Devotionals for the Heart: God sees every injustice that you experience

Should I Stay or Should I Go?
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.”—Genesis 31:13 (ESV)

I tirelessly worked four years in a place where I felt unseen and not appreciated.

No matter how hard I worked, my new supervisor did not recognize my efforts, nor did she follow through on the wage increase or bonus that was due to me.

I could not understand why she was purposefully treating me so unfairly. I wondered if I should stay or if I should go. I started applying to other companies and interviewing for other jobs, but my co-workers convinced me to stay. It wasn’t until my sixth year that upper management stepped in on my behalf and noticed the inequity. Finally, my salary and bonus were properly reflected in my paycheck, but at what cost?

There is a story in The Holy Bible that reminds me of my former situation. It is about a man (Jacob) who worked tirelessly so he could marry a woman (Rachel) was the love of his life (Genesis 29). I would imagine that Jacob felt the same way I did because Jacob worked for 14 years of faithful, self-sacrificing work to his employer (Laban who was Rachel’s father), only to be cheated out of an honest wage. The first deal Jacob agreed to was to to work for free seven years to marry Rachel. But Laban deceived Jacob and gave him Leah (Laban’s older daughter) instead of Rachel. Jacob had to work another seven years to marry Rachel.

When circumstances began to escalate even further, God gave Jacob the direct instructions in our key verse to leave and return to his home. Clearly, it was time for Jacob to go. Interestingly, this was not the first time that Jacob was prompted by God to leave. In the previous chapter, Genesis 30:25, Jacob told Laban that he and his family were leaving to go back to his home. Laban convinced Jacob to stay, and Jacob delayed his departure. Even though Jacob was being treated unfairly by Laban, Jacob became comfortable with the conditions to the point that he did not want to obey God.

God allowed the threat to Jacob’s family to increase to ensure that Jacob would not delay any longer. Keep in mind that Jacob’s family was never in danger because God was protecting them, but the threat had to seem real enough to get Jacob’s attention and force him to act. Finally, Jacob gathered his family, packed his belongings, and ran from Laban.

Sometimes God gives us clear instructions for our lives, but for some reason, we delay instead of obeying Him. Unfortunately, we will stay in the same situation from which God is trying to deliver us. When God attempts to get our attention, it is then that we realize it is more painful to stay than it is to go. Sometimes God must push us out of our current situation to prove to us that it would be more beneficial to change, and more harmful to remain the same.

It is important to note that even in the middle of Jacob’s earlier decision to stay, God showed favor to Jacob and blessed him with Laban’s livestock, even after Laban cheated Jacob out of his wages. In other words, Jacob was paid what he should have been paid in the first place. God restored Jacob’s wages and made him whole! Laban was not pleased that Jacob somehow outwitted him and Laban’s attitude toward Jacob began to change for the worse. Unlike Laban’s change of attitude toward Jacob, God’s attitude toward Jacob never altered.

In Genesis 28:15, God reminded Jacob that He was the same God who made the promise at Bethel: to never leave him or forsake him, and to bring Jacob safely back to his homeland. God was with Jacob, protected him, and did not allow Laban to harm him. We can trust that God will always keep His promises. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is the same God yesterday, today and forever!

Furthermore, just as God saw how Laban was treating Jacob and then intervened on Jacob’s behalf, God sees every injustice in our lives and in time, He will allow us to rise above those who wish us harm. And for that, we can be thankful for such a loving God who cares about our well-being as we follow his plan for our lives.

Let’s Pray: Father, I thank You for your guidance and your protection in all of my undertakings. You are such a good God and You are worthy of all praise. Continue to lead out in my life as I follow Your divine plan. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “On Time God” (Music Video) | Woman Evolve Worship x Abbie Gamboa x Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

She started writing at an early age and realized in elementary school that it was both a strength and a passion. She continued writing through high school, college, and into adulthood. Angela is the author of a devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She is currently working on another devotional book.

This is Angela’s fifth year as a devotional writer for Alexis A. Goring’s “God is Love” blog. In 2021, Angela was a winner of a devotional writing contest where her words were featured in a book, Hope When Your Heart is Heavy, that was published by Proverbs 31 Ministries. The following year, another one of Angela’s devotionals was featured in Living Unbroken, which is another publication produced by Proverbs 31. Angela has a passion for inspiring and impacting others through her writing as well as speaking.

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

Angela is also the host of “The Angela Anderson Show”, a virtual talk show that launched in April of 2023 on YouTube and Facebook. The show is designed for mothers who want to pursue their dream while managing family life. The audio version of the show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson, for 19 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 11) and Ryan (age 6). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling, and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family.

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Connect with Angela:

To connect with Angela, you can follow her on Instagram (angelanderson1104), Clubhouse (@angelize), and send a friend request to her on Facebook.

Subscribe to Angela’s YouTube channel @The Angela Anderson Show and follow the show on Spotify. Angela offers free consultations for mothers who want to pursue their dream while taking care of their family. Schedule here: www.ChatWithCoachAngela.com

You can also like and follow her Facebook page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God.

Devotionals for the Heart: There is hope for when life looks hopeless

Seeds of Hope
A devotional by Colette Christopher

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”—Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

“Life has been hard,” I said silently as I slowly picked up my Bible.

I paused in midair with my Bible in my hands. I could barely open this book without tumultuous thoughts tumbling through my mind as I reflected on my journey through life. I wanted to see evidence of God’s handprint over my life. I realized that hardships were common but wanted to see if God walked with me in these trials. I needed to know if anything had changed in my walk with Him.

My mind focused on thoughts about my marriage that ended in divorce, fears I had as I struggled to raise my daughters alone, and the financial stress I faced. I couldn’t help but think how the pressures of those situations that I thought would have broken me, didn’t. I’m still standing. I’m still here. But there were times when my heart started hardening towards the Lord. I asked him, “How could You allow those situations to happen to me?” And gently just above a whisper, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit asked me to look deeper.

My body slowly began to relax as I closed my eyes and invited the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind the scenes of those times when I doubted His Presence. As I looked at the story of my life, a single tear rolled down my face as I marveled at what I saw: God walking beside me.

The Apostle Paul wrote these verses (Romans 5:3-5) based on His experience as a way of encouraging us in times of hardship and trials that we as believers we will face. But it is important how we will allow them to work in our life. Will our trials and tribulations produce endurance within us, the ability to stand under pressure flatfooted knowing that our God will keep us no matter what and we will not let go? Or will we let go because we doubt God’s ability to keep and preserve?

I saw something that I missed all these years, life was hard yes, but I endured. I saw myself on my knees, praying for God to strengthen me. It was then that I realized that where I am now was only because I was forged in the fire. Standing strong in the intense heat and flames and allowing God to see me through those tough times produced a strength within me that I didn’t know I possessed. But it was only through God’s love, grace and mercy.

I looked at my heart and with tears rolling down my cheeks, I fully saw that the woman I was then isn’t the woman I am now. God worked on my character because she stood up under the trials. I bent under pressure, swayed with the tide but didn’t let Him go—even when I wanted to—I held on for dear life.

I gently placed my Bible on the bed, wiped the tears from my eyes and thought of the seeds of hope that has been sprinkled throughout my life. The ripple effects of tribulations produced within me perseverance and strengthened my trust in God. I realized how Jesus Christ carried me through these years when I was so heavy-hearted and overwhelmed with despair that I could barely walk. These realizations brought a fresh sense of hope surging within me. Is saw how Jesus has been my hope who has always been there, carrying me in the most difficult of times.

I remembered the prayers I prayed for my children and the days I toiled for them. As I meditated on the goodness of God, I lifted my hands in worship to my God who is my Heavenly Father. I committed my current struggles to the Lord in that moment. God gave me renewed knowledge that there is purpose being birthed in the hard places, and He will use it all for His glory. I opened my Bible to Romans 8:18 (NLT) and read aloud this verse: “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Next, I read aloud Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Today you may be in a place of trials and challenges. I want to encourage and remind you that it’s impossible for God to fail you. You may be going through some difficult days and you may be wondering where God is in the middle of this. But the question to ask God during this tough time is, “What is it that you are producing in me through this my Lord?”

I know it’s not easy to ask that question. If it was possible we would avoid hardships if we could, but seeds of hope are planted in the hard places. They spring up strong and tall when we allow the Lord to simply have His way in your life. But first you have to choose to remain in the fire and let God forge you. Remember, God is always with you just like He promises to us in Psalms 23:4 (NLT): “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Let’s Pray: Spirit of the Living God, I pray for the person reading this today. May You strengthen their heart, fortify their resolve to stand resolute in you when they come under fire from the enemy. I pray that endurance, character and hope will be built up within them like a wellspring, and they will look back over this time and not only see your handprint, but what you have allowed to keep them. Give them a strong hope in your ability to not only save, but to deliver. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Deserved” by Anthony Brown & Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Spirit of the Living God” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

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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.

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Connect with Colette:
Blog: https://www.colettemarie.online/blog
Website: https://www.colettemarie.online/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2367935
Email: Colettemarieonline@gmail.com

Devotionals for the Heart: We should remember the miracle of Christmas

The Miracle of Christmas
A devotional by Leslie Bake

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

When my mother was employed as a secretary in the chaplaincy department at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, she told me that she made it a priority to visit the neonatal ward a few floors above her office during the Christmas season.

She said she needed to visit the newborns to remind herself of how Jesus Christ came into our world as an innocent newborn baby who was crying and helpless. Why is this baby Jesus so important at Christmas?

First, Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit in a virgin named Mary. God was beginning a whole new work in His creation. The infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so that He could live and die for the salvation of all who choose to believe in Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, had to be free from the sinful nature passed on to all human beings by Adam. Therefore, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, not to violate her, but to gift her with pregnancy despite the fact that she had never been with a man. Secondly, because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being. He was both fully human and fully divine.

Of course it's not logical by our human reasoning. Nothing about the birth of Jesus makes sense. That’s why it’s a miracle. Neither Mary nor Joseph who was engaged to marry her, realized that God had chosen them to be a part in His sovereign plan. Mary had no idea that God picked her to be an unwed mother. Joseph had no idea that he had been tagged as Jesus’s earthly father and that he was to move forward with his plans to marry his beloved when she was pregnant with a child who was obviously not his. That’s why angels visited them to explain those baffling events.

But what they did know and were sure of before they came together in marriage, was the history of God’s faithfulness. Their parents taught them this truth. Joseph and Mary were Jews and among God’s chosen people. They grew up listening to their religious leaders reading the prophesies from Isaiah 9:6 in the Old Testament and several others stating that God would send a Messiah through the lineage of David. This was why Mary and Joseph chose their faith in God over their feelings that could convince them otherwise. They decided to obey Him and trust God’s special plan.

God knew we needed a Savior to save us from our sin. True to His humble character, God sent His Son, Jesus, as baby born not to a wealthy and powerful king and queen in a beautiful palace with servants to wait on him, but to peasants in a village in the middle of nowhere called Bethlehem in a shelter that housed animals. Jesus came with no fanfare or celebration, but quietly one Holy night.

God sent Jesus to make our Christmas season joyful! Jesus came to Earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus came to deliver people not only from their oppression but also from themselves. Jesus was God in the flesh, so that’s how God was (and still is) among us. When we can fully grasp the gravity of our entitlement, our rage, our selfishness, pride, and indifference, we are able to more deeply appreciate the gift of Jesus. Let us remember that He came to give us peace, joy and love.

Call to Action:

When the Amazon delivery of your Christmas order is late, when the malls are teaming with holiday shoppers, when the check-out lines are endless, remember how deeply entrenched our culture is in materialism, and why we need Jesus.

When the Starbucks drive-through line is 20 cars deep and you are running low on caffeine and patience, close your eyes, breathe deeply and remember that instead of feeding your addictions, you can turn to Jesus for rest and peace.

When you are struggling to find that expensive gift to impress the relative who already has everything, instead of falling in the trap of competition and comparison, remember that Jesus has already given you and them everything needed to worship and adore Him.

When families and loved ones gather to rip open your beautifully wrapped gifts that makes a mess in your lovely home, remember how messy your sin is and the forgiveness that Jesus offers you.

Even as adults, we remain messy and stinky in our sin. Our crying has not ceased, either out of grief for a broken world or from selfishness when we don’t get our way. Most importantly, we are still helpless and need a Savior to take our sins upon himself. This is why we have Jesus Christ.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for sending your only son, Jesus, to us when we were in a mess of sin and didn’t realize it. We didn’t know we were miserable until the healing hand of Jesus was on us, forgiving us and setting us free from sin’s bondage. Help us to remember what this Christmas season is about and not allow materialism and consumerism to distract us from the real gift of your presence among us now and forever. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Heart of Christmas” by Matthew West. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “For Unto Us” by Point of Grace. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “His Plan” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Listen to it here.

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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.

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

Devotionals for the Heart: What can happen when we look for Jesus Christ

Looking for Something?
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

—Matthew 2:1b-2 (NLT)

The Magi (Wise Men) mentioned in the Bible about the birth of Jesus Christ on Earth, were very astute. They knew the night skies and saw a new star.

I don’t know about you, but there are millions of stars up in the heavens, and I am not sure I could pick out the one star that was different. I am not a stargazer extraordinaire. However, I have been known to watch meteor showers, the night sky when camping, or while at home in our pasture or sitting around the campfire. The skies do indeed, proclaim the work of God’s hand (Psalm 19:1).

These Magi noticed this new star and began formulating a plan that included a trip to Jerusalem. Most believe they traveled about a thousand miles or more to get to the epicenter of Jewish life: Jerusalem. But that long journey did not deter these men. They were determined. They were on a quest, and they would not stop until they knew the answer to their question. They were, indeed, looking for something.

Or rather, they were looking for Someone. The Lord said in Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT), “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

What are we looking for? Some may answer with: Happiness. Wealth. Health. A good marriage. A good time. Anything but what they have currently. But is what we are looking for worth the search? Are we looking for the wrong thing? The temporal thing? A band aid or quick fix? In the long run, we need long-lasting help and answers. We need hope.

Bible commentators are quick to point out that these wise men knew Scripture, most likely because Jews lived in the region and through the generations, the men from the east began to know it too—whether or not they knew the God behind the Scriptures. The point to note is they saw the star in the night sky, and they went on a trek to find the place where Jesus was—the star was shining on him as a spotlight. They looked for an answer. They stopped everything they were doing and went across the miles in search of the Answer.

God promises we will find Him when we search wholeheartedly for Him (see Matthew 7:7). Do we pack up our lives and search for Him? Do we stop what we are doing or where we are going and make an about-face to find Him? Do we pay attention to the prick in our hearts to satisfy the longing that has been there ever so long?

If not, why not? Even if we have a relationship with God already, we could have strayed or gotten off the path, gotten busy, gotten distracted, gotten bitter, or not gotten our way. Therefore, we tuned out, turned off or wandered. The point being we are not where we should be, and we know it. And we feel the tug, the prick, the nudge, the longing. Then we finally acknowledge we are missing something.

Someone.

This Someone was the baby born in Bethlehem. Now He (Jesus) is our High Priest and Savior. The Bible says His name is Jesus because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Will you be like the Magi and chart out the course to find Jesus? Will you stop the ordinary hustle and bustle and search wholeheartedly for Jesus? Will you keep searching until you find Him and are fully satisfied? He is worth the search. He is our Manna from Heaven. He is our Peace. He is our Joy. Jesus is our Hope.

Let’s Pray: Father God, Lord of all creation. Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He is the long-awaited Messiah who came to Earth to dwell among us, to go to the Cross as Your sacrificial Lamb and to redeem us from our sins. You Lord are Sovereign and beautiful. Your perfect will is amazing. Thank You for giving us opportunities to seek and find You. You are not far off. You are near, available and You are love. Thank You, Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Kerry Sue’s life is very full because she is a wife and Marmee to three adult children—two of whom are married—and a new grandson. 

Kerry Sue met her husband in college and served on the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 24 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s. Whether it’s singing in the church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for four years, and a devotional writer for more than two years.

Kerry Sue feels led to write about finding God’s Sovereignty in our suffering because of her own ongoing journey of more than four years, with the hope to encourage others.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog

Devotionals for the Heart: The cure I discovered for sleepless nights

Say Bye to Insomnia
A devotional by Christine Monteiro

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”—Psalm 127:2 (NIV)

Many nights, I found myself questioning God about the trajectory of my life.

Burdened with the responsibility of my mother’s care while barely sustaining myself, the weight became unbearable. When she required surgery without insurance, I was left alone to navigate the overwhelming medical expenses.

Even when the financial issues were eventually solved, insomnia slowly became my best friend. It accompanied me faithfully every night, leaving me alone to entertain my racing thoughts. Therefore, I tried to find comfort in distractions—movies, short stories, testimonies, games—anything that offered hope that I could escape my suffering. I found myself chasing hope in people, trying to duplicate the miracles I saw in other people’s lives. But I never found the formula. In fact, I was drawn deeper into the struggle because my focus was on the wrong place.

One night, out of desperation to sleep, I picked up my Bible. I turned to King David’s story because I know he wrote the Bible book of Psalm during moments of profound sorrow and crying out to God. I hoped to find a formula there but instead, I found something better: I learned that all we need to do is hold on to God’s promises written in His Word (The Holy Bible). God gave me the promise of peace that night and He promised me that He will take care of me.

The Spiritual Root of Insomnia

After 11 months of struggle, I realized that the insomnia I carried wasn't just about my body; it was about my soul. I realized that my sleeplessness was fueled by these four factors: overthinking and the fear of losing control, stressful thoughts about tomorrow, trying to solve my problems in life with my own strength, and carrying responsibilities that God never asked me to carry alone.

I realized that even sleeping pills won't work in helping you to sleep if your brain won’t shut down. It is an excruciating moment when you take a sleeping pill to help you sleep, but it fails because your mind is still racing with worry.

Surrendering the Burden

Jesus Christ offers a different solution in Matthew 11:28 (NIV) where He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He offers to take the burden away. Jesus doesn't ask us to be perfectly composed and presentable before we approach Him. We simply need to come to Him when we are exhausted.

Here is how I learned to say goodbye to insomnia:

Acknowledge the Source: Since God created us, we must go to Him for the fix.

Daily Surrender: I came to Him every day, asking Him to fix the way my brain works.

Cast Your Anxiety on God: As 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

God isn't annoyed by your fears; He is waiting to carry them.

A Call to Rest

As we end this year, I encourage you to let go of the anxieties, fears, and worries that you own. Let this be the year you stop fighting battles that are already won by God. Let this be the year you learn to sleep like someone who is protected, loved, and held by the Creator of the Universe.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

—Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

God cares about your rest and your sleep. Surrender is not losing; it is falling into the hands of Someone who won’t drop you.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the Father I can call Abba. You promised to give me comfort in my troubled moments. Please forgive us for doubting that You will take care of us. Give us the strength to go through life and keep walking by Your side. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Still” by Hillsong. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Sparrows” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Peace Be Still” by Hope Darst covered by Lauren Daigle / The Belonging Co / All The Earth. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Christine Monteiro is a certified transformative coach, writer, and keynote speaker who is passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of purpose, personal growth, and resilience. 

Christine’s journey to becoming a coach started four years ago, following the loss of her husband to brain cancer. That experience left her feeling as though she had lost her purpose—a feeling she deeply understands in clients who she works with now. Through self-discovery and training, Christine found the missing pieces in her life and regained her purpose and drive that now motivates her to help others.

Christine coaches her clients from all walks of life—from young adults to retirees—helping them to embrace change, set meaningful goals, and confidently pursue their dreams. She has received training through Creative Results Management and holds credentials from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Christine also has certifications in Positive Psychology and Mental Health Coaching from Yale and Light University. Her diverse approach to coaching her clients combines empathy with strategic insight, helping them to navigate every stage of life.

When she writes, Christine likes to focus on topics like finding purpose, coping with grief, and achieving personal transformation. As she writes, Christine draws from her own experiences as a single mom and empty nester. She enjoys sharing these insights on various platforms to reach a wider audience and foster community support.

When not coaching or writing, Christine spends her time sipping black coffee and swimming in the pool. She has found that having three independent children gives her a privilege to have a lot of “me time” that she didn’t have when they were growing up.

Devotionals for the Heart: Someone who remains the same every day

The Person and the Promise Remain the Same
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

—Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

I have found myself doing what my parents used to do when I was younger—pointing out places that “used to” be where a store or a building was located.

It has either been built over by a condo or new development, leaving no evidence of what was there before. I’m sure you can relate. Maybe you’ve gone back to visit a neighborhood that in your mind held memories but no longer looks the same. Sometimes it’s for the better, but many times there is a sadness that accompanies that change.

We were created to grow and become more like our Creator (God) and reflect His image in the Earth. Because of Adam and Eve’s original sin they committed in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:1-3:24) our human nature leans more toward evil than good. However, when Jesus Christ died on the cross (Matthew 27), was buried and rose again (Matthew 28), that event broke the power of sin over us (John 3:16).

Now, when we put our faith and trust in Christ, He gives us a new nature and the power to become conformed to His image. We receive the power to change for the better forever. It is an amazing gift of grace that was given to us by God, and it’s all based on a sure promise because our God cannot change and will not go back on any of His promises.

The promise of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) coming to die in order to bring us back to a relationship with God was a promise that never changed. Once again, the promise was made by the promise keeper, God, who remains the same. Our life as humans are filled with change: Our world is changing every day. Men and women alike are never satisfied with what they have but are always wanting more. Politicians make promises that often go unfulfilled. Today it’s sunny and tomorrow it’s raining. As we age, our bodies change too. I’m often stating that obvious, that I’m not 16 anymore! Our hair color goes from one shade to the next, and our other features change as we grow older.

Perhaps you’ve asked, “Does anything remain the same? Is anything constant?” The true answer is yes because God never changes. The writer of the book of Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) states, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

You can open the Bible, read a promise in one passage, keep turning the pages and you’ll see His consistency: God does what He says He will do. His character does not evolve or become something other than who He has always been. Our faith can be rooted in this knowing. Our faith must be rooted in Someone who is constant and unwavering for it to grow. We have one constant in life who never changes: Jesus Christ.

There have been times when I’ve been discouraged and disappointed, but when I recall the goodness of God and how He has allowed me to hear a message, receive a timely phone call or text message I can see that He has not forgotten me. I can see how He has kept me. I can see His constant provision in my life. Why would I not trust Him whose name is “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11)?

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for never changing. Your Word reminds us that You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There is no one like You. I want to be like You in character. Please help me to be consistent in my speech and behavior so that I can reflect your holy nature and serve You as a witness to the world for Jesus Christ while I am living on this Earth. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “The Same” by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Constant” by Maverick City, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Gargiula | Ft. Chandler Moore. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

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

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

Her greatest joy is being married to her husband, Wayne, for 36 years. Together they serve the community through their local congregation as well as providing premarital and marriage coaching. They have two adult children, Raquel and Benjamin. As a two-time breast cancer overcomer, Patricia coaches’ others to develop resilience and live life to their fullest.

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

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

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

Devotionals for the Heart: Why God's perfect timing is worth the wait

Trusting God When His Gifts Are Out of Reach
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.”—Hebrews 11:11-12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like a kid beneath the Christmas tree, anxious to open God’s gifts now instead of waiting until Christmas Day arrives?

The week before Christmas, I would help my father wrap gifts while my mother was in the kitchen making chocolate fudge and anise candy. Dad crooned to Bing Crosby as he transformed boring brown boxes into colorful masterpieces while I sat beneath the tree, desperate to see their contents.

We are a society caught between wanting everything now and having to wait for it. We wait for our morning coffee to heat up, rush hour to clear up, the weather to warm up, and our bodies to shape up. But the more significant challenge is waiting for God to fulfill our deeper longings.

If you’ve been waiting for what feels like an eternity, find solace in knowing God’s delay is rooted in His perfect judgment and goodness. His plan may be mysterious, but His love for you is not. True contentment comes not from having everything we want but from recognizing that Jesus Christ is enough—that He is our ultimate source of joy and our reason for living.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) is a powerful reminder to trust Him with all our hearts, acknowledging His perfect timing and wisdom. It says, “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.”

Feeling entitled robs us of joy and peace and fuels a never-ending struggle to align life with our wishes. I don’t know about you, but I find that exhausting!

If you’re tired of waiting and are tempted to take matters into your own hands, you’re not alone. Even heroes of the faith, like Abraham and his wife Sarah who we read about in the Bible, took matters into their own hands when they thought God wasn’t moving fast enough. Read Genesis 16:1-16 for details.

Trusting God means knowing at this moment you are precisely where you’re supposed to be. Like Sarah in the Bible story, who had unwavering faith amid uncertainty, you too can trust God to fulfill His promises, even if they seem far-fetched.

My waiting season began several years ago after I suffered three concussions. While I saw nothing good about my suffering, God used it to prepare me for my calling. By the time I recovered, God had already opened several doors for me to minister to women. My experience taught me this: Even when it seems like nothing is happening, God is working behind the scenes to prepare us for our ultimate purpose: to glorify Him.

As hard as it is to wait, I hope you let God use this time to prepare you for your promised land. And don’t forget to enjoy the present because tomorrow’s gifts aren’t meant to be opened yet.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

When my waiting season feels heavy, equip me to enjoy today as I trust You with my tomorrows. When doubts fill my mind, remind me that Your plans for me will unfold perfectly as I trust Your timing above mine. I’m grateful you love me enough to ensure all the pieces fall into place. When I can’t see the complete picture, I’m confident that the day I open Your gifts, I will be ready to enjoy them. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Promises” (feat. Joe L Barnes & Naomi Raine) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "We Are the Reason" by AVALON. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s passion to follow Jesus Christ is woven throughout her writing. She loves using words to encourage women to embrace their identity in Christ so they can experience victory in every area of their life. 

In 2024, Sarah was a featured speaker in the 28-Day Devotional Challenge. She also launched her new Substack newsletter, "A Peaceful Pace", which inspires her readers to let Jesus Christ set their pace in a world that values speed at all costs.

Sarah’s short stories have appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and Mysterious Ways by Guideposts. Her latest short story is featured in a new book published by Guideposts, titled Too Amazing For Coincidence.

Her devotionals have appeared in David C. Cook’s The Quiet Hour and Devotions, The Secret Place by Judson Press, and Pray a Word a Day by Guideposts.

Sarah is a dog sitter who lives in Minneapolis with her dachshund Frank. Her hobbies include cooking and vacationing each year on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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Connect with Sarah:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52
Substack: https://colebopper58.substack.com/publish/home