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A Thankful Heart – Heather Spiva
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Plan for the unexpected.

In everything, give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV

“This is absolutely horrible,” said my husband. “I … I don’t know what to do.” We had just finished remodeling a home and it was ready to rent. We had painted the walls to perfection, updated the bathrooms and kitchen, and cleaned up every speck of dust and dirt. We were happy with the months of hard work, time, and money spent. Things were finally in order; things were finally exactly where we wanted them to be.

To find  a back bedroom demolished, thanks to a frozen and busted water pipe, along with the rest of the bedrooms and bathrooms, was beyond hard. Now we faced the reality that most of our sweat equity amounted to…nothing.

What are we to do when disaster faces us in the midst of something that could’ve gone right…when hard work and persistence amounts to a hill of beans, or in our case, a soppy, wet, expensive mess? We thank God.

As followers of Christ, He calls us to believe negative news is still beneficial; that the worst news of our life can actually make a positive difference when we trust and thank Him through it. If we believe that every good and bad thing in our life is in God’s will, then our faith — whether our judgment says to understand it or not — is to keep that faith; to keep our end of the bargain as a believer and trust that everything, whether brilliantly great or devastatingly bad, is from God. And thank Him for it.

Look to Him as our source for everything – our soul provider. Believe what He sends our way is exactly what we can handle, then trust the worst of situations will turn into something beautiful if we wait and see with a thankful heart.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer from Sacramento, CA. She loves reading, writing and spending time with her two sons and firefighter husband. You can visit her blog at www.heatherspiva.blogspot.com.

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Fearing for a Life – Heather Spiva
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Believe it is in His Control

Don’t be afraid; just believe… Mark 5:36, NIV

If words could devastate, then the words the doctor gave me concerning my unborn child were the worst. There wasn’t going to be a child in seven months. It had died in-utero, and that was the end of it.

Death is kind of like someone pulling a bag over your head. Suddenly, I couldn’t hear, I couldn’t see, and my concentration disappeared. My thoughts were solely upon my circumstances. I had prepared for months for that child — mentally and physically adjusted everything around me. Life would change big time when that baby arrived. It was what we wanted and planned for… it was all part of the joy.

That bag was on my head for a week.

This news slipped us a fast one — that we wouldn’t hold this child in our arms…that this child didn’t fit into my life. How could I pick up where I left off? I couldn’t. That part had left, never to return. And when the days passed and I finally figured out how to move on, I believe God cared and actually had his hand on my life when the fear crept in, taking the place of shame, grief, and loss.

When Jesus was about to raise a little girl from the dead, He told Jairus, her father, not to be afraid but to believe. It was as simple as that. Everyone relates to death because it is a part of our life. Friends or family, someone we hold dear, born or unborn, will eventually die. What we don’t expect is early death. The surprise of it creates fear and sadness. Jairus despaired because he had lost hope. Here he had Jesus, the Son of God, right in front of Him and Jairus still feared; it paralyzed him.

Jairus had a bag over his head too.

This is why Jesus calmly laid a hand on his shoulder and told him to relax, not to fear, and just believe that He had everything under control.

This fear, even though Jesus decided not to resurrect my little one, is what I felt. What if I couldn’t get pregnant again? What if I lost that one too? Satan worked his way into my helplessness because he saw the weakness; he saw the propensity for me to go there; feeling like God didn’t care enough to save that child. But that isn’t like God. God’s timing is perfect and He is full of love. That’s what Jesus’ words reminded me of too.

So I trusted and believed. And today, my second son is a reminder that God is faithful to us all, especially when we believe Him.

When fear overwhelms you…believe.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions.
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Comfort for the Comfortless – Heather Spiva
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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles… 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV

Oh boy, I thought to myself. I messed up big time.

It was bad enough I had to deal with the consequence of my action, but worse to have to look at my mistake and see that the hot water I was in, was because of me.

Sometimes, no matter how I try, my fleshly self finds a way to sin. My choice (and its result) hits me square in the face and I have no option but to repent – not only to the one I offended, but to God. These times I feel my worst; as if I couldn’t get any lower.

This is when God taps me on the shoulder and reminds me of his compassion. In order to move forward and not drown in the murky mess, I must lift my eyes to focus on Him; focus on His love for me even if and when I mess up and don’t think I deserve that love. He reminds me His love is unconditional. He cares so much for us that He even sent his own son to forgive our sin.

This comforts me through my trials, remembering God’s love and unending mercy, I can begin each day anew, thankful for a fresh start; ready to act like Jesus, and resting in the promise of his love in everything I do. It also reminds me to forget about my past. Once God forgives me, the sin is forgotten.

Look to God and find all the comfort you will ever need to refocus your gaze, renew your mind, and regain a Godly perspective in all things.

Lord, thank you for your unending mercies. Thank you for understanding my trials and tribulations, my mess-ups and flubs, so that I can learn from it all and be more like you. Amen

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys.

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The Sweet Word – Heather Spiva
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Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24 13:14

Bees never “want.” Have you ever thought about honeybees and their comb – how this comb never allows them to want? Their comb is not just a secure and comfortable home, but it’s a place for them to eat, thrive, and to help their family by keeping the baby bees safe. The comb is the bees’ wellspring and they need it for survival. In the same way, the Bible, and all of the lessons within it, is our honeycomb.

Just as honey is good and sweet to the taste, the living word of God is our sustenance and wonderful for our bodies too. The Word is wisdom and truth; it is a guide that we can use as food for our daily lives. And like the bees, this comb gives us encouragement, nourishment, and help. And it is good for our soul.

By reading the scriptures, the lessons in the Bible calm our daily turmoil and increase our knowledge. The Word is our hope; a home within which to hide ourselves and grow in strength, allowing us to eat deep of God’s revelations that He wants to impart to us.

Are you in need of encouragement? Do you need biblical “honey” to make it through to tomorrow? Then dig into God’s honeycomb. The Bible is our source of fulfillment and food, one that harbors us when we are vulnerable to attack. Just as the bees fully rely on their comb for life, so should the word of God be our place of refuge, rest, and refueling.

God, sometimes life is so hard! I need your word; I need your substance every day to keep going. Help me to remember this, and to rely solely on you. You are the sweet honey that my soul desires. Amen.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys.

Read Heather’s devotions.
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The Dog Days of Learning – Heather Spiva
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When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

She wouldn’t pay attention. My Goldendoodle puppy didn’t want to look at me. She was interested in the birds, the outdoor smells, and especially the quick-moving squirrel that just ran up the neighbor’s sycamore tree. But without her complete attention towards me, she couldn’t learn what I was trying to teach her. My rules, my training, and the work involved, were useless without her ability to follow my commands.

My relationship with Christ is a lot like my own puppy’s relationship to me. Sometimes, I don’t want to listen. Though I want to obey, the “squirrels” of life seem to take my attention and crowd in around me so that I don’t even recognize the sound of my master anymore.

God wants me to listen to him; to hear his voice despite the world’s clamor for my attention. His instructions to listen and obey him are for my best. And when I do listen, I see how his “rules” are there to help, guide, and teach me. They are for my best.

Listening and obeying are key elements to a blessed life. When we focus on our shepherd and listen to His voice even when it is hard to hear, we have all the direction, love, and guidance we will ever need.

Keep your eyes on Christ. Pay attention. He will guide you in the right path.

Lord, thank you for your patience with us. Help us to focus in on you, even when the busyness of life dulls your voice. Teach us to listen so we can serve and honor you with our lives. Amen.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions.
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The Sweet Word – Heather Spiva
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Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24 13:14

Bees never seem to want. Have you ever thought about honeybees and their comb and how this comb never allows them to want? Their comb is not just a secure and comfortable home, but it’s a place for them to eat, thrive, and to help their family by keeping the baby bees safe. The comb is the bees’ wellspring and they need it for survival. In the same way, the Bible, and all of the lessons within it, is our honeycomb.

Just as honey is good and sweet to the taste, the living word of God is my sustenance and wonderful for my body too. The Word is wisdom and truth; it is a guide I can use as food for my daily life. And like the bees, this comb gives me encouragement, nourishment, and help. It is good for my soul.

When I read the scriptures, the lessons in the Bible calm my daily turmoil and increase my knowledge. The Word is my hope; a home within which to hide and grow in strength, allowing me to eat deep of God’s revelations He wants to impart to me.

Are you in need of encouragement? Do you need biblical “honey” to make it through to tomorrow? Dig into God’s honeycomb. The Bible is our source of fulfillment and food, one that harbors us when we are vulnerable to attack. Just as the bees fully rely on their comb for life, so should the word of God be our place of refuge, rest, and refueling.

Prayer: God, sometimes life is so hard. I need your word. I need your substance every day to keep going. Help me to remember this, and to rely solely on you. You are the sweet honey that my soul desires. Amen.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions.
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The Doctor is In – Heather Spiva
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What do you want me to do for you? Mark 10:51, NIV

My son refused to go to the doctor. He had an ear infection and needed treatment, but he remembered the shots from last year and insisted he didn’t need to go. I convinced him the shots wouldn’t happen and when we finally got there, he understood I had his best interest in mind from the start. The doctor was kind, spoke gently to my son, and prescribed medicine. My son instantly forgot about the “shot” experience from last time, and the healing begun.

Jesus is our caring, compassionate, and wise Doctor and he’s asking — almost pleading — for us to tell him what pains us. Perhaps pride gets in the way, or it’s Satan’s voice whispering in our ear telling us we don’t deserve to ask for His help. Whatever the reason, it defies logic as well as God’s intention. He sent his Son to not only save us, but to bless us, in order to bring others unto Him. When the Lord asks what He can do for us, it’s up to us to tell Him. Even if it means more shots.

God’s purpose for us is transformation; to be like Christ in every aspect of our life. But if we don’t understand this — or don’t believe it — then why would we expect Jesus to do anything for us? Our relationship with the Doctor is reciprocal. While He came to die for our sins, Jesus wants us, in turn, to live for him. This means we have to believe He cares for us, in the same way a doctor heals or the way a father gives good things to his children.

What do you want Him to do for you? Expect an answer and believe he cares. And as you come to Him, humbly accept His sweet words and healing medicine for their worth. This is what it means to receive treatment from the most caring of all givers.

Lord, I need your help! Forgive me for not asking you when you’ve wanted me to. I accept your healing in my life. Thank you for your blessings and utter sweetness to me. Amen.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions.
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Growing Where You are Planted – Heather Spiva
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A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24

My mother loves calla lilies. But in one part of her garden where she planted them, they didn’t root well and languished. Ultimately, she pulled them, tossing them into a wild-land part of her yard — an area where she figured the bulbs would dry up and compost. But she was wrong. The bulbs re-rooted themselves into the soil and began a new life.

She was more than shocked – and pleasantly surprised – when spring arrived and she found gorgeous calla lilies growing in a forgotten about landscape. Today, the lilies are thriving in number and size. They love where they are planted.

Do you feel like the lilies? Has a change forced you to start over from scratch? Then take it as guidance from our Master Gardener. When God uproots you,  He wants you in better soil. He replants us so we not only grow stronger, but also thrive and yield His fruit. The Master Gardener takes what is weak and wilting and revives it, making it whole. As a result, we are stronger and more beautiful for it.

Be assured of His method, and trust that his “gardening” choices will bring us to full bloom. He has plans to make us prosperous. But sometimes, only through change and pain, the very seedlings of faith can bring about the happiness and harvest He wants for us all.

When you feel as though you need to be replanted, let God place you in fertile soil. He’ll grow you into an amazing beauty.

Lord, thank you for planting me in a place you know is beneficial. Help me to accept it and thrive. Thank you for your daily assistance and master hand. Amen.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions
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Taking Ownership of My Mansion – Heather Spiva
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In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

I want a BIG house. My house is small. Some days, I think about an enormous house and how great it would be to live in it: numerous rooms, marble and granite, and an incomprehensible gourmet kitchen. Then I instantly realize I’d have to clean it too. But, what if I could have a mansion of my own where cleaning wasn’t a problem? Well, there is one and it’s waiting in heaven…the builder is our Father. He made it just for us.

Having this as an inheritance makes the troubles in life just a little bit easier to handle. I know the comfort of my Father, His love and joy are waiting. But what if I could have that mansion here on earth? What if that mansion was waiting for me now and all I had to do was ask?

Jesus said His Father made us a mansion to live in later, but He’s given us the promise of salvation now. Christ is our mansion on earth and as He dwells in our hearts, we are to dwell within him. We’re allowed to search the “rooms” of Him; searching the mind and heart of Christ, with wonder and awe at His mercies, love, and kindness.

With the Bible as my guide, this mansion is mine for the taking now. All I have to do is ask and receive, and see that the truth–His healing, deliverance, and love–has been in front of me the whole time. Even if I may not have a huge house now, the heavenly mansion is still on the horizon. And that’s what really matters. What’s worth my time, effort, and thought is Christ’s love and the home he wants me to live in with Him.

Putting a For Sale sign on your earthly home may not be appropriate, but the excitement of seeing the Sold sign in front of our mansion reassures me it waits for me to move in. Have you prepared your spiritual life for eternity? Take time to know the Father.

Dear Lord, help me to remember that your love and favor are rooms I can live in now, while I wait for your return. Make my journey with you real and alive, and teach me to dwell in you-my mansion–as I follow you today. Amen.

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions

Watch for Opening Doors – Heather Spiva
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There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV

There are times, especially now with our current economic state, when my finances are tight–so tight a pair of jeans, or even nail polish, seem extravagant. Recently, due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to get out my budget belt and tighten it around my bank account…again. It hurt. My situation felt like a room with no windows or doors and I had to remind myself to breathe. God had intentionally left me no escape route from this financial setback.

We’ve all heard the saying: “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” While this statement is relatively truthful in that God never leaves us when things go bad and will always care for us, what isn’t always apparent is what to do when there is no window or door offering us passage to get out.

Maybe God doesn’t want to open a door just yet. Our life is a balance of give and take; to have and to have not, and to cry or laugh. With our thoughts or actions, we live a life for Christ that praises Him when things are great and when things are difficult. These situations not only encourage us to trust Him, but better yet, become a great example to those around us.

Do you feel trapped within your four walls? Have you no way of egress? Then press in toward what God has given you to do right now. Honor Him with your faith. Trust his timing to open that door. Believe in Him. Thank Him and eventually, the season will change. It’s how we deal with the circumstances and ourselves during our waiting that leads to a blessed life filled with the good things God wants for us. Wait for Him. His will and timing are perfect, just like Him!

Lord, thank you for knowing my circumstance always! Give me patience through my trials; give me hope. But mostly, help me to put that hope only in You. Amen

Heather Spiva is a freelance writer who lives in Sacramento, CA with her children and firefighter husband. When she isn’t writing, she is reading and when she’s not reading, she’s enjoying (or trying to, anyway) the crazy and joyous atmosphere with her two rambunctious boys. Read Heather’s devotions
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