kristen feola devotion

Come Right In

February 18, 2014 By Kristen Feola

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

Leviticus is not my favorite book in the Bible. It tends to be monotonous and confusing. Today, though, I found a powerful, liberating truth buried deeply among the long list of rules.

In Chapter 16 God gives Moses instructions to pass on to his brother, Aaron. The Lord said, “Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place…or else he will die….” (16:2). That statement sounds unbelievably harsh, unless you understand the context.

Aaron was a priest. The main responsibility of priests was to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people and seek atonement for their sin. However, before performing their duties, priests had to spend hours in preparation. Leviticus 8-9 explains in great detail the steps Aaron and his sons had to take before meeting with the Almighty God. They had to be washed with water, wear special clothing, and be anointed with oil. In other words, they had to purify themselves.

Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were also priests. While serving in the tabernacle one day, they completely disregarded God’s commands and decided to do things their own way. As a result, the Lord put them to death. When this unfortunate event occurred, God reminded Aaron of the seriousness of his position and the consequences of failing to honor God’s holiness.

As I read this passage, I was thankful freedom we have in Christ. Because Jesus died for our sin, we don’t have to live in fear as Aaron did. We can approach God with boldness at any time, and he promises to lavish us with love when we do!

You don’t have to “get ready” or make yourself clean to meet with God. He invites you to come just as you are. Any time. Whenever you choose.

Stay Free

February 4, 2014 By Kristen Feola

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” – Galatians 5:1a

A few years ago I went to prison. Not as an inmate, but as a guest on a tour. The whole experience was awkward and unsettling. Although it was an interesting experience, I was relieved when the tour was completed. As soon as we exited the building, I took a deep breath, thankful for fresh air. Thankful to be free.

However, there was a time when I was locked up behind steel bars, just like those men. But, one day – June 3, 1979, to be exact – I was set free! The chains that held me were broken, and I was released. God forgave my sin and granted me eternal life in him!

You would think that after leaving that dark, lonely place, I would never ever be tempted to return. But I have been. And I am. Perhaps you can relate. Negative thought patterns. Idolatry. Fits of anger. Lies, pride, lust, and envy. A few steps here and there in the wrong direction and soon the feet are shackled once again.

Friend, this is not what God has for us! Jesus’ death and resurrection severed our bondage forever. He freed us from the control of sin, enabling us to live through the power of the Holy Spirit. However, it’s entirely possible for one set free to return to captivity. That’s why the apostle Paul said, “Make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery” (Galatians 5:1b NLT). How do we stay free? By believing God’s commands. By refusing to listen to the lies of the enemy. By trusting in the Lord and leaning on his strength.

If you’re praying for victory over a particular sin, you need to know something: You already have it! Walk right out of your prison cell now. Hold your head up high and declare, “I will walk in freedom!” (Psalm 119:45) Remember, you’re no longer a slave to sin, you’re a slave to righteousness! Jesus Christ has set you free. Therefore, make every effort to stay free!

Fear

October 1, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Isabelle wasn’t coming down without a fight. Our 6-year-old had just climbed thirty-five-foot rock face like a seasoned pro. She had no problem navigating the various rock formations, easily finding a handhold here, a foothold there. Avid rock climbers, my husband and I were beaming with pride when she did it all by herself.

Once she got to the top, her dad talked her through what she needed to do to come back down to the ground. She had done it at least a dozen times in the past, so we were confident she would descend easily without a problem. Suddenly, though, her foot slipped. She spun around, slammed her elbow against the rock wall, and ended up dangling in the air. All I heard was her blood-curdling scream. Actually, it was a series of screams. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so panicked.

We tried to calm her down, but it was no use. Nothing we said got through to her. Between sobs, she cried out, “I’m scared! I can’t do it! My elbow hurts! I don’t know what to do!” She was paralyzed with fear and determined to stay right where she was until her father came to her rescue.

As a parent, it was frustrating for me to see my daughter struggle, especially when she didn’t have to. I tried to remain patient and loving, but after several unsuccessful attempts to coax her down, I began to get angry. Why wouldn’t she let us help her? Didn’t she trust us? Couldn’t she see we weren’t going to let her fall?

Eventually, my husband climbed up to her. At first, Isabelle didn’t even want his help and refused to move toward him. Stubborn girl. Eventually, though, she took her father’s hand and slowly made her way to the ground. She cried the whole way down.

As we drove home, I thought about how often I am just like Isabelle. Many times I’m hanging out on the side of a mountain in my life, white-knuckled with worry and fear. All I can think about are the what-ifs: What if I can’t do it? What if I make a mistake? What if I get hurt? I cry out to God for His help, but when He reaches out to me, I resist. Yet, the Lord is always the perfect parent. He doesn’t chastise or condemn. He simply waits patiently until I get my act together. If I refuse to submit and remain in rebellion, he comes to my rescue. He brings me back to Himself, even if I kick and scream all the way.

God loves us and wants the best for us. All we have to do is trust Him. Our Father has a tight grip and won’t ever let us go.

Lord, because You are with me, I have nothing to fear. Thank you for giving me strength when I am weak. You are my Rock, and I put my trust in You alone.

You are God’s Masterpiece

July 22, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” – Psalm 139:14

Imagine you’re an art fanatic, and you receive an invitation to the private unveiling of a new work by a world-renowned painter. You have no idea how you made the guest list for such an exclusive affair. However, the envelope clearly shows your name embossed in silver ink. You can’t believe you’ve been given such an opportunity.

Finally, after weeks of anticipation, the big night arrives. As you enter the museum, you’re so excited you can hardly breathe.

In the center of the atrium floor, you spot a massive canvas draped with a thin red sheet. Eager fans surround it. The artist walks up to the podium, and a hush falls across the room. He steps up to the microphone. “Every detail you see in this painting has purpose,” he says. “I carefully selected each color and made sure every brush stroke was perfect.” Slowly, the artist lifts the sheet to reveal his work.

The crowd gasps. Then everyone bursts into thunderous applause. “Amazing!” someone says. “Extraordinary!” another person shouts. “One of a kind!” a man proclaims.

You stand there in shock and disbelief. Do they see what I see? you wonder. The painting is nothing like you expected. In fact, you think it’s horrendous.

Everyone else seems to be elated. Once the clapping dies down and people begin mingling, you approach the artist. He smiles, waiting for your words of appreciation. Looking straight into his eyes, you say, “This is the ugliest painting I’ve ever seen! The colors are awful. I definitely wouldn’t have done it the way you did. I mean, what’s with the texture? It looks like the work of an amateur! I can’t believe I waited two months to see this piece of junk.”

Never, ever would you even think of doing such a thing. Not in a million years would you criticize the creativity of an accomplished artist. Yet, we act this way all the time when it comes to God.

When you and I consider God’s handiwork, we should be in awe, much like the writer of Psalm 139: “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (verses 13-14).” But, many times we’re critical, unhappy, and downright angry about the way God made us.

How do you feel about your body? Do you focus on what you consider to be “flaws,” or do you find reasons to rejoice in God’s miraculous creation? Every time you think negatively about your appearance or make a degrading remark about one of your features, you’re basically saying, “God, you messed up. You didn’t know what you were doing.” How offensive that must be to the Lord!

You are a priceless work of art. There’s no one else in the world like you. Zephaniah 3:17 says God takes great delight in you. He fashioned your nose, your eyes, your hair, and your body just as he wanted them to be. Don’t ever wish you had been created differently. You’re perfect just the way you are.

Take Your Position

July 1, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17a

No matter how hard I tried this past week, I couldn’t get in the groove with my writing. My thoughts were fragmented. I had trouble expressing ideas. By Saturday I was beyond frustrated. Doubts and discouragement filled my mind. Maybe a second book wasn’t such a great idea after all.

Then I read the story of Jehoshaphat. It was just what I needed to get back on track.

When King Jehoshaphat received word that his enemies were going to attack, his first response was to turn to God. He proclaimed a fast for all of Judah, urging them to seek the Lord for help. As the people gathered together at the temple, Jehoshaphat prayed, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you (2 Chronicles 20:6).” Jehoshaphat continued by recounting God’s faithfulness to them. Finally, he confessed, “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you (20:12).”

At this point the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, one of the men standing in the crowd. He proclaimed: “This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them….You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you (20:15-17).’”

The next morning the people marched in the direction of their enemies. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and praise him along the way. When the men of Judah came to the place where their enemies were, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground. The battle had already been won. They didn’t have to fight at all.

Where does this story meet you? What battle are you facing? What worries plague your mind? Whatever you’re up against, you don’t have to “do” anything except trust the Lord.

Today, take your position of faith. Remember, God is fighting for you, and he will deliver you. Praise the Lord for the victory that is to come!

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!

Held By His Grace

May 10, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” – 2 Cor. 12:9, NLT

It was Sunday, January 6, 2013, day one of my Daniel Fast. As I stood in church and worshiped the Lord, I could sense God’s nearness. I was filled with anticipation about the fast and what God had in store. However, three hours later, that jubilant feeling had disappeared as I lay in bed with a high fever. It was the beginning of a month-long battle with the flu.

Many times during that illness, I was tempted to feel sorry for myself and burst into tears. However, instead of “losing it,” I frequently had to remind myself of these three truths:

1) God is in control.
2) He has a purpose in allowing this affliction.
3) He will provide the strength I need.

Moments of weakness, although unpleasant, are actually beneficial. Suffering is a great teacher, for it reminds us how dependent we are upon the Lord. The events of your life are not random. Just as God knew I would be sick during my entire Daniel Fast, He is not surprised at all by your circumstances. Everything in your life has been filtered through the loving hand of your Father because there is something He wants to develop in you. Therefore, do not resist Him! Trust God to bring good out of your situation.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) says, “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.”

Maybe you can relate to my experience because you’re struggling physically. Or, perhaps you’re facing financial disaster or a broken marriage. Whatever your need, don’t allow fear to enter your heart and steal your joy. Instead, focus on God’s blessings, remembering that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

My prayer for you today is that you find peace in the Father’s arms. May you be strengthened in your inner being as you put your hope in Him!

Holy Week Prayer Guide

March 24, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” – 1 Tim. 2:1,3-4

Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, a sacred time commemorating the final days of Jesus’ life on this earth. As we celebrate the Lord’s resurrection and victory over death next Sunday, we must be mindful of why Jesus came in the first place – “to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).”

Those of us who have been wonderously saved by grace must not forget why we are here. Our mission is the same – to bring glory to God and to bring people to Him.

What should we be doing this week to prepare for Easter? We must get on our knees and pray. God is working in the lives of people all around us, and it’s vital that we intercede for them.

Following is a prayer guide to get you started. May God do what only He can do this week – open hearts and draw people to Himself.

Monday – Unsaved members in your family; pray that the Lord would stir their hearts this week and that they would realize their need for Jesus.

Tuesday – Divine appointments to share Christ; ask God to open your eyes to see hurting people that He brings across your path; boldness to speak truth.

Wednesday – Unsaved friends; pray for opportunities; invite them to church this Sunday; ask God to break down the walls in their hearts.

Thursday – Missionaries around the world; pray for specific ones you know by name; strength and protection as they reach the lost; ask God to give them a great harvest; pray for the people groups they are working with, that the Lord will do a mighty work and many would be saved.

Friday – Christians all around the world as we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins; that we would spend time meditating on God’s great love for us and that this time of reflection would result in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord; we would be fervent in prayer over the next three days and ready to share Christ.

Saturday – Your pastor and leadership team; pray for the Holy Spirit’s anointing over your pastor, that the Lord would go before him and prepare his heart for what to share on Sunday; pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in the services.

Sunday – That the lost would be found today and brought into God’s kingdom; that those for whom we’ve been praying would respond to God’s invitation for salvation; that nothing would prevent people from going to church today if the Spirit is calling them.

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.)

Look for Opportunities to Love

January 22, 2013 By Kristen Feola

“Make the most of every opportunity.” – Ephesians 5:16, NLT

My oldest daughter, Isabelle, has a gift that never ceases to amaze me. No matter where we go, she always seems to find some kind of treasure on the ground. She notices things that the rest of us miss, and, most of the time, it’s money!

For example, this past summer we traveled to New York City to visit my husband’s parents. One afternoon we took the girls to Coney Island, and she found $10 on the Boardwalk!

Things like that happen all the time! Just a few weeks ago, Isabelle spotted a $5 bill near our car at a gas station. However, she doesn’t keep finding money because she is “lucky.” The reason she frequently makes such discoveries is because she looks for them. Her eyes are always searching for the next big find.

As believers, we must have our spiritual eyes open to what God is doing around us. Every day, we encounter people who need to be seen. People who are hurting. People who just want to be noticed and loved. Unless we’re looking, though, we won’t see them.

Today, I encourage you to find ways to share Christ’s love with others. Maybe the Lord wants you to pray with a co-worker or help a family in your neighborhood. Or, perhaps He is prompting you to have a spiritual discussion with a member of your family. Simply step out in faith, and trust the Lord to guide you. He will show you what to say and do.

When you ask God for such opportunities, you should expect them to receive them. Therefore, approach this day in anticipation of divine appointments! May the Lord go before you and prepare the way!

My One Word for 2013

January 4, 2013 By Kristen Feola

Each January since 2011, I’ve asked God to give me one word for the year, a word that describes a special work He wants to do in and through me. The first year, my word was SATISFIED. Last year, it was PEACE.

For the past few days, I’ve been praying for my 2013 word. I want to share how the Lord revealed and confirmed it, all in one day:

1) When I woke up Thursday morning, I had the word “REJOICE” on my mind. I distinctly remember seeing the word in my dream, although I can’t tell you anything about the context.

2) Thursday afternoon, I sat in the sauna for about 30 minutes after exercising. I had my headphones on, listening to our local Christian music station. One of the commercials was for a clothing store. I wasn’t really paying too much attention to it until the last sentence of the ad. The final word was REJOICE. I laughed, thinking it was odd, but still not really sure that was my word.

3) Later that night, I was scrolling through the hundreds of photos on my iPhone, and I came across this photo of my REJOICE mug. My friend, Bonnie, gave me the mug in September, after I spoke at the women’s retreat she organized. Little did she know that her present would hold much more significance than a simple “thank you.”

After having these three experiences in one day, I am convinced. My one word for 2013 is REJOICE, which means:

to feel or show great joy or delight.
to be glad.
to fill with joy.

I believe God gave me this word because He wants me to experience and express greater joy this year. Following are ways in which I can grow in this area:

1) To choose joy daily, recognizing that each day is a gift from God.

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

2) To be filled with joy at all times, even in difficult circumstances.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4, NLT

3) To have a glad heart that encourages joy in others, which brings glory to God.

“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!” – Revelation 19:7a

I encourage you to spend time seeking out a word for 2013 (for more information on the process, see the links above). Ask God to reveal it to you, and then wait patiently on Him. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get your word right away, either! The first year, I waited for more than a month. Remember, God is never late. His timing is always perfect.

2013 is going to be full of miracles and answers to prayer. I’m already rejoicing at the great things God is going to do!