Devotionals for the Heart: What watching an owl taught me about God

Matching My Gaze with God
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

—Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

His eyes were round, dark, and incredibly fierce as he perched upon his trainer’s gloved arm, eyeing the crowd for any hint of danger. An adult barred owl, he’d been rescued and raised by humans since his youth. Still, while accustomed to humans, he was by no means tame. One quick move might send him soaring into the trees for refuge.

I watched the owl as the trainer spoke, telling us about his habits and ways, and I noticed something striking. As she turned her body to face one section of the crowd, the owl would swivel his head in tandem, matching the trainer’s gaze. Then, when she’d pivot to the other side, he’d do the same, checking to follow her field of view, to see what she was seeing. Every so often, if she was still for a time, he’d swivel his head and gaze directly at his trainer’s face, looking carefully as if seeking guidance or making sure everything was safe.

They reminded me of a ballerina and her partner, dancing in perfect synchronization—every movement, every breath, every step in coordination.

As I watched, it occurred to me that this owl and his trainer represent our ideal walk with the Lord. As Christians, we are God’s children and part of his heavenly family. God is our Heavenly Father and our leader. We are supposed to move in harmony with him. Colossians 1:18 tells us Christ is the head, and the church is his body. In John 15:5 (NIV), Jesus says much the same: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

But sometimes, we fight God instead of working with him or following his commands. We heed our own wishes and desires, not his. We set our sights on selfish pleasures and worldly distractions. And slowly, we begin to drift out of alignment with our Creator. We miss a step in the dance, and then another, and soon we find we’re dancing to our own song. When this happens, chaos begins. Evil gains a foothold. Temptations threaten. Discontentment brews.

God wants us to get back into alignment with Him. But He gives us free will—we must choose to follow His way. We must choose the “Jesus way” over the world’s way. But make no mistake: Only the way of Jesus Christ leads to life eternal. We serve a God of love. As 1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love because he first loved us.” Jesus said that if we love Him, we’ll follow Him. We’ll do as He asks and obey His teachings. As Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Keeping Christ’s commands means walking in alignment with Him, matching our gaze with His, and setting our heart upon the things He cares about. Proverbs 4:20-27 urges, “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

As children of the living God who reigns forever, let’s take a lesson from that barred owl. Let’s match our gaze to our Ultimate Protector, the Lord. And when we get off track or grow uncertain, let’s look to Him for clarity and direction. Amen. Thanks be to God!

Let’s Pray: Lord, this world can be incredibly confusing. So many lies and whispers tempt me and distract me from your truth. Help me align my steps with yours, match my gaze to yours, and walk in your ways and in your will forevermore as a powerful act of love and obedience. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Fix My Eyes” by for KING + COUNTRY. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

She has won more than 100 writing awards. Jessica is a seasoned speaker and frequent contributor to Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Crosswalk.com, among many others. She has a weekly faith blog at JessicaBrodie.com and is part of the team at Wholly Loved Ministries, with her work included in many of their devotionals and Bible studies. Jessica also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

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

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

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: https://www.jessicabrodie.com/
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Devotionals for the Heart: What happens after God works a miracle?

Remembering Our Relationship with the Miracle Worker
A devotional by Tessa Huckstep

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.”—Luke 17:15 (KJV)

Take a moment and try to recall the last miracle God performed in your life. You spent days, months and maybe years praying for this miracle. You woke up early to search the Scriptures for answers, you were in a constant state of prayer as you sought God’s will. Finally, He performed the very miracle you asked for.

I can distinctly remember more than one big miracle that God has performed in my life. After months of praying and searching for God’s will, I finally have my answer and God has done the impossible. I thank Him repeatedly in the moment. But then I get caught up in the miracle and forget about the relationship I formed with the Miracle Worker.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is deepened through our troubles. God wants us to come to Him with our troubles. However, God does not want us to view our miracle as the ultimate goal. Miracles are simply meant to strengthen our faith and our relationship with Christ. All throughout Christ’s ministry on Earth, faith is often mentioned along with a miracle. For example, Mark 5:34 (KJV) states, “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Jesus directly connected the woman’s faith to the miracle He performed.

It seems natural to call out to God and draw close to Him when we need answers and our life is falling apart. When we are lonely and nothing is going the way we planned, running to God is our first thought. But when we are given our miracle, exactly what we prayed for and more, we seem to forget the purpose of our miracle and the Miracle Worker who gave it to us. The relationship we form with Jesus Christ during the season of waiting is priceless. We trusted Him with all of our hearts and expected big things to happen. Why should trust and expectations change once we receive our miracle? Shouldn’t our faith grow stronger and our relationship with Christ grow deeper because of our miracle?

Remember how you felt in the waiting and the searching. Our complete dependence on God should not be any different now than it was then. Let the miracles God works in your life strengthen your faith, not distract you from your relationship with Christ. Miracles are wonderful, but they are never our ultimate goal. Our ultimate desire should be to deepen our relationship with Christ and glorify Him.

The verse I chose for this devotional (Luke 17:15) is about a leper who was healed by Jesus Christ and came back to thank and glorify Him. The leper was grateful for his healing, but the miracle of his good health did not hinder his relationship with Christ. In contrast, the leper’s healing led him to a deeper relationship with his Healer because the leper came back to glorify Him. Allow the miracles in your life to lead you to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Return to the Miracle Worker and worship Him with all of your heart.

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, thank You for Your miracles! Please help us to remember that the miracles in our lives are meant to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with You. Help us to remember to thank and glorify You in all seasons of life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Way Maker” by Sinach. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

Tessa Huckstep grew up in rural Illinois. She was born to Christian parents and has known Jesus Christ personally since the age of five. 

Currently, Tessa is attending community college and majoring in elementary education. In the future, she plans to teach in the public school system, hoping to bring the love of God with her.

Tessa enjoys being active in her local church. She serves as a co-teacher for the two-to-five year old class where there is never a dull moment.

It is Tessa’s passion to be a girl after God’s own heart and through her studying of God’s Word, Tessa longs to draw closer to her Savior. Through her writing, she longs to take others with her on this journey of faith.

Tessa loves all things Regency, needlework, and dainty teacups of every size.

When she isn’t writing or studying for exams, she can be found in the kitchen with more flour in her hair and on the floor than in the bowl, though the mess is always half the fun!

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Connect with Tessa:
Blog: https://beautifulbeloved937002841.wordpress.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: What it means to offer a “sacrifice of praise”

The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Praise
A devotional by Dr. Gladys Childs

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”—Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

Have you ever thought about what it means to offer a “sacrifice of praise” to God? It may sound old-fashioned, but it's still one of the most relevant and meaningful things we can do in our modern lives. So, what is sacrificial praise all about?

First, a “sacrifice” is something you give up, often something valuable. In ancient times, it was usually a physical offering like an animal or grain. But here we're talking about a sacrifice of praise. This means our offering isn't tangible; it's our words, our acknowledgment of God's greatness and goodness, even when it's hard…especially when it's hard.

Offering praise as a sacrifice means acknowledging and glorifying God not just when we feel blessed and life is all sunshine and rainbows but also in the middle of our struggles, doubts, and pain. It's about trusting God and thanking Him for His presence in our lives, regardless of our circumstances. This kind of praise is precious to God because it comes from a place of faith and trust, not from our abundance or comfort.

It's easy to praise God when things go our way. However, when life throws us a curveball, our praise becomes a sacrifice. It's a declaration that our faith in God isn't based on our current situation but on who He is and His unchanging love for us. This sacrifice of praise isn't a one-time thing; it's a continuous choice to lift our voices in acknowledgment of His name and sovereignty over our lives.

So, when we talk about offering a sacrifice of praise, we're talking about a lifestyle of worship. This heart posture chooses to glorify God in every moment of our lives. It's powerful because it transforms our perspective, helps us see the beauty in our trials, and draws us closer to God's heart. And there's nothing more engaging and transformative than a life lived in continuous worship, constantly acknowledging the goodness of our God.

Digging deeper, the notion of a “sacrifice of praise” carries a profound personal dimension. It invites us into a dynamic and responsive relationship with God. This kind of sacrifice isn't about loss but transformation and connection. It's a spiritual practice that turns ordinary moments into sacred encounters.

Consider every word of gratitude, every conscious acknowledgment of God's goodness, and every song sung in worship, even amid hardship, as a thread weaving a tapestry of faith and trust. This tapestry becomes a backdrop of our lives, a visual and spiritual representation of our journey with God. It's unique to each of us because it comprises our individual experiences, struggles, joys, and moments of surrender.

Practically, a sacrifice of praise could look like choosing to speak words of thankfulness when you're tempted to complain, singing a worship song when feeling down, or simply saying, “God, I trust you” when facing uncertainty. These actions might seem small or insignificant in the moment, but they are influential acts of worship that honor God and shape our hearts.

What makes this sacrifice unique is its transformative power—not just in our relationship with God, but in how we view our circumstances and engage with the world around us. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God's presence and provision. This shift doesn't deny the reality of our pain or struggle. Instead, it frames it within the larger story of God's faithfulness and love.

Therefore, offering a sacrifice of praise to God is not just a biblical command; it's an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and to participate in the ongoing story of redemption He is writing in our lives. It's about finding joy and peace in the assurance that no matter what we face, we are never alone, and our lives are held in the hands of a loving God.

As we draw to a close, let's embrace the richness of what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise to God. This journey isn't about ignoring the realities of life's hardships but about seeing them through the lens of faith and trust in God's unwavering presence and love. When we lift our voices in praise, even when our hearts are heavy, we step into a realm of faith, transcending our circumstances. Sacrificial praise transforms our lives, knitting us closer to the heart of God and revealing the depth of His love and faithfulness in every season. 

Let us walk boldly in this calling, making our lives a continuous offering of praise, a testament to the God whose love never fails and whose goodness shines brightest even in our darkest moments.

Let’s Pray: Lord, we offer You our praise, trusting You through our trials and joys. Strengthen us to see every moment as an opportunity to draw closer to You, making our lives a testament to Your enduring love and faithfulness. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “The Sacrifice Of Praise” by William Murphy. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

Dr. Gladys Childs is an author, speaker, religion professor, pastor's wife, and mom helping others be F.R.E.E. to Thrive© for the abundant life God has for them. She serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University and the Women’s Director at LifePoint Fellowship. She brings 25 years of experience and knowledge to her ministry.

Gladys is frequently called authentic, witty, and candid as she shares her journey through life’s ups and downs. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of faith and life’s difficulties. No stranger to heartache herself, she grew up in a non-church-going family with an alcoholic mother and is a trauma survivor.

Gladys holds a Ph.D. in Foundations of Education, a Master’s in Religious Education, a Master of Divinity, and a B.A. with a double major in Counseling and Psychology. Also, she is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

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Connect with Gladys:
Website: https://www.gladyschilds.com/
Blog: https://www.gladyschilds.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgladyschilds/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GladysAnnChilds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GladysChilds
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gladyschildsauthor/

Devotionals for the Heart: Running in a race taught me to depend on God

Depending on God’s Strength
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired. They walk and don’t lag behind.”

—Isaiah 40:31 (MSG)

The day of the Diva Half Marathon had arrived. I was both nervous and excited. I had never participated in a competition like this before and was ready to take on the challenge. My daughter, an experienced runner, also participated in the race. We were both eager to tackle the course set in Virginia's beautiful wine country. The route began on a dirt road that led down a hill surrounded by towering trees and then transitioned onto pavement.

The gun went off and everyone started running. I quickly realized I would not be able to keep up the pace of the crowd. After five minutes, I urged my daughter to go ahead without me. Unfortunately, not long after she left, I stepped into a hole and twisted my knee. The pain radiated through my leg every time I tried to put weight on it. I had not even reached the three-mile mark yet, and I was already worried that I wouldn't be able to finish the race. I stopped at the first aid station to see if wrapping my knee would help, but it only provided minimal relief.

Despite this challenge, I was determined to complete the race, no matter how slow I had to go or how much pain I had to endure. I knew that this would be an actual test of my strength and focus. As the other runners began to pass me, I began praying and reciting scripture to keep me going. I repeated the verse from Isaiah, which promised that those who depend on the Lord will renew their strength…walk and not be weary, run, and not faint. I also reminded myself that I could do everything through Jesus Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

These words gave me the courage and endurance to keep going, even when the pain was overwhelming. As the miles stretched on, I walked by some of the runners who had passed me. I shared my favorite scripture verses with them, and their positive responses motivated me. I was amazed at how my words encouraged them as well.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the end was in sight. The trail was lined with people cheering us on. I felt a surge of energy as I crossed the finish line. I was given a pink boa, a medal, and some chocolate. My daughter gave me a big hug. However, as I tried to walk away, my knee gave out completely and I could barely reach the car.

When I returned home, I needed crutches to walk, so I made an appointment with my doctor. After getting an MRI, I found out that I had torn my meniscus and would need to undergo treatment. In the years to follow, I would realize the actual damage to my body.

Looking back on that accomplishment and the obstacles I encountered, I gained more than a completion medal and a debilitating injury. I learned the importance of using memorized scripture to connect me with the strength of our Savior (Jesus Christ). There are times when each of us encounters unexpected difficulties. Having scripture in our hearts and minds is more than receiving a sticker or recognition. The real reward is in the power and hope we draw from these words and the hope they give us in times of trouble.

Do you have a verse or two that you recite to help you persevere in unexpected life challenges?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord, Thank You for being our source of strength in our moments of weakness. Your power empowers us to overcome any obstacles we face. They may look like mountains to us, but nothing is too difficult for You! Help us to remember these Biblical truths and keep us moving forward. In Jesus’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Believe for It” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award.

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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Connect with Peg:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnoldpeg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pegarnoldwow
Website: https://pegarnold.org/ Get some freebies when you visit!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51V_iWr0RfGAQvQnWVXEoA
Devotions for the Distracted Heart blog: https://pegarnold.wordpress.com/
YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22261-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Holiday YouVersion: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/28680-holiday-devotions-for-the-distracted-heart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonderofwomen/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/peg-arnold-wow

Devotionals for the Heart: How our words can hurt or heal people

We  Can Partner with God to Administer Healing to a Hurting World
A devotional by Essie Faye Taylor

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”—Proverbs 12:18 (ESV)

Our society has a saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

This is one of the deepest lies ever told. Words hurt. Many times words hurt more deeply than any physical abrasion. As a 41 year old woman, I still vividly remember words spoken to me as a 5 year old. Those words, both positive and negative, still impact me today. They’ve impacted my self-perception, self-talk, and self-esteem for years. I know I’m not alone. This is why it’s so important for us to speak to ourselves and others with kind and loving words.

Let us be careful with our words. We can choose whether to bless or curse others with our words. Scripture declares, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV). Words become thoughts. Thoughts become actions and actions become habits. Habits reap a destiny. We have the power to alter our destiny and that of others with our words. Proverbs 12:18 emphasizes the lasting impact of the words we speak.

We can harm ourselves and others with our words. Rash words or words spoken without much thought and in haste have the power to fatally harm others. Sword thrusts cut deep with evident harmful consequences. When a sword is thrust and makes contact with flesh it rips the skin and pierces internal organs. Damage is immediate and undeniable. In some cases the damage is beyond repairable. And so it is with hurtful words. Their impact may persist for months and even years. Harmful words can even be passed from generation to generation, if not corrected.

We can heal ourselves and others with words. The writer clearly states that wise words bring healing. A word of encouragement or a kind compliment is like a balm to the hurting. Because we are created in the likeness of the Almighty God, who spoke and created the universe, we create with words. We can create healing and safe spaces with our words spoken in wisdom. We can create the change that we want to see in this world. 

Call to Action:

1. Acknowledge that the words you speak are living and have a lasting impact–good or bad.

2. Own your power to speak all things positive to yourself and others.

3. Commit to become a vessel of life and healing to yourself and others.

4. Remember, healing belongs to God’s children and we work together with God to administer healing to ourselves and others (Mark 7:27).

Remember: We can create our world with affirmations and declarations of peace, safety, and provision. God has empowered us to do so. 

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, You are the Lord our God who heals us. You are the Healer. Yet, you have called us into partnership in order to heal the world. Help us to acknowledge the power of our words. Help us to guard our tongues and to pursue peace. Help us not to use rash and hurtful words, but instead to use wise words with intention to administer healing to this hurting world. Lord, lead us into spaces of health and healing and walk alongside us as we heal by the stripes of Jesus Christ. Give us grace as we heal spiritually, mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically. We thank You for it. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Words” by Hawk Nelson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Essie Faye Taylor is a woman of faith. She’s a bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. 

Essie is the author of the “Finding the Love You Deserve” series for women and teens. She is deeply committed to motivating minorities, women, and youth to heal themselves, love and accept themselves, and pursue God while chasing their dreams and carving out their life’s path. 

Essie is a Chicago native where she lives with her husband Donald Taylor II.

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Connect with Essie:
Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Essie%20Faye%20Taylor/author/B09XF3TC22
Listen to Essie’s music at https://on.soundcloud.com/X6DeoRXra7YoKcC2A.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/ on Instagram
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here: http://bible.us/r/Abn

Devotionals for the Heart: How to Find Rest in the Presence of Christ

Find Rest in the Presence of Jesus Christ
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”—Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

Do you ever wake up desperate to step off life's merry-go-round and just be?

I certainly do. I’ve noticed that when I buy the lie that my accomplishments define me, the pressure to “be somebody” keeps me on a constant treadmill, and I lose touch with my God-given identity.

Busyness isn't just a modern epidemic. It dates back to the time when the Bible was originally written. In the Bible verse above, we see a stark contrast between Mary and Martha's approaches to Jesus Christ’s visit to their home. Martha wanted to be the perfect hostess. But her anxious and distracted mind drove her to exhaustion and frustration. Meanwhile, Mary took the time to sit at the feet of Jesus and rest in His presence.

I'll be the first to admit that, like Martha, I've allowed my “to-do list” to be in the driver's seat. If I'm not always accomplishing something, I get restless and bored, like an addict seeking a fix. But when I'm distracted, I miss out on the blessings of an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Does this ring a bell?

The truth is that no amount of success compares to the peace and fulfillment we find in Christ’s presence. The job description He gives us is less about keeping up with life's demands and more about developing a godly character so we change the world around us. And when we realize that Jesus settled our worth at the cross, we can finally stop striving to achieve it. By dying for our sins, Jesus showed us how valuable we are to Him (John 3:16-17).

At the end of our lives, people will remember us not for our resumes but by how we've lived for Christ. Saint Augustine said, "You (God) have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." When we embrace our identity as dearly loved children of God, we can stop trying to prove ourselves because Jesus proved we're enough by saving us. The older I get, the more I want people to remember me as a woman who spent time with Jesus because the more time I spend with Him, the more I develop His compassion for people around me.

Sweet friend, if you yearn to escape the rat race, why not take out your calendar, set up a recurring appointment with Jesus, and then notice what happens to your stress level. You can't avoid life's distractions altogether, but you can keep them from pulling you away from His presence where you'll find true rest.

Let's Pray: Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me for me, not for my accomplishments. Thank You for what You accomplished by dying for my sins. When life's distractions threaten to steal my devotion to You, draw me into Your presence where your love breathes life into my soul. Help me to be still, know that You are God, and find rest in You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. 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’ Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Sarah's devotionals have been published in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts. Her short story will be featured in an upcoming book, Too Amazing For Coincidence, also to be published by Guideposts. To this day, Sarah smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she's not writing, she's enjoying her hobbies that include dog sitting, watching cooking shows and taking day trips.

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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: Why God wants us to practice forgiveness

Forgiveness: A Gift from God
A devotional by Joy Beless

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

—Luke 23:34 (NIV)

On a rainy day in Dublin, I knew where I wanted to be. I said goodbye to my husband and we separately made our way through the winding streets to see the last stop on our “must-see” lists before leaving Ireland. We later met up to share our experiences over dinner.

It’s hard to explain the “pull” of the Holy Spirit but it was unmistakable: I needed to have space to reflect on my time in Ireland and listen to God’s quiet whisper.

I yearned to sit in a quiet chapel and soak in the ancient story of Saint Patrick at his namesake cathedral. As I approached, I joined the other tourists who for whatever reasons, also made their way through the magnificent stone doors into a dimly lit gothic style cathedral. It was beautiful and intriguing but not quiet. I made my way to the end of the building to the Lady Chapel where few people were sitting and they, like me, yearned for a quiet worshipful experience. As I sat there, still and breathing in the damp air, the word “forgiveness” surfaced in my soul.

Forgiveness is a major theme in St. Patrick’s story and, if we are truthful, in all our stories. Saint Patrick lived in Britain and as a teen was taken captive to work as a slave in Ireland, turning to God through prayer for his strength. After six years he escaped and returned to his family. While home, he dreamt the Irish people were begging him to return. After becoming a priest, he returned to the island of his slavery and preached the gospel for another forty years until his death.

If we unwrap our culture’s version of St. Patrick’s Day—celebrating by wearing green color apparel, focusing on four-leaf clovers, shamrocks and fables—we discover a remarkable story of the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We see how it gives us strength to untwist the complicated stories of our lives and empowers us to forgive others.

Throughout the New Testament, forgiveness is an important theme. So much so, Jesus Christ spoke of it in The Lord’s Prayer, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 NIV). The Apostle Paul also emphasized forgiveness in his letters to the early church. He wrote in Ephesians 4:32 NIV: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Paul was keenly aware of the power of forgiveness after he received forgiveness for the relentless persecution he led against the early church before he met Jesus. He was also thankful, by God’s grace, to forgive those who persecuted him as a Christian.

As I sat in the small room hidden at the end of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, I had no agenda other than to be present with God and to listen to Him. An undeniable quiet voice spoke, “Love others. And to love others is to forgive.” I continued to sit quietly and pondered who and what is tucked away like a rock in my soul, waiting for forgiveness. Shortly, thereafter, I stepped back through the thick stone doorway out into the cool rain of the afternoon, knowing to love Jesus Christ is to follow Him in forgiving others.

There is much to be said about the subject of forgiveness. It does not necessarily mean “forgetfulness” or to pretend the words or action never happened. Rather, it is a journey God desires to walk with us, understanding the complexity and difficulty of releasing the person and the hurtful act or words into His hands. Forgiveness is freeing ourselves from the power of the unjust act. This creates space in our heart to receive the intimate redeeming love of Jesus Christ.

Is there a name, a relationship or experience that is rising in your soul as you read this? Perhaps emotions of grief, anger or anxiety? Talk with God about it. Ask Him to show you the first step and identify someone who is safe you can trust to walk this journey of healing with.

St. Patrick knew the power and necessity of practicing forgiveness every day. Jesus Christ demonstrated to us how to forgive people, and I desire to live a lifestyle of forgiveness.

Let’s Pray:
Thank You, Jesus, for teaching and demonstrating for us the importance of living out the forgiveness we receive from You and extend to others—especially when it is undeserved and difficult to give. Thank you for the life of St. Patrick who, through forgiveness, brought Christianity to a nation. Help me to forgive. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Forgiveness” by Matthew West. Listen here.

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Author Bio:

Joy Beless is a worshipper of God and lover of people. 

A practicing Spiritual Director, she is a speaker for retreats and conferences and facilitates guided solitude retreats at the family ranch in North Texas.

A seasoned worship leader and songwriter, she frequently weaves worship, God’s Word and spiritual practices together. She is a chapel provider for a shelter for the houseless and a certified Grief and Trauma Healing Facilitator. Serving at global retreats for Kingdom-minded women delights her soul.

She has written for Global Trellis and Missio Nexus. She connects God’s Word with the reality of our daily in all the ups and downs.

Joy is married to Roger. They live in Coppell (Texas). Joy is called "JoJo" by her nine adorable grandchildren. She enjoys the outdoors and encourages flowers to grow in the Texas heat.

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Website: www.joybeless.org