Devotionals for the Heart: There are blessings that we often overlook

The Blessings We Often Overlook
A devotional by Erica J. Hill

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

—Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

As summertime arrives and our children are home from school, our houses often become fuller, louder, and busier.

Between the extra meals, errands, activities, and endless requests, it is easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. Yet, we must not forget that the Bible says in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Instead of focusing on the busyness of the summer months, let’s choose to notice the small moments and be grateful for our children who are the precious blessings God has entrusted to us.

Most parents would say they love their children, but gratitude is something deeper. Yes, they get on my nerves sometimes, and they worry me more often than they know. Yet I am grateful for them because they remind me daily that they are God’s gifts to me—His heritage and reward entrusted to my care.

I often find myself wondering how my children became the people they are. Most parents might be quick to claim credit for the good qualities and blame someone else for the difficult ones. Yet I have learned that the qualities we sometimes struggle with our children having are not always weaknesses. Sometimes the traits that test our patience today become the strengths they will need tomorrow. When I look at my children—their character, their choices, and the direction their lives are taking—I am reminded that God has been faithfully guiding them all along. In those moments, I thank God for all the people who have prayed for them, even before they were born.

One of the greatest gifts of parenthood is what my children continue to teach me. As parents, we often assume we are the ones doing the teaching, but many times our children become our greatest lessons. Through their dreams, determination, and resilience, they remind me that God is still at work shaping each of us.

Education has always been important in our home, so it brings me great joy to watch my youngest son share that same passion for learning. Since elementary school, he has dreamed of becoming a doctor and has worked hard to excel in school. His confidence and determination remind me that God often places dreams in our hearts long before we understand where they will lead.

My middle child amazes me with his creativity and determination. While many teenagers spend their free time focused on the present, he enjoys talking about business ideas and future opportunities. As I listen to him dream beyond where he is today, I am reminded that God often plants dreams in our hearts for a reason. Watching him pursue those dreams reminds me that God is faithfully at work in his life.

My daughter has made thoughtful decisions about her future. She chose to finish her education, invest in her marriage, and then start a family. Today, she and her husband are praying for God to bless them with a home, but they are also faithfully doing their part by budgeting carefully and saving for the future. Watching her trust God’s timing while walking in wisdom reminds me that God’s guidance is often revealed through the ordinary decisions our children make each day.

I often complain about driving my sons from place to place, but if I am honest, I enjoy those moments in the car. Sometimes that is when I hear what is really going on in their lives. What feels like an inconvenience today may someday become a memory I wish I could relive.

The older my children get, the more I realize how easy it is to take these moments for granted. We are often quick to thank God for our health, finances, and careers, yet overlook the people who mean the most to us. Too often, we focus on what family members do that frustrate us instead of appreciating the blessing of having them in our lives. Gratitude shifts our perspective and reminds us that the ordinary moments we often overlook are gifts from God.

When we walk through the door after a long day and the music is too loud, we can be grateful that our children are where we can see them. When they constantly ask for things, we can be thankful that we are able to provide for their needs and that they do not live with a constant sense of lack.

We must learn to be grateful for the little things as much as the big things. Gratitude is found in everyday moments—the laughter around the dinner table, the unexpected phone call, the safe arrival home, the dreams our children share, and the smiles on the faces of the people we love. These moments may seem ordinary, but they are often the very blessings we once prayed for.

As you move through the busyness of this summer season, pause and thank God for the people He has entrusted to you. They may not always feel like a reward in the moment, but they are among His greatest blessings.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of family and for the blessings You have placed in our lives. Help us to look beyond the busyness and frustrations of daily life and recognize the joy found in the ordinary moments. Give us grateful hearts and remind us to cherish the people You have entrusted to our care.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “The Blessing” (Lyrics) ft. Kari Jobe Carnes, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Gratitude” (Chosen Performance) by Brandon Lake. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Erica J. Hill is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother living in Georgia. 

With a career spanning both elementary education and higher education, she has served as an elementary and middle grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and now works as an administrative assistant in higher education. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Media Center Specialist, Erica’s love for learning and teaching runs deep.

Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, she has faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and now as one of the youth directors at her church. A lifelong writer at heart, Erica once set her passion aside to pursue other career goals—but recently felt God’s undeniable tug to pick up her pen again, this time to write for His Kingdom.

She is currently working on her first book, Worthy. Whole. Woman. It is a devotional that she hopes will be an encouraging resource created to uplift and empower women—especially women of color—to walk confidently in their God-given identity.

Through her words, Erica blends faith in God, personal reflection, and practical wisdom to inspire women to heal, grow, and embrace the fullness of who God created them to be.

Originally from Atlanta, Erica now calls Macon County home, where she lives with her husband and children. In her free time, you’ll usually find Erica curled up with a good book, working on DIY projects, or planning her next travel adventure.

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Connect with Erica:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsgrace2931/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsgrace2931/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to use the gifts God gives you wisely

What Are We Waiting For?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.”

—Matthew 25:15 (NLT)

Having just spent time on an unintended longer layover, time was on my mind.

What should have been about a two-hour jaunt, quickly turned into a six-hour plus time in the lovely Denver airport, Concourse C. Everything went well as we arrived at the gate, having procured our snacks and water for the wait. However, we began noticing wild updates for our upcoming flight with rapid-fire changes to our departure time. Great. Now, we had time on our hands when what we really wanted was to be at our destination with our family.

We toured our concourse and discovered an outdoor area where firepits welcomed weary travelers, a little dog run, and a view of the runway, planes and even the smell of jet fuel. This eased our minds knowing we had a place to escape the four walls of the airport.

But what to do with the unknown amount of time? Be like everyone else and stare at a phone, not conversing with a neighbor, family member, or stranger? No. A thousand times no. We are meant to engage in other’s lives, not a phone.

It was then the airline announcer made life enjoyable. She began giving us trivia about the airline we were traveling on. Now I know things I did not know and can dazzle others with the tidbits. However, it was the thought of what we could/should be doing with our unexpected time. No longer were we to be a certain place, with a certain agenda. In a sense, it was stolen time. What should we do with all of this unexpected time? Squander it? Use it? Waste it?

In the parable Jesus Christ shared in Matthew 25, He was emphasizing what He wants believers to be doing while we wait for end-time prophecies to be fulfilled. We are to be ready and to labor for God’s Kingdom and to serve Him (the King).

The master in the parable passes out talents (bags of money) to three different people: one got one bag, another got two, and still another got five. The size of each bag varied because each of his servants were given the talents in proportion to ability. We are not told what the abilities were, nor who has more abilities. It is here we can go off track and look at the unfairness of the situation, instead of looking at what needs to be done with the bag of money given to each person.

I’m sure you are thinking of your own abilities now or of the woman down the street, in the next pew, or in your office. She has it all together. Surely, she will be given more money. Or the man at the top of the corporate ladder, the dad with the perfect children or the plumber with a thriving business. He too, will be given more than you, or so you may think.

But who is to say this? No one. Only the Master (Jesus) knows this information. We are on a needed-to-know basis. Period. What do we need to know? Well, for starters, we need to look in our money bag and see how much is in there. Whether it’s one, two or five talents, we have been entrusted with money from the Lord with carte blanch on how to use it.

We are not given details on how to use it, when to use it, where to use it or with whom to use it. Rather, we are given the freedom to be creative, resourceful and thoughtful with the means to labor for the King (God). We should not look at what others are given but what we are given then get busy using our talents for God.

I can lose focus and valuable time when I am being distracted by the competition. When I give myself wholeheartedly to the task at hand, I can labor and make a difference. I can be faithful with my bag and have a return ready for my Master.

Let’s return to my story about the extra, unexpected time I spent at the airport in Denver (Colorado). With all that time in the concourse, we had a choice. Grumble and complain or make the most of the opportunity. Use it for God’s Kingdom or for self. We enjoyed talking with others who were in the same boat as us. We got to spend some time with folks we wouldn’t normally talk with. We don’t even know their names, but we knew their story.

Did we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with these people? No. Did we share love? Yes. Understanding? Yes. Compassion? Yes. Sometimes we over-complicate things and forget the simple—just be, love, enjoy. As we find ourselves with unexpected time on our hands, let us use it for the King. Little moments add up to big ones which make a difference in one life or in many.

Let’s Pray: Father God, my desire is to please You by using the talent or talents You have given to me. Help me to stop spending unnecessary time on myself and serving my personal interests. Help me to stop being distracted by the time wasters lurking around every corner. Teach me how to use all my talents for advancing your Kingdom. Thank You that You created me for a purpose, and You have given me the abilities to serve You in every moment, every hour, every season. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Time That is Left” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “What Are We Waiting for?” by for KING + COUNTRY. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Little is Much” by Downhere. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

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

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God gives us each a unique gift to use for Him

Celebrating the Gifts that Fit Us Perfectly
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so everyone may see your progress.”—1 Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV)

I'm as organized as a pile of Legos.

By the end of the day, I've left a trail of scattered papers and belongings everywhere with no rhyme or reason or place to call home. My messiness often overwhelms me, yet it doesn’t define me because I've embraced God’s unconditional love and learned to focus on the gifts I was born with.

My creativity started developing the day I opened my first box of crayons. For days, I stayed in my room, nurturing my inner Picasso. Then, I started designing cartoon characters and greeting cards for my mother. Today, my upstairs loft is my escape from the chaos, where I channel my creativity into a greeting card that hits a sweet spot in my soul.

I sometimes envy women whose homes are tidy and organized. But resisting the way God made me is futile. Given the choice, I’d much rather spend an afternoon sketching than color code my sock drawer or label my pantry inventory. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold, I've learned to celebrate the gifts that fit me perfectly, giving me a deep sense of joy and contentment.

When we compare ourselves to what we see others excelling at, we forget that our uniqueness flows out of us as naturally as our breath and is God's paintbrush on life's canvas. God has a purpose for everything He created, and we honor Him by being true to how He designed us.

The Apostle Paul's words to Timothy are a powerful reminder. Paul encouraged Timothy to devote himself to his ministry, trusting that God would accomplish great things through him. In Greek, the word for gift is charismata, which refers to the various spiritual gifts within Timothy and all believers. The elders who laid hands on him recognized God's call on his life, a testament to the importance of trusting in God's plan and the hope it brings.

Instead of chasing dreams that don’t fit us, like Timothy, we should embrace our calling and use it to glorify God. The world is better when we allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our efforts, and we accomplish more than we dare imagine.

Maybe, like me, you aren't the most organized woman on the block, but you were born to do something unforgettable. What better way to honor God than by embracing what comes naturally instead of wasting energy on what doesn't? God loves you too much to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. What great news!

Let's Pray:

Father God,

I'm in awe of how you designed this world, but sometimes, I doubt how you created me. When my weaknesses discourage me, comparing myself to others is easy. Remind me that You designed me for a specific purpose only I can accomplish. When You created me, You broke the mold, so instead of neglecting my gifts, I give You glory by using them daily. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Many Gifts, One Spirit” by Allen Pote. 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. 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 her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows 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

Thankful Thursdays: When God answers prayers we don't think to pray

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for how God answered a prayer I didn’t think to pray.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of serving on Jennie Allen’s book launch team for her new book that was released in February 2024. The title is, Untangle Your Emotions: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It. For the purposes of her book launch, Jennie and her people decided to mainly communicate with all of their launch team members via text messages sent to our cell phones. After Jennie’s book launch was over, I stopped reading the texts. She was still sending a few texts every few days with bonus material and notes for the people who served on her launch team. It wasn’t often but whenever I saw one, I’d just ignore it for no good reason.

However, on February 22, I felt nudged by God to read the text that I received from Jennie’s team and I’m so glad I did because I found out that Jennie was giving each of her launch team members a FREE ticket to attend the IF:Gathering 2024 event online! Now here is why this gift was so significant and such a blessing to me: A few weeks prior to receiving this free ticket, I saw on social media that the IF:Gathering was happening again this February 2024. And I thought to myself, “I enjoyed my time attending the IF:Gathering online for the first time a few years ago. I’d love to go again but I cannot afford it. Oh well.” As quickly as the thought came, I dismissed it and carried on about my day. I didn't even think to ask God about it and pray for Him to make a way for me to be able to attend. Then less than two weeks later, what does God do? He blesses me with a FREE ticket so I can attend ALL of the IF:Gathering 2024 events online and also access the vault of previous gatherings broadcasted in the past ten years! This 2024 is the 10th year of the IF:Gathering hosted by Jennie Allen. God gave her this idea and she ran with it!

I attended the IF:Gathering 2024 event from the comfort of my own home and was so encouraged by everything from the musicians to the messages shared by speakers who love Jesus Christ and are dedicating their life to Him. The arena where this event was held in Texas was filled to the brim. It was beautiful to see so many people chasing after Jesus and being about His business of sharing His Word with the world. We all need Jesus. Only He can save us (John 3:16). And this event was a beautiful reminder of just how much God loves humankind. 

Through this, I learned that God not only answers prayers we don’t think to pray; He also hears our heart and wants to give us the desires that are according to His will. God knew that I needed to attend this evangelistic event to feed my soul and strengthen my spirit as a follower of Jesus Christ. So without me praying or asking Him about it, He made a way! God is so good.

He did this for me and He can do this for you too! Don’t be afraid to tell God what’s on your heart. Don’t be afraid to ask Him what you want. God may not always give you everything you want but He will always give you everything you need. I’m so grateful that God is faithful!

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Love,

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

Devotionals for the Heart: When God gives you everything you need

You Already Have What You Need
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.”—1 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

Have you ever received a gift card and forgotten you had it?

You know you received it. You put it away safely in a purse or a drawer. But days and weeks go by and you completely forget that you have a stash tucked away in a drawer. This reminds me of a life lesson I can take note of in The Holy Bible.

In writing to the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the “gracious gifts” He has given them, now that they belong to Christ Jesus.

Like the Corinthians, God has given gifts to all Christians who belong to Jesus Christ. When we give our lives to Jesus, He gives us gifts. Reading that caused me to stop in my tracks, reread and meditate on the fact that because we belong to Jesus, we have gifts given to us from God. We did nothing to deserve them. We didn’t have to do anything to receive them. This is all thanks to His goodness!

Can you let that sink in for a minute? What that says to me is that Imposter Syndrome or the feeling that I am not worthy to enjoy all that God has given me, should fade into the background. The one thing that every human being longs for is to be loved. God has done this. He has demonstrated this to us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16), and He has given us the ultimate gift of salvation.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say that we have every spiritual gift that we need as we “eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7 NLT).

What is it that you need? What is it that you have been crying out in prayer for? Is it knowledge? Is it wisdom? Is it understanding? The writer wants us to know that we have it. He wants us to change our mindset on how we understand who we are and what we have. He wants us to lift up our heads and sit in the knowledge and confidence that we are equipped with what we need to do as we wait for the coming of our Lord.

During the era when the Bible was written, there was a lot of infighting going on in this church at Corinth. We can read that in the Bible books of 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. There were divisions on a lot of issues, not unlike many of our church communities today. The people of Corinth were being asked to remember the foundational truths of their call to follow Jesus. The Apostle Paul (author of Corinthians) wanted the people to remember the prayer Jesus prayed for them was for them to be one. We are better when we walk as one. We all need to be reminded of this truth, don’t we?

I have to write things down and set up reminders in my phone because I often forget what I need to do and the time by when I need to complete those tasks. However, that’s the beauty of reading God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and meditating on Bible-based devotional messages. God lets us know we need to strengthen each other because we need each other. God has given us community for the reason of strengthening each other. Where you are weak, I may be strong and vice versa.

Remember this: You are not who you were last year. You’re not who you were several years ago. My prayer is that you have grown and if you feel stuck or frustrated, sit and reflect on what God has done. Focus on what He has given you. God’s grace is available to us to do all that we are called to do. Grace is given to us through Jesus Christ to be and do all that He has purposed for us on this Earth.

Rest in God and look to Him for whatever you need from Him every day.

Let’s Pray:
Father in Heaven, thank You for all You have given to us in your son Jesus Christ. Thank You for reminding me again today that all I need is in You. I will trust You for all that I need today. Thank you for Your grace to trust You more. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need You to Survive” by Hezekiah Walker. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 bestseller 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 travelled 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 33 years. Together, they serve the community through their local congregation in various capacities. 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 watched 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/
Website: http://www.patrussellonline.com/
E-mail: patrussellsings@gmail.com