Devotionals for the Heart: When God saved me from making a mistake

When God Saved Me from Making a Mistake
A devotional by Terry Overton

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Before sunrise, my little dog Bella and I slipped out for an early walk. We wanted to beat the heat and explore more of our new neighborhood.

The world was beginning to stir—the squirrels chattered in the trees, and the chirps of morning birds drifted quietly into the morning air. A cool breeze made it feel like we could go a little farther today. We took our usual path at a brisk pace, but something nudged me to turn down a street I hadn’t explored since the move. Why not? I thought. The wind picked up, chiming a neighbor’s porch bells, and the turn on the road felt like an invitation to adventure.

Though we’d lived here only a few months, the street names were familiar from all the house-hunting listings I’d studied before our move. But the specific sequence of streets between our house and the main road remained a mystery. Curious, I kept going. One street, then another. My fitness tracker encouraged me to push for another mile. Hills seemed to rise beneath my steps, then downhill slopes, but I kept wondering: Would the next street be the one that finally loops back?

Then I saw the sign: No Exit. The next one? Dead End. And finally, just when I was ready to turn back, I saw a street name I recognized—Incline. I looked down that street and smiled. It was suitably named. Breathing heavily, I climbed the hill and remembered why that name stuck in my mind: Months earlier, my husband and I wanted to buy a house on this street, but someone beat us to it. I remembered how disappointed we were to read “Contract Pending.” The interior of the house, the floorplan, the type of flooring, and from what we could see online, the backyard panoramic view, all looked amazing.

But as I passed that house we did not buy, the sun crested over the hill and lit up the view. And just like that, I saw what we hadn’t seen in the online images: power lines cutting across the horizon, rooftops and buildings crowding the distance, and the lake below blocked by newer homes. The view I’d imagined as peaceful was in reality, obstructed and noisy. In that quiet, golden moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. God had protected us from a decision we might have regretted.

The view from my yard has always mattered to me, not for the pride of having a nice yard but for the peace it brings. I’ve lived near ponds, lagunas, and resacas—each one a sacred space where I’ve met with God in the early hours. I would pray, read Scripture, and write in these spaces. It’s not just about a pretty yard. It’s about a place where my soul can breathe. It’s a place where I sit with Him, who holds me in His hands, walks with me, walks beside me, and gives me peace.

We didn’t get that house on Incline Street. Instead, we found the one meant for us—an older home with character, nestled between woods, a creek, and a quiet cove that opens to the lake. It’s peaceful. Private. Perfect.

How many times has God saved me from my own missteps? How many times did I think I knew the best route, the best decision, the best next step to take? Too many to count. I’ve made plenty of choices attempting to control what was in His hands, trying to force my own path. However, the walk this morning reminded me: God is always at work behind the scenes. He doesn’t just provide what we want—He gives us what we need, even when we don’t see it yet.

And sometimes, all it takes to see that He provides what we need is to continue to walk one more mile with Him.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

You have provided many blessings and at times I do not realize You are busy working in the quiet. Help me to remember to trust You in all things. You know the best path for my life. Thank You for always holding my hand and being by my side in all circumstances. I pray this in the name of Your Holy Son (Jesus Christ). Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Know the Plans (Audrey’s song)” by Damaris Carbaugh. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

~*~
Connect with Terry:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.overton.71653
Author Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: When you need God to give you a new heart

Give Me a New Heart, Lord
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” –Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV)

Have you ever experienced a moment with the Lord where you are head over heels in love with Him? You promise to give Him your all and to live a life of surrender to only find yourself stumbling over the same old sins that used to rule your life, mere days after this powerful encounter with God?

I know I have. I also remember it leaving me beaten down and convinced that I was incapable of true transformation. I suspect this is one of the biggest lies the enemy tells us. If we aren’t careful, we may believe him and give up on following God altogether.

While there are many testimonies out there displaying radical transformation that occur within a moment, I’ve discovered that it’s much more likely to experience a more drawn-out process of change.

But what if you are someone who feels as if you are constantly falling into the same transgression? You know your actions bring you farther away from God, yet you can’t seem to muster up the self-discipline to break the cycle of this specific sin. This “thing” you battle with is an idol in your life, claiming a piece of your heart.

This division is what leads to a life that feels more like a roller coaster than a joy ride. Not because everything in life is perfect and easy. We know as believers we are promised to face trials (John 16:33, James 1:2-4). More so because we are unable to control the way we respond to such challenges and when things get too hard, we lean on what makes us feel better. Because we are human, comfort typically comes in the form of over-indulgence, destructive habits, and toxic relationships.

If you relate to this, you are not alone! In my own experience, my coping mechanisms were rooted in years of unaddressed trauma. Even after realizing this and seeking counseling to help me process why I did certain things, I still struggled with turning to God as my source of everything. It wasn’t until I truly invited Jesus Christ into my heart that lasting change occurred. He took a heart that I was convinced would never be whole and made it new. He softened places that had been hardened for years and brought forth forgiveness. Jesus did what only He could do and, in the process, filled me with the Holy Spirit so I could walk in this transformed life.

So, if you are still carrying a heart that is tied to your past, find comfort in knowing that Jesus is in the business of giving out new hearts! Hearts that are so in love with Him that you no longer rely on the things that used to bring you down. Hearts that invite you to be His hands and feet through how you love others.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the restorative hope that can be found in receiving You as my Lord and Savior. Touch my heart, Lord. Make it new. Cut all ties that are leading to a divided heart and direct my devotion to You and only You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen me to live a transformed life. Use me to be a light unto others, sharing hope that can overcome any suffering. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Create in Me a Clean Heart” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Dr. 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 in 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/

Thankful Thursdays: Baby Christians

It’s Thursday and I’m thankful for new (“baby”) Christians!

They are so on fire for Jesus Christ and endeavor to spread the Gospel Truth, also known as “The Good News” with everyone they encounter. The pore over the pages of The Holy Bible and they are eager to tell the world about a Man named Jesus who saved their soul (John 3:16).

For about a year now, I’ve seen different cars with similar bumper stickers and window stickers that say something like, “New Driver. Please be patient.”

When I see that, I automatically think of spiritual parallel along the lines of “Baby Christian. Handle with care” or “New Believer. Please be patient.”

Why is it important to be patient with people who are new to believing in God and following Jesus Christ? Simply because they are still learning and “growing up” in their faith walk with God. And just as when you start anything new (a job, a book study, becoming a parent, etc.), you need to give yourself grace and room for error. Nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Why? Because we’re all human which means we have flaws! We are not perfect.

Oftentimes, we either stand amazed at the passion baby Christians have for God or we are astounded when they make mistakes that more mature Christians would have avoided. This is why it’s important to be patient and help guide them back to the Bible. We need to help them survive their rocky road that happens after the new, exciting, fulfilling and invigorating feel of being a Christian fades away.

It's important to encourage baby Christians to keep drinking their “milk” but also prepare to start eating “meat” as they grow up in their relationship with God. Read more about this in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2.

Christians who are older and more seasoned by life should come along those new to the faith and share their wisdom in due time. We should make them aware of the pitfalls and remind them that there’s always hope because God is always there for us. The Bible says He will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We should encourage new Christians to keep the line of communication (prayer) between themselves and God open and remind them to keep talking to God even when He seems distant. The Bible says if we draw near to God, then He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

If you are reading this and you are a baby Christian, I want to encourage you to always go to God, no matter how you feel. He loves you with all of His Heart! When times feel dark and all hope seems lost, choose your faith over your feelings and keep moving forward in your faith journey with your Creator (God) because He is right there, by your side. He never left. Rest in Him. Abide in Him.

Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep trusting in Him. God didn’t bring you this far to leave you. He is with you every step of the way. Keep following His Son (Jesus Christ) all the way to Heaven.

Be encouraged by listening to this song by CeCe Winans, "He's Always There."

What are you thankful for this Thursday?

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog

Devotionals for the Heart: Following God's path and staying on track

Get Back on Track
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

"Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the Lord says: "When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around."

— Jeremiah 8:4-5 (NLT)

The car is packed, your essential snacks are in tow, the gas tank is full, and you've just entered the address to your destination into your navigation system. Finally, you are ready to go. You hit the road, and things are running smoothly. Traffic is minimal, and it looks like you will get to your desired destination in good time.

As you're singing along to your favorite tune, you suddenly realize you've missed your turn. The navigation starts to re-route you, but that will take you miles out of the way and add more time to your travels than you would like. So instead of being re-routed, you decide to turn around to get back on track. It saves time and energy from having to be taken entirely out of your way.

If only we made it that simple to get back on track with God when we deviate off course. Like Jeremiah 8:4 (NLT) says, "When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?" We won't allow ourselves to stay on the wrong path for too long while driving, mainly because we don't want to veer off too far from our intended destination. So why can't we do the same in life?

We will veer from God's path for our life and somehow think we can figure out how to get back on track on our own. Then, instead of just making a U-turn, we decide to re-route ourselves, which takes us farther and farther away from the intended destination and we end up completely lost.

In the first few chapters of the book of Jeremiah, God is casting out His judgment and plans of destruction upon Jerusalem because they turned their back on God and worshipped other idols. All the while, He gives His people plenty of opportunities to turn away from their sins and get back on track, but they refuse. They instead choose to continue down a destructive path.

Sometimes the easiest thing to do instead of being re-routed is to stop and turn around. Why continue down a path of destruction? Why do we always think we know better than God? He is forgiving, loving, and merciful, but somehow, we always want to do our own thing. It is much easier than we think to get back right with God. Just stop, turn around and go back to Him.

Don't let your own desires for life make you too proud to turn back to God. It is never too late. You can avoid a fate of devastation, confusion, and ruin by simply turning around.

Let's Pray: Father God, forgive us for turning away from you, even for a moment. Forgive us for thinking we know a better way than yours. Father, we are stopping today right where we are and turning back. We are making a U-turn and coming back to you in total surrender. We ask for your mercy and forgiveness. We will trust you from here on out to be our forever guide through this journey of life. In Jesus's name we pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique is a writer, wife, and bonus mom to a 14 year old. She just recently unleashed her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY where she still resides, and serves on the prayer team of her church The Gathering Harlem. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her, but never felt the need to surrender. Until that is when life started veering left, and she no longer wanted to steer so she finally gave Jesus the wheel. After forming her relationship with God she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that the word gave to her. She always felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write, but was afraid of what people might think. So her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book, and the book into a blog.

Slowly but surely God’s love started to cast out all fear. She started to consistently update her bi- weekly blog yourstrulymoe.com. Her obedience led to further revelation. God revealed to her that he would use her to help others along their walk the same way God helped her along hers. Since Monique did not grow up in church she always felt intimidated by the Christian life. She thought that she would be losing so much of herself, not realizing that she would actually find her TRUE self.

Since God has shown her who he really created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those that are taking their first baby steps in this walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, and soon to be published book. She is excited to extend her reach to podcasts and speaking engagements in the near future.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all reflect his image and fulfill his purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423

Romantic Reads: Someone to Trust

Interview with Lesa Henderson about her book, 

Someone to Trust:

Alexis: Why did you write this book and give it the title, Someone to Trust?

Lesa: I wanted to tell a story of someone who was very broken by her father’s betrayal of her mother and subsequent abandonment of the two of them for another woman. I wondered what would happen if a grown-up, naïve Megan became what she despised most? The other woman. This violation of her trust a second time would certainly do quite a bit of damage. Would she be able to believe there was any man she could trust? For that matter could she trust God? Thus the title.

Alexis: Who is the heroine of this story? Describe her.

Lesa: Megan McCormick is the heroine of Someone To Trust. Megan is a pretty, 27-year-old with long chestnut hair and amber colored eyes. She is quick-witted, loyal and kind. However, she has huge trust issues in the men department (as I mentioned earlier), tends to be a bit of a klutz and talks to her Great Dane like he’s human.

Alexis: Who is the hero of this story? Describe him.

Lesa: Lee Grainger is the hero of Someone To Trust. Lee is 6’3” tall, handsome, with dark hair and incredible grey eyes. He’s a believer and a veterinarian. He’s kind, funny and patient with both hurt animals and skittish females.

Alexis: What brings Megan and Lee together?

Lesa: Megan and Lee run into each other. Literally. Megan is on her way back to her truck from shopping, carrying too many packages while munching on an icing filled cookie when she runs right into Lee and is knocked off her feet. Did I mention Megan is a bit of a klutz?

Alexis: What threatens to drive them apart?

Lesa: Megan’s mistrust and the secret shame she carries from her past threaten to drive them apart.

Alexis: What are Megan and Lee’s first impressions of each other? Why?

Lesa: Initially Megan blames Lee for her being knocked down, which she quickly acknowledges is unfair, since she wasn’t watching where she was going. Lee is concerned that she was hurt and helps her to her vehicle with her packages. They find one another attractive. Lee would like to ‘run’ into Megan again. However, she is certain someone as handsome as Lee, with a great sense of humor must be married and is on vacation in the quaint mountain with his wife.

Alexis: What brought Megan from Atlanta to the mountain town of Laurel Crest?

Lesa: Megan is on the run from a broken heart and a simpler way of life.

Alexis: Megan sounds like an independent woman. How does she support herself financially?

Lesa: Megan is a copywriter who was very successful working for a large firm in Atlanta. Since relocating she has launched out on her own and doing very well.

Alexis: Why does Lee love his job as a veterinarian? How does his career affect his outlook on life?

Lesa: Lee is a natural defender of the underdog and those needing to be cared for. As a little boy he was always trying to mend broken wings of baby birds, care for one-eyed puppies and stray kittens. He believes that a Godly man cares for the animals God has put on earth.

Alexis: Why does Lee love the small-town lifestyle? It’s simpler, with much less hustle and bustle.

Lesa: He feels like there’s more time to truly connect with the community and build relationships. He loves nature, the outdoors and hiking.

Alexis: Where did Lee live and work before he moved to the mountains?

Lesa: Lee also lived and worked in Atlanta. He was part of a larger Veterinary practice.

Alexis: What is the foundation of Megan and Lee’s friendship?

Lesa: Initially it’s shared friends, commonality of both living in Atlanta and now loving small-town life and the enjoyment of one another’s company. Megan’s never had a friendship with a man. Lee believes he has to first prove trustworthy as her friend or with no pressure, or there can never be more.

Alexis: Why does Lee think that Megan is his dream girl?

Lesa: Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but Lee also sees her heart. He sees she is genuinely kind and beautiful. Broken but beautiful.

Alexis: Why does Megan hesitate to go after a second chance romance with Lee?

Lesa: She is haunted by her past mistakes and believes that if Lee learns the truth about her, he will despise her.

Alexis: What are the themes of this story? Why?

Lesa: Trust and Forgiveness. Playing out the two betrayals in Megan’s life not only brought up the issue of not being able to trust again but also the damage of holding onto unforgiveness.  The power of forgiveness goes beyond forgiving those who have hurt us and accepting the forgiveness our Heavenly Father offers us through His Son (Jesus Christ), but also the grace to forgive ourselves. 

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about this book?

Lesa: I want them to remember they have a Heavenly Father who loves them very much and has a good plan for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11). He is Someone they can trust.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Lesa! Would you like to share closing comments?

Lesa: Thank you so much for this opportunity, Alexis! It is such an honor. Also, thanks to those who have read or will now read Someone To Trust. I pray it blesses you. Please consider leaving a review – those really help. Stay tuned for a second book, which will revisit this beautiful mountain location and characters from Someone To Trust.

~*~

Author Bio:

Lesa Henderson discovered she loved to write at age 10 when she won her first writing contest. At age 13 she began submitting manuscripts. Since that time, she's been crafting articles and stories that have been published in national magazines and as non-fiction books and novels.  

She partners with her husband Ken as a screenwriter and filmmaker. Together they wrote, directed and produced Hope Has A Name, an award-winning documentary about ordinary women bringing extraordinary hope in unlikely places.

Lesa is a native Floridian, a hopeless romantic, wife to her childhood sweetheart Ken. She’s the mother of three grown children: Brandon, Tiffany, and Destiny. She is the grandmother of seven amazing grandchildren.

She enjoys traveling the world or just hanging out with Ken at new restaurants and at home with their Schnauzer Lilo and Phantom Poodle Groucho. Lesa also tends to be a bit quirky and has an unhealthy obsession with buttercream icing.

~*~
Blurb for Someone to Trust:

Megan McCormick doesn't leave Atlanta looking for love. Far from it. She runs to the mountain town of Laurel Crest to flee from her past and a broken heart. When she's knocked over by Lee Grainger, handsome veterinarian and lover of small-town living, Megan's life takes an unexpected turn.

Tired of fast-paced city life, Lee is considering a permanent move to the mountains. His run-in with Megan has him believing he's in Laurel Crest for more than a partnership in an animal hospital.

After a case of mistaken identity is cleared up, Megan and Lee strike up a friendship. Lee is everything Megan ever wanted—smart, loyal and dedicated to his faith. But Megan has experienced deep betrayal twice, and she's reluctant to give romance another try.

Can Megan come to terms with the secret that haunts her, get past her distrust of men, and accept the love Lee offers or will her heart be broken again?

~*~
Buy Lesa’s book on Amazon or Pelican Book Group

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Connect with Lesa:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lesawhenderson
Twitter - https://twitter.com/lesahenderson
Website - https://www.lesahenderson.com

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Regina Rudd Merrick's book giveaway

Welcome to the 26th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Regina Rudd Merrick.

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

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

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

Author Bio:

Regina Merrick began reading romance and thinking of book ideas as early as her teenage years when she attempted a happily-ever-after sequel to “Gone With the Wind.” That love of fiction parlayed into a career as a librarian, and ultimately as a full-time writer. 

She began attending local writing workshops and continued to hone her craft by writing several short and novel-length fan-fiction pieces published online, where she met other authors with a similar love for story, a Christian worldview, and happily-ever-after. 

Married for 30+ years and active in their church, Regina and her husband have two grown daughters who share her love of music, writing, and the arts. 

She is the author of three books, Carolina Dream (Apr. 2017), Carolina Mercy (July 2018), Carolina Grace (February 2019) in the Southern Breeze Series with Scrivenings Press, LLC, and her novella, “Pawleys Aisle,” a Southern Breeze novella in the Coastal Promises collection, with Mantle Rock Publishing, LLC. 

Her story, “RenoVating Christmas,” was part of the Hope Is Born collection with the Mosaic Collection, and introduces the character and setting in book one of her new RenoVations Series, Heart Restoration, releasing August 5, 2020. 

Connect with Regina on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com.

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for Heart Restoration:

For interior designer Lisa Reno things go from bad to worse when her contractor brother falls off a ladder and breaks his leg. 

Now she has to deal with the past coming back to haunt her, an old house with a corpse in the creepy cellar, and her best friend trying her best to fix her up with any man that moves.

Nick Woodward is willing to do his old college roommate a favor – especially since it involves renovating his own inheritance. 

The last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone. When he lost his wife and unborn child so suddenly, he had made the decision to keep God and everyone else at arm’s length. 

So far, so good.

Ah, the difference a trip to a dingy basement makes.

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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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: God's Truth

Fight guilt with God’s truth
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 
– Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Do you ever beat yourself up or struggle with guilt after making mistakes?

I do.

I’m starting a podcast and it’s all very new to me: working with audio equipment, using the right app for editing and learning about soundproofing.

All of this is way out of my element. I’m a writer, not a podcaster. Then God informed me that I would do this podcast and now I am both.

It’s been quite a learning curve. I mess up a lot.

Today’s blunder involved sound.

Several months ago, I set up an interview with a friend that God selected who has a wonderful story to tell. Grateful that she said yes to this new endeavor of mine, I placed her on my calendar several months out so I would have enough time to prep for her interview.

Finally her interview date arrived. I turned off all fans, dripping water, anything that could mess up my audio quality for this interview. With my equipment set up, sound checks done, I was ready to go.

Then the sound of metal clanking and an engine revving floated through my window.  My landscapers were here and my microphone was picking up every single sound they made. I forgot that my landscapers usually arrive on Thursday mornings around 7 o’clock to do yard work. Therefore, I had to cancel the interview.

My guest was gracious and rescheduled but I felt terrible. How could I forget such an important detail?

Honestly, I am my worst enemy when I make mistakes. (I may have a slight problem with perfectionism.) I am overly hard on myself. I play the mistake over and over again in my head, going over what went wrong and how I failed. I tell myself things like:

“You should know better.”

“You’ve failed.”

“You never get things right.”

“You let everyone down.”

“Why do you always forget the details?”

“You’re a disappointment to God.”

After this conversation with myself, I’m not feeling too great. These lies have weighed me down. The guilt hangs on me like a heavy millstone. I feel myself slipping away from God, too ashamed to be in His presence.

I forget the most important truth found in Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Because we are children of God, we’ve gained our freedom from condemnation through Christ’s sacrifice. He put himself on the Cross because He loves us and wanted to take the weight of our sin away. That weight is eternal suffering and separation from God.

When we sin, repent and ask for forgiveness, God out of love forgets it. It’s as if the sin never occurred. So when we choose to continue to bring up that sin or feel guilty about it after receiving God’s forgiveness, we are basically saying that our sin, our mistakes are too big for the Cross.

Nothing is bigger than the Cross.

God knows we’re human. He knows we’re going to mess up. Yet He loves and forgives us anyway.

When you’re feeling guilty or unable to forgive yourself, remember that no condemnation comes from God. God convicts our hearts when we sin, but offers love, forgiveness and ways to change. Any lasting guilt and shame you’re feeling comes from Satan. We have an accuser, an enemy of our soul who seeks to destroy us through false accusations, shame and guilt. When you’re struggling with this, you’re being attacked friend.

When those attacks come against you, fight back with truth. Here are some of my favorites:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” –2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” 
–Psalm 103:12 (NIV)

Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 

–Hebrews 10:17 (NIV)

When guilt comes, remember: 

You are loved. You are chosen. You are forgiven.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA. 

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and hopes to launch her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

~*~
Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Hospital Codes and God's Grace

Reason Together with God
A devotional by Shellie Arnold

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land." ~Isaiah 1:18-19 ESV

I once worked in a hospital as an admissions clerk. As part of the job, I was responsible for inputting all pertinent patient information, especially regarding insurance coverage. This information had to be documented on the appropriate computer screens—sometimes several of them—via the appropriate codes. The information had to be complete and correct. After all, timely billing depended on accuracy. Those screens directly affected how the hospital got paid.

Six months into the job, I learned that on that particular payday, I would not be picking up my check from the payroll clerk, as usual. Rather, my paycheck was held by my supervisor. Twice a year, I was required to meet with my supervisor and get my paycheck directly from her. What I did not expect, was sitting with my supervisor and being shown every error I had made on any patient information screen for the previous six months. Literally, someone had been assigned to go behind every admissions clerk (not just me) and audit their work. The errors were printed, and the corresponding stack of errors was given to each employee, along with our checks.

My stack of printed errors was huge. So huge, I was put on probation. I was at risk of losing my job.

Understand, I had pages of notes from when I was trained. Every day, I carried with me a full notebook of memos containing policy and procedure changes. And I consulted them throughout my work shift. Still, my number of mistakes was very high.

As I looked through the printouts, I realized I hadn’t made dozens of different mistakes. Rather, I’d made a few, same mistakes dozens of times. I was consistent. Consistently wrong, but still.

I shared this with my supervisor. “You can see I was consistent, which meant I thought I was doing it right. Why didn’t anyone tell me before now, instead of letting me do these things wrong for six months?”

She had no answer other than to quote the departmental policy, which in my opinion was flawed. Why set up your employees to fail?

I am so glad and thankful God doesn’t treat us this way. When I discovered Isaiah 1:18-19, I understood I was never at risk of having the same dynamic in my relationship with God. He doesn’t keep a running list of mistakes, simply so He can surprise us with them later. He doesn’t keep a tally to make us feel guilty and afraid.

Instead, He invites us to talk with Him about everything, even our sin. Scripture encourages us to “reason together” with Him. When we approach Him with a willingness to be obedient in the future, God will talk with us about our failings and mistakes. He wants to help us understand why we do the things we do, say the things we say, and think the things we think, even if those things aren’t necessarily pleasing to Him.

He doesn’t leave us alone to figure out how to live righteously. No, He’s always there, waiting to converse with us. Explain things to us. Share truth with us. Teach us. So that next time, with our better understanding, we might make better choices and suffer fewer consequences.

Don’t hide your failures and sin from God. Talk to Him about them. Ask Him why you did what you did. Ask Him how you can behave differently next time. God wants you to be successful in your spiritual journey. He’s not setting you up to fail. He’s in your corner. And He’s ready to listen and talk.

~*~

Author Bio:

Shellie Arnold is a writer and speaker on marriage and family. She truly believes—despite baggage, neglect, or mistakes—if a husband and wife listen to God, they can live happily ever after. Her passion is sharing how God is helping her do exactly that. 

She maintains a blog at www.shelliearnold.com and is the founder of YOUR MARRIAGE resources.

Shellie is a mother of three and has home-schooled for over twenty years. She lives in Ohio with her husband of thirty-one years.

~*~
Connect with Shellie:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shellie.arnold.7
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ShellieArnold1
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/ShellieLArnold/
Website - www.shelliearnold.com

Litfuse blog tour: Chasing Famous

Book: Chasing Famous: Living the Life You’ve Always Auditioned for
Author: Lisa Lloyd
Review written by Alexis A. Goring

Actress Lisa Lloyd wrote this book. As an author, she shines.

Throughout this book, she bares her soul. She’s not afraid to be transparent because she knows from experience that God can use your true story to help someone. So she bravely puts her heart on the line from the start of this book to the end, with bold determination to tell her story in the most honest, raw and real way. As a reader, I think that her bravery is admirable and her story was impactful. Her words gave me hope and reminded me of God’s power to redeem.

Lisa’s storytelling style is engaging. I thought it was quite clever and fitting that as a seasoned actress, she chose to use terms from her industry as the titles for each chapter such as: “The Cast List,” “Method Acting”, “Projection”, “Encore”, “Find Your Light,” “The Go-See,” and “Wait for Your Cue.” Each chapter peels back another layer of Lisa’s experience and gives the reader insight into the world of Entertainment.

There are three sections in this book. Section One covers using your story to bring God glory. Section Two shows the reader how they can use their gifts for God’s purposes and Section Three teaches the reader how to live a life that makes God famous worldwide.

Lisa’s concept of looking at your life as an audition is catchy. She backs it up page by page as she reminds the reader that regardless of their station in life, they are a key witness for God. She taps into every reader’s inner self and touches on their need to feel accepted, affirmed and loved. She reminds the reader that God accepts you. He affirms you and adores you better than any human can.

In writing this book, Chasing Famous, Lisa achieves her goal of encouraging the reader to take the focus off of themselves, and refocus it onto the glory of God. She effectively teaches the reader how to turn the spotlight on God and make him famous to the world.

This book deserves a five-star rating and the author deserves an encore!

*Alexis A. Goring received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group, in exchange for an honest review.

~*~

About the book: Have you ever considered your life as an audition?

Regardless of who or where we are, we are constantly, often unconsciously, auditioning for a part. Loving wife. Amazing employee. Crafting queen. Socialite. All we really want is to be loved, affirmed, and accepted. What if we could learn to live the life we have always been auditioning for without all the stress?

Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life. 

Once you've mastered these issues, and you can, your story will turn the spotlight on God where, you'll soon discover, what it means to truly live.

Learn more and purchase a copy here.

~*~
About the author:

Lisa is a speaker, emcee, actor, and writer. 

Since receiving her bachelor of fine arts in theater from Southern Methodist University, Lisa has been featured in many major performance mediums. 

Her television credits include What Would You Do?, Prison Break, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. You may see her on television commercials, highway billboards, or TV screens at the local airport. She has performed with many theaters, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Montana Shakespeare, the Dallas Theater Center, and Casa Mañana Theater. 

She is a highly sought-after speaker at women's retreats, conferences, and events across the country. She and her husband Markus live in McKinney, Texas, and have two boys.

~*~
Here's the link to the Landing Page for this tour, http://litfusegroup.com/author/llloyd
~*~
A Special Message from Litfuse Publicity Group:

Did you know you're constantly, often unconsciously, auditioning for a part? Learn how to master these issues and turn the spotlight on God with the help of Lisa Lloyd's new book, Chasing Famous. Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life.

Discover what life really means when the focus is on God and enter to win Lisa's Spotlight on God Prize Pack!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Chasing Famous
• A $50 Fandango gift card to see a current or upcoming movie that puts God in the spotlight
• A print to remind you of God's renown

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 28. The winner will be announced May 1 on the Litfuse blog.

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14 Days of Sweet Stories: "Restoring Love" by Jennifer Slattery

Interview with Jennifer Slattery, author of Restoring Love:

Alexis: What is the inspiration behind your story’s title, Restoring Love?

Jennifer: Restoring Love picks up, in some ways, where Beyond I Do left off. The two stories are each a standalone, but in my debut novel, we catch a glimpse of Angela—before Christ. And man, is she blowing things, deeply hurting her daughter in the process. But then, she encounters Jesus Christ and He begins to change her trajectory. So, in answer to your question, I knew I needed to write Angela’s post-Christ story before I’d even finished writing the other. 

Alexis: Restoring Love is “missional fiction”. What does that mean for your readers?

Jennifer: Mission fiction is like any other story but with an added slant—it touches on the theme of outreach. So, for example, in Restoring Love, two of my characters feel led to reach out to a single mom and her kids. 

Alexis: What lessons do you want your readers to learn from your characters?

Jennifer: That God’s love is amazing! It can and does transform us, heal us and set us free. 

Alexis: Let’s talk about your story’s hero, Mitch. Why is he passionate about his work as a contractor and house-flipper? What is it about the restoration process of old houses that he loves so much?

Jennifer: He’s always loved working with his hands, and he has a fondness for traditional Midwestern homes with their covered porches and massive, old-growth trees with leaves that turn vibrant in the fall. He loves the history of Omaha that he sees in so many of her distinct neighborhoods, and he wants to help preserve that. He wants to restore those places that capture the traditional Midwest feel so they can remain. 

Alexis: Why did you decide to set your story in the Midwest? Which state is it set in?

Jennifer: This story is set in Omaha, Nebraska, where I’ve lived for the past four years. I never would’ve expected to fall in love with this area—with it’s insanely hot summers and bitter cold winters. But I did. I’ve fallen in love with the beautiful, four distinct seasons, the amazing arts culture, the people who truly are some of the kindest and most welcoming I’ve encountered, and the overall flavor of the place. 

But Omaha’s got its hard, too. Generational poverty. Single moms trying to do better for their kids but feeling like everything’s stacked against them. Kids wanting to dream but stuck in a vicious cycle of struggle, fear, and loss. In Restoring Love, I wanted to show the beauty and the hard, to put the two together, to show that love—God’s love—truly can turn the ugly into good. 

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s heroine, Angela. Why is she filled with regrets? Why did she move to the Midwest? What is it about her life that she doesn’t think is perfect?

Jennifer: You can see much of Angela’s story in my debut novel, Beyond I Do, a novel that centers largely on her daughter’s journey. In that book, we see Angela living selfishly, using others and then discarding them for men. She’s made many poor decisions, and those choices have greatly hurt those she loves. 

But then she encounters Christ, and He begins to restore the relationships she destroyed. More than that, He begins to restore her from what she had become into the beautiful, grace-filled and grace-giving woman He created her to be. 

Alexis: Describe Angela and Mitch’s meet-cute. What were their first impressions of each other?

Jennifer: When Mitch first encountered Angela, dressed like a much-too-old eighties pop queen, he found her...strange. Perhaps a bit comical and...intriguing. When he learned she was house sitting for a military family he knows and cares about, he determined to keep an eye on her—for the family’s sake. 

When Angela encountered Mitch, she had one thought—that man is handsome! But a second thought immediately followed: I have no business thinking that way. With her relational history, she determined to steer clear of men, but, well, life has a way of unhinging our most determined plans.

Alexis: Mitch’s mission is to restore old houses. What is it that Angela is working on to restore? 

Jennifer: Angela wants to restore her life. She’s made such a mess of things, and as a result, she’s come to believe a lot of self-defeating lies—like she’s a failure, unworthy, unable. And yet, God continues to surround her, encouraging her to keep stepping forward. Because He’s got a plan. An amazing plan, one she is uniquely able to fill. 

Alexis: Why is Mitch struggling to keep his business afloat?

Jennifer: House flipping can be a huge risk. One never knows what’s lurking behind the walls, so to speak. In other words, a flipper can purchase a home that appears to be stable only to begin the restoration process and find the electrical work is shoddy. When this and other problems occur, the house flipper can go into debt quickly. 

In addition, Mitch and his business partner are holding on to a few other properties besides their current project. The market hit a down slope, and they’re having trouble selling homes they’ve plunked money into restoring. Then there’s the fact that they’ve rented out other property to people who struggle financial, and whom Mitch feels a great deal of compassion for. As a result, he’s constantly juggling his desire to do what is best for the business and what might be best for his tenants.

Alexis: What mistakes from her past is Angela working to overcome?

Jennifer: She has numerous mistakes, but her biggest desire is to locate and reconnect with her mother, whom she hurt deeply. Angela wants to pay her mother back for money she stole from her, decades previously, and to, hopefully, rebuild the relationship they had before Angela became rebellious. 

Alexis: What’s the moral of the story?

Jennifer: That Christ transforms—lives, hearts, and entire communities. 

Alexis: What was your greatest challenge and greatest joy in writing this book?

Jennifer: My greatest challenge was presenting Bianca, a single woman who Angela feels called to help, authentically but also in a way that those who’ve never traveled in her shoes can understand. If you’ve never encountered generational poverty and don’t understand the dynamics of it, you might be tempted to judge Bianca. Maybe even to strongly dislike her. But if you can step back and understand her history, her perception, her struggles, and her limitations, then I believe you’ll view her (and women like her) with more compassion. 

The greatest joy was getting to explore Omaha with my husband. Our date nights often turned into research trips, and we were able to visit some places right here in the Metro in which we live, that we’d never been to before. And even those we’d frequented numerous times—we began to view them differently, through the lens of the story. It was such fun! 

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Jennifer! Would you like to share any closing thoughts?

Jennifer: To those who haven’t been to Omaha, and maybe those who think Nebraska is one big cornfield—come check us out! This is a great city with lots to do!

~*~
Author bio:  

Novelist and speaker Jennifer Slattery has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. 

As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she and her team put on events at partnering churches designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. 

She writes devotions for Internet Café Devotions, Christian living articles for Crosswalk.com, and edits for Firefly, a Southern fiction imprint with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. 

When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband.

~*~
Blurb for Restoring Love:

Mitch, a contractor and house-flipper, is restoring a beautiful old house in an idyllic Midwestern neighborhood. 

Angela, a woman filled with regrets and recently transplanted to his area, is anything but idyllic. She's almost his worst nightmare, and she s also working on restoring something herself. 

As he struggles to keep his business afloat and she works to overcome mistakes of her past, these two unlikely friends soon discover they have something unexpected in common, a young mom who is fighting to give her children a better life after her husband's incarceration. 

While both Mitch and Angela are drawn to help this young mother survive, they also find themselves drawn to each other. Will a lifetime of regrets hold them back or unite them and bring redemption along with true love?

~*~
Buy Jennifer's book:
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ CBD

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Website – www.JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JenSlatte
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenslattery/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/jenslatte/

~*~

Enter the book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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