Thursday, January 31, 2013

Loving the Alien


This blog post is based off of Leviticus 19:33-34 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

I never realized that there were other believers that left Egypt with the Israelites. It wasn't until this morning that I was reading the verses in Leviticus that another passage led me to believe that other non-Hebrews left Egypt because they saw what God had done for the Israelites and they wanted to come with them. So, when God is telling the Israelites to treat the aliens with them as equals, He is referring to these people who came with them. 

There may be times in life where we feel like the alien. Maybe our faith in God is seen as a negative to others or maybe just an oddity. Luckily, I work in a place where I am free to talk about my faith freely and I don't have to hide it. However, many people don't have this opportunity and may feel like more of a stranger or outcast. 

There are many people that we come across with in life that don't always act or look the same as we do. I know I'm guilty of mistreating others, or at least not treating them the same as I would treat someone the same as me. i think it comes from a sense of comfort with what we know. I know this doesn't excuse the fact, or make it right, but sometimes we don't know how to act when something is different. After reading today's verses I realize that I need to be more aware of my actions and really look to God before I look at others. Unless I'm looking at all others through His eyes, I won't be able to treat everyone equally. 

Let us look to God in order to look to others with love. Because it isn't until we see through God's eyes that we really will see the world in a loving way. 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Once and for All


This blog post is based off of Leviticus 16:10, 20-22 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

In the very beginnings of the Bible we learn a lot of sin, sacrifices, and atonement. In Leviticus we read that the Israelites had two separate ceremonies for dealing with sin. First, they would sacrifice a lamb for atonement and another was sent off into the dessert to signify the removing of guilt from their land. Knowing this whole ceremony says a lot about how sin is a big deal and there is a high price to pay when we are dealing with it. 

When Jesus came to this world, He died for our atonement of sin, and then his actual death was to remove our guilt from our sins. This is a story of how far Christ was willing to go for us; He was willing to do all this just to be one with us. 

Is their guilt in our lives today? Probably so. We may be holding onto something from a long, long time ago. There may be something that just happened and we feel guilty about it. Whatever it is, remember that Jesus took care of our sins. He died of our atonement and took the guilt far, far away. Speak to Him about it today and ask that He removes it from you. 


"There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ." Shayne Brown

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Holy Fire


This blog post is based off of Leviticus 10:1-3 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When we don't take God seriously, or we disobey Him, we are setting ourselves up for failure. In the passage above, Aaron's sons decide to give an offering to God after the offering was already given - something they were told not to do. In an instant they were gone and Aaron was left silent. 

Some say that this passage is a lesson on obeying God. I think it goes further than that. I believe that the closer we do get to God the more we are to honor Him and do what He asks of us. Aaron's sons grew up around all these rules, guidelines, and beliefs. They new exactly what they were doing, but did what they wanted anyways. 

This is something that may sound familiar to us. How many times do we just continue doing what we want to do and not what God wants? God gives us many commands each and every day. It may be a simple "treat this person with respect" or "hold your tongue". These are simple commands but have we decided to no listen?

When we choose to obey we are honoring God. But when we decide to disobey we need to set things right with God. We need to ask for forgiveness and really try in our hearts to do differently and to do the things that God wants us to do. 


"Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things. It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends us. It consists in accepting and following the will of God." Mother Teresa 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Not Guilty


This blog post is based off of Leviticus 5:14-19 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Before Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice dealing with sin was a lot different. The Israelites did a lot of sacrificing and atonement. They were to sacrifice an offering every time they sinned - intentionally or not. I can imagine how stressful that would be...

I am sure that I have committed several unintentional sins in the past few days. Being human, and living is this world, we are all bound to sin every day. I know that we aren't expected by God to be perfect - He knows we can't be. But we should continue to be aware of our lives and our wrongdoings. 

I think the most important thing to realize is that with Jesus Christ in our lives we have been claimed "Not Guilty". This is exciting news! Especially since we all know how guilty we are! Even though we have been declared "not guilty" we should always remember to make sacrifices towards God. After all, He is the reason why we can feel forgiven. We should also still repent, because through repentance we realize that we aren't perfect and we only will appear to be behind Jesus. We then should always praise God. We should continually show Him how grateful we are for His gift to us!


"God's grace is not an excuse to sin, but rather a reason to love and serve Him more fully." Unknown 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Gold or God?


This blog post is based off of Exodus 32:1-35 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The story of the Israelites and the Golden Calf is on that many of us know. We remember it as the one when the Israelites worshipped an idol and Moses broke the 10 Commandments. At this time, their idol was made from gold jewelry and they actually bowed down and worshipped it. Now, today we have created idols of our very own. We may not have intentionally fashioned them and bowed down to them, but we have allowed them to become great in our lives - greater than God. 

When I look around at this world I see many idols such as cars, homes, fashion, cell phones or other technology,  movie stars or other celebrities. I see people who have their dreams for the future as idols, or maybe their children. Idols surround us today. 

I know that I am guilty of putting things, ideas, and people before God. I have big dreams for my future and I enjoy planning and dreaming about it. At times, this does seem to get in the way of my eyes being directed on God. If I truly was putting Him first, I would be trusting Him and focusing on how He would shape my future. 

Today I would like to focus on God. I don't want to worship anything unworthy; anything of this world. I want to worship Jesus and show Him that I love Him more than any other item, idea, or person in my life. 


"When something captures your thoughts, eventually it captures your heart." 

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Heart Troublers


This blog post is based off of Exodus 20:1-26 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When God gave the Israelites the 10 Commandments the people were afraid. They felt as if God was going to hurt them and they wanted Moses to be the messenger. Moses assured them that God was only giving them something that would make their faith in Him stronger. But they were afraid. 

There may be times in our lives where we fear God. Not in the holy way of "fearing" but actually are afraid of what God may do to us. I know that hubby and I have discussed how we need to practice being more thankful to God. He has provided so much for us and given us such a wonderful life! But sometimes hubby worries that if we take it for granted the blessings may stop. 

Now, I'm not quite sure if this is how God works. I think a part of it is our human mind and how we seem to make sense of things. However, having a relationship with God and acting in a different way towards Him is necessary. 

God gave us rules for a reason. He wanted us to know that there are certain ways that we should act and be on this earth. I don't believe that if we go outside of those boundaries God will strike us dead, but I do think that when we choose on our own to stray away from His guidelines, we have also chosen to steer clear of God's guidance. 

Life will come with heart troubling events. You may be going through one right now. The Israelites were troubled when they heard God. We may be troubled when we sense a time that feels scary or unknown. God is here to help us through these tough times! He wants us to trust in Him and know that He will perform His good work on our behalf!

Proverbs 1:1-7
Proverbs 3:5-6
Luke 18:18-27

"God didn't go halfway when he worked on my behalf. He did it all. Even when I couldn't feel him, even when I couldn't sense him, even when I wasn't holding on to him anymore, God worked on my behalf. He didn't need me to do a thing!" Jan Dravecky 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

All Things to All People


This blog post is based off of Exodus 18: 1-27 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When Moses was with the Israelites, he was leading them as their prophet, guide, intercessor, teacher, lawyer, and judge. Way too much for one person to do. His father-in-law suggested that he delegate some of his load out to other capable men. Moses was wise and listened to the advice and decided to teach others to help carry his load, and in return gave them a new opportunity. 

Life is full of things to do. A lot of times it feels like a juggling act and we are having to drop a few things to make life more simple. Sometimes we need to just take a seat and figure out what in our lives are must important. We need to prioritize the things in our lives and really focus on what God wants as the highest priority. 

There are many people surrounding us every day who are capable of doing the work, or things, that we are going to set aside in order to focus on our higher priorities. It may be the carpool, or making lunches at your child's school, or it may be some tasks at work. You don't have to do it all - and there may be someone there who can make it their higher priority. 

I want to challenge everyone today to find something in their life that they can release. Something that isn't, or shouldn't be, top priority and find someone else who can grow by taking over. Encourage that person to take on the task and to ask God for guidance. You will grow in God by depending on Him for answers, and the other person will grow in God as well. 


"Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life, it's about what you inspire others to do." Anonymous 



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

How Quickly We Forget


This blog post is based off of Exodus 14:1-31 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

How many times have we grumbled to God when He has saved us from something or taken us down a better, more healthier track? The Israelites were complaining so soon after God saved them from their slave-lives. They were griping about the conditions of their travel, the fact that they weren't being fed different food, and other reasons. They forgot so easily what the conditions were that they were saved from. 

I'm not sure if the same thing happened with the Pilgrims. But they arrived on American soil and immediately got sick and a lot of them began to die from illnesses. I wonder if they began to wish they were back home, in religious persecution, but in a "comfortable" lifestyle. 

Sometimes we easily forget the situation that God has pulled us out of. Sometimes we may not even know what God has protected us from, but we fail to thank Him for each and every day. 

Many of us have a mini, or maybe a major, "out of bondage" story. There was a time in our lives where we can look back and see how God saved us. We may look back from time to time, but instead we should be praising God for protection. 

God will always provide. He saves and then makes sure we are settled and safe in our situation. Even though the Israelites complained, He gave them manna and quail to eat. He wanted to make sure they were safe and settled in their new surroundings and He wants to do the same for us today. 


"You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make." Gorden B. Hinkley 

Monday, January 21, 2013

Be Still


This blog post is based off of Exodus 14:1-31 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The story of Moses and the Israelites crossing through the Red Sea is one that many of us know. We know that Pharaoh was after the Israelites once again, the people were scared and thought that God had forsaken them, and without any hesitation, God saved His people. 

We all have fear in our life. There is something that just scares you and it is hard to overcome. Whether it be a phobia, mine is snakes - so afraid of them. It may be fear of failure, or being alone, or possibly even the future. Fears are something that we all have in common. Even the Israelites expressed fear in their time. 

Sometimes our fears cause us to take matters into our own hands instead of trusting God to give us peace. We possibly go into either fight of flight mode instead of trusting God mode. Sometimes it works for us. We get through the fear by either fighting it or fleeing it. But without God's help we will never face it. 

God wants us to be still in His presence. He wants us to go to Him for peace and to face our fears with us. Take some time to be still with Him today. Allow God to take your fears and confront them. 


"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties." Oswald Chambers 

Friday, January 18, 2013

Let His People Go


This blog post is based off of Exodus 7:1-24 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Moses and Aaron had big jobs. They were to be the hands and feet of God Almighty and save the Israelites from the Egyptians slavery. This task was driven by God alone and He was giving them instruction and the power to fulfill this. 

When Moses and Aaron continued going to Pharaoh time and time again, they knew that God was showing all (Israelites and Egyptians) His power and that He was God Almighty.

God still reveals Himself today. He is always present in our lives and can be found in many ways working through others. God is revealing Himself to me more and more every day. I see Him in hubby's uncle's continued healing. I see Him in the successful surgery of my mom's knee. I see Him when I submit my cares and worries to Him and I feel at peace. I see Him. 

God wants us to share with others our experiences. It is our duty to tell the world that God is still in control. He still reveals Himself to us and wants to be present in our lives. 

Let us show the world that He is powerful and always present!


"God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is." Oswald Chambers 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Availability Check


This blog post is based off of Exodus 3:1-22 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The story of Moses and the burning bush is one that we read and understand that God does what He needs to do in order to get our attention. Like Moses, a lot of times we have a relationship with God but we go about our busy schedules and lives and never take them time to ask God what we need to be doing for Him. It took an ordinary event, like a bush on fire that wasn't burning up, to catch Moses' attention and gave God the chance to speak to him. 

There may have been times when God was trying to tell me to do something and I was too ignorant to see it. Maybe a certain situation kept arising and I was supposed to get it. Has God been calling you to do something? If so, how have you responded?

There are many times in life where we may answer the call with the same way that Moses did, "I'm not good enough". There are plenty of excuses we could give God for not doing something He asks us, but it may just boil down to just not wanting to do it. Don't you think that if God call us to do something He will equip us for the task? Probably so! 

We need to make sure that we are becoming available to God and realizing those times when He needs us to do something. We need to trust that He will equip us for the task and give us the strength to complete it. Remember, "God doesn't look for abilities; He looks for availabilities." 


"In a very real sense, not one of us is qualified, but it seems that God continually chooses the most unqualified to do his work, to bear his glory." Madeleine L'Engle 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wait and Watch


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

I love the story of Moses and how his mother saved him by placing him in a basket, setting it in the river, and then has his sister watch to see if he is protected. How much is God's hand in this story? 

I can see so much of God throughout this short story. I can see Him impressing on the mother that she must let Moses go. He showed them just where to place the basket at the right time. God timed Pharaoh's daughter's appearance at the right time as well, and gave Miriam the right words to say to get Moses back home safe and sound. 

So much of God was in this story. I can see His hand in very step of the way, but I'm sure at the time it felt scary, hopeless, uncertain. 

Miriam watched over Moses as she awaited his fate. I'm not sure how patient she was, but I'm sure that she was watching and waiting in prayer. 

Whenever we face "watchful" and "waiting" situations, sometimes it is hard to just stand back and pray. We want to intervene and put our own hand in to help out. But God always has it under control. All we must do is pray and trust that God will always have his hand in our situation. He is faithful and working for our good. Trust, wait, and pray today. Allow His hands to create the perfect story. 


"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart." Psalm 27:14


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A Good Gift from a Good God


This blog post is based off of Genesis 50:15-21 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Joseph had a life that many people might say was unbelievable. He went through so many hoops and obstacles that the average person would never encounter. His life was full of moments that were really low, and filled with despair, and other moments that he must have been on top of the world. 

Overall, I think it is safe to say that Joseph's life had many moments that would cause worry and fear. I know that I would be full of fear if I was going to an unknown place as a slave. And full of worry when I was thrown into prison for something I didn't do. Many times in his life were full of these moments. 

Life can be full of worry and fearful moments. I know that I am what you call a "worrywart". I worry about everything that needs to be worried about - or can be worried about. I feel as if I worry about something then I'm automatically taking some of the shock or surprise out of it later. At least I've worried enough and prepared myself for what is to come. The problem with this is that most of the time I didn't even have to worry about anything and I just caused myself major anxiety over nothing. 

Many of us go through the emotions of worry and fear. Some of us may be going through those feelings right now. Maybe there is something in life that is causing worry and fear. Go to God. He has a special gift for you in return for your worry and fear. He wants to give you rest. He wants to take your fear and replace it with peace and take your worry and give you rest. I know it is hard to see it now, but God is using your circumstances for your good and for His glory, just like he did for Joseph many years ago. 


"Sometimes our worry is the thread by which we hang onto the belief that we can do something to change our situation and end our fear." Sally Breedlove 

Monday, January 14, 2013

God's Silent Work


This blog post is based off of Genesis 41:41-57 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We all know the story of Joseph and how his own brother's sold him into slavery. We have heard it many times and know that it took about 15 years for things to turn around for him and he was given power in Egypt. His story is one where we see God slowly working in his life - it may have taken time, but we clearly see God's hand throughout the entire thing. 

Life is full of difficulties. Looking back on life events, you can guarantee that you will remember difficult moments and hard times. 

When I think back on my life, there are times that were very difficult. There were times of death, hurt and pain, disappointment, frustration. All these times were hard to overcome, but one thing I do know is that God was shaping me. He was using those hard times that sin was creating, and using them to shape my life and character. 

Some of us may be going through hopeless situations right now. Life may seem dim, and times may be very hard. I know that there is much hurt in this world, and even more tragedy that surrounds us. But through it all, I know that there is a God who is working. It may be a silent work, or even a slow work like Joseph's, but He is working to get you and me through. 

Fanny Crosby is one lady who went through many trials and still found hope to praise God. She wrote many songs we still sing today, on of them being "To God Be the Glory". I'm not sure if everyone knows it, but it is a beautiful song with a great message. I encourage those of you who know it to sing it this morning! It will remind you of the silent-worker, God, who is constantly working behind the scenes to carry you through. 


"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content." Helen Adams Keller 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Innocence Lost


This blog post is based off of Genesis 34:1-31 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Jacob had one daughter, born to him from his first wife, Leah. Her name is Dinah and she has a tragic story found in the Bible. Her story is short, but it has a ripple effect on Jacob's family. 

Dinah decided to go visit the town one day. She is met by a powerful man, Shechem, who is very fond of Dinah. He decided that he will defile her. Making it so that no one else can, or will, marry Dinah and he will have her all to himself. After Dinah's family finds out, her brothers decided that they will murder the abuser and his town. And so they do. Jacob, their father, curses them at the end of his life for what they've done. No one in the story has a happy ending from this tragic event. 

I have been lucky in life and have never encountered any form of abuse. However, I know plenty of people in my life that have. The effects of abuse, whether it be sexual, physical, or emotional, are extremely hard to overcome - if not impossible. I'm not sure if you ever fully recover. 

On the other hand, there have been many times where I have suffered from unfairness, cruelty, selfishness - all characteristics of abuse. I know the feeling of being taken for granted and unworthy. These are terrible feelings to have and very hard to overcome. 

When someone is hurt to this extreme, it isn't just one person who is affected. Many people that surround the hurt are devastated as well. Family members, close friends, and others who love and know the abused. 

God promises that He will restore you and give you a full life. It is time that we focus on God's promises and know that He will prevail! We don't have to live our life completely affected by those who hurt us. God can, and will, show is how to live new, full lives with Him.


"Ask God to heal you hurting heart and restore you. He is the only one who can restore your soul."

Thursday, January 10, 2013

He Breaks Us to Make Us


This blog post is based off of Genesis 32:22-32 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The story of Jacob wrestling with God is not one you hear about very often. It's very short, tucked in the beginning of the Bible, and most people don't see it as a really significant story. Even though it isn't very long, the idea that a man wrestled with God, and needed to be stopped by the "breaking" of his hip, is a pretty significant thing. 

How often do we fight God? We think we know what is best and so we are constantly going up against Him. Maybe a lot more often than we think? Sometimes God might just need to break us a bit so that we can see His guidance, His plan, through our stubbornness. 

I'm sure that we have all wandered away from God. We are, in fact, called God's sheep - which makes perfect sense. We aren't the "brightest" at times and we have all wandered off aimlessly seeking something that seemed adventurous. 

I know that in my life God has broken me a couple times. Now, it wasn't physically but emotionally. There have come times in my life where I needed to be broken. I needed to be stopped in my tracks so that I could finally see that there was another path that I was supposed to be taking. Sometimes, God needs to stop us so that we can take a breather and reexamine where we are. 

There may be times in life, or have already been moments, where you felt like God was not leading you. Maybe you were physically, emotionally, or spiritually broken and you weren't quite sure where God was. Maybe it was those times that God was there all along. Maybe He was the one breaking you so that you would see His purpose. Maybe you are currently broken. Trust in Him. He is making you, shaping you, and molding you into who you should be. 


"But sometimes God breaks us to make us better. He may break our hearts so we will make room for him there. He may break our will so we can discover his will for us. He may break our physical strength so we discover that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

When Morning Comes


This blog post is based off of Genesis 29:16-30 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Jacob was promised that he would receive Rachel's hand in marriage after working for seven years for her father. On the night of "their" wedding, little did Jacob know, but he was marrying her older sister, Leah. It wasn't until morning that Jacob discovered the lie and found out that he was married to Leah and not his who he was in love with - Rachel. 

This story has many lessons behind it, but the one that is brought up today is the fact that Leah hid from her true self. We aren't really sure if she was just listening and obeying her conniving father, or if she actually played a part in this lie. What we do know is that Rachel was beautiful and Jacob loved her. This doesn't necessarily mean that Leah was unlovable, but the Bible does make a point of saying that Rachel was more beautiful. 

Was Leah jealous? Was she feeling inadequate or experiencing low self-esteem? Whatever the feelings were, everything was unveiled on the morning after the wedding.

If you were to look in the mirror would you see something you like? Would you be able to stand there, looking at yourself, and list off things that you were pleased to see? I know for myself, even though it is an uncomfortable thing to do, I would find things I liked and others I didn't. 

There are flaws in ourselves that each of us would rather not have. I know that I have a few scars, a few areas that need toning, and blemishes here and there. If I could change those things I would. But just because I have them doesn't mean that I don't love myself. However, their are people in this world that can't look at themselves in the mirror and still love themselves. They have forgotten that they are a child of God and that He loves them just the way they are. 

When we think of inner-beauty, can you list off things you like about yourself? Here is where we are in complete control. If we don't like what's on our "inside" it is time to change it! Don't hide yourself from the world. If you have beauty to show, let it show! Don't let the world keep it in! 

Today I'm asking God to remove my veils. I want to be exposed so the world can see my true self. I don't want others to question who I am and what I'm about!


"God created you - you are both lovely and lovable just as you are."

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Meddling


This blog post is based off of Genesis 27:1-40 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

God had promised Rebekah that her older son would serve the younger. She knew all her children's life how they would end up - Esau serving Jacob. But when it came down to blessing time, she just couldn't wait for God to intervene; she had to step in, meddle, and create her own ending.  

Meddling is something that many of us are familiar with. We have either meddled in other people's business, meddled in our family's circle, or meddled with God's plans for our lives. The problem with stepping in God's way is that we don't actually get to see God's hand in our life. We don't get to experience His beautiful plan. Instead, we become impatient and decide that our way is better (because it's faster) and we decide to create our own way. 

There have been many times where I've seen God's hand in people's lives. My own life has been touched by God in many ways and I have been able to witness his glory and mercy. When God's way works out and the end is complete, everything is beautiful and worth waiting for. 

I know that I am waiting on God right now for something. I'm sure there are plenty of you who are waiting on God right now as well. Let us meditate on God instead of meddling with His plans. Let us wait in prayer and get the chance to experience His perfect plan.


"Instead of wasting your energy meddling, try pouring your energy into meditating. Meditate on God's goodness, his faithfulness, his character traits and his promises."

Monday, January 7, 2013

Making Hard Choices


This blog post is based off of Genesis 24:1-67 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The story of Isaac and Rebekah's arranged marriage is a very famous one in the Old Testament. God was truly involved in this love story; from the very beginning with Abraham's request, to the very end when Isaac marries Rebekah. It was surely fashioned by God.

Throughout their story, choices were being made constantly. We may read the story and think that the choices weren't so difficult to make, but others see these choices as being one of the most important and hardest decisions. 

Every day we are confronted with choices. They can be as simple as the outfit we will wear or as big and life changing as who we will spend our life with. Some of us may be dealing with a hard choice right now. Sometimes the choice itself isn't so difficult, but the factors surrounding the choice make it very hard. Choices aren't always black and white. Sometimes it takes lots of thinking about, praying about, and weighing out the pros and cons to make the right decision. 

When life puts a hard decision in front of you, trust in God. Know that He has your best interest at heart and through prayer and meditation, He will point you in the right direction. 


"First trust God to have your best interest at heart, and then trust him to lead you to the right choice." 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Letting Go of the Familiar


This blog post is based off of Genesis 19:1-26 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".


Many of us cling to the old. We like to stick with what we know and enjoy routine and repetition. Most of the time there is not problem with this, but sometimes the routine, repetitions, or rut we are :
"stuck in" is to where God wants us to be.  

Lot and his wife were living in a terrible community. It was full of evil and they were told by by God to leave the wicked place. Lot did have a few suggestions and request for God of his own, but his wife was bitter and died because she refused to let go. 

There are things in life that we just want to hold on to. Whether they are past relationships, old habits, etc, they are things in life that hold us back from moving forward. If moving on isn't possible, then moving forward isn't either. 

It can be difficult to let go of things. Sometimes we grow so attached to the emotions we experience and can't let go of those. It can be hard to completely move on from something that has been a part of you for so long. 

It is important to know the things that are toxic in life. We need to seek God in prayer and ask Him to show us what He wants us to let go of. Any maybe, once we let go, we can move on into a better future for ourselves and no longer be weighed down by the baggage that was holding us back for so long. 


"When you feel God's call to move, allow him to guide you. He will give you the grace to do whatever he has asked." 

Friday, January 4, 2013

Promises Worth Waiting For


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

God had promised Sarai and Abram a child. Sarai was getting much older and didn't see how God would still grant this promise to her. She took matters into her own hands, had her maidservant, Hagar, sleep with her husband, and she bore him his firstborn. 

Was this God's plan? No. As soon as Sarai decided to deviate away from God's chosen path by taking matters into her own hands, God's plan was put aside and put on hold. 

How many times are we waiting for something in this life and take matters into our own hands? I know I am guilty of this quite often. I am not so much a patient person and this is something that I've been working on. But it is true. When there is something in life that we want - a specific job, that special someone, a future family, or a whole lot of other wants, we tend to rush into things and deviate from God's plan. In other words, we mess everything up and don't get to experience the amazing plans that God has in store for us. 

I'm sure there is something that we all are waiting for and hoping for. Remember how many promises God gives us in His word. He tells us that "He will supply all our needs", "He will give us the desires of our hearts", and many other promises. Cling to those and know that His will is playing out in the perfect way. 

I'm sure all of us have taken matters into our own hands just like Saria did in her story. We have rushed into things or went to great lengths to get something we couldn't wait anymore for. I know that there have been plenty times in my life when I decided to take the reigns...it didn't turn out so well. I'm sure that God's plan was a lot better than mine and I'm so glad for His grace and that He puts me right back into His plan! 

Let us allow God to lead us in 2013! Trust in His timing, His promises, and know that he will fulfill our hopes and dreams. We may have to wait awhile, but I'm sure it is worth the wait! 


"Remember, God is faithful and always keeps His promises...even if you have to wait."

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Reaching for the Heavens


This blog post is based off of Genesis 11:1-9 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible". 


The Tower of Babel is a story that most of us have heard many times. I know and remember as the story where people went their separate ways and began speaking different languages. But deeper meaning lays beneath this story - pride. 

They always say, "pride comes before a fall" and this was true for the people building the tower in Babel. God's people wanted a name for themselves; they wanted to build something worth remembering. They were full of pride. 

In our lives we are surrounded by "towers" being built. We see how we should wear this certain fashion, have this certain job, have this much money. All these things are towers that are building up pride in our hearts. I know I am guilty of building my own towers in my life. Things that make me proud of me, turn my face away from God, and praise myself instead. These towers are dangerous! Who are we to take pride for accomplishments? I mean, without God nothing would be possible. 

Think of it this way. Has anyone ever taken credit away from you? Maybe answered a question with the response you had told them. Maybe it was a recipe that you made and they couldn't help but tell others about it without crediting you for it. Maybe it was even bigger than that. How did it make you feel? I know that when credits been taken from me I don't like it at all. I feel angry, frustrated, and disappointed. 

I can't imagine how God feels when we continuously take away His credit. When a big accomplishment comes our way do we take the time to thank Him? After all, He was the one who got us there! God should be credited all in our life! He is the one who has a purpose for us and is carrying it through to the end. 

Let's point the credit towards God! He deserves all of it! And remember that pride does come before a fall....so get that humility going!


"The one sole thing in myself in which I glory is that I see in myself nothing in which I can glory." Catherine of Genoa

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

When Floods Come


This blog post is based off of Genesis 7:1-24 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible". 


As I read Noah's story in this Bible I am reminded that disaster strikes all. Noah was a righteous man in the eyes of God. Even though he was faithful to God, the rains still came and he was ordered to obey God's commands. But because he was a righteous man, he knew what he needed to do - trust God. 

I'm not sure what I'd do in a disaster. I have been lucky enough to not have to deal with any big problems in my life. I have witnessed others go through terrible tough times and I can begin to understand the pain and suffering. I can only imagine going through a tragedy and I think about the people who would surround me in such hard times. I know my family and loved ones would be there to support me and it would be so necessary at that time to have that group of support. 

In this last week, a former teacher of mine and a great friend passed away. I have never witnessed so much love and support from others. I have seen the hand of God in all of this tragedy and I only hope that when a tragic time comes in my life I will have the amount of support that this family received! It was amazing!

I know there isn't much we can do to prepare ourselves for when tragedy strikes. But we can spend time in God's word and prepare our hearts for eternity. We can strengthen our relationship with our heavenly Father and know that no matter what the circumstance is, God is in control and He is on our side. And through our actions of faith others will be moved to do the same. 

Just like Noah, and so many others in the Bible, we need to act in faith. There may be things that seem strange, or moments where the future is unclear, but stepping out in faith is what needs to happen. Trust God fully and follow His direction! He always has a plan!


"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm." Willa Cather 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

God's Image Bearers

This blog post is based off of Genesis 1:27-31 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible". 

We have all been created in the image of Christ. When God designed us, humans, He decided that we would take on His being, His characteristics. Our height, weight, and skin color may be due to human origins, but "our soul and spirit reflect our Sovereign God".

There are many people that surround me every day that I can see God's image reflected in them and in their lives. Just this week I have witnessed so many moments where I saw God's image reflected in others. We have all suffered many losses this week, but I know that in these hard times we have all been shown God's love through someone else. This is what God intended.

There are many evil things in this world pointing us away from Christ and causes damage to our lives and our self-worth. There is always negativity and pain and evil, but God calls us to show other's His light. He wants us to take on His image and be the positive influence that touches and reaches others.

There are many ways that we can beautifully reflect Christ's characteristics. We can start by loving others. Show those you come in contact with that they have a place in this world. We can also comfort those who are hurting. Sometimes presence is all they need, but from far away a few words of encouragement are just as good!

Let's start 2013 with becoming more like Christ! I encourage you to click on the next few verses to read for yourself about God's image in us!

Happy New Year!

Psalm 139:14
2 Corinthians 3:18
Colossians 1:15
Revelation 7:9

"A handful of the earth to make God's image!" Elizabeth Barrett Browning