Turn Your Pain into Ministry, Will You Trust Me?
"God brings Good from every struggle in this life."
Whatever you're facing today can become something powerful in God’s hands if you trust Him. He may ask you to let go, take up something hard, or step out to help someone. Your pain can become Ministry when you obey. So—what are you waiting for? In our world, so many are facing what seems to be the toughest of tough times. When we look into the scriptures, we will see that we are not alone and that there is never something too big or difficult for the Lord.
Proverbs 3:3-5 (NKJV) "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."
We can’t trust our own understanding—it often blocks our trust in God. Isaiah says, “when you walk through,” reminding us that we won’t stay in hard times forever. “Through” means there’s a beginning, an end, and a purpose. God is with us the whole way, just as Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust Him fully and let Him guide us. We often get stuck in the fire or storm, but God never meant for us to stay there. He allows trials so we can grow, see His glory, and turn our pain into ministry. Through our story, others can see God's goodness and be drawn to Him in repentance.
The Message translation of Isaiah 43:1-2 (MSG) But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: "Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. 2 When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end.
Maybe you will be like the Children of Israel, you will see the waters rolled back as God makes a way when there seems to be no way. He will never leave nor forsake you when you put your trust in Him!
Be inspired daily—read Rev. Sheila’s Selah’s from God at motivatedbylove.org (Store > Books).
History Leaves Marks of Time
Creation • The Birth of Jesus • The Signing of the Declaration of Independence • World Wars • The Atomic Bomb • Marriage • Child Birth• 9/11 • The World Pandemic 2020 •
BUT WHEN YOU RECEIVE JESUS…You don’t just carry a mark—you receive and carry God’s Spirit.
JESUS AND HIS CROSS TRANSFORM YOU!
From ordinary → to extraordinary. You become supernatural.
WHAT ONCE SEEMED NORMAL MAY FEEL ABNORMAL, That's called living by faith through Jesus Christ!
IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY, WHAT MATTERS IS WHO TRANSFORMED YOU:
He took you from lost → to found; from pain → to promise in JESUS CHRIST.
Life may try to mark you with pain, but God says, “I mark you by My blood, My love, and My resurrection power.” This empowers you to boldly declare: “I am accepted in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:6
reminds us that believers are fully embraced in Christ—not by works, creed, or vocation, but by His grace. In Him, we are loved, chosen, and transformed to live beyond the ordinary.
Rev. Dr. Sheila Zellers
Motivated by Love Ministries, Naples FL
© 8.2025
Be inspired daily—read Rev. Sheila’s Selah’s from God at motivatedbylove.org (Store > Books).
Know Ones Heart Before You Judge Their Actions
Be kinder than necessary to all you meet, you don't know the battle they are in. You may have the answer to their prayers from within.
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
May the body of Christ become restorers of broken bridges, menders of broken lives, and guides for those who need to find their way to Christ! Days before my Daddy passed away (December 25, 1997), he said something I have never forgotten. He and I were talking about all he had accomplished; then he said something really sad to me. He said, “It is a real shame my six children never got to know me as a person.” Many times, we only know others by what they do or by their titles. But do we really know them?
The cancer had by this time taken its toll on his body, and at 67 years old, he would die. Unfortunately, I never really got to know my Daddy, as a person, the person he so longed for his children to know.
My Daddy's statement made a lasting impact on me! He longed for someone to know him, not what he had accomplished. In Philippians 3, Paul longed to know Christ...not just the work of the cross but to know HIM! Know people by their hearts, not their actions.
The two men on the crosses at Calvary (Luke 23:39-43) with Jesus were criminals, yet Jesus did not speak to them as criminals. He spoke to them as men in the same plight as he was, with mercy.
One rejected Jesus. The other recognized Jesus as the true Messiah. Jesus was accused of wrongdoing, yet He did not retaliate with evil. Jesus spoke to the second criminal with compassion, love, and hope. Jesus assured him he would be with Him even with his crimes. Why? Jesus knew him by his heart, not his actions.
"Christian or non-Christian! As Christians, we are not called to point out each other’s faults, but to edify, build up and encourage."
Romans 3:23
Rev. Dr. Sheila Zellers
Motivated by Love Ministries, Naples FL
© 8.2025
Be inspired daily—read Rev. Sheila’s Selah’s from God at motivatedbylove.org (Store > Books).
Trusting Christ before the crisis
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."
Nahum 1:7
Before trouble comes, remember:
- God is good!
God tells Nahum in verse 7, "The Lord is good." All good and perfect gifts come from above. God can turn around your trouble for His glory. Never let your feelings rule you in times of trouble; let the Word of God be your guide and your strength
- God is your strong tower and your defense
Nahum 1:7 says, “A stronghold in the day of trouble.” God is your safe place, your stronghold, and your defense. He is the place to be fortified to stand against the wiles of the enemy when it seems you are losing your will to win. Your feelings will catch up to your faith if you place your trust in God. You can trust in God, the Rock of your salvation.
- Trouble will come!
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”
1 Peter 1:6, NKJV
We are told trouble will come, but to be prepared to win, not lose, because God has a plan for your future. Remember that trouble is an opportunity to triumph. Repent in the tribulation, for things known or things unknown, and you will see the power of God increase in your life.
- God knows those who trust Him
To trust means to confide in, and to truly trust in God is to truly know him. Many Christians are strangers to God until trouble comes, but God knows those who trust in Him. Choose to know God before the crisis comes; make a conscious choice to choose Christ, and then you will know what to do in the middle of your trouble. Trusting in God will never disappoint.
For the scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”
Romans 10:11, NASU
Be inspired daily—read Rev. Sheila’s Selah’s from God at motivatedbylove.org (Store > Books).
A New Thing Every Day: Walking in God’s Renewal
Stop · Meditate · Reflect
Isaiah 43:19 (KJV)
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Every day is new in God; His mercies never fail (Lamentations 3:22–23). He desires to give you a fresh view of His plan daily. He has given us the most powerful “computer” ever: our mind. We can discern good from bad, receive divine downloads, and use them through the Word of God to build His Kingdom and share His love (Romans 12:2; Proverbs 3:5–6).
When we release the pain of the past and even the successes, we allow Him to lead our thoughts and emotions (Philippians 3:13–14). Your past becomes a testimony of His faithfulness, fueling you to follow Him fully, live your best life, and turn pain into passion. We can share His truth and grace along the way (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
Rev. Sheila Zellers
Motivated by Love Ministries (c) 8.2025
Be inspired daily—read Rev. Sheila’s Selah’s from God at motivatedbylove.org (Store > Books).
Living the Good Life, In the Here and Now!
July 31, 2025
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."
Philippians 4:11
The "Good Life" is not money, location, or material things! Jesus came to give life and give it more abundantly. Abundance is not about things but a relationship with Christ.
Life sometimes can present some failures and troubles that can hinder us from moving forward; however, we know that failure should never be a believer's finish line, but the starting place. The Word of God says Jesus learned from the things he suffered. Failure can be a pause in life to consider what has happened, learn from it, repent, and then allow the Holy Spirit to do what only he can do: heal you.
It is time to live the Good Life! Have faith in God's Word. It will not return void to those who put their hope in him! Don't wait for the Good Life to come to you, create it where you are right now, and enjoy the journey! Join God in what he is doing, and you will see him in all you do. He loves you!
By Rev. Sheila Zellers, Motivated By Love Ministries
Living Loved: A Heart Set on Jesus
July 24, 2025
"Those who follow the Word of God are called sons and daughters of God."
“For all who the Spirit of God leads are children of God.” Romans 8:14 (NLT)
When we truly understand that God knows everything about us, good or bad, we’ll realize it doesn’t matter what others think or remember.
If we repent, God never brings our past back up again.
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:12 (NLT)
But often, it’s our soul, our mind, will, and emotions that give Satan room to operate. It’s not our willpower or self-effort that defeats him,
It’s our love for Jesus and surrender to His Lordship.
“Do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:27 (NIV)
Fall more in love with Jesus every day, and you’ll leave no place for the enemy. When self or Satan tries to remind you of your past sin, remind him of your future in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Jesus came to give you an abundant, overflowing, and redeemed life.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV)
Grace isn’t a license to sin; it’s the divine power to renew your mind, restore your soul, and live refreshed and refired by the love and blood of Jesus.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Sin keeps us earthbound, but Jesus lifts our eyes to the Spirit realm. Earth is not our final destination; Heaven is.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
Let His love carry your thoughts heavenward today. You are His.
He loves you and is preparing a place for you. Until then, it’s time for the Church to rise and shine,
to become the people of God who understand that earth is the mission field, and Heaven is our eternal home.
Rev. Sheila Zellers, Motivated By Love Ministries
Jesus is Alive in 2025
Seven Ways to Grow Closer to God in 2025
By Dr. Sheila Zellers, Motivated By Love Ministries
1.) Care for Yourself
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s stewardship. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually enables you to fulfill God’s purpose. Respect His home by nourishing your spirit and prioritizing your health!
2. Read the Word Daily
God’s Word transforms us from the inside out, giving us wisdom, direction, and power to live for His glory. Romans 12:1-2 reminds us to renew our minds daily, aligning with His will. Dive into the Word to grow in faith, love, and purpose.
3. Worry Less
Worry drains us and adds nothing to our lives. Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us to be anxious for nothing but to bring everything to God in prayer. Trust His plan, knowing He will guide you through every storm. 90-99% of what we fear never happens (Cornell University—but God’s peace always produces peace!
4. Walk In Instant Forgiveness
Jesus calls us to forgive 70×7 times (Matthew 18:22). Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting; it’s about letting go of anger and releasing yourself from bondage. As you forgive, you reflect Christ’s love and righteousness, living free from guilt and condemnation.
5. Learn Something New Everyday
Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom.” Whether it’s from Scripture, a book, or life’s experiences, commit to growing in knowledge. Then, apply what you learn to walk in God’s truth daily.
6. Love Without Condition
1 John 4:8 declares, “God is love.” To grow closer to Him, we must love as He loves—unconditionally. Love breaks barriers, mends hearts, and shows the world Christ in us. Embrace the sacrificial, boundless love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross (John 3:16).
7. Live Today as if It Is Your Last
If today were your final day, how would you live it? Would you forgive, love deeply, and share Jesus boldly? Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Live every moment for His glory, and let your love for life inspire others to do the same.
Let 2025 be your year of transformation! By following these seven principles, you’ll draw closer to God and become a vessel of His love and grace to the world. Begin today—one step, one prayer, and one act of faith at a time!
Rev. Sheila Zellers, Motivated By Love Ministries
