Beyond The Ashes Ministries

Beyond The Ashes Ministries This ministry is dedicated to making disciples by biblically educating God's people through His word.

Our mission is to love & HEAL the broken, DELIVER those on the journey of long-suffering & share the HOPE of Christ. Vision:
Our vision is to walk out the charge from God in Isa 42:6-7: To be a light to the nations, open blind eyes by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bringing His children out of emotional and spiritual prisons. To teach that true freedom comes from understanding biblical tru

ths and principles. Our charge will always be to lead the hopeless, broken and lost to a relationship with Jesus Christ with the main focus on Healing, Deliverance and Hope.

04/04/2026

Today has been a rough day. I was at TJ Maxx today and heard a loud crash and something shattering. Being nosy, I walked towards the sound and saw some people whispering and looking back to the end of the next aisle. When I walked down that aisle, I saw that an older lady had hit a shelf and many things had fallen to the ground and broken. She was kneeling on the floor embarrassed, frantically trying to clean up. I felt so bad for her. Every one was just standing there staring at her. So I went and knelt beside her and told her not to worry and started helping her pick up the broken pieces. After about a minute, the store manager came and knelt beside us and said, “Leave it, we will clean this up.” The lady, totally embarrassed said, “I need to pay for all this.” The manager smiled, helped her to her feet and said, “No ma’am, we have insurance for this, you do not have to pay anything!” If you have read this far, give me another minute.
Wherever you are, close your eyes, and imagine God doing the same for you! Imagine the broken pieces of your mistakes or the pieces of your broken heart from all the blows life has thrown at you all over the floor and you’re there trying to collect all of the pieces and fix them yourself. Now imagine God comes and kneels right down beside you, smiles and says to you, “Leave it all there, I will clean this up for you.”
He loves you that much and wants to put all of those pieces back together if you will let Him! With Him we have this insurance and it’s called GRACE! It’s free! All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you, help you, and to heal you. He’s faithful, I promise! 🫶🏼🙏🏼❤️✝️📜🖤👑🏆🩷👼🏼⚓

Wow! God will meet you wherever you are! You do not have to have it all together to surrender to him!

Please copy, paste, and share this like I did. Someone somewhere needs to hear it. I needed to read lots of things in this post myself!!!

03/13/2026

Choosing to be Part of His Plan

When we agree with the labels assigned to us or believe we don’t measure up, we miss out on the beautiful life God wants for us. He created each of us with a special mixture of qualities, strengths, and talents, and He hopes we will choose to use them for His kingdom. However, when we are too focused on our insecurities, those negative thoughts and emotions can easily distract us from His purpose for us.

Years ago, I heard about a women’s Bible study that I wanted to attend. I felt so self-conscious that I almost didn’t go. I told myself they didn’t want an overweight stay-at-home mom who couldn’t bring anything useful to the discussion because she didn’t know enough about the Bible. Somehow, I pushed through my fears and went anyway. As He always does, God used that small step of surrender to begin a transformation in me. He helped me see my worth and better my self image.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that God was asking me to trust Him so that I could later help other women do the same. Only when I surrendered my insecurities to Him was I able to step into my calling. In fact, what I learned in that Bible study is the very content I used when I began teaching. If I’d allowed my fears to keep me from going that day, my life and my ministry would look drastically different. Perhaps even eternities would look different.

Knowing who we are in Christ gives us God-confidence. It’s not because the imperfections that cause our insecurities go away, but because we realize our weaknesses are made perfect in His strength. Truthfully, God doesn’t need us to be flawless. He specializes in using people who feel unworthy, inadequate, and incapable. All throughout the Bible, He works through imperfect people of different races, genders, and ages to accomplish His will. Nothing disqualifies us in His eyes. Only we can take ourselves out of the game. We get to choose if we’re going to let God define us and be a part of His plan, or if we’re going to allow others to define us and miss an opportunity to impact eternities.

Action Step:

Consider for a moment, how the lies you believe about yourself might be keeping you from hearing God’s direction for your life. Do you listen more to the opinions and expectations of those around you, or are you most in tune with what God is speaking to your heart? Don’t miss out on God’s purpose for your life because your identity is misplaced. Ask God to root out the lies buried in your heart. Let Him rebuild what was broken down. Then ask Him to show you how you can help grow His kingdom. You have a special place in His heart and an essential role in His plan.

01/14/2026

My devotional reading today:

Stay

I’ve thought many times about how different my life would be if I’d given up when I wanted to. My story could’ve become something like, “Yeah, I used to think I was supposed to be a pastor, but I gave it a shot and things didn’t work out. That’s just how it goes.”

I’m certain you’ll have to wrestle with occasional challenges in different seasons of your life: a boss you don’t think you can stand another day, a relationship that’s suddenly hurting, a dream that’s running out of resources, a move that’s failed your expectations. When you face difficulties, it’s natural to reconsider your huge, life-altering decisions. You might ask questions like these.

Should I take my chances, quit this job, and look for something else?
After my spouse’s affair—is it time to move on?
Am I really cut out to run a business? Should I cut my losses before things get any worse?
In each of these examples—and with most major life choices—you’re at a crucial fork in the road, and it’s time to decide: should I stay or walk away?

Am I choosing to give up because it’s the right thing or because it seems like leaving would be easier?

Often the best and most rewarding decision you can make is to stay the course even when it would be simpler to turn and walk away. I’m not saying you will never need to walk away. But before you decide, ask yourself, “Am I choosing to give up because it’s the right thing or because it seems like leaving would be easier?” Sometimes the greatest act of faith is faithfulness, staying where you are planted. Years from now you may look back and thank God that you decided to stay when it would have been easier to go.

Remember, God made you in His image and He is the author and finisher of your story. You are not a quitter. You are a finisher.

Pray: God, is there anything I’m trying to walk away from that You want me to stay and finish? Will You give me Your strength to press on? Amen.

01/12/2026

My devotional reading today:

Start

Every day we make choices that shape our life story. What would your life look like if you let godly principles guide those choices? Over the next week, we’ll begin to explore seven principles from my Divine Direction book to help you find God’s wisdom for your daily decisions.

If someone asked you to tell your life’s story, what would you say?

You might start with where you were born and how you were raised. You might mention your first love. Maybe you’d talk about the big move your family made or when you left for college. If you’re married, you might describe how you met your spouse. If you’re not married, you might describe why. If you’re a parent, you might scroll through some photos on your phone and show off your family. Or maybe you’d describe your career path. What’s in your story?

Most of us have chapters we’d rather not share with anyone. Maybe you’ve ended up somewhere you never wanted to be. You didn’t mean to blow it, but you did. You made decisions that took you farther than you ever intended to go. You did some things that cost you more than you ever thought you’d have to pay. You hurt people. You compromised your values. You broke promises. You did things you feel like you can’t undo.

Your story is not over. It’s not too late to change the story you’ll tell one day.

There’s good news: your story is not over. It’s not too late to change the story you’ll tell one day. Regardless of what you’ve done (or haven’t done), your future is unwritten. You have more victories to win, more friends to meet, more of a difference to make, more of God’s goodness to experience. Whether or not you like the plot so far, with God’s help, you can transform your story into one you’re proud to share.

Here’s one way to change your story: start something new.

No matter how uncertain, afraid, or stuck you may feel right now, your story continues today. What will you start today? Praying daily with your spouse? Reading a YouVersion Bible Plan every day? Going to counseling to deal with an unresolved issue? Living with greater generosity? Serving at your church or in your community? Now is a good time to jot it down. Open your notes and record your thoughts. Don’t overthink this. But do take a moment to get it on paper. Just a sentence or two.

Ask yourself: What do I need to start doing to move in the direction of the life story I want to tell?

01/05/2026

My devitionsl reading today:

God Is Able to Help in Every Battle

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:45–46)

Because of the effects of sin in the world, all of us face spiritual battles on a regular basis. Sometimes those battles are the result of something we have done or failed to do. Other times, they come because of attacks made against us. Some are large while others are small. But they all have one thing in common—we are not intended or able to fight them in our own strength.

It would have been ridiculous for David to think that, as a teenage boy, he could defeat a seasoned warrior who towered over nine feet tall. It is just as foolish for us to think that we can defeat the devil—who has thousands of years of experience—on our own. Yet too often, that is exactly what we try to do, instead of seeking the only certain source of help and victory.

Nearly a century after David, King Asa, who was mostly a good king, faced an overwhelming military challenge. But rather than seeking God, Asa made an alliance with the wicked king of Syria. God was more than able to give him victory, but he never asked. Asa was rebuked by the prophet for this failure. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Today’s Takeaway: We are never called to fight alone; God is able to help in every battle.

12/31/2025

My devotional teading today:

Title: I have overcome the world

Are you facing a trial or a sorrow? Today, it’s time to remember the words of Jesus—His encouragement to "take heart"—as He has overcome the world. What does that mean? It means we have an eternal destiny, far greater than anything the world offers. Sometimes, this promise Jesus made will mean physical healing, miraculous transformation, unexpected provision, and answers to prayer that you could never have dreamed of. Other times, it will mean a new depth of character and strength; that hope and perseverance will rise up, despite the challenges.

It’s a reminder that one day this too shall pass. Whether your trial is emotional, relational, financial, physical or even mental—any storm we face in life—Jesus is there in the midst of it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you’ve overcome the world; you know about my trials and sorrows. Your love is with me and at work in this. Help me to always look to you. Amen.

12/24/2025

My devotional reading today::

The Practice of Presence
Written by: Nicole Howe

Take a moment to recall a favorite Christmas memory. Maybe it’s a Christmas from your childhood when the season still felt alive and enchanted with hope and wonder. Maybe it’s a time you surprised someone with a gift they had long wished for. Maybe it’s the joy of your favorite Christmas song, the taste of your grandmother’s cookie recipe, or a warm house full of twinkling lights and piles of snow-drenched shoes by the front door. Or maybe it’s the twinkling eyes of all the people you love.

Christmas can be a special time. But, it can also be complicated. While the season holds so much possibility for wonder, joy, and hope, we often walk into it carrying some degree of weariness, grief, distraction, or even shame. We may try hard to re-create the magic of those treasured Christmas memories, yet for all our efforts it can feel like the joy of the season still somehow passes us by.

If you’re ever seen the movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” you know it’s a classic tale about how we can lose our way in the bustle of the holiday season. We might relate to Cindy Lou Who, looking out into the cold winter world and asking, “Where are you, Christmas?”

But what if Christmas is less about finding than it is about being found? Maybe while we are searching for the perfect Christmas, Jesus is searching for us - in all our imperfection.

After all, the true Christmas story is the culmination of a God who’s been looking for us from the very beginning, a God who runs after us when shame, weariness, or grief make us want to hide. Just like He went searching for the very first humans.

In Genesis 3:8-9 (ESV), we read:

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

“Where are you, Adam?”

God asks His own question. He goes looking for us, even when we hide ourselves from His presence. He finds us, even when we do not feel worthy of being found. He pursues us because He longs to be with us.

He’s been searching for us from the very beginning.

Reflection: Is there a child-like part of you longing to be found? Perhaps you might invite God into that space and ask Him to meet you there, trusting His desire to be with you. If this is hard to do, consider God’s compassion for you even as you struggle to open yourself up to His love. Rest knowing He’s ready to meet you right where you are, wherever it is.

Prayer: God, thank you that You run after us, even when we feel like we don’t deserve it. It can be difficult to trust that You really do love us that much. Would you help me to experience You in this way? In my darkest moments, would You lift my eyes to sense Your loving presence? This Christmas, help me to rest knowing I don’t have to strive to make everything perfect, but that You love me even in my imperfection. Thank you, God, for loving us enough to go all the way to the ends of the earth to be with us. May we know that you are ever present, ever near, ever searching. Amen.

12/22/2025

My devotional reading today:

Staying Aligned with God’s Vision

Life can get busy, and if we’re not careful, we can lose focus on our God-given assignment. Our vision can become blurred, like smudged glasses that haven’t been cleaned in months. Distractions creep in—overcommitting to things that drain us, comparing ourselves to others, or shrinking back from the calling God has placed on our lives. When our focus shifts, we risk straying from the path God has laid out for us.

So, how do we stay aligned with God’s vision for our lives? The key lies in the renewing of our minds.

The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Christians in Rome:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

Paul’s words are a timeless reminder not to adopt the values, priorities, and behaviors of the world around us. Cultural norms often prioritize self-centeredness, materialism, and temporary pleasures, but these can pull us away from the eternal significance of God’s calling. To "conform to the world" means passively going along with what’s popular or convenient, often without stopping to ask if it aligns with God’s truth.

Instead, Paul challenges us to undergo a transformation—a renewing of the mind. This renewal involves intentionally replacing old, unhelpful patterns of thinking with God’s truth. It’s a daily practice that draws us closer to His heart and keeps us focused on the vision He has for our lives.

Here are three ways you can renew your mind:

Prayer and meditation on God’s Word: Spend time with Scripture, allowing God to speak into your heart.
Reflecting on Jesus’ teachings: Let the life and words of Jesus shape your attitudes and actions.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you: Invite the Spirit to reshape your mindset and align your thoughts with God’s perspective.
Renewing your mind equips you to discern God’s will with greater clarity. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy or free from challenges, but you’ll have the wisdom to make decisions that align with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect plan.

What is God’s will like?

Good: It is for your benefit, reflecting His loving nature.
Pleasing: It brings inner peace and fulfillment as you walk in alignment with His purpose.
Perfect: It is complete and flawlessly designed to fit into His grand plan for your life and His kingdom.
Renewing your mind is an intentional and ongoing practice. It’s how we clean the "glasses" of our spiritual vision so we can see God’s plans clearly, even in a chaotic world. When your mind is centered on God, you’re better equipped to remain aligned with His vision and walk confidently in your God-given assignment.

Take a moment today to ask yourself:

Are there areas in my life where I’ve been conforming to the world?
How can I invite God to renew my mind and refocus my vision on His plan?
Prayer:

Heavenly Father, In the midst of life’s busyness, help me to keep my focus on You. Teach me to intentionally renew my mind through Your Word and anchor my heart in Your truth. When distractions and obstacles arise, let Your Holy Spirit guide my thoughts and transform my mindset. Grant me the wisdom to discern Your will from the fleeting norms of this world. May I walk confidently in alignment with Your good, pleasing, and perfect plans for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

12/15/2025

My devotional reading today:

A Heart Ready to Show Appreciation

Key Verses:
Psalm 106:1, NIV: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

What is Gratitude? Gratitude is not merely a feeling; it is an action and a spiritual posture. It is the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness done to one. The Bible anchors this readiness in God's unchanging nature: we give thanks because He is good and His love endures forever (Psalm 106:1). Our gratitude is simply a response to His eternal faithfulness.

Biblical Examples of Gratitude:
Hannah's Thanksgiving: After years of barrenness, God answered Hannah's prayer for a son. Her response was not just receiving the blessing, but a prolonged, heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2). More profoundly, she dedicated her son, Samuel, back to God for His service after weaning him. She returned the blessing to the Source, showing her ultimate allegiance.
King David's Recognition: King David was constantly engaged in battle. Yet, after winning against the Philistines, he paused to give thanks to God, acknowledging that his strength and victory came only from the Lord (2 Samuel 22:1-51). His immediate, post-victory worship secured his relationship with God.
Jesus' Example: Even the Son of God practiced gratitude. Before distributing the small amount of bread and fish to feed the 5,000, Jesus gave thanks to God (John 6:11). This act of thanks was the pivot point, the spiritual trigger for the miraculous multiplication.
Giving thanks is not what we do after the miracle; it is often what we do to initiate the miracle or secure the blessings we have received.
Reflection:
In what area of your life have you received a blessing (or "answer") but have not yet returned a strong act of worship or dedication to God?
Practice giving thanks by using Psalm 106:1: "I give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, [state a specific recent blessing], and His mercy endures forever."
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I give thanks to You today, for You are eternally good, and Your steadfast love endures forever. I pause now to recognize Your hand in my life and worship You as the true Source of every blessing. Forgive me for the times I have rushed past Your gifts without returning deep gratitude. I thank You for the healings and provisions You have already granted. Now, Lord, help me to move beyond just receiving a blessing to securing true wholeness. Grant me the spirit of the thankful one—the commitment to show my allegiance to You, just as Hannah, David, and even Jesus demonstrated. May my life be a continuous act of worship that honors Your faithful kindness. Amen.

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