Devotionals for the Heart: Why it's about our posture, not our plans

God’s Not After Your Goals
A devotional by Heidi Lewis-Ivey

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.”— Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

There is something about stepping into a new year that awakens ambition in us.

We write vision statements. We outline strategic plans. We choose a “word of the year.” We map out goals with timelines and benchmarks.

There is nothing wrong with planning. Scripture honors wisdom and stewardship. But as I sat with the Lord over Isaiah 43, I felt a quiet correction in my spirit. What if the new thing God is doing has less to do with our plans…and more to do with our posture? We often approach a new season asking, “God, bless my goals.” But what if He is asking, “Will you let Me reshape you?”

Forget the Former Things

When we read, “Forget the former things”, we often assume it refers to past pain, disappointment, or failure. And yes, that may be part of it. But could the “former things” also include former patterns and old paradigms?

Former ways of thinking. Former reactions. Former fears. Former identities we have grown comfortable wearing. Sometimes we are not dwelling on old memories, we are dwelling in old mindsets. We want new outcomes, but we are operating from old paradigms. We desire increase but we resist discipline. We ask for deeper relationships but avoid vulnerability. We pray for promotion but resist the refinement that qualifies us for it.

Mark 2:21-22 (NIV) says, “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

The Lord is not just trying to give us something new. He is trying to make us new.

See, I Am Doing a New Thing

Notice the language: I am doing.

The burden is not on us to create the new thing nor is it produced by our hustle or perfect planning. It springs up because He initiates it. But then comes the question: “Do you not perceive it?” Perception requires alignment.

Sometimes the new thing has already begun internally, but we are so focused on external results that we miss the transformation taking place within us. Before He changes our circumstances, He increases our capacity. Before He releases greater responsibility, He refines our character. Before He expands our territory, He stretches our obedience.

The new thing may look like discomfort before it looks like breakthrough.

We Pray for Doors but Resist Development

We ask for open doors. We ask for influence. We ask for impact. But doors require readiness. Influence requires maturity. Impact requires surrender. God does not need our five-year strategy to accomplish His will. He is not waiting on our perfectly crafted vision board. What He desires is a surrendered heart.

This is the tension of Isaiah 43. The Lord declares something new is springing forth. But to perceive it, we must release what is familiar. Not just familiar pain, familiar comfort, familiar control and familiar versions of ourselves. There is a version of you that cannot go where God is taking you.

And that is not punishment. It is preparation.

The New Thing Starts Within

We often assume the new thing will be a new job, a new relationship, a new platform, a new opportunity. But what if the new thing is a renewed mind? A softened heart? A deeper trust? A refined motive?

What if the miracle is internal before it is visible?

The wilderness mentioned in Isaiah 43 was not merely a geographical reality; it was a place of dependence. A place where the people of God had to trust Him daily. The river in the desert symbolized provision where no one should exist.

And sometimes the greatest provision is not resources, it is transformation. This year may not be about achieving more. It may be about becoming more aligned.

A Question for the Heart

As you step into this new season, pause and ask yourself these questions:

Where am I asking for new results without new obedience?
What patterns am I still carrying from the last season?
What part of me is God trying to reshape?
Am I willing to release who I have been to become who He is forming?

The Lord is doing a new thing. The question is not whether He is moving. The question is whether we are willing to move with Him. The breakthrough is not in your planner. It is in your surrender. Perhaps the greatest gift of this new season is not what God will place in your hands, but what He will form in your heart.

The new thing has already begun. Do you perceive it?

Let’s Pray:

Lord in this new season, transform our hearts. Help us to walk out of the old and into the new. We release old mindsets and habits and ways of being so that we can receive the new thing that you are doing in us.

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Just the Beginning”  (feat. Kurt Carr & Vonnie Lopez). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “New Wine” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Heidi Lewis-Ivey is an affirmed prophet and an internationally acclaimed speaker.  

She impacts audiences with her authenticity and bold style of delivery. She has had the opportunity to minister in Trinidad, St. Thomas USVI, Manchester and Liverpool (England).

Heidi is an award-winning and bestselling author. She is the author of Can I Rest Awhile? and Black Girl Cry: What Black Women Need to Know to Amplify Their Voices. She is a co-author in Soulful Prayers (Volume 1 and Volume 2) and Soulful Affirmations. Heidi is the convener of the Encountering the Courts of God movement and the founder of Visions International, a training ground for five-fold ministry gifts.

She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science in Management from Boston University. Heidi is the CEO of Nael & Associates Inc and franchise owner of Patrice & Associates recruiting firm. She is a member of the Pentimenti Women Writers Group, a former mentor with Year Up, former board member for Friends of Young Achievers, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategist.

Heidi is the proud aunt/great aunt of 14 nieces and nephews and two bonus nieces. They are her joy. The older nephews have become her protectors.

Heidi is an NFL football fan. As a child, she taught herself the game. In 2017 she won her NFL.com fantasy football league. Heidi is an avid reader (Audible listener) of romance novels, a lover of purses and handbags, and a tea snob who believes bling is always appropriate.

She lives in Boston, MA.

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Connect with Heidi:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamheidi01
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/heidi-lewis-ivey

Devotionals for the Heart: How to prepare for the new year

Packing for the New Year
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”—Romans 15:13 (NIV)

I welcome the New Year as if I were opening a fresh, new journal.

Flipping through the blank pages they call out to me, begging to be filled with new adventures and life lessons. I look forward to the coming season with a sense of expectancy and the assurance that God is in control. It’s like packing for a trip when I don’t know what’s coming.

I’ve been thinking about how God made His presence known to me throughout last year. Events flashed through my mind at warp speed. It was like watching a theatrical trailer for a new movie that shares the most exciting and dramatic moments in under three minutes.

The first memory that popped into my head was hearing the news that our adult daughter might have cervical cancer. The doctor moved swiftly and a biopsy was taken within a few days. We were told results would be back in a week to ten days. Time moved at a snail’s pace and every day that passed seemed like a week. Prayer warriors were on their knees, and we cried out to God for His grace and mercy. On day seven she got the call. There was no sign of cancer! I wouldn’t be surprised if our shouts of praise could be heard throughout the neighborhood.

Last year the mysteries and miracles of God were front and center. In the midst of unexpected circumstances, we saw God’s protection and compassion for loved ones who were thrust into situations filled with drama, turmoil and confusion.

Jesus Christ comforted family and friends as they experienced serious illnesses, surgeries, and medical procedures. Activities that were once routine became difficult, leaving feelings of frustration in their wake. But in His tenderness, God poured His patience, grace and peace to all involved.

During the heat of the desert summer, God brought relief to anxious souls, which resulted in life-changing discoveries. I watched in awe as hearts were healed and peace was restored.

In addition, there were birthdays, holidays, and graduations sprinkled over the months like confetti. As I look back, I feel the warmth of God’s goodness. From start to finish, the last twelve months put a spotlight on the unshakeable presence of God. He is always with us and even if you try, you cannot loosen His grip. The goodness of God permeates our lives.

What did I receive last year that I’ll pack for the New Year? The power of the goodness of God, His tender mercies, and His promise to sustain and rescue me (Isaiah 46:4).

As we step further into the new year, may your suitcase be filled with God’s Word (The Holy Bible) and your heart drenched in His love.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you Lord, for your love and comfort. Heighten our awareness of your presence and fill us with the peace of Jesus. May His light shine through like a beacon in the darkness and His love bring us great joy this New Year. Praise be to God. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Been So Good” (feat. Tiffany Hudson) by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

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Connect with Colleen:
Website: http://colleenchoward.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Transitions

Transitions: Changing as we move through life 
A devotional by Patricia Russell

He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.”– Daniel 2:20-22 (NLT)

How many posts have you seen on social media celebrating the graduation or marriage of someone who was “just born” yesterday? That brings to mind the old cliché, “Time flies.” Yes…time keeps moving and we change with it as we transition through life.

The dictionary defines “transition” as the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. We’ve heard this word a lot in our world context over the last year, and I’m bringing it back to mind because whether we acknowledge it, we are changing every day. As human beings, we do not have the capacity to stay the same; we are constantly changing. I once heard that our bodies change (remake themselves) every seven years. Even this week I was reminded again that cancer takes up to seven years before showing any symptoms in our body. Guess what? Each cell is on its own schedule. Now that is fascinating! Our bodies are constantly transitioning, regenerating, and changing.

Changes are not always what we like, but since change is inevitable, we must be on alert and be prepared for it. As sure as summer comes after winter, transition will happen. This was certainly the case for the Israelites, who had prayed year after year for change in their bondage to the Egyptians. The historical text reminds us of God’s word to Abraham that there would be 400 years of bondage before they were released.

When God called Moses to take up the mantle of leading Israel out of bondage, it not only sounded overwhelming to Moses, but he was convinced He did not have the skills or ability to lead the charge. In God’s lovingkindness, He used the precarious details surrounding Moses’s birth, his transition to adoption by Pharoah’s daughter, and his transition to becoming the leader of Israel’s freedom to prepare Moses for the role of leading Israel to the Promised Land.

Through Moses’ life we see that God will prepare us with the tools we need for the tasks that we are positioned for. God will give us the wisdom we need to do the work. God’s word states that he knows the “thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). This is so comforting.

My friends, God wants us to be reminded today that He has our lives under careful watch and that wherever we are, He is aware of what lies ahead. Thankfully, God uses people and circumstances to prepare us for those coming changes. His word tells us that there is nothing we will come to that He will not carry us through.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for reminding me once again that You hold my present and my future in your hands. Thank You for your word that tells me wisdom and might are yours. Lord, I trust You because You truly hold my life and the entire world in your hands. Please give me wisdom and knowledge for the days to come. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. 

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.  

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to Prepare for the Battles of Life

Stand Strong in the Armor of God
A devotional by Kristy Horine

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 

– Ephesians 6:10-13 (NKJV)

The white clad figures sat in a circle on mats in the strip-mall-type row of Louisville warehouses. Huge fans at the bay doors sucked air into the sweltering room. Sensei Lane paced at the center of the circle, arms folded, black belt cinched tight at his waist. Training in defensive technique is the heart of Jiu Jitsu. It is serious business. It is warrior business.

Sensei Lane points to a volunteer.

“When this guy pushes us from behind, what is his main objective?”

As one, the people in the circle point to the mats. Sensei Lane nods.

“That’s right. He wants us on the ground. He’s pushing. He wants to pursue. It’s very, very important that you redirect that.”

The volunteer pushes the sensei from behind. The sensei steps forward, pivots, raises his hands in a defensive position. He combines a number of maneuvers and in seconds, the volunteer attacker is on the ground.

Sensei Lane straightens his gi, adjusts his belt. The teaching continues.

“Realize something is happening. Be prepared to take a punch, and a hard punch at that. Be ready to do something instead of just close your eyes and hope it goes away,” he says.

I sat on the chairs at the side of the room and watched. Part of me wanted to be in that circle, learning, moving and being cool like they were. But the bigger part of me was thankful I didn’t have to take the hits and the throws. After watching the Black Belt test that morning, which was the reason why I was there, I realized there are parts of Jiu Jitsu that make you move much slower the next morning.

Sensei Lane chooses a different volunteer and demonstrates another maneuver. There are endless ways to prove the value of defense.

“He’s hoping he’s going to get me to the ground, but as soon as I start to defend, his reaction changes.”

The sensei twists his attacker’s arm under his own, bending the attacker’s wrist into a tight V. A light series of taps from the volunteer indicates a certain pain threshold has been reached. Sensei Lane immediately releases the volunteer. The taps are a safety mechanism. This is, after all, just training.

“Everything has to work,” Sensei Lane stresses. “I want him to want to get away. If you don’t have strikes that work, if you don’t have pinpoint accuracy, if you don’t have proper throws, it’s not going to work.”

I went home that night thinking about what the sensei said. While I have taken a self-defense class and I could probably fend off an attacker if that time comes, I am not quite ready to join the work at the dojo, don a white gi and move through the skill levels.

But what about in my spiritual life? How are my defensive maneuvers? Will I be ready to stand when the day comes?

In Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul gives the Christians of Ephesus practical advice in spiritual defense. He said, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Paul goes on to tell us in Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) exactly who we fight against. He said, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

In the final verse of this section of Scripture, Paul restates the practical advice, and then looks forward to what will happen when we use our spiritual defensive maneuvers.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV) 

In the end, we stand.

But we don’t get there until we are willing to get off our sideline chairs, join the warrior’s circle, and prepare.

This is how we dress ourselves with the Armor of God:

· The belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)

· The breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)

· The shoes of the gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)

· The shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

· The helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)

· The sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

All this armor seems heavy, doesn’t it? If we had to carry it by ourselves, surely we would fail. The good news is that we aren’t alone.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

–Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)

His strength. His might. His truth. His righteousness. His gospel. His faith. His salvation. His sword.

Get dressed in the Armor of God. Know the basic defensive maneuvers found in His Word (The Holy Bible) then Stand strong!

Let’s Pray: Oh Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that when the enemy comes – and he will come – I don’t have to fight alone, dressed in my own flimsy armor. Give me the desire and the perseverance to get dressed in Your Armor and to train for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kristy Horine is a Kentucky writer, freelance journalist by trade and creative by God’s grace.

She writes a little bit of everything including poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. Her professional and creative work has been published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies in Kentucky and beyond.

Kristy founded 3rd Letter Christian Writers in Lexington, Kentucky in 2015. Read more of her work at www.kristyhorine.com.

Devotionals for the Heart: Prepare for Battle by Wearing the Armor of God

The Full Armor of God
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” ~Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Growing up on military bases I often encountered Marines performing their morning physical training. Sometimes at the end of a session there were trainees who looked defeated. As an adult, I realized they had to train so hard to be fit for battle, on any terrain and on any given day. As members in the army of God, we are given tools and armor to train for the day when evil comes. We are assured that day will come, and the Word commands us to put on the full armor of God to order to stand.

Why must we put on the Helmet of Salvation?

The mind is the enemy's number one battleground. If he can shut us down mentally everything else usually follows suit. Yet, the Lord’s salvation promises us victory over sin and the grave. Let us not forget the awesome covering of His salvation! First from our head, then down to...

The Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate wraps around the body to guard the heart, but there are areas where it can come lose, exposing our hearts. We must careful to check our breastplate by His righteousness, to ensure we are not open to an attack that can pierce the heart. Our breastplate must be check daily that it is in the right position for our protection.

We must gird ourselves in the Belt of Truth.

A belt holds things up and keeps things together. It is also adjustable, which means we can adjust it in the midst of battle. If it is too loose it may slip and fall, or become a distraction, which is not the intention of truth. It must be pulled tight so that it functions properly. Sometimes, when we hold the truth too tight, we must expand it to include more truth to move more freely. Thus, truth stays secure around us to hold us up and help us fight effectively.

Next, we lift up the Shield of Faith.

Our shield extinguishes the enemy’s flaming arrows. Holding it up requires us to move when God tells us to move it. The essence of faith is things we cannot see, and also in what direction they are coming. Our shield is meant to protect us, but we must rely on God’s leading to remain protected. He sees what we cannot see, and we must have faith enough to trust His voice to defend us in darkness, confusion, and the overwhelming moments of the battle.

In our right hand is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word.

This massive sword has the ability to defeat the enemy with one blow. A small, light sword will wound, but it is not effective in one swing. Many complain about the weight of their sword because they are weak in the Word and do not practice carrying it, which renders the only weapon they need ineffective. Practicing with our sword enables us to pierce the darkness and cut down any foe.

To stay grounded in battle, we must stand in the Readiness of Peace.
A warrior standing in peace is not quick to run into battle. Each step is strategic because it is leading to one goal – the establishment of God’s kingdom. Being ready for peace also means laying down the burden of battle when the time is right. In seeking His peace, we find rest so that we will be able to fight again tomorrow.

Lastly, God calls us to Pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests.

This means allowing His spirit to control what we say and praying according to God’s Word. The enemy flees from God’s warriors because of the power of the Holy Spirit within us. By praying for and claiming the fruits of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim to the enemy that we are mighty warriors of God, and this reminds him that he has already been defeated by our Savior and faithful defender! The Prince of Peace. Our Blessed Redeemer. The Lord God Almighty. The one by whom we stand.

God wants us to be ready for battle. The good news is He’s already won the victory! 

Hallelujah!

~*~ 

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