The God of All Comfort

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

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

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

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

Lamentations 3:19-26

Hosea 2:14-23

John 1:19-28

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

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

Are We There Yet?

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 40:3-5

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

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

Traveling Heavenward

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

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

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

What is your purpose? What is mine?

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

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

Psalm 84:1-7

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Hebrews 11:1-40

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Thank You!

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, God for all your wonderful promises! 

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

Micah 7:19

Mark 2:1-12

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

Remember

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 4:5-9

Psalm 42:1-2

Proverbs 3:1-6

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

Equipped

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Kings 17:1-6

Isaiah 50:4-10

Hebrews 13:20-21

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

The Strongest Love

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

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

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

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

Psalm 136 1-26

Ephesians 3:14-19

1 John 4:7-12

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

Picture Perfect Bride

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

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

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

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

Genesis 2:18-25

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Ephesians 5:21-33

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

Remember the Good Ol' Days

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

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

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

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

Exodus 16:1-8

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

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

Apples of Gold

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 12:25

Colossians 3:12-14

1 Timothy 4:12

1 Peter 3:9-12

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

Investments of the Heart

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

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

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

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

Psalm 37:1-6

Proverbs 3:1-10

Mark 12:43-44

1 Timothy 6:17-19

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

Paybacks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 6:12-15

Luke 6:27-36

Romans 12:14-21

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

God in Your Brag Book

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

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

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

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

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Psalm 105:1-5

Philippians 4:4-9

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

Enduring, Endearing Love

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 62:1-5

Zachariah 9:14-17

Revelation 19:5-10

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