The Jewel of a Giving Heart

(Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's)

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, NIV).
On that steamy summer day, the car trip was too long, the children too crowded in the back seat and our air-conditioner broken. Even the wind whipping in our open windows felt hot and stale. We were all in a foul mood by the time the car overheated.

My husband, Dan, turned off the road into a large service area. It consisted of several bays, all empty but one, where a young woman stood beside her car with its hood up. She watched us as we drove through the lot and pulled in beside her. In retrospect, it seems strange that we would come so close. However, we seemed drawn to her.

When Dan got out of the car, he noticed that there was no mechanic or attendant in sight—only the woman who approached to inquire about our situation and needs.

The kindness on her face was unlike any I had ever seen. It was more than an expression. It was a caring warmth at her very essence. She made me feel safe. Have you ever encountered someone like that?

Find out how she helped us and read about other supernatural encounters in Where Your Heart Meets God's, published by MillerWords.
With 51 "stand alone" devotions, the book may be used for study by Sunday school classes, small groups and individuals.

Find Out More:

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I WASN'T READY FOR A FIGHT

The Jewel of God's Power

Sample devotion from "Where Your Heart Meets God's," published by MillerWords.

"God has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other, sees him at work, doing his salvation work" (Isaiah 52:10, The Message).

I wasn't expecting a fight the morning I set out to visit my mother at her home in Queens, New York. I was busy pushing my daughter in a stroller, plus holding my sleeping infant son and an

over-stuffed diaper bag.
Our trip involved riding the New York City subway and I was already exhausted as we stood on the platform, crowded with commuters on their way to work. At last, I heard the train thundering through the tunnel. When it screeched to a stop, the crowd pushed toward the door. Hemmed-in by towering adults, my daughter cried in fear and I found myself struggling. A smartly dressed couple among the commuters was soon beside me.

"May I help you?" the man in a business suit asked.
"That would be great" I replied, moving the diaper bag his way.
"No!" he growled, shoving it away. "I'll take that little boy."
I felt large hands wrapping around my son and pulling. My arms tightened like a vise.
This all happened in a matter of seconds while the crowd was disappearing into the subway car. I knew its doors would soon close, leaving my children and me at the mercy of this couple who I knew would stop at nothing to accomplish their evil.
As the last few people filtered away, great strength came from somewhere outside myself and I yanked my son free. I dashed into the train with my children. We barely squeezed through the closing doors.
My heart pounding, I dropped onto an empty seat, my daughter still wailing and my son still blissfully asleep—his face peaceful as a cherub. But the incident woke me up to the evil around us. Though not yet a Christian, I realized I must have had angelic assistance wrestling my baby from this larger, stronger man, likely stalking the city for babies to sell, or worse. Until that point, I had felt immune from such dangers.
Years later, I realize how much we are all subject to danger, but also to attack from demonic forces, which prowl the earth, ravenous for prey. In John 10:10, Satan is called a murder and a thief. If we are not prepared, he will steal what he can, even our treasure of communion with God through impressions, visions and dreams.
And this enemy doesn't come with horns and a pitchfork. Like the couple who tried to kidnap my son, the thief can come in a suit, with a smile and smooth words. He will try to instill doubt, as he did Eve, in the Garden of Eden. "Did God really say …?"[i]
I remember a pastor saying, "Don't let the devil steal your lunch." I would add, don't let him steal your dreams.

Pearl to Ponder: How do you interpret these words of Jesus? "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10, NIV).

Love Nugget: Hold on tight to your dreams, just as God is holding onto you.
Read more devotions in Where Your Heart Meets God's, published by MillerWords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_