Devotionals for the Heart: What plants taught me about being deeply rooted

How Deep Are Our Roots?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” —Colossians 2:7 (NLT)

Whack! Whack! Whack!

This was the sound of the instruments we used to dig up plants. The plants had deep roots and every time we hit the ground with the hoe, we pulled up through the dirt an incredible number of weeds. These weeds ran deep. I had never seen so many attached to one plant.

Our voices echoed each other with deep sighs of, “Oh my goodness. There are more here. Come back, there’s another one!” More than once, we had to return to the same place to chip away at the long stalks of weeds that had wound themselves tightly in the earth. We swung at them, then pulled and put the instrument deeper to dig down to finally see an end to the annoying strands of weeds.

The aspect of being rooted really came alive to me in a new way that day. I felt like I had a practical window into why Jesus Christ spoke often about soil, plants and farming when communicating to the people in The Holy Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Colossian church and in it, he told them to let their roots not only grow but also go deep and be anchored and strong in Christ. What roots was he referring to? Paul was speaking to their faith and confidence in Christ.

He wanted them to ensure that their conviction of who Christ is be so strong and solid that nothing could shake their belief. When you know something is true it will take a lot to shake you out from that belief because you’re deeply rooted. When you read the scripture, meditate on it and understand it in context it is planted in your spirit. However, when that Word is tested by the firestorm of a trial or storm in life, then the depth and security of that root is also tested.

As a child, I developed a love for memorizing scripture even when I didn’t fully understand what those Bible verses meant. As I became a teenager, I would read those passages again and they took on a new meaning to me. Many times, I would be experiencing something in my life and a verse that I had memorized would give me a better understanding and comfort for what I was experiencing in that moment. The Word of God was taking root in my heart.

As an adult, I still face challenges that are common in this life on Earth but because the truth of God’s Word had taken root in my spirit, I am always encouraged and comforted by The Holy Spirit. The Bible stories and verses always give me hope. When I read The Bible, God reminds me that He is with me, so I am never alone.

Day by day, as I spend time with God in Bible study and prayer, I continue to grow stronger. As a result, my heart overflows with gratitude to God. I was thankful for His Word. I can tell you with full confidence today that just like a plant being placed in good soil—watered and nurtured—we each have to do the work to ensure we are grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ. When the Word of God is rooted deep within us then there is nothing that can uproot us.

The storms will come. The trouble will come. The disappointments will come. Yet, because we have taken the time and care to plant our faith in God’s Word, growing our spiritual roots deep in our Firm Foundation (Jesus Christ) then our faith and trust in God will remain secure and unmovable.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promises in your Word that give us hope and confidence. As you told us in Your Word to meditate on your truths day and night, I will meditate on them so I can become strong in You. Thank You for every blessing I receive from hiding your Word in my heart to not only keep me from sinning but also to guide my every step through this life on Earth. I love you, Lord. Thank You for being here for me and all of humankind. 

 

In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

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Song of Reflection #1: “The Anchor Holds” by Ray Boltz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker and compiler of her 2020 best-seller anthology Stronger Resilience: Stories to Empower the Mind, Body and Spirit, as well as Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement to encourage readers and share life lessons during her cancer journey. 

Patricia writes, speaks, and teaches on the power of God’s Word to heal and empower you to become all that you are purposed for. She has traveled internationally and shared her gifts with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through word and song. Patricia has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers including Anne Graham Lotz and Rev. E.V. Hill.

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 34 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

Patricia has released two gospel music recordings: “Draw Me Nearer” and “Lord, I Trust You”. In March 2022, she launched her podcast “Becoming Resilient” which can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts and also seen on YouTube.

When not reading or studying, Patricia loves to eat Thai food and spend time with “Lucy” – her daughter’s Yorkie-poo who has taken up room in her heart.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.russell.98877/
Email Patricia: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What Jesus Christ Gave Up to Save Your Soul

He Gave Up Everything
A devotional by Carrie Del Pizzo

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

 – 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

He had it all. As God, Jesus Christ had a whole lot more than just a cool chair in the throne room. Heaven is described as having streets of gold and continual bright light radiating from God. Jesus had ultimate power that created the universe and brought down nations. Crowds of angels sang his praises without stopping. Best of all, he was with his Dad all day, every day.

And then one day, he gave it all up. Instead of being the Son of God, he became the son of a blue-collar carpenter and an average Jewish girl. Instead of gold streets and perfect light, he was born in a barn in the dark of night. Instead of ultimate power, he became a helpless baby. Instead songs of worship, he faced angry critics and crowds shouting for his death. And worst of all, he left his Dad’s house, suffered a beating that would kill any other man, and hung on a cross as his Dad actually turned his back.

Why would he do that? Why would he endure the depths of poverty and degradation and pain and shame when he could have said, “Forget this. I’m out.” He could have hopped off the cross and called down an angel army to obliterate the human race. Why did he give up everything? So he could hang out with you.

Because of our dirty sin, we can’t be near God, but He still loves us. If He wanted to continue to have a relationship with the children He loves, He had to make a way for us to enter his presence. Jesus gave up his riches and power and comfort to clean off our sin and hand deliver our invitation to his house. He’s having a big party that will last forever and wants all of us to come celebrate with Him. We get to enjoy the gold streets, bright light, angel choirs, and the presence of our loving God because the Son was willing to leave it all behind.

That’s how much he loves you and me.

Let’s thank Jesus today for enduring dirt and darkness and pain so that we can join the eternal party at his house and know his boundless love.

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Author Bio:

In this world of texts, memes, and emojis, slowing down to truly communicate can feel like straining a muscle you haven’t exercised in far too long.

Seventeen years of business experience across a variety of industries has taught Carrie Del Pizzo the fine art of professional communications.

Partnering with corporate executives and entry-level employees alike, she has written and edited major project proposals, direct marketing pieces, sensitive client communications, employee handbooks, and user manuals.

Carrie’s love of literature and story has led her to develop and exercise her fiction writing skills as well. Aside from her personal creative efforts, she also edits for self- and traditionally-published authors and enjoys writing short dramas for church presentation.

Carrie is a wife, mom of three Americans and host-mom to numerous exchange students. Italian-by-marriage means she loves to cook and eat. She lives in Spokane, Wash., with her hilarious family who keep her in stitches and provides piles of material for great stories.

Devotionals for the Heart: Thrifting

Spiritual Thrifting
A devotional by Heather Martin

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

I’m not exactly sure if they loved thrift shopping because we were poor, or they just loved the thrill of finding good things at discounted prices. Either way, it doesn’t matter. Growing up, my mother and grandmother religiously made weekly visits to two thrift stores in our neighborhood with my sisters and I in tow.

Whether it was an old book, a pair of skates, a doll, jeans, a church dress (my all time favorite one that had ruffles and a bell on the bottom), or a shirt, I always found something I just couldn’t go home without! It felt like a weekly adventure that I learned to look forward to and love! This was the beginning of my love affair with thrifting. 

I have found some of my most treasured things at the thrift store. Recently, I was so excited to find a vintage Gucci purse at the thrift store for a whopping $3! I get joy when someone walks into my house and admires this beautiful picture that I found at a thrift store. It is exhilarating! I could go on and on, but you get the point, I love thrifting!

In case you’re beginning to wonder what this has to do with God, here it comes…I highly recommend thrifting, but not when it comes to your relationship with God.

It can be so easy to go to church and listen to a sermon without going home to study the Bible for yourself. That’s spiritual thrifting. Or to listen to someone else’s testimony without being introspective. That’s spiritual thrifting. Becoming a member of a church not because you are convicted of the message, but because it is a family tradition. That’s spiritual thrifting.

Am I saying that spiritual thrifting is entirely wrong? No. I am just suggesting that the basis of our relationship with Jesus should be personal, not passed down or “thrifted.”

Don’t get me wrong, we do need and use the testimonies and experiences of others to help make us stronger, and better Christians. However, God wants each of us to have a personal relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:18). He also wants us to work! 

According to 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT), He wants us to “work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

The God who “knows how many hairs are on our head” (Matthew 10:30) and “knew us when we were being formed in our mother’s wombs,” (Jeremiah 1:5) desires for us to know Him just as intimately and personally.

There is a gospel song that says “I had a praying grandmother,” and this is great. But will you pray? Will you study God’s Word (The Holy Bible) for yourself?

Would you want a doctor to operate on you if He could only tell you of the experiences his fellow doctors had doing the surgery? No, you’d want the doctor who actually had tons of experience doing the surgery himself to do your operation because he has an experience that equips and qualifies him for the job.

As a Christian, it is our duty not to solely rely on the testimonies and prayers of others, but to have our own personal encounters with God. It will make us more powerful and qualified to live this life, and be a witness to others.

Don’t allow your relationship with Him to be completely second-handed or thrifted. Get to know God on a first hand basis and oh, the treasure you will find!

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Author Bio:

Heather Martin was born the last of six siblings in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was raised by an amazing single mother (Rebecca Trotter) and was taught at an early age to love God and how to sing! 

She graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor's Degree in Language Arts Education and later received a Master’s Degree in Education from Kaplan University.

Shortly after graduating she followed God’s call to minister. She joined the Stellar, Dove, and Grammy-nominated gospel group Virtue, which was founded by her two older sisters Ebony Holland and Karima Kibble several years prior. Virtue has used their talents to spread the love of God across the world! They have recorded 7 studio albums and have been the recipients of numerous awards.

God has not only blessed Heather professionally, but personally. She met her husband, Dr. Colin Martin, and they have been married for 14 years. They have four children: Colin Jr. 11, Harper 10, Clark, 7, and Charleston 5.

In 2016, Heather started an online blog and vegan and allergen-friendly cooking channel called “Chef Mommy.” Heather (Chef Mommy) has cooked with numerous celebrities and top chefs to spread the news of healthy cooking and lifestyle.

In addition to this busy schedule, Heather enjoys, running, reading, writing and spending time with her family.

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Connect with Heather:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTMartin
Instagram for Heather: https://www.instagram.com/thechefmommy/
Instagram for Virtue (Heather’s singing group): https://www.instagram.com/virtuegirls
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chefmommyhm

Fall into Love: Kimberly Rose's story

A Love That Lasts

A Fall into Love story written by Kimberly Rose Johnson

When I was asked to write a post on how I fell in love with my husband I thought to myself, “I can’t.” How was I supposed to put into words something I didn’t remember doing? That’s correct, I don’t remember falling in love with my husband—it just happened.

I was seventeen when I met the man I would marry. We were both in the same orientation group at college, and as it turned out we had a lot in common, including music, which was my passion. We were in the school’s traveling choir together and had at least one other class together that I can remember—good thing too because I think I spent more time reading the notes he passed me than paying attention to our professor in that class—this was long before texting.

I only remember going on a handful of dates, after all, we were both poor college students so we usually went for walks and talked. To this day that is a part of our daily lives. He proposed two days before my nineteenth birthday, and we married two months before my twentieth birthday, one week after he turned twenty-one.

I know this is supposed to be about how I fell in love with my husband, and up to this point in our relationship, I have no idea. It was only after we were married that I truly began to understand what true love is. Someone gave us a framed picture with 1 Corinthians printed out on it as a wedding gift. I often had to look at the picture and remind myself that love is patient and kind, it is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrong. Whew! Although this is a chapter from the bible I have memorized, having that visual hanging in my bedroom was a great visual reminder.

Love is a choice, pure and simple. Every day I choose to love my husband. I can’t imagine a life without him. He is still my best friend. I look forward to seeing him when he comes home from work, and I enjoy spending time with him and talking with him on our daily walks.

I wish I could share a mushy story about how I fell in love, but for me, life isn’t like a romance novel. I consider that to be a good thing—we each have our own story and it’s okay to have a story that’s not the norm. I enjoy escaping into a sweet romance story, and I especially enjoy writing them. The Lord has given me an imagination that thrives on dreaming up stories, and He has given me a husband who has helped to teach me what true love is—A Love that Lasts.

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Author Bio: Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing.

She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly was a finalist in the 2017 Romance Writers of America Faith Hope and Love Readers Choice Award. She holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html

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Book Blurb for A Love That Lasts:

Some things just weren’t meant to be—or were they?

Recent nursing school graduate Holly Miller knows from personal experience a slip-up can cost a life. A mistake she made years ago still haunts her. She is determined to stay focused and not allow any distractions in her life—including an old high school classmate she ran into at the hospital who is as handsome as the pastries he bakes are tasty and sweet.

Matthew Cook had a crush on Holly back in high school and is surprised to find she’s working at the local hospital. She’d rejected him when they were teens, but he seems to have her attention now. Can he convince her that she can have it all—including a love that lasts, without sacrificing her career?

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Buy Kimberly's book on Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/2vxtEV5

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Follow Kimberly on Facebook and Twitter: 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson
Twitter - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh/

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