Category: Musings

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Happy Royal Roctober 2026 – Nancy Gavilanes

Birthdays were a big deal for mi familia.

My birthdays were filled with cake, birthday crowns, family, friends and food!

As a niña, it included lots of dolls and toys and a pizza party or a party at the fast-food place with the outdoor playground.

As a teen, it included lots of figure skating, gymnastics and Olympics items and memorabilia.

We didn’t celebrate quinceañeras. I didn’t want a Sweet 16 party.

My Sweet 16 celebrations included a trip to Greece and Italy with my high school, watching Les Misérables on Broadway a dinner at a fancy restaurant in Manhattan and an expensive pair of figure skates because I was taking lessons and doing a handful of competitions at the time.

As an adult, my birthdays still included cake, flowers, family, friends and food!

I’m grateful for all those birthday celebration memories!

Why Roctober?

As I grew older, I noticed that some birthday celebrations were early. Others were later.

I found myself celebrating with different groups throughout October, which was fun.

As I started hitting milestone birthdays, I started extending the celebration to a week.

Then, I started celebrating all throughout the month.

With all life’s stress and struggles, I decided to celebrate life!

October became Roctober!

My Dear Dad loved saying “Happy Birth Month” to me!

Whether birthday celebrations are early or later, they’re right on time for me.

During one milestone, I celebrated my birthday all year round. That included my Epic European Adventure. We can celebrate life all year long.

Royal Roctobers

I’ve been fascinated with crowns since childhood.

Not simple tiaras, although those are pretty.

Crowns.

I’m not even sure why.

Perhaps it started with my floral crown during my baptism as a niña.

I was also fascinated with the crown from a popular fast-food chain.

My Mom says I loved posing for pictures with those crowns.

As I look back on birthday photos, I see myself delighted by wearing not just birthday hats but birthday crowns!

It’s something that followed me through my high school years.

It’s something that reemerged as I started hitting milestone birthdays.

During my Epic Year, I saw a few castles in Europe and then came back and celebrated my birthday at a castle for five years in a row.

I enjoyed frolicking on the lovely castle grounds.

It’s peaceful. It’s inspiring. It’s like a retreat.

I loved journaling, taking pics, sitting in the library surrounded by books and dreaming and praying and more.

I just recently spent time at another Bday Castle.

What a joy to get lost in the beauty!

You can see some of the short videos I’ve shot on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.

Crowns and Castles

I write about my fascination with crowns in God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) and By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking With God Here and Abroad (on Amazon).

So what’s with all these crowns and castles?

I’m not sure.

But I delight in knowing:

  • I’m the Beloved Daughter of the King of kings (Revelation 19:16 NIV)
  • We’re a Crown of Splendor and a Royal Diadem in God’s hand (Isaiah 62:3 NIV)
  • We’re part of the Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)
  • God Crowns us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:4 NIV)
  • We have crowns, or rewards, waiting for us in heaven
  • We’re seated in heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6 NIV)

Over the years ,people have prayed and prophesied words over me that have to do with crowns, royalty and more.

I say Yes and Amen!

We’ll see what that looks like in the future.

In the meantime, I’m going to choose to celebrate the Miraculous Lovely moments in life.

That’s why I started this blog back in 2013!

I’m grateful for all the reasons I have to rejoice.

Remember, Rejoice and Move Forward

I’m a reflective person all throughout the year, but especially at the dawn of a new birthday and year.

I’m grateful for photos and videos that help me remember God’s goodness, faithfulness, love, mercy, grace, provision, healing, power and more!

Birthdays aren’t the same without my Dear Dad who really had a zest for life and loved surprising me with flowers and mariachis and beautiful birthday cards he’d carefully handpick himself and write sweet notes on,

I still find gifts, cards, jewelry, ponchos, backpacks and souvenirs he gave me over the years, including an Ecuadorian traditional dress he gave me years ago. I recently found it hiding in a drawer. I put it on for the first time just yesterday. These items are such treasures now.

I’m so grateful for those who continue to celebrate with me!

As I look ahead to a brand new year of life, I plan to continue to rejoice all year long!

  • The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV)
  • Let’s rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4 NIV)  
  • God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
  • We are clothed with strength and dignity; we can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31;25 NIV)

God has been faithful in the past, He’s faithful now and He’ll be faithful in the future.

Esther Season

There’s lots of inspiring people in the Bible.

I share about a few in Book 2 Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible!

While I’ve written about Joshua in probably 6 of my 8 books, I’ve been thinking about Esther in this season.

I’ve written about Esther in at least 3 of my 8 books.

I talk about her in two of my Bible school online courses.

There’s so much we can learn from Esther’s example.

Its’s amazing how the orphan girl named Hadassah grew up to be Queen Esther.

She’s 1 of only 2 women with a book in the Bible named after her.

I didn’t know about her until I was a young adult.

I was fascinated when I read about a brave Queen in the Bible!

Her story is timeless and timely.

God came through for Esther.

God can come through for us.

God has called us for such a time as this!

What stands out to you in Esther’s story? Please let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

Only God knows what’s ahead.

We can trust God with our life story!

My late Pastor once said, “God will write your story and you will tell it.”

All these years later, that’s what I continue to do.

The future is a surprise to us.

But nothing surprises God! He is the Alpha and Omega, He knows the end from the beginning (Revelation 22:13 NIV).

I’m grateful for your continued support and prayers.

I hope to have more good news to share.

Stay Tuned!

There’s lots of ways to stay connected including joining Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here and following Abounding Faith on social media.

Don’t give up in the messy middle.

Keep moving forward by FAITH!

Thanks for helping me celebrate another Royal Roctober!

To God be the Glory!

Here’s a few of my favorite Bible verses that remind me that we’re Created, Called and Chosen by Almighty God:

“For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 129:13-16 NIV)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2;10 NIV)

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough. Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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Forward By Faith Week

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5 Lessons Learned form Special Septembers to Remember – Nancy Gavilanes

As a native New Yorker, Septembers can bring mixed emotions.

Today, I’m reflecting on some of the really special moments that God has allowed over the years during the month of September.

There was that life-changing September in Sydney when God called me to follow Him. My life has never been the same. Lessons Learned: God really does sees us and He will send the Holy Spirit across the world to chase us down if needed. God truly knows what’s on the other side of our Yes! You can read more about this encounter in my books God-Given Dreams (NavPress and By Faith).

There was that wonderful September I won Our Daily Bread‘s Online Writing Contest for Readers in 2014. That was such a huge confirmation to me that I was on the “write” path. My writing had been in hiding for years after the Lord asked me to lay down my journalism career. Lessons Learned: God could use my writing even though I was no longer a journalist. He really was calling me to write and speak for His glory.

There was the lovely September 10 years ago that God allowed me to start attending Times Square Church. What a blessings it’s been to be part of TSC’s in person and online community over the years! Lesson Learned: God has a remnant even at the “Crossroads of the World.”

Last September, I had the honor of sharing parts of my testimony in an article for Our Daily Bread Ministries’ website. What a blessing to get to share parts of my writing and faith journey through the ODBM site! I’m so touched to hear my devotional articles are very popular with readers worldwide. Lesson Learned: Our story can bring God’s glory near and far.

This September, my 40th devotional article ran in the global Our Daily Bread devotional! There are more to come. Stay tuned! You can read all my articles here.. Lesson Learned: God can keep pouring into as we keep pouring out to others.

Bonus: I’ve got some Book 8 news this September. Stay tuned!

It’s been a long and winding road.

There’s nothing better than being at the center of God’s will for your life.

Keep praying, preparing and persevering!

To God be the Glory!

As a Latina from New York, it’s also lovely to celebrate mi familia’s roots especially during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15).

Gracias for staying on this faith journey with me!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough. Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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Reflections and Lessons from 5 Memorable and Newsworthy Moments from Early to Summer 2026, Nancy Gavilanes

As summer 2026 is winding down and we’re entering the 9th month of this year, I wanted to pause and reflect on some memorable moments that have stood out to me so far.

I’m sharing them in chronological order. I’m also sharing a lesson from each moment.

How many of these moments stood out to you?

Alysa Liu Winning Gold at the Winter Olympics – I’m still a big Olympics and figure skating fan. I remember when Alysa burst onto the scene and won her first U.S. women’s national figure skating title at the age of 13. It was great to see her come back from a nearly 2-year retirement to win the gold medal and the Winter Games in Milan Cortina in February. The best part about it was how she did it. She was full of joy and her joy was contagious. She captured people’s hearts and sparked their joy and imagination. How do you step into a life-changing moment in front of the world and smile, seemingly float through all your jumps and spins, dazzle the audience and end with a hair flip? What a golden moment!

Lesson: Don’t let the world or worries steal your joy. It really is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV).

Artemis II Crew Orbiting the Moon – I didn’t expect to be captivated by the Artemis II crew, but once I started learning more about their stories I was hooked. I watched because my Dear Dad was fascinated by the moon and was a machinist who worked on parts for the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing project. I stayed watching because I enjoyed seeing their fabulous teamwork. Their unity in close quarters reminded me of how our Team Amazon lived on a tiny boat together and worked on building a church during our short-term missions trip to Brazil. There were so many amazing views the Artemis II crew shared with us earthlings, but what struck me the most was how well they got along even under pressure and so far away from home. I’m grateful to commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover (first person of color to orbit the moon), and mission specialists Christina Koch (first woman to orbit the moon) and Jeremy Hansen (first Canadian to orbit the moon) for inspiring the nation and the world in April.

Lessons: We are more alike than we think, we can do hard things together and we’re in this together here on earth.

Knicks in 5 – I don’t usually watch basketball, but there was no way of escaping the NBA Finals this summer. I’m so glad I tuned in at the end of Game 3. I didn’t like seeing their winning streak end, but I was happy their victory was still within reach. I kept tuning in and got to witness Knicks in 5! The Knicks brought the Big Apple to life in such a special way especially in June. People were filled with so much happiness. If only that feeling could last longer and spread throughout the world!

Lesson: Never give up! Victory is still within reach!

America’s 250th Celebration – We’re far from perfect, but I’m grateful for the country God placed me in. As the USA celebrated its 250th year this July, I reflected on my roots here and my ancestors’ roots abroad. I love that our country is made up of people of different backgrounds, nationalities and cultures. Afterall, we’re all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 NIV). May God continue to have mercy and bless the USA!

Lesson: God has placed you where you are for such a time as this (Acts 17:26 NIV).

The World Cup – My Dear Dad was a huge soccer fan. We enjoyed talking about some World Cup matches in the past. I like to catch some matches in his honor. I still enjoy the spectacle of the world coming together across states and borders! It was so great seeing fans from all over the world traveling here to support their home teams. It was fun to cheer for my Dad’s beloved home country of Ecuador and all the various countries I’ve visited or have connections to. It was so beautiful to see the world come together throughout June and July.

Lesson: We can all find reasons to cheer during friendly competitions.

During a summer filled with heat waves, earthquakes, wildfires and more, these memorable moments from early to mid 2026 make me smile.

I think some of the themes are that at a time when the world seems so divided, there’s still glimpses of what unites us.

Sure, we have different backgrounds, nationalities, languages, experiences, etc…

But we can still find moments to come together and cheer each other on.

We can hope and pray for a better today and tomorrow.

We can recognize the humanity in each of us.

Even if we lose some, we can still come back and win.

And even when the pressure is on, we can enjoy the moment, shine and end with a hair flip if we want.

Here’s to even more memorable moments during the rest of the year!

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough. Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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7 Tools to Help You Experience Spiritual Growth – Nancy Gavilanes

If you’re looking to grow in your faith in God, that’s a great place to be!

Of course, nothing beats:

  • Reading your Bible
  • Praying and meditating on God’s Word
  • Connecting with a Bible-based church
  • Serving others
  • Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness to you and yours

I also pray my writing and speaking will help encourage and inspire you as you walk by faith, prepare for your breakthrough and dare to live your God-given dreams and purpose.

I pray the following tools will help empower and equip you to stand firm in your faith and discover your identity in Christ.

May your faith be fueled, your hope ignited and your heart set ablaze with the love of God by my Christian faith-based content. 

7 Tools to Help You Experience Spiritual Growth by Nancy Gavilanes, Abounding Faith

  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – My 6 books will help you to believe God’s Word and trust God’s plan for your life. They’re filled with insight, anecdotes, Bible verses, reflection questions, prayer prompts and more. They’re great to read on your own or with your small group. God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books (Waiting on God Well, Abounding Faith, Crossing Your Jordan River, By Faith and Feisty Faith) are available on Amazon right here.
  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts. I’m delighted that I get to pray for you in each episode. Feel free to binge all 13 seasons.
  • Hope-Filled YouVersion Live Into Your God-Given Dreams 7-Day Reading Plan – This powerful plan is based on my book God-Given Dreams (NavPress). Each day’s entry includes a key Bible verse, thoughtful devotion, prayer and reflection questions to help you on your faith journey. There’s already been more than 1,000 completions.
  • Edifying Social Media – Find inspiration and updates by following Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Motivating YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 200 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – My Miraculous Lovely blog is now in its 13th year by the Grace of God! I’m delighted that I get to celebrate God’s extravagant love for us and get to share share some thoughts, reflections, musings, lessons learned, photos, highlights, updates on projects I’m working on and more.

You can also get updates about different projects I’m working and encouragement sent straight to your inbox by joining Abounding Faith’s Email Community. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

If you’d like to go even deeper, I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough and help you prepare for your Promised Land. Learn more about empowering individual Christian Life Coaching right here.

You can also find more info about me and my work on my website AboundingFaith.com

Abundant blessings to you as you continue to walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live you God-given dreams and purpose!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community today right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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7 Bible Verses to Encourage Fellow Evangelists as You Share Your God Story – Nancy Gavilanes

As I continue celebrating how God met us during my first time teaching the Sharing Your God Story online NYSB course this past spring, I’m rejoicing that we got to glean insight from the Bible about why and how to share Jesus with others and I was able to share parts of my testimony, stories from my years of evangelism training and my years of going on five short-term missions trips to five countries and years of helping to lead evangelism outreaches.

If your heart is being stirred to share Jesus with others, I’d like to share a few Bible verses that have encouraged me over the years. You can find a few Bible verses I previously shared in this blog post.

First, here’s the Gospel message in a nutshell: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NIV).

What an honor and privilege it is to share about Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins, His burial, and His glorious resurrection and triumph over sin and death!

Here’s 7 Bible Verses to Encourage My Fellow Evangelists:

The Great Commission Continues – “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28: 17-20 NIV)

We’re Called to be Christ’s Ambassadors – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV)

Soul Winning is Wise – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30 KJV)

Pray for Boldness – :”For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16 NIV)

It’s Go Time! “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)

Let’s Go Fishing! – “’Come, follow me,’” Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” (Matthew 4:19 NIV)

Share the Good News – “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14 – 15 NIV)

If you’d like to read parts of my God Story, including how God called me to follow Him while I was in Australia, how He called me to be an evangelist while in Israel, and how I’ve seen His fingerprints across 6 continents, including in NYC, I hope you’ll grab a copy today of By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking with God Here and Abroad on Amazon.

I share insights, anecdotes and Bible verses as well as reflection questions in By Faith that you can answer solo or with your small group and there’s a chapter on living your God-given dreams.

To God be the Glory!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough. Learn more right here.
  • WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
  • If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:
  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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First Look at Abounding Faith's New "NY Blessings" Collection!

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Posted on

Mid-Year Check-In, Happy June 2026 – Nancy Gavilanes

By God’s grace, we’ve made it to the midpoint of 2026!

How’s your year going?

It’s always good to pause and take stock of the highs and lows of the year.

How have you seen God working in your life so far this year?

As I take a moment to reflect on some of the early highlights of this Abundant year (Abundance is my “One Word” for 2026), I’d like to celebrate some of what God’s been doing so far.

Will you rejoice with me? (Check out a super short highlight reel here.)

10th Anniversary of the Release of Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible (Book 2)! – Long before I wrote God-Given Dreams (NavPress) or contributed to a book by Our Daily Bread Ministries’ Voices Collection or was writing for the global Our Daily Bread devotional, I was quietly writing my 2nd of 5 indie books. And long before that, I was a young journaler turned journalist who answered the call to follow God and to lay down my journalism career. After years of my writing being in hiding, I felt God calling me to write and speak for His glory. That’s what started me on this faith writing journey. I’m so grateful to be in that season now.

34th Devotional Article in the Our Daily Bread Devotional – Our Daily Bread Ministries’ devotional is translated into more than 50 languages and is available worldwide in print and online via their website, app, podcast, YouTube channel and more! I’m so touched that my devotional articles are blessing Readers near and far! You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 

7th Anniversary of being a Bible School Instructor – This is my 8th straight June teaching a summer course for the New York School of the Bible! This Spring semester, I got to teach the Sharing Your God Story online course for the first time. What a blessing to get to glean insight from the Bible about why and how to share Jesus with others and to be able to share parts of my testimony, stories from my years of evangelism training and my years of going on five short-term missions trips to five countries and years of helping to lead evangelism outreaches! It’s a blessing to help my students grow deeper in their faith and love for God! What started out as teaching one Bible school class in the summer of 2019 has blossomed into up to six courses throughout a school year. It’s an honor to teach these courses that are based on the Bible and on my books.

Season 13 of the Abounding Faith for Today Podcast- This empowering podcast continues to reach people near and far. You can catch up on all 87 encouraging episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Please take a moment to subscribe to the uplifting Abounding Faith for Today podcast so you don’t miss an episode, leave a kind rating and review and tell your friends about this podcast. If you’d like to invite me as a guest on your podcast, contact me via Abounding Faith’s social media. You can find some of my past interviews on Abounding Faith’s ⁠⁠Media page⁠⁠.

4th year being a presenter at the Publishing in Color Online Conference – What an honor for this journaler turned journalist turned author to get to inspire and encourage conference attendees by sharing some lessons and insights I’ve learned during my writing and faith journey! Given my experience as a traditionally published author and an indie author as well as with writing for different publications and working as a magazine editor, I’ve got quite a bit to say about writing.

Interviewed on “Living My Faith” Show – It was a delight to be interviewed recently for the “Living My Faith” show on The Daily News Network. I hope you’re encouraged by this interview. You can check out the interview right here. You can find some of my past interviews on Abounding Faith’s Media Page. Again, if you’d like to interview me (remotely) on your show or podcast, message me on Abounding Faith’s social media.

Only God could allow all of this and more in the first half of 2026!

Stay tuned to see what God has in store for the rest of this year and beyond!

I’m so grateful I can connect with my Readers digitally and through:

  • My books on Amazon
  • ODB devotional articles
  • MiraculousLovely.com blog
  • Abounding Faith’s Email Community – Join today! :
  • Abounding Faith’s social media
  • Abounding Faith for Today podcast
  • Abounding Faith’s YouTube Channel
  • Online Bible school courses
  • Christian Life Coaching
  • More

My writing and speaking can go even further and faster than I ever could.

I’m so honored to get to inspire bold dreamers and doers, audacious visionaries, and world-changing women and men of God.

It’s a joy to get to encourage, inspire and empower you as you walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams!

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me.

I’m GRATEFUL for your prayers and support and all the likes, comments, follows, shares, subscribes, kind Amazon reviews & ratings and so much more!

Let’s continue to SOAR and Shine for Christ!

May the rest of the year be the best of the year!

To God be the Glory!

What’s your fave way to connect with me and Abounding Faith? Let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough. Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

  • If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:
  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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Posted on

Thoughts on Sharing Your God Story – Nancy Gavilanes

“I enjoyed our class so much. Thank you for sharing and encouraging me to find my voice.” – Sharing Your God Story Online NYSB Student

“Thank you so much for this wonderful course. It has truly been a blessing to me. I have learned a lot, and I am very grateful for your teaching, your encouragement, and the way you shared God’s truth with us.” – Sharing Your God Story Online NYSB Student

“I think we will share the Gospel, even more so than when we first signed up. We’re thankful for you and for the NYSB. We want to go on and preach the Gospel!” – Sharing Your God Story Online NYSB Student

“Wonderful Class! Thank you!” – Sharing Your God Story Online NYSB Student

I can’t fully express what an honor and joy it’s been to teach the Sharing Your God Story online NYSB course this semester!

It’s been a blessing to get to glean insight from the Bible about why and how to share Jesus with others and to be able to share parts of my testimony, stories from my years of evangelism training and my years of going on five short-term missions trips to five countries and years of helping to lead evangelism outreaches.

I’m also so blessed to hear my students bravely share parts of their testimonies and to know they’re helping to lead others to Christ.

My exhorter and evangelist heart is overjoyed.

Back when I co-led an evangelism class at my previous church, I had no idea that one day I’d be teaching this new class at a Bible school.

But God knew!

Over the years, I’ve taught at a Christian school, facilitated various classes at church, and have been a Bible school instructor for 7 years.

I pray all my students are doing well.

I’m looking forward to meeting my future students.

I never saw myself as a teacher….

But God did!

As I reflect on teaching my Sharing Your God Story online course for the first time through the NYSB, I’d like to share a few Bible verses to help spur you on as you share parts of your testimony.

5 Bible verses to Encourage You to Share Your God Story:

We’re to Glorify God through Our Testimony – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11)

We’re Called to give a Reason for the Hope We have –“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15)

We’re Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Speak Boldly and Lovingly About Jesus – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

We’re Christ’s Ambassadors – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

We’re to Keep Telling Our God Story – “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.” (Psalm 107:2-3)

BONUS The Gospel is for Everyone – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

If you’d like to read parts of my God Story, including how God called me to follow Him while I was in Australia, how He called me to be an evangelist while in Israel, and how I’ve seen His fingerprints across 6 continents, including in NYC, I hope you’ll grab a copy today of By Faith: Adventures and Reflections on Walking with God Here and Abroad on Amazon.

I share insights, anecdotes and Bible verses as well as reflection questions in By Faith that you can answer solo or with your small group and there’s a chapter on living your God-given dreams.

To God be the Glory!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough.Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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Posted on

My Thoughts on AI – Nancy Gavilanes

I recently shared my response to a question about AI in Episode 86 of my Abounding Faith for Today podcast (available wherever you listen to podcasts). I thought I’d share my response here as well.

Q.1 What are your thoughts on AI?

I’m still praying and pondering over AI. I’m weighing the pros and cons. I see some of the general benefits and I see why many are worried.

In short, I’m a writer who doesn’t want a computer writing for her. I’m a Christian who doesn’t want to go to Pastor AI’s church.

That said, I see how AI can help in so many areas.

I’m exploring different ways to use it, but please know that I’m still writing my blogs, posts, podcasts, devotional articles, books, weekly emails, etc.

God has called me to be a writer and speaker. I want to be a good steward of the call God has placed on my life and the gifts and talents He’s given me for His glory.

If you ever see a video/hear audio of me that you think is a deep fake or think any of my platforms have been hacked, please let me know a.s.a.p.

Yes, I wonder about the privacy aspect regarding AI, and the ethical aspects of people misusing it and so many other unknowns and concerns, but I also see how it helps people find out answers about their health or finances and helps with meal planning and helps businesses with their marketing, etc.  

My 5 cents are pray and be Spirit-led as you use AI and be discerning about what you read, see or hear.

My journalism background trained me to consider the source and to consider both sides before rushing to conclusions.

And the Holy Spirit is our ultimate Counselor. Remain prayerful and discerning. 

These are my thoughts in a nutshell. If I ever decide to seriously incorporate AI onto my platforms, it would probably be by using translations. I’ve already designed a few images for virtual backgrounds and social media posts, but that’s about it for now. I highly doubt I’d try to clone myself, etc. LOL

 If anything major changes, I’ll let you know.

Be at peace that this is a human writing and speaking these words.  

You can find the previous questions I’ve answered in episodes 82, 74, and 67. Be sure to check them out.

Got a question you’d like me to possibly answer here on my Miraculous Lovely blog or my podcast? Let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

Please take a moment to subscribe to the uplifting Abounding Faith for Today podcast so you don’t miss an episode, leave a kind rating and review and tell your friends about this podcast.

The Abounding Faith for Today podcast was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators 🙌 🎉

Feel free to catch up on all 13 seasons of this encouraging podcast.

If you’d like to invite me as a guest on your podcast, contact me via Abounding Faith’s social media. You can find some of my past interviews on Abounding Faith’s ⁠⁠Media page⁠⁠.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough.Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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Posted on

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Abounding Faith Devotional (Book 2) by Nancy Gavilanes

Happy 10th Anniversary to Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible (Book 2)!

Long before I wrote God-Given Dreams (NavPress) or contributed to a book by Our Daily Bread Ministries’ Voices Collection or was writing for the global Our Daily Bread devotional, I was quietly writing my 2nd of 5 indie books.

And long before that, I was a young journaler turned journalist who answered the call to follow God and to lay down my journalism career.

After years of my writing being in hiding, I felt God calling me to write and speak for His glory.

That’s what started me on this faith writing journey.

I’m so grateful to be in that season now.

Back when I was writing Waiting on God Well (Book 1), I was also working on Book 2.

Waiting on God Well focused on parts of my faith story.

I also wanted to share the stories of some of the people in the Bible who have inspired me.

Writing the Abounding Faith 30-day devotional was tougher than I expected.

Choosing the Bible heroes to include came pretty smoothly. I had gained much strength and courage from them.

Working on the manuscript required much prayer, focus and study.

When it was all said and done, I had a lovely balance of men and women from the Old and New Testament.

And people still remark about how much they like the different adjectives I use to describe each Bible Hero’s faith.

I chose the mountain top with the sun shining as the cover image to symbolize the tough climbs we face in life.

I included reflection questions and prayer starters (with space to journal) so Readers could reflect and interact with the devotional.

I also included 10 Bible verses to help stir up your faith.

I prayed the book would inspire Readers.

I’m so glad my Dear Dad was able to celebrate the release of Book 2 at the book launch event.

I’m also grateful to my Mom and the friends who celebrated with me.

Enjoy this short video with a few Abounding Faith (Book 2) highlights.

I had NO idea three years later, God would allow me to teach a course based on Abounding Faith at a Bible school!

What a blessing it was to teach my first summer course in person!

And what an honor to teach the class virtually for the first time during the heartbreaking and chaotic summer of 2020 (when I even had a student in Taiwan join us).

And what a blessing that 7 years later, I’m still a Bible school instructor now teaching up to 6 different online courses!

Only God could think of this and make it happen!

Abounding Faith (Book 2) became part of The Trio that would come out one spring after another for three years (from 2015 – 2017).

All my books are special to me for different reasons.

I’m so glad Abounding Faith continues to inspire my Bible school students and Readers near and far.

Writing a 30 day devotional was challenging enough. I also had no idea that a few years later, after much encouragement from my Mom, I’d write Feisty Faith, a 365-day devotional.

But God knew.

Will you help me celebrate Book 2’s milestone?

If you haven’t read Abounding Faith, I encourage you to grab your copy today on Amazon.

If Abounding Faith has encouraged you, I’d love to know. Please leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads so more Readers can find out about this empowering book.

Or please let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

You can find my books on Amazon.

I so appreciate your prayers and support. Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me!

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8 NIV)

If you’re looking to experience spiritual growth in 2026, keep reading your Bible and praying and feel free to connect with me in the following ways:

  • Insightful Our Daily Bread Devotional Articles – There’s usually at least one of my devotional articles in the monthly Our Daily Bread devotional that’s translated into more than 50 languages and available worldwide in print and online. You can read my past devotional articles and an article written about me where I get to share parts of my testimony here. 
  • 6 Faith-Fueling Books – God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) is available widely and my first five books are available on Amazon right here.
  • Uplifting Abounding Faith for Today Podcast – My podcast, which was named “A 2025 Rising Star” and “A 2025 Binged Show” by Spotify for Creators. is available wherever you listen to podcasts.
  • Edifying Social Media – Follow Abounding Faith on Instagram, Facebook or X.
  • Faith-Fueling YouTube Channel – Check out the more than 150 videos shot here and abroad on Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel right here.
  • This Inspiring MiraculousLovely.com Blog – Now in its 13th Year by the Grace of God! It’s still updated on Mondays.
  • Empowering Life Coaching – I’d be delighted to coach you through to your breakthrough.Learn more right here.

WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

If you’re being encouraged and inspired by my writing, speaking, social media posts and more, here’s a few ways to show your support:

  • Follow Abounding Faith on social media and Like, Comment and Share posts with others.
  • Buy my books for you and yours and leave a kind rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.
  • Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community right here.
  • Subscribe to the Abounding Faith for Today podcast and Abounding Faith’s YouTube channel.
  • Invite me to speak to your online group/event or invite me on your podcast.
  • Buy me 1, 2 or more virtual coffees right here or join Abounding Faith’s Dream Team on Patreon.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Posted on

Christ Loves the Nations – Nancy Gavilanes

As the world once again comes together for friendly but fierce sports competition at this year’s Winter Olympics, my evangelistic and exhorter heart is ready to burst.

As you may know, as a young journalist God allowed me to go to a Summer and Winter Games as a reporter and spectator.

He called me to follow Him while I was at a Summer Games. You can read about that in God-Given Dreams (NavPress) and By Faith (available on Amazon).

After God asked me to lay down my journalism career and to let go of my obsession with sports, which had become idols for me, I still had a love for the Nations.

As a Latina from New York who has traveled to 6 continents and gone on five short-term missions trips to five countries, I truly see that Christ LOVES the Nations!

I’m so grateful that my books, Abounding Faith for Today podcast episodes, YouTube videos, blog posts, social media posts and more can travel further and faster than I ever could.

I’m also so honored that my devotional articles for the Our Daily Bread devotional are translated into more than 50 languages and are available worldwide in print and online.

Only God could help me reach the nations for His Glory!

Oh, the world is far from perfect.

But God LOVES the Nations!

From His covenant with Abraham in Genesis, to His messages through many of the Old Testament prophets, to the Gospels and Paul’s writings, and all the way to Revelation, God speaks about the Nations all throughout the Bible.

God’s family is located all across the globe.

The Body of Christ is international.

Let’s remember to love and serve and pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ living worldwide.

Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about the Nations:

Jesus Came to Save the World – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)

We’re to Make Disciples of All Nations – “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)

We’re to Reach the Ends of the Earth – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Nations Worship in Heaven – “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:

‘Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb.’” (Revelation 7:9-10)

God Reigns Over All Nations – “He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)

God’s Covenant with Abraham Still Stands- “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”(Genesis 22:17-18)

We’re One in Christ – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29)

Jesus is for All People – “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

God Rules – “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. (Psalm 22:27-28)

One Day the World Will Bow – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2 : 9-11)

The Nations are Part of Our Inheritance – “Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” (Psalm 2:8)

Can you feel God’s heart for the Nations?

God loves us and sent Jesus for us no matter what city, country or continent we were born in.

May we be filled with God’s immeasurable love for the Nations!

Let’s continue to pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

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Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

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