Acts of Kindness

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

Many of us are shown acts of kindness everyday. It may be through someones words or by their actions. Each of us have known what it feels like to receive these. 

Most of us also show kindness to others everyday. Again, we either show kindness with our words, or by our actions. Whatever way it may be, we are brightening someones day. 

King David wanted to pay tribute to King Nahash's death. He was honoring him because he showed him great kindness when he was alive. However, Nahash's son, King Hanun, received the gifts he misinterpreted the kindness for deceit and declared war on Israel. 

Has there been a time when your acts of kindness were misinterpreted? Or have you misinterpreted someones kindness? I'm sure embarrassment and humiliation took place. The sad thing is is that we all should accept kindness as it is. But we live in a world where everything gets mutilated and blurry. Nothing is as it seems and we do things like misunderstand someones kindness. 

God wants us to be kind to others and to mirror His character in every way we can. In doing this we will be showing kindness and accepting kindness the way He desires us to. 

Proverbs 11:16-17

Hosea 11:1-4

John 15:1-5

Galatians 5:22-26

"We are to reflect God's kindness to others, regardless of how they choose to respond." Devotional Bible 

A Glorious Outpouring

This blog post is based off of 1 Chronicles 16: 7-36 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

When the ark of the covenant had finally made its way back to Jerusalem, David sang praises to God - genuine praise and worship for his thankfulness. 

I would hope that other's see me as having a thankful heart, being a grateful person. Many of us see thankfulness as a time to celebrate gaining something in our lives. I like to see it in those times as well, but I also try to look for the good in all situations. I'm not sure if you'd call this a grateful heart, but it is one that knows that God is in control and only works for the good - and for that I am thankful!

There are many characteristics of God's that we can be thankful for. All of them actually. But specifically the ones that David praised God for in the passage: His wonderful acts, miracles, salvation, His glory, marvelous deeds, holiness. 

I want to focus my gratefulness on God's character today and on the same ones that David did:

• I'm thankful for God protecting us through the night and keeping us safe
• I'm thankful for the miracle growing inside me
• I'm so thankful for the gift of salvation. That we can live a life knowing that God has won the battle of sin!
• I'm thankful for the beautiful sunrise that shows God's glory every morning
• I'm thankful for God's marvelous deeds among all nations and people. How even in a sinful world, people still bind together to help one another. 
• I'm so thankful for God's holiness. For being above all!

I want to spend my day thanking God for His wonderful characteristics. 

Psalms 100:1-5; 136: 1-26

Colossians 3:16-17

"Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing - a grateful heart!" George Herbert 

Thinking About God

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

There was a time when in Israel, when King Saul reigned, where the people didn't think too much about God. They had a king who didn't follow in God's footsteps and the people suffered from this. 

Then finally when King David took the throne he reminded them that they must go and get the Ark and bring it back to their city. This was something that the city hadn't even tried to do when Saul was king. This was something that King David felt was a must to bring back the Ark and have it be a reminder of God to the people of Israel. 

What reminders are in your life that help you to remember God throughout the day? Are there periods of time when God doesn't cross your mind?

I know that I can go a work day and not think on God. I will be busily doing my tasks and maybe even stressed a little, but I don't always think to pray to God and ask for peace. This is something that I want to do. I want God to be the first thing on my mind. 

There are plenty reminders in life that can bring us back to God. Church is a great one and most people go to church weekly to bring them back to center with God. Others have family and friends that always remind them of God's love and gifts to them. We can also see God through nature, and everyday living. 

My challenge today is to think about God! I want to be reminded of Him when I'm working, driving, and when I'm taking a quick walk at work. I don't want a day to go by when I don't think about God. 

Deuteronomy 8:10-18

1 Chronicles 10:1-14

Acts 17:27-28

"Build yourself a cell in your heart and retire there to pray." Catherine of Siena 

Perfect Timing

This blog post is based off of 1 Chronicles 11:1-19 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Go new the perfect time to anoint David as King of Israel. He had promised His people, through Samuel, that David would soon be king. But the people grew impatient and frustrated through the reign of King Saul. They weren't sure when God's promise would be established. But God knew the perfect timing of it all and David was crowned king over Israel. 

There are plenty of times in our lives when God waits for us to respond to Him before he fulfills His promises. This isn't to say He is testing us, but is simply waiting on us to be ready. There are times when a promise is waiting to be fulfilled but God just needs you in the right place at the right time and it is up to us to get there. 

God's ultimate promise is that He is coming back for us all! He wants to establish His kingdom in heaven! But one thing God did say is that He is waiting for the perfect time. A time when everyone knows of His glory and all have been given the opportunity to choose a relationship with Him. 

So who in your life needs this opportunity? After all, it is our duty to move and get ready God's people. We need to find those people who have yet to know Christ and give them that awesome chance of a relationship with Him. Then God's promise can be fulfilled at the perfect time!

1 Samuel 16:1-13; 28:1-25

Acts 1:7-8

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

"He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near. It is he who, whether is be far of near, awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love." Saint Augustine 

Our Secret Weapon

This blog post is based off of 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

In the battle fought in today's passage, the warriors who cried out to God for help won the battle and defeated the strong, mighty tribes that were against them. They had a secret weapon - they used prayer to ask God to take over the battle. 

Most of us fight battles everyday. Some of us fight more inward battles such as anxiety, expression, insecurity. Others fight more outward battles like materialism, addiction, violence, selfishness...

Maybe we have all come to a good conclusion on what helps us fight out own battles. Maybe we have little tricks up our sleeve that help us ignore or put the battle out of our minds. But the truth is, God wants to fight the battle for you. He wants to totally get rid of it and make it not come back. All you have to do is use your secret weapon and He will come to the rescue!

How often are you using your secret weapon? How many times a day do you go to God in prayer and seek His wisdom, guidance, patience...My challenge today is that I seek God in prayer for all my battles - no matter how big or small they may be. He knows best and I don't want to waste my energy on fighting the alone; especially when He has already won them!

Psalm 24:1-10

Philippians 4:6

James 4:1-8

1 Peter 3:10-16

"Satan trembles when he see the weakest saint upon his knees." Unknown Commentator 

Life Condensed

This blog post is based off of 2 Kings 22:1-20 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King Josiah reigned after his father David. He was the only King among his own family that walked in the ways of the Lord all his life. He had a legacy and his life was summed up in that one short phrase, "he walked in the way of the Lord and did to waver from it". 

What a great life to live. What a great legacy to leave behind. 

What would others say about your life? Would they be able to sum it up in one phrase and call it a day? Would the one sentence be something you are proud of?

I would hope that my legacy would be like King Josiah's. I would hope that others see my life as one where I am following God and living a life in His glory. I think that is something that we all want to strive for and hope for. 

Maybe your life summary isn't what you want it to be right now. The good news is you can change it! What is it that God wants you to change? Is there something that we can all alter a bit in our lives so that we are walking in God's ways and not our own? Pray about it. Find that something that needs adjustment!

2 Kings 23:8-25

Psalm 26:1-3

Isaiah 30:19-26

Galatians 5:25

Never-Fail Disaster Plan

This blog post is based off of 2 Kings 18:19-19:19 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King Hezekiah was surely feeling trapped from all sides. His enemies were pushing on him and he felt that all he could do was turn over the whole thing to God. 

Many times, we as Christians feel trapped or persecuted for our faith. It might not be the way other Christians get trapped or persecuted in other countries, but we do face enemies here as well. In ever day situations maybe. 

I have always been in safe circles growing up and throughout life. I attended church school, went to church events, worked at church-related organizations and so on. It seems like I should have never been put in a position where I felt trapped due to my faith - but it does still happen. Many times it feels almost harder to showcase Christ when everyone around you thinks they already know it all. It can be hard. 

A lot of times it comes down to the way we all act. Showing Christ's love (rather than trying to showcase Him) is a more tangible way to act towards others who you feel may be targeting you. Being kind, talking in calm tones, and maybe even doing some favors for others would show them that Christ does live in you and He is ever-present. 

Sometimes we have to do as King Hezekiah and leave it all to God. Sometimes there is nothing we can do and we must pray and ask God to take it into His hands and let it be. 

Psalm 115:1-8

Matthew 5:10-12

Luke 6:27-36

The Truth Will Come Out

This blog post is based off of 2 Kings 12:1-21 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Under the reign of King Joash, Jerusalem was in the milled of remodeling their temple. They worked with such honesty that the priests and the king trusted them with how they spend the money to repair the temple and didn't require explanation. This was a relationship built on trust.

Most of us have compromised the truth and found ourselves in a sticky situation. Whether it was a time when we were young and decided to tell a little lie that continued to grow and grow. Or it may have been just the other day when we told a little "white lie" to someone to get out of something or hurting their feelings. Whatever the lie was, we seem to always get put in the same place at the end...in a stick situation or feeling terrible about ourselves. 

Our reputations are built mainly on trust. Whether we can be trusted by supervisors, friends, family, etc.  This is one of the most important qualities you can have, and destroying it is nearly unrepairable. I think that we have all lost the trust of someone we cared for and we know how hard and difficult it is to get it back. It isn't an easy thing. 

I want to be known as a person known for my honesty. A person who is valued by others because I am trustworthy and dependable. I know that only God can give me the strength to do so and I ask Him today to help me remain honest!

Genesis 3:1-24

Proverbs 16:11

Isaiah 59:12-15

Acts 5:1-11

"Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters." Albert Einstein 

When God Promises

This blog post is based off of 2 Kings 8:16-24 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

God had promised David that He would not destroy the line of Judah because He had promised that the messiah would be born into that line. So when King Jehoram was evil in the sight of the Lord, God spared his life in order to keep His promise to David. 

Sometimes we may think that God doesn't keep His promises. Sometimes we see a "no answer" as a sign of an unkept promise. But what we need to remember is that God's ways are not our own and His timing is not like ours. 

What promises have you been waiting for God to answer or to keep? Maybe it is the promise of safety, health, a promise for your children. Whatever it may be, hold onto it. God has shown that He keeps these promises!

Our world is consumed with people who can't, or just don't, keep promises. We have many brokenhearted people today because someone didn't keep their promise to them. Maybe this strange "epidemic" is what is causing us to question God and His promises. Maybe we have put the behaviors of people on God and expect the same outcome. 

But just like in the Bible, God keeps His word. If you are waiting on a promises take comfort in knowing that God will follow through!

2 Samuel 7:4-16

Psalm 89

2 Peter 3:8-9

"The Lord may delay His promises, but He will never deny them." M.G.M

Those Exceptions of Life

This blog post is based off of 2 Kings 5:1-14 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Naaman had it all...he had power, respect from the King, favor from God, military victory. Except he had leprosy. 

Naaman's slave girl was one of God's chosen people and had a strong faith in God. Except she was a captive in a foreign country. 

We all have those few "exception" when it comes to our lives. Maybe we have a great family, good friends, a nice home, but....something gets in the way of our "perfect" life. 

There have been some "excepts" that showed up in my life and continue to show up every now and then. I'm not sure if these are reminders that life isn't perfect, or if they are opportunities to allow God to be the one to make life whole and perfect - with Him only. 

Naaman didn't have it all until God healed him of leprosy. The Israel slave girl didn't have it all until she was recognized for being God's voice and leading Naaman to Elisha.

Think of these exceptions as moments where God has the chance to come in, heal, work, and make new. Allow Him to today! Allow Him to work in you and through you! But remember, you may have to go out on a limb yourself to receive the blessing! Naaman just didn't call on God and get skin like a baby - he had to go out in faith and believe that God's way (although it may be crazy) was the way to go!

Luke 4:24-27

John 9:1-11

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King Jr. 

Stay With Me

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

Elisha saw that Elijah was a worthy man to be followed. A man of God that he wanted to be mentored from. He stayed with him until he was taken to heaven and had learned everything he needed to know about serving God and others. 

There are many Elijah's on this earth. Men and women who are mentors and great followers of God. They walk in the ways of the Lord and attract others to them because of their actions and character. There are a few Elijah's that I have encountered in my life. People who have shown me how to walk with God and who I look up to when the going gets tough. These people are true mentors and they understand what it means to follow God. 

I'm not too sure if I have been an Elijah to someone else. This would be my hope and prayer. I pray that I can be an example to other's and a mentor to someone. Showing them the ways to walk with God and how to lead other's to Christ. I want to be open to someone about what it means to have a close relationship to God and to be there when they need strength. 

Elijah was there for Elisha. He showed him the ways of the Lord and made sure that he knew what it meant to love God, trust Him, and walk in His ways. 

1 Kings 19:19-21

Titus 2:1-5

Family Resemblance

This blog post is based off of 1 Kings 22: 41-53 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Today's devotion was all about King Jehoshaphat and his resemblance to his father, Asa, who was a good man in the eyes of the Lord. He became part of the family of God because he took after his father and walked in his ways, which were the ways of the Lord. 

We all have our own story to tell when it comes to our walk with God. We all have a different way of how we came to be apart of the family of God. Some of us were raised by our families to love Jesus. Other's have "faith parents" who welcomed them into the family with open arms. Whatever your way is, we are all considered family and resemble each other because we look like God. 

Some may not know what it means to "look like" God. I think it means that we are kind, considerate, and good. We forgive easily and we are humble. I'm pretty sure that most of us can tell the difference between someone who is apart of the family of God from someone who doesn't know Him at all. This is not to say "oh, we are better" it just means that we know that as children of God we should be inviting them in and teaching them about Christ. 

Just like children have stronger traits than others, which trait would you like to most model to others? This is my challenge today. 

1 Kings 15:11-15

2 Chronicles 17:3-6: 22:7-9

Caught in the Act

This blog post is based off of 1 Kings 18:16-40 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Elijah chose to risk his life in order to show all Israel that God was the only one to be worshipped. 

You all know the story...Elijah invited all 400 Baal prophets to Mount Carmel and urged them to give their god a sacrifice but call on Baal to light the fire. After hours and hours of dancing, slashing their bodies, and just plain nonsense their altar was left unlit. 

Then Elijah offered his sacrifice to God. Except he made it absolutely impossible for man to light the altar. He called on God, asking Him to show His people the truth, and fire came down from heaven and the altar was burned. 

All of this was to show the Israelites that they could not serve two masters. They could not call themselves followers of God but worship Baal and other idols. They were caught in the middle and that wasn't okay. 

I'm sure that have been plenty of times where I have been caught in the middle. Times where I have chosen to not speak up when I should have. Times where I went along with something I didn't agree with just to save feelings. And I'm sure other things as well. 

Sometimes we compromise so that we don't have to explain. Sometimes it seems like the easier route to take. There can be plenty of reasons, or excuses, that we compromise our relationship with Christ but none of them are worth the effect it has on God. 

Serving God alone, without compromise, is what I desire to do. I want to stop making compromises in my life and know that I am following God's ways and only His ways. 

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Joshua 24:14-19

Matthew 10:32-39

"God alone is our source and there is no life if we are separated from Him." Unknown

Nothing's Impossible

This blog post is based off of 1 Kings 17:7-24 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The widow and her son had no more food left. Elijah found her gathering the very sticks that she had planned to burn and help make her last meal before she died. Elijah knew that God had other plans for this widow. He was told by God to go and find her specifically and he knew what he had to do to help her. 

When was the last time that your faith was running dry in your life? I know that for myself there have been plenty of times throughout life when my faith was emptying. In these times, seeking God is so important but it seems to be furthest from our minds. 

I'm sure that I've told a story or two about how God provided for me and my family. Before hubby and I got married, money was tight and we weren't sure how we were going to make all the ends meet. It was as if everything was falling into place, day by day, and God was just providing. There was story after story to tell on this journey and we were so thankful to God for His many blessings. 

If you are in need of anything from God, ask Him to provide. He will multiply what you have and supply all your needs.

Psalm 37:23-26

John 6:1-13

Philippians 4:10-12

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible." Unknown 

The Woman Who Had Everything

This blog post is based off of 1 Kings 10:1-29 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

The Queen of Sheba was the woman who had everything. She had power, money, profits, land, all she could ask for. But when she heard of King Solomon's relationship with Christ she had many unanswered questions. 

In the passage this morning, I read about Queen Sheba's experience with King Solomon. How with just a look around at his life she could tell that he had something she didn't - wisdom from God. I'm sure that she asked King Solomon some very hard questions (her whole reason for coming to visit) but they must have been all answered since she thanked him with many gifts. 

If you could ask God, or someone who was very wise through God, some hard questions what would they be? I would probably have a long list of questions that I have inside my heart. Some having to do with death, sin of this world, some questions from the Bible, etc. I would like to know the answers to the difficult questions. 

Even though difficult questions may arise, our faith in Jesus begin to not be as much concern. When I think of the difficult questions I have, I also feel a peace from God that makes me feel at ease. I'm not so caught up in the unanswered questions. I just know that God is working in our lives and I trust Him. 

Psalm 72:1-17

Matthew 12:39-42

Fit for His Dwelling

This blog post is based off of 1 Kings 8:1-66 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

In the above passage we read about King Solomon's successful move of the Ark of Covenant into the temple he built for Christ. This was a celebrated moment, a worship moment, for all of Israel. Having the Ark in their temple meant that God was dwelling among them. He was present in their day to day lives and that was worth worshipping and praising over!

Having God dwell in me is so important. I want to be a light to others and to make sure that God is dwelling in me so that I they aren't seeing me, my flaws, and my mistakes, but instead are seeing Christ. It is sometimes hard to swallow, God dwelling in us, but this is true - if we want it to be. 

J. Oswald Sanders wrote, "We are at this moment as close to God as we really choose to be. True, there are times when we would like to know a deeper intimacy, but when it comes to the point, we are not prepared to pay the price involved". Right now we are all having the relationship with Christ that we are choosing to have. The one we are creating. This is a scary thought. But when you think about it, God is there when we ask Him to be. If He isn't, we must have not sought Him out. 

God is always present, but how close and intimate are we with Him? Allow God to consume you. Let yourself become in awe of Him and His overwhelming presence. 

Ezekiel 11:16-20

Romans 6:12-14

Ephesians 4:30

Hebrews 8:8-12

"God is above, presiding; beneath, sustaining; within, filling." Hildebert of Lavardin

Worship and Wisdom

This blog post is based off of 1 Kings 3:4-15 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

Before King Solomon took the throne, he was given the chance to ask God for anything. He could have asked for riches or for power, but he asked God to give him wisdom. He was humble and knew that there was no way he could take over the throne without God's help and guidance. 

In order for King Solomon to have such a beautiful relationship with God, much worship was involved in his life. His closeness to God was brought on by much reverence and time spent with God and this was was brought them so close. 

Worship is so important to God. It is the way in which we hear Him, see Him, know Him. Worshipping God brings us closer to Him then we can every get on our own. It is what we were designed to do. Our energy source. 

Many people worship in their own ways. Me, I love writing this blog while I worship God. Every time I read His word I'm asking Him and speaking with Him about what I should share. He speaks to me and I know that this is my way of worship. I also love to sing. If everyone wasn't asleep in my home at this time I'd be singing songs of praise and worshipping! 

What is your form of worship? Is it long walks in nature, preaching, sharing with others? We all worship in our own way and God desires the diversity of worship from all of us. 

Just like Solomon, I hope that my worship will lead me to a closer relationship with God. 

Psalms 29: 100

Proverbs 3:13-24

Isaiah 55:10-12

"If your life seems parched, won't you allow God to paint a palette of colorful joy by spending time worshiping your Lord?" 

Adventist Survey

I was going to post about my devotional this morning about grief and coping with God. But instead I wanted to let you all know that there is a survey out for young adults to take. I will post the link here and I ask that you will take the time to give your input and ideas. 

Adventist Connection Survey

Thanks for your time and efforts!

Cleansed by the Light

This blog post is based off of 2 Samuel 12:1-15 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

We all have heard the story of when David took Uriah's wife to be his own and had him killed in battle. We may not all have heard what happens afterwards, when Nathan was sent by God to let David know that he would be cursed for his sins. 

David repents, and God forgives Him. When we ask God to forgive, He cleanses us and forgets. 

Some of us our dealing with negative feelings and are ashamed to be in the presence of others or even God Himself. We aren't quite sure if we are worthy enough to be cleansed. But God has shown us over and over in His word that He always forgives and He will cleanse the most wicked and hurting people. His people. 

Knowing that God completely loves us is such an amazing feeling. Knowing that no matter my past, or what is to come, God loves me completely! And because He loves me wholly, I can face anyone and know that I am worthy of God's love. 

Psalm 51:1-19

John 8:12

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"As long as we are meddling with any part of sin, we shall never see clearly the blissful countenance of our Lord." Julian of Norwich

Finding Sanctuary

This blog post is based off of 2 Samuel 9:1-13 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

King David wanted to pay his respects to his dear friend, Jonathan, so he invited his son to dine at the King's table forever. He also gave him a living, and things to provide for his family, and gave him a safe haven. 

When we sit at the King's table we are safe. We are wanted. We find sanctuary there. God's grace is at His table. If we come to it we are blessed, and saved, and whole. 

Where is your sanctuary? Is it at home where you feel safe and sound? In church? With your family? Find your safe place, your sanctuary.

1 Samuel 20:12-17

2 Samuel 4:4-6

Matthew 22:1-14

Revelation 7:9-17

Celebrate!

This blog post is based off of 2 Samuel 6:1-23 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

In today's devotion, we learn how David celebrates and worships God! He was dancing, singing, and praising Him with his entire being. His wife was embarrassed of his praise and made sure he knew it. David was overwhelmed with joy and he praised God anyways!

I think that all praise is worthy to God. There may be other's around judging our praise, but if it is from our heart then God sees it as wonderful! Our different personalities cause us to praise differently. Just because someone isn't comfortable with dancing for God doesn't mean that we should judge those who are. God loves our diversity and created us to praise Him the way we are comfortable!

God's many blessings are worth praising! He has blessed me in so many ways and is worthy of being praised! Here is a short list of all the things I'm praising Him for today:

• My baby miracle
• Family and friend's health
• A loving hubby
• New adventures for family
• Recent engagements and exciting times!
• A job that I love
• so much more! 

Psalms 68:3-4; 150:1-6

1 Corinthians 14:39-40

James 5:13