Devotional For Women Blog
Encouragement
Do you need some encouragement today? Come talk to a mentor.
“When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:26-27)
Shortly after Saul’s conversion, he traveled to Jerusalem hoping to join the other disciples. However, they were fearful and doubtful of Saul’s sincerity because of his former persecution against the church. Fortunately, Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement”, accepted and brought Saul (later called Paul) to the apostles regardless of their apprehension. Barnabas recognized Saul’s sincerity and was able to encourage the others that their former enemy was now on their side as a true believer. As a result, Saul was able to remain in Jerusalem, join the other apostles, and speak boldly in the name of the Lord.
Not only did Barnabas play a vital role in the apostle’s lives, he touched the hearts of many other early Christians as well. He spent a whole year with Saul in Antioch encouraging, teaching, and witnessing to the ever-increasing number of new believers (Acts 11:22-26). Barnabas spent time with new members of God’s family offering them hope and encouragement.
At some point in time, whether a seasoned believer, a newbie Christian, or starting afresh in a brand-new church, you will face times of discouragement. Fortunately, through God’s Word, indwelling Spirit, prayer and fellowship with other believers, comfort, support, and encouragement awaits you. To have a “Barnabas” as a friend would be advantageous. In fact, God has bestowed the gift of encouragement (Romans 12:6, 8) upon particular Christians to fill this particular need in the body of Christ.
If you are discouraged, do not allow feelings of loneliness keep you from reaching out. Pray to God who knows all and be brave to reach out to others. In Hebrews 10:24-25 it is written, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The enemy wants to see you remain captive. However, God wants to encourage, strengthen, and lift you out of the mud. He wants to set you free from the spirit of discouragement so you can carry out His good deeds.
If you are one of God’s encouragers, a Barnabas, may you be aware and attentive to those who God may bring your way during these upcoming weeks. Through the power of the Holy Spirit within you, may you spur, enlighten, and stir up hope to those whom are in need of encouragement.
Father God, May we purposely set out to serve, help, and encourage one another. May we not look out for our own interest but to all whom are hurting, especially those in the body of Christ. In Jesus name, Amen
Questions: Are you or someone you know experiencing a difficult time? How does Christ encourage you? How can you encourage someone in your life?
Resting in His Righteousness
Do you think you let God down so He cannot possibly love you anymore? Be encouraged with today’s lesson on “The Forgiveness God Offers”
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Hebrews 13:5, AMP)
I remember a time when I was so paralyzed by fear I’d lay awake at night with thoughts of anxiety and loneliness. I had lost the ability to look at anything through a positive lens. I longed to be near the Lord, but I did not know how to reach Him.
How could I possibly be contented with my present circumstances? How could God tell me He would never let me down? How could He say that He will not in any degree leave me helpless or without support? My husband had left me, and so had all my friends. I was no longer able to work due to anxiety and depression and had extreme social phobia.
However, God does not lie. His words in Matthew11:28 were about to be demonstrated to me in a powerful way: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
As I cried out to the Lord, asking Jesus for relief from my pain, He gave me an invitation to enter His rest by giving Him my anguish in exchange for a personal relationship with Him. He showed me that I could not come to Him with my hands filled with my own burdens and cares and attempt to receive from Him His goodness and rest. I had to empty my hands of all the worry first.
I realized that I did not need to worry and fear. Jesus cares about me and I have nothing to fear with His tender and all sufficient care of me. As it says is John 10, He is my Shepherd. “I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me– Even as [truly as] the Father knows Me and I also know the Father–and I am giving My [very own] life and laying it down on behalf of the sheep.” (John 10:14-15, AMP)
I began to consciously give Jesus my worries each time I found myself anxiously fretting over something. Each time I found myself worried and frightened, I refocused my mind on a favorite verse. I meditated on the verse or spoke it aloud, or both. After several weeks I began to feel significant relief from my anxiety. Within months the Lord had surpassed all expectations that I had had of Him! I discovered anticipation for the mornings and my time with the Lord.
Truly, my Shepherd has shown me that He has given His life for me, and His blood has paid the penalty for my wrongs past, present, and future.
I can come before Him in boldness, knowing that I need not fear punishment. I can joyfully celebrate that I am forgiven and victorious – righteous because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross for me. I do not have to live in fear, trying to measure up to an impossible standard of perfection. I can dwell in the safety of God’s loving arms, letting His righteousness and perfect love soak into me. I know that He is at work to transform me into His image and likeness as I glory in the truth that I am unconditionally loved and accepted! Amen!
Father, Quiet my heart before You that I might hear You when you speak. Amen
Question: Do you have difficulty coming before Your Heavenly Father? How can the words of Scripture help to ease your fears? Which verses bring you peace and teach you that Jesus loves you and accepts you unconditionally?
God’s Way
Cultivate the fruit of the spirit in your life today.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13a)
In my house growing up, “getting it right” was important. We were encouraged to stand up, help, act, even if you were afraid, tired, hungry, or cold. Growing up I developed a strong super ego, as Freud would say. When I was with friends or family, I continue to fight that super ego to show compassion instead of judgment in difficult life situations.
Recently I was talking with my sister and our emotions starting getting the best of us. I wasn’t sure what the “right” response was, and I said a quick silent prayer for God’s intervention. God gave me a gentle answer to share, which took her off the attack and me off the defense. With those soft words, we were able to come to an agreement.
I did it the “God way”, not the “right way” according to our family’s inherent code of ethics. This outcome brought peace to her and to me instead of the tension and anger that often prevails in a fight. I came out of that potentially World War III battle unscathed, thanking God for his wisdom and direction. His guidance lead me to a new behavior that I would never have found on my own.
I thank God for the times I’m wise enough to open myself to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit has made my family something it could never be left on its own. I’ve learned to be supportive and helpful and forgiving in ways I’d have never imagined possible, just by listening to that still small voice in the midst of tension and frustration.
Father, When emotions run high remind me that You are the God of Peace. Help me to be quick to come to You and swift to give Your peace to others. Amen
Questions: How are you doing? Are you doing things the your way or God’s way?
May Flowers
Tony Campolo: You’re not going to able to live out the Christian life unless two things are true.
“For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:24-25)
Here in Texas, late spring and early summer is especially beautiful. Bluebonnets and other wildflowers blanket the hills in brilliant color. It is so breathtakingly gorgeous, I put a picture of Texas bluebonnets on the cover of my newest novel, Focused. The picture was taken at my brother-in-law’s property in the Hill Country where the novel is set—before the last few years of ravaging drought. The hills are not so pretty now, but one day they will be beautiful again.
They say that April showers bring May flowers. But, if there are not very many showers, the wildflowers are not so abundant and brilliant in color. I think the same is true of our lives. When we go through hard times, and we will because we no longer live in Eden, two things are true. First, the hard times won’t last forever. Second, they will bring about blessings we have yet to imagine. Like the Texas wildflowers after a cold winter and rainy spring, our life will explode in joyous color. God will restore and bless our days. What we have been through will make those blessings even more precious.
Peter quoted a passage from the prophet Isaiah when he wrote, “For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:24-25)
God’s Word feeds the roots underneath the soil of your life. Feed it well and eventually the flowers will bloom. Hard times can make His word more real and solidify our faith, if we choose to stay constant and trust in God. A generation ago a preacher’s wife wrote a little book about that called Bloom Where You Are Planted. No matter what you go through, if you let the word of God nourish you through the tough times, your life will blossom.
Yes, there will be seasons when you bloom less, perhaps because those will be seasons of less strife and hardship. Don’t make the mistake of not feeding your roots during those times, thinking you are just fine and do not need God’s word to nurture you. Do not put yourself into a drought. Keep reading, keep praying, keep studying and keep fellowshipping. Store up God’s love in your roots for the next time the storms come.
Unto everything, there is a season and there really is a time for every purpose unto Heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) If you stay in the Word no matter the season, not only will you have enough to get through the harshest weather in your life, but you’ll have plenty left over so people can see you burst into bloom and marvel at your faith response. They will see how God’s grace has blanketed your life with beauty.
Heavenly Father, who provides all we need in this life, let us constantly store up Your word in our lives no matter the season. Forgive the times we put ourselves in drought thinking we do not need it in our lives. Restore in us the nourishment of Your grace in times of harsh, cold and rainy weather, knowing those seasons will not last. In time Your blessings will be revealed in our lives like a burst of wildflowers over the hills, as a witness to Your steadfast love. Through Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions: Is it a harsh cold winter, a drenching spring rainy time, or a early summer blossoming time in your life right now? How will you respond?
Loud Shouts
Give your prayer life a tune up with today’s lesson on Embracing Prayer.
“But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand.” (Luke 23:23-24)
Some call it a mob mentality. People stop thinking clearly and allow emotion to rule. They say things they later regret. These verses describe the scene in Jerusalem when Pilate wanted to release Jesus. The crowd asked for the release of Barabbas the murderer and demanded the crucifixion of Jesus.
That kind of mentality doesn’t always require a mob. This passage makes me think about my own loud shouts and insistent demands on God. Too often, I want what I want – not what He wants – and I want it now!
Obviously God is not like Pilate who knowingly and willfully did wrong in order to save his own skin. God is holy and righteous and just. Yet I wonder if sometimes God gives me what I ask for, even when I ask for second best.
God longs to give me things for my ultimate good – things that will draw me into closer relationship with Him, glorify His name and develop the qualities of Christ in me. Those things don’t always look good from my short-term, earthly perspective. I occasionally see them as uncomfortable, difficult or painful.
My arrogance shows when I insistently make demands of God. Do I know better than He does? Do I want my own way, regardless of what is best?
Gracious God and Father, please don’t give me what I ask for when I ask for the wrong things. Help me to stop demanding and instead be still and know that You are God. You are all wise and all powerful. Help me to want what You want. Amen
Questions: What is the difference between persistent prayers and insistent demands? How do we know how to pray for what God wants?
Peace and Faith
Today’s lesson “Choose Peace” can help you hold on to God’s promises in the midst of the storm.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Walking in peace, with your heart calm even when your life is not, is one of the wonderful benefits of the Christian life. God reminds us to pay attention to what is going on within our hearts and to make some intentional choices.
Your heart is the well-spring of all of your life. It is the place that your reactions, your attitudes, your actions all bubble up from. Some translations say, ““Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” All that you are as you walk through this day, with whatever it holds, will spring from your heart. That’s why God tells us specifically to guard that well-spring. We are wise to check what is residing in that well-spring especially when we find peace has vanished and worry and stress has taken it’s place.
There will always be one of two very specific things in the lead of all the things in our hearts. Faith or Fear. One will always be on the top of the heap. They cannot both occupy the same place. If faith resides there your well-spring will pour out peace and confidence in God’s care for you, even in the midst of uncertain times.
If fear resides there anxiety and depression will be the natural outward flow. Faith or Fear. Every day we choose. Many times a day we choose.
Faith over-rides Fear. Fear over-rides Faith.
God tells us exactly what to do when fear grips our hearts and takes over our minds. Left unchecked it will scatter our faith and our peace like confetti in the wind and leave us anchorless in the storms of life.
Yet God in His love gives us specific instructions as to what to do.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
What a simple formula! Not easy – but simple. Worry is a call to prayer. The moment you become aware of that churning anxiety over ANYTHING, go immediately to your Heavenly Father. Present your requests to Him. Then turn your thoughts and prayers to thanksgiving.
- Thank Him for His promise to never forsake you.
- Thank Him for the power of His name.
- Thank Him for His intimate knowledge of every detail of your life.
- Thank Him for His track record in your life when He has been there for you in the past.
- Thank Him that He works all things together for your good as you trust Him.
- Thank Him that He is at work establishing His kingdom in your life.
Your faith and trust in God will over-ride your fear and His peace will actually put a guard around your heart and mind so fear cannot over run you. It’s supernatural and it’s real.
Prayer of action:
Father God,
I confess that I often allow Your peace to slip from my heart. Fear is often my first response to challenges that come my way. May I be conscious today of choosing to trust You with every detail of my life. Help me to have faith to leave the question marks in Your control and to trust You to carry me and to sustain me with your peace that is beyond understanding. Today I choose to put my trust in You. I choose to walk in Your peace.
Fill my heart with childlike faith today I ask in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.
Question: How can you walk in faith and peace today?
Our Compass
Are you struggling to find your way today? Come talk to a mentor.
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NLT)
Have you ever had to use a compass to survive? I have not. Sure, I’ve fiddled around with one and used it for fun but my survival has never been dependent on a compass. A friend of mine told me about a time when his compass literally saved his life. He was hunting on a remote island in the upper part of Michigan. He was dropped off and expected to be back at the drop off point a few days later. It was the first time in his life where he was completely alone and totally dependent on the provisions he had brought for himself.
When it was time to go back to the rendezvous point he looked at his compass to see where he needed to go but what the compass was saying and what his instincts were saying were completely opposite! Immediately an inner struggle took place within his mind. He remembers that he began to argue with the compass, “It’s got to be wrong! There’s no way that my internal compass could be that wrong. Something must’ve happened to the compass.”
But no matter how much he argued and disagreed with the compass, the compass did not change and so he was left with a choice – follow his own internal instinct or follow the compass. Even though everything inside him was screaming to follow his instincts, he chose to follow the compass and he arrived at the rendezvous safe and sound.
As Christians we have a compass – the word of God. Psalm 119:105 says,“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” God’s truth is strong and just like a compass it is always right, but how many times do we find ourselves, arguing with the truth?
It could happen in a conversation with your boyfriend of five years where you realize that he really doesn’t want to follow God like you do. You think there’s no way God would want you to break up with him – you’ve been together way too long to consider that.
Maybe you find yourself disagreeing with the truth when you’re in a difficult relationship with a family member. God is calling you to humble yourself and reach out to them with love. You throw all kinds of reasons at God why you shouldn’t do that – she doesn’t deserve it, he is way too arrogant, she never thinks of anyone but herself. But the truth of God does not waver.
What is God calling you to do? He is calling you to trust your compass. Does He promise you won’t lose your job, your boyfriend, and your friendships? No, but He does promise that He will travel with you and guide you safely to the rendezvous point.
Hebrews 13:5-6 “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’”
God, Don’t let me forget that You word is true and strong and does not change. In moments when I want to argue and go my own way, remind that Your love will always guide me in the way I should go. Amen
Question: Where could you use God’s compass in your life today?
Honor Your Mother
Is this a hard day for you? We would love to pray for you.
“‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” (Ephesians 6:2-3)
Some reading today’s devotional find it easy to honor, love, and respect your mother. God chose a god-fearing mother to birth, nurture, and guide you for many years. She taught, encouraged, and disciplined you in the ways of the Lord. Her faith, values, and obedience to God helped shape you into the woman you are today. When Mother’s Day arrives, you freely celebrate, honor, and affirm your gratitude to her.
Others struggle when Mother’s Day arrives. For whatever reason, your mother may not have been, and still may not be, a good, healthy, spiritual role model. Your heart weeps as you continue to cling to sullen memories, anger, and bitterness. This wounded condition is actually robbing you from additional blessings God desires to bestow upon you. He wants you to enjoy life abundantly more than you could ever hope or imagine. Forgiveness is a vital key to unlocking more joy and blessings of the Lord into your life.
You may claim, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psalm 27:10) As a Christian, the Lord has received you. You are His beloved daughter. More so, God made a way, through the bloodshed of His Son, to forgive and pardon you from all your sins. He will not forsake you regardless of your past, present, and future blunders when you repent and seek His forgiveness. Psalm 103:12 is a reminder that, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed your transgressions from you.”
When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, He included the importance of forgiveness. In Luke 11:4, He said, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us…” The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” God graciously bestows His grace and forgiveness unto you daily. He expects that you do the same unto others. He may not be asking you to reestablish a particular relationship however, He wants to see you set free from former hurt, pain, and suffering.
Often it is easy to ask God to forgive us of our sins but sadly, it is much harder to extend the same to others. However, by the grace of God, as His Spirit works within our hearts, we are able to heal, understand more clearly, and forgive more easily. We grow in the likeness of Christ who came to rescue, redeem, and forgive not so much the honorable ones but the sinners, the poor in spirit, those sitting in darkness. Seek to forgive as God has forgiven you, so you may enjoy life on earth more abundantly.
Father, Help me to see my Mother as You see her. May I be a blessing to her today. Amen
Questions: How is your relationship with your mother? Has God blessed you with a spiritual mother in lieu of your natural mother?
We Interrupt This Program
How can we pray for you today?
“The Lord is my shepherd…” (Psalm 23:1a)
“We interrupt this program…” and then comes the latest news flash from a radio or television station. We may hear an important piece of information, but occasionally the bit of news affects our lives only minimally. After the news comes another announcement, “We now return to our regularly scheduled programming.”
In our relationship with God, too often we think He only breaks into our consciousness when He has some “news” of great importance. Life is too often regarded as “regular programming” with God bursting into our awareness only when He wants to halt us in our tracks or get our attention in a specific way.
Perhaps we are only aware of His presence Him when we intentionally call on Him. (Which usually only happens when we need His help!) Occasionally the sight of a snowcapped mountain will remind us to praise Him but when there are no visible mountains, we easily go on about our business. We return to our “regular programming.”
It seems that David got it right as recorded in the first words of the familiar Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd…” All the verbs in the psalm are present tense except for the final phrase when the Shepherd King contemplates his glorious and unending future.
In Grace: An Invitation to Life, the authors write, “it is possible to live in the unceasing care of a relentlessly attentive and gracious God” (emphasis mine). Living this way is true “regular programming” with the events of life breaking in only as minimal interruptions.
Dear God, Help me to focus first on you, and only after on my circumstances. Thank you that You are always enough. Amen
Question: Is God part of your “regular programming?”
When Roses Do Not Come
If Mother’s Day is a challenging day for you, come talk to a mentor.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28 & 29b)
It was Sunday morning, Mother’s Day. As the Woman’s Pastor, I was greeting women at the back of the church.
One woman took my hand and blinked back a tear, as she told me how hard this day is for her, as she had never been able to have a baby of her own. Another hugged me and thanked me for praying for those who hurt on this day. Her grown kids never call and her heart ached. Another missed her Mom who had died. Another longed for her child who was gone.
One told me she wouldn’t be there. She believes she has failed as a mother and the feelings are too hard to face, so she ignores the day. Still another gave me a long silent hug… no words. We had walked together for a piece on the road of post-abortion.
Mother’s Day is heralded far and wide and it is a wonderful celebration. Sunday brunches, roses by the dozen, spa day specials and breakfast in bed all help set aside the day to honor mothers.
Yet for so many it is a day of unspoken pain.
But there is a place for you even when the roses don’t come and when you feel there is no place at the brunch. There is a special invitation just for you… listen… it comes from the heart of your Father God, spoken by His son Jesus…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28 & 29b)
The invitation is for those who have pain within their soul. It’s for those who are burdened down and weary, and those for whom Mother’s Day hurts.
How do you claim this rest when your soul is in pain? You reply to His invitation.
If your heart hurts this Mother’s Day, there are some things you can do as you look to God to bring rest to your soul.
Symbolic gestures can be helpful in bringing healing. As you have asked God to bring you comfort, consider some tangible action as you focus on Him, your helper and your healer.
- If you have lost a child by miscarriage, death or abortion, consider planting a rose bush or a flowerbed in memory of that special little life.
- If you are missing your own Mom who is gone, or filled with regret for what you did not have with her when she was alive, take a potted plant to a nursing home. Brighten some elderly mother’s lonely day and let her know she is cared about.
- If your arms long for the child you never had, ask God to begin to heal your heart and to help you reach out to some child who is starved for the love you have to give. This takes time. Be gentle with yourself and run often to the Father for His continued healing.
- If relationships are strained or cut off, ask God to show you how to begin rebuilding. Go slow and ask for His direction. It may be time to think about sending a simple, “I’m thinking of you” card.
- Choose not to spend the day alone. If you can, invite a friend to have a coffee in the park or to sit on your step and drink iced tea on Mother’s Day.
Our Father God desires for your heart to be whole and healed and to give you rest for your soul. He always pulls us upward and onward. It will take time, but with your hand in His, He will enable you to move forward.
If you are stuck on inward and downward, talk to a trusted friend, pray together, and get counsel if necessary.
God waits with open arms to comfort you. His desire for you is to heal your broken heart. Let this Mother’s Day be different. Accept His invitation and begin the journey from pain to promise and find rest for your soul.
Prayer of Action:
Father God,
My heart hurts with unspoken pain. I need Your help to just get through this Mother’s Day. I need Your comfort, Your strength and even Your forgiveness for the times I have blamed You for my hurt. Today I give you the empty spaces in my soul. I give you my pain and I ask You to bring Your healing to my damaged emotions and to my life. Thank you for the promise of rest for my weary soul. I lean on you today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Questions: How do you feel as Mother’s Day approaches? How does today’s verse speak to your situation?
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