Interview with Jaime Jamgochian about her new book on surrender

Sacred Surrender (book) author interview with Jaime Jamgochian

Alexis: Congratulations on writing your first book! Sacred Surrender: The Practice of Waiting Well with God, is about trusting God can make the hard times holy. How did God do this for you?

Jaime: When we suffer in some way (sickness, loss, relational stress) we can come to know a side of Jesus Christ few get to. He suffered for us and when we walk through a season like this it shows us that the hard times can be Holy. Years ago, I saw the nearness of God when He invited me into a Holy season of understanding through Lyme Disease. I learned this valuable lesson.

Alexis: Describe one of your darkest days. How did your relationship with Jesus Christ help you survive that dark time?

Jaime: One of my darkest days was when I was so light and noise sensitive all I felt I could do was sit in a dark room for some relief. It was in that moment when I felt alone, lost, and confused by the season that I was experiencing. I sensed the Lord invite me to recite scriptures from the Bible that I knew by heart. This brought so much comfort to me and drew me closer to Him.

Alexis: You said that you don’t believe in coincidences. Instead, you believe in divine appointments. What do you mean? Share an example of this from your life story.

Jaime: I believe God orchestrates everything. He is the Author of Life, and the Bible says He directs our steps. My very first record deal came through a divine appointment with a family that wanted to start a Christian music label (Centricity Music). I met them at the church where I was leading worship at and interning. When you were in the Bible school/internship program they place you with a host home. It was a total God set up and divine appointment to be placed there which lead into a serious kingdom relationship.

Alexis: You’ve learned that just because you surrender your life to God, it doesn’t mean you won’t still suffer and experience hard trials in life. How did God teach you that life lesson? Explain how it impacted your perspective.

Jaime: The Bible tells us we will all walk through trials in life, but Jesus promises to be right there with us. I have seen this in my life several different ways and times. One time I felt overlooked in ministry and did not understand why I was not invited into a certain area. Now I can look back and see that it was God’s divine protection and Him making me strong in other areas where there were giftings that needed to blossom in my life. It showed me that His ways are always higher than ours and all we need to do is trust Him with all our hearts.

Alexis: How did you come to realize that God’s dreams are bigger than our own dreams for our life? Share how you pray about your heart’s desires after that realization.

Jaime: I started praying a simple but life-changing prayer as a young believer: “Lord, I want to dream the dreams that YOU have for my life.” The Bible makes it clear that our hearts can be deceitful above all else, so I wanted to make sure I was not pushing for something that He did not have for me. I laid down all my music giftings and dreams for a season to see if it was really Him. He brought it all back in ways only He could. This is a form of surrender and trust that can yield much good fruit in your life.

Alexis: You believe that happiness is fleeting, but joy remains. What does that mean for you? Explain what that can mean for the people who read your book too.

Jaime: Happiness comes and goes. A good, fresh Italian pizza with real ingredients makes me happy. But it is fleeting—here today and gone tomorrow. We can search for happiness in so many places but will always keep chasing for more of it. However, joy is a fruit of The Holy Spirit. It is something that will remain in and through every season. It has nothing to do with your circumstances and everything to do with your walk with the Lord. The joy of the Lord is our greatest strength. So lean into that which is eternal instead of just trying to seek out happiness.

Alexis: In your book, you encourage your readers to not give up before their story gets good because God is still writing it. What does that look like in your own life?

Jaime: There have been many times that I wanted to throw the towel in and quit, especially professional speaking. I am so glad I stayed faithful to God and did not give up too soon because many doors would not have opened. Keep trusting and waiting on His perfect timing.

Alexis: You’ve advised against falling into the trap of comparison but instead, learning to know your identity as a follower of Jesus Christ. How does that help a person?

Jaime: It is so easy to compare. I have learned that trusting God requires us to stay in our own lane—the one that He has for each one of us. It will look different than anyone else’s. Comparison is rooted in jealousy and that is not something we want to walk in. Focusing on what God is doing in your life will help you guard against the temptation to compare your story with others.

Alexis: You’re a single woman in her 40s. What do you have to say to encourage women who feel like they’ve missed out on true love, marriage and creating a family because they are over forty? Explain how God’s timetable is always on time.
 
Jaime: I talk about this a lot in the book (so make sure to grab a copy!). I would say that we are all on the timetable God has for our lives. If He placed that desire in your heart then I do not believe our good Heavenly Father would just leave it there unfulfilled. Start living in the all the other places your life is thriving. Use the waiting season as preparation. Do all the things you might not have the time for when you are a mom or a wife. Live each season to the fullest and trust that God has not forgotten you.

Alexis: Thank you for the interview, Jaime! How can we support you?

Jaime: Thanks so much! Please just pray for God’s will to be done in my life.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jaime Jamgochian is a Dove-nominated singer, songwriter, worship leader, and popular speaker for women’s events. 

Waiting seems to be a perpetual theme for the 25-year music veteran. Yet, threads of persistence, determination, and perseverance are also woven throughout Jamgochian’s remarkable story as she’s navigated not just the highs and lows of a challenging, ever-changing music industry, but also the peaks and valleys of life over the past two-plus decades with Lyme disease. Her valuable experience and hard-won perspective all culminate in her latest project, Sacred Surrender, an album she never expected to make. And now, Jamie is writing about how to live in Sacred Surrender in those in-between times in life.

Jamgochian, a classically trained pianist and vocalist who studied at Berklee College of Music, first honed her craft playing jazz in bars and on cruise ships. The first in her family to become a Christian, Jamgochian was saved at 21. She eventually helped her family find the Lord and began using her musical gifts to serve the local church. Still in the infancy of her faith, the Boston native signed a recording contract with Centricity Music that launched her career in Christian music and secured her a No. 1 song with “Hear My Worship.”

Through it all, she’s never wavered in her faith. With a new album coming out and the writing of her first book by the same name, Sacred Surrender, she wants to see people encounter the love of God and experience hope.

~*~

Blurb for Sacred Surrender (book): 

Can your impatience become gratitude and your darkest fear lead to deeper faith? 

Jaime Jamgochian knows what it means to live in uncertainty. A Dove Award–nominated singer-songwriter, she has leaned on her faith to navigate daunting personal health struggles and an ever-changing music industry. Now she shares her story of learning to ground her life in gratitude, joyful worship, and a trust in God’s timing rather than her own.

In Jaime’s music and writing, she encourages women of faith to persevere and: 

• Find prayerful ways to make even the hard times holy
• Experience joy in worship and intentional gratitude
• Trust that God’s plan and timetable are in place

Are you experiencing uncertainty and disappointment as you wait for answers in your life? 

Jaime helps readers turn worry into worship and live a more light-filled season of waiting, knowing that God is working within us at all times.

~*~

Buy Jaime's book:

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

Target 

Walmart

~*~
Connect with Jaime:
Website: https://www.jaimejam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimejamgochian/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimejamgochian
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaimejamgochianmusic
Apple Music: Jaime Jamgochian - Apple Music

Devotionals for the Heart: How to rely on and rest in God's love for you

Resting in God’s Love
A devotional by Lynette Allcock Yoon

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”

—1 John 4:16 (NIV)

“Let’s just go home,” I gulped to my husband as I looked at the line of people at the driving test center. My already fragile courage started to give way at the thought of a long wait and the potential for grumpy, overwhelmed employees. “We can come back another day.”

I had come to the center to do the paperwork for my Korean driver’s license. I hate doing paperwork in my own country, the United Kingdom, so I was even more anxious about administration in a language I only partly understood.

What if I missed something important? What if I didn’t understand and someone got snappy with me? What if I filled out something wrong and they refused to give my license? Thankfully, I could rely on my Korean husband to help me. With his help to translate, I completed all the paperwork without incident. My dire imaginings, which had loomed large in my mind, did not materialize.

In the same way I rely on my husband’s love to get me through the anxiety of administration in a foreign country, I can rely on the love of God to guide me through life’s other anxieties. My worries can be loud. It can be so easy to fixate on the problem, even in my prayers. I may be directing my words to God, but my mind is whirling, trying to figure out its own solutions and guess the ways God might help me, based on what I can see.

What if, instead of focusing on my problems, I turned my gaze towards God more often? The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV), “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” (Italics supplied.) I can leave my cares with God more easily when I remind myself of His character, choosing to focus on His love in my prayers.

Instead of reminding God constantly about my need, I remind myself of His goodness by saying, “Lord, I know that You love me. I know that Your ways are higher than mine, and that You are creative beyond my imagination. You are faithful. You see me. You promised to provide for me. Because of this, I choose to trust You with my problem.”

This is not a “one and done” deal. I often have to repeat this process daily of moving my thoughts from my problems to God’s character. But this intentional shift in focus does help me to rest in His love for me. The Bible says in Psalm 131:2-3 (NIV), “I have calmed and quieted myself. I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” A child can quiet themselves because they are securely attached to their parent, because they trust in their parent’s love. They know, from experience, that their parent will respond to them.

When I am fretful, I remember when Father God responded to me and met my needs. Most of all, I remember when He proved His love in the most significant way He could: through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Bible explains in Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) why we can trust God and have complete confidence in His love for us: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I can rest in this love. I didn’t earn it, and I don’t have to continue to perform for it. This love offered freely by God is unfailing. Even in my lowest moments, when I don’t feel the energy to redirect my thoughts and actively speak truth to myself, I know I can rest in His love.

It is this true and unconditional love from Father God that I always rely on. My friend, when you are anxious, may you have power to renew your mind and fix your gaze on God. May you sink into the love of God and rest there.

Let’s Pray:

 

Dear God, 

Help me to know and rely on your love in deeper ways. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “I Will Carry You” by Ellie Holcomb. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” by Audrey Assad (feat. Fernando Ortega). Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “I Will Rest in You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Lynette Allcock Yoon is a writer, teacher, and former radio host. 

She grew up in three countries and now lives in South Korea with her husband.

Lynette writes about life abroad, faith, and relationships from an expat, Third Culture Kid (TCK) perspective.

Outside of work, Lynette enjoys musical theatre and long walks with good friends.

~*~
Connect with Lynette:
Website: https://www.lynetteallcock.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: How to learn to be content in all circumstances

Learning Contentment
A devotional by Jennifer Reese

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

—Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

Contentment. A word often used in seasons or areas of life that are going well, and a word that often feels too far to reach and relate to in seasons of hardship or less than ideal situations. In your current season or set of circumstances would you be able to truly say that you are content?

As we read the Apostle Paul’s words in this passage, something that is important to recognize is that he states, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Did you catch that? Paul said he had to learn how to be content in every situation, and that through this learning he discovered he can do all things through Jesus Christ who is his strength.

This truth is encouraging and empowering. It shows the reality that in our human nature, we are not naturally prone to contentment. For example: When we are in hard seasons, we more often beg the Lord to take us out of them, to change the circumstances, and to get quickly to the better days ahead. We want good things. We want easy situations. We want to be in good health and have good relationships with every family member, coworker, and friend. We naturally desire the comforts, joys, and blessings in this life, while running away from and trying to avoid anything less than our ideals.

Paul, even though he was a great apostle and example of faithfulness, faced many highs and lows while on this earth, just like all of us do. Not a single one of us—those who believe in God and those who don’t—are exempt from receiving blessings, gifts, and contentment. Just like none of us are exempt from experiencing hardship, pain, and discontentment. The reality is that sin has placed us in a fallen and broken world, full of deep pain and suffering. However, because of the goodness and graciousness of God, we all experience the beauty of common grace, which are things such as joy, provision, love, et cetera. Each of us often experience the effects of both realities simultaneously: the hardships from the fallen world and the blessings of common grace. But people who believe in Jesus Christ can hold fast to the true hope and assurance that this life is not the end nor will our hardships last forever.

However, it is important to recognize that only in Christ and through Christ can we learn to have true contentment. It is only in Christ and through Christ we can find the strength we need to persevere through every single circumstance we face, good or bad. Seasons come and go, health improves and declines, work brings about promotions and job losses, et cetera. But at the end of the day, our Lord remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We have eternal hope (1 Peter 1:3-6). We have eternal provision (Psalm 23:1). We have eternal contentment and joy (Psalm 16:11). We have eternal life (John 10:28). Eternal, everlasting, forevermore. Completely independent of circumstances and completely dependent on salvation and life in Christ alone. We can stand on this Biblical truth in every circumstance, in seasons of plenty and hunger, in abundance and in need.

We must learn to be content with Christ and Christ alone. Although it will be a lesson we are learning for all of life until we reach glory in Heaven, let us take heart and seek to learn contentment in Christ daily while living on this earth. So, in seasons where hunger, need, and hardship is our reality, may we learn to rejoice in the truth of the Gospel. We have been chosen, forgiven, and saved in Christ. This earth is not our home. When we arrive in Heaven, there will be with no more tears, pain, or death. Christ is our hope and strength to keep pressing on and fighting the good fight of faith. Likewise, in seasons where plenty, abundance, and clear blessings are our reality, may we rejoice and cling to the truth that our strength, hope, and contentment still only come from Christ alone.

Let’s circle back to the original question: In your current season or set of circumstances would you be able to truly say that you are content? If your answer is yes, then praise the Lord! Reflect and write down the various ways in which you are grateful for all He is doing in your life right now. Acknowledge the blessings of salvation (John 3:16) along with the blessings of provision that God has given you.

If your answer to the question is no, then, I still say praise the Lord! True contentment cannot be found in anything other than Christ. It is in His mercy and kindness that He does not allow us to find true contentment in the fleeting and everchanging circumstances and realities we face here on earth. This causes us to learn how to look to Him for true contentment. This shows us our need for Christ. This also teaches us to rejoice in what we do have rather than what we do not. Spend some time reflecting on all the ways the Lord has provided you with an abundance of blessings in Christ, such as the gifts of faith, salvation, freedom from sin, eternal life, peace, hope, and strength. Furthermore, consider where you see Christ’s provision, goodness, and faithfulness in your life. A heart of gratitude is one of the best cures for a heart of despair and discontentment, even when the hard circumstances of our lives are nowhere close to changing or getting better from our perspective.

No matter where you find yourself today, I pray you would be willing to learn to find contentment in Christ alone, which only comes by God’s grace, strength, provision, and Truth. Praise God for all He has done, is doing, and will do in your life, all for your good and His glory!

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for being my strength and my faithful sustainer through every season. Thank You for the opportunity to learn contentment in every season, the true contentment that can only come through Christ alone. Thank You that I can experience true hope, peace, joy, and strength as I look to You for help. I ask for Your help today, Oh Lord. Please teach me how to find contentment in knowing You and clinging to Your truth. May my heart trust Your good intentions, perfect wisdom, and sufficient provision so that I may truly learn contentment. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “In Christ Alone” by the Keith & Kristyn Getty and CityAlight. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “The Same” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “There Will Be A Day” by Jeremy Camp. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock” by Travis Cottrell. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jennifer Reese obtained a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Ministry in Intercultural Studies, and certifications in Biblical Counseling. 

Her educational training has afforded Jennifer the opportunity to work with various populations—such as foster care and adoption, refugee women, homeless, under-resourced youth, international students, and local churches. It has been through these experiences that she has seen a need for women of all ages to understand their true identity as a child of God in order to experience the promised abundant life and freedom.

By working as a Biblical Counselor and Coach, Jennifer focuses on helping women and teen girls discover who God is and to know their true identity in Jesus Christ. Through her professional work and ministry, she helps people learn how to carry out their specific purpose and calling in building God’s Kingdom that is not of this world.

On a personal note, Jennifer recently got married on May 24, 2025. The day was filled with abundant joy and peace, bringing glory to the Lord and wonderful fellowship with their closest friends and family. After many years of praying and waiting for this gift, Jennifer is excited to step into this new season and ministry of being a wife and hopefully, one day soon, a mom.

~*~
Connect with Jennifer:
Website: www.rootedandfixed.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootedandfixed
Email address: rootedandfixed@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: How to serve God and spend time with Him

How to balance serving God and spending time with Him
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”—Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

Which is more important? Scripture memorization or observing the Sabbath? Fasting or prayer? Service or worship?

Trick questions! These are equally important disciplines. The better question becomes how one finds proper balance.

A study of Mary and Martha, found in the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42, may shed some light on this issue. In this Bible story, Jesus Christ and His disciples were passing through a village called Bethany where Martha and Mary lived. They were close friends of His who were preparing a fine dinner for Him. They loved Jesus and were eager to serve Him, but in different ways.

Hospitality was a social requirement in first century Jewish culture. It was shameful to turn anyone away from your door. Perhaps Martha’s family went above and beyond this requirement. Martha wanted to please and do the right thing. We can applaud her for that. She was detail-oriented, organized and efficient. Martha was a whirlwind. I can only imagine the sparkling silverware, glittering plates and glasses were set on a fine white linen tablecloth, expensive wine was chilling, and the appetizers were about to come out of the oven. But the vegetables weren’t going to chop themselves and the meat needed to be tenderized and marinated. Mary appeared to be doing nothing as she sat at Christ’s feet, listening to Him speak. To Martha, this seemed wrong because they were the hostesses and there was work to be done before they could get comfortable with their guest.

Did the preparations consume Martha? Did she lose sight of why she was doing them? Did she want Mary to be exactly like her? I wonder how Mary felt about Martha’s demand. Let’s read about it in Luke 10:40-42 (NLT): But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

How do you think Martha felt after Jesus gave her a diagnosis, rather than giving her what she wanted (maybe praise for working so diligently)? Do you think Jesus was criticizing Martha for her hard work? No. He wasn’t putting the sisters in opposition to each other. He was helping Martha adjust her priorities.

Jesus was also affirming Mary’s choice to sit at His feet and learn. He welcomed and encouraged everyone to listen and learn from his teachings, which included how to deal with worry and anxiety. Maybe He wanted Martha to sit down long enough to ponder Matthew 6:25-30 where we learn not to worry about what we will eat or drink but instead trust that God will always take care of our needs.

Contemplating and studying God’s Word (The Holy Bible) is never wrong. Showing hospitality is never wrong. There is a time and place for both. What’s wrong is judging someone for not responding exactly how you would. In a works-based, result-oriented modern day culture, shame is thrust upon those of us who dare to sit at the feet of Jesus, but when we do, we are rewarded with peace and joy. I do it in solitude to avoid distractions, and remember the words of my precious mother, who used to say, “I get my marching orders when I take the time to pray and ask God for direction.” Whether it’s five minutes or two hours, the discipline of sitting at Jesus’s feet in stillness is always beneficial.

Both personality types of Mary and Martha are needed for God’s kingdom work. The action-oriented people need appreciation for accomplishing practical work. The contemplative, worship-oriented people need appreciation for their wisdom acquired during hours of study and prayer.

Attention to detail is necessary, but it’s also easy to allow it to turn into worry. The next time you feel overwhelmed like Martha, take a five-minute pause. Remember that Jesus told us to not worry about anything. Sitting at His feet indicates humility and submission in faith to His loving authority.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are faithful and merciful. Forgive us when we lose sight of what’s important. Forgive us when we allow the distractions to consume us. Help us shift our focus to you. Give us a hunger to sit at your feet and learn. We thank You for patience and your unconditional love when we fail. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “First Things First” by Consumed by Fire. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “The More I Seek You” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Leslie Bake grew up Lutheran in Des Moines, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in English, and with a new understanding of what a relationship with the Lord could look like. 

She spent a few years reporting and editing in small town journalism and then began pursuing a master’s degree at Iowa State University in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Then she got married and later went through a divorce, which deepened her relationship with God and transformed her life.

Leslie taught English as a second language for three years at Kansas State University, then returned to writing and earned a master’s degree in creative non-fiction in Pittsburgh. Her memoir will eventually be published. It details the process of how the Lord created beauty from the ashes of divorce.

Pittsburgh is also where she met and married her second husband. They are now the parents of two wonderful children—one in fifth grade and one in first grade.

Leslie and her husband make their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Leslie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 11 years and actively growing her writing career alongside her two growing children.

She now maintains a monthly blog of her own and is working toward expanding her writing ministry on Substack. Her heart’s deepest desire is to help others connect with God through writing.

~*~
Connect with Leslie:
Website: lesliejoybake.com
Substack: lesliebake.substack.com
E-mail address: Leslie.bake@yahoo.com

Devotionals for the Heart: What true love looks like in our modern world

Love Reimagined
A devotional by Essie Faye

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

I am convinced that most people in our world today do not know the true meaning of love, nor do they know how to show it and share it in a healthy way.

An example of this is when I watched on as a group of teenage “friends” interacted. They made fun of each other and embarrassed each other. One minute they were cool and the next they were arguing bitterly. Some days I didn’t know if they were friends or enemies. So, I’d tread lightly. Teaching adolescents is sometimes a rollercoaster. One minute, students love each other and the next they hate each other. It is often like riding a rollercoaster. I couldn’t keep up with the relationship drama and frequent changes my students were experiencing.

True love in today’s world is tough to find. People say they love you, but truthfully, most don’t know love. They’ve come from broken families and have had a history of broken relationships. It is safe to say that all of us are broken in some way. True love comes from a healthy place. True love can be freely given when a person experiences healing of their heart. Many people can’t properly love others because they don’t properly love themselves. Or they’ve never truly been loved in a healthy and safe manner. More importantly, many people don’t know love because they don’t have a real relationship with Love Himself: God is Love.

In Romans 8:38-39 the Apostle Paul writes about the persevering and unstoppable Love of God. Love pursues us relentlessly until God captures our hearts and transforms our souls. God’s love is like the love of no other. It is unchanging and unconditional. There is nothing we could ever do or fail to do that would cause God to stop loving us. God’s love provides for us consistently. His love protects us from harm and heals us from pain. His love rescues us from danger. His love hears us when we call. God’s love for us is never ending, overwhelming, incomprehensible, and unfathomable. We don’t deserve His love, yet He chases after us to lavish His love upon us. Nothing and no one can separate us from God’s love.

Call to Action:

1. Thank God for loving you unconditionally and consistently.

2. Learn from the mistakes you’ve made on your journey to loving yourself, God, and others.

3. Treasure the love of God in your life.

4. Look around to see how God loves you and how He proves it.

5. Remember: God’s love must be reimagined. We think we know love. We do not. We must be reintroduced to Him.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

There is no god like You. You are Love. You gave Your only son (Jesus Christ) to save our souls because You love humankind. You sent Your Comforter (Holy Spirit) because of your love for our broken hearts. You sent Your Word because You want us to read The Holy Bible and get to know You. Thank You for loving us passionately, unconditionally, and with abandon. I pray that we can accept this unfathomable love, though we don’t deserve it and we can never comprehend it. Help us to love one another with a love so pure and pleasing to You. Thank You for hearing and answering us. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “No Greater Love” by Rachael Lampa. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Essie Faye 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.

~*~
Connect with Essie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
Read Essie’s YouVersion Devotion Plan here:
https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/58980-grow-through-it-7-healing-practices-that

Devotionals for the Heart: What I've learned about having greater faith

Greater Faith
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.”

—Luke 17:5 (KJV)

Trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior comes with a measure of faith.

As we mature in our faith walk with Jesus and begin to seek Him for guidance, our faith grows. Our understanding of doctrine becomes deeper as we allow His Spirit to instruct our hearts and change our attitudes.

Among the gifts of the Holy Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (KJV), Paul also lists faith as a special gifting of the Holy Spirit. He said: “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues…”.

The New Living Translation (NLT) of 1 Corinthians 12:9 uses the term “great faith”. We could think of it as “special” faith: the ability to trust God for extraordinary things, to step out in faith in impossible situations, and believe Him for things that most believers simply can’t. That is not to say that if we cannot trust God for great things, it is a shortcoming in our walk. Special faith is the Holy Spirit’s gift to some, while He has gifted other believers in other areas. Still, perhaps it should challenge us: Could we trust God more, even if special faith is not our gifting?

We may not be placed in a situation where we are led to pray that God will raise the dead or heal the sick, but perhaps He is asking us to believe that He will provide for a financial situation that looks impossible. Perhaps God doesn’t want us to drop everything and move to another country, but He is asking us to make a daunting career change.

Faith is not just what saves us, or what allows us to grow in our relationship with God. It is the ability to have peace beyond the next step we need to take, beyond the answers we can see. Faith is the gift of being able to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I know that God is in control, and I believe Him.”

Some people are given the gift of special faith, and they exercise it all the time. Other times, God might give it to an individual believer in a particular season. Perhaps we have stepped out in faith in the past but have not done so since. Perhaps God isn’t asking that of us, but it is also possible that we have lost sight of a gift He wants us to use. If that sounds like you, would you take time to sit before God in quiet and ask Him to show you what might be stopping you from using this gift of faith. Is there something we are choosing not to believe Him for, or is there something that we are simply not cognizant of yet?

Maybe we’ve never used this gift of faith, and today, God is challenging us to begin to seek Him for greater faith. Maybe we are simply afraid that if we step out in faith, He won’t be there. Whatever the case, would you pray with me?

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I ask that You search my heart and see if there is any unbelief hidden there. Thank You that You do not condemn me for this, but please help me not to continue in it. I pray that You will show me any area in my life where you are asking me to have greater faith—to step out or to believe that You will fulfill a promise when I have lost all hope. Please give me a greater awareness of your purpose and plan so that I can work alongside You towards that goal.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Where There is Faith” by 4Him. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “God is in Control” by Twila Paris. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a child, Aubrey spent countless hours creating characters and writing stories. 

Thirty years later, she took up her pen again, uniting her fascination for history with her passion for redemption. The stories she creates are a unique brand of gritty, honest wartime sagas, written from the German perspective.

Aubrey is the mother of three children, and she is married to her best friend Brian.

When she’s not writing or taking care of home and family, she can often be found making music, reading, or spending time with friends.

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Connect with Aubrey:
Website: www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks

Devotionals for the Heart: How to properly manage stress and have peace

Learning to Rest in the Promises of God
A devotional by Cherie Mendez

“My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.”— Proverbs 3:21-23 (NLT)

In today’s world, stress is a common issue that affects millions of people every day. If not properly managed, stress can have a negative impact on both our physical and mental health. If you have ever lost sleep due to worry, you would know what a blessing it is to have a sense of peace as you go to bed. That is what God promises us when we base our lives on His Word.

When my husband and I decided to get married, it was a whole new world for me. Although I was very excited, I had so many fears and concerns. I would lay awake at night wondering “What if it doesn’t work out?” or “Where will I end up?” I had a history of bad relationships with men, so all the doubts and concerns kept me from sleeping at night.

Thankfully, God’s Word is what gave me peace. For every fearful thought, God has an answer. When we keep sound wisdom and discretion with us, we will have success walking in God’s ways. The more time we spend in God’s Word, we will see things the way He sees them and the peace God gives cannot be taken away by earthly cares.

Here are four ways to rest in God’s promises:

Way #1: Trust God. Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Since childhood we are taught to depend on ourselves, but living the life God has called us to means that we are to depend on Him.

Way #2: Surrender to God. Psalm 55:17 (NIV) says, “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” When we pray, we admit His ways are higher than ours.

Way #3: Listen to the most wonderful counselor sent by God. John 14:26 (NIV) says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” As we go through our day, we don’t have to go through it alone. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us, if we will only listen.

Way #4: Practice honest evaluation of yourself with God’s help. Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) says “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” We aren’t so good at evaluating ourselves. The only way we can know where we stand on matters is to measure against the truth of God’s Word.

It was only after learning to trust God, surrender to Him, listen to the Holy Spirit, and honestly evaluate myself that I could move forward with marrying my husband and living the life God called me to live. Thankfully, God is patient because He knows we are all a work in progress. I am so thankful He never gave up on me. God will never give up on you either.

Let’s Pray:

Father God, thank You for Your patience. Thank You for walking with us through the darkest valleys and for restoring our souls. We thank You for comforting and guiding us with your Word. We ask that You continue to guide us in Your truth that we rest in Your peace.

In Jesus’s Name I pray,

Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Fighting for Me” by Riley Clemmons. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “I’ll Give You Peace” by Sandi Patty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) by Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: "Peace" by Bethel Music feat. We The Kingdom. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Cherie Mendez is a professional actress and photographer. 

Her passion is to help women understand their true worth and walk in their God-given purpose. After many years working as a Christian in the entertainment industry, she is thankful to be able to share all her learning experiences in her blog posts and on Instagram.

Some of the topics Cherie loves to write about are:

· Coping with rejection

· Finding your purpose and using your talent for God’s glory

· How God always looks at the heart and the meaning of inner beauty

· Understanding that we are all a work in progress and God is not done with us yet

Cherie’s TV credits include The Equalizer, Bull, and Blue Bloods (CBS). She also appeared in the PureFlix film Revelation Road 3: The Black Rider.

Cherie and her husband Jimmy live in Texas. They are thankful to have been married for 30 years. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, photography, and movie night.

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Connect with Cherie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheriemendez/