Category: Devotions

Words of encouragement, support and blessing for individuals and families living with disabilities

Words, words, words…

Words are the most powerful thing that we have and can use as Christians to encourage someone, expand God’s Kingdom, bring holiness into a situation and to repel darkness from a path forward.

This can obviously be done with words spoken to God in prayer, praise and thanksgiving as well as requests, repeating God’s will and supplications all done with the confidence of God’s light, love and promises bringing more of heaven to Earth with every breath we speak with Him.

Person to person, words fitly spoken can have an impact just as great under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we attempt to speak the words God would have us share, people are encouraged, hearts are inspired, countenances are uplifted, peace permeates the atmosphere and a sense of victory and safety bring relaxation.

I love the verse Proverbs 16:24 that says, “pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”. What a beautiful picture of a soothing and relaxing conversation that brings about a sense of goodness so that others can truly enjoy the moment with a wholesome heart.

It is so easy for us all to be influenced by the world until we become cynical and numb to the ungodly and unholy rather than be in tune with the wholesome goodness that God wants us to enjoy and communicate to others. How easily words of criticism slip out, unholy metaphors or simply things that we have heard for years and years come out of our mouth without even realizing what we are saying.

Maybe that is why the psalmist in Psalm 141:3 says “take control of what I say, oh Lord, and guard my lips”. The Bible says that controlling our tongue is one of the most difficult things for us to do. It takes purposeful and thoughtful thinking and self-discipline to truly be uplifting, inspiring and a blessing to others with what we say. So, I’m going to start my New Year’s resolution early and diligently try to be aware of what I say in hopes that it will bring more of heaven to earth and be a blessing to others.

Let me leave you with these final verses from first Peter 1:15 and 16 to set a reference to what God expects of us as believers. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written; Be ye holy for I am holy”. It is a tall order but the more we try to follow this admonition the more wholesome, holy, peaceful, enjoyable and wonderful the world will be. :)

Happy Thanksgiving: November 23, 2023 – Attitude of Gratitude!

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s actually a brisk 68° and overcast here in Umatilla, FL for this gracious holiday of gratitude. This is a bit unusual for our neck of the woods but somehow brings out memories and a sense of thankfulness for all the good things that God has done in our lives.

We are obviously thankful for the precious gift of Jesus and all that means to us as well as for each other and the Access-Life Ministry that God has entrusted to us to further spread his love and gospel. We are also thankful for the many family and friends that God has brought into our lives and the encouragement and support that has followed. The joy that our toy poodle Joy Hallelujah aka Lulu brings to our lives each day is also an enormous blessing from heaven.

Although things are not perfect nor will they be until we get to heaven, we always try to follow the Lord’s call to pray and work for more of heaven to come to earth each day. We also try to follow his admonition to focus our hearts and minds on him and the goodness that he pours out upon us each day.

We know many are struggling in such a variety of ways in these days and times but God’s light, love, purity, holiness and abundant Life can be seen and experienced every moment of our lives if we will but choose to be intentional about what we think, pray, say, do, see and hear. Listening for that still small voice and looking for those glimpses of heaven on earth can have a huge impact on our lives so that we can be truly grateful for something every day of the year.

Colossians 3:2 is such a great verse exemplifying the importance of our thoughts (set your minds on things about, not on earthly things.) and Deuteronomy 12:7 (there, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.) is such a beautiful picture of God’s hope and desire for us especially on this day of Thanksgiving. We hope you find these verses encouraging and enjoy the amateur artwork by Doug that is attached. 🙂

Again, Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for each of you and pray that the words of 3 John 1:2 (Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.) describing God’s desire for each of us blesses you by knowing God’s heart for you.

Access-Life “3 in 3”: November 19, 2023 – Attitude of Gratitude!

Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! #Thanksgiving is almost here and in honor of this season of an #attitudeofgratitude , we want to share with you a special Access-Life #3in3 for November. Check it out to find out what Doug Goddard is thankful for this year and please feel free to share what YOU are thankful for this holiday season of remembering God’s many blessings in the comments below to inspire and remind others of God’s Great goodness and generous blessings. :-)

Access-Life “3 in 3”: October 23, 2023 – Sweet Rest

Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! Feeling a little tired, sluggish and need a nap? Then check out our Access-Life “3 in 3” for October hosted by ministry intern Hannah Grace Spradling. We hope this video can help you find rest in the busy world we all live in! Thank The Lord we can find rest in Him!

Picture and Poetry by Doug and Leanne Goddard – God, Goodness and Grace

GOD, GOODNESS AND GRACE by Doug Goddard

Jesus in You alone I hope

For you so deeply love me

Jesus in You alone I trust

For you have never failed me

Thought I am not perfect in any way

You lead me safely through each day

Jesus you are so good to me.

Jesus you are so good to me.

You are forever faithful

Even when I am untrue

You are forever with me

Even when I stray from you

I live my life in you each day

Surrounded by your presence in every way

Jesus you are so good to me.

Jesus you are so good to me.

Jesus my friend and guide

Holding me tight by Your grace

Jesus my rock and foundation

Saving me and taking my place

Made safe in Your arms I rest peacefully

For as your child I’m with you eternally

Jesus you are so good to me.

Jesus you are so good to me.

Blessed by goodness and gifts

Your love and care are the best

Filled with joy and peace

Your grace and mercy give me rest

Walking with You and never alone

My eyes set on You as You lead me home

Jesus you are so good to me.

Jesus you are so good to me.

Access-Life “3 in 3”: August 31, 2023 – The Ultimate Shelter: God

Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities!

We are sliding in on the last day of the month for our August Access-Life three in three but if you’ve been through storms like we have here in Florida you’ll love the message that God is our only true refuge.

Plus, you get to hear about our upcoming North Texas Expo trip where it is so hot that the chickens are laying omelets there (bonus joke for free thanks to Rachel Nicholson). :-) Hope you enjoy the video and have a God blessed week!

Access-Life “3 in 3”: July 31, 2023 – It is Amazing what You can do with God

Hey there boys and girls of all ages and abilities! As a special treat, Miss Hannah in Tennessee is going to bring you the July Access-Life 3 and 3. :-)

As usual we will have a very funny joke, relevant Bible verse and an update on ministry happenings but in this episod, you’ll also get to see a little bit more of Hannah’s heart as she shares about her experience at this year’s East Tennessee Expo.

Hope you all enjoy it and God bless everyone today in a special way. :-)