devotions for the daniel's fast

Listen to God

February 11, 2019 By Kristen Feola

“Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God” (John 8:47 NLT).

It was an early Saturday morning, and no one else in the house was awake. I quietly slipped out of bed, put on my workout clothes, and headed to the gym. After more than two weeks at home with my children on Christmas vacation, this momma was desperate for some time alone.

When I entered the facility, I was immediately assaulted by deafening, rap-style music. The song blared through the speakers at full volume. At first I thought, There’s no way I can exercise like this! But, I was determined. I wasn’t going to leave. In the thirty seconds it took me to walk to the treadmill, I heard at least five obscenities. I couldn’t get my headphones on quickly enough.

Even after I turned on my Christian music, I could still hear the other song. It was distracting and disturbing. The lyrics made me uncomfortable. I did my best to concentrate on the positive words in my ears and tune out the profane.

It wasn’t long before I barely noticed the rap music and was able to settle into my workout. After fifteen minutes, the perpetrator turned off the radio and left the building. I was finally able to relax and exercise in peace.

We live in a world that’s riddled with sin. Evil is all around us, and we’re constantly bombarded with negative influences. Sometimes the world can be loud – shockingly loud – and it’s difficult to hear the Lord’s voice. We must choose to focus on truth and tune out anything opposed to it.

Daily Bible reading is essential to walking in victory. You should hunger for God’s instruction just as you hunger for food. You need to take pleasure in his commands more than you savor a fine meal. If you struggle with consistency in this area, ask God to increase your desire for his Word. May you find renewed delight in listening to him!

In Your Anger, Do Not Sin

September 28, 2015 By Kristen Feola

Last year I saw an interesting road sign at Virginia Beach. I knew I’d use it in a blog post at some point. Well, today is the day. It’s an appropriate visual for what I experienced this afternoon.

After working on the computer for a few hours this morning, I decided to take a break. I went rollerblading. As I started out, I prayed, “Lord, you often speak to me when I’m exercising, so I’m listening.”

Boy, did I get an earful!

At about the four-mile mark, I was passed by a dark gray Acura. The man who was driving yelled, “Are you blankety-blank kidding me?! Get on the blankety-blank sidewalk!”

At first, I was offended. The street was very wide and even had a passing lane. I was practically hugging the shoulder on the right side of the road, so the car had plenty of room.

The man’s nasty words stung, but only for a few seconds. Then I started thinking, What kind of pain does he have in his heart? What’s going on in his life that caused him to scream obscenities like that?

Then it hit me. I’ve done the same thing. I’ve spoken harsh words. I’ve raised my voice for no good reason. I’ve lost my temper with strangers. And family. And friends.

I can’t judge that guy because I am that guy. And, if you’re completely honest with yourself, so are you.

Anger isn’t wrong. It’s a normal, God-given emotion. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin” (Eph. 4:26). How you handle feelings of irritation can be destructive, though. If you spew forth venomous words when you’re upset, that is sin. When the guy in the car screamed at me, he was essentially saying, “You’re in MY way. I’m more important than you are, and I’m going to let you know it!”

Human beings are naturally self-centered. We tend to think of ourselves first in most situations, and when someone threatens our comfort, we tend to get a little miffed. Sometimes a lot miffed.

The only way to respond rightly when angry is to stop thinking about yourself. Turn to God in those heated moments, and rely on His power. He will give you strength to resist the temptation to lash out and teach you to develop self-control.

Think about how you’ve spoken today. Have your words been life giving? Or have they caused deep wounds in the people around you?

Choose to follow God’s standard for your conversations: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 NLT).

You can be angry and not sin. With God’s help, you can.

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Do You Trust God?

April 17, 2015 By Kristen Feola

It’s easy to say the words, “I’m trusting in the Lord.” But, what exactly does that mean?

Trusting God involves remaining in His Word. Letting go of anxiety. Choosing to rest in His presence. Refusing to be held captive by fear.

In human relationships, we often extend trust to someone only after it has been earned. But that’s not necessary with God. We don’t need to put him on a trial basis or “test” His actions. The Lord is forever faithful and completely reliable. And, just for the record, not one of His good promises has ever failed.

If you’re facing a difficult situation that causes you to be afraid, you can do one of two things: 1) Try to figure everything out on your own (believe me, it doesn’t work), or 2) Cast all your cares on the One who loves you most.

May I suggest the second option? That’s what I’m trying to do right now.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve faced a few situations that have challenged my faith in big ways. I’ve been afraid. Confused. Sad. Angry. Disappointed. Frustrated. Anxious. But in the midst of the confusion and chaos, one word keeps coming to my mind.

Trust.

Even though I’m tempted to rehearse all the “what if” scenarios in my mind, the Lord is calling me to look to Him instead. So I’m relying on the Holy Spirit to guide me. Step by step, day by day. I’m also clinging to the familiar truth of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Will you join me? Can we agree to allow God’s peace to cover us, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Together, let’s resolve to walk the path of faith. Let’s trust in the Lord with full confidence that His plans are for our good. We don’t need to worry. We just need to trust Him.

Do the Work

May 31, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” – 1 Chronicles 28:20a, NLT

I sat in front of my computer monitor. Three months, I thought. I have only three months to finish this book. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. My neck was tight, and my shoulders were sagging under the heavy load. I opened up the Word for encouragement and turned to my Bible reading passage for the day – 1 Chronicles 28.

King David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem for an important announcement:

“Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood. Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father (28:2-3, 6, NLT).” Then, in the presence of all the people, David presented Solomon with detailed instructions on the project. “Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord (28:19).”

At this point, David turned to Solomon and said: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly (28:20, NLT).”

The Lord spoke to my heart loudly and clearly through that last verse. I sensed him saying, “Kristen, be strong and courageous. I am with you. I have chosen you to write this book, just as I chose David to be king and Solomon to build the Temple. You can trust me to provide everything you need. I will see to it that the book is written just as I want it to be.”

Are you feeling overwhelmed by what God has called you to do? Don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. Remember, God is with you. Put your trust in him, and remind yourself daily, if necessary: “What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).”

Be strong in the Lord, and do the work. God will take care of the rest.

Bring Your Family to Jesus

May 13, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” – John 1:40-42

As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been called to share the good news of salvation with the people around us. Yet, often our greatest challenge is not in witnessing to strangers, but to those we know the best – members of our own family. Andrew’s story can encourage us. In John 1, we see that the first thing Andrew did when he heard about Jesus was to tell his brother, Simon. Verse 42 reveals what Andrew did next: “And he brought him to Jesus.”

When Andrew introduced his brother to the Savior of the world, Simon’s life was never the same. That day, Simon became Cephas (or Peter), which is translated as “rock.” Peter ended up being one of the most passionate and influential of Jesus’ followers, whose faith played a big part in laying the foundation for Christianity. Much of the book of Acts records the display of God’s power through Peter’s ministry.

I want to be like Andrew and bring my family to Jesus. Although many are believers, there are some who haven’t yet accepted God’s gift of salvation. I continue to pray their eyes will be opened to the truth. I long to see their lives radically, permanently changed – just like Peter’s was!

Do you have family members still living in darkness? If so, don’t stop interceding for them! The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:4, “Anyone who is among the living has hope.” Your loved ones are not without hope for salvation if they are still breathing. Therefore, trust God to do the work He needs to do in their hearts and to do it in His timing. Do your part, and pray for opportunities to bring your family to Jesus this year!

When God Seems Far Away

May 6, 2013 By Kristen Feola

Have you ever gone through a hard time and felt abandoned by God? Most of us probably have at one time or another. Maybe you’re there right now. Even though it may seem as if God has left you, He hasn’t. God is with you, whether you feel His presence or not.

Sometimes God can seem very distant when our questions or prayers go unanswered. However, the Bible says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” God’s purposes are beyond our understanding. We can’t begin to wrap our brains around all that He’s doing in our lives. Therefore, in moments of confusion, we need to put our trust in what we do know to be true, verses such as:

1)         God’s plans for me are for my good (Jeremiah 29:11).
2)         God is faithful in all he does (Psalm 33:4).
3)         God will fulfill His purpose for me (Psalm 138:8).

The next time your feelings say God isn’t paying attention to your concerns, tell yourself the truth: God sees, and He cares! In fact, it’s often during the silence that He’s working to bring about the help you need.

Our God is gracious, compassionate, and kind. He is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who put their faith in Him and His Word. Though our emotions may be up and down, the Lord God remains the same. He is constant and steady. Those who put their trust in Him will not be disappointed!

The ABCs of Praise

May 3, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you!” – Psalm 118:28, NLT

On Thursday mornings, I lead a group at my daughters’ school called Moms in Prayer. A group of dedicated mothers and grandmothers meet to intercede for our teachers, administration, staff, and, of course, our children. Each week, we begin our 45-minute prayer time with praise. Then, we spend a few moments in silent confession, followed by thanksgiving and intercession.

Praise is one of the most important components of prayer, but, unfortunately, it’s probably the most neglected. Many people think they are praising God when they’re actually giving thanks to Him. Although both are necessary in the life of a believer, they are not the same. Praise is acknowledging God for who He is, while thanksgiving is offering words of gratitude for what He has done.

Think of how good it feels when someone gives you a compliment. That’s exactly what you’re doing when you praise the Lord! You tell God how great He is!

One way I like to praise God is by going through the ABCs. I speak out God’s attributes, character, or name for each letter of the alphabet. It goes something like this:

God, you’re…
A- awesome, amazing, the Alpha and Omega
B – beautiful, the Bread of Life
C – compassionate, the God of all comfort, caring
D – my Deliverer
E – eternal, excellent in all your ways
F – faithful, Father, friend, forgiving
(all the way to “Z”)

When you pray, be sure to begin with praise. Resist the temptation to rush right to your requests. Instead, worship the Lord, and exalt His holy name!

Make the commitment of Psalm 145:2 (NLT): “I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever.” Give my ABC idea a try, and see what you think.

The God of Second Chances

March 8, 2013 By Kristen Feola

When I’m on my skates, things happen. Spiritual things. Not anything super weird or freaky. Just God’s voice speaking. Prompting. Convicting.

This past Monday was an unseasonably warm winter day here in the Ozarks. I took advantage of the sunshine by heading out to one of my favorite local trails. After about 15 minutes, I passed a young woman and immediately noticed her posture. Her head was slightly lowered, with her eyes staring at the ground. Her body language shouted, “I’m so sad!”

I skated on. A distant memory surfaced from last July. The same trail. Rollerblading. A young woman.

Nah.

Something else caught my attention, and I moved on to the next train of thought. Then, during my final mile, I saw her again. This time she was sitting on a bench. Same slumped posture. Same sad gaze.

I sensed that God wanted me to stop and talk to her. Yet, I struggled with knowing if that “sense” was really from Him. I said aloud, “God, how do I know it’s you? How can I be sure?”

I needed a visible sign and decided to “put out a fleece” like Gideon did in Judges 6. Therefore, my plan was this: If the woman was still seated when I passed the bench a second time, I would stop. If not, then I wouldn’t.

When I came to the turnaround point on the trail, I skated back in her direction. I saw the bench. I saw her on it. As I got closer, though, I saw her getting up! I decided to go for it anyway. I said, “This may sound really strange, but I feel like the Lord wants me to tell you something. He wants you to know He loves you.”

She stopped abruptly, gave me a puzzled, almost angry look, and said with a thick accent, “You LOVE me? What the h— is that all about?”

“No, no!” I said, seeing her confusion as result of the language barrier. “God loves you. He wants you to know He sees your sadness, and He loves you.”

Then, she understood. She relaxed. She listened.

As I looked into her eyes, I also understood. The flashback from last summer came at me again, this time in full force. The young woman who approached me last July was the same woman standing before me. That day I had missed an opportunity to share Christ’s love with her. I had turned my back on a divine appointment. Yet, in God’s great mercy, He had answered my prayer for another chance. Little did I know, though, that the second chance would not be with another stranger, but with the very one He had sent my way the first time.

I was overwhelmed. All I could do was say, “Thank you, God,” as I talked with my new friend from Bulgaria.

(To read about my initial encounter, read Divine Appointment.)