Devotionals for the Heart: Why God's perfect timing is worth the wait

Trusting God When His Gifts Are Out of Reach
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts now instead of waiting until Christmas Day arrives?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother was in the kitchen making chocolate fudge and anise candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces while I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deeper longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—that He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and are tempted to take matters into your own hands, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham and his wife Sarah who we read about in the Bible, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough. Read Genesis 16:1-16 for details.

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah in the Bible story, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you too can trust God to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

My waiting season began several years ago after I suffered three concussions. While I saw nothing good about my suffering, God used it to prepare me for my calling. By the time I recovered, God had already opened several doors for me to minister to women. My experience taught me this: Even when it seems like nothing is happening, God is working behind the scenes to prepare us for our ultimate purpose: to glorify Him.

As hard as it is to wait, I hope you let God use this time to prepare you for your promised land. And don’t forget to enjoy the present because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful you love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "We Are the Reason" by AVALON. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s passion to follow Jesus Christ is woven throughout her writing. She loves using words to encourage women to embrace their identity in Christ so they can experience victory in every area of their life. 

In 2024, Sarah was a featured speaker in the 28-Day Devotional Challenge. She also launched her new Substack newsletter, "A Peaceful Pace", which inspires her readers to let Jesus Christ set their pace in a world that values speed at all costs.

Sarah’s short stories have appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. Her latest short story is featured in a new book published by Guideposts, titled Too Amazing For Coincidence.

Her devotionals have appeared in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts.

Sarah is a dog sitter who lives in Minneapolis with her dachshund Frank. Her hobbies include cooking and vacationing each year on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52
Substack: https://colebopper58.substack.com/publish/home

Devotionals for the Heart: How God can use us to accomplish great things

What’s in Your Hands?
A devotional by Colette Lawrence

Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

—Exodus 4:2 (NIV)

A question the Lord asked me recently was, “What is that in your hand?”

I was asking Him to open doors for me and that's the response that came to me. I remember pausing at hearing the question. I didn't bother to ask the follow-up question because I knew immediately what He meant.

As I read Exodus chapter four, it paints a picture of Moses, unsure of himself and how God would use him to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. Like Moses, it’s so easy for us to see our insufficiencies and focus on what we think we lack that we miss what is right in front of our eyes! We don’t realize what God can do with what we already have.

I loved that in asking that question of Moses, the Lord demonstrated to him how powerful the one thing that he had in his hand that seemed so insignificant could be used so mightily. The "thing" we have in our hands is important! These aren't any old gifts and talents God placed on the inside of us. We need to surrender them to God and their use to Him then trust His plan. Just like God did with Moses, He will demonstrate to us what we can accomplish with what we have in our hands. However, it starts with trust. Without believing that God can use our gifts, they are limited in power and can't accomplish much without His anointing on them.

Trust requires obedience—a necessary ingredient that puts faith into action. When the Lord tells us what to do with what we have, it's imperative that we be willing to do it. I know it's not easy. There are times when we have our own preconceived notion of how things should work so we miss the opportunity because it doesn't look the way we expect it to. The question then becomes, “How can God expect me to use that? I have tried using it before but it didn't work!” It had a limited effect and people didn't believe it could make a difference.

What would happen if we took a different approach? What if we confess to God our limited thoughts and ask for faith and trust to increase within us? What if we ask God for the obedience to move in His direction then ask Him to show us how to use what we have in our hands? We know at the end of the Bible story in Exodus chapter four, the Lord used what Moses had to accomplish His will.

This Bible story rings true for us in our modern day! Are you struggling with knowing what to do and asking God to open doors for you? Is God asking you the same question He asked Moses in Exodus 4:2? Are you willing to, like Moses, lay your “rod” down and trust that God will demonstrate His power within you for you to do what He has created you to do?

All I can say to you is that God is faithful. He is a promise keeper. All the time I was praying for God to open doors for me, God wanted me to release what I had in my hand to Him and move by faith. As I did, God opened opportunities for me in two paying clients and I am continuing to believe for more opportunities. As I opened my hands and laid my rod down before Him, I believe He was waiting on me to expose what He already gave me and if I trusted Him with my gifts, then and only then could He use them for His glory and honor.

But it starts with answering the question by identifying what we already have, exercising our faith to move and trust Him enough to believe that He will make the way plain, open the doors that need opening and provide at each step of the way.

My encouragement for you is that like Moses, question God, but don't stay at that place. Move forward by putting your faith in action! If your faith is weak and you don't trust that God can use you, pray for your faith to increase. I am praying for you to walk in obedience, knowing that if God is asking you to acknowledge what is in your hands, He has a plan to use it through you, for His glory and honor.

Let’s Pray:

Spirit of the Living God, I place my friend before you today. You are aware of the space they are in. You know that they are unsure of what you have called them to do. They don’t know how to use the gifts You’ve given to them. I pray You will demonstrate your power before their eyes! Please use the very thing they may believe is unimportant to show the power they have in their hands. Help them to trust You like Moses did so You can use them to do wonders in your Kingdom! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Confidence” by Sanctus Real. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: God will always keep all of His promises

God is Faithful to Keep His Promises
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts right now?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother stood in the kitchen making chocolate fudge candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces. I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and yet having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deepest longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. This Bible verse tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and tempted to seize control, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough (Genesis 16:1-4).

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you can trust Him to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

Friend, as hard as it is to wait, let God use this season to prepare you for your promised land. Take time to enjoy the gift of today because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly, as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful You love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. 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.

~*~
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: Reasons why you don't need to live in fear

God is Good All the Time
A devotional by Jessica B. Turner

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

Have you ever been given a gift to then live in fear that it’s going to be taken away?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been that person that struggles to enjoy the good things in life because I’m too focused on when things are going to go wrong. So much so that this is a recurring topic discussed with my Christian counselor.

My counselor would always advise that I focus on the present, constantly practicing gratitude. She would also recommend that I hold on to Who God is.

While expressing gratitude came easy because it was something I had come to practice over the years, I never truly felt like I had a good grasp on the character traits of God. 

Yes, I could easily list a handful of these divine traits. But when it came to being able to trace them back to scripture, I struggled...until I read James 1:17 (NIV) with fresh eyes: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

This scripture so beautifully illustrates the characteristics of the Father: Loving. Faithful. Powerful. Sovereign. Immutable.

Prior to this verse, the author is explaining that God does not and cannot be tempted, nor tempt us. Temptation sprouts from our own evil desires. After this point is made clear, the author brings our attention to who God is: a gift giver.

We also see this in Matthew 7:11 (NLT): “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”

While reading this scripture the other day, the first thing it evoked was gratitude. Gratitude for the many blessings that are poured out upon me on a daily basis. Since the recent birth of our son, Daniel, he naturally stands out as the most recent “gift” from above.

However, it’s the second part of this scripture that I need to hang onto. With the current unknowns in Daniel’s health, I find myself doubting if God is a good gift giver. What if we are merely waiting for Him to take His gift back? 

It’s a legitimate fear but this scripture reminds us that God does not change. It is not in His nature to give a gift to His child to then turn around and take it back. He loves us and doesn’t want to harm us. We must choose to hold onto that truth in the face of uncertainty.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to the many gifts You give to me each and every day. Help me to not take them for granted. Show me the power of gratitude especially when I recognize that You are the source of all my blessings. Reveal to me Your faithfulness. Help me to hold onto it when my faith is shaken. Establish in me a firm foundation of who You are so I can find peace amid any and all circumstances. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen. 

Song of Reflection: “I’ll Trust You” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine.  

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

~*~
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: Life Lessons Learned from A Labor of Love

Protecting Your House
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” 

–Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

“We must protect this house!”

These are the words that are chanted by teams in unison. Sometimes on football fields, sometimes in summer camps, and sometimes in large groups that exist within various work environments. These are the very words I remembered when I made the decision to be a better steward of my God-given gifts.

I made the time to decorate one of the rooms in my home. It was a well-deserved, labor of love to that room. It took time. Moving furniture. Cleaning the room. Painting. Collecting the décor items. In total, it took a little over five months to plan and collect the items for the project, and a week to execute the vision.

In the beginning, I knew I wanted to give the room a new look so I could utilize that space for a specific purpose. I wanted the room to reflect the quality of work I desire to produce in that room. Additionally, I wanted the room to reflect the quality of life I envision – the life I want to create for myself. My decision to take action to decorate this room was made after the realization that for many years, this room went unused, untouched, and unnoticed. This room was neglected.

I had been given the gift of having a place to call home. Not simply a place to reside, but a place to be able to find security and refuge when things outside are too tumultuous. And here I was neglecting a part of the gift. I failed to protect the gift by not appreciating the home in its entirety. So, I used the opportunity to decorate this room in my home as a gift to my home, to the room, and to myself. I did so in efforts to be a better steward of the gift of the very thing I am able to call my own.

In the end, the tedious, tiring, labor of love is exactly what I envisioned some time ago. Sometimes I still sit in awe of the space I created for myself. The time and attention devoted to this space created a final product that surpassed my expectations even though it is exactly what I envisioned. But it all started with the act of giving attention to the part of the gift that was going unnoticed.

In the same way many of us utilize and care for each room in our homes, are we giving the same love and attention to the separate parts of the gift we were given that collectively help deepen our relationship with the Lord?

The home represents the security you find in Him. Your relationship with God is based on how you utilize each room within that home. It may be your room of service and how you show love and grace to others as a reflection of how He showed love and grace to you. Maybe it is your Word room where you seek His words in the scriptures to increase your spiritual gift that is the Word of Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8). Maybe it is your room of praise and worship where you sit in awe of his magnificent existence. Or maybe it is your prayer room where you simply take the opportunity to communicate with the Lord.

Be sure to pay attention to each room within your gift. Clean it. Purge the things that no longer serve a purpose to that gift. Use it. Take advantage of the opportunity to have it bestowed to you. And at the end of it all, be a good steward of the entire gift, not simply the rooms that make us comfortable. Don’t neglect a single room in your place of refuge. You must protect the home you find in Him. That home houses each individual gift that draws you closer to Him.

Let’s Pray: Lord, we thank You for a place to call home. Whether it is an apartment, a house, a condo, a mobile home, or even if we find ourselves in a transitional living situation, you always give us the opportunity to make a physical space into a home. We are thankful for the physical space where we reside. We are also thankful for the home of comfort we find in You! In You we seek shelter, security, and peace. Your unwavering love for us teaches us to be good stewards of the gifts you have given us. It also reminds us that in order to be a good steward of a gift, we have to use it. We won’t forget it. We won’t neglect it. We will protect it. We will love and nurture the gift just as you love and nurture us. We love You, and we thank You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more’. With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts. 

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about Biblical Womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world.

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry. When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education. 

Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.

Devotionals for the Heart: Your Gifts

Your Gifts Have A Unique Purpose 
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us . . .” 

– Romans 12:4-6 (NIV)

Can a hand function as a foot, or a foot as a hand?

Not effectively because each is uniquely designed for a reason. Though similar in the digits of fingers and toes, the vast differences between the two are in their design, structure, and purpose. The hand provides strength, power, and protection to the body. The foot provides support, balance, and mobility of the body.

In this same way, God created each of His children with a special purpose. To each one He establishes a unique destiny with gifts to match. Why then do we desire to change ourselves or our circumstances, ignoring our unique gifts? A choir member wishes to be the lead vocalist on the praise team. An usher wishes to be the deacon. The Sunday school teacher wishes to be the credentialed pastor. A youth pastor wishes to be the senior pastor. A band leader wishes to be the musical director, and so on.

These wishes are all a part of the proverbial “grass is always greener on the other side” mentality. Wishing to be other than you have been called or designed to be by God is the same as wanting to trade in your hand for your foot. If the position is not what He designed you for, then you won’t function properly within the body of Christ.

When we covet someone else’s gifting in the body, we are taking our eyes off the mark, which is in Jesus Christ. This type of sin will hinder us and our purpose. Hebrews 12:1-2 says that we are called to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (NIV, emphasis added). Don’t miss the enduring hope in that instruction! Jesus pioneered the way for us to fulfill our calling both faithfully and effectively. Rather than looking to someone else’s gift to fulfill your purpose, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who knows your unique giftings and will champion them to completion within you.

In this festive holiday season, there are so many of our unique gifts that we can humbly offer to God for His purpose. More than anything else, let us be willing to be the extensions of His hands and His feet by offering to others His unending mercy and everlasting love.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for the unique gifts within me that You designed for your purpose. Help me to use my gifts as You intended them as I keep my eyes fixed on your Son, Jesus Christ, who died so that I can live in hope and victory. Show me how to be a part of the Body of Christ with a cheerful heart—whether hand or foot, arm, or leg. Thy will be done. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Reflection Question: What has God shown you is your unique gift in the Body of Christ? Tell us about it in the comments section!

~*~
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: Comparison

The Comparison Rabbit Hole
A devotional by Heidy De La Cruz

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

The beautiful young poet, Amanda Gorman, performed for the United States Presidential Inauguration in January. As a poet myself, I fell in love with her words immediately. 

Toward the end of the night, she had an interview. After the interview, my husband turned to me and told me, “That could be you one day.” He meant that I could be asked to perform a poem for an inauguration.

I dismissed that thought and responded, “Who? Me? No, I’m not as good as her.” But what made me not as good as her? Or her better than me? Are we not both poets? Do we not both share the love of words? Why do we ultimately end up comparing ourselves to others? I am by no means dismissing her amazing talent. Amanda Gorman has a beautiful way with words. But instead of thinking, “If she can do it, so can I”, I thought, “I’m not good enough to do it.”

I love that my husband believes in me but why can’t I believe in myself just the same? We must remember that God made us all unique, with talents and gifts. We shouldn’t compare our talents with others because, although they may fall within the same field—in this case, writing—it doesn’t mean that all writers are the same. There are different styles and variations of writing. And this will attract different readers, which is okay. There is room for all of us.

Today it’s easier than ever to fall into the comparison rabbit hole with social media. We may think along these lines: This person has this many followers … this person posts this every so many days … Oh, this person is doing that and this person this … etc.

But these kind of thoughts are so toxic and so unhealthy for us. Unfortunately, many of us fall into that rabbit hole more than we’d like to admit, which is why I have a love/hate relationship with social media.

There is a beautiful reminder in the Bible found in Psalm 139:14 (NIV) and it happens to be one of my favorite verses. This scripture reads, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This verse serves as my personal reminder that God made me the way I am for a reason. God shows me through this verse that I shouldn’t doubt my work, my gifts, or talents, because they were given to me for a purpose.

God also uses this verse to help me realize that I shouldn’t compare my work, my gifts, or talent, with anyone else’s because God has other purposes for them. God will provide opportunities just for me, at the right time.

Let’s Pray: Lord, thank You for our gifts and talents! I pray that whenever we fall into the habit of comparing ourselves to others, that we are reminded that You provide our gifts for a reason. I pray that we are always reminded that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that You (God) make no mistakes. 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: Blessings

Unblocking Your Blessings
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” 
– James 1:17 (NKJV)

A few decades ago, my wife and I were preparing dinner for a holiday feast at our house. The garbage disposal stopped working and the kitchen sink would not drain.

I opened our phone book, searching for the number of a plumber. I called several, but it was a holiday. We had several hours before guests would arrive, but we also had a lot more work to do.

As desperation set in I prayed for a solution. I was impressed to look at the pipes under the sink. I did. It looked simple enough to tinker with. So, I used a bucket to empty the sink. We located and turned off the breaker to the garbage disposal and began to loosen the screws that attached the lower pipe to the garbage disposal.

I kept the bucket nearby. Once the pipe was free, I was surprised to see that rice and grease had congealed and created a clog. Once the pipe was cleared and reattached the water from the sink could, once again, flow freely.

The lesson in that experience is that some table scraps should not be put in the garbage disposal. Similarly, there is detritus in our lives that congeal and block our blessings.

Wounds from our past, procrastination, overwhelming stress, lethargy, poor financial habits, bad choices and unsavory input, are chief among the things that block the flow of blessings into our lives. Because we are spiritual conduits, a corollary effect of being blocked is that the blessings that might have flowed through us to others does not happen.

When our portals of divine flow are blocked, our reservoirs can become putrid. Our peace becomes irritable. Our perspectives become narrow, personally myopic and defensively offensive to others. Our generosity becomes burdensome. Our bodies ache, inexplicably. We may gain weight. High blood pressure and pre-diabetes become realities. Physical movement becomes tedious.

The corrosive and corroding effects of stress create an internal stagnation that becomes evident externally, often through a depressed affect and profane or aggressive speech.

Many scriptural stories share the reality that biblical heroes often experienced blockage in their lives. Joseph’s dreams required betrayal and adversity in order to mature. Daniel often experienced delay and frustration as he sought to understand the visions that God had given to him. Jeremiah was confirmed in his calling yet he was often depressed because he was not accepted among his peer prophets. Gideon was afraid to follow his calling because it would incite conflict. He would never have seen freedom, if he had not acted on his inspiration.

So, how do you unblock your life so that you can experience the blessed flowing of divine communion and purposed filled living? I offer to you the steps that I practice. Let me iterate that I practice them often because I have not perfected the perpetuation of flow. I still get blocked.

When I recognize that I am spiritually clogged, I resort to the following list:

1. Assess your primary relationships (Peter 3:5-7)

2. Pray for focused guidance (Daniel 2:17-19)

3. Stop wasting time (1 Peter 4:1-7)

4. Exercise your body in fresh air (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

5. Exercise your mind by reading something wholesome instead of watching TV (Romans 12:2)

6. Play because play incites motion and creativity (Zechariah 8:1-5)

7. Execute optimism (Luke 17:5-6)

8. Fix your finances (Romans 13:8 and Philippians 4:19)

9. Pick one major thing that you want to do and pursue it (Psalm 37:4)

10. Do something good for someone else (Hebrews 13:16)

Perhaps in my writing devotionals for this blog later on this year, I will expound on each of the 10 steps above. But for now, take this list, assess your position and implement the process. In my experience, you will begin to break the clog.

Mark this date on your calendar. When you realize that you have regained connection with the source from which all blessings flow and you are flowing again, mark that date as well.

Then share your success story. Your testimony will encourage others to follow your example. Imagine how the world could change if your success influenced five other people to do what you did and each of them influenced five more people!

It would create a ripple effect that is endless and blessings would abound!

Don’t delay, practice these principles today and ask God to help you unblock your blessings.

~*~
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.

Devotionals for the Heart: A Different Kind of New Year's Resolution

New Year, New You
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)

"What is your New Year’s resolution?"

The dreaded question plagues us all. I have stopped answering this question. In the past it has been the about the predictable things: lose weight, eat better, exercise, read my bible more, spend more time with God, etc. Some things have come to pass, but I’ll admit I’ve never stuck to a consistent exercise routine; I start strong and petter out after a few weeks. But I have taken to reading my Bible pretty more and seeking out more time to spend with God. This sounds like it should suffice but it doesn’t. Something in me knows there is more to be, something more to do.

Scripture tells us to go into all the world and spread the gospel (Mark 16:15). This is much more than being resolved to do better, be better, act better, or even think better. It is more than a starting fresh at the beginning of a new year. But it can also feel like an overwhelming task when the rest of the world’s cares and actions are so contrary. Yet, that is who we are supposed to be. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ – to be the representative of His saving grace, mercy, and goodness.

So perhaps, rather than being resolute in something the world expects, we can pledge to be a better ambassador of God. How can we do this?

Show Who God is to others. God is love. God is joy. God is peace. When we show these attributes to others we reflect who God is. By doing things that express Godly attributes we attract others to the true and everlasting nature of God. Oftentimes it is the essence and wonder of God’s nature that draws people to Him and the path to seek more of who He is. What about who God is draws you most to Him? Reflect it to others!

Testify to who God is in your life. When was the last time you shared your personal testimony with someone? There is nothing like introducing the gift of God to others through your own unique experience. God reaches each of us in different and special ways, through both positive and negative situations. His best work is taking what was meant for evil and making it for good with the ultimate example being the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. What has He done in your life? Someone needs to hear it.

Pray and ask God to use your unique gifts. God wants to partner with us to “make His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). He gives each of us special gifts to be the best ambassador for Him. When we pray and yield to God’s leading, He opens doors and guides us into situations meant to help and support others. He uses us to be salt and light to the world. Through our obedience He can bless others. Be open to using your gifts and willing to act when He calls.

What better way to open the new year than by reconciling ourselves to God and becoming better ambassadors for His glory rather than seeking resolutions that may not last. God is everlasting! He can use us in this new year to help Him do the miraculous and change someone’s life forever, and in the process change your life for the better too. 

Here’s to God’s year 2020!

~*~
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

Thankful Thursdays: My Birthday!

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful that today (May 23) is my birthday!

I am grateful that God allowed me to see another year of life.

Life is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, joys and tragedies but one thing remains: God is Good and His Love for us remains forever true and unconditional throughout eternity!

Looking back over my life thus far, I wouldn’t change anything because all of these moments – good and bad – led me to the life I have today. Nothing is always perfect here on Earth but there’s so much to be thankful for and I praise God for ALL He’s done and continues to do for me and all of the wonderful people that He’s placed in my life.

Earlier this week, my Mom celebrated my birthday with me by treating me to a peppermint pedicure and manicure at our favorite day spa then she paid for an early dinner at one of our favorite restaurants where she tipped the waiters that it was my birthday celebration, so they sung the “Happy Birthday” song to me. Yesterday, my Dad treated me to a brunch at a local old-fashioned diner. I enjoyed my favorite breakfast meal there – Banana Stuffed French Toast and scrambled eggs. The diner does the whole “farm to table” approach to dining so the food there always tastes so fresh and delicious.

Earlier today, I received a birthday card from my brother and sister-in-law with really sweet wording and a gift certificate to my favorite day spa.

All throughout this day, my family and friends who are on Facebook have posted all sorts of sweet and fun "Happy Birthday" notes on my wall. Loved ones have sent text messages to my personal phone to wish me a “Happy Birthday” too! It’s been a full day filled with showers of blessings from God and the people who care about me.

I truly feel blessed to have the people who are in my life as part of my story.

I hope and pray that you will spend time thinking about what you’re thankful for then share in the comments below.

May the good Lord our God bless you and keep you!

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of “God is Love” blog

Devotionals for the Heart: Play your part in the orchestra of life

Playing My Part for God
A devotional by Amanda Wen

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” –Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)

Many authors have another job besides writing, and I’m no exception: I am a professional cellist. Both my degrees are in cello performance, and I’ve played in many different capacities throughout my career, most frequently in symphony orchestras.

An orchestra is a vast and complex machine, filled with countless moving parts. From the lush sonority of the strings to the booms and crashes of percussion, the blare of brass and the chirp of woodwinds, each instrument has its own tone color, its own part, and its own contribution to the overall piece of music. What’s more, each instrument’s role varies depending on the needs of a particular composition. Sometimes the full ninety-piece orchestra is playing at full volume, but it’s just one instrument playing as quietly as it can. Sometimes your section has the melody, but sometimes your role is to support another section or soloist.

Since an orchestra is so complicated, guidance is needed. This guidance comes in two forms: the music on the stand, and the conductor at the front. The music tells each musician what notes to play, when to play them, and what they should sound like, while the conductor guides the orchestra as a whole. He or she is responsible for the overall interpretation of the piece: what tempo to take, what character the music should have, which musical lines need to be emphasized and which can fade into the background. Although each musician in an orchestra is perfectly capable of coming up with their own individual interpretation, that’s not what orchestral playing is about. Instead, it’s about knowing your part, working together with everyone else on stage, and trusting the lead of your conductor.

As I sat in the cello section during a recent rehearsal, I couldn’t help but think of how similar this is to the Christian life. Just as each instrument has its own character and color, so do all of us have our own unique gifting and temperament. God has given each of us talents, skills, and spiritual gifts. He’s wired all of us exactly the way we need to be to accomplish exactly what He’s planned for us. Cymbals are meant to crash through the orchestra and highlight big moments. Flutes and oboes trill cheerfully atop the rest of the orchestra, brass provides a touch of the regal, bassoons illustrate an orchestra’s comic side, and strings serve as the orchestra’s soul. Each instrument has its own role, and it would be pointless of me to wish my cello sounded like a clarinet. Just as pointless as each of us wishing we had someone else’s gifts or part to play in God’s Kingdom.

And always, always, our job is to know our written score (God’s Word), follow our Conductor’s lead, and trust His plan for and interpretation of the piece, even when it might not agree with our own. Just as orchestral playing isn’t about the individual, but the whole, the Christian life isn’t about any one person. It’s about all of us working together, playing our individual part in God’s grand design. He’s the only one who can see the complete score. He knows the piece intimately, for He wrote it, and He knows exactly how He wants it to go.

Play your role. Know your part. Trust your conductor. In both orchestra and life, it’s the best way to make beautiful music.

~*~
Author Bio:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of contemporary inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. 

A first place winner in the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, she also placed first in the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, the 2017 Great Expectations Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest, among others. In addition, she was a finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest.

Amanda is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She’s also been spotted onstage with the worship team at recent ACFW conferences. Amanda is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

In addition to her writing, Amanda maintains an active and rewarding career as a freelance cellist, frequently performing with symphony orchestras, string quartets, and her church’s worship team. She lives in the Midwest with her amazing husband and their three adorable and hilarious Wenlets.

~*~
Connect with Amanda:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoramandawen
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authoramandawen
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authoramandawen
Website: www.amandawen.com

A holiday satire with a special guest

We're four days into the month of December and 21 days away from Christmas Day.

So much planning and preparation goes into these few weeks leading up to this world famous holiday. But sometimes amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas dinner and celebrations with family and loved ones, is it possible that we forget what this holiday season is truly about?

Enter "How Not to Do Christmas," a holiday satire written by Raelee May Carpenter. It may shine a light into your life and cause you to think twice about how you celebrate this holiday season. Enjoy!  :)

~*~
How Not To Do Christmas
A holiday satire written by Raelee May Carpenter

1. Spend money you don’t have to buy people things they don’t need. Even better, go into massive amounts of debt on expensive toys as a substitute for putting thought into the gifts you give. Maybe a home-cooked dinner at home with you is what your loved one really needs, but you don’t have time for that, so spend a month’s salary on a new entertainment system for them instead.

2. Spend days and months planning and tweaking every detail and decoration. Having trouble staying motivated toward holiday perfection? Make it your mantra, “This holiday will be ruined if it’s not perfect. This holiday will be ruined if it’s not absolutely perfect.” Record it and loop it in your sleep, so you can’t rest, and you never forget that the tiniest wrinkle in the gift wrap, the smallest speck of dust on the floor, or a single Christmas ornament out of place can completely destroy Christmas for your entire family, if not the whole world.

3. Eat yourself sick. You should avoid all fruits and vegetables for the whole month of December. Pumpkin and apple are okay, but only in pie form. You must consume at least 5000 calories worth of cakes and cookies everyday. You have to eat every bit of food you’re offered at every party and potluck, or you will destroy Christmas for the people who cooked every dish. If you aren’t constantly on the edge of vomiting from November to January, your holiday spirit is forfeit. If you aren’t a glutton for Christmas, you must not love Jesus.

4. Forget that Christmas is really about Jesus. Pretend it’s about toys, tinsel, food, and gift cards, anything but Emmanuel who was born in a barn so you could be free. Spend your time, energy, and focus on everything else. You can get back to Him after the holidays…or maybe after you get your tax return filed.

How To Do Christmas
1. Remember that God loves you. This time has been set aside to honor the greatest gift we ever could receive. Make that more important than anything else, at the Christmas season…and the rest of the year too.

~*~

Author bio:

Raelee May Carpenter is a Christian who writes novels, shorts, essays and poems. She writes about God's Grace. Raelee loves to work as a storyteller and entertainer and her passion is creating stories with deeper meaning, stories that tell people about the gospel Truth.

Connect with Raelee: 

www.raeleemaycarpenter.com
Twitter.com/raeleecarpenter
Facebook.com/raeleemaycarpenter