Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should keep faith in Jesus Christ

Keep the Faith
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Funerals for many people are morbid and sad, but I have found them to be very sobering and educational. For me, they serve as a constant reminder that I must steward every day I’m alive with wisdom.

We are reminded in Scripture to ask for wisdom so that we can use the time we are given wisely (Psalm 90:12). At most funerals, there is music and tributes. The dead person in the coffin is not able to confirm or deny all being said, but you can tell by the smiles and the nods of those who knew the person whether the speaker is telling the truth or not. 

Recently, I sang at a funeral, and the testimony of those who spoke before me was that “He loved the Lord.” This is like music to the ears of people who follow Jesus Christ because his life testified to his love for God. When he was alive, the evidence of his love for God showed in his behavior. He consistently treated people in the church and in his community with agape love and respect. He lived out his beliefs. He did what the Apostle Paul stated he had done, which was, "I have kept the faith."

The Bible books of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy focus on a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy who was a young pastor at that time. Paul was encouraging him Timothy, knowing that his days on earth were coming to an end. It was important for Timothy to keep some important things in mind as he moved forward in his role as a pastor. Paul, from the first day of his conversion (Acts 9), had learned to look fully to God for his every need. From day one of becoming a Christian, Paul understood the power of God and the call on his life. He was entrusted with a task to preach the gospel. Likewise, he reminds Timothy that he, too, must do the same.

To keep the faith means you have be prepared to be persecuted. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves. The scriptures are loaded with guidance and direction for us to read, meditate on and believe what God says. It will direct us as we move through life (Psalm 119:105).

Our ultimate goal is to hear our Savior (Jesus Christ) say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) when we stand before Him. So, like Paul, as we start out this year, let’s keep this in the forefront of our hearts and minds.

We can set our goals, but our ultimate goal is to keep the faith that we have in Jesus Christ. Let’s live in a way that the world can see the character of Christ in our lives through our speech and behavior. Challenges in many forms will come but be determined to keep the faith! Hide the Word in your heart. As you obey God, prepare to be persecuted but remember that the one who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

God’s word is certain and sure; He will keep us. Let’s set our hearts and minds to stay focused and come what may, keep the faith.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, 

I am so thankful for the assurance that you’ve got me in the palm of your hands. Nothing happens without You knowing about it. We are grateful for You. Strengthen my heart and help me to remember your word when I forget and am tempted to become discouraged. I want to be able to say like Paul, “I have kept the faith.” 

In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Keep the Faith” by Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I Will Follow Christ” by Bob Carlisle, Clay Crosse and BeBe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

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.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why there is always hope, even in grievous times

Hope in the Grief
A devotional Jessica Brodie

Have you ever experienced a time of loss and sadness that is simultaneously also filled with deep joy? That was our family this week as we journeyed to Ohio to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of my husband’s grandfather.

Grandpa Bob was 95 when he died, and what a man! A World War II Navy veteran who enlisted at age 17 and saw significant action—including the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Okinawa Invasion, and Operation Crossroads for the Bikini Atoll nuclear bomb tests—he also served in the Korean Conflict on the USS Wisconsin. After his discharge, he spent his career in Ohio’s oil and gas drilling operations. He had three kids, then remarried and gained three stepkids, and at his death claimed 12 grandkids (plus spouses) and 15 great-grandkids, all who loved him dearly.

Matt and I and our four kids road-tripped from South Carolina last week for the funeral, joined by parents and a host of other cousins, aunts, and uncles, all of us surrounding Grandma Mary, his wife. At age 99, she and Grandpa Bob still lived in their house. Together, we mourned his death but celebrated his life with deep and affirming joy.

Why joy? See, in addition to being an outstanding person and family man, Grandpa Bob’s most important role was “child of God.” A Christian and active member of his local United Methodist church, one thing we all knew when Grandpa Bob passed on was that we didn’t need to wonder or worry what would become of him. We knew, because he was a follower of Jesus, that he was assured eternal life.

Yes, there were tears at his funeral. We miss him! But there was also… laughter. Giggles. His eulogies at the service—delivered by his pastor, one of his sons and his stepson—recounted stories about mishaps with dynamite and catching himself on fire, his love for John Wayne and gardening, his silliness rolling around on the ground with puppy dogs or playing at Cedar Point.

“Loyal, faithful, and hardworking,” are how his pastor, Jim, described him. “Disciplined but always fair,” his son, Uncle RJ, said.

A man of stories, said everyone.

That’s how I, a latecomer blessed to marry into this family, knew him. Grandpa Bob was an outstanding storyteller. I remember how we’d visit and he’d tell about standing on the deck of his ship in WWII, or about riding horses, another of his loves.

Uncle RJ shared how he had the opportunity these last years to spend at least two mornings a week having long coffee chats with his dad, listening to old tales told and retold, sometimes the same story twice in one day. What always struck RJ was the joy with which he told those stories. That’s what I had loved, too…and, come to think of it, is what always makes an extraordinary storyteller. It’s the love of the tale.

Grandpa Bob had that. He shared that. And oh, what a legacy.

A couple of the grandkids were not able to attend the funeral, and during the service, Uncle Warren shared a special memory one of his own sons had about Grandpa Bob. During their last visit, they’d sat on the porch together talking about the future, and Grandpa Bob passed on some sage advice to him: “We are ultimately measured as men by how we react to uncontrollable things.”

Wise, wise words from a good, good man.

As Pastor Jim said at the funeral, an eternal perspective in this life keeps us in balance. As believers in Christ Jesus, we know infinitely more awaits us in heaven. The casket is not our end.

Each of us who believe can hold fast to the promises of Scripture, promises like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14: “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (NIV).

It's not that we do not grieve, but that we don’t grieve as others.

Our grief is rooted in hope, in joy, in promise.

We will be together again one day—thanks be to God.

Rest in peace, Grandpa Bob. We love you dearly.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for the hope You give all of us who believe in and follow You: the hope of salvation. Thank You that the casket is not our end. Help us spread Your word to others so they can share in this, too. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
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.

She 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 has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast.

You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

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.

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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.