Devotionals for the Heart: Power, Compassion and God's Heart for Humankind

God's Power and Heart of Compassion for Humankind 
A devotional by Malinda Fugate

Key Scripture:

Matthew 8

If we open the pages of the Bible to Matthew 8, we are ushered to a front row seat where we witness Jesus Christ heal a man with leprosy, restore mobility to the servant of a centurion from afar, relieve Peter’s mother-in-law of fever, and drive out demonic spirits from numerous people.

As we continue to read through the chapter, we see Him calm a raging storm and send evil spirits into a herd of pigs. As these things unfold, we are confronted with three major truths about Christ:

Major Truth #1: Jesus has the power to heal.

Skeptics have argued since the days Christ walked on earth that He was merely a man, a good teacher at best. But through miraculous acts of healing, the Lord demonstrated power that could only be done by the Son of God. He provides care better than the most skilled doctor, defying laws of nature and physics to do what can only be done through divine power.

Major Truth #2: Jesus has authority in Heaven and on Earth.

Matthew 8:5-13 highlights an encounter with an official in the Roman army who had great faith in Christ. When Jesus offered to come to his home to heal his paralyzed servant, the official declined. His reasoning? As a person in authority, he understood that commanding words have power, and this was especially true of the divine power of Christ. He trusted that it would only take a word from Jesus to heal the servant and that’s exactly what happened! This healing demonstrated the authority of Jesus. The driving out of demonic spirits and the calming of the storm would also serve as evidence of Jesus’ authority on earth and in the supernatural realm.

Major Truth #3: Jesus has compassion.

The power and authority of Christ is worthy of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that He is Lord. But the most remarkable thing the healings of Matthew 8 show us is the incredible compassion of our Savior. Jesus didn’t wield His power with the heavy hand of a tyrant. Instead, He actively loved the people God sent Him to save. He sees our needs and provides gentle, kind care. He removes hindrances and brings us closer to our Heavenly Father. Jesus overflows with love for us and shows us in many ways, including healing.

My Conclusion:

Jesus Christ reigns in Heaven and on Earth, and so we rightly declare that He is worthy of glory, honor, and praise. But it is His love that moves our hearts to worship in a way beyond description, exceeding what can be articulated with words.

The precious relationship that we have with our Savior is like no other. Such a powerful love can’t be matched, imitated, improved, or replaced. Nothing can take it away or destroy it. We are secure in the love of Jesus Christ who gently holds our hearts in His strong, capable care.

~*~
Author Bio:

Malinda Fugate writes from the heart. 

Though she serves full time as the Children’s Education Director at a church in Southern California, she is also a crafter of words published in books.

Her writing includes children's faith resources, commercial copywriting, and various faith-based stage and screenplays.

Malinda invites you to explore the various 3:16s in the Bible with her new book, The Other Three Sixteens (published by Ambassador International in May 2020).

She also invites you to read her previously published books: Bible Time for Active Kids, which is an activities-based devotional that is available for purchase on Amazon.com, and The Pen and the Sword: Connecting With the Word of God, which is an interactive creative writing journal.

Malinda earned a communications degree with a theatre emphasis from Azusa Pacific University, and then worked behind the scenes at the Los Angeles Salem radio stations, including The Fish and KKLA.

When she's not writing or working at church, Malinda might be creating art, reading, or exploring the many adventures to be found in the Los Angeles area. 

She lives by the beach with her pup, Yoshi.

Visit Malinda online via https://www.malindafugate.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Grace

Why is Grace So Hard?
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

Ephesians 2:8, Luke 15:11-32, Romans 6:23 (NASB) 

Maybe I’m the only one who struggles with this, but I’ve been really thinking about grace a lot. There are different facets to it. We have the grace God has granted us for the sins which would have led to our death. (Ephesians 2:8) We have grace in how we treat others. The apostle Paul is known for starting or ending his letters with, “Grace and peace to you.” There’s also grace in our demeanor. I think of that as having the Holy Spirit going before me, out to others. We talk about women who are graceful, or have grace in the way they walk or comport themselves. It’s not tied to a faith walk, but it’s still noticeable.

The grace I’ve been pondering the most lately, is the grace we are called to give to others. God’s worked on me in this over many years, and lots of areas have seen victory. Several have not, though. There has been change and growth, but I have to tell you that traffic is one of the places I have the least amount of grace in my life. I’m not quite as quick to say, “Come on, people!” as I used to be. That wake-up call came when my special needs daughter of about 5 piped up from the back, repeating the same phrase.

Why can’t I give grace in traffic? Or the grocery store when someone puts their cart in the middle of the aisle while looking at the shelves? The “me monster” of self rears its ugly head in those circumstances, and reminds me that I’ve still got a long way to go to having my flesh fully surrendered to the Spirit.

I’m a rule follower. If there is a sign that says not to touch the wet paint, I do not have the urge to put my fingers all over it. I have many friends who would find that almost irresistible! I suppose I’m the elder son in the prodigal story. (Luke 15:11-32) I do all the right things to expect a reward.

That’s not how grace works, though. Grace was given by God before I sinned even once. He accounted for the grace mankind would need long before He even formed the world. The plan of salvation was set in motion when there wasn’t even one man in the world yet. (Romans 6:23) It is a gift which was given to us freely, when we had no clue we would even need it.

How is my grace manifested? Only when people do or say what I believe they should? Am I only willing to give grace when the circumstances fit my idea of how they should be? Or, am I allowing the Holy Spirit to grow me into someone who looks more like Christ in grace and peace?

What would that look like for me? Well, I probably wouldn’t get so frustrated at the people who block the aisles or don’t use their turn signals. Maybe I would let the Spirit speak in that quiet Voice which says that I don’t know what that other person is struggling with or going through. Perhaps I would pray for them, rather than grumble about them in my mind, even while there’s a smile on my face. I likely won’t type back that comment which is a thinly veiled insult, or pass on that piece of information which no one else really needs to know I was told.

I want to be a graceFULL woman of God. I want others to see His love and peace and grace flowing through me, even in traffic. Thankfully, that’s what He wants for me, too. I’m so grateful for the grace He gives which doesn’t rely on my behavior!

Let’s pray: Heavenly Daddy, You give more abundantly than we can even fathom, and Your grace is an amazingly boundless gift. Teach me to give grace as You do. Show me more of how You’ve given it to me, and make my heart sing with gratitude so I can lavish that grace on others. In Your precious Son’s Name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Grace

Giving Grace
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 
Romans 3:21-25, James 1:19-21, Romans 12:2, Romans 13:12, Luke 6:37,

Jude 1:22-23 (NASB)

Grace is a really complex, yet simple, concept. Hopefully, we understand that it cannot be earned, but is given (Romans 3:21-25) as a gift, by the only righteous One (God). We cannot grasp all grace entails. Our finite human minds just aren’t capable. God does allow us to gain more and more understanding as we surrender ourselves to Him.

We can’t fully grasp grace. Yet, we’re called to give it to others. How do we do that when we don’t understand it? As with everything in the Christian faith, it is by allowing Him to do it in us.

I can’t give grace to the driver who cuts me off without Christ doing it through me. He takes the fleshly response, which seems righteous, and tells me that it is not the way He wants me to be. That anger stirs up the negative emotions in me, not the love, joy, peace, patience (that one gets me every time!), and the rest of the fruit of The Holy Spirit that He died to give me. It does not produce the righteousness of Christ in my life. James 1:19-21 is clear about what my human anger does in my life. It’s also clear what I’m called to do instead.

Judgment has been a consistent sin for me. I respect authority, and I am a rule follower. When others don’t obey the rules/laws, it upsets me. I want justice for being a “good” person. I want them to toe the line. If I have to do it, then everyone should, right? Where is the grace in that? Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me to bring judgment into obedience with His calling has been a lifelong struggle. It has required changing my thoughts and bringing them into the obedience of Christ. (Romans 12:2)

Things that come easily to me are rarely from God. Anger is an easy reaction. Judgment is, too. To allow the peace of Christ to reign in my heart and mind is not something I am capable of doing on my own. It requires the sacrifice of laying down what I think is right, and allowing Him to teach me what is truly righteous. (Romans 13:12) If I were to continue in my judgmental thinking, I couldn’t be the minister to others He’s called me to be. (Luke 6:37) Countless times He has brought someone to me who has, what they would say, sinned in such a way that I would be offended or repulsed.

If the judgment that used to be so much a part of me was still running rampant, I wouldn’t be able to speak His truth in love to those hurting people. This does not mean I condone sin. It does, however, mean that I treat people the way Christ did in their sins. He loved them. He never accepted their wrong choices. He accepted them, and loved them to the right path. See the story of the woman at the well, or countless other passages in the Word where He confronted sin with love, not condemnation.

I believe that is what giving grace to others looks like. We can say that what they are doing is wrong, but love the person. (Jude 1:22-23) That is the person I want to be. I want others to feel safe coming to me for truth from Christ, no matter the sin in their lives. I want to be known for love. Too many believers are known more for their judgment than their love. Christ first came to love, not judge. That comes later. That’s who I want to be. Only Christ can make the changes in me, through His grace, to be grace-filled toward others.

Let’s Pray: Father God, do in me what needs to be done so that I give grace where I do not naturally want to do it. I surrender my “right” way to Your perfect way. Make me slow to speak, slow to anger, and quick to listen that I may become more like You in grace. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Grace

The Peace of Grace
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 
John 16:13, Philippians 4:4-8, 1 John 4:18, Mark 9:24 (NASB)

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” or a variation of that greeting, is used by the apostle Paul 16 times in the New Testament when addressing the church in various cities in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) version of The Holy Bible. In three of those cases, Paul adds the word mercy to the blessing. In the current times of this worldwide Coronavirus pandemic, this particular phrase from the Apostle Paul speaks to me.

Why are grace and peace, with the addition of mercy now and then, the preferred greeting from Paul? Grace, in the original Greek charis, means kindness. Peace, eirene in Greek, implies welfare. What is Paul doing with this blessing?

Paul was reminding the believers of the unmerited gift they had received … grace. He was also reminding them that the grace they were given had an amazing side effect … peace. But, as believers in Christ, are we allowing that peace to be freely felt?

For the last few years, God has really brought home a message to me. Every problem has one question attached to it: “Do you trust Me?”

No matter the issue, that's the ultimate question. If I trust Him, then there is no fear in any issue, because I know God will see it through to my ultimate good and to the transforming of me into the image of Jesus Christ. Even if I cannot see the good yet, God’s promises tell me that is the end goal.

Every blip on my radar that seems to stir up negative emotions ... Do you trust Me?

Every person who can't seem to remember the rules of the road ... Do you trust Me?

Every time I see one of the kids making poor decisions or going through a hard time, and want to jump in to "fix" it ... Do you trust Me?

Health issues in family members ... Do you trust Me?

And, that "Do you trust Me?" is also asking if I know just how much God loves me. Do I trust that what He says is true? If so, why do I doubt? If so, why do I fear? If so, why do I look at the circumstances rather than look to the Solution?

When we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the truth of grace (John 16:13), we find that peace follows. Our perception of what we are going through, whatever the situation, has to change in the light of the incomparable love of our Father. Accepting and internalizing the love of God for us will change our thinking, too. We can go from fear of everything to fear of nothing. 1 John 4:18 tells us why that is true.

But, it boils down to a lack of belief. His grace is there, too! Mark 9:24 is one of my favorite verses. It shows us that we can believe, yet need help in our belief. God doesn’t leave us on our own. He has given us many ways to cry out to Him for more grace, more peace, more faith. He longs for us to reach for Him rather than for something in the world – be it food, relationships, or even security in things we think we can control.

Grace and peace really do go together. When we get what grace really means, the peace that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, as Philippians 4 tells us. That section of Scriptures gives a step-by-step way to have your mind and heart guarded by Christ. That is grace and peace at its finest.

Let’s Pray: Dearest Jesus, You have already given us so much, yet You want to give us even more. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit that You have put into our hearts, but we think our way out of it so often. Remind us of Your grace. Remind us of what is truly means in order for our peace to be complete. Bring those verses and Scriptures to mind when the world is swirling around in chaos in front of us, and do as You promised You would do…guard our hearts and minds in You. In Your precious Name we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Grace and living your life for God

Work of Grace
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

John 6:28-29, Hebrews 12:2, Micah 6:8, John 15:5, John 15:4, John 5:19, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 4:4-8 (NASB)

Have you felt guilty for not reading your Bible more, praying more, or serving more? Have you heard a believer, pastor, teacher or trusted advisor tell you that these things must be done to please God? When you don’t measure up, you feel as if you’ve failed. You rededicate yourself to doing better, only to find you fail…again…and again. Wash, rinse, repeat.

How is that “good news” we can share with an unbeliever? “Hey! Come accept Christ and feel like you fail every single day. Well, there may be one or two times you think you get it right, but overall, you’re going to feel as if you only get it wrong. It’s great!” There’s a witnessing tool I’ve never seen in an evangelism class, but, isn’t that what we all go through as believers? There has to be something different! The truly good news is that there is.

John 6:28-29 tells us exactly what our work is as believers. We see it in Micah 6:8. What got Abraham his righteousness? It wasn’t his works, that’s for sure. Romans 4:3 tells us what it was. Can it really be that simple? Yes!

We who are believers in God realize we couldn’t save ourselves. We could not be perfect enough to fulfill the sacrifice required for our sins. We needed a Savior who was perfect, spotless, righteous. We acknowledge that part easily enough. What we then hold onto is the mistaken belief that we can fix ourselves and that we have some semblance of control. Remember John 15:5? There’s a part of the word “nothing” that we just don’t seem to grasp.

What abiding in Him does mean is that we are attached to the Vine. We are getting our source of water, air, and life from the One Who can do all He promised to do in us. It means acknowledging that I can do nothing…truly nothing. Nothing good, nothing of lasting value, nothing of worth unless it is first from God. Christ said the very same thing in John 5:19. If God, made flesh, had to rely on the Father for everything, why do we think some part of us can do otherwise? Oh, we may look good for a time, might even accomplish godly looking things, but will they last if He wasn’t in the midst of it?

We are not the ones who initiated any of this. Philippians 1:6 tells us who did. It also tells us who is responsible for seeing the work completed. In the process of the abiding, our Gardener will prune the vines and branches. He will take off those things that are dead in us to give way for more life in Him. A rose bush does nothing to shape itself. It cannot take off the dead blooms on its own to get more blooms to come through. It cannot fertilize itself. We cannot do any of those things on our own, either. John 15:4 tells us clearly what abiding in Him produces in us. It is not we who produce the fruit, though. It is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

How do we abide, then? What does it look like? We ask Him to give us a hunger and thirst for His Word. We seek to know more of Him through prayer, but understand that it’s not prayer which saves us, it is the relationship with the Father. We diligently seek His face. Philippians 4:4-8 also gives us some great ways to keep ourselves focused on Him.

Through all of this, we remember we can do nothing. It is not our “trying” which produces any good fruit in us. It is in our trusting that He will fulfill His promises to conform us into the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29)

Let’s Pray: Father God, we are nothing without You. You give life and are the One who does the work in us for Your glory. Give us the strength to let go of what we see as control and surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth. 

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Grace

What Grace Is Not
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: Romans 6:23, Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)

There’s a movement in the world of believers, which is greatly troubling. It’s a passive acknowledgment that there is sin in our lives, but it’s not a “big” one, so it really doesn’t need to be addressed. As if there is some hierarchy to sin which makes one worse than another, we ignore the “little” sins. The “little white lie” to spare someone’s feelings, or the gossip which is couched as concern and prayer requests. Sometimes even the “big” ones are covered over in the name of grace.

God says sin, not based on the level in our human minds, is all bad. Take Romans 6:23, for example. Scripture says, “For the wages of sin is death…” which seems like pretty strong language. There isn’t anything here that says one sin is better or worse than another. Is there such a place in the Scriptures?

Well, we see in Proverbs 6:16-19, there are six things the Lord hates, and seven which are an abomination to Him. Perhaps these are the “biggies” we should avoid? But, what about the Ten Commandments? Those must be important since He gave them to Moses on tablets to keep with the Ark of the Covenant while they wandered around the wilderness for four decades.

What did Jesus say about those ten, though? He said things like, if you even hate your brother, it’s as if you have committed murder in your heart. Or, if you look lustfully at someone, it’s as if you have committed adultery. So, even those first ten He gave aren’t the full depths of what sin is. How are we supposed to know what is a “big” sin and what is a “little” sin? Where is the line?

The reality is that there is NO line. All sin is bad. Period. My little white lie put Jesus on the cross just as much as a serial killer’s murdering did. Jesus died for ALL sin. He didn’t die a smaller amount for what we humans want to trivialize. He died a horrible death, endured suffering of which we cannot even fathom, to take the sins of the world away. When we ignore sin in our own lives, we ignore what He did for us.

What is Jesus calling out in you today? Is there something in your life you know, in your Spirit, is not right, yet, you’ve allowed the enemy to deceive you into believing it’s not a huge deal? Is there something He’s asked you to speak up about in someone else’s life, yet you’ve avoided it, because it’s too uncomfortable a conversation? 

I’m not saying you are the Holy Spirit, and should be going around pointing out everyone’s wrongs. However, we, believers, have stayed silent about too many harmful behaviors within the body of Christ, and then we wonder why we’re the walking wounded. Too many are enslaved by behaviors that are killing their spirits, and we sit silent in fear. Has Christ called on you to be the iron to sharpen another’s iron? (Proverbs 27:17)

You’ve likely heard the following phrases. Hurting people hurt people. Damaged people do damage. Another phrase God’s been developing in me lately is that healed people heal people. If the enemy has you in bondage to a sin, you are less likely to be able to help someone else who needs freedom.

Grace doesn’t ignore sin. It says sin is there, but there’s a Savior Who has conquered the consequences of it for you…DEATH. Grace is Jesus taking on my sin, before I even knew what sin was, and putting it to death so I might live sin free. Oh, what amazing grace that is!

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, I do not want to make Your sacrifice less than it was. I want the sinless life You died to give me. Show me the places where sin still has a hold on me, and give me the strength, through the power of Your death and resurrection, to put it away from me. Thank You for loving me when I was so unlovable. In the holy name of Christ, I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Tough Love

Tough Love
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” 
– Luke 6:32-36 (NIV)

One of my most favorite passages in The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is this description of the Christian going to his local church: “When he goes inside, he sees the local grocer with rather an oily expression on his face bustling up to offer him one shiny little book containing a liturgy which neither of them understands, and one shabby little book containing corrupt texts of a number of religious lyrics, mostly bad, and in very small print. When he gets to his pew and looks round him he sees just that selection of his neighbors whom he has hitherto avoided.”

As Christians, we need to rub shoulders with fellow believers in what is a safe place and let them challenge us to love like Jesus. It’s one of the strongest arguments for regular church attendance. The best churches have pews filled with the high and the low, the meek and the mighty, the community leader you want to befriend and the weird guy who hangs out at the gas station and that you try not to make eye contact with. Within our church family we’re supported, encouraged, and coached to love one another. What a better place to build your Christian muscles?

As the verse above makes clear, God loves the unlovable and He expects us to do the same. Jesus died for criminals, haters, adulterers, sinners. He died for us; we are the unlovable. Whatever we think of ourselves, we are no better than the worst of humanity. We’re all sinners. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). It’s tempting to think that you were always a ‘good person,’ living a ‘good’ life, that you’ve been able to avoid the curse of Original Sin. Nope! You’re not good now and you never were. However, there is hope when you become a follower of Jesus Christ.

If you’re a Christian (follower of Jesus Christ), then you’ve been redeemed and your sinful heart has been turned to Jesus and your wayward feet are on the path to glory. But don’t forget that you didn’t deserve it! You didn’t lift yourself out of the well of sin you were in. Maybe your sin didn’t feel that bad to you compared to others, but God doesn’t pick up a yardstick to measure out your sin and give you a break if it’s not ‘that bad.’ 

Because He is an infinitely Holy God, our smallest rebellion against Him deserves the most severe punishment. But it pleased Him to sacrifice His Son (Jesus Christ) so that He could display what True Love really is.

We need to love radically, like God does. Generic, worldly love isn’t enough.

And God doesn’t stop there. He wants us to love those who hate us, as well as those that we have ‘hitherto avoided.’ Loving our enemies isn’t just the absence of nastiness, it’s active love, and a big part of that is sharing the Gospel.

Don’t let your heart be turned from fellow sinners who need the same mercy and grace that has been shown to you. Remember your own story; the unbearable weight of your sins that you felt when you were confronted with them, and the panic of not knowing how to get rid of that weight. And remember what it was like when you were given the option of receiving that free gift that would take that weight away forever – repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Don’t leave someone in their sin; show them the path to God’s redeeming grace.

~*~
Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 ACFW Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction.

A native New Englander, she was inspired by her travels through the north woods of Maine to write The Broken Trail, which would become the first in the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

Christa's writing focuses on the real-life challenges of the modern world, love’s sometimes crooked path, and the redemptive power of Grace.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty.

She and her husband live with their three kids, two cats, and one dog along the coast of New England. Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: The Bubble

Bursting the Bubble
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 
–Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)

I fear I’ve found myself inside of a bubble.

A quiet, Christian bubble. 

Maybe it’s time to burst it.

I’ve been a churchgoer my whole life. Since youth group days my closest friends are those that look and think a lot like me. My social circle looks a lot like a Bible study group. For more than a decade, I’ve worked day-to-day in either a church or a faith-based non-profit.

These are not bad things. It’s certainly human nature to make friends with people who are similar to ourselves. They are the people with similar interests that we can do things with and have conversations with. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that.

And having a group of Christian friends who will pray with and for you, help you live out a life of accountability and wrestle through the Scriptures in daily life with you is a treasure we need to cultivate.

But if the only people I come in contact with on a daily or weekly basis already know the Truth and have heard the Gospel, where is my mission field? Where is my ministry?

Years ago, I saw a sign in a church as you exited the sanctuary that said “Now entering the mission field.” It made such an impact on me because it was a very new way of looking at the world. I have never thought of myself as a missionary or an evangelist, but truth be told, all believers should be both. If we have encountered amazing grace, we have an obligation to pass it on. If we have discovered the love of Jesus, we need to share it with others. And if we are serious about our faith, then we shouldn’t be able to keep from doing any of those things.

What was the last book you read that you loved? A movie you saw that you enjoyed? A product that worked better than advertised? Did you tell anyone about it? I do all the time. And I realized that if I’m willing to share about makeup, shoes, music, and cleaning products, then I have to be willing to share the really important things in life…especially the most important thing in my life.

The key, and one of the hardest parts about this realization, is that I need to share with people outside of my Christian circle. I need to have relationships with people who are not in the church, who are not part of my Bible studies, who are not believers.

So let’s get out there, myself included, and make some friends. Find relationships that may look different than the ones you already have. And let’s share grace, peace, and the love of Jesus with a world that needs it more than anything.

Let’s Pray: Holy Lord, give me a path to walk and people to meet that need to hear what You have to say. Give me patience to share, love to give, and the willingness to step out of my circle and widen it, including in it all who have ears to hear. I love you. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray, Amen.

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Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume.

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: The Harvest

Sowing and Reaping
A devotional by Victoria Bylin

You know that Fall is in the air when social media platforms are full of references to pumpkin spice lattes. Those aren’t my favorite. I’m not a fan of pumpkin-anything, but I’m a huge fan of autumn weather, colorful leaves, crisp red apples, and the sense of completion that comes with this season of harvest.

The Bible talks about harvests, too. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7 NIV)

It’s such a simple concept. What we plant is what grows in our lives. If we plant love, we reap love. Good habits lead to good results. There’s another truth at work here: We reap those benefits after we sow and often much later than we sow.

Those ripe apples I enjoy? They don’t ripen to perfection overnight. They need water, light, and healthy soil. So do the pumpkins for those lattes I could do without.

I, too, need water, light and good soil. The living water of the Word, the light of Christ’s love, and the good soil of faith.

Those seeds of love? Sometimes they lay dormant for months, even years, before circumstances change. Maybe you’re praying for family members to come to Christ (I am). Maybe you’re praying for a job that doesn’t put you through the wringer every day (been there and am there again). This season of waiting can be challenging, but it’s also when those our tiny little seeds are transformed into giant oaks.

We reap what we sow, but God multiplies our tiny efforts into something far more than we could ever generate on our own.

Not everything we sow is healthy. Galatians 6:8 (NIV) goes on to say: “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Some seeds blow in like weeds. I know all about weeds because we live behind a farm for retired race horses. The weed battle is real. They would take over the back lawn if my husband didn’t tackle them on a regular basis.

Those bad weeds in our lives need the same kind of diligence. I love what comes next in Galatians 6:9. It reads, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I’m a firm believer in grace. We can’t destroy the weeds in our strength, but we worship a Savior who has already won the battle for us. My challenge is to hang on tight to what Christ did on the cross. And like the verse says, in His time, we’ll enjoy the victory.

Let's Pray: Thank you, God for knowing what’s best and when it’s best. Help me to sow wisely, reap generously, and wait patiently.

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Author Bio:

Victoria Bylin is the author of 18 traditionally published romances. Known for tackling difficult subjects with great compassion, she delights in stories that shine the spotlight of God’s love on ordinary men and women facing realistic challenges.

Writing has always been a part of Victoria’s life. As a child, she wrote hundreds of letters and scribbled in journals. As an adult, she worked as a freelance journalist and editor before taking on the challenge of fiction.

She had one goal when she started her first novel: to finish a book-length manuscript, good or bad. That first effort will never see the light of day, but it led to a second manuscript and a sale to Harlequin Historical. Since then, she has written westerns and contemporary romances for both mainstream and Christian publishers, with Together With You winning the 2016 Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary.

Writing is a joy and a challenge for Victoria, but faith, friends and family matter to her far more. She’s a wife, mom, proud grandmother, and a dog-mom to a wacky Jack Russell Terrier. Originally from California, she and her husband currently make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. When she’s not writing, Victoria enjoys long walks, travel, and dark chocolate.

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Connect with Victoria:
Website: https://www.victoriabylin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Bylin.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaBylin
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/victoria-bylin
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/568102.Victoria_Bylin

Devotionals for the Heart: Sheep and The Good Shepherd's Voice

The Shepherd’s Voice
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” ~John 10:2-4 (NIV)

I was 21 and an student-teacher in London, England, when I found myself aimlessly wandering the streets at night, desperate to get away. The day had gone awry and I felt like an utter failure. I encountered a darkened path with a lone bench to conceal me from the world.

An occasional car rumbled passed on the street beyond my secret place. I tried to pray but my mind was cluttered with anger and confusion. Why He had brought me so far just to fail?

I suddenly felt something moist brush over my hands and my fingertips press into a soft, silk furry body. It was a dog...but not just any dog. I recognized the silky, red Irish Setter breed immediately.

A stern voice called out, "Lady!" A slender man with white hair and mustache came bounding toward us and grabbed the setter by the collar. Lady sat instantly and stared up at him. "I’m dreadfully sorry, Miss. I didn't know anyone would be in here this time of night."

Lady inched toward me. "No, Lady.” He patted his leg. "Stay." The dog sat again.

"That's alright," I said with genuine smile. "I love dogs." You have no idea, sir, that I grew up with this exact breed of dog. And the first one my parents owned was named Lady.

"Ah, you're American!" He observed.

I winced. It was that fact, among others, that had not helped me win the day.

Lady nudged him. "Ah, go on, girl. Do your business." She trotted toward the bushes.

Do her business? Had he bring his dog into this garden to poop and pee?!

"You must be wondering why I would bring my dog here to do her business."

I froze. Was he reading my mind?

"You see, I figure she's got to have a place to go, and in return she leaves behind something useful to help the plants and trees to grow." He praised Lady when she returned to his side.

"She's a good dog," I said, "She really listens to you."

"She's young that. But she listens to my voice to know what she should do. She knows who her master is.” He patted her head as she wagged her tail wildly and panting with glee.

He tipped his hat at me. "I wish you the best in our fair city, Miss." He looked to Lady. "Come on, girl." He tapped his side again. "Time to go."

The man and his bonny dog meandered out the garden gate. He whistled lowly as they went, eventually out of my sight. Moments later I was met with a stilled world again.

She listens to my voice to know what she should do...She knows who her master is.

The words resonated within my heart. I was exactly like Lady. Young, inexperienced and in need of my Master’s direction. I needed the Good Shepherd to guide me, but I had forgotten the importance of listening to His voice so He could guide my path.

So often in the midst of trouble, especially when we are young or new to Christ, we can become that forgetful sheep that wanders aimlessly from safety, then cries out for help when we feel lost. Thankfully, the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ) is there with us, ready to rescue us from ourselves. 

Once we are listening, He calls us by name to bring us out then goes on ahead of us so that we can continue to follow after Him on the perfect path, as we learn to wait and trust in His voice alone.

~*~
Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia. She teaches television production at C.D. Hylton Senior High School. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England.

In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays at Christ Chapel Assembly of God in Woodbridge, VA.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirachelle77/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Read with Audra: Blog tour stop for "She Dreams" by Tiffany Bluhm

Welcome to my blog's stop on the "She Dreams: Live the Life You Were Created for" book tour coordinated by Audra Jennings PR!

Today, we're featuring my review of this book by Tiffany Bluhm and other fun features related to her book like a special giveaway contest!

Enjoy!

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My Review: 

This book, She Dreams: Live the Life You Were Created for, is a true gem! I read the entire book in one sitting and found so many shiny treasures within, from the author’s voice to the life lessons imparted and the beautiful inspiration of the content that shines forth on every page.

Tiffany Bluhm, the author, has a unique storytelling voice that really shines through in this book. The first example shone within the first few pages when the author said, “So if you are a painter, bust out the brushes. If you are a writer, sharpen that pencil or get out that computer. If you are a runner, grab those nifty running shoes. If you are a singer, then saaang, girrrl.” (She Dreams, page 8).

I love that the book editor didn’t require that the author spell the word “saaang” correctly as “sang” and didn’t require that she change “girrrl” to “girl” because it stayed true to the author’s unique voice. When I read that line, it made me think of my own friends who talk like that and it also sounded like I could actually hear the author speaking to me in the relaxed, flavorful manner in which a friend would speak to a friend. It warmed my heart and made me laugh because I could hear her humor in the way that she said those words. Her writing style makes you feel like she’s talking to you about life in person, as a she would with a good friend, while you each enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

The author continues to drive her point home in the following sentences on page eight of her book. She wrote, “If you are a helper, start helping. If you are a giver, give generously. If you are a peacemaker, build bridges toward peace. Do what makes you uniquely you! You do you, friend. No one else can. You’ll never regret doing what you love—unless it’s illegal or harmful. That would be bad. Go ahead and regret that—or better yet, don’t do it. But if something sparks joy in you and blesses others, then go ahead and get at it! Because you, my darling, were created to pursue the dreams of your heart.”

Throughout this book, the author maintained an encouraging tone of voice and captivating storytelling style. She wasn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve by sharing a few personal stories from her own life experience in dealing with everything from racism to heartbreak and she didn’t hold back in sharing valuable life lessons that she picked up along the way.

This is a book written by a woman for the hearts of women. The author, though only in her early thirties, has been seasoned by life in ways that sometimes take a lifetime for others to experience.

The author is a dreamer and throughout her book, she encourages her target audience to dream not only for the sake of whimsical wonders but for the fact that God placed a dream in their heart and it is their duty to fulfill it.

She Dreams is written in a way that helps women push for courage, grace and grit—all factors that are necessary to making their God-sized dreams come true.

I love how the author brought God into the picture in almost every chapter, showing the reader that faith in God plays a major role in making the dreams that He’s given you come true. In the summary of her book, the author writes, “God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them.” And to that, I as the reader, said “Hallelujah, Amen!”

The messages in this book are adequately supported with Bible-based examples as the author dares the reader to “dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim any broken dreams, and trust God for the victory.” She touches on how to pray to God about your dreams, how to obey God as you pursue what He has in store for you, reasons why your God-given dreams are not just for you but are to bless others, and she talks about how your failures can be the catalyst to helping your dreams come true. Most of all, she directs her readers to God as the wise Dream Giver.

I believe that the author achieved her goal of helping her readership discover their dreams and walk into their destiny as they trust God to help them achieve the impossible. I’d recommend this book to every woman with a God-given dream on her heart.

*I (Alexis A. Goring) received a complimentary copy of She Dreams: Live the Life You Were Created for from Audra Jennings PR. My opinions in this honest review are my own.

  

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About the book:

Say yes to the dreams God has planted in your heart.

Every woman was born to dream—to live a life of beauty, passion, adventure, and purpose. No matter how big or how small they are, our dreams push us to become women of courage, grace, and grit. God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them.

In this six-week study we will look at Moses’ journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him, exposing the ancient wisdom and truth God offers for every woman with a dream beating in her heart. With timely truth and encouraging accounts of God’s heart and hand in the life of Moses as well as in the lives of ordinary women, author Tiffany Bluhm will dare you to dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim any broken dreams, and trust God for the victory. Throughout the study you will identify:

- The role of prayer as you grow into your dreams.
- The importance of obedience as you pursue what God has for you.
- Why your dreams are a blessing not only to you but also to others.
- How your failures can be a gift that help your dreams become a reality.
- The life-changing love, power, and wisdom of the Dream Giver.

Get ready to discover the role you are designed and destined to play as you partner with God for the impossible!

In addition to the book, there is a Bible study guide with leader helps and DVD available.

Links to purchase

Read chapter 1 for free.

Download chapter 1 of the audio book for free.

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About the author:

Tiffany Bluhm, author of the She Dreams trade book and Bible study, is a speaker and writer who is passionate about helping women come to know their value and purpose because of a loving, redeeming God.

In a style that speaks to women right where they are, she shares insights from a life spent chasing after Jesus while walking alongside women from suburbia to the inner city, jails and brothels, and the slums of Kolkata.

Tiffany speaks regularly at conferences and events, and writes for a number of websites, print publications, and popular blogs, including the YouVersion Bible app, Deeply Rooted Magazine, and ScaryMommy.com.

She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and two sons, and blogs at TiffanyBluhm.com.

Learn more at www.SheDreamsBook.com.

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Connect with Tiffany:
Website - www.tiffanybluhm.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyABluhm/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/TiffanyBluhm

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A Video about the book:

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Enter the Giveaway Contest:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway for "Ordinary Graces"

Book title: Ordinary Graces
Author: Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Book Review by Alexis A. Goring

Ordinary Graces is a delightful devotional book written by Lucinda Secrest McDowell.

The author grabs the reader’s attention from the first page with this line: I was “that girl.” She then continues to describe how she used to be: “Striving. Enslaved. Rigid. Yes, a Christ-follower. Carrying around God’s gift of grace, but never bothering to open it and embrace its richness as a way of life.” She then states that she was the “last person you’d expect to be writing a book offering the many gifts of God’s ordinary graces.” But then she was "transformed by an encounter with Jesus" and He enabled her to write. And boy, can she write!

Ordinary Graces is a lovely, lighthearted gift that will point you to Jesus and encourage your soul. McDowell debunks the idea that you have to be perfect before coming to Jesus and exhorts the reader to realize that God loves them just as they are, without conditions.

This book is divided into three sections packed with devotionals that focus on core concepts of grace, strength, gratitude and life. The author’s tone is gentle yet firm, kind yet not afraid to correct. Every devotional in this book is backed by Bible verses. The readings on each page are clean in content, crisp in feel and comforting to the soul.

I’d recommend this book to everyone who needs a dose of encouragement!

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of Ordinary Graces. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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Book blurb for Ordinary Graces: 

Everyone loves to receive a gift.

And God has given us many, such as his grace-the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?

God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.

Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life.

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About the Author: 

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is passionate about embracing life - both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. 

A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she offers "Encouraging Words" to all on the journey. 

A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, Cindy is the author of 13 books, including "Ordinary Graces," "Dwelling Places," "Live These Words," "Refresh!," "Quilts from Heaven" and "Role of a Lifetime." Whether co-directing the "reNEW - retreat for New England Writing," mentoring young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages.

Find out more about Lucinda by visiting her website, http://EncouragingWords.net.SaveSave