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

Something Beautiful for God

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

King Solomon began to build the temple for God. He knew that it was a job of irony - how can you actually build something, man-made, to contain God? He knew it was not possible, but he also knew that it was something beautiful for God and something that other believers could enjoy and be reminded of the Almighty. 

I'm sure that in building something for God it would be stressful and hard to do. Everything you use to build with is probably something God has provided. And what also do you give the One who has it all? On the other hand, building something for God must be rewarding! Knowing that He is providing what He wants and needs for the project must be a treasure in itself to experience. 

Whether or not it is literally building something for God or if it is dedicating your time and energy to Him, is it a fair percentage of your being? Are we giving back to God in the way we should? 

Some of us hear this and think money, some of us think our hearts for the first (or maybe second) time, and others think time and talents. Whatever you can give to God, give back what He deserves! King Solomon built Him a temple and we can give back just as fair as a percentage if we allow ourselves to do so. 

What can you use to give back to God?

Mark 14:3-9

Acts 7:44-50

"[Work] is, or should be, the full expression of the worker's faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God." Dorothy Lee Sayers 

Big Plans

This blog post is based off of 1 Chronicles 28:1-21 from the "New Women's Devotional Bible".

God told Kind David that he had big plans for his son Solomon. He wanted Solomon to take over the throne of Israel and to build His temple in the city. 

After many years of battles and wars under King David, he told his son to be strong and take courage for God would be with him in building the temple. David knew that God had big plans for his son and he wanted Solomon to know this. 

God is constantly working in our own lives. He has big plans for each of us. What is he working on in you? 

I know that God has been working on me for a very long time. I know that he has worked on my trust with others, he has also helped me with my control and taught me how to let go. I am still being worked on in that department, but I know that God will continue His work until it is completed. 

When God tells us to be strong and courageous it gives us hope that we will get through. God is doing the work and we must let Him - only being strong and keeping in faith as He works. I take great comfort in this...I don't have to do much. Just trust in God and allow Him to move, change, work. 

Joshua 1:6-9

1 Kings 5:1-6

Philippians 1:6

"Courage is fear that has said its prayers." Dorothy Bernard