Devotionals for the Heart: When you're too busy to breathe at Christmas

Too Busy to Breathe at Christmas?
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“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)

Christmas is supposed to be the season of joy, peace, and hope.

But if we’re honest, many of us enter December with good intentions only to arrive at Christmas Eve feeling exhausted, frazzled, and secretly counting down the minutes until everything is over.

Between decorating, shopping, family gatherings, church events, end-of-year deadlines, meal planning, and making everything “special", Christmas can become one big swirl of stress. And while we’re running around trying to create the perfect Christmas, our joy quietly slips away.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas season, please hear this: You are not failing. You are simply carrying more than God ever asked you to. Even in the bustle of Bethlehem, God was creating a moment of holy stillness. And He invites you into that same stillness now.

Wondering what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? The key is to put your priorities back at the feet of Jesus Christ. Christmas often turns us into Martha as described in the Bible (Luke 10:38-42). She was busy, distracted, and convinced everything depends on us. But Jesus gently reminds us now as He reminded Martha then that “only one thing is needed.” Mary (Martha’s sister) chose the better portion because she chose to spend time with Jesus first.

When the Christmas holiday calendar starts to run you instead of you running it, pause and realign your priorities. Here’s a way to remember this important life lesson (See the “priority” acronym with descriptions for each letter below):

P – Pray

Ask God to reveal what really matters for this season. Every December is different; your capacity this year may not match last year, and that’s okay.

R – Review

Go back to Scripture. Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about His presence. What does God say should anchor your life right now?

I – Inventory

Look at the activities, responsibilities, and even traditions on your calendar. Which ones bring life? Which ones drain it?

O – Order

Put things in their proper place. Some tasks are essential; others are optional. Let God show you the difference.

R – Resist

Resist the “tyranny of the urgent,” the pressure to say yes just because something is happening.

I – Input

Ask trusted friends or family: “Is this something I really need to do right now?” God often speaks through wise voices.

T – Take Advantage

Use your time intentionally. There are only 24 hours in a day (even during the busy Christmas season). Ask God to show you how to use them with purpose.

Y – Yield

Lay your plans at His feet. Christmas belongs to Him. Your life belongs to Him. Yielding brings peace.

Still not sure of what you can do when you’re too busy to breathe this Christmas? Here are a few more points to help you (see headings in bold below):

Say “No” Without Guilt – Even During the Holidays

Some of the greatest gifts you can give this Christmas are the words: “No, not this time.” Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship. God’s grace teaches us to say no to anything that pulls us away from living with peace, joy, and self-control. That includes unrealistic expectations, overwhelming commitments, and traditions that no longer bless your soul. You don’t need long explanations or apologies. A simple, “I won’t be able to do that this year,” is enough. Remember: If God didn’t assign it, He’s not requiring you to carry it.

Let Go of the Unessential

There truly is a season for everything, but not everything belongs in this season. Maybe this isn’t the year to handmake all the Christmas gifts. Maybe this isn’t the year to host every gathering. Maybe this isn’t the year to try a new recipe, decorate every room, or attend every event. Sometimes Christmas requires the courage to let go. Ask the Lord what can wait until another time. Good things are not always God-timed things. Release what no longer fits the capacity, peace, and purpose God has given you for this moment.

No matter how full your life feels right now, God has not abandoned you to busyness. If you put these principles into practice, you’ll experience more joy, more peace, and more hope than you expected.

Remember this beautiful promise: God will never put more on you than He gives you grace to carry. This Christmas, may you choose the better portion, not the perfect holiday, but the holy One who came to bring you rest, renewal, and life.

Let’s Pray: Lord, help me slow down enough to see You in this season. Show me what to release, what to rearrange, and what to embrace so my heart can rest in You. Restore my joy, renew my peace, and let my Christmas be more about Christ than the chaos. Fill me with hope as I trust in You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need a Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC, which includes Her RICH Life Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats.

She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to do extraordinary things by walking fully in their purpose, calling, and assignment. She knows that each woman has a unique calling that only she can fulfill, and if she doesn’t answer it, that work may never be done. Joyce is deeply aware that there are people waiting for the help only God can give, and He often chooses to work through His people to meet those needs. That’s why Joyce is committed to answering God’s call on her life and inspiring other women to do the same, so together, we can be of greater service to God and one another.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

She makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: We need to stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ

Standing Firm in Faith
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”—Daniel 1:8 (NIV)

Scrolling on social media seems brainless. We don’t think about what we see. But the eyes can’t lie. We love what we see—the perfection of someone’s life.

Social media often showcases luxury, beauty, and success, subconsciously creating a desire for these things. We see people traveling along with beautiful scenery from one country to another. People we follow on social media showcase their accomplishments in many things and sharing their achievements in business, academic, career, etc. It is as if it is an easy achievement. Not to mention, these days, with beautiful camera filters, people look flawless. Beauty treatments seem to be more common everywhere. New beauty products are made available for purchase almost every day. Slowly, we start to compare ourselves and feel dissatisfaction, diverting focus from spiritual growth. We forget our true worth in the eyes of our Creator (God). We need to learn how to see ourselves as He sees us.

Lately, I’ve been studying the Bible story about Daniel. His decision to stand firm in his faith while held captive in Babylon reminded me of how we should stand firm in our faith while scrolling social media. We read in the first chapter of the Bible book of Daniel that Daniel was taken captive in Babylon during the Babylonian exile when King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. The king sought to assimilate these young men into Babylonian culture by educating them in the language and literature of the Babylonians and providing them with royal food and wine.

Despite the pressure to conform, Daniel decided not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. He requested permission to eat only vegetables and drink water for ten days as a test (Daniel 1:12). After ten days, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier than those who ate the king’s food. This spectacular result happened after Daniel and his friends consumed what we know in our modern day as “The Daniel Diet.” God blessed Daniel and his friends with knowledge and understanding. God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams and visions.

Living like Daniel today is difficult—not only with our food and drink choices but standing firm in our faith amidst social media temptations. However, we can take some steps to maintain our faithfulness and not be drawn to the temptation we see.

The first step is to discern what you consume on social media. We should pick and choose what we are exposed to. The right content will help our faith grow. The second step is contentment: We need to find contentment in God’s provision rather than worldly possessions because worldly possessions are temporary. The third step is to focus on God’s plan. Think about your purpose in life, what God has planted, the Godly desire instead of the worldly desires and the fleeting desires promoted online.

Let’s evaluate our social media habits and make conscious choices to prioritize our faith. When we are faithful to God, the reward is beyond our understanding. Just like God was with Daniel, He is with us, providing strength and guidance. Let’s maintain our eternal perspective, valuing spiritual growth over material gain.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a good Father to us. Even though we face difficult choices in life, we believe you are there to give us strength and guidance. Please give us wisdom in choosing the right thing to do. Teach us to be content with what we have now and show us how to focus on eternity instead of the temporary pleasures of this world. Thank You for your love and mercy in our lives. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Magnificent” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Beautiful Savior” by Planetshakers. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: Making lists and making room for Jesus Christ

What Should Go at the Top of My Daily To-Do List
A devotional by Suzanne Felton

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”—Luke 9:23 (ESV)

I love making lists.

My desk and my purse are cluttered with all kinds of to-do lists: household chores to be completed, groceries to be bought, bills to be paid, birthday cards to be mailed, and the like. I always have a pencil and legal pad on hand, and I even have apps on my phone for list-making.

The reason I love lists is the sense of satisfaction that comes from crossing off completed tasks. Every checked box feels like a gold star for a job well done. When the last task is complete, I can throw the list away and bask in the glow of my productivity.

The problem with to-do lists, however, is that there is no real end to them. Sure, I can make a list and check all the boxes, but there are always more tasks waiting. Every time I put away the clean dishes, new dirty ones appear in the sink. The houseplants need to be watered on a regular basis, and the grass keeps growing after it’s been mowed. Kids outgrow clothes and shoes and need new ones every time I turn around, it seems. Bills keep coming every month. Oh, how I wish I could wash, fold, and put away the laundry one time and be done with it forever, but we all know that is not the way it works.

I think sometimes we tend to think of salvation as an item on a to-do list. Once we have professed faith in Jesus Christ, we feel as though we have checked that box and are good to go, once and for all. There is truth in that, but it is not the end of the story. Yes, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” as the Bible says in Romans 10:13 (ESV), and once Jesus saves us, the Bible says, “no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” (John 10:29 ESV). Living out our faith, though, is ongoing work, a choice and an effort we must make daily. Just as we must bathe and dress and eat and drink not just once, but every day, we must decide afresh each day to follow Jesus and put our faith into action.

This idea of daily renewal is woven into scripture from beginning to end, from the Old Testament when God taught the Israelites to depend on Him daily by sending them manna each morning (Exodus 16) to the New Testament when Jesus taught us to pray by asking God to give us our daily bread (Matthew 6:11 and Luke 11:3). Creation itself models this theme in its many cycles like the changing seasons, tides, day and night. Nature is constantly being renewed, too.

In Luke 9:23 (ESV), Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Jesus clearly tells us that following Him is not a one-and-done task, but an ongoing process. Professing faith in Him is not the final question on a test to be turned in and done with; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey with Him. It’s as if Jesus is saying that whatever else is on your daily to-do list, making a new decision to continue that journey should always be item number one.

How can I keep moving forward daily in my walk with Christ? Setting aside time for prayer and Bible reading and looking for practical ways to share His love with the people around me are good items to put on my list. Those priorities can stay the same every day, but the results will be new and greater with practice.

Salvation comes through putting our faith in Jesus Christ, but then we must intentionally put our faith into action on a daily basis. Stopping after the point of salvation would be like buying a new dishwasher but never actually using it to wash the dishes. Walking with Jesus is not a chore, but it does take effort and intentionality for faith to grow and produce fruit.

Will you walk with Jesus today? And follow Him every day of your life?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to make taking new steps with You the highest priority in our lives every day. We love You, Lord. Thanks for being with us every step of the way!

In Jesus’s Name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Will Follow Christ” by Clay Crosse, Bebe Winans & Bob Carlisle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Suzanne Felton has been a writer for most of her life, even before she realized it. 

She has worked in a wide range of settings, from non-profits to science labs to government contracts to educational classrooms, all of which involved writing in one form or another.

Suzanne is amazed by the power of words and now uses her passion and experience to help authors and students as a writing coach. Encouraging others to find the words and the courage to share their stories is one of her greatest joys.

Suzanne’s devotionals have been published in periodicals and blogs including The Upper Room, The Love Offering, Keys 4 Kids, and The Swallow’s Nest. She is also a two-time finalist in the Cascade Christian Writing Contest for poetry.

She is a wife, mother, writer, reader, teacher, deep thinker, and sinner saved by grace. Suzanne and her family reside in Northern Virginia, but Suzanne will always call her native South Carolina home.

Married to her best friend for twenty-five years, Suzanne is active in her church, where she and her husband have served as deacons for over a decade. They enjoy watching sports and visiting national parks with their two teenage sons. Suzanne is also an avid birder, easily and happily distracted by anything with feathers.

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Connect with Suzanne:
Website: https://suzannefelton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_suzanne_felton
Email address: suzannefeltonwriter@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to put God first in your life this new year

Six Ways to Prioritize Loving God in the New Year
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you started feeling that January slump?

As much as I love the idea of a new year—a fresh start, a clean new page in my calendar, and a slate of New Year’s resolutions to motivate me in the gray chill of winter—when Christmas is over, I usually can’t help it. My mood and my spirits naturally dip. I try to throw myself into work or a new exercise regimen, convinced they’ll snap me out of my funk, but that slump is inevitable.

Still, as the words to one of my favorite songs proclaims, I serve a God of both the highlands and the heartache—He’s with me in the highs and the lows, the mountains and the valleys, no matter what. (Take that, seasonal mood swings!)

That’s why this year, instead of making resolutions, I’m keeping things simple and focusing instead on prioritizing my relationship with God above all. That’s because I’ve learned that when my sights are fully centered on Him, everything else naturally shifts into place—my health goals, career goals, everything.

And I invite you to join me in this.

See, so many of us spend our lives fighting God in some way, even though we usually don’t have any idea we’re doing this. We put idols before him, whether that’s money or dreams and wants or loved ones. We refuse to let God be God and instead cling to the idea that we can control our lives.

But I’ve found that when I surrender to the Lord, simply focusing myself on getting in alignment with the plan He already has for me, I don’t have to work so hard. In fact, I don’t even have to know what that plan is—I just need to draw close to Him, and He shows me the way.

Here are six ways we can all draw closer to God in the New Year:

Way #1: Read the Bible
I’m already doing this, and maybe you are, too. I have a rule with myself that I’m not “allowed” to do anything on my phone—check email or texts, go on social media, nada—until I read my Bible chapter. I admit that even now, after about a decade of this, I don’t always understand what I’m reading. I just finished the Book of Ezekiel, and many mornings I closed my reading more confused than comforted. But reading the Bible isn’t about my personal comfort. It’s about me trying to get closer to the Lord, to tuck His words into my soul, to remain obedient and honor Him. Sometimes, people read the Bible once or twice all the way through and consider their task “done”. But daily Bible reading is more than an intellectual exercise. And committing to it is an act of love that helps us draw closer to God.

Way #2: Pray
Some people pray in bed, during their commute, or while they exercise. Some pray micro-prayers throughout their day, while others record prayer in a journal or the margins of their Bible. There’s no perfect way to pray. Last year, I experimented for a long time with the ACTS method of prayer—expressing adoration (A), confessing my shortcomings (C), offering thanksgiving for the blessings God has provided (T), and asking God to provide in my life or the lives of others through prayers of supplication (S). For this year, I’ve just ordered a prayer journal. Spending time with the Lord in prayer—and not just rattling off our wishes and needs but genuinely listening to Him—needs to be an essential part of our day.

Way #3: Spend time in nature
I have a gym membership as well as a treadmill and a weight bench in my home, but my favorite way to exercise is outdoors. That’s because instead of “exercise”, the experience becomes a time to savor creation and bask in worship of the Lord. When we get outside, our problems and worries tend to decrease in view of the vast world around us. Concerns tend to get smaller. Even just sitting on my patio helps put things in perspective. It’s hard not to focus on God when you’re outside.

Way #4: Join a group Bible study
There is something to be said about getting together with other believers to study God’s word. Superficial relationships turn into real friendships. Church more like it’s supposed to—a congregation of God’s people united with the common goal of discipleship. Christianity is harder when we go it alone. We can get lonely, and we all know the wolf (devil) has an easier time snagging the stray sheep than dealing with the whole flock.

Way #5: Take a faith risk
Is there something you feel God nudging you to do—big or small—that requires a measure of sacrifice, risk, or surrender? Why not see if that nudge is actually a call from God? Take a faith risk in some way. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) reminds us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Countless stories in the Bible remind us that God often urged His people to do things that were wildly uncomfortable. A few examples in the Bible of this challenge are in the stories of Noah, Abraham, Mary and Jesus Christ’s disciples. When they accepted God’s challenge, they received blessings beyond measure, and most importantly a deepened relationship with the Lord.

Way #6: Do what God asks
Obeying God is important. He outlines what He expects of us in scripture. Most important are loving Him with all our heart, mind and soul and loving our neighbor as ourself (Matthew 22:36-40). But other ways to love, honor, and obey God are peppered throughout the Bible. As 1 John 2:3-6 tells us, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

Be encouraged to know that everything else will fall into place when we make the effort to prioritize God over all.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s time. Help me push aside all the frivolous concerns and petty priorities that clamor for my attention and instead focus on You, trusting that You will bring clarity and understanding about how I should live this year. Help me remember that You are in control, not me. I love you, and I surrender to you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: "First" by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Lord Over All" by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: "First Things First" by Consumed By Fire. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning journalist, author, blogger, editor, writing coach, and devotional writer with thousands of articles to her name. 

Since 2010, she has served as the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism, which has won 123 journalism awards during her tenure. Her latest book is Preparing Our Hearts: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas.

Jessica has won more than 100 writing awards. She is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies.

She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Brodie holds a Master of Arts in English, and she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in communications/print journalism from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, Brodie now lives in Lexington, South Carolina, just outside Columbia. She has also lived in Ohio and in the mountains of western North Carolina. She and her husband, Matt Brodie, have a blended family of four teenage children and stepchildren.

Brodie has written several novels and is actively seeking publication through her agent Bob Hostetler of The Steve Laube Agency. Her novel The Memory Garden won the 2018 Genesis contest for Contemporary Fiction from American Christian Fiction Writers, and her novel Tangled Roots won a third place Foundation Award in Contemporary Romance at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2019. She is finishing the third in the series, Hidden Seeds, now.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicajbrodie/
Twitter: https://x.com/JessicaJBrodie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jessicajbrodie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajbrodie/
Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jessica-brodie
Download her free e-book:
https://www.jessicabrodie.com/ebook-god-centered

Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should always put God first in your life

 

First Things First
A devotional by Hannah Benson

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

We all desire good things in this life. A dream job, a spouse, for blessings to abound, a scholarship, or to get into a specific college. I bet you can think of any number of things to fill in the blank here. Those are not necessarily bad things. In fact, they can be great! But the danger comes when we place anything, including something good, above God.

I know that I can worry about a lot of things. Apprehension about the future or things not going according to my plan are big ones for me. God knew that we as human beings would be tempted to worry. That is probably why Jesus addresses worry in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-26 (ESV). He said, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

In other words, if God takes care of the birds of the air, how much more will God take care of us?

We don’t need to worry about tomorrow, about if we’ll get the scholarship, if things will follow our carefully formulated plan of XYZ, and so on, because all that already matters to God. He knows the desires of our hearts, and He knows what’s best for us.

If we seek God and His kingdom first, then “all these things will be added to you.” Now, that doesn’t mean that by seeking God first we’ll get our dream job or that things will work out the way we want. But I do believe that it means if we seek the kingdom of God first, then all fulfillment and happiness we thought [fill in the blank] would bring us will pale in comparison to the true joy we find in seeking God. Nothing will ever satisfy us like God can.

Nothing else could ever bring us true joy.

If we seek God and His kingdom first, then suddenly, everything else including our rigid plans don’t matter as much. We know God will provide, and we can rest knowing that He knows our heart’s desires. He will take care of us in a way that no one or nothing else can.

When we seek God first, He will fulfill us in a way that no one else or nothing else is able to.

Let’s Pray:
Dear Father God, I’m sorry for placing other things before You in my life. I’m sorry for allowing myself to get distracted and not seeking You first. Please give me a hunger for You, more than anything else. No matter how hard it is, help me to keep You first in my life. I believe that You alone will satisfy me. Thank You for Your love and mercies that are new every morning! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Hannah Benson is a Jesus-follower who’s passionate about sharing the love of Christ with others.

From the time she could hold a pen, she was writing. But it wasn’t until she was sixteen that she began to seriously follow God’s calling to write a novel. Hannah is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has at least four novels in the works. For the past five years, she has been involved with her local Biblical theater company. She wants to show others the love of Jesus through the creative arts.

When she’s not acting or working on her upcoming novel, you can find Hannah laughing with her siblings, cuddling her little fluffy dog, or reading books (usually historical fiction or fantasy stories). You can read more of Hannah’s writings on her blog or on her Instagram where she strives to write content that leaves others feeling encouraged.

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Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlynnauthor/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hannah-Lynn-Writer/100073790792576/
Blog: www.loveunconditional.blog

Devotionals for the Heart: A lesson on how to love everyone and yourself

Love Yourself, Too
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

I first saw the words on a T-shirt 12 years ago: “Three priorities in life: Number one, God. Number two, others. Number three, self.”

I was new on the job as editor of a Christian newspaper, the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the job I’m still blessed to hold today, and after an entire career spent in the secular journalism and marketing industry, I welcomed this priority list. To me, it encapsulated exactly where my heart and mind needed to be. I was done putting myself first in a culture that seems hardwired to drive us to do just that. God must always come first, and after that, I needed to be concerned with the well-being, care, and love for other people.

Self came last.

But I might have taken those words a little too literally—so literally that self-care not only took the back burner but went off the stove entirely.

That phase, the start of my job at the Advocate, soon also kicked off one of the hardest periods in my life. My marriage unraveled, and soon I became a single mom of two very young kids. I was existing on four hours of sleep a night, lost so much weight my size-small pants were swimming on me, and soon became plagued both by migraines and by horrible stomach pain that started around noon and didn’t stop until nearly midnight every single day. It was a miserable time.

Eventually, life evened out and became steadier. I remarried and was no longer a single mom, and I began getting more sleep. My stomachaches finally subsided, and my migraines dwindled. I began spending regular time in God’s Word (The Holy Bible), learning to sit and simply be still, basking in God’s presence. My finances got under control.

And I finally learned that thing that had eluded me my entire life: I started to actually like myself. To enjoy time with myself. I appreciated who God had designed, flaws and all, and owned my quirks and talents. I strived to be the woman God wanted me to be, and it was liberating.

While I still value that priority list—God first, others second, self last—I’ve come to understand that perhaps the self isn’t actually meant to be last at all. God didn’t actually say put ourselves last. In fact, Jesus’s exact words from the Sermon on the Mount were, “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12 NIV). He also said the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:39).

He didn’t say love your neighbor more than yourself, he said love your neighbor as yourself. Care for your neighbor as though you were caring for yourself.

In order to do that well, I think we need to love ourselves too. It shouldn’t be neighbor over self, or self over neighbor—it’s equal. We are all together in this. When I feed my neighbor, I should be feeding myself, and vice versa. When I extended a kind word to my neighbor, I should be extending that same kind word back to myself. When I love on those in my inner circle, those who feel like an extension of myself, such as my spouse or kids, I should be loving my neighbor in the same way.

Sometimes we get our priorities skewed, but God should always come first. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that Jesus commanded us to love others as well as ourselves. Think on that. Pray on that. What does this mean to you?

If you are struggling with self-care, feeling exhausted, feeling burned out or depressed or down on yourself, ravaged with guilt or beating yourself up, remember to extend yourself the same kindness, love, appreciation, and forgiveness you do others. You’re part of the equation, too.

Let’s Pray: Lord God, thank You for the blessing of life. Thank You for the people around me. Help me to love myself and love others in a way that honors and glorifies You, pointing to You always. In Your holy and precious name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden. 

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

Jessica has a weekly YouTube devotional and podcast. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Loving God

On Loving God—Not Money, People, Or Things
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

Have you ever been so caught up in something—a new romance, your brand-new baby, that gorgeous sports car or perfect job you just know will change your life—that everything else fades into the background?

I’ve been there.

The summer I was 17, all I could talk or think about was my then-boyfriend. No one else mattered. I woke up wanting to spend the day with him, and he was my last thought at night when I fell asleep. I’d practice writing my name paired with his and imagined the kids we’d have one day when we were grown up and settled down. I’m sure my family was overjoyed when we finally broke up and my obsession waned.

My idolatry wasn’t just a thing of my youth. When I graduated from college, I obsessed over the job I wanted, stopping at nothing until I got it—certain it was the answer to all my wants and needs. I’d go in early and stay late, think about it all the time.

Fast forward another eight or so years when my son was born, and it was the same thing. After a couple of years struggling with infertility, my answered prayer had finally arrived. My sweet son became the sun around which everything else in my life revolved.

Today, I like to think I’ve tamped down my obsessive inclinations (though I can get a little tunnel-visioned from time to time!). I’ve realized a life well lived, one filled with joy and peace and true happiness, is one of balance and harmony, where I put God first, others second, and myself last. I’ve also realized my tendency to obsess over new things and wants is not only rooted in fear and out of a desire for security, but also a form of something far worse: idolatry.

If “idolatry” sounds extreme, sadly, it isn’t. See, God calls us to love Him with the entirety of our heart, soul, and mind as His greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). He also put that first on the Ten Commandments He gave His people Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 20:3).

In his letter to the early church in Corinth, the apostle Paul urges us to “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14), for it is the path to destruction. Echoing Jesus’s warning that we cannot serve two masters, Paul elaborates, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21).

That means not putting world morals, people, or desires above or on the same level as God. It means staying as far away from these things or ideals as possible so we are not tempted to fall into their trap.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shows us exactly what to do when we are tempted by things other than God: Counter it with Scripture and personal resistance.

In the wilderness after His baptism, Jesus was tempted multiple times by the devil.

At one point, the evil one brought him to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, telling Jesus, “I’ll give you all these if you bow down and worship me.”

“Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:10 NIV).

Remember: Only God can come first. Only God can provide what we need.

Nothing—truly, nothing—else matters.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden.

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a weekly YouTube devotional, too. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: Offering God the best of you, not the rest of you

Distracted
A devotional by Malinda Fugate

Key Scripture:

1 Samuel 16:7b, James 4:8, Deuteronomy 4:29, Matthew 6:33,
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

I sit overlooking a cliffside ocean view, constantly distracted. I have one goal: to hear from God and write this post. Yet, what I hear isn’t God. It’s my own discomfort in the heat of the sun. I attempt to lower my mask when there are no other people, but even this far end of the trail is regularly visited by casual hikers. So, the mask remains in place as I try to focus on the Lord instead of the sweat that’s beginning to form. 

The Ocean Cliff in California (Photo Credit: Malinda Fugate)

His beautiful creation is admirable, but I am more mindful of my dog, who has parked herself in the shade under my bench. I regret not carrying water for her – I underestimated the sun’s rays. With the sound of every approaching footstep, I look ahead for other dogs in an effort to restrain her barks. My attention is divided, neglecting what was supposed to be the Lord’s time.

Giving up, I return to my car and give water to my panting pup. Parked in the shade with windows down, I think for sure I can spend some time with the Lord before my afternoon appointment. I pull up my Bible app to be inspired by the verse of the day. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b). 

This reminder from the story of David’s anointing caused me to examine my own heart. Surely, God knew my intention is to be with Him and share His message with dear readers. Other Scriptures came to mind: “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8) and “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). Was I double-minded in my scatterbrained distraction? Was I seeking Him with my entire heart and soul?

I was trying to fit God into my established schedule. Making time between car repair and errands, I genuinely attempted to balance everything and make it all work. Deadlines urged me to put inspiration into a desired word count that’s easily and quickly readable. But God can’t be confined to mere paragraphs. Almighty God isn’t another piece of the schedule puzzle. He looks at our hearts, and if my heart is divided among a task list, it’s not all His.

Of course, I’m not called to a life of total study and prayer (though those who are called that way are incredibly blessed), but I’m designed for a life of holy priorities. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God knows the necessary elements of my day, and He will provide for them. But He must remain the centerpiece, the cornerstone, the heart of my whole life.

Tomorrow is a fresh start. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is [his] faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV). 

I will continue to call out to Him and allow Him to construct my day. The Lord who cares for sparrows knows the details that need attention and responsibilities clamoring for my time and energy.

When I offer Him the best of me, I can trust He’ll care for the rest of me.

~*~
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: Gratitude

Being Rich Toward God
A devotional by Voni Harris

“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” – Luke 12:23 (NIV)

The Parable of the Rich Man in Luke 12 is the story of the man so wealthy that he basically says, “I’ve got lots. I’ll build bigger storage sheds for all my wheat, and then eat, drink, and be merry.” God calls him a fool, for he is about to die that night.

Jesus Christ outright says this foolish Rich Man – and those of us like him – was being rich toward himself, not rich toward God (verse 21). In my opinion, being rich toward God means having your eyes on HIM and on HIS purpose for your life and the things HE has given you, which is why authentic gratitude is the key. The lack of Rich Man's gratitude is what hit me with this parable, and what I'm trying to communicate in this devotional. The Rich Man didn't thank God for his abundant harvest. He used it for his own benefit.

Wait, what? What does that even mean? The guy’s just trying to make plans for his huge wheat harvest. Duh, right? Wouldn’t you?

But think about this wealthy man in this parable. He had his eyes, not on God, not even on others, but on himself. His eyes were not even off himself enough to say “Thank you.” He didn’t make plans to build his business, hire more people. He didn’t care to make himself the John D. Rockefeller of the harvest. He was glad to relax and party off his profits. It reminds me of some of the modern-day wealthy kids who are no more than famous for being famous. The Rich Man didn’t care to build power and reputation for himself off his profit. Not even that, but no forging of a legacy, no impacting the world for good. Just eating, drinking, making merry.

He also didn’t look to make a donation to Wheat for the Homeless, if such an organization existed back in the time when Jesus told this story. The man didn’t dare share a little with his struggling cousin (if he had one). He didn’t think about ways to pass on his wealth to future generations. The storehouses that he wanted to build were his way of keeping what was his. Of course it was his. Rightfully so. However, his eyes were on himself and how all this wheat was going to allow him to be merry. He apparently couldn’t see the needs in the world around him.

Whatever you think of the Rockefellers won’t take away from the fact that they did good things for their country by creating railways that made a strong future for America. They created a strong, charitable foundation. But to the wealthy man in the parable, the purpose of the rich man’s harvest was him. He makes me think of someone with a stunning voice who sings only in the shower … if no one else is at home to hear and be blessed by their song.

It was Rich Man’s choice not to think of those around him, or to build a future of wealth for himself. It certainly was his choice to do whatever he wanted with his harvest. But his choice to build storehouses is what struck me hardest. He was not afflicted with simple, basic gratitude. There was not even a “thank you,” as he made his plans to keep it all for himself.

He didn't thank God for his abundant harvest. He used it for his own benefit.

Real gratitude is more than saying, “Thank you,” or writing a sweet “thank you” note. It goes far beyond that. It takes our eyes off ourselves and puts them on the Giver (God). That’s when we think about the future beyond ourselves, see the needs around us. That’s when we begin to care.

Rich Man did not, but do you have authentic gratitude?

His storehouses were so overflowing that they could easily have flowed to those around him, from donations to community building or in a will.

Are your eyes on yourself, hands clenched around what is yours? Or, does gratitude toward the Giver overflow your heart to those around you in need of Jesus, whatever God’s purpose? Are you living your life for God out of gratitude? Or for yourself?

In other words, as Jesus says in this parable, are you storing up for yourself, or are you being rich toward God? It’s food for thought, friends. Food for thought!

~*~
Author Bio:

Voni Harris writes from her family’s home on the rain forest island of Kodiak, Alaska.

A legal-eagle husband, a breathtaking daughter, an adventurous grandson, and two enthusiastic dogs all conspire to keep her from spending too much time at the computer.

She holds a Radio-TV degree from Drake University, and her short story “The Wedding” was published in Heart-Stirring Stories of Romance. 

Voni's novel Nothing Hidden won the 2013 ACFW’s First Impressions contest and the 2015 Daphne DuMaurier unpublished inspy suspense category. It was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis finalist.