Saving a Terminal Heart

This blog post is based off of Jeremiah 17:5-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible". 

There are plenty of ways that we as humans suffer from "heart disease". We are selfish, stubborn, cocky, liars, etc. We think we can "go it alone" for a lot of things and we forget that we need Jesus in our lives! 

God gives us many orders in His word - physician orders! He is the great physician and is asking things of us to keep our hearts healthy. Time spent with Him and His word, giving to others, and many other ways we can keep our hearts healthy. 

How can we entrust our whole heart to God and His care. What ways can we make sure that we are keeping our hearts as healthy as possible? Spend time today dwelling on these thoughts and know that Christ is the great physician! He will heal!

Isaiah 58:6-14

Matthew 15:18

Acts 15:8-9

Hebrews 4:12-13

"The bad news: You have a broken heart. The good news: God can cure the incurable." 

Intimate Doubt

This blog post is based off of Jeremiah 15:1-21 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Reading today's passage was a bit shocking for me. Reading about God's anger and wrath isn't my favorite thing to do - or any one's I would assume. It was so different from the God I know and trust and understand. It was hard to get through the passage. 

In the last few verses there is a change of pace. After a whole bunch of scary words directly from God, Jeremiah cries out to Him. God hears his cry and the whole situations changes. The emotions are no longer wrath and anger, but love and forgiveness....finally, the God I know!

This passage teaches us that there will be hard times in our walk through life - whether we are walking with God or not. There will be situations where we don't want to face the truth, or the facts. I know that I've been placed into some pretty ugly situations that I wasn't thrilled about. I didn't quite understand why I was led to that place.

Maybe you are in a place right now that is discouraging and feels impossible. It may be affecting you greatly...your mood is always down, your temper may be out of control, you may feel abandoned. Whatever it may be, we all experience intimate doubts that we can share with out heavenly father. He will hear them and His attitude will adjust to meet our needs. Just like Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah 1:4-8; 12:1-3; 20:7-12

Jude 22

"God knows your limits; he realizes that he calls flawed people to enormous tasks. Yet his promise to stay with you is forever the same." 

Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

This blog post is based off of Jeremiah 12:1-17 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

There have been plenty of times in my life when I have wondered why the wicked prosper? Why is it that the cheaters get ahead, the mean people get what they want, and the manipulators always seem to get the better end of the bargain?

I'm sure that many people can relate to this! 

Jeremiah reassures us of a couple things. One, we all have felt this way! Even the people in the passage above are asking God why it is unfair? God answer with His just answer and reassures that, again, His ways are higher than ours and we must trust Him. 

God's wisdom is far above anything else. To question Him isn't worth it. He knows what is best and make everything right in His time. 

Job 21:7-21

Psalms 73:1-28; 145:17-20

Proverbs 11:21-23

The God of All Comfort

This blog post is based off of Isaiah 40:1-20 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Throughout the above passage, God is comforting His children in their time of need. Even though they know that their sins will cause great trials and tribulations, God still brings comfort to them and wants them to feel cared for. 

Some of us have painful sins that we need comfort from and forgiveness for. We may feel that we are not in the presence of God because we have caused ourselves to slip farther and farther away. But the truth is that God is always a comforter. He will provide care and forgiveness to all His children. Even when we have done wrong. 

This life teaches us that we burn our bridges and we can't get back over them. When we do wrong, we pay for it. But God is not like this. The bridge can never be burned and He will always come for us and comfort us. 

Lamentations 3:19-26

Hosea 2:14-23

John 1:19-28

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"The God of all comfort longs to take us in his arms and comfort us." 

Are We There Yet?

This blog post is based off of Isaiah 35:1-10 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The Bible talks about a "highway of holiness" in the passage above. It was actually a literal road that could be used by those who were ceremonially clean in order to get to and from temples. When we read this passage, we may see the "highway of holiness" as where we are in life and our pathway towards heaven. 

When I think about my own highway of holiness and know that there are many things in life that have led me to where I am now....obviously. But it is actually looking at those "things" and realizing how they are meaningful in my life today. What necessary events occurred on my highway to lead me here? What necessary things happened on yours?

When we look heavenward and then reflect on where we are now, we may be thinking "are we there yet?" Just like any child would be thinking on a trip. But remember, God has plans for every moment. We are in the moment that is necessary to get us to the big arrival - we are on our way!

Isaiah 40:3-5

Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-13

"We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide." Elisabeth Elliot 

Traveling Heavenward

This blog post is based off of Isaiah 26:1-21 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Isaiah reminds us that this is not our home. We are here for a reason, for a short time, and our home is in heaven with our savior. But before our time here on earth is done, we have work to do! 

I believe that we are all here fulfilling a purpose that God has for us. 

What is your purpose? What is mine?

Think about what work God has for you to do. Whether it be in your own life, in the life of others, or perhaps a certain task He has called you to do. 

When we live our lives with the purpose of readying ourselves and the world for heaven, our intimacy with Christ deepens and life has a new meaning. In the morning as yourself, "How can I move heavenward today?" 

Psalm 84:1-7

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Hebrews 11:1-40

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Thank You!

This blog post is based off of Isaiah 28:1-9 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We know that God forgives us all our sins! We have read it, heard it preached, been told countless times - but how much do we really believe it?

Today's devotional was written by a woman who didn't believe that all her sins could be forgotten. She knew that maybe the little sins, like gossiping, may be forgotten, and perhaps the medium sins, like lying, cheating, etc., would be forgiven, but the big sins, like murdering, stealing (the BIG ones), she wasn't so sure they could even be forgotten/forgiven. 

She talks about how she meditates on God's word whenever she is feeling this way. She rereads the promises in the Bible and re-accepts His forgiveness and sacrifice. 

It is important to meditate on God's promises, but especially His promises that are hard to fathom. Like forgiveness, there are plenty of promises that bring us to our knees and call for gratitude and appreciation. 

Thank you, God for all your wonderful promises! 

Psalm 32:1-2; 103:11-12

Micah 7:19

Mark 2:1-12

"God loves you even in your darkest hours. He comforts you even in your darkest moments. He forgives you even in your darkest failures." Jarrid Wilson 

Remember

This blog post is based off of Isaiah 17:7-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The Bible tells us more than once that without God in our lives we can obtain nothing. We are nothing without Him. 

The passage above reminds us of this truth and keeps things very clear about that. 

So when was a time in your life when you were especially aware of God in your life? Were you prosperous? Were you enjoying life and the relationships you were in. If there was a time in your life where God was absolutely present and accounted for then I'm assuming this part of your life was wonderful. For me, I know that God's presence means great things - powerful things!

What can we do to remind ourselves of God's presence in our lives daily? Could it be a scripture that we post on your fridge, a morning prayer walk through the neighborhood, or perhaps something you wear that reminds you of His presence. 

When we live our lives aware of God's presence, the days become fore fulfilling and wonderful. 

Deuteronomy 4:5-9

Psalm 42:1-2

Proverbs 3:1-6

"The safest place I know isn't found here on earth. It's found in God's presence." 

Equipped

This blog post is based off of Isaiah 6:1-8 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Isaiah was overwhelmed by the worship that he had encountered. He saw beauty and power in his dream. It was simply encouraging to him to witness such wonderful worship and this readied him for what was to come. 

Worship is something that I thrive on. I love worshipping in music! The band or piano playing, the lyrics with so much meaning - it all is worship to me! I can even worship in my car with the radio on! It encourages me and I get so much from it!

How does worship encourage you? How has it made a positive affect on your life?

The other part of Isaiah's story was his willingness to work for God. He didn't know the task ahead of him, but he was moved by the worship to go wherever God lead him. 

I'm not sure of the task that God is calling me to at this time. I'm praying about that and wondering if maybe there are times in our lives where we aren't being called; but instead, we are already doing the work He called us to do. I'm trying to figure that out!

Is God calling you? Does He want you to work for him on a difficult task? How will we all get ready to say, "Here I am, send me!"

1 Kings 17:1-6

Isaiah 50:4-10

Hebrews 13:20-21

"We can face hard assignments with confidence that if God has called us, he will equip us." 

The Strongest Love

This blog post is based off of Song of Songs 8:1-7 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

It is hard to fully understand God's love for us. It is the strongest love possible and we are incapable of loving in the same way He does. Because we don't fully understand how God loves, sometimes we forget that He really does love us that much and we don't know how to accept it.

I challenge us to really contemplate God's love for us this week. Let's see how different living can be if we go through our days believing that God fully loves us. Something that will help you understand this is reading Psalms 139. This is a powerful message and I hope that each and everyone of you who reads this post will read through this passage! 

Live life knowing that God fully loves you - with the strongest and most perfect love! 

Psalm 136 1-26

Ephesians 3:14-19

1 John 4:7-12

"There is no need to plead that the love of God shall fill our heart as though he were unwilling to fill us. He is willing as light is willing to flood a room that is opened to its brightness." Amy Carmichael 

Picture Perfect Bride

This blog post is based off of Song of Songs 4:1-16 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

I love this passage from Song of Songs! It is a beautiful way of hearing how lovely we are in God's eyes and how we should learn to love others here on earth. I encourage you to read the above passage and to think about they way God sees us. 

It is like in a wedding when the bride and groom first see each other. That moment is magical. Everything else seems to fade away and nothing doesn't matter anymore...whether the veil is crooked, or perhaps the groom's tie isn't correctly placed...it is still perfect! 

I love the way the Bible adores marriage. This only means one thing - that God adores marriage as well! The way it is beautifully written about throughout the Bible. We can tell that God is a fan and he sees it as a sacred blessing. 

Genesis 2:18-25

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Ephesians 5:21-33

“A happy marriage doesn't mean you have a perfect spouse or a perfect marriage. It simply means you‘ve chosen to look beyond the imperfections in both.” Fawn Weaver

Remember the Good Ol' Days

This blog post is based off of Ecclesiastes 7:2-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We have all faced difficulties in our lives and all know what it feels like to go through hard times. We also know what it feels like to learn from those times and to see the good that may come from those hardships. 

I could go on about difficulties in my life, but for every hard time I can think of something positive that came with it! It all happened for a reason!

Some of us may be going through some difficulties right now. We may be wishing for "better times", but the passage above reminds us to not dwell on the past and hope for things that already have passed. Instead, the Bible reminds us that God made all days. He made this one, and all the good ol' ones as well. Instead of wishing for the past, try thinking how God can make your current moment count. Why is it important and how what good can come from it?

Exodus 16:1-8

Isaiah 40:28-31; 43: 18-19

"The key is to remember things as they really were, to be content with things as they really are and to trust God to take care of the future." 

Apples of Gold

This blog post is based off of Proverbs 25:1-15 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We have all been hurt, humiliated, let down but someone else's words. Words can be harsh, mean, and can do many hurtful things to someone. I am sure that I've caused someone else pain from my words as well. We use them so "lightly" but they can really hurt.

On the other hand, we have all been blessed by someone else's words. They have brought us hope, joy, peace, comfort, and many other positive things. These words can affect us greatly and do wonders for our emotions and self-esteem!

The passage above touches on using words as "apples of gold". The proverb describes words as being wonderful and a way to bring hope to others. Ask God today how He can use your words to affect someone positively! Don't let your words bring harm to others; instead, let your words bring hope to someone!

Proverbs 12:25

Colossians 3:12-14

1 Timothy 4:12

1 Peter 3:9-12

"If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary's love." Amy Carmichael 

Investments of the Heart

This blog post is based off of Proverbs 22:1-11 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The way our world defines "wealth" is so different than how God defines it. We see it as money, fame, excess...God sees it as abundance of life, humility, honor, and discipline. 

When we love wealth of this world we aren't fully living in fear of God and in His presence. We are missing out on God's true wealth. God has promised us an abundance of "wealth" if we fear Him and follow in His ways. By doing this we are storing up treasures in heaven and bringing others to Christ along the way!

Invest your time and energy into God. Invest your money, talents, and gifts to God and watch how he multiplies them for you!

Psalm 37:1-6

Proverbs 3:1-10

Mark 12:43-44

1 Timothy 6:17-19

"Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth." John Templeton

Paybacks

This blog post is based off of Proverbs 20:1-22 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Some of us wish to payback someone else for their wrongdoings. We may experience anger, resentment, and other negative feelings until we are satisfied with the "payment". 

Others are experiencing paybacks from other people. Either painful, physical, emotional or spiritual consequences for the wrong we have done to others. 

In Proverbs 20, it is said to never "payback" anyone for their wrongdoings. Instead, give it to God and he will deliver you. This is a promise that we have forgotten. So many of us spend so much time contemplating what we can do to get back at others that we forget that God has said to leave it to Him. 

In the Lord's Prayer, the one conditional thing is that we ask God for forgiveness as we forgive others. If we are so busy "getting back" at those people who did us wrong we have forgotten that we have not yet been forgiven either. 

Remember that you are forgiven and that God will deliver you from resentment and wrong doing. Leave the "paybacks" to God. 

Matthew 6:12-15

Luke 6:27-36

Romans 12:14-21

"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness." Corrie ten Boom 

God in Your Brag Book

This blog post is based off of Psalm 145:1-21 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King David had many things to praise God for. And all of chapter 145 of Psalms is him bragging about his God and how wonderful He is! 

What do we have to thank God for? I know that in my life I have plenty of things to praise God for and the ability to talk about them all the time. I have the "luxury" of working in a place where God is a common thread and I also am surrounded by people who feel the same about Christ as I do. This is a blessing in itself. 

But what about those of us who don't have it that easy. Bringing God up and talking about the blessing in our life isn't as easy for some of us. Perhaps start by just listing things off that your can praise God for in the morning. If they are on your mind they are more likely to be brought up. Use this list throughout your day. Talk about it. Brag about God and the things that He does for you and will do for others! 

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Psalm 105:1-5

Philippians 4:4-9

"Give thanks to God for all He has done - and brag a little!"

Enduring, Endearing Love

This blog post is based off of Psalm 136:1-26 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Human love is flawed. We all may try to love as God loves, but we fail and have all felt the affects of human love. 

God's love is eternal! His love never fails and it endures forever. The above passage is all about God's love and His desire to love us! It is an awesome thought to know that God's love is forever, and ever! It will never fail!

Picture yourself as a diamond in the rough...God is working on your to make you a beautiful diamond that lasts forever! 

Isaiah 62:1-5

Zachariah 9:14-17

Revelation 19:5-10

"Enduring speaks of the quantity of God's love while endearing portrays the quality."

The Wow in Worship

This blog post is based off of Psalm 100: 1-5 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

A song of thanks.

Earth, sing to the Lord!

Be happy as you serve the Lord!
    Come before him with happy songs!
Know that the Lord is God.
    He made us, and we belong to him.
    We are his people, the sheep he takes care of.
Come through the gates to his Temple giving thanks to him.
    Enter his courtyards with songs of praise.
    Honor him and bless his name.
The Lord is good!
    There is no end to his faithful love.
    We can trust him forever and ever!

Praising and worshipping God is a must in my life. Understanding God's infinite power is vital to knowing Him! 

Psalm 23:1-6

Isaiah 42:5-6

Romans 9:25-26

Colossians 1:16-17

"God is always a lot bigger than what you need. Believing that God is bigger than your situation produces passion in your praise" 

All Creation Praises Him

This blog post is based off of Psalm 92:1-15 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

There are so many beautiful creations that God has placed into our lives and in our surroundings for us to praise Him for! We see beautiful mountains, oceans, trees, flowers, and many living creatures. Our world is overwhelmed with beauty. Beauty that was all part of God's hands and plan. 

In the passage from Psalms, we hear a beautiful praise song to God for all that He has given the writer. He is praising Him for so many wonderful things. 

When was the last time you praised God for the many beautiful things in your life? 

Not too long ago I read a quote somewhere that really struck me. It said, "What if your woke up tomorrow with only the things that you hard thanked God for today?" It really makes you think.... I know for me there is so much in my life to be thankful for and to praise God for and I need to acknowledge Him for them!

I challenge you today to think of at least five things that you can praise God for....really praise Him! 

Here is the start of my own list:

1. A loving husband who cares for me and takes care of me
2. A family who is willing to help me (my cousin helped me clean my entire kitchen yesterday) and who loves to be together. We really do enjoy each other's company and friendships!
3. This precious miracle growing inside me! He is so active and wonderful already! 
4. A great job that I love! I can actually say I enjoy going to work and hanging out with my coworkers all day! And for a great chance to carpool with a friend and save some money!
5. A house to come home to, food to prepare and eat, and a nice warm bed that I get to rejuvenate from my days!

Thank you, Jesus!

Psalms 19:1-14; 96:1-13; 148:1-14

Luke 19:28-40

"What an inexpressible joy for me, to look up through the apple blossoms and the fluttering leaves, and to see God's love there." Elizabeth Charles 

Unshakeable Confidence

This blog post is based off of Psalm 71:1-24 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

In the passage above, we see the writer place all his confidence in God. He feel inept to complete the work before him, but he decided to trust in God and have the confidence to continue on with God as his guide. 

What, or who, do you rely on for confidence? I know that for myself I tend to either rely on myself (either my knowledge or emotions) or on others feedback. If I'm feeling shaken I go to someone I trust for a boost of confidence. 

We all go through times where we well unqualified for something. Whether it be at work, home, at church, or maybe just a random passing situation we are called to. We have those moments where we feel like, "I can't do this" and a lot of times we let our own judgement get in our way. 

God is a pro at making the unqualified qualified. Look at His list of leaders:

1. Abraham: a roaming Bedouin to who birthed a nation
2. Moses: a stuttering speaker who confronted a pharaoh
3. David: a shepherd boy who defeated a giant
4. Esther: an exiled Jewish girl who rescued her people 
5. Mary: a timid teenager who birthed and raised the Son of God

That list should make you feel better! You are capable to do anything if God is using you to do it!!

Philippians 4:13

Luke 1:37

Jeremiah 32:17

Romans 8:37

2 Corinthians 12:9

"Make sure your don't rely on your own limited talents or skills, but that you place your unshakable confidence in the limitless God." New Women's Devotional Bible 

Light in a Dark Cave

This blog post is based off of Psalm 57:1-11 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

David found himself hiding in a dark cave. He was hiding from King Saul and was scared for his life. I'm sure there were moments of great fear and trembling, but overall he called out for God and continued hoping in Him. 

I'm sure that we have all found ourselves in dark caves. Maybe not literally, but in life we all have moments, or times, of darkness. I know that I have had several moments of darkness. Times where I felt alone, scared, and stuck - like you would inside a dark cave. I think we all have. 

In the passage above, David had a model for how he went from worrying to worshipping God in these dark times. You can read it for yourself in Psalms. Here they are broken down:

1. Cry out for mercy (vs. 1)
2. Remember God's love and faithfulness (vs. 3)
3. Verbalize your fears to God (vs. 4)
4. Pray that God's will be accomplished in your circumstances and in your life (vs. 5)

After completing these steps, you have chose to worship God no matter where you are in life. 

1 Samuel 24:1-22

Luke 1:69-75

Acts 16:22-34

1 Peter 3:13-16

"But we can't live in the light all of the time. You have to take whatever light you can hold into the dark with you." Libba Bray

O God. Have Mercy

This blog post is based off of Psalm 51:1-19 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King David decided that he wanted another man's wife. His sin was great and he decided to make excuses and try to make the sin "a little better" by sending the man to die. Now the woman he lusted after was widowed, but it still didn't make the situation any less of a sin. 

Nathan was sent to let King David know of his wrongdoing and King David confessed to God. He genuinely confessed and repented and asked to be forgiven. There was not more covering up. No hiding. No more excuses. 

Sometimes we make excuses for your sins. We either lie to God, to others, and a lot of times lie to ourselves. We like to think it was someone else's fault - but we are the innocent one. Or we like to casually change the sin from what it truly is to something more acceptable. For instance, instead of gossiping we call it sharing, or instead of coveting we like to call it admiring. 

God know our sins. We can't hide anything from Him and we need to stop trying to hide from ourselves. God will cover our sins, but we must first give them to God. The honest, real mistakes. 

2 Samuel 11:1-12:25

Psalm 103:8-18

Romans 3:21-24

"If we cover our sin, God will expose it. If we expose our sin, God will cover it." Unknown 

From Despair to Hope

This blog post is based off of Psalm 42:1-11 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Sometimes identifying our sorrows out loud can be our way of reaching to God and proclaiming a thirst for Him. This is what the psalmist does in the above reading. He reaches to God with deep sadness and despair and hold on tight to His promises. 

We are often caught up in our own thoughts of hopelessness. We all have situation in our lives that feel impossible to carry on our own and we find ourselves sulking, worrying, and in despair. These are the moments that are threatening and can leave us feeling alone. 

God wants up to go to Him with these thoughts and fears. We can cling to Him with the promises from the Bible - just like the psalmist did! I encourage you to read the above verses. They will be an encouragement to you in your need! 

God is hope! Hope in Him and meditate on His loving-kindness. 

Psalm 27:13-14; 43:1-5; 84:1-12

Hebrews 6:13-20

"If ever you feel you're at the end of your rope, don't struggle and try to increase your grope. Breathe, relax, and increase your hope." Karen Salmansohn 

Fearless

This blog post is based off of Psalm 27:1-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

I urge you to read the above passage in Psalms. It is a great reminder that God is in control and we shall not fear the present or the future!

There are plenty of things to be afraid of in this world. We are surrounded by sin and danger everyday and could be living in fear our entire life. It would be understandable. However, God promises that He will protect us and keep us safe. In the scriptures below, Joshua reminds us to "be strong and courageous". I think that this is told to us three times in just that small passage. 

Unfortunately we are living in a sinful world. A place where the devil can take charge. But God asks that we live in Him and not fear. Instead of living in fear, live fearlessly in God!

Joshua 1:5-9

Luke 12:4-7

Romans 8:35-39

1 John 4:14-18

"Where are the men and women who love God supremely and fear nothing and no one but God?" Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Coming Clean

This blog post is based off of Psalm 24:1-10 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Coming clean before God requires us to let go of the things we shouldn't be accepting and sometimes it is letting go of the things we want to hold on to. 

Spending time with God is something we should all be doing on a daily basis, but how many of us are confessing to God during these times. This is the time where we need to come clean and to give over the things that we need to let go of. 

Ask God to bring to mind the things that should be let go of. All the things that need to be out of our lives so that we can become clean and accept the gifts that He has for us. 

2 Samuel 12:1-13

Psalms 51:1-19

Matthew 5:8

"Spiritual awakening always begins with cleansing. It begins in the heart of the individual who suddenly says to themselves, 'I'm dirty.' And that is painful, particularly if we've been pretending all along to be clean." Karen Mains 

An Articulate Creation

This blog post is based off of Psalm 19:1-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Today's reading reminds me that all creation is in God's hands. 

Which aspect of nature draws you closer to God? Is it the waves on the beach, the setting sun, the birds or flowers? For me it is the ocean. I don't get to visit it much but living in a dorm right next to it for two years really did me in. I loved falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing. It wasn't scary to me, but calming and powerful. I could count on this because someone, God, was in charge of this. The winds and the waves do obey Him!

Today we are experiencing out of control weather. Mother nature is damaging more than we can comprehend and I don't quite understand it. But just like God allowed Satan to manipulate and harass Job, perhaps it is that time where God has allowed Satan to do bigger things in this world. I believe that we are getting closer and closer to that time when God proclaims "it is enough" and call us home. 

Nature will always make an impression on us - good or bad. But know that God is in control and find peace in those moments of nature, like the waves of the ocean.

Job 38:1-41

Isaiah 65:17-25

Romans 8:18-27

"May we always remember to listen closely to the deeper truths of God's goodness and grandeur that whisper from the rushing stream or shout from the thunderclap." 

Never Alone

This blog post is based off of Psalm 13:1-6 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

There are times in life when we may feel alone. But there is a difference of feeling lonely here on earth and then feeling alone and separated from God's presence. 

I cannot say that I have ever felt separated from God or a time when I couldn't feel His presence. I do know of a story of a friend who felt far from God one night. She sat up in her bed feeling confused and scared because she didn't sense God. She began reading her Bible and praying until she felt God near again. 

It is a scary thing - to not have God with us. But God promises us that He is always here. His presence is always nearby! We are never alone. 

Deuteronomy 31:1-6

Isaiah 54:1-17

Lamentations 3:31-33

I couldn't help but think of the Barlow Girl song, "Never Alone" as I read today's devotion. Please click here if you would like to hear the beautiful words and promises. 

Like a Tree

This blog post is based off of Psalm 1:1-6 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We have headed into the book of Psalms! I am excited to read the many poems, music, and beautiful praises to God in this chapter! 

This first passage speaks of a believer who delights in God's word. We become like a tree by a river whose roots flow deep with water and can withstand disaster. This is how we become when we delight in God's word. Simply beautiful. 

When reading the Bible, what comes to mind? Is is delightful, peaceful, necessary? How can we become delighted in God's word? This is something to think about and long for - especially for those of us who long to become like a tree and be planted deep into God's foundation. 

Psalms 112:1-10; 119:9-16

Jeremiah 17:7-8

John 7:38

Revelation 7:17

"If you are rooted deeply, you will surely stand firm." 

Say No More

This blog post is based off of Job 40:1-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

WOW! All I can say in response to today's reading it that. I am in awe of the message I read this morning and I continue to be blessed by the story of Job. He was a righteous man who questioned God. But in the end God reminded him that He is sovereign and He knows all and that was comforting to Job. 

There are plenty times in life where we have wondered and asked God "Why?". Situations that arise that cause us to challenge our faith and our understanding of Christ and to make sense of it all. Reading Job's story is helpful in these times. I challenge you to read it so that you understand the powerful God that Job witnessed during his trials. 

After Job spoke, God spoke. Once God spoke Job could say no more. Maybe this is the pattern that we need to take. Not that God doesn't want us to speak anymore, but the fact that once we do hear God's voice and message then we will be in awe of His power and not be able to speak of it anymore. Very powerful!

God is good all the time. His ways are higher than our ways. 

Psalm 46:8-10

Zephaniah 3:17

Romans 8:18-39

1 Peter 4:12-19

"When God permits suffering, He also provides comfort." 

God Speaks

This blog post is based off of Job 38:1-41 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Through the chapter of Job we have read all of Job's questions, his friends' reasonings, and their attempts to come to a conclusion of "why". Then God speaks!

This is the best part of the book of Job. The part where God lets them know His ways are higher and mightier and greater. God has let them question the whole time and now He is ready to let them know His ways. It is powerful and a great read for anyone who needs to be reminded of who God is!

When you are suffering, who do you talk to about it? Are you someone who keeps it to yourself or do you talk to others? I, personally, like to talk about it. Depending on the situation, I talk to my hubby a good friend, my sisters, or my parents. For me, talking about it seems to make me feel better. 

Sometimes talking about things is the answers but in other times, like Job's case, it is listening to God that is what is right. He will know the words to say and you will be given a perspective that you needed to hear!

Nahum 1:3-5

2 Peter 1:16-21

"Absolutely everything that can happen to us - good, bad or indifferent - God knows and cares about." Thelma Wells 

Who?

This blog post is based off of Job 36:21-33 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

All of us, at some point in our lives, need to really think about who God is. Many humans who study sciences are always asking the how, what, why, and when questions of the world but never the "who?". They seem to be baffled by the answers they receive and can't seem to make sense of if all. 

God was there when Job needed Him. He showed Job that He was all! He is the answer. He is everything. 

There will be times in your life when circumstances arise that only God can change. There may be answers to the how, what, why and when questions you are having but the "who?" is God and trusting in Him is your hope. 

The Bible promises us that nothing is too hard for God to handle. Do you believe that? I know I certainly do! I believe that God created the world. Everything in it was made by God and nothing in it is too powerful for Him to handle. He is certainly the answer, the "who?", to our questions. 

Psalms 24:1-2; 104:1-35

Isaiah 40:28-31

Hebrews 11:1-3

"Jesus is the answer always."

The Patience of Job

This blog post is based off of Job 13:1-28 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We all go through trials in life that requires the same patience that was required of Job to get through his hardships. Also, the same patience that Paul was given when the thorn in his side was with him. Patience is a gift from God and we all use it and understand what it is. 

Some of us think that suffering is a direct result of sin. This is what Job's friends were telling him. They were trying to make sense of the suffering he was enduring and trying to find fault in his life. In the passage above, Job responds to their accusations with a very powerful message, "through he slay me, yet will I hope in him." Job decides that now matter the reason, he chooses to trust in God and hope in His wonderfulness. Can this be said of us?

I don't believe that God causes suffering. I do believe that when we suffer God's power is made known and we get a chance to see Him work and do great things. Even though God allows tragedy or suffering I will still hope in Him!

Job 1:1-22

Romans 5:1-5

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

"When I'm weak, I can see how strong God is." 

Beyond the Questions

This blog post is based off of Job 9:1-35 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

In the passage above, Job desired to question God. He wanted to plead his case about all his lost possessions. He longed to argue God about his life and circumstances but knew that there was no way, or reason, to do so. 

Sometimes we find ourselves, like Job, in circumstances that make us want to argue with God. We don't agree with the things of this world, or we wonder why things happen the way they do. There have been plenty of times in my life where I found myself like Job was found - wondering why but knowing that God had the answers and there was no reason to question. 

Sometimes it takes a question for God to bring us closer to Him. God wants us to dialogue and communicate with Him whether we are happy, sad, or angry. He wants us to be real with Him and, like Job, cry out to Him. Why only talk to God when things are pleasant? It is the hard times when we need to communicate with Him the most. 

This is where Jesus come in. And thank God that He did! Job asked and hoped for an arbitrator to come in and mediate between him and God. He knew the mighty power of God was powerful and worthy and Job wanted another entity who could stand in between and listen and then reason. God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to be that arbitrator. Today we can talk to God through Christ and there is no fear!

Isaiah 55:8-11

Romans 8:31-39

James 5:7-11

"Some of us wish that we could look beyond heaven's veil to see why God allows thing to happen as they do. The simple truth is that God is God, and we are not. And praise God for that!" 

Silence is Golden

This blog post is based off of Job 2:9-13 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When Job was mourning what he had lost, three of his friends came to sympathize with him. All they did was mourn with him in silence. Their presence is what comforted Job. Sometimes silence is golden. 

When we go through loss and pain I'm sure we have all experienced someone saying the wrong thing. Or maybe we have been caught in the position where no words seemed right but you felt something must be said and the wrong thing came out. Sometimes, especially in times of sadness and grief, silence is what is needed. 

Before Job's friends got there, his wife said some hurtful things to him. The wrong words in a time of need is like salt being poured into a wound. It is much more damaging than other things and we want to make sure we know when to keep silent. 

When I think back on times of struggle in my own life, the best thing that others can do is just be there. Their presence says it all and their comfort is much appreciated. 

Have the wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay silent. God will give you this wisdom - just ask. 

Proverbs 20:15; 25:20

Romans 12:15

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

"Surely silence can sometimes be the most eloquent reply." Ali Ibn Thalib 

To Know God is to Trust God

This blog post is based off of Job 1:1-22 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The first chapter of Job is a powerful one. Please read it if you have the time. 

We are living in a world full of pain and suffering. People are being destroyed by natural causes, natural disasters, other humans...the list goes on. 

I have heard many people question God and His doings in times of need and hurt and it boggles my mind how to answer them. But after reading Job's story (at least the first chapter) we see that a beautiful, intimate relationship with God bring understanding like no other. Not and understanding of why, but an understanding of who God is. 

Job decides to praise God in his time of need. He falls to his knees and acknowledges who God is. Job was so attuned to God that he knew right where to turn when the going got tough. He trusted God with a trust like no other. It really is beautiful and I envy it. 

Tough times are ahead. There is not doubt about that. We all will experience pain, suffering, sadness. But how will we cope with these things? Will we blame God and question it or will we praise Him for his glory and honor and know that He is almighty and just and wonderful. 

Deuteronomy 32:36-39

Psalm 42:1-11; 86:1-17

"The greatest test of faith is when you don't get what you want but still, you are able to say 'Thank you Lord'." Unknown 

Too Tired?

This blog post is based off of Esther 7:1-10 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Esther had many things going against her when she approached the king to make her request. It wasn't a small one; it was one that would require exposure, and maybe more deaths. She risked her own life to save the lives of many - and even saved the line of Jesus. 

Rosa Parks was another woman that most of us know about. She also risked her own life to save her people. Segregation and unjust laws were keeping her from feeling safe. She made a stand (by staying seated) and changed the destiny of many. 

These two stories show us that we can stand up for what is right. No matter how young, old, low or high status we are it takes courage to take a stand. If God is nudging you to take a stand there are no excuses! There are things and people in this world that need everyday Esther's and Rosa's that are willing to take a stand and make change. 

What can you do today to stand up for in life? 

Psalm 118:6-9

Luke 25:5-19

2 Timothy 3:10-17

"Wherever God has placed you, he can use you to speak his truth." New Women's Devotional Bible

Persistence Prays

This blog post is based off of Nehemiah 4:1-23 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Nehemiah knew that his task ahead of him was going to be difficult, but he never imagined that rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem would be nearly impossible. Many enemies threatened the people, but after much prayer they kept on with weapon in hand and building in the other. 

Sometimes there are tasks at hand that seem too difficult to complete. Maybe it is a project at work. or finishing school. It might just be something on your heart that you want to do but feel ill-equipped to do so. 

Nehemiah had a daunting task ahead of him and he decided that through prayer he, and the people alongside him, would be able to finish it. It was only with God's help that the job was made possible. 

Who in your life can come alongside you and help you out with your difficult task? Is there someone who can pray with you about it, or maybe even lend a helping hand? God knows what we need and He is waiting for us to call on Him for strength and perseverance. 

Isaiah 40:1-31

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Hebrews 12:1-13

"First get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work." Gordon B. Hinckley 

Help!

This blog post is based off of Nehemiah 2:1-18 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king. He was expected to be cheerful in the presence of the king and not to bring his own personal problems to work. But he had a problem. He was in mourning for his city, Jerusalem, that he had heard was destroyed. The king noticed that Nehemiah was downcast. He asked him what was wrong. A cowardly, but obedient cupbearer would have pretended to be fine. But Nehemiah decided to pray quickly for help from God and he then told the king his problem. 

When was the last time a problem arose and you quickly thought to say a prayer? I know that for me that isn't something I do off the top of my head. If my not thinking about prayer I usually don't do it in emergencies - something I want to change. 

When fear strikes we usually run, hide, lie, or change the subject. We like to avoid fear and we like to do it on our own. How great would it be if our first reaction was to pray for help from God? I'm not sure how Nehemiah had this strategy figured out in his life, but I know that I want to work on this. I want prayer to be my first thought when fear arises. 

God is constantly answering prayers. Why not go to Him when we need a quick response as well?

Psalms 27:1-14; 55:16-23; 9:1-16

1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." Corrie ten Boom 

A Pattern for Prayer

This blog post is based off of Nehemiah 1:1-11 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When Nehemiah heard of the distress of the Israelites he went to God in prayer and interceded for them and their safety. In his prayer he held a pattern; first he acknowledged God and who He is. He then humbled himself and acknowledged who himself was. He then confessed his sins, and the sins of the Israelites, in detail to God. And last, he reminded God of His promises to His people. 

As he prayed, he wept. His heart was so heavy that he couldn't bear the pain and went to God weeping for his people. 

When was a time that tears brought you to God? I can think about a couple times where praying and tears were occurring at the same time. It is the most powerful and honest prayer you will have. 

While trying to get pregnant, I had many tearful nights of frustration and discouragement. I would plead with God with tears running down my face. But the beauty of it all was that I would be filled with peace and comfort. I wasn't doubting God, instead I was pouring my heart to Him. This is what prayer is!

Remember Nehemiah's pattern: Become awed by God, then humble yourself, be forgiven and then remind God of His promises!

Psalm 89:5-8

Isaiah 25:1-9

Matthew 6:9-13

"If it i enough to touch your heart, it's enough to bring you to your knees." Devotional Bible 

Total Dependence

This blog post is based off of Ezra 8:21-34 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

There are times in life when we must totally depend on God. When reason doesn't make sense anymore and faith takes over. 

Ezra was traveling back to Jerusalem when he realized that total dependence on God was necessary. He fasted and prayed for the journey ahead and knew that the only protection he would have would be from God alone. 

Today we tend to say we have faith and then when the situation gets tough decide that reason and our own mind is what we depend on. Not very long ago I posted something about my challenges and how I am a worrier and how hubby always has to remind me that I can't be both - I can't be a worrier and a believer. I have to either choose to trust in God and His timing and all that goes with it, or I can sit around worrying and trying to control everything. 

Depending on God and fully trusting in Him can be hard to do. It is completely letting go of all control and putting trust into something unseen and totally faith based. But, this is what I want to do! I don't want to control, plan, or worry. God is in control and I want to let go and totally depend on Him. 

The first step is through prayer. Lots of it. Making sure that communication is always open with God is something that will allow comfort in the times when reason tries to take over faith. Pray always and trust God - He has is all worked out!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Isaiah 58:6-9

Hebrews 11:1-2

"Discover that faith will lead you where reason will not." New Women's Devotional Bible 

First Things First

This blog post is based off of 2 Chronicles 29:1-11 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King Hezekiah took the throne at the age of 25. And even at this young age, he knew just what he needed to do first - cleanse the temple and offer a place for the people to worship. 

Most of us have a long to-do list of our days. We have places to go, people to attend to, and things to get done. 

Being that I am the "queen of my house" (like today's devotional calls it) there are things to be done at home when I'm working all day. So my day is usually packed with working, school, and then cleaning or just keeping house. I do have a lot on my plate and time can get away from me very easily. 

Even though my to-do list runs long and many things have to get done each day this time spent with in my Bible and in prayer is so important to me. When I think about eliminating something from my day this can't be it. I need this time and God needs to hear from me!

Making time for God is a must in our lives. The devotional said it best, "The best way to run a home, a business or a country is from your knees in prayer". So make sure this is something on your to-do list. Cross other things off so you can fit this in to your everyday life! It is a must!

2 Chronicles 7:12-16

Psalm 5:1-3

Luke 10:38-42

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"If God is not the first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, he will be in the last place the remainder of the day." E. M. Bounds 

The Good and Bad of Pride

This blog post is based off of 2 Chronicles 26: 1-23 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King Uzziah was a very successful king as long as he was aware that his talents and success was a direct gift from God. But as soon as he decided to take pride in himself his downfall became and all his successes went down with him. 

Sometimes pride is a good thing in life, while other times it is just the beginning to a hard lesson. 

Healthy pride is knowing that God is the one feeding those talents and things to be proud of: your children, your talent to cook or play music, and other abilities. It is healthy to acknowledge that we area all good at something. Knowing your strengths is important, but knowing that God gave you those strengths is even more vital. 

Then there are those strengths that we take credit for ourselves. The ones where we forget to thank God for and we begin to think that we actually are capable of building of good in ourselves. This is when the humbleness factor fades away and we become prideful, conceited, egotistical. And just like King Uzziah, we fall hard soon after. 

God is working in all of our lives and will continue to do so. It is good to recognize the strengths that God gives us but humbleness needs to be practiced. Praise God for His gifts and know your limits!

Psalm 10:4-18

Proverbs 16:18-20; 22:4

James 3:13-16

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord" 2 Corinthians 10:17

Make a Difference

This blog post is based off of 2 Chronicles 22:10-12 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Some may argue that one person cannot impact or make a difference in the world. But the short passage this morning proves otherwise. Jehosheba decided to hide away her nephew from Athalia - a woman who was trying to kill the entire royal family. Jehosheba's bravery saved the royal line, and also kept the Messianic line preserved. 

There are people in life that are encourager's and make a great impact on other's lives. We all have someone who we can look to for advice, strength, and who we can model after. Without that mentor in our lives we may feel lost or incomplete.

Then there is us; ourselves. Who do we impact? Who are we influencing and how are we doing so? Are we living a life that will make a difference in someone else's? This is something to think about. 

Know that you alone can make a difference in someone else. You can also inspire those around you and by doing so are bringing other's closer to God. 

Exodus 1:15-17

Matthew 10:32-33

1 Peter 2:9-10

"Like a small pebble thrown into a large body of water, your words, actions and prayers can ripple outward if you muster up the courage to take a stand." Women's Devotional Bible 

Good and Right

This blog post is based off of 2 Chronicles 14:1-15 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King Asa of Judah did right in the eyes of the Lord. It says so right in verse 2 or the reading. He followed leadership after his father, Abijah, who allowed altars and other idol worship into Judah. 

King Asa will always be remembered as the one who did good and right. He followed God's commands even after his own father disobeyed them before him. 

What will you be remembered as? I know I want to be remembered as one who did good and right. The life we are living now is the one that is leaving a legacy with those around us. We need to be sure that we can insert our name (or God can insert our name) in this very passage - "[Hillari] does what is right in the eyes of the Lord her God.". 

What will people say about you when they get the chance?

Ephesians 2:6-10

Colossians 3:23-25

The Holy Other

This blog post is based off of 2 Chronicles 8:1-11 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King Solomon loved and married Pharaoh's daughter and decide that she couldn't live in the house of David since it was holy. He made her her own dwelling so that he could love her and yet not allow her to be in the holy place. 

We all have loved others who do not have the same love for Christ as we do. Either we thought maybe we could change them and their love for God, or maybe it was a relationship where it wouldn't matter too much if they didn't have the same feelings for Christ as we did. 

If we are strong in our faith, having friends or people we love without the same desire towards God may not matter. But for some, it affects us and it takes away the beauty of our own relationship with Christ. 

If your relationships are pulling you away from God these aren't ones that you want to be in. God wants us to speak to the world and to the unbelievers. He loves them even more than we do ourselves; but, we also need to remember that if it is pulling us more away from Christ then pulling the other person towards Him, it isn't working out like we hoped it would. 

King Solomon grew old and he began to question which god he loved. Was it his God that had led him through all his accomplishments, or was it the gods of his many wives? Even the wisest man on earth questioned his faith because of the unbelieving people he loved. 

1 Kings 7:1-8; 11:1-13

Philippians 4:4-7

1 Peter 3:1-6

"If any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words and by behavior." 1 Peter 3:1

Loose Ends

This blog post is based off of 2 Chronicles 6:1-10 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When King David dreamed to build the temple, God had told him that his son, Solomon, would be the one to build it. David obeyed God, and planned as much as he could for his when his son would take over a king. David knew that he must obey the plan that God had and his son Solomon built the temple of the Lord. 

Sometimes we leave loose ends on our lives for others to pick up. King David left the work of the temple to be done by his son. Maybe there are times when we leave the work for someone else to come along and finish it. It may be leaving a classroom that you've spent so much time invested in, or you have brought someone to God but another person will mentor them or study with them. Whatever it may be, these loose ends are left and picked up for a reason. 

Just like King David left the temple to be built by his son, we too leave things for others to accomplish. Or maybe you are on the other end? Maybe you have picked up someone elses loose ends and left your personal touch on them. Maybe God was laying out something special for you just like he did Solomon. Whatever end you may be on, God has a plan. 

Maybe there is something in your life right now that God is asking you to leave. He has someone else in mind to come along and pick it up. Listen and know that there is a plan in action. God may just want you to move forward to a new and different phase in your life!

1 Chronicles 28:2-3; 11-19

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

"Remember, you can't reach what's in front of you until you let go of what's behind you." Unknown