Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always make room for God

The Extra in Ordinary
A devotional by Anne Madison

“Let all that you do be done with love.”

—1 Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV)

The day began just like any other ordinary day.

I woke to the sunlight’s gentle glow casting daylight into the bedroom. The puppy that had snuggled close to me stirred when she noticed I was awake. She rolled on her back, begging for belly scratches. I accommodated her request, my fingers moving gently over her soft, pink belly. Then it began.

My mind drifted and soon shouted out thoughts in rapid fire. “Answer emails! Wash laundry! Pack for the weekend! Remember to add ketchup to the grocery list! Water the plants! Put the clothes in the dryer! Do the dishes! Feed the dog!”

Dog! My thoughts stopped as quickly as they started. Mindlessly, I was still scratching her belly. She was unaware of the trip I had just taken. Me, on the other hand? Even though I was rubbing her belly, my mind was miles away, lost in a list of chores and tasks that needed to be done before the end of the day. I was now on high alert and ready to conquer the to-do list my master-get-it-done brain had just rifled off. Begrudgingly, I rolled out of bed feeling as if I had already run a marathon.

After feeding the dog (who was incredibly happy to be fed), and before getting caught up in the whirlwind of chores and tasks, I decided to calm my racing brain, reset my now derailed nerves, and go back to a gentle start to the morning.

Sitting down with a cup of tea, my journal, and a favorite pen of the day, I allowed myself to breathe and be present in a space that allowed reflection, prayer, and journaling. All things that my hurried heart was craving. Things that grounded me. Things that slowed my roll and reigned in my racing thoughts. Things that feed my soul. Ordinary things.

Ordinary. Curious word. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “not unusual or different in any way”. That is what I am yearning for in life: ordinary days filled with ordinary things. No drama. Only ordinary, everyday things. Life has been speeding by in a chaotic blur for way too long now.

As I was contemplating the ordinary, something awakened in my spirit. Life is lived in the ordinary. Every day ending in ‘y’ has ordinary in it. What I make the ordinary mean makes a difference in how I show up.

I recalled a time I was washing dishes at the kitchen sink. Our family was home together for a rare holiday visit. We shared a home-cooked meal with food that took hours to plan and create. Dirty dishes were stacked on top of each other on the countertop like cordwood. Numerous utensils were strewn haphazardly anywhere they landed in the disjointed gathering. The mound of soiled dishes grew mountainous as pots, pans, and serving bowls joined the stash. It seemed as if every dish in the cupboard had been called into service for the making of this one meal! Our time together went by way too quickly.

The kids left as fast as they came, and the house was quiet once again. Cleaning the kitchen was going to take infinitely more energy than I had remaining. I ended up managing the entire pile of dishes on my own. Washing the seemingly endless number of utensils, this tired mama began to grumble. Not grumble aloud, mind you, but the Lord heard me just the same. His loving voice challenged my thoughts. “Daughter. Was your family gathered here today around your table? Did you have food to eat? A warm, comfortable home in which to gather? Did their presence bring you joy?” I paused, holding the soapy dishrag in my hand. “Well, of course.” That was my whispered, humbled reply. His response? “Then why do you grumble and complain?” Mic drop.

The room became still. I realized trash-thinking and grumbling crowded out all the blessings I had been given. At that very moment, I made a powerful decision to complete this very ordinary task in an extra ordinary way. I prayed for each one of my kids, their spouses, and my grandkids. I thanked God for the blessings of a warm home, food, a table at which to gather, and yes, for each dish that I washed. At that moment, extra met ordinary. From that time to this very day, the ordinary task of washing dishes is my time of prayer and worship. It extends to other chores, too.

The picking up of dirty laundry that sits next to the open clothes hamper; the folding of fitted sheets; the washing of laundry; the shopping and putting away of groceries; the dusting of the furniture; the vacuuming of the ever-growing dust bunnies off the floor. Each task is ordinary. Yet when done with a thankful heart, each becomes an extraordinary act of service to those we love.

I know another woman who grumbled about having to do it all alone. Martha: Her story in Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV) is much like mine.

“Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Martha’s grumbling thoughts caused her to protest to Jesus about her sister’s lack of consideration in leaving her to do all the preparation for their guests. Jesus’ response, however, invited her to refocus on a higher priority.

I wonder how Martha responded to Jesus’ words. Did she walk away abruptly, her heart still filled with frustration? Did she cast a resentful glance at her sister as she left the room, already intending to have a chat with Mary about how unfair it was to be left with all the work? Or did Jesus’ gentle correction cause her to pause, reflect, and reconsider what truly mattered at that moment?

The same choice is ours today, and what we choose matters. Time spent at the feet of Jesus changes us. It quiets our anxious thoughts and changes our grumbling hearts. What if all we do is done in love as if serving the Lord himself? What if, before rushing headlong into the busyness of the day, we first choose to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to His voice, and resting in His presence? Perhaps the most extraordinary way to accomplish an ordinary task is to begin by spending time with the One who gives our lives and each task its purpose.

Let's Pray:
Lord, thank You for Your love for Martha. Her story is much like mine—worrying and troubled about many things, busy with tasks and responsibilities, while missing the better part. You lovingly redirected her heart. You challenged her priorities and invited her to place You first. Forgive me for the times I allow the demands of life to crowd out my time with You. Help me to recognize what matters most and to choose the better part that can never be taken away. Teach me to sit at Your feet, listen to Your voice, and rest in Your presence. May my service flow from a heart that is devoted to You rather than driven by obligation and frustration. Thank You for Your gentle correction, unfailing grace, and Your constant invitation to draw near to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” [Live] by The Oak Ridge Boys ft. Bill & Gloria Gaither. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” by CityAlight. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say” by Dave Moor and Lauren Moore. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “I Am Not My Own” by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Skye Peterson. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “Available to You” by Melinda Watts (feat. J Moss). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #6:  “Make Room” by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #7:  “Open The Eyes of My Heart” by Jordan G. Welch. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #8:  “First” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

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Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com  

Devotionals for the Heart: The great love our Creator (God) has for us

How Do You Spell Love?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

—1 John 4:16b (NIV)

Spelling is either your thing or not. If spelling bees were part of your growing up years, you understand that statement because you were either able to advance with your spelling acumen, or you were sent retreating in the first couple of rounds.

There are times when we need things to be spelled out for us because we don’t understand. This can happen when a challenge presents itself in a relationship, on the job, or something else. Our minds try to catch the drift, so to speak, but it eludes us. It is at this juncture where a friend will spell out what we missed. This is much like our understanding of God’s love, or rather our lack of understanding or a misunderstanding we harbor in our heart. How can we get it straight? How can we know this love God has for us?

In Scripture, all throughout its pages, God unfolds His multifaceted love for us. In the Old Testament, He points us to Jesus Christ (His Son) by demonstrating that the Law was not enough to wipe away our sins. It only covered our sins but did not blot them out. In the New Testament Jesus spells out God’s love for us: the giving of His Son as the sacrificial Lamb required for the forgiveness of sins (John 3:16).

Jesus is the ultimate definition of the love of God. He is God’s only Son, whom God loves very much. Jesus is the embodiment of love. It is hard to fathom. It is hard to comprehend how such a holy God can love a sinner like me, like us. Yet, He does in a myriad of ways.

As aforementioned, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us as a demonstration of His love (Romans 5:8), but He shows us His love in other ways too. These ways include, but are not limited to, a beautiful sunset just when you needed that beauty or the hug of a friend or grandchild comforting your heart when you felt alone, and the kind words of a stranger after other words from someone else had stung.

All throughout the Bible we can bask in God’s love. We can be reminded nothing can separate us from Christ’s love and God’s love, just as the Bible says in Romans 8:35 and Romans 8:38-39. The Apostle Paul told us twice in just a few verses the hold God and Christ’s love have on us. Nothing, absolutely nothing can come between us and the love of God. The enemy may try by throwing obstacle after obstacle in our way, on our way, at us, behind us, before us. But to no avail. God’s love conquers all.

What is keeping us from understanding this great love God has for us? What’s preventing us from seeing His love, from feeling and embracing this love? Maybe our definition of love needs to be redefined or spelled out for us. Read all of 1 Corinthians 13 to learn how God defines love. The Apostle Paul, who wrote this passage in the Bible, did a beautiful job of defining love from God’s perspective. While reading these verses, try inserting Jesus in place of the word love. You will not be the same when you see how much God loves you.

Another way to spell love is T-I-M-E. Think of the people you spend time with and you will quickly understand how this can be true. We do not intentionally spend our precious time with people who we do not love. We give our time to the people who we want to hang out with on a regular basis. Time is a piece of ourselves we can never get back. Our time spent talking with our loved ones will not be given back to us, but it will go a long way in fostering that relationship.

This is similar to how we can foster our relationship with Jesus. Do we spend time with Him? Not just a minute here or there, or an hour when we’re in church on the weekend, or out of obligation, but real time from our everyday life. Do we spend time with God from the moment we wake up and continue the conversation to the moment we lay our heads down to rest?

What does this realistically look like? Praying in a physical prayer closet or having our noses in the Bible all day long may not be feasible, nor necessarily advisable. We still need to go to work so we can pay our bills, feed our pets, do the laundry and take care of our loved ones. Yet, giving God our time is as individual as each one of us. Reading and studying the Bible is a good way to spend time with God—not just for a minute but taking adequate time to soak it in as we meditate on the words on the page. Prayer to God can be short throughout the day. We can have tiny conversations with Him that have no ending nor beginning but picked up where it was left off last. Time is a sacrifice. It is the giving of ourselves in that moment to one person. It is single-focused, purposeful and shared.

Isn’t this what God does for us? He is faithful and never leaves us. God never changes. He seeks us, pursues us and lavishes His love on us. He embraces us when He finds us, He comforts us when we hurt, and He holds us when we bury our head into His shoulder. Let’s receive this love from God. Let us give this love to God and to others. Because love never fails.

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank You for Your love and Your definition of love—Jesus. Forgive me for pushing You away and not accepting this love or making it to be something it was never intended to be. Your love is beautiful and deserves its proper place in my life and in my heart. Thank You for loving me. I give my love to You, fully. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Selah. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: 7 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas

How to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas Season
A devotional by Jamie De Silvia

“The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14 (CEB)

Decorating your house and home, shopping for loved ones, wrapping gifts, baking delicious desserts, and engaging in traditional holiday events can increase our Christmas joy—but they can also steal it! 

The holiday season often feels overwhelming and stressful. It’s easy to get distracted and forget what matters most. But we have hope! It is possible to have a joyful holiday season without experiencing too much stress.

Here are some ways to keep Jesus Christ at the center this Christmas season:

#1: Add an advent devotional to your daily routine. Begin at any time in December and continue into January if needed. We need daily encouragement that realigns our focus. Amazon has a great selection, with advent devotionals under $10. There are also free online devotionals from Lifeway, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and more!

#2: Fast from your phone during the first hour of the day. It's easy to jump on our phones first thing in the morning and start checking texts and emails, online shopping, or scrolling mindlessly. I've committed to keeping the first part of my day phone-free in December to spend time in Christ’s presence and experience His joy and peace.8

#3: Meditate on Christ’s birth by imagining yourself in the stable with Him. Perhaps God gave you an imagination for this very purpose. Consider picturing yourself with the baby Jesus, letting the Holy Spirit guide the interaction. Years ago, the Lord spoke to me through a nativity vision in my mind’s eye. I wrote about it on my blog in 2013 and the Lord urged me last year to record it as a guided meditation. I think it will bless you! Listen to my 15-minute message by looking up this episode “A Moment with Baby Jesus” on my official podcast (https://jamiedesilvia.com/podcast/).

#4: Release the desire or pressure to make everything perfect for the people in your life. Do you struggle with making others happy to the detriment of your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being? Me too. Beware of doing things simply because they are expected. How many traditions are we keeping that won’t be missed if we let them go? Stick with the ones that matter. How concerned are we with perfection? We want the house to look perfect, the gifts to be perfect, and the event to unfold perfectly. What if you are wearing yourself out unnecessarily? Beloved, you are not responsible for the happiness of others this Christmas.

#5: Meditate on the lyrics of your favorite Christmas carols. Some of our favorite carols are rich with words we can use in prayer or for journaling. If you’re unsure where to start, search the internet for the lyrics of “Silent Night”, “Come Let Us Adore Him”, or “O Holy Night”, and write them down in your journal. Consider personalizing some lyrics or writing additional lines to express your worship! If you find a phrase that really speaks to you, write it on a sticky note or 3x5 card to keep it in sight throughout the day.

#6: Watch a nativity movie with family or friends. What a wonderful way to reflect on Christ’s birth. It’s perfect for all ages and readily available via streaming services. After the movie, have an informal discussion to hear what stood out to each person. What spoke to you? Did you learn anything new? Talk about which character you related to the most. Discuss what you are most grateful for.

#7: Explore this prayer or journaling prompt: “Jesus, what can I give You this Christmas?” What a valid question to ask ourselves this holiday season! He gave us the gift of Himself (John 3:16). Why not consider giving Him something in return? I hesitate to give examples because I want you to leave room for the simple request, the off-the-wall surprise, or the painfully hard thing He might ask of you. I don’t know what Jesus wants from you this Christmas, but I do know this—you will experience more peace and joy when you offer it to Him.

Are you ready to adjust your holiday trajectory? You and I have gotten in the habit of rushing and stressing, but it’s not too late to slow down and intentionally set Him at the center of the Christmas season.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s Your season. Turn my eyes toward You and the wonder of Your birth. Show me where You want me to conserve energy and resources. Open my eyes to see what expectations or unfruitful traditions You are calling me to let go of this year. Show me where I need to shift my energy into worship, rest, and connecting with others. I want to experience Your joy and peace. I want to walk in freedom this Christmas. I release the happiness of others to You, Lord. Guide my steps as I move through the rest of this season. Increase my awareness of Your presence so I can sense You walking with me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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

~*~
Author Bio:

Jamie De Silvia is an author and teacher from Southern California with a passion for helping women connect with the heart of God. 

She has hosted two seasons of the “Pressing In” podcast and authored two devotional books: Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd (a 30-day devotional journey through Psalm 23) and You Shall Be Praised (a 40-day devotional offering a fresh perspective on Proverbs 31).

Jamie offers encouragement on Instagram and Facebook to help you draw closer to Jesus. She is married with two adult daughters and a teenage son. Jamie enjoys oil painting, playing games with her family, and savoring a good chai latte.

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Connect with Jamie:
Website: https://jamiedesilvia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedesilvia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedesilviaauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiedesilvia
Email: jamie@jamiedesilvia.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God wants more time with you

More of You
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3 (NIV)

As I was walking to my car after church one afternoon, I heard a voice calling my name in the distance. I stopped, turned around and noticed a friend of mine waving wildly, while she was running toward me. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

I had not seen this friend in over a year. She had moved far away, and I had no idea that she would be in church that day. I was so happy to see her!

As soon as she was within arm’s reach, we embraced. We were once so close. We used to talk all the time. When she moved away, life happened, and then we lost contact for a while. We did not talk as often, and we allowed our life circumstances to occupy our time. As we talked in the middle of the parking lot, we made up for lost time. We spent over an hour catching up, laughing, and being really open about the things that had transpired in our separate lives over the past year. Before we said goodbye that afternoon, she looked at me and revealed to me how much she missed me as a friend. She told me that she needed more of me.

I often wonder if God feels the same way about me. There are times when I am so open with Him. I wake up early in the morning to meet Him in my quiet place. I spend long periods of time in His presence. Whether I am writing in my prayer journal, speaking out loud to Him, listening to a song and worshipping Him, or just sitting in silence; the feeling of being so close to Him is indescribable. I feel at peace in the moment, and the calmness follows me as I begin my day. There is a strange sense of confidence and assurance that whatever comes my way, I know that I will be able to handle it because God is with me.

Then there are the times when I wake up late, and I rush off, going about my day with merely uttering a few words to God. Or the times when my 3-year-old son has difficulty sleeping through the night and finds himself in my room, which throws off my morning. There are also instances when I try to sit in silence to commune with God, but my mind will not allow it.

Random thoughts race through my brain, clogging it with things that should never take precedence over my devotion time with God. These are the times when I can almost hear God telling me how much He misses me. Our time together is invaluable. I need that time with Him in order to survive, and I feel the difference in my life when that time is not consistently spent in His presence.

God doesn’t just want more of us; He wants us to want more of Him. Let’s make the commitment to consistently seek His face, every day of our lives.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for pursuing us and wanting to give us what we need – You. Help us to have that longing in our hearts to want You and to know You. May we take the necessary steps to deepen our relationship with You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Angela’s devotional message today reminds me of this song “More of You” by Colton Dixon. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. 

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Plan

But God…
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your Name, for You have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” –Isaiah 25:1 (ESV)

As the great ball of lights in Times Square (New York) falls tomorrow night, we look forward to another new year in 2021. But first, let’s take a quick look at the old year.

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were often reminded of stories of their patriarchs, and how God led them through all sorts of trials in the days gone by. It’s a good place for us to start today.

Here we are, standing on the threshold of another year—a new year that many of us are glad to see approaching. This year (2020) started with such excitement. For me, it was the year of perfect vision with many expectations of going here, doing this or that, but suddenly our world came to the proverbial screeching halt in March. We held on grimly for a few months as we hoped that an end was in sight, and then our hopes dimmed.

But God!

The Lord knows all the plans He has for us, and as hard as it is to imagine, He planned 2020 intentionally. We saw fear and disease, but God saw faith and compassion. We knew loneliness and isolation, but God drew us close to His loving heart. We grieved the deaths of our loved ones, but God gave us hope that we will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven.

We say we to “trust God” and that means we must trust His plans, too. So, in this year of working from home, interfacing with others electronically, cancelling vacations, limiting face-to-face encounters, ordering everything online, and wasting precious time worrying about where we might find toilet paper, did we ever stop to look for God’s “faithful and sure” plan?

Some of us did just that. A friend of mine who has young students shared her gratefulness for the extra time her family is enjoying. They are living more of life together. Between lessons, chores, long walks, and hilarious science experiments in the backyard, she and her family bask in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savor every moment with each other.

Allow me time to share a few more stories about how God planned this year for us:

Another friend of mine celebrated her 95th birthday in July. Although she was looking forward to a quiet dinner with her family, instead she was coaxed outside just before they sat down to eat. There she saw a long cavalcade of cars stretching for three blocks. Her well-wishers waited for the signal to begin, and then horns honked, happy birthday wishes were sung, and her admirers spent a few brief moments with our much-loved queen of the neighborhood. For an hour, her friends gladdened her heart, but it meant so much more than a momentary drive-by could ever accomplish. Six months later, we still share our memories of that wonderful day, and our eyes glow with delight as we speak of the unexpected blessing it was to all of us.

A nephew’s employer was devastated by a hurricane, but he managed to keep his business running, even at a loss for a time, and kept many of his employees working.

One of our sons lost his job but was hired shortly after by a company that weathered the storm and has stayed open for business.

Quarantine has a different meaning for many of us now, and so when our other son was sent home at the same time as his children, they worked hard all day on lessons and business assignments, and then used our son’s ordinary commute time to play baseball. When his wife arrived home from her job, all of them were blessed by a few extra moments of rest and relaxation.

But God!

His plans are sometimes difficult to understand, but at the end of this year of perfect vision, a few vital truths stand out: God has given us memorable moments with our friends and families. He has engaged our hearts in prayer for those who have lost jobs, businesses, and health. He has encouraged us to reach for our Bibles as we try to comfort those who are hurting. He opened our hearts to worship as we drew closer to Him. And as we explored the possibilities of this new and different life, He taught us to gaze at the stars, at the sunrises and sunsets, and into the faces of those we love, so that we would worship the One Who made them all.

Let’s Pray: Thank You, precious Father, our Lord God Almighty, for this year 2020. Thank You for the perfect vision You had for this year, this world, and for each one of us. We ask that You show us how we have grown this year, how we have stumbled through our lessons and need to repent, how to find the courage to turn another page of a calendar in order to begin a fresh new year, and how to follow You wherever You choose to lead us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

During this time of quarantine, Karen enjoys reading, writing, and connecting with friends and family via phone calls, texts, emails, blogs, live-streams, and video conferencing.

She is grateful that the Lord has provided so many ways for humankind to stay in community, even when we are all hunkering down in our homes.

Karen says, “In this unprecedented time, we know that He has prepared us for such a time as this! To God be all the glory!”

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Seek

Seek His Face, Not His Hand
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

– Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)

You may have heard or know the popular scripture “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV). It’s a promise from God to the exiled people of Judah. This verse is often quoted to high school graduates about their future. Yet, we too should remember that God has a plan for each of us in every season. There is a promise wrapped what God is doing right now – only it might not be what you think or expect.

In the early hours of Good Friday last month, a great mentor of mine, Pastor Kent Jarvis of Akron, Ohio, passed away. He was 58 and died of brain cancer. He was an extraordinary minister who irrevocably changed my view of God and His plan for my life.

This is an excerpt from a piece I wrote about him in 2001 (edited for time):

“My fondest memories of Kent are during choir practice. [However], I used to be intimidated by what I perceived to be his higher level of thinking. Kent seemed so serious and carefully orchestrated in his actions. He was always living “in the present” and I lived “looking toward the future.” On one my weekends home from college, shortly after the end of Sunday service, I was surprised when Kent suddenly walked up to me. We had rarely had face-to-face conversations.

“How are things going for you, Mirachelle?” He asked in his gentle, soothing voice. 

“Oh,” I stammered, “Things are okay. College is good. I am wondering about the future. I don’t know what I am going to do yet, but I am waiting on God to guide and direct me. I want to know His will for my life.”

Kent continued to smile. “Oh, well, that’s good.” Then he surprised me again. “Did you ever consider that maybe God doesn’t want you to worry about your future? Seeking God’s will isn’t what it’s all about. He wants all of us to concentrate on getting to know Him right now, in the present. It’s about getting personal in your relationship with Him. You’ve got to seek Him first, not His will. It’s in seeking Him that God reveals His will for our lives...Seek His face, not His hand.”

Dumfounded, I said something like, “Wow, I hadn’t thought of it that way before.”

Kent went further, “God wants to know you, and for you to know who He is in you. He doesn’t worry about where you will go. As we seek Him, eventually He leads us [there].” 

Later that night, I went to the Lord in prayer and had a vision. I was riding in a car with Jesus, who was driving. He was calmly navigating the road as I noticed everything rushing by, paying attention to everything else but Him. Realizing this, I suddenly stopped and faced him. He slowed the car and pulled off onto the shoulder. 

Having my full attention, He began to speak. We talked together like best friends. I was being filled up with wonder and abundant joy in this moment of oneness, face-to-face time with Him. I felt alive and connecting with The One who knew everything about me, and because He loved me so much, all He wanted to do was to be with me. It didn’t matter where we were or what we were doing. It was just the two of us, and that’s all that mattered.

The true meaning of Kent’s words unraveled my life. They awoke a glorious revelation in my heart that I didn’t need to know what God was doing in my life because most precious to Him was time with me. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV). I am forever grateful He used Kent, someone I so admired, to show me. What a joy it is now to know that Kent is spending eternity at the feet of Jesus, and I know there is no other place he’d rather be.

Have you spent time with God lately, just you and Him? With no agenda or expectations. No plan or petition. Just face-to-face time with Him. Take time today to let Him pull the car over to the side of life’s road and just talk. Seek His face, and you’ll find all you need.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Taking joy with you in the journey through life

Taking Joy in the Journey
A devotional by Amanda Wen

“…being confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

This past summer, my family and I vacationed in Branson, Missouri.

A popular vacation destination for my area, Branson features the gorgeous Lake Taneycomo, a coldwater lake perfect for trout fishing. My grandparents, who were both passionate trout fishers, loved Branson, and we spent many happy vacations there as a family. In recent years, I’ve taken my own crew, and although we’re not super-experienced anglers, we do enjoy taking a day, renting a boat, and floating along the cool shimmering waters of Taneycomo to see if we can catch any trout.

To effectively catch fish, there are some important steps. Before we set out, we asked at the marina which part of the lake people had been having the most luck. We also asked what kind of bait had been most effective. The answer on this particular outing was to use Power Bait, a brightly-colored Play-Doh-like substance that trout apparently go nuts for. And not just any variety but the garlic scent. I am not a fan of garlic, so this wasn’t exactly music to my ears.

The same is true for whatever we’re seeking in this life here on Earth. Although God does occasionally drop blessings into our laps, blessings we were not looking for or working toward, many times He does want us to do our part. If it’s a job we seek, we need to make certain we’re gaining the necessary experience and expertise and applying in the right places. If we’re looking for new friends, we must demonstrate love and care for others.

But one thing I’ve discovered in my journey of waiting is that frequently it’s not always about the destination. As a certified Type A overachiever, I tend to want to take the most direct route to my goals, but that is not how God operates. He’s far more concerned about the refinement of my character: the cutting away of what doesn’t please him and the nurturing of what does. He uses our waiting times to mold our character and continue the sometimes-slow process of sanctification, of making us more like Jesus.

I learned on our fishing trip the joy of focusing on the journey more than the destination. The weather was cool and cloudy, most welcome in Branson in August. Lake Taneycomo is known for being foggy, and on this day, the fog never truly lifted, creating an almost mystical effect. The silvery lake was surrounded by rich foliage in a variety of green shades.

Spending time in the boat, in nature, having pried my family away from their electronic devices, was so relaxing and rejuvenating that I didn’t care if I caught a single fish. That wasn’t the point. The point was the trip itself, not the number of fish.

We didn’t catch many fish that day. In fact, I think between the five of us we caught only three. But it didn’t matter. It wasn’t about the fish. It was about spending time together as a family, relaxing in nature, slowing down in a way that has to be planned, intentional, and non-negotiable in our fast-paced world. And the memories we made that day far outweigh any fish we caught.

I pray that I’m able to take this attitude with me in my everyday life, too. That I’ll focus less on what achieving my goals looks like and more on the journey. I want to focus more on God, and what He’s trying to teach me, and how He is achieving the sometimes slow, barely-perceptible process of making me look more like Him.

Because even when I can’t see the progress, His promise is still true: He’ll carry on the work until all is finally complete at Jesus’ return.

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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