Devotional For Women Blog
It’s Who You Know!
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“Grace and peace be multiplied to you IN THE KNOWLEDGE of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3, NKJV, emphasis mine).
Think of it, the more we know God, the more grace and peace is multiplied to us. The promise goes on to say that we can also experience everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him! Knowledge refreshes, it brings life, and it is like fertilizer to flowers.
This is where the spiritual flows into the physical. The more we know God and His promises, the more peace and provision we will experience in our every day lives. To KNOW Jesus is not just a spiritual thing but a very practical thing. The knowledge of God guides us in our relationships, health, business, and many other areas, making the way toward a rich and joyful life.
We think of reading our Bibles as a “spiritual” activity separate from our physical lives. But in reality the outflow of studying and practicing the Word of God becomes most evident in our daily living, as we apply the principals we have learned.
Contrary to the well known saying, ignorance is not bliss, and in fact often leads to difficulty and hardship. Bliss is to know our God who always has the very best for us, to know His ways and practice them. When we walk in the knowledge of God, the details of life run more smoothly and the natural outcome is greater peace and successful living.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NKJV).
Questions: As we get to know God better, what can be the exciting result in our lives?
About the Author Emmie Stanley
Not Forsaken
Are you feeling overwhelmed by guilt? This is a safe place, talk to us.
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“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Psalm 37:5-6).
When we read about all the injustice in the world, it can get to the point that we ask, “Where is God in all of this?” The Hebrews asked that while enslaved in Egypt, then while being sent off to exile, while under the clutch of the Roman Empire and during the Holocaust. Slaves in the South asked it, as did the soldiers in the Civil War. Some asked it in the aftermath of 911. Some ask it as they hold their deceased loved one who was a victim of random violence, or intentional harm. Others question as they hold their not perfectly formed child, like I did.
The answer is simple – God is in our midst. Instead of asking where He is, ask Him to draw nearer. Ask Him to show you rays of sunlight in the dark gloominess, to feel His warmth around your cold shoulders, to hear birds singing in spite of the deafening silence of grief. Ask him to help you laugh again, even if just for a moment. It is a matter of faith, but you can ask for that as well.
The verse right before this says if we draw near to God He will give us the desires of our heart. That doesn’t mean wealth or fame, it means Him. He truly is all we need, and like the lilies of the field and the birds in the air, He will provide if we seek Him and His righteousness first.
So seek. As I said, it’s so simple, yet it can be so very hard, can’t it? Hard because our viewpoint is so limited to the here and now. God, on the other hand, sees all and knows all. He has the timing worked out. We just need to hang on, trust and draw near to Him for comfort. Countless believers have. The Psalmist knew to do that. The next time you feel wronged or think that life is just not fair (guess what, it isn’t) read this Psalm 37 and take it to heart. It is soothing balm for a hurting soul.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself (vs. 7) . . . For the Lord loves justice; He will not forsake his saints. (vs.28)
Questions: When you are losing your grip on trust and feel life is not fair, what Scripture verse, hymn or poem do you cling to?
About the Author Julie Cosgrove
Surrender that Pays
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“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work” (John 4:34, NKJV).
Perhaps you have those days when you ask yourself “Why am I doing this? What moves me to be willing to give my life to serve God and serve others?” As those who follow Christ, we often find ourselves giving of our time, resources, and even our very selves as we lay everything down with the hope that one soul would come to know Jesus. Scripture tells us that it is the love of God and the Spirit that compel us to do the work of the Father. (Job 32:18 & 2 Corinthians 5:14)
When we received Christ and were baptized, we became crucified with Him. Our lives are no longer our own, they belong to Him. We need to surrender and allow Him to live in and through us, to His glory. We have been bought with a price and it is no longer about our will, our plans, or our dreams, but about the bigger plans, dreams, and adventures that God has for us when we let Him take control of our lives, and follow Him.
It is our privilege to work together with the God who made all things, to walk with authority and dominion on the face of the earth, to reveal the goodness and love of God, to set the captives free, and to possess the nations. It costs us everyday, but it is more than worth it!
“Assuredly, I say to you there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters of father or mother of wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time houses and brothers and sisters and mothers an children and lands, with persecutions and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30, NKJV).
Questions: What motivates you to be willing to give your life to serve God and serve others?
About the Author Emmie Stanley
Belonging
Are your days filled with loneliness? Talk to us.
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“So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God” (Romans 7:4).
Everyone wants to belong, but to what or to whom? I belong to a book club, our community association and am a member of my church. Other people belong to sports’ teams, dinner clubs, Chess clubs, medical associations, unions or political parties. Membership comes with privileges, as well as responsibilities.
Before we knew Jesus, we belonged to sin. We weren’t free agents, biding our time until one team made a good offer. We were already members of the team that opposed God. John records Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. (John 8:34) We were trapped.
But, thanks to God, Christ’s death made it possible for us to belong to another – to Jesus Christ Himself.
What a privilege it is to belong to Jesus. Through Him we have direct access to God; we have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us; we have eternal life. Along with these great privileges come responsibilities.
We belong to Jesus “in order that we might bear fruit to God” (Romans 7:4).
Since we have been freed from sin, we are called to:
• “Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13).
• “[You] have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18).
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that Jesus made it possible for me to belong to You. May my actions demonstrate to whom I belong. Amen.
Questions: How has belonging to God changed your life? What fruit can you bear to God? What does it mean to be a slave to righteousness?
About the Author Suzanne Benner
The Root of Conflict
Are you feeling ready to walk away from a relationship – are you possibly even considering divorce? We want to pray for you.
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No one likes to think of herself as needy. We prefer other adjectives for ourselves, words that reflect strength or wisdom. Just for a moment think about your own needs. It’s easier to think of someone else and how to help them but can you identify where you are needy?
There is a tool we can use to help us see our own need. It is the tool of paying attention to any conflict in our lives. Conflict often reflects unmet needs. Think about it for a moment.
Recall the last encounter you had with conflict. Most of us don’t have to dig very far into our memories. Sometimes the unmet need is basic and easy to remedy such as the need for sleep.
Yet often it is much deeper. The need to feel valued and heard or the need to be accepted or respected can cause conflict from a wounded heart.
Control and manipulation finds their roots in an unmet need. Trying to manage the outcome of all that is gong on around you is exhausting and causes conflict at many levels.
Think about where conflict exists in your life and ask God to help you identify any unmet need, yours or someone else’s that may exist at the root of it. Begin to pray about those needs.
When you see potential conflict on your horizon… stop… and use the opportunity as a tool to build into your own life or to pray into another’s. Look honestly at yourself and GROW through conflict.
G- Give God the opportunity to reveal to your heart any unmet need that may be at the root of this conflict. Be open to seeing your own need and to praying for the needs of another. It will help dissolve hostility too.
R- Recognize that God is the only One who can meet all of your needs.
O- Open your heart to God’s help, asking Him to be the Source you need for that unmet need in your life. Consider asking another Christian to pray for you in this.
W- Walk beside another in prayer as you pray for their unmet needs asking God to be their Source in meeting the needs of their soul.
God promises to be the Source for all of your needs.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Father God,
Please help me to identify the unmet needs that exist in the conflicts I find myself in. Help me to turn to You to meet the deep needs of my heart. Help me to pray for the needs in the lives of those I have conflict with. Be the source of all I need today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, Amen.
Questions: As you take time to think about your life, what would you say are your needs? What are some ways you can discover what your needs are?
About the Author Gail Rodgers
Rearranging the Furniture
Life gets complicated. Don’t go it alone. Talk to us.
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“I have calmed myself and quieted my ambitions. I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content (no longer ravenously seeking self-satisfaction)” (Psalm 131:2).
While visiting friends in another country, we were somewhat surprised when they announced that they were inviting many neighbors into their home to meet us. While their house is comfortable and certainly adequate for a few people, we wondered how a larger group could be accommodated.
Imagine our surprise on the appointed evening to see more than twenty people comfortably seated. Our hosts had moved most of the furniture out of the room. Chairs lined the edges of the space and one low table in the center was laid with plates of cookies and pots of tea. The room had been rearranged for this new purpose.
Many Christians desire a deeper relationship with God, hearts ache for an intimacy not yet experienced. Books are read, seminars attended, groups formed for discussion and prayer, but little change occurs.
Could it be that our lives need rearranging?
Some pieces of furniture—activities, responsibilities—may need moving out of the schedule. We may need to learn how to use available time—the chairs—more wisely.
In her book, Sacred Rhythms, Ruth Haley Barton beautifully writes about how often our lives, even our religious lives, crowd out the spaces where God wants to meet us. She emphasized that we must make a concerted effort to arrange our lives for spiritual transformation, perhaps unplugging technology, clearing the calendar, creating extended time for our souls to meet with God. Our Father will meet us whenever we make room for Him.
God, I put so much furniture into my life that I often crowd you out. Help be become a better “interior decorator.” Amen.
Questions: Are you crowding God out of your life with too many activities? Which activities would you consider would need to be the first to be set aside?
About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle
Be the Pride of your Children
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“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6, NLT).
Billy Graham embodies a prolific life as an evangelist, speaker and author. God has used him in powerful ways, and through him God has brought thousands of people to faith. It’s estimated that he has preached to more people around the world than any other preacher in history.
He is also a husband and a father. The privilege and responsibility of leading the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association he founded has been passed on to his son, Franklin Graham. And Billy Graham’s influence doesn’t end there. Franklin Graham’s son Will (Billy Graham’s grandson) is also involved in the organization, leading evangelistic events. The Graham family is a testament to how fervent biblical faith lived out daily can impact generations.
“Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6, NLT).
You may be thinking, “Well, that’s wonderful, but I’m sure not Billy Graham!” But don’t be discouraged! You don’t have to be in order to still have a profound influence on your children’s lives.
Last week I was speaking with one of the elders at my church, and as she spoke about her family she mentioned her daughter’s name. I interjected, asking her what grade her daughter is in. It turns out that her daughter is one of the teens in the Grade 11 Sunday school class I teach. This lady’s daughter is one of the leaders in the class of over a dozen students. She is one of the few willing to ask questions, suggest answers, and encourage others.
The attitude and example of her mother has no doubt influenced her daughter. Her mother is not a fiery evangelist, superb speaker, or brilliant exegete. Rather, she is a quiet example of steadfast faith.
You don’t need to be Billy Graham to make a profound difference in your child’s life. Your holy duty and privilege is to “bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) and “direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NLT) Under your own strength that may seem impossible, so lean heavily on the Lord, for “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Questions: Are you setting an example for your family to follow that will be honoring to the Lord?
About this Author Darren Hewer
Our Protection
Do you struggle with the deep darkness of depression and find yourself without hope? Talk to us.
“Having believed, you were marked in him (Christ) with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13,14).
I heard of a clever little bird in the tropics that will cover his young in the nest with leaves. When a poisonous snake slithers up the branch to devour the helpless birds, it strikes its tongue against the leaves and instantly recoils. The leaves are poisonous to the snake.
This little story reminds me that as Christians, we also have an adversary, the devil, who wants to destroy us. But we have a three – fold security: the seal of the Holy Spirit which means ownership by God; the blood of Jesus Christ which atones for every sin; and the name of Christ which sends Satan running. When we are in danger, all of heaven comes to our defense.
Some years ago, in an African country, weak in body and discouraged in soul, I sensed an encroaching darkness descend upon me. On this particular day, I had gone to bed but couldn’t sleep. An ominous dread filled my heart. When I opened my eyes, I saw a dark figure had entered the room. I called for my husband to come and together we said, “In the name of Jesus Christ, we command you to leave. We are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ and you cannot touch us. We belong to God.”
Instantly the darkness vanished.
In Christ, we have a covering that the powers of darkness cannot penetrate. Therefore, we have nothing to fear – ever.
Father, I thank you for the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. I pray for your covering upon myself and my children today.
Question: Have you ever experienced a period or moment of spiritual darkness? How did God bring you through it?
About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid
The I Don’t Wanna’s
Are you feeling ready to walk away from a relationship – are you possibly even considering divorce? We want to pray for you.
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“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).
“But, Mommm. I don’t wanna.” I heard the preteen girl whine her complaint as she and her mother descended the escalator behind me.
“It doesn’t matter. You have to do this, You know that,” an older female voice said in quiet, firm tones.
“And I hate it. I hate you.”
A momentary pause. Then, a deep sigh. “That doesn’t change the fact you know it is what you have to do.” The sternness in the mother’s voice ineffectively masked her frustration. Obviously, they’d had this conversation before.
“Whatever. I am NOT doing it. You can’t make me.”
A determined stomp exploded, vibrated through the steel grid track as it disappeared into the floor ahead of us. Its impact rippled through my heart. It took everything in me to keep staring straight ahead and not turn around to give this mom a camaraderie hug. But, of course that would have embarrassed her. It would have brought out what she already knew. Everyone in a ten foot radius could hear what should have been a private conversation.
I don’t know what the task was that the preteen dreaded so much doing. Big or small, it was important enough in her mind to evoke strong emotions and start the hormonal volcano spewing. It seems kids pick the least opportune time to explode. Public places seem to rank the highest. Or when you are dead tired and on edge anyway. It’s like an alarm goes off – hit ‘em with it now, then BOOM!
Raising kids into adulthood is perhaps one of the hardest tasks imaginable. Nothing will take you out of yourself like the sacrificial, “I am going to love you even if I don’t like your behavior right now” attitude a parent adopts towards their child. But truth be told, is that not the attitude God calls us all to have towards each other?
How often are we like that preteen girl, stamping our feet and saying, “God, I hate this” or “I don’t want to do this”? Even Christ in the Garden momentarily asked for the cup to be taken from Him. But He already knew the answer. Like that mother with her preteen in the store, God told Jesus that it didn’t change the fact it was to come to pass. But also like that mother, God didn’t walk away. He stayed and listened as His Son sweated blood and tears in prayer, then eventually whispered confidently, “Thy will be done”.
God stays by each of us, listening to our angst, our fears and our “I don’t want to” moments. Our temporary lack of faith and obedience may hurt Him, but He loves us anyway. Just like we love our kids, despite the fact that they are not acting or being as we know they can potentially be.
God won’t give up on me or you as we go through the process of growing. So, don’t give up on your kids, either. No matter what their age, just like us, they too are learning the fine line between individuality and obedience. They are figuring out their way may not be the best, that they do need advice and guidance, and it is okay to ask for it. Asking for help doesn’t diminish who you are. Aren’t we all in the process of learning that?
Thanks be to God that He is, as the Psalms tell us, slow to anger, long suffering and loving. He can help us be that way as well towards our kids, and everyone else we bump into along the way. Let Him turn to you and give you a hug, just like I wanted to give that mom. Rely on His strength and expertise. He understands. If anyone knows what you are going through in raising a child, it is your Heavenly Father. He is, after all, in the process of raising you.
Question: Are you as patient with other’s whining as God is with yours? How can you turn your “I don’t wanna” into “Thy will be done.”?
About the Author Julie Cosgrove
Is Jesus in the Driver’s Seat?
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“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4).
Often we treat Jesus as a tag-along as we rush about our day’s activities. “Run with me, Jesus,” we say. “Empower me. Give me ideas on how to do this better. Bless me. Bless my family.” We want Him to be good company, sitting beside us, not saying much. But is this what the Christian life is all about?
Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” Notice, who is taking the lead. Who is driving the car? Sometimes following Jesus involves leaving the familiar and taking risks.
I’m reminded of Levi, the tax collector. As Jesus walked by his booth, He said, “Follow me.” Levi could have said, “What do you mean? This is my livelihood.” But no, he got up–left his comfort zone– and followed Jesus into the unknown (Mark 2:14). Levi became a disciple of Jesus and later wrote the book of Matthew.
“Come, follow me” is Jesus’ way of calling us to new life. He wants to take us out of our cramped selfish lifestyle into his glorious freedom. He wants to take us to heights and depths we’ve never known. When we follow Jesus our focus will be upward and outward–away from ourselves.
How do we make this practical?
1. Read God’s word so you’ll get to know His voice.
2. Prayerfully write out what you feel is God’s specific plan for you–your life goals.
3. Listen carefully to how He wants to use you today.
4. Be totally dependent upon God to empower you and use you. It is the Spirit of God in us that empowers us to be and do all that Christ has called us to be and do.
Lord Jesus, I want You to control my life. Show me what You want to accomplish through my life today. I want to be about my Father’s business. (Luke 2:49) Amen.
Questions: Who is in the driver’s seat in your life? What are some ways that we take control of our lives? What steps can we take in order to make sure we “follow” Jesus.
About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid
