Author: Ashley McClelland

~This devotional began with my heart longing to go on a date with Jesus:

Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “amen I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

There is a secret place in my heart called Paradise. It is a lush garden, bedded with polychromatic flowers. Everything is full of pure life here. A fountain with sweet living water is at the center. It is perfumed with the scents of heaven. Every time I enter this placeI find immeasurable strength, life-giving joy, rejuvenating peace, rest fueled by trust and incredible love.  

The truth is…I can’t lead anyone here. I don’t know how to lead others to paradise…I can’t even lead myself. I am ushered in by the Holy Spirit. He leads me into the depths of me. And there…in paradise…I see Jesus. I am with Jesus. 

Just as the thief on the cross had nothing to show for himself but faith after beholding Grace and Truth…so I come here with empty hands but child like trust. 

You see, the truth is, I haven’t traveled to most countries in the world. I haven’t seen the seven wonders of the world. I haven’t even seen most of our national monuments. But, I never need to. 

I’ve seen something…no Someone…in this secret paradise that gives life meaning. In His face, I experience all of my desires are met. I have been lead to heaven on earth. And this secret place, this sacred space, is worth more than all the gold and diamonds in the world. Grace glitters on every blade of grass like translucent pearls.  

I write because Jesus has marked me with intimacy. Because God has given me a gift from his Holy Spirit to invite others into the one true thing that matters most in life…relationship with the Trinity. <3 xoxoxo

Just like the thief on the cross, we who have believed, have also died with Christ on the cross. Today, He is with us in paradise. 

~By Danielle Sanders

Before I understood the true gospel, I thought that I had to do so-called “Christian duties” to get God to bless me with a good life. If I had needs and wants that were not being met, I thought it was because I wasn’t doing enough of the good things He required, like reading the Bible, praying, and going to church, and perhaps I was also indulging in too much bad stuff like thinking bad thoughts, being unkind, and gossiping. My conscience was bothered, and I assumed a bothered conscience was God’s way of telling me that He was not pleased with me. I’d begin doing things to ease my conscience, checking items off the spiritual to-do list, and hoping it was enough to please God so that I could maintain the good life. It was the silent motivation behind almost every prayer, devotional study, and worship time.

When I learned the true gospel, that because of Jesus, and my faith in Him, God is forever pleased with me and has already blessed me with every spiritual blessing, I realized that my previous way of thinking was very wrong. Under the New Covenant, there is no such thing as “do good and God will be pleased and good to you; do bad and God will be angry and punish you.” Instead, the Lord, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, described what life would be like for believers under the New Covenant. He said, “Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you” (Isaiah 54:9 NLT). Since Jesus already suffered our punishment, God doesn’t need to punish us in any way, even though our outward behaviors may vary from day to day. Instead, He is confident that His goodness and grace will lead us to repentance and teach us to deny ungodliness (Romans 2:4; Titus 2:11-12). He has absolutely no doubt that His Word will produce the changes in our behavior that He desires as it transforms us from the inside out (Psalm 119:9; II Timothy 3:16-17). This is the good news!

Therefore, God is not in the business of withholding good things from us when we don’t do our “Christian duties.” However, doing these good things is still vital. The way we access anything in God’s Kingdom is by our faith. The way we keep our hearts fixed in faith is through the discipline of spending time with Him in Bible study, prayer, and worship. By doing our “Christian duties,” we allow God to minister to us, which keeps our hearts tender toward Him, not the other way around. His heart is always tender toward us because He never changes. Spending time with Him is how our hearts remain encouraged and convinced of His loving character and faithful promises. In fact, it’s the only way our hearts will stay convinced. When troubles arise and needs present themselves, it is the heart that steadfastly trusts in God that will be able to take ahold of the things He has already freely given. (James 1:6-7)

May your personal time with God be both precious and productive as your heart becomes increasingly more convinced of His good character, loving nature, and the nearly-too-good-to-be-true promises in Christ.

~A word-picture allegory that described the work of the Holy Spirit in my soul after my born-again experience. 

Jesus, I love thee, oh how I love the sheer splendor of Your majesty. There is a cottage in a land of honey and milk. There is a love enclosed in velvety marine water, clinging to this love, yet drifting past it, barely touching its power. Dancing in graceful circles the water is life, life surrounding this pure love, never leaving its lifeline. Every clear drop acts as one—shimmering, reflecting, absorbing, sparkling, and snow-dusting rays from love.

There is a mushroom-shaped lighthouse behind this cottage lying on a hill, where the wind blows and streaks of golden sunlight rest on the tips of grass moving freely with the breeze. If one didn’t know better, one would think the grass liquidly moved, appearing like a sepia-colored ocean.

This egg-colored cottage has oval-shaped sides, with a small wooden circle-carved window at its tender center. You will find wonderful things inside; you will find love. The mushroom-shaped lighthouse behind it is creativity personified. Its white stem bark stretches ten stories in the air with a wide, deeply-dark, warm roof that towers over the stem. At the middle of the roof there is a pale yellow tinted glass that opens.

You will travel down the lighthouse stairway from the top floor, gliding, drifting like a light feather. The air here is soft and has a hue of pale yellow. When the roof slightly opens, sparkling golden dust–like a goldfish’s smooth scales, catches the sun’s light and drifts down with you. Beautiful paintings, sketches, and crosses are hung, posted on the circling wall.

The floor is a marble pearly-white, reflecting forms in the room. A wooden table is set by an oil painting canvas. On this smooth wooden table rests a crystal vase, a quarter filled with the cleanest river water. Gentle scarlet roses open their buds every morning, exposing an intricate pattern. Their silky petals peddle a cure, and they close every night, budding again. Beside this vase are cinnamon, clove, and ginger scented candles. When lit, a hazy cinder-like smoke is released from small yellow fire. Some of the scent spirits leave the tower to heal those who need Jesus’s light, His comfort. A Bible rests beside the candles—the truth—enclosed in its brown covering are eternal words that will never be ended by time.

There is a girl that lives here. She is Wisdom; Wisdom in youth, here is her pilgrimage. A yellow flower with a vibrant color and cream texture always adorns Wisdom’s hair. The oil painting she finished depicts a milk sepia background. A wave of dark sepia is at the center of this painting, while a tulip flower whose creamy petals form a bowl that fills with spring rain, filled with love, garnishes it. Beside this two-leafed flower is a bundle of raspberries. Its rich color stands out, adding to their realistic appearance; it is as if you could take the cluster and savor every bite.

There is a look in Wisdom’s eyes—Jesus has just sent her another inspiring work of art to create. She takes the Water Flower painting in her hand only to release it. It floats up, moving like paper onto its home on the wall. The new art is that of a fall forest. The trees thin, dark, and tall hold royal red-colored leaves, some splashed with yellow, gold, orange, or brown. The living soil that protects its roots is rich, nutritious and earthy-scented, like soil after a short April rain.

It is night time and the sky is scattered with enchanting stars. There is a girl in this forest whose hair and eyes are dark brown. She wears a deep aqua dress. She is the rain that waters this forest. Her contrast catches the eye.

From her blissful realm Wisdom leaves for the pilgrimage that she must do alone with God. She will venture from the cottage whose home is love where there is always warmth. Her journey is to defrost those who have cold hearts.

 There is a brick fireplace on the right side of the cottage bending with the crescent-shaped wall. Its flames can never be extinguished. A small bed rests beside the window where floating brown leaves sometimes enter. The inside wall surrounding this round window portal is painted a warm marine color. Threaded on it are entwining carefree golden threads, some making flowers, others making leaves, fresh oven bread, and Bibles, while one makes a cup representing the Holy Grail. Beside the fireplace are two royal moss-green colored couches, one a three-seater, the other a rocking chair. The fabric on these chairs is softer than mist, and more gentle than rain. They have been stuffed with a filling more flexible than cotton, conforming to any shape, to any being; they were made for all, leaving no one unchanged or unhealed.

Draped over a dark wooded tea table between the bed and couches is a thin cloth. The cloth is green, and sewed in are many small white flowers. On top of that rests a cup of simply calming, soothing spice tea that wakens peace inside. Although one may drink out of this cup it can never be emptied, for it is filled and powered by love. It is the Holy Grail.

In the left of this endearing house there is a light tannish-colored carpet. This carpet is like a cloud, gentle and easy on the feet for all who enter this paradise. On the wall lays a curved painting, an image with astounding eyes. A white light is given off by this image. Any who wish it in their heart are immediately freed from flesh to walk in the Holy Spirit. May this light you carry with you be protected from all evil spirits who host wickedness.

To the right there is a small and square-shaped carpet, feeling smooth like dry olive oil beneath your feet. Anoint your head with a dab of biblical oil that stands in a clay pot beside the painting. The carpet is red representing the blood that Christ shed for our sins.

To your right shoulder is the kitchen. It has white tiles with peach spots. Here is where you take communion, and drink of the wine and break the bread that Christ has given you freely of His own will. There is a large glass sliding door but a foot to the left of this wooden table; it is always open for all who wish to enter, for all who wish for love. The sandy-colored curtains are spread apart and fly freely when the breeze of a soul enters. Looking like silk in the wind, they fly gracefully, happily, in gladness that one more will be saved.

To the right of this table of faith is a small room lit only by candles and hanging lanterns of hope, where the spirits of the disciples visit when a guest enters to help them take communion.

There is a rest area in another part of this cottage. Here, to unwise eyes, it is nothing but a beautiful little bathroom, but to the ready it is a place to leave things of the flesh, to leave materialism, to leave ungodly ways. There is a pocket-sized open Bible on a kelp-green marble counter. A verse is highlighted. Standing out, it reads:

Your word is a lamp to my feet,

and a light to my path,

I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,

to keep your righteous rules.

—Psalm 119:105–106 ESV

Are you ready to follow Him who loves you most? There is a new sunrise in this land that warms the maple-scented tree that canopies this cottage. Its brown leaves sometimes entering through the round window. The grass dances like the sea. There is a spirit who walks near. “I love You, Jesus, make me anew. Give me Your word so that I may recognize the truth when I see, hear, smell, and feel it. May I return Your awesome love and shun hate, jealousy, and immoral practices. Thank You God for sending your Son, who forgives continually. Thank You, Jesus.”

Jesus, I love thee, oh how I love the sheer splendor of Your majesty. There is a cottage in a land of milk and honey.

~This allegory was taken from my book Visions of Celestial Love. To purchase a copy click here. 

~Dearly beloved reader, I found this old journal entry that I had written in 2014. Under blankets of snow in my first year at Bible college…the Lord began to melt my inner being with the warmth of His hearth. I felt like I was nuzzled in His chest. I pray you enjoy this entry of my journey of leaning into deeper trust. May the lavish grace, the beautiful heart peace and the exuberant joy of the Lord be realized in you as one in Christ Jesus. I hope this old letter finds you well, and enjoying the abundant life Jesus died to give you and the rich fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the saints.

~Journal: Friends, lately our Father has been changing some core beliefs in my heart and He has been calling me sweetly to dream again…to believe again in some promises and things that I had buried under the dirt of disappointment and heartache. It’s been a real healing journey as Jesus has helped me to realize these dreams were earthed from fear stemming from lies and that they could only be uncovered by the truth of His marvelous love. I’ve had to disagree with these lies and agree with the truth in order to dream again…and it’s a daily process…a daily changing…a daily eating at the table of intimacy with Jesus. And I know in the safe alcove of His love, my heart will blossom with dreams.

As time here in Colorado goes by I’ve watched the golden leaves of the aspen trees fall to the ground like little suns. A blanket of snow has taken the place of the carpet of the earth and the trees are glinting with snow. Despite the frosty cold God is doing a warming in my inner soul and a mending in the midst of winter. His Presence is melting away strongholds of pain as the seeds of His promises enter the soil of my imagination. He prepares a table for me daily and it is a feast of His goodness….a feast that I’ve been afraid to partake of in the past.

Recently Jesus has given me 1 John 4:16-19 to study and ponder. The most incredible phrase I have ever read chimes in the center of these verses like some small whiff of heaven: There is no fear in love. I came across this fragrant passage last night and wrote it down in my scripture journal, then my roommate Sarah wrote the verses down for me in Greek. Today in class one of the professors mentioned it and this evening as I was enjoying time with the Lord and listening to Pandora a song called No Fear in Love came on by Steffany Gretzinger.

Jesus has been taking me deeper and deeper into the truth of His love and it has been like drinking pure water from a saltless ocean. I feel like in my soul that I’m a child kneeling at the shore of His endless love. I cup my hands in the waters of His Spirit and drink…then I look out and see….wave after wave of affection rolling in and I know I’ll be drinking forever. It would take more than a million lifetimes to absorb all of His goodness. Then I realize Jesus calls me to take one sip at a time and savor my daily walk with Him; for all the goodness of God is wrapped up in the Man Christ Jesus.

I’m reminded that it’s a daily walk…because it’s a relationship—the sweetest and most fulfilling relationship. This journey of savoring His love has been kissed with yet another truth…that I already have all of it…that the ocean lives inside of me: Christ in you the hope of glory, as Jesus is so are you in this world, you are complete in Christ -Colossians 1:27, 1 John 4:17, Colossians 2:10 . My enjoyment of what I already possess in Christ is what I am experiencing in the daily delicious sips of truth. His truth is warm spiced ointment in my heart and the scents of His love are becoming one with the fabric of my soul as I allow Him to love different places within me.

As I’ve been walking the white shores of Ephesians 3:16-21 I’ve discovered the key to diving into the sun stained waters is 1 John 4:16a: And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. The secret, as I believe the Holy Spirit is whispering to me, is observing, putting trust in, resting in, and consciously meditating on the love of God as you walk with Christ in everyday life.

I pray the love, comfort, peace, pleasure, affection and joy of the Lord will blanket you all and may your souls be made into the garden of Eden…rich with the presence, thoughts and heart of Jesus as He walks with you inwardly in the cool of the day. May The Holy Spirit who is the source of all comfort, comfort and console your inner man, may you be loved on deeply and sweetly. May all your needs be met exceedingly and abundantly above all you could ask for and hope for in Christ Jesus, may you walk the blessed life God prearranged for you before the foundations of the world, may you receive from the Lord what you most need in this season…whether it be a word, direction, joy, peace, or anything, spiritual, mental or emotional. In Jesus name <3 

My love (that true love growing out of sincere devotion to God) be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen (so be it), -1 Corinthians 16:24

~p.s: if you’ve found this devotional to be encouraging, please check out my free ebook on divine romance: Romantic Rendezvous for the Soul. You can find it on the Free Inspiration page and on amazon.

~If you’d like to give back to my ministry of words, please consider writing me a review on amazon by clicking here. Your review encourages others to read the things that Father has laid on my heart <3 ! You can also purchase a copy of my book Visions of Celestial Love. I pray you are blessed through it and share that blessing by loving others.

I love Your presence.

Your warm embrace melts me inside, and implants seeds of joy in my heart that grow into suns, melting me even more.

I love worshipping You, and love the feel of Your Spirit rushing within, stirring me, and embracing my skin.

I love the joy You bring.

It is true that in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

You are my greatest love.

My holy, relentless Lover.

My David, slaying all my Goliaths.

My Romancer, spoiling me with the keepsakes of Heaven, with gifts extravagant, with pleasures far more great than any on earth, and with intimacy that awakens the deepest parts of me.

I love Your arms—they hold me like a Father’s:

pulling me closer to Your chest and letting me listen to Your heartbeat.

Your breaths fall on me like a waterfall, moving tendrils of my hair and sweeping over my face.

I love Your kisses.

The feel of Your lips on my head.

Like hot coal it burns me within, tingling every inch inside me, and causing the hairs on my body to prick up with goose bumps.

Oh how I love worshipping You!

It is my greatest joy!

My highest honor!

I think I see why the angels love worshipping You.

I’ve tasted something so divinely sweet in the act and life of worship that I cannot go back to plain food.

The pleasure draws me.

It lulls my heart, calling me more and more.

You are my greatest desire.

My highest joy.

My perfect peace.

My best comforter.

My only real and true friend.

My creator.

You are the Prince Charming who ran after my heart.

You fought every foe, and captured my affection slowly, as your love patiently captivated my heart.

You romanced me until I melted away into You.

I crumbled in Your strong arms that caressed me tenderly.

I evaporated in Your chest.

I dissolved in Your tears.

I floated in Your laughter.

You entranced me in every way.

The brightness of Your face fascinated my eyes.

You are my El Shaddai.

You’re my Rapha.

I am my Beloved’s and His desire is for me.

I love living with You.

Sharing life with You.

Awakening to find You smiling upon me by the side of the bed.

I love the feeling of Your fingers trailing my face, cupping my chin.

I love You so much that I even love Your rules!

I love Your beautiful holiness.

Your righteousness is life.

I love You.

I love You.

I love You.

You first loved me.

You will always love me.

You have secured me as your own.

I am your own.

Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing that I belong to You.

“Ashley presents us with a true cornucopia of modern psalms, personal testimonies, and short stories. She has set out to reveal and unravel some of the most complex heart issues mankind faces in our quest of understanding what true intimacy with God really looks like. Prepare to have your soul massaged and worked on as you read Visions of Celestial Love.” — Jeremy Minard, Servant King Apparel

~This poem was taken from my book Visions of Celestial Love. You can purchase a physical or ebook copy by clicking here.

Cover photo by Edward Eyer from Pexels <3