Devotionals for the Heart: When you are struggling to trust God

Why We Can Always Trust God
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

—Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

I woke up in the middle of the night and remembered the current deadline I couldn’t meet and all its implications.

I had no idea what would happen for the rest of the month or the months ahead. Fear came over me in the dark as I wondered where God was and how long He would take to respond to my prayer. My heart broke, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Then I heard a gentle, caring voice say, “Trust Me.” As my mind returned to the situation, I heard it again, even more softly: “Trust Me.” The second time, something changed within me, and peace filled my soul. My body relaxed, and my thoughts settled on my Heavenly Father’s invitation to trust Him. This is what I’ve learned: It is easy to lose sight of God in the middle of a trial or a difficult season. It is easy to forget His words and His promises to us.

Isaiah 41:10 was a reminder to the children of Israel who were in exile in Babylon. They were taken away from their homes, hundreds of miles away in a foreign land, to be oppressed by the Babylonians. They burned their cities down, including their place of worship—the temple where God dwelt among them. I can only imagine how they must have felt, abandoned and wondering if God cared for them. This was the place I was at, and possibly, it is the same place you are as well. My sweet friend, God has not and will not abandon you. His love carries us. His Word (The Holy Bible) reassures us of His promises, and His covenant is unbroken toward us.

It’s not easy to trust God when bills are due and the finances are lacking, a health crisis looms, and there seems to be no way out of your current circumstances. I know I have been there. God reassured the children of Israel by saying these words in Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” God is lovingly reassuring and comforting you with those same words. Truth be told, God, our Heavenly Father, is trustworthy. His words are His bond, and it's impossible for Him to go back on what He says.

As I leaned into the comfort of the words the Lord whispered to me this morning and the subsequent peace they gave me, I refocused my prayer instead on the promises of God. Instead of “Woe is me”, I used back His words to Him, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NLT).

Those are His words to me. What words has He spoken to you as you wrestle with the weight and burden? Are you able to trust that God is well able and more than capable to meet your needs—whatever they may be?

Sometimes the way in which we want our prayers answered, God knows that’s not the best option for us right now. In that, He still says trust Him. It is amazing to know that we have a Heavenly Father who has the absolute best plans for us, but our impatience sometimes robs us of His best.

Although I believe and pray for the best outcome, my God knows what’s best for me and what’s best for you. Today, trust Him. He knows the needs that must be met and the right path to take. The same God who loved and cared for the children of Israel cares for you in the same way. In the darkest of the night, let us trust Him, when it seems not to make sense, still trust Him. When you feel like letting go, trust Him. His ways are past finding out, and though it may seem as if He is taking a long time to come through, please know that what He is preparing for you and me is His absolute best for us.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to trust You even when the path does not seem clear. Help us to lean on You and know that You love us. As we wait, help us to trust that You are working all things out for our good. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

~*~
Song of Reflection #1: “Trust Me” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I’ll Trust You, Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “In the Waiting” by Vicki Yohe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “More Than Able” (feat. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson) by Elevation Worship. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colette Christopher is an empowered woman who inspires women to be who they were created to be. Her core message is empowerment. She is an author, certified life coach, podcast host, and trainer with the Maxwell Leadership team. 

Colette believes that an empowered woman empowers others and is powerful in knowing who she is and what she can accomplish. Colette is on a mission to impact the lives of the women assigned to her, whether she is their coach or trainer or shares a word that will transform their lives.

Colette utilizes her Christian principles as the base of all her engagements. She is passionate about fulfilling her life purpose of empowering women to know who they are, rebuild their confidence, and use their voices as tools to uplift themselves and others.

​​She is the founder of the M.E.E. Movement L.L.C., a faith-based empowerment ministry business that helps women of faith rebuild their confidence and use their voice to walk in their purpose through life coaching, mentoring, and empowerment speaking. Colette believes in using the gifts God has given her to help women be who God has called them to be and ultimately fulfill the purpose for which they were created. She lives by Romans 8:28 (NIV), that promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

A native of Jamaica, Colette resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the mother of two beautiful young women, a son-in-love, and two grandsons. Colette enjoys reading, writing, watching good movies, and chatting with her daughters and friends.

~*~
Connect with Colette:
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Why we should always pray for everyone

The Importance of Praying for People
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”—1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)

As I watched the athletes perform for the Olympic Games in Paris (France) this year, I caught myself praying. They were not overt prayers, although I had prayed overtly that the setting for the Olympics would be free of violence or terrorism. God answered my prayers! As I watched the runners and the swimmers do their thing, my enthusiasm autonomically welled up within me. As the gymnasts flipped and twirled, I was so amazed at their skill, but worried that they might fall. A few did and I prayed for them.

My internal prayers for the winners included hopes that they would be noble and generous with their competitors and retain humility, even as they proved themselves to be the best in the world. For those who did not get a medal, I prayed that their disappointment, after having trained as hard as the winners, would not plunge them into despair.

When the political atmosphere in the United States of America shifted suddenly a few weeks ago, I was drawn to prayer. Every day it seems that the political divide in the USA is more frequently typified by walls rather than bridges and conflict over cooperation. Internationally, the same is true.

The Biblical mandate to pray that I focus on today is quoted above. We have been exhorted, first, to pray for all people. We could never know everybody and call them by name. However, our prayers can be targeted to cover individuals and categories of people. I have always been stimulated by the verse in Psalm 122:6 (ESV) that says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” Is that the only city for which we should pray? Of course not!

King David, the writer of this Psalm, was familiar with and loved Jerusalem. It was his home. It was a new city built largely during his tenure as the King of Israel. For him, building this city was an act of devotion to God. Therefore, he cared about the quality of construction, the conduct of the society and the well-being of the citizens.

We too are vested in our communities. We should pray for the citizens of our neighborhoods. We should pray for the well-being of our economies and the presence of God in our societal norms. Then, the Apostle Timothy instructs us to pray similarly for leaders and potentates (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Timothy implies that when our leaders are covered by our prayers, God will bring peace and stability into our environments.

So, please join me in a devotional exercise of picking a city, the leaders and citizens within. Pick a person whom you know and pray for them, specifically. Pray that your city will be at peace. Pray for a crime-free day. Pray for a war-torn city or a family under any number of issues that create pressure and tension. Pray for evidence of miracles and perhaps that you can be the answer to someone’s prayer.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

As we lift our hearts in prayer today for all people, please hear the intent of our prayers and reach down to the people whose names we call and especially to those whose names or needs we do not know. Bring peace where there is strife, abundance where there is nothing. Bring liberty to the oppressed and freedom to those who are bound by choice, circumstance or inability. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Let There be Peace On Earth” by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.

My Review of the "Unsung Hero" movie and a giveaway for you

My Review of Unsung Hero (movie)

Today, I have another movie review for you and a giveaway contest at the end of this post! Momentum Influencers Network asked me to watch an early screening of a new movie they are promoting: Unsung Hero.

Here’s the synopsis of Unsung Hero with words from Momentum:

When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

~*~

Now for my review:

Unsung Hero is a captivating story on screen that will reel you in from the start and keep you hooked all the way to the end.

It’s the story of the family behind famous music group “for KING + COUNTRY” and popular singer Rebecca St. James. This is a behind-the-scenes look into everything they went through to become who the world knows them to be today.

A special feature of this film is the faith element. It was wonderful to see how when times got tough, the Smallbone family got going! They didn’t give up. When they moved from Australia to America, they went from rich to poor but they got creative, starting a successful lawn and house cleaning service. Little did they know then that one of their rich and famous clients would open more than just the door to his home—he’d open the golden door to their future fame!

While this movie showed us how two famous Contemporary Christian Music artists made it to the world stage with their songs playing on the radio and in concert halls around the world, it also showed us the backbone of the family—Helen.

Daisy Betts played Helen Smallbone. She is the wife of David and mother to their seven children including Joel Smallbone from “for KING + COUNTRY” and Rebecca St. James. Helen’s dream was to be a wife and mother—roles that she took very seriously. No matter how hard life got when they first moved to America, she not only made the best of it, she made it fun—turning every day into and adventure and every need into a prayer. God didn’t disappoint! He delivered miracles to the Smallbone Family, starting with Kay Albright who they met in church.

Candace Cameron Bure—famous for her roles in Hallmark movies and on Great American Pure Flix—played Kay Albright. Kay was a woman of faith with a big heart. She felt led by God to help the Smallbone Family not just survive but thrive. Throughout the movie, Kay and her husband were like real-life angels for Helen and her family. They showed up for them in ways that were truly God-ordained though sometimes it irritated David Smallbone.

Joel Smallbone from “for KING + COUNTRY” played the role of his father, David Smallbone. No stranger to the screen, Joel put on a very convincing performance—successfully showing the how the mountain highs and valley lows of his family’s journey impacted them, especially him. There were scenes in this movie that showed David so low that he couldn’t get out of bed. But when he was able to climb out of depression, he was a fighter for his family. I love how his story went full-circle but I cannot share details without spoiling the plot.

Finally, Kirrilee Berger played Rebecca Smallbone (later known as the famous Rebecca St. James). I admired how they showed her to be so humble about her gift for singing and so devoted to ministering to the world through music and being a witness for Jesus Christ. I understood her pains and disappointments but that made her victories at the end all the more worth it. Yet another detail I cannot go into depth about without giving away the storyline.

Curious to know more? Go see Unsung Hero in theaters starting April 26, 2024!

~*~

More words from Momentum:

Watch the trailer for Unsung Hero:
https://youtu.be/CoLmPx9kuvc?si=IKyPlg872ySlWeLC

Buy tickets to see Unsung Hero in theaters:
UNSUNG HERO | Official Website | April 26 2024
 
Watch Jean’s interview with Luke Smallbone from "for KING + COUNTRY":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QfJOigc0kQ

Visit the official movie page for Unsung Hero:
Unsung Hero | Coming To Theaters April 26

~*~

A Giveaway Contest for you:

Momentum Influencers Network would like to give a $10 Amazon gift card to the winner of this giveaway contest! Please note: This giveaway is limited to U.S. winners only.

Here is the Giveaway Contest link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f8dcb68c496/?

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

#UnsungHeroMIN #UnsungHeroMovie #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Devotionals for the Heart: Trusting and obeying God without worrying

Don't Worry About The How
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“This is what the Lord says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water! You will see neither wind nor rain, says the Lord, but this valley will be filled with water. You will have plenty for yourselves and your cattle and other animals.”

 –2 Kings 3:16-17 (NLT)

Am I the only one who reads the Bible and starts talking back to it like you would to the television while watching a suspenseful thriller?

Once I was reading the story in 2 Kings chapter 3. The kings of Judah, Israel, and Edom had joined forces to fight against the Moabites. They traveled through the desert for seven days to forge their attack on the Moabite people. 

Along their journey, they realized they had no water for themselves or their animals. The one king who truly knew God, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, asked for a prophet of the Lord to help them. Prophet Elisha was called upon and only helped because of his respect for King Jehoshaphat. The other two kings were not faithful to God.

Elisha went to the Lord on their behalf, and the Lord said, “This dry valley will be filled with water! You will see neither wind nor rain, says the Lord, but this valley will be filled with water” (2 Kings 3:16-17).

This is the part of scripture where I interrogated the Bible. I asked God, “But how, Lord? How will you provide a dry desert with pools of water without evidence of its arrival?”

How often have you asked God for help and wondered how He would help you? Perhaps your questions for God sounded something like: How are you going to do this? How are you going to save my child? How are you going to heal me? How are you going to provide?

You may ask these questions especially when you see no evidence in sight.

God may have confirmed to you that He will do it. He may even have assured that you will have victory in your situations as he did for Elisha in 2 Kings 3:18 (NLT), which reads, “But this is only a simple thing for the Lord, for he will make you victorious over the army of Moab!”

However, the instructions he gives provide no answer as to how God will do what He said He will do. Has God ever given you instructions for a problem that made no sense to you? Does the confusion still make you question Him? Even in the steps He gives us, we still can't see how things will work out. The “how” is not our business, the work is. We need to dig the ditch and prepare for our victory, just like it says in 2 Kings 3:16 NKJV: “And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’”

By obeying God's strange request, the Israelites did not only quenched their thirst, but they sent their enemies into confusion and defeat. When the Moabites arrived at the Israelite's camp, the Israelites attacked, chased them back into their land and destroyed them.

Once God has quenched your thirst and given you victory, does the how matter? You know that it couldn't have been anyone but God. You want to know how He does it, supernaturally, with all power and authority. Therefore, don't concern yourself with the “how” of the matter. Just be obedient.

Remember who God is and give Him the glory.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for taking care of all things. Thank You for not just meeting my needs but exceeding them as well. I am thankful in knowing that because it is in Your hands, I don’t have to worry about how it will get done. I trust that You will provide and give me the victory. I trust You Lord, and praise You for the provision. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Victory” by Yolanda Adams. Listen to it here.

~*~
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 Jesus 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: How to successfully fight an unseen enemy

Help When Fighting an Unseen Enemy
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

— 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

After my first concussion, vertigo made it difficult to live a normal life. The physical therapist explained that my brain and eyes weren't working together, throwing off my equilibrium and confidence in the world around me. It felt like I was living in the house of mirrors at the state fair, but my symptoms were lying to me.

This experience reminds me of how Satan whispers to us about situations to get us off balance. Like a lion hunting for its prey, he capitalizes on our insecurities and weaknesses and pierces our hearts with arguments that wound us where we’re most vulnerable. His whispers of sabotage may sound something like this:

"If you were more attractive, your spouse wouldn't have left."

"If God loves you, why are you still sick?"

"If you didn't have a weight problem, you would be married."

"If you were more talented, your boss wouldn't have passed you up for the promotion."

"If you were stronger, you wouldn't struggle with addiction."

On the surface, these lies often seem accurate, and that is why they're so powerful. Satan is a master deceiver. He cleverly constructs schemes and distorts our experiences to destroy us. He is the father of lies, and his goal is to get us to doubt what God says about us.

But the good news is that if you're a believer in Jesus Christ then Satan has no power over you unless you believe him. Jesus paid the penalty for your sins by dying on the cross, so now you are sitting next to Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). But as long as you live, the enemy has you in his crosshairs, so God gave you a spiritual wardrobe to protect you called “The Armor of God”. 

The Apostle Paul explains why in Ephesians 6:12-13 (NIV) which reads, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Patterned after the armor of a Roman soldier in ancient Rome, this armor is powerful. Let’s study every part of it in Ephesians 6:12-18 to see how each piece of God’s Armor protects you:

The helmet of salvation protects your mind from lies about your salvation, worth, and relationship with God.

The sword of the Spirit, The Word of God, is your only offensive weapon. Use it to speak the truth about your identity, God's character, and Satan's defeat.

The breastplate of righteousness protects your heart from temptation (mind, ambition, conscience, emotions). 

The shield of faith builds your trust in God and extinguishes the enemy's fiery darts. When you walk by faith, not sight, you won't give in as quickly to emotions.

The belt of truth helps you take thoughts captive and keeps you grounded in what God says about you.

The shoes of the gospel of peace protect you when you resist worry and find security in Christ, not in people or circumstances.

Prayer calls on the power of God to assist you. You can't be victorious without it.

On a battlefield, neither side wins without effective weapons. So, when you put on the Armor of God and stand firm against the enemy, my friend, you'll be unstoppable.

Let's Pray: Dear God, thank you for equipping me with weapons that protect me against an unseen enemy. When arrows come my way, help me stand firm in the truth and remember that Christ defeated him on the cross. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
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: Believe

Believe It Before You See It
A devotional by Monique M. Anderson

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

–Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

There is an old saying, “You've got to see it to believe it.”

These rules, unfortunately, do not apply in the Christian faith. Having faith means believing it before you see it. That is the true definition of faith. According to Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

According to the KJV Dictionary, one of the definitions of the word substance is "something existing by itself; that which really is or exists." Another definition says, "something real, not imaginary; something solid, not empty."

The definition of the word evidence, also according to the KJV Dictionary, is "that which makes plain and enables the mind to see the truth."

Therefore, when we have faith in something, we tell ourselves what we don't see exists. Consequently, it's about believing God's words no matter how the situation looks. Sometimes that faith is tested with time.

Abram was 75 years old when he first received the promises of God that he would be a father to nations, but it wasn't until he was 100 years old that Isaac was born. So that is 25 years they had to wait for God's Word to manifest.

I am sure in those 25 years, things did not look promising, and it was hard to keep the faith. Finally, Sarah and Abraham grew impatient and took matters into their own hands. Sarah advised Abraham to sleep with their handmaiden Hagar so she could have his baby, and Sarah would take care of him as her own. It is safe to say they failed the faith test. However, God still blessed them with a baby of their own.

Joseph had to look beyond his troubling circumstances and wait on what the Lord showed him. In Genesis 37, Joseph had two dreams that illustrated he would one day reign over his family, and they would bow down to him.

Besides the 13 years it took for this prophecy to be fulfilled, Joseph also had to go through betrayal from his brothers, being lied to by Potiphar's wife, thrown in prison and forgotten.

I'm sure Joseph questioned what he saw in his dreams when he was sold into slavery, thrown in a pit, put in prison, and abandoned. Nothing Joseph went through looked like the promise God showed him.

However, during every trial was God's favor. During difficult seasons, these small doses of favor keep us holding on to our faith. It's seeing small rays of sunshine when you're in the middle of a storm.

What we see will try to deter us from what we believe. That is the enemy's only tactic. He cannot take away the promises of God, but he can take our minds off the promises of God. This is why we must constantly remind ourselves of the God we serve.

We serve a God who “is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19 NKJV), we know that “The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word” (Lamentations 2:17 NIV), and “He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV).

God is not capable of turning back on His promises. What He said will come to pass. So speak these scriptures back to God and ask Him to put you “in remembrance” (Isaiah 43:26 NKJV). Speak God's truth over your situation when things look grim or your deliverance feels like it's taking too long. This is what keeps you flat-footed and rooted in faith. It's holding on to the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Let’s Pray: Father God, we thank You for Your faithfulness. We thank You that what is done in Heaven will surely be done on earth. Holy Spirit, help us keep our eyes on what we do not yet see but believe in our hearts. Keep us rooted in our faith and not in our circumstances. Father, we will keep our eyes on You throughout the difficulties and long-suffering. We patiently wait for Your promises to be fulfilled in our lives. We trust You and love you. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Believe For It (Live)” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

~*~
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. Her first Bible plan debuted in December 2021. She will continue to provide content for the app as long as God allows her to.

Also 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: Quicksand

Be Still
A devotional by Erin M. Handley

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

Quicksand.

Imagine every visual example of quicksand you can think of. Unaware of your surroundings, you step into a situation that consumes you faster than you’re able to understand how you got in that situation to begin with. It is the surprise of the faulty foundation that catches you off guard. You are unable to physically move forward without the aid of logical thinking.

Your body flails, and you fight for life in an attempt to find your footing. But the more you struggle to get out, the deeper and faster you seem to sink. The physical quicksand can be a scary thought, but the mental and emotional quicksand many of us find ourselves in seems to feel just as bad as what we imagine the physical quicksand feels like.

We find ourselves in a struggle. We attempt to fight the thoughts and emotions that come with our situation. We struggle so much that we find ourselves deeper in the thoughts and emotions we were trying hard to avoid. We go from fighting them to being engulfed by them. Sometimes we get so stuck in the thoughts that consume us that we forget to remember the basics. We forget that the best way to fight is to simply be still. Our stillness gives us the opportunity to think more clearly and to simply wait on help. But whatever happens, it requires us to make the first move and take the first action of BEING still.

Being still is very different from doing nothing. Doing nothing seems to increase the thoughts and emotions that surround us. To be still requires intentionality and strategic thinking. To be still, we must focus on being still. We must collect ourselves. We must require everything that's in us—every fiber of our being—to be in alignment. We must tell our mind and body to get on the same page of being still.

And suddenly...it happens. We're still. Our body is still, our thoughts are still, even the situation seems still. But let’s be clear: being still doesn't change the situation. You’re still stuck. The difference now is that you have had enough time to observe the situation. After some thinking you realize you can't help yourself. There is no way to pull yourself up, and there is definitely no way to pull yourself out. You recognize you are incapable of fixing the situation or manipulating your circumstances to adhere to your deepest wills and desires. What's done is done, and you need help to get out of the situation.

But where is the faith?

We know Matthew 7:7-8 instructs us to go after what we want and that it is our responsibility to put in the action if we really want to receive the benefit. The Bible says in Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

Easy right? But let’s remember that James 2:26 reminds us that faith without works is dead. In the same way that we ask for the door to be opened, we have to actually desire for the door to open. Us simply formulating our lips to utter the words doesn't necessarily equate as us asking for whatever we're asking for.

This is faith. You have to really want your circumstances to change before they do. Those thoughts and emotions you may struggle with will not disappear until you are truly ready for them to go. Realign your thinking. Focus on what's more important. If for no other reason than simply allowing them the freedom to just 'be', you have to focus on the positive. You have to intentionally—with everything in you—tell your troubles where to go. You don't care where they go, they just can't stay with you, in your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual space.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank you! Thank you for allowing us the authority of our minds and hearts. Thank you for entrusting us with the responsibility to be good stewards of our thoughts and emotions. We recognize that we can’t always control things that happen around us, but we thank you for allowing us to manage the things we can control – ourselves. Father, we ask that you help us in our times of need. When we can’t find a way out, we look directly to you. But we ask that you remind us that our faith is our responsibility. You require that when we bring our requests to you that we must also have the faith that is double the size of the request. Lord, we desire to elevate our minds and hearts. Thank you for continuously giving us opportunities to grow closer to you. And when we are in our darkest hours, we ask that you remind us to be still, focus, and tell our troubles where to go. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Erin’s devotional today reminds me of this song “Be Still” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

With an ever-growing desire to continually learn the Word of God and present teachings based on Biblical principles, Erin M. Handley is committed to her calling of teaching and inspiring others to ‘be more by doing more.’ With this in mind, Erin mentors young women and appreciates seeing the growth and change in the lives she impacts.  

While she sincerely enjoys mentoring and speaking to young people, she is most passionate about educating and empowering women from various stages of life about biblical womanhood and how to live out those principles in today’s world. 

For over 15 years, Erin has worked with youth and adolescents in the fields of mental and behavioral health, education, and ministry.

When reflecting on her experiences in ministry and non-ministry settings, her most memorable encounters have been those that allowed her the opportunity to teach the Word of God in a way that is most relatable to the audience she served in that moment. She has enjoyed writing since her youth, but only recently felt the call to share her writing with the world.

With an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Ministry and Pastoral Counseling, Erin M. Handley has been fortunate to be able to leverage her gifts and her passions throughout her career in Education.

Aside from reading, writing, and mentoring, Erin enjoys dancing, interior design, cooking, and most other activities which allow her to utilize her creativity.

Devotionals for the Heart: Victory

Walking in Victory
A devotional by Allison M. Wilson

Key Scripture: 

2 Corinthians 2:14-16, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, Romans 8:18, Acts 7:54-60, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Philippians 1:29 (NASB)

The sermon at my church was one that I’ve felt in my heart for so long. 

It’s from 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, where the Apostle Paul tells us that we are always led in triumph in Christ, and that it is everywhere. I meet so many believers who are walking around as the defeated, rather than the victorious, and I believe the enemy rejoices.

What does “led in triumph” mean? Paul tells us that we will be “afflicted in every way, but not crushed.”

What’s your response to affliction? The dictionary defines the word “afflicted” as “grievously affected or troubled (as by a disease): mentally or physically impaired.” Believers suffer in these ways on a daily basis. Few walk in the victory and triumph, though. Why? What is the hindrance? How was Paul, in his own afflictions (beatings, floggings, shipwrecks, imprisonments) able to say he was not crushed?

The Bible tells us the reason for his perseverance and hope in Romans 8:18. He was shown a glimpse of what is to come. He saw what we will experience when we finally see Jesus, face-to-face. Stephen was able to ask the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him. He saw into Heaven and knew triumph was greater than the suffering of the time. (Acts 7:54-60) 

Neither of these men, nor the other Scripture writers, was living for this earthly life. None were looking to be fulfilled here. None expected to have their life be free of conflict, trouble, or persecution. The opposite was true. They reveled in those things! 

They saw their afflictions as badges of honor for the Lord. They rejoiced when persecutions came their way. Praised when they were deemed worthy to share in Christ’s suffering. (Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 2:12, Philippians 1:29 and many others). Their eyes were fixed on what was to come, not what was happening right now.

That begs the question for those of us who have the Scriptures available to us to read and absorb more readily than Paul or Stephen. Why don’t we have that kind of walk? Why do we allow the enemy to steal the wonder and joy in affliction? Why do we walk around as if we are crushed and weak, when His “power is perfected in weakness”? (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Our eyes are fixed on the here and now, rather than the glory that is to come, and the enemy continues to rejoice. We have the entire Word of God which is filled with His promises of what is to come for us. We can recite some of those promises, but have not allowed them to penetrate our understanding to make changes.

There is nowhere in the Word of God that says our life will be easier once we submit to His authority. If we are honest this is the closest to hell we will get. Let that sink in for a minute. While we don’t get an “easy” life, we receive love, joy, peace, patience, and all the other fruits of the Spirit from Him. Those fruits should be making our lives easier to live. We also receive “perseverance…proven character…and hope”, as we’re told in Romans 5:3-4.

Do you see the difference? We look at suffering through human eyes. We see our discomfort and pain as a bad thing, but the Lord sees it as the molding of our flesh into something more beautiful…the image of His perfect Son. 

When we wallow in our misery and pain, we put the focus back on us. We look just like the dying and sinful world which has no hope, rather than the conquerors He’s created us to be. Take courage, instead, that He has overcome the world and always leads you in triumph.

Let’s Pray: Dear Jesus, remind us that this world is not our home. Give us the courage to believe that suffering is a good thing for the renewing of our minds, and the transformation of our flesh into Your image. In the Holy Name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

A very early reader and lover of the written word, Allison M. Wilson has been writing since the age of 8 with the heart to impart stories and God's truth.

She has judged countless contests for the last 25 years, reviewed for several online publications, professionally edited, and written articles and devotionals.

Wife, mother, writer, editor, teacher, mentor, and mompreneur, God keeps her busy while living in east central Florida with her family.

~*~
Connect with Allison:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonmwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amwilson

Devotionals for the Heart: Fear Not

Letting Go Of Fear
A devotional by Julia Wilson

“There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear.” 

–1 John 4:18a (GNB)

Fear immobilizes us and keeps us from living the life that God intended for us.

Many times within the Bible we hear the phrase “fear not.” God knows that we are prone to be afraid but He asks us to fear not and to trust Him.

An acronym for fear is False Expectations Appearing Real. We concoct scenarios in our head that hardly ever happen yet we are still paralyzed by fear.

For much of my life I have been paralyzed by my fear of water. This stems from childhood – on going to my first swimming lesson when I was eight years old, the first thing the swimming instructor did was to get us all to jump into the deep end to show that we would float. You do not float when you panic, and I had to be rescued. My fear of water began. It was a fear that I passed down to our eldest son.

Fast forward nearly fifty years – I was in my church life group and one of the ladies prophesised in September 2016 that this was the year that God was going to cure me of my fear of water and I would learn to swim. I laughed at her, like Sarah in the Bible, and thought, “No chance. Does she not realize how deep my fear is?”

But God had other plans. Whenever we hear the phrase “But God … ,” we know that God is going to move mightily. According to Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” God’s plans are so much greater than ours. We need to ‘fear not’ and trust Him.

In January 2017, I signed up for a 10-week course for people older than 50 who want to learn how to swim. I was very frightened. I nearly did not go. But with the love and care of my swimming instructor Vanessa, I did learn to swim. I faced my fear and trusted Vanessa would not let me down. God asks us to face our fears and to trust Him to hold us up “Through All the Changing Scenes of Life,” as the old hymn says. 

When fear threatens to overwhelm, lift your eyes up to God. As the psalmist says in Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV), "I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we are not looking at our fears and we will receive peace that passes all understanding.

When the road of life is dark and fear comes knocking, do not open the door. Run to God! He sees our end from our beginning. He will sustain you and He will not let you go.

When fear rules our lives, we miss out on all that God intends for us.

As a footnote, I had intermediate swimming lessons for six months and now swim four times a week for about ninety minutes and I love it. My only regret is that I did not learn to swim as a child. I missed out for nearly fifty years. Do not miss out on the life that God intends for you through fear. Give fear the elbow. Look to God. He’s got you and will never let you down. As the saying goes “Do not tell God how big your fear is, tell your fear how big your God is!”

Let go of your fear and watch where God will take you. He loves you and He will never let you down!

~*~
Author Bio:

My name is Julia Wilson but I also go by Christian Bookaholic.

I live with my husband and five cats in a small town in Worcestershire on the banks of the River Severn (England). We have four grown up children and three granddaughters.

I have always loved reading and have always been surrounded by books. I used to work as a teaching assistant for special needs in the local high school. Ill health forced me to stop working in December 2015. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (known as M.E.) and fibromyalgia. I now have plenty of time to read and review books!

Our eldest son set up my Christian Bookaholic blog. I review every book I read. I read over 300 books a year. I read Christian and mass market. I prefer stories set from 1850 onwards. My favourite type of books to read is stories set in WWI and WWII, and Russia under Czar Nicholas II.

I am a historian, having a Combined Humanities degree where I majored in History and minored in English. I also love swimming. I only learned how to swim in 2017 and go swimming four mornings a week for 90 minutes before breakfast, it keeps my joints going.

I am also a crazy cat lady. I absolutely love my cats. I have grown up with cats and cannot imagine life without them. My dream is to own an old fashioned seal point Siamese … but not while we have our young rescue cat as she hates other cats!

I love God and love going to a large lively church called Lifecentral. I cannot imagine life without God. He gives a peace even when life does not. He guides my life. He is my Rock.

Devotionals for the Heart: Confidence

What is Your Confidence Level in God?
A devotional by Temeka Borden

“Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” 
– Jeremiah 32:17 (KJV)

What is your confidence level in God?

Specifically, how confident are you in His abilities and capabilities. How confident are you in His wisdom? As Christians, we should be 100% confident in the Lord, correct?

Well, I always state that if you are human, you will have moments of fear and worry. However, the Holy Spirit who abides within you has a way of comforting you and reminding you how powerful our Lord is.

Life is full of challenges and can have its scary moments. You will be placed in many uncomfortable situations. You will encounter people who are not the kindest, and you will be faced with many big decisions. Thankfully, we don’t have to face life alone, and as with David, we do not have to fight our battles by ourselves.

When I think of confidence—Godly confidence, I think of David. Most of us are familiar with the story of David and Goliath and how the Lord used David to slay that “giant.” David was confident in the Lord, and He spoke to Goliath without hesitation regarding what the Lord was going to do.

David’s confidence is an excellent example of how we should see and speak to our trials.

Keep in mind that Satan will do anything he can to get you off track and take your focus off of God. One way he does this is to present the problem you are facing as greater than it is and essentially unsolvable.

However, remember that no problem, regardless of how large it is, is greater than the Lord!

Don’t forget whom you serve. Don’t forget that God is all-powerful! Don’t forget that nothing is impossible with Him.

Don’t lose your Godly confidence. Be 100% confident in the Lord.

~*~
Author Bio:

Temeka Borden, better known by her pen name, Positivity Inspires, is an author, speaker, minister, and servant of the Lord. She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to love God first, to love all people, to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, and to study His Word, and live His Word daily. 

After recently experiencing what she describes as the "lowest point in her life," Positivity Inspires wrote the following about herself to serve as an encouragement and reminder of who she is in Christ:

"I am a child of God. He loves me unconditionally. Although I have my shortcomings, He has blessed me with a desire to do what is right. I have been blessed with many natural and spiritual gifts. I am an author. I am a speaker. I am a teacher. I am a runner. I am a drummer. I am a singer (when I’m in the mood), and I have a strong 'fashion sense.' I am loved. My family and friends are my heart, and I know they will support me no matter what. I am educated. I currently have two degrees (one of them a doctorate), and with God’s help, I will complete a third degree soon. I am a multi-state licensed medical professional who completed a specialty residency, which prepared me for the workforce (and made me a FORCE to be reckoned with). I am a leader. I have served in administrative roles and was successful in those positions because I made a difference (with God’s help). I am ambitious, and I know that with God, all things are possible. I know He is going to do great things through me."

Positivity Inspires loves God and she loves people. She strongly encourages others to show kindness, respect, and love to everyone. Positivity Inspires loves and welcomes diversity and flourishes in culturally diverse environments. She also is passionate about giving back to the community, and her favorite mantras are: "Speak Up!" and "Watch God Work!"

~*~
Connect with Temeka:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/positivity_inspires/
Facebook - www.Facebook.com/positivityinspirespage
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PInspires/

Devotionals for the Heart: The Harvest

Sowing and Reaping
A devotional by Victoria Bylin

You know that Fall is in the air when social media platforms are full of references to pumpkin spice lattes. Those aren’t my favorite. I’m not a fan of pumpkin-anything, but I’m a huge fan of autumn weather, colorful leaves, crisp red apples, and the sense of completion that comes with this season of harvest.

The Bible talks about harvests, too. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7 NIV)

It’s such a simple concept. What we plant is what grows in our lives. If we plant love, we reap love. Good habits lead to good results. There’s another truth at work here: We reap those benefits after we sow and often much later than we sow.

Those ripe apples I enjoy? They don’t ripen to perfection overnight. They need water, light, and healthy soil. So do the pumpkins for those lattes I could do without.

I, too, need water, light and good soil. The living water of the Word, the light of Christ’s love, and the good soil of faith.

Those seeds of love? Sometimes they lay dormant for months, even years, before circumstances change. Maybe you’re praying for family members to come to Christ (I am). Maybe you’re praying for a job that doesn’t put you through the wringer every day (been there and am there again). This season of waiting can be challenging, but it’s also when those our tiny little seeds are transformed into giant oaks.

We reap what we sow, but God multiplies our tiny efforts into something far more than we could ever generate on our own.

Not everything we sow is healthy. Galatians 6:8 (NIV) goes on to say: “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Some seeds blow in like weeds. I know all about weeds because we live behind a farm for retired race horses. The weed battle is real. They would take over the back lawn if my husband didn’t tackle them on a regular basis.

Those bad weeds in our lives need the same kind of diligence. I love what comes next in Galatians 6:9. It reads, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I’m a firm believer in grace. We can’t destroy the weeds in our strength, but we worship a Savior who has already won the battle for us. My challenge is to hang on tight to what Christ did on the cross. And like the verse says, in His time, we’ll enjoy the victory.

Let's Pray: Thank you, God for knowing what’s best and when it’s best. Help me to sow wisely, reap generously, and wait patiently.

~*~
Author Bio:

Victoria Bylin is the author of 18 traditionally published romances. Known for tackling difficult subjects with great compassion, she delights in stories that shine the spotlight of God’s love on ordinary men and women facing realistic challenges.

Writing has always been a part of Victoria’s life. As a child, she wrote hundreds of letters and scribbled in journals. As an adult, she worked as a freelance journalist and editor before taking on the challenge of fiction.

She had one goal when she started her first novel: to finish a book-length manuscript, good or bad. That first effort will never see the light of day, but it led to a second manuscript and a sale to Harlequin Historical. Since then, she has written westerns and contemporary romances for both mainstream and Christian publishers, with Together With You winning the 2016 Inspirational Readers Choice Award for Best Contemporary.

Writing is a joy and a challenge for Victoria, but faith, friends and family matter to her far more. She’s a wife, mom, proud grandmother, and a dog-mom to a wacky Jack Russell Terrier. Originally from California, she and her husband currently make their home in Lexington, Kentucky. When she’s not writing, Victoria enjoys long walks, travel, and dark chocolate.

~*~
Connect with Victoria:
Website: https://www.victoriabylin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Victoria.Bylin.Author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaBylin
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/victoria-bylin
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/568102.Victoria_Bylin

Thankful Thursdays: God's Light

It's Thursday and I'm thankful for God's Light in the darkness!

If I’m going to honest, a lot of real world situations have been weighing heavily on my heart lately. But true to how AWESOME God is, He returned the lyrics of a song to my mind. It’s a song that I haven’t heard since I was a child listening to WGTS 91.9 FM.

God often uses this method to encourage me. It usually goes like this: God breaks through the darkness with His Light by sending song lyrics into my mind, I look up the lyrics on YouTube and then listen to the song only to find out that its message is exactly what I needed to hear in that situation!

The song that God brought to my mind this morning is “Praise the Lord” and the video that I watched on YouTube featured a LIVE performance of the song by Russ Taff.

It truly encouraged my mind and reinfused HOPE into my heart as God's Light broke through the darkness. After listening to this song, I was reminded to focus on what truly matters (living for Jesus Christ and knowing that in the end, HE wins!). The song also reminded me to remember my true identity as a child of God. We are His creation. He loves us with ALL of His Heart and He has unlimited resources to help us through any and every trial that we may face here on Earth.

Life is easier to deal with when you have Jesus Christ in your life and rely on God. His power is greater than every force of evil. He is the Light in the darkness. There’s always hope when God is in the picture and the GOOD NEWS is that God is always in the picture!

I’d like to share the song with you too. Watch it via the video below:

God bless you, sweet friends.

Love,

Alexis A. Goring
Founder of "God is Love" blog

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

The Full Armor of God
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

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

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

Why must we put on the Helmet of Salvation?

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

The Breastplate of Righteousness

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

We must gird ourselves in the Belt of Truth.

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

Next, we lift up the Shield of Faith.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hallelujah!

~*~ 

Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia. She teaches television production at C.D. Hylton Senior High School.

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is a member of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), ACFW Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

Mirachelle is passionate about awakening creativity and the gifts of God in everyone. She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII, inspired by her time studying theatre education in London, England.

In her spare time, she also writes and directs Christmas and Easter passion plays at Christ Chapel Assembly of God in Woodbridge, VA.

~*~
Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mirachelle77/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: How to be battle ready wearing the armor of God

The Armor of God
A devotional by Sara L. Foust

Summer is coming to a close, and I can’t say I’m disappointed. Fall is my favorite time of year! I love the cooler weather, the colors of fall leaves, the sounds of the leaves touching gently to the earth, and, most of all, our family’s outdoor time. We plan camping trips, day trips to Cades Cove, and hikes and picnics as much as we can to soak in the beautiful East Tennessee autumn.

But that’s not the only reason I’m relieved to see summer ending. This summer has not been an easy one here. Where I usually look forward to the school break and sleeping in late, it has been some of the most stressful months I can remember. I think I thought that once I went on the mission trip God called me to in May, the devil would back off and leave us alone for a while. Oh, how wrong I was! He has ramped up his efforts, attacking every aspect of our life. My children’s behavior, my marriage, my time, my rest, my body, my sanity. Everything. I have been in one of the most intense battles of my life for months now. And I am exhausted.

Years ago, a dear friend of mine told me each morning before she gets out of bed she prays to put on the full armor of God. It was such good advice, and I don’t know why it has taken me so long to follow it. I had lots of excuses: I can’t remember the scripture or all the parts of the armor. I keep forgetting to type it up, and where would I put it that my kids wouldn’t tear down? I’m doing okay, I am managing so it’s not a necessity . . . and so on.

A couple of days ago, I finally put aside those excuses and typed out Ephesians 6:10-20 and hung it on my wall. When I wake up in the morning, I read the verses and pray each item of armor onto my spiritual body, especially focusing on the helmet of salvation to keep the enemy out of my mind and from affecting my thoughts (that’s where he gets to me most easily). It is making such a huge difference in my daily walk. Yes, life is still loud and crazy. No, I still can’t say that we have a precise schedule we follow. Yes, I’m still so tired I fall into bed at night and pass out. But I can feel a hedge of protection around my mind and heart and around our home. I’m tired of being on the offense. I’m ready to fight back. And the armor of God, with the Word as my sword, is my weapon.

If you'd like to receive the print-out that I created and talked about in today’s post, contact me and I can send you the direct file by email.

Meanwhile, enjoy reading Ephesians 6:10-20 (KJV) here:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

Note from Sara: I encourage you to pray the armor of God onto your spiritual bodies each morning too and watch as God works in your life. 

~*~
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.