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: Why we can trust God to guide us through life

Trust That God’s Leading the Way
A devotional by Alicia Searl

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”—Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

This morning I went on a walk all by my lonesome. It was wonderful. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy walking with my pup, crew of kiddos, or my husband, but today, I needed it to be just me and God.

When I get the simple pleasure of going for a walk alone, God always meets me in the most beautiful ways. Today was no different, yet His approach was a little more unusual this time. Maybe because He knew I needed Him to meet me in this season with a bit of His firm love. Yes, the love that comes with conviction. Sigh.

The last few months have held both beauty and sorrow, but I will be the first to admit that I have fallen into some not-so-great habits. From binge watching shows late at night and escaping reality by immersing myself in the mindless scroll of social media to feeding my emotions with an entire bag of pretzels, let’s just say my body was telling me, “Enough is enough!”

Now to be fair, my kids have been home all summer, my hubby has been working most weekends, and our oldest daughter is about to leave for college. So, if my girl wants to watch a sappy rom-com at midnight with buttery popcorn, you better believe, I’m all in! In other words, I am going to pounce on that opportunity because time is of the essence. Yet, if I am being fully honest with myself, my momma heart has been weary, my mind completely overwhelmed, and my body continues to remind me of how old I am getting with every ache and pain, especially in the morning. Yet, this morning those body aches and pains prompted me to hit the pause button and forced me to shift my focus. It was time!

After a hurried and hasty rush out the door and getting back into a school routine, I finally got the chance to dive into God’s Word in my quiet home. It was utter bliss. Yet, what I found was that I was naturally reaching for my phone. Just a quick look led to an hour detour. Old habits are hard to break. Thankfully, God’s firm love met me with the conviction to put the phone down, pry myself off the coach, and step outside.

Honestly, I needed it more than I realized. The sun saturated my skin. The whisper of the trees calmed my soul. Then God softly touched my heart, reminding me to trust Him. So, I moved from my backyard around the house, to the street. I felt like God was telling me: Keep going. Take the next step, the next block. Go the extra mile. I listened. I obeyed. And I was recharged. As I took each step, I was blessed in that moment to experience God’s presence and His gentle response to the choices I had been making. Choices that I didn’t think were “all that bad” but surely didn’t honor God and put Him first.

In the Bible book of Psalm, King David is open and honest with his struggles and how his sinful choices that affected his walk with God. Yet, time and time again, we see how God met him right where He was and whispered for him to keep going because He was leading the way.

As people who believe in God, we can rest assured that we have a faithful Father who knows what is best for us and walks beside us, goes before us, and picks up the pieces behind us (Deuteronomy 31:8). That includes the times we fall into habits that may not be good for us. God always meets us with His gentle yet firm hand, reminding us that He calls us to live this life abundantly (John 10:10). When we do, we find this sweet place where hope meets healing.

Maybe you need to be reminded to press the pause button in your life and let God do a little spiritual realignment. Step out in faith today and see where God leads you. All you have to do is trust that His is guiding you and then be bold enough to take the first step.

Let’s Pray: Faithful Father, thank You for meeting us in all walks of life and bringing us sweet reminders of Your love. As we fall into patterns that pull us away from You, meet us with bold convictions and give us the space to humbly submit to Your will and way. Help us not to be swayed by worldly temptations and grant us the wisdom to heed Your instruction and follow Your truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “First” by Lauren Daigle. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Walk by Faith” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Sun is Rising” by Britt Nicole. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “Lead Me Lord” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir w/ Elizabeth Goodine. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Alicia Searl is a Christian author, writer, writing coach, and speaker who is passionate about sharing God’s Word to spread hope and healing. She has an educational background and a master’s degree in advanced literacy. 

Alicia is a contributing writer for iBelieve, Crosswalk, Christianity.com, and Your Daily Prayer. She has authored two devotionals, a children’s book of grief, and several Bible studies and prayer journals.

She enjoys helping new and aspiring writers follow their calling and pursue their God-given purpose and shares personal faith stories on her blog. Alicia’s heartfelt words and authenticity are portrayed in each of her literary pieces in hopes of bringing her readers a sense of understanding, comfort, and encouragement on their faith journey.

Alicia resides in Texas where her family is currently fixing up a tiny home in the Piney Woods in East Texas to spread hope, bring healing, and share God’s love with others.

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Connect with Alicia:
Email: alicia.searl@gmail.com

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.

~*~
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.

~*~
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: Lessons on making room for God in your life

Why We Need to Let God Be First
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”–Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)

If you are anything like me, you are a busy person.

You might feel like there are not enough hours in a day to complete all of the tasks that are on your plate. If it’s not managing your own schedule, it’s keeping up with the activities and events for the kids, or maybe even working around the schedule of your spouse. Regardless, there always seems to be details that must be coordinated and then executed. Getting things done is very important, especially if there are people who are counting on you.

I would imagine that Martha felt overwhelmed when she found out that Jesus Christ would be passing through the neighborhood and stopping by her home. She was frantically trying to prepare a meal because she also knew that Jesus was not traveling alone. He usually had his disciples with Him, and let’s face it: feeding a group of hungry men was not the easiest task.

Martha’s sister Mary, on the other hand, was not at all concerned with preparing the meal. Those details did not seem to faze her at all. In fact, when Jesus arrived, she made herself comfortable at His feet, absorbing all of His teachings.

It’s no wonder Martha became visibly irritated with her sister. Martha was doing all of the work, getting things done, while her sister was sitting down comfortably, not even lifting a finger. Martha tried to plead her case to Jesus, hoping that He would instruct Mary to help out Martha with all of the work. Instead, Jesus did the opposite. He politely chastised Martha for being so anxious about the tasks at hand, and He applauded Mary for choosing the one thing that really mattered: sitting at His feet and spending time with her Savior.

When I think about this story in Luke 10, I tend to judge Martha for not sitting down to take a break. I mean, who wouldn’t want to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him? But then I put myself in her shoes for a moment, and I think about all of the work she had to do, especially with all of the people who were coming to her house. Then I start to judge Mary. How could anyone be so inconsiderate and just sit there while your sister is doing all of the work?

Martha is not at fault for wanting to care for the people coming to her home. Someone had to step up and do the preparation to feed everyone. Her hospitality is noteworthy. However, there is nothing more important, fulfilling, and life-changing than being in the presence of Jesus.

We need to be a Martha to accomplish our tasks, but in order to properly care for ourselves, we must be a Mary. If we want to grow closer to Him, we must willingly and intentionally draw closer to Him. We should make every effort to engross ourselves in His teachings and spend adequate time with Him. It is there that we experience His great love for us.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Help us to realize that there is no better place to be than in Your presence. May we take ample time each day to spend it with You. Fill us with Your Spirit, Lord, and equip us with what we need to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Make Room” (song) by Jonathan McReynolds. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn (New York) and raised in New Jersey. 

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood.

Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God, and she is currently working on another devotional book that will be introduced in 2023.

This is Angela's third year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where the entry is featured in a book published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The book is titled, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was published in another publication from Proverbs 31 Ministries, called Living Unbroken.

Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing and speaking.

Angela is a Mom Life Coach. She empowers mothers who want to identify their God-given purpose and live it fully while taking care of their family. Angela develops mothers into mompreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools to be successful and fulfilled in life. These tools equip them to see their value, understand their importance, and reclaim their identity.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 18 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 10) and Ryan (age 5). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling.

She treasures spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/
Facebook (personal): https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook (Author page): https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to spend time with God

The Fine Art of Tuning into God's Frequency
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

—Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

Last week I tuned into my favorite Christian radio station, and instead of a worship song, I heard rap music playing on the same frequency. The raunchy lyrics and deafening beat reminded me how many things can interfere with my desire to listen to God.

When I get out of bed each morning, I fully intend to have my quiet time, but after I pour myself a cup of coffee and pull out my study Bible, my attention span gets hijacked by the notifications on my phone, the neon pink post-it notes on the table, my to-do list, and…you get the idea.

Friend, the enemy of your soul knows how threatening you are when you tune into God's Word, so he works overtime to put one distraction in front of you after another. You are of no use to God's kingdom when you have one foot in Satan's territory, tuned to one of his frequencies.

In today’s passage, God called Joshua after Moses died to lead His people into the Promised Land. But Joshua knew he would not have victory unless he meditated on the Word of God day and night. The same applies to us. We won't have victory over the challenges we face if we allow distractions to steal the blessing of spending time with God. Five minutes a day doesn't satisfy our need for His love, comfort, guidance, and peace.

That's why having a practical strategy gives you the best opportunity to eliminate unnecessary distractions so that you can make the most of your time with Him.

Here are some suggestions you might find helpful: 

• Find a prayer closet, a quiet place in your home where no one will disturb you.
• Ask a trusted friend to check in with you periodically and ask what you're learning.
• Try using a prayer journal, a devotional coloring book, or a Bible app.
• Subscribe to a devotional magazine or buy a devotional book.
• Find a podcast, a radio, or a television show that inspires and encourages you.
• Appreciate your efforts, however small at first. If you set the bar too high, your expectations can cause you to get discouraged and give up.
• View your time with God as your most important appointment and the best part of your day. Remember how much God loves you, and allow His grace to release you from the burden of perfectionism.

In our fast-paced culture, the distractions we face are endless, but with some practice, we can gradually put these strategies into place so that spending time with God no longer seems like an impossible feat.

The next time your feet hit the floor in the morning, my friend, remember you're not on this journey alone. God will help you redirect your attention so His frequency will be all you hear.

Let's Pray:
Father God, thank You for giving me Your Word so that I have victory over every challenge I face. As I walk through this day, help me set aside distractions and tune into Your eternal truths. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Part of Your Story” by Cheri Keaggy. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards.

Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about her cocker spaniel Gigi was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

During this year (2022) and the next (2023), Sarah’s devotionals will be published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

~*~
Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smittyc65
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52

Devotionals for the Heart: Here's why we should never be too busy for God

The Only Thing That Matters
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

"But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." –Luke 10:41-42 (NLT)

In this season of my life, I've noticed that I have been consumed with my performance.

I've been consistently asking myself questions like: Am I pleasing God? Did I do this right? Did I do this wrong? What are my next steps? How do I fix this?

I have been keeping myself busy like Martha worrying about how I am performing for God when there is only one thing He cares about: me sitting at His feet and spending time with Him. We think we are pursuing God when we do a bunch of things for Him, however we forget the only thing that concerns Him.

That one thing is simply enjoying His presence and not looking to get anything in return. You don’t always have to come looking for answers or your next steps. If He decides to reveal the details in the moments you spend with Him, that would be a bonus to your intimate time with Him. However, that should not be the goal.

The goal should be to desire the Lord above all things, even above serving Him. I am not saying that you should not serve the Lord because your love for Him allows you to serve. However, you should be before Him, fully attentive when He is before you. Sometimes our obedience to Him is just being free in His presence.

I am learning to allow myself to be free with Him. I have realized that this is the true meaning of full surrender. Not to serve Him with busyness but to serve Him with my submission. In our desire to serve with busyness, we neglect our guests as Martha did here in this verse. When I try to do "things" for Him, I'm not actually spending time with Him and allowing Him to move as He wishes.

I get consumed with the details. I like to see order, structure, and bullet points of what is to come. Without it, I feel out of whack. However, I've realized when I focus too much on figuring out the particulars then I miss the majesty of God. Flowing with Him feels so much better than worrying about the specifics. When you are not looking for all the answers, that's when He provides all the answers. He appreciates it so much more when we allow ourselves to be with Him.

When you are not so concerned with your performance, you will realize that your free-flowing time with God will outperform any task on your list. Jesus said, "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

Mary discovered the one thing. She found the one thing that should be your only concern. She realized the only thing that should keep you occupied and busy. That one thing is a man named Jesus, and once He has found that special place in your heart, He cannot be taken away from you.

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, forgive us for putting service to You above being with You. Lord, we desire to be present in Your presence. Not to gain anything in return, but to be close to You and be wrapped in The Holy Spirit. Help us focus on this one thing: our intimate time with you. Our time with you, Jesus, is precious and should not be taken for granted. Help us to slow down and appreciate the glory of God. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, creator, wife, and bonus mom. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, where she still resides. She released her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses in June 2019. 

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her but was never ready to surrender. Finally, she reached a point in her life when things started going left, and she no longer felt in control. At this point, she was ready to hand over the reins to God. After forming her relationship with God, she always felt compelled to share the revelation’s that His word gave her. She felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write but was afraid of what people might think. So, her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book and the book into a blog.

Her obedience provided more opportunities. In late 2021, Monique became a partner with the notable YouVersion Bible App as a Content Creator. With her first Bible plan debuting in December of 2021, she will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

In 2021, God revealed her prophetic gift and how He wants her to use it. Monique always felt compelled to pray for others but had no idea God would use her in this way. Through this gift as a prophetic intercessor, she’s not just writing about what God can do but showing what God can do.

Since God has shown her who He created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those taking their first steps in their walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, prayer, and soon-to-be-published works. She is excited to extend her reach to YouTube, podcasts, and speaking engagements soon.

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Rose Bushes and God's Grace

The Scent of Grace
A devotional by Paula Moldenhauer

"As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us."

 — 2 Corinthians 2:15 (TLB)

Any parent of multiple children between the ages of 8 and 18 know the drill. Even when you limit their outside activities, there are days when you wish you could clone yourself. I still remember one of many weekends years ago when our family of six endured three straight days of nonstop running. Two of our boys played in a hockey tournament, and our daughter competed in a gymnastics meet. Though the events were scheduled close together, they were in three different locations—none of which were on our side of town.

At the end of the push, we came home hungry and tired. After eating out between events, I didn’t feel I could pull the “let’s just get a pizza” card. I dug through the fridge, coming up with a big bowl of pasta and some veggies. Since I don’t have much storage in my kitchen, I have a pantry of sorts in our garage. I put the noodles into heat and rushed out the back door and down our steps, in hopes I had a jar of spaghetti sauce in the cabinet outside.

As I came down the stairs, I noticed a few blossoms on the rose bushes by the garage door. I wanted to enjoy them, but instead, I cringed at the weeds in their bed. Sighing, I continued my mad dash toward the door.

Suddenly, I screeched to a stop.

The fragrance of roses filled my senses.

I paused only a second, but in that moment I felt God. The perfume of the flowers took me out of my hurry mode long enough for me to experience beauty and tugged me toward the Divine.

I wish I could tell you I chose to stop and embrace the moment. Or that I at least breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. But I didn’t. I rushed into the garage, grabbed the sauce, and flew back up the stairs.

Real life consumed me. Feed the kids, clear the table, assign chores, sort the laundry, meet that writing deadline.

Gazing at the computer screen, too depleted to write, my mind went back to the rosebush.

Too often, I treat God’s grace like I treated the rose. I catch a whiff of its beauty and rush on, noticing all the little weeds of my life instead of embracing the wonder of amazing grace. A grace He pours over me and through me like sweet perfume.

I stared at the computer awhile, longing for that rosebush. Finally, I pushed my chair back, releasing myself from the next task on my to-do list. I needed to (literally) stop and smell a rose.

A light rain had fallen, and the air outside smelled damp instead of perfumed as I tramped down the back steps. I went to the blossom, stuck my nose right in the middle of that flower, and inhaled deeply. The fragrance was heavenly. I spent a couple of minutes pulling the unsightly weeds, pausing every little bit to sniff the rose.

You see where this is going.

It’s a joy to pause and let the wonder and beauty of Christ soak into our souls. When we inhale deeply of the fragrance of His character, the busyness, the irritations—the weeds—of life are more manageable. We recognize the sweet fragrance of His grace surrounding us, living in us, flowing from us.

Oh, Jesus! How I need Your grace. Every day. Every hour. Every minute. Teach me to breathe deeply, inhaling its perfume. Whether life is a blur or a saunter, it’s better when I dwell in Your fragrance.

~*~
Author Bio:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares this message when speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. 

Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents.  

Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards, and she now has six published works of fiction. Her most recent release is included in A Bouquet of Brides.

Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. Today’s devotion was adapted from her devotional book, Soul Scents: Rooted. 

Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com and sign up for her newsletter to get a weekly Flourishing Moments and periodic updates on free days for her books.

For daily Flourishing Moments like Paula’s author/speaker page (https://www.facebook.com/PaulaMoldenhauerAuthor/).

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Devotionals for the Heart: God's Invitation for You

Come

A devotional by Gail Kittleson

What a lovely word—come. This single syllable in the English language welcomes us, invites us to enter, to spend time with someone, to share another’s company. It also invites us to follow. 

In December, many of us have sung a favorite Christmas carol, “Oh come let us adore Him...” and I’ve been researching Biblical references with the word come. 

Psalm 100:4 (KJV) calls us to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting...” 

Come and worship—this familiar call beckons us from our fears and daily trials, from our wanderings on life’s rugged byways. It provides an opportunity to lose ourselves in something bigger than us, something worthy, something that puts our sufferings into perspective. 

And then there’s Jesus’ call to follow him. He called men and women to do that throughout his ministry, and that following required a choice...many choices. As someone once said, “Lordship involves one big yes and a lot of little “Uh-huhs.”

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." ~Mark 8:34 (KJV)

Yes, this initial coming requires a choice. In choosing to come, we leave something behind at the same time. Sometimes this means—or at least feels like—sacrifice. But doesn’t every decision we make in life require choosing between alternatives? Why should this be any different? 

Jesus also issues another clear call to us. “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

What a wonderful promise. But this call may actually lead to more focused activity. With our need for inner rest being met by Him, we enjoy more energy to attend to our vocation, our ministry to this hurting world. 

But even in this call, we are given a choice. When our children are young enough, we force them to rest, but our heavenly parent isn’t pushy or forceful. He makes his wishes known, offers us his gifts, and waits for us to respond. 

Who wouldn’t accept an offer of rest? Human beings, that’s who! Unfortunately, our desire to please people, or to maintain control gets in the way come unto him. Sometimes, it seems preferable to work ourselves into a lather rather than rest in our Savior’s love. 

It takes a lot of trying, trying, trying before we finally get the message of working together with God. It’s like pedaling a bicycle built for two—that’s why it’s sometimes called the tandem bike. It only makes sense to put the partner with the greatest power in the front. 

May we often lift up this prayer: “Please teach us Lord, to come when you call.”

~*~
Author bio: 

When Gail Kittleson's not steeped in World War II research, drafting scenes, or deep in an edit of her 1940’s novels, she does a limited amount of editing for other authors. 

She also facilitates writing and creativity workshops, both in Iowa and Arizona, where she and her husband spend part of the winter in the amazing Ponderosa pine forest under the Mogollon Rim. 

Favorites: spending time with grandchildren, walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers who fall in love with her characters.  

Devotionals for the Heart: Sara's Mission for the New Year

A Year with God
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

~ Romans 8:38 (KJV) 

We have just celebrated the turn of a New Year. We have set our resolutions for 2018 (and still believe we can lose 25 pounds by swimsuit season). Maybe your goals don’t refer to weight loss but, rather, to success in your career. I know I have penned a few writing-career-related goals myself. Maybe they refer to your family life, your marriage, travel, or how many books you’d like to read this year. But, do you have any goals that relate to your spiritual relationship with God? I have to admit, my first draft didn’t, and that won’t do at all. Once I realized what my list was missing, I dropped everything down and opened goal number one up for this: I want to spend quality time EACH morning studying the Scripture and in quiet meditation with the Lord.

Around here, that is a tall order! Some of you may know already, but I have five children. It is never, I mean never, quiet around here. And when it is, I’d better see where everyone is because someone is doing something they shouldn’t be. But, I realized toward the close of 2017, even though I was still reading my Bible during my morning study times, I wasn’t really digesting the words and internalizing them to grow in my faith. That has to change. So, for 2018, I will make a point of going to a room by myself and reading, even if it has to be the bathroom (ha!). Yes, I want my children to see me in the Word, but I also know that I need that morning one-on-one time with my Savior so that I can make it through the day.

We don’t know what will come this year. No doubt we will experience loss to some degree. We will experience joy, success, satisfaction to some degree. We will have trials that feel like vertical mountains we must scale. We will have victory, standing on the top of those “impassable” trials and looking back on them with pride that God helped us through each step. The verse above reminds us that no matter where we go, what we face, or how low (or high) we get, God is there. He will be with me, and you, each and every moment, each breath, each blink of our eyes. Because He loves us. Unconditionally. Unequivocally. Eternally. Perfectly.

Let’s make the decision right now to spend the year being cognizant of His presence in our lives, dedicated to growing in our faith, and continuously striving to work for Him. Do you have a goal that relates to your relationship with God? Please share it with us! 

~*~
Author Bio: 

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers. 

Her debut novel Callum's Compass won second place in Deep River Books' 2017 Writer's Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. 

When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

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31 Days of Prayer: Because God is worthy to be praised

Why should you not only pray to God but praise Him? Because He is worthy to be praised!

We're talking about the One who wakes you up each morning and starts you on your day (no, it's not your actual alarm clock that gets you out of bed, it's God deciding to give you another day to live). We're talking about the King of kings (yes, God is the Ultimate Boss), the Lord of lords (no authority supersedes God's sovereignty). We're talking about the Creator of the entire Universe who despite His busy schedule, still makes time for you! And not only does God make time for you each day, He invites you to worship and study His Word (The Holy Bible), spending time in devotion with Him each and every day. 

As you spend time with God, you will discover day by day just how wonderful He is and you will find yourself praising His Name. The heavenly angels praise God continually (Isaiah 6:3) because they know God is good. They realize how magnificent is His power, how boundless is His grace, how unconditional is His love for ALL of His creation. And yet here on Earth, we mere mortals so easily fall into the trap of going about our day and going into our rest at night without spending more than five minutes with God. 

A Christian minister once said sometimes we have a drive by relationship with God meaning, we wake up in the morning and go, "Hi God!" then as we rush out the door, we say, "Bye God!" And that is the extent of our communication with our Creator for that time. I can relate. I know what it's like to feel too rushed in the morning to spend time with God and then too tired at night to open the Bible, read a devotional book and spend time in praise and prayer with God, which is why I'm writing this post.

If you've fallen into the drive by devotional pattern like I have, today I encourage you to slow down, take time for God because He's always willing to make time for you. 

Dear God,

I pray for You to rebuke the spirit of rushing that settles in over our lives. Please lead us into spending more time with You. Heavenly Father, I ask you to reveal yourself to us in so many ways that not only to we feel compelled to praise You but we take our praise to another level by telling others about what You have done in our lives. Lord, I plead with You to give us faith that moves mountains--especially if that mountain is blocking us from spending time with You. Finally, I pray for all of Your children around the world--those who know You already and those who do not yet know You. My hope is that all of humankind will learn why You, dear God are worthy to be praised!

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.