A Woman of Discernment

This blog post is based off of 1 Samuel 25:1-42 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Today's devotional was one I have read before but didn't really remember. It was the story of David and Abigail and her former husband Nabal. It was all about forgiveness, gentle words, and saying the right thing at the right time. 

David was on his way to kill Nabal for his ungratefulness when his wife, Abigail, came to apologize for it. She changed David's heart through her words and David thanked God for sending her to rescue him from a bad mistake. 

Sometimes all we need it a gentle answer to calm someone. There are many times when things get heated, things get out of control, and we just need to stay calm. Let the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts and words and He will bring peace to any situation. 

We all may have someone, or something, in our lives that need peaceful intervention. Pray about it. Ask God to send you the calming words that will change the bitter situation into a good one. 

1 Chronicles 3:1

Psalm 141:3-4

Proverbs 15:1-4

Philemon 1-25

"The purpose of all prayer is to find God's will and to make that will our prayer." Catherine Marshall 

Being Misunderstood

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

Many of us have been mistreated or misunderstood for something we have done. In this morning's devotional, David had been wronged by Saul. But instead of killing him when he had the chance, he spared his life and decided to let go of the past. 

Sometimes we tend to take matters into our own hands. We either were misunderstood or mistreated and want the other people to pay for what they did. We don't let God take the reigns and we decide that our way is faster and better. This can lead to a whole big mess. We should look to David as an example and decide to let God take care of it on His own time. 

Instead of responding with retaliation, let us respond with a blessing. The blessing doesn't have to be big and obvious, it can be a silent one. A peaceful one. 

Proverbs 8:12-21

Matthew 5:38-48

Romans 12:17-21

1 Timothy 2:1-8

"Snuggle in God's arms. When you are hurting, when you feel lonely, left out, let him cradle you, comfort you, reassure you of his all-sufficient power and love." Kay Arthur 

Friends

This blog post is based off of 1 Samuel 20:1-42 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Today's devotion was all about friendship. The scripture reading was about Jonathan and David's friendship and how they were committed to God and each other and both had each other's best interests at heart. 

I know that I have amazing friends in my life who "come in even if the world is going out". This definition was one found in my devotional this morning. It was voted best definition for friendship years ago. I'm not sure if I can define friendship in a sentence...it is much more complex than that! 

Friendship to me is all about the little things:

• Lunch dates
• Being my go-to person for wedding planning...or anything planning
• Support
• Quick texts to wish each other happy days
• Walking partners
• Picking up easily where we last left off
• Excusing silly quirks
• Laughing about nonsense
• Always being there when needed
• Never expecting reciprocity...or anything in exchange

This list could go on and on...

Jesus is all of these! He longs to be our best friend just as much as we long to have one here on earth. Share moments with Him. Confide in Him. He will prove to be the very best friend!

Ruth 1:3-17

Proverbs 17:17; 18:24

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

John 3:27-30

"The impulse of love that leads us to the doorway of a friend is the voice of God within and we need not be afraid to follow it." Agnes Sanford

No Underdogs

This blog post is based off of 1 Samuel 17:32-51 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We all know the story of David and Goliath! I loved this story as a child - I think every child does if they get to sing the song! I think that it is a great story that shows that God uses anybody. He doesn't care if your young, old, small, big, whatever...he will use you for what He wants to use you for!

I think that God was making a point when He chose David to defeat Goliath. He wanted to not only show us that He is willing to use anyone to fight for Him, but also to show others that we can only fight with God on our side. His power is what is the driving force behind every battle. He is the strong one - not us!

I love that God empowers the weak to work for him. I say weak because I believe we all are - compared to God! Sure, there are strong people in this world, but that is compared to worldly standards. But to have the strength of God, we need Him on our side working through us! 

We all go through battles in our lives where we need God to come through us and take the victory. God promises that if we equip ourselves with His armor, we will be able to defeat any battle with Him on our side! His strength will overcome!

1 Samuel 16:6-13

Isaiah 41:10

Ephesians 6:10-18

"Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time." Unknown 

but, Lord!

This blog post is based off of 1 Samuel 15:1-23 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

God asked Samuel to appoint Saul as King. He then commanded Him to do as He said, but Saul decided to do things his own way. God was not pleased, and Samuel heard about it. He was then told to take the reign away from King Saul. 

Sometimes we don't like the way God asks us to do something. We ask questions, complain, and begin to say things like, "but, Lord!". This phrase creeps into our vocabulary all too often and we find ourselves changing God's way. 

There have been plenty times in my life where I have tried to tweak and change God's plan. There have been clear instructions that I wasn't fond of so I tried to suit my own needs. It didn't work out too well. God knows best. There are no if, ands, or buts!

When God calls us to move, we move. We may have our own agenda and want to do things are own way, but I guarantee things will go much smoother in God's way and in His timing. 

Proverbs 4:20-24

Matthew 26:36-46

1 John 3:21-24

"I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what what will only make sense in reverse." Philip Yancey

Ultimate Surrender

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

Hannah promised God that she would surrender her son, Samuel, if she only was blessed and able to have him as a child. God heard her cries and gave her a son and then asked her to keep her promise and she surrendered him to God. 

I'm not sure if I've ever had to surrender up anything as precious as a child to God, but other things in life have been given to Him - put in His hands. 

Many times I have found myself trying to hold onto things that really belonged to God. He was asking me to release them and I was keeping control over them. 

What are you holding onto in your life today? Is it something material that God is asking you to surrender? A relationship that isn't healthy? A sick loved one, a hurting friend? Whatever it may be,  it will be much safer, and handled with care, in God's hands. Just release it. 

Sometimes God does insist that we give up something that we love or cherish. But what we can't see is something more amazing around the bend. Something that he has in store for us to experience. 

Genesis 22:1-19

Matthew 6:19-34

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us." Joseph Campbell

"Sometimes God takes away everything you thought you wanted to bring you everything you ever dreamed of." Mandy Hale

From Death to New Life

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

When Ruth's mother-in-law was begging her to go back to her homeland, Ruth decided to stay with her. She didn't want her to be alone. She promised to stay. She promised that they would be together and would defeat the darkness that had surrounded them - death. 

Death has affected everyone. It could maybe even have changed your life; touched you and shaped you into something new. 

There are dark times in our life that we may compare with death. We may think that it is the end, that nothing is left. However, God has another plan. He wants to bring new life. He has big plans for you - even when it feels like the end. 

In my devotional today the author wrote, "His plans for you are good, though they may look different than you expected. Rest in the knowledge that God uses every circumstance to strengthen your faith in him. When you think that life as you knew it is over, remember the One who said, "I am making everything new" (Revelation 21:5)""

Jeremiah 29:11-14

Romans 6:4-10

Philippians 3:7-14

1 Peter 1:3-7

"The ability to find joy in the world of sorrow and hope at the edge of despair is a woman's witness to courage and her gift of new life to all." Miriam Theresa Winter 

God is Faithful

This blog post is based off of Judges 21:1-25 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

I have to say that I wasn't very familiar with the story this morning in Judges. It was focused on how a tribe found wives for another tribe in which they had promised God that they wouldn't allow their own daughters to marry....interesting. 

What I learned from this story is that God is faithful. He will always make all things come together and never leaves anything undone. 

My experiences with God have taught me that God has a plan. He is constantly working in my life to fulfill this plan. Even thought there are times that seem dark, unclear, or scary I know that He is faithful and He will finish what is being done. 

Because of my past with God I know that my future is safe with Him. I know that He will provide, He will answer, and He will always be with me. He always has been. 

So I challenge all of us to look to God today and know that He is faithful. Trust Him. He knows what is best and will carry you through and dark moments. 

Deuteronomy 7:7-9

Joshua 18:11-21

Acts 13:16-25

Femme Fatale

This blog post is based off of Judges 16:4-22from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

I think we all know the story of Samson and Delilah and have all wondered how Delilah was able to trick Samson so many times, and then into telling her his secret of his strength. 

As humans, a lot of times we nag, manipulate or trick others into getting our way. It is something that we do that istn' something we should be proud of. I'm sure all of us have been there. We have all "used our ways" to get what we want. But how did you feel afterward?

I remember as a child there would be times where I would beg for something. It may have been something I wanted for a long time, or something that was brand new and I would beg and complain. If mom or dad finally said yes I would feel guilty; embarrassed about how I acted and not want it anymore. 

I think this is how most of us feel when we get what we want in a shallow way. But how does the other person feel? I'm sure that they are upset and annoyed with us and probably not feeling like the happiest person either. 

It is a lose, lose situation. 

Instead of trying to get what we want in a "Delilah" way, try to use words that build up others and are loving towards each other. What we get in life should come from love and respect. 

Proverbs 14:1, 19:13, 31:11-12

1 Peter 3:1-6

Is the Battle Too Big?

This blog post is based off of Judges 7:1-22 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Gideon had a big battlet to face! God called him to go to battle with only 300 men on his side. God specifically narrowed down the number so that there would be no confusion as to who really won the battle - God!

We all face battles in our lives. Maybe even one every day. Some of us may be battling a sickness, a coworker, a family member or friend. Maybe our battle is within our self and we can't seem to overcome it. Whatever the battle may be, remember that nothing is too big for God!

What was the last battle you faced? Did you depend on yourself for strength? Maybe confided in a friend or loved one? Did you turn to God for strength and courage? God reminds us throughout that Bible that He is there for us. He is there waiting for us to call on Him and ask Him to fight the fight for us.

Knowing Gideon's battle, and battles of your own, should give us encouragement that God is always in control. He knows that no battle is too big and we must depend on Him for strength. He will give us the tools we need and the support system to succeed. 

1Samuel 17:32-50

2 Chronicles 20:5-15

1 Timothy 6:11-12

“When you are facing a battle that seems to big for you – Just Remember – no battle is too big for God. With Him, you will always be victorious!” 

Spiritual Motherhood

This blog post is based off of Judges 4-5 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Deborah was definitely a spiritual leader and she also gives herself the term spiritual "mother". 

The Bible doesn't say whether or not Deborah was a mother to her own children, but it does have her coined as the mother of all Israel. She may not have had her own children, but God acknowledged her as a mother for His people. What an awesome privilege! 

There are plenty of people in life who are in need of spiritual mothers and fathers. Maybe they are people at work, school, church. These people may be older than you, or very young. Whoever they may be, God may be asking you to become their spiritual parent. 

What does this entail? Well a mother or father would lead...that's one of the very first things that a parent does. Most people in this world need some guidance and security and love. This is what God calls us to do as His children. 

The story of Deborah should not only be a guide to us as Christians, but also be of encouragement. Just because you may not be a parent to some blood-related child doesn't mean that you aren't a spiritual parents to someone else. 

God may have placed someone in your life for you to care for, look after, and love. Pray about this and know that God called you to use you....you are who He wants!

Proverbs 31:20-31

Titus 2:3-8

For the Girls

This blog post is based off of Judeges 4-5 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Today is just a day to celebrate the strong women in yoru life! Debroah was a strong woman from the Bible. She was chosen by God to be a storng leader and did her job well! She always kept God first and listened to His calling always. 

Let us strive to be like the strong women we know. It is important to know that God calls women as well to be strong leaders. 

Pray for the women in your life and ask God to strengthen them!

Exodus 15:20-21

Isaiah 51:3

Ephesians 6:18

Choose Wisely

This blog post is based off of Joshua 24:14-24 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Joshua guided the Israelites into the promise land and also gave them a guide to choose one God whom their households would serve. He warmed them that if they chose our Almighty God that they can't be messing around with other idols or other gods because when we serve the Almighty we only serve one God! 

Our households can be made up of several things...most people think of the people living in their home. But it isn't just that. The groups of people, the culture you surround yourself with, they are all "houses" that you are apart of. Are they all serving one God? Are they serving your God?

Choosing to serve God means you are also serving others in your household. You may choose to do this in many ways, but knowing that your are God by serving them may change your perspective about some things. 

Pray today that you can show someone God today. Show them that serving God is the wise decision and that you will be able to influence others to Christ. 

Deuteronomy 30:15-19

1 Kings 18:20-21

2 Timothy 3:14-15

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

Never Too Old

This blog post is based off of Joshua 13:1-7 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Joshua was old when God still had plans for him! the Bible says he was 80years old when he led the Israelites into the promise land, but was probably around 100years old when God told him that he still had many things for him to do. 

Many of us think too much of our age. We are always blaming our age for things...I'm too old or too young to do this. Or maybe others judge us because of our age? Whoever it may be, yourself or others, it isn't God. He doesn't look at our age, He looks at the task and who He wants to complete it. 

There are some areas in your life that God has placed before you to "conquer". It may be that He is asking you to bring His light onto these areas, or use your talents to bless them. It may be your neighborhood, church, work, or maybe a specific person. Wherever the space is, God has placed you there for a reason!

Joshua may have been 100 years old, but he was who God wanted to finish His work. God didn't look for another person who was younger, maybe even more capable, He wanted Joshua to do this specific work. 

God may be asking you to do a specific work! Listen and obey and know that He has already considered His options and wants you!

Numbers 13:16-14:10

Psalm 71:18

Proverbs 16:31; 20:29

Isaiah 46:3-4

"I've discovered to my delight, that spiritual gifts don't age." Jill Briscoe 

Victory Cry

This blog post is based off of Joshua 6:1-20 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

It had been 40 years since the Israelites had experienced victory. It was now there time to shout for joy and to claim their rightful place. 

The promised land was something they had waited for, worked for, longed for for years. They had found the perfect place in Jericho but were waiting on God to lead. God had finally given Joshua the instructions to take over the land and the people were very careful to obey every word. They wanted to land. They had been waiting for this victory a long, long time. 

There are probably plenty of areas where we await change in our own lives. I know that for me I have waited for change in the past. It is a hard thing to do. Wait on God. Sometimes we don't understand why, but God knows what is best and our wait usually is teaching us. 

The Israelites waited for a long time to end up where God was leading them. Their attitudes were not always pleasant, but I'm sure we can relate to them when our attitudes go bad when we are waiting for something. I don't think of myself as a very patient person. This is something in itself that I know God is teaching me and working on as I wait. 

The waiting period can be tough, but the victory in the end is worth celebrating! You've not only learned a great deal through the wait, but God has shown you His faithfulness through it all! Tell you story of victory to others so that they will be encouraged! 

Numbers 14:6-9

Joshua 2:1-24

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"Faith in God includes faith in His timing." Neal A. Maxwell