!

Question: How is The Belonging Project designed to be used? What are the components of each week’s study?

Amberly Neese: The great thing about this study is its versatility. It can be done with a few friends or with hundreds of ladies. The format is designed to be easy and enjoyable—five days of lessons each week for four weeks.

There is a daily lesson, memory verses, calls to action, and questions to grapple with for each week’s teaching. The lessons are designed to be completed in about 20 minutes. Each day starts with a “One Another” verse, which sets the tone for the day, includes a scripture focus and questions for reflection, and ends with a Call to Action.

Since each of the days in the study covers another “one another” from the New Testament, if those doing the study have extra time, they can also read through the entirety of the chapter from which the verse comes to get a more full picture of the context in which it was written.

Then once a week, you’ll gather with your group to watch a video, discuss what you’re learning, and pray together. The session outlines, which provide options for both a 60-minute and a 90-minute session, include discussion questions, activities, prayer prompts, and notes for the video segment (available separately). You’ll find the outline for each session at the end of the personal lessons for that week.

~*~

Get Involved:

The Belonging Project - Online Bible Study Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1142464136110827/



For more details and to reserve your spot in one of the small group discussions,
go to https://www.amberlyneese.com/bible-study.

The Belonging Project - A Bible Study of the “one another” sayings by Amberly Neese

https://youtu.be/-MtYuN40XRg

~*~

Buy Amberly's book, The Belonging Project on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

~*~

Blurb for The Belonging Project:

Discover true community. 

Has the pursuit of the “perfect life” left you feeling depleted, disappointed, dissatisfied, and disconnected? Are you tired of being lonely and left out at work, home, church, and online? Are you hungry for true community, deeper connection with God, and friendships that are greater than just “likes” on social media? Are you ready for real connections with those around you?

In this four-week Bible study, Amberly Neese provides biblical and practical help for cultivating meaningful relationships that glorify God through an exploration of four “one another” sayings in the New Testament:

•   Love one another 

•   Serve one another

•   Build up and strengthen one another

•   Forgive one another

In her trademark style, Amberly combines Bible study with delightful humor to create a refreshing and engaging experience that will encourage and equip women to pursue deeper relationships and true belonging.

Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a DVD.

Bible Study Features:

•   A shorter, four-week study is ideal for in-between or busy times.

•   Accessible and friendly format.

•   DVD features the amazing Amberly Neese, who masterfully combines solid Bible teaching and delightfully funny humor (in four 20-minute segments).

•   Inspires and encourages women to pursue deeper relationships and true belonging for a more fulfilled, purposeful life.

•   Helps women grow in their capacity to love, serve, and forgive.

•   Study guide with leader helps includes group session guides, discussion questions, prayers, video viewer guides, and more.


~*~


Author Bio: Amberly Neese is a speaker, humorist, and encourager with a passion for “GRINspiring” others. 

As a featured speaker for the Aspire Women’s Events and the main host/comedienne for Marriage Date Night, two popular Christian events that tour nationally, she enjoys touching the hearts and minds and funny bones of people all over the country. 

The Bible says that laughter is good medicine, and she has found it’s also like glue—helping the truths of God’s Word to “stick.” Neese loves to remind women of the power and hope found in Scripture. Through a flair for storytelling and a love for Jesus, she candidly opens up her story alongside God’s Word to encourage others in their walk with Him. She is also the author of the women’s Bible study, The Belonging Project. 

With a master’s degree from Biola University, Neese serves as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. She and her husband, Scott, have two teenagers and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.

For more information, visit her website www.amberlyneese.com. She is also active on Facebook (@Amberly Neese – Comedian/Speaker), Twitter (@amberlyneese), and Instagram (@amberlyneese).