Thoughts by Women Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

Touching Women’s Lives

Published July 26, 2024

Touching Women’s Lives

One woman was caught in the scandalous act of adultery.

Another was rejected and ignored because of her promiscuous lifestyle.

And even another was shunned for her shameful condition.

Nonetheless, Jesus personally reached out to those three while He was on earth.

Sharon wanted to use their stories to connect with women in her area.

So she prayed and planned an outreach at the community center.

She chose to show a film about their stories.

Many wept as they viewed the movie https://www.youtube.com/user/magdalenatoday

Some prayed to receive Christ, while others rededicated their lives to Him.

Friend, help others understand true freedom and value are found only in Christ.

He still reaches women today no matter what their story might be!

To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/magdalenatoday

by Vonette Bright
used by permission

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:10-11, (emphasis mine)

The perfect formula for JOY is “Jesus, Others, You.”

When you put Jesus first in your life, you stay with Him and have the joy He promised His followers. When you are concerned about others and helping and encouraging them, you have no time to wallow in self-pity or self-concern. You see the needs of others, and your heart goes out to them. As we help them spiritually, emotionally, or materially, we can experience a joy unknown to self-centered people.

Sometimes the Lord lays someone on my heart whom I should phone. Often that person has exclaimed, “Oh, I’m so glad you called! I needed someone to talk to, someone who would pray with me!” After talking over their problems and praying, they often reach a state of rest in the Lord and I receive the wonderful blessing and joy of knowing God used me to help.

“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39)

Put Jesus and Others first and YOU will have joy!

Who or what are you putting first in your life? Are you experiencing JOY? Is there someone you could be a blessing to today?

Father God, Thank you that You have given us the formula for joy. We know it is in putting You and others first in our lives. Forgive me for my self-centered ways and for the times when my self focus clouds You and others out. Guide me today to someone I can be a blessing to and fill me with Your Spirit as I go. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

by Muriel Larson
used be permission

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Faith can be expressed through prayer…

How to Pray in Faith to be Filled with the Holy Spirit

We are filled with the Holy Spirit by faith alone. However, true prayer is one way of expressing your faith. The following is a suggested prayer:

“Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.”

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.

Be a Minister of Reconciliation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

In my talks with women, I find that many a mother’s heart has been broken because there is division in her family.

I hear sad words like these:

“My children and I are not on speaking terms.”

“My daughter’s phone calls are brief and businesslike.”

“My son came to visit in my home town, yet he did not let me know or contact me.”

“My daughter has time for everyone else but me.”

I pass on to them what has helped me during a difficult time when my children avoided me. Often an estrangement develops during a traumatic time such as a death or a divorce. Painful emotions take time to process. We need to give our children time and space to sort them out.

“If only we could talk,” I would think. “Then we could come to some understanding.” But, this may not be the time for talking. When hurts are deep, no explanation seems to help. In fact, your words will sound like you are being self-defensive. When you are in conflict, concentrate on reconciliation rather than resolution.

For our own healing we need to bask in God’s love by feeding on Scripture verses that speak of His love and His delight in us (such as Ephesians 3:16-19).

When we are secure in His love, we’ll be able to reach out to our children in love.

We’ll be equipped to be ministers of reconciliation. How?

Keep communication lines open by talking about subjects they’re comfortable with.
Keep reaching out: remember birthdays and other special occasions. Pray for each child by name with thanksgiving.
Be a grace-giver. Grace lets go of the “you-guys- owe-me” hook. It gives your children freedom to grow, to make decisions, to fail and to mature at their own rate. Reconciliation is God’s will for us.

Thank you, Jesus, for working reconciliation in our relationship with the Father and with each other. Help me to be a minister of reconciliation in my family, my church, the world.

by Helen Lescheid
used by permission

10 Things to Pray for Friends and Family

The Bible instructs us to bear one another’s burdens.

Many problems are too heavy for us to bear alone.

Faced with extreme hardship, Paul wrote that he counted on the prayers of his friends for victory (2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Philippians 1:19, Romans 15:30-32)

1. Pray that their love for others will grow. 1 Corinthians. 13:4-7, Philippians 1:9-11.

2. Pray for unity, agreement, unselfishness, humility, and oneness in Christ.
Philippians 2:1-5, John 17:11, 21.

3. Pray that they will have the mind of Christ and acknowledge the Lord daily to direct their lives. 1 Corinthians 2:11-16, Proverbs 3:5-6.

4. Pray that they will present themselves as living sacrifices to God. Romans 12:1-2.

5. Pray that they will know who they are in Christ. Colossians 1:28, 2:10, Ephesians 1:3-4, 7-8.

6. Pray that they will hunger daily for the word of God and grow daily in Christlike maturity. Matthew. 4:4, Ephesians 4:11-16, Philippians 2:12-13.

7. Pray that they will put on the full armor of God and be alert to Satan’s strategies. Ephesians 6:10-18.

8. Pray that they will not love the world system but set their mind on Christ.
1 John 2:15-17, Philippians 4:8.

9. Pray that they will have a servant’s heart with a spirit of brokenness and humility.
Mark 10:44-45, Psalm 51:17.

10. Pray that they will develop a praying heart, worshiping, praising, and thanking God as they see His hand of blessing extended to them. Psalm 103:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.

Holy Spirit, enable me to pray for my family and friends according to the mind of God. Thank You, God, for answering my prayers according to Your will as I plead Your promises.

By Sylvia Gunter
Used by Permission

Taken from Prayer Portions p. 321, © 1991, 1992, 1995 by Sylvia Gunter.
Available at www.thefathersbusiness.com

Ever Green Christians

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. ?It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. ?It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Where I live in the western United States, it has been a winter with relatively little snow and a spring crying for rain. Fire danger is high as the slightest spark produces unimaginable loss to life and property. As I drive the streets of our city, gray-brown yards stretch endlessly. And then—almost magically—there appears a yard with brightest green grass. What produces this lawn that flourishes even in drought?

How can Christians remain “ever green” in the midst of the seemingly endless drought of discouragement or the sudden and unexpected fiery trial? Perhaps advice for growing good grass has more spiritual application than we guess.

1. A good gardener knows the makeup of the soil. Many of us shy from taking a long look at ourselves for fear of exposing ourselves to ourselves. But basic to understanding ourselves is understanding that God loves us “as is.” Author David Benner* writes, “Genuine self-knowledge begins by looking at God and noticing how God is looking at us… God loves each and every one of us with depth, persistence and intensity beyond imagination.”

2. Soil preparation is crucial. One expert says, “(dig) the soil deeply…remove stones and debris…” Spiritual tilling can be painful. Confessing sin that the Holy Spirit reveals is a first step in our pursuit of ever green lives. But a good spiritual gardener goes a step further: discovering the sin behind the sins. Quoting Benner again: “Discovering our core sin tendencies is helpful because it lets us deal with our problems at their root.” Merely cutting off weeds in tilled soil only makes for a better appearance. Digging out root systems lays the groundwork for verdant lawns. And abundant living.

3. Green lawns mean proper amounts of fertilizer and water have been applied. Both these elements are expensive and their application is time consuming. So it is with what we add to our lives in the pursuit of fruit bearing. Spiritual growth requires expensive time. Time we choose to spend in quiet sitting with the Lord to hear His slightest whisper. Or time spent in diligent study of the Bible, asking questions, seeking answers.

Homeowners who have ever green lawns spare no time or expense. Am I as committed to becoming an ever green Christian?

*The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner

by Marilyn Ehle
use by permission

Christ My Life

“Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him..” Hebrews 5:8-9

What is our source? What sustains us?

What do we have or what do we do that we cannot lose without stripping us of identity: ministry, family, job, good opinion of others, success, possessions, etc.? What determines whether we are up or down? Can we say, “Jesus, you’re all the world to me.” Or does something else have our hearts? If everything else were stripped away and I was left with only Jesus, would that be heaven? Would he be enough?

Christ My Life

Christ for sickness, Christ for health,
Christ for poverty, Christ for wealth,
Christ for joy, Christ for sorrow,
Christ today, and Christ tomorrow;

Christ my life, and Christ my light,
Christ for morning, noon, and night;
Christ when all around gives way,
Christ my everlasting stay;

Christ my rest, Christ my food,
Christ above my highest good;
Christ my well beloved, my Friend,
Christ my pleasure without end;

Christ my Savior, Christ my Lord,
Christ my Portion, Christ my God,
Christ my Shepherd, I His sheep,
Christ Himself my soul does keep.

Christ my Leader, Christ my Peace,
Christ has brought my soul’s release;
Christ my Righteousness divine,
Christ for me, for He is mine;

Christ my Wisdom, Christ my meat,
Christ restores my wandering feet,
Christ my Advocate and my Priest,
Christ who never forgets the least;

Christ my Teacher, Christ my Guide,
Christ my Rock, in Christ I hide;
Christ the everlasting Bread,
Christ His precious blood has shed;

Christ has brought us near to God,
Christ the everlasting Word,
Christ my Master, Christ my Head,
Christ who for my sins has bled;

Christ my Glory, Christ my Crown,
Christ the Plant of great Renown,
Christ my Comforter on high,
Christ my Hope draws ever nigh.

Attributed to St. Patrick

by Sylvia Gunter
used by permission

More Poems Glorifying God

More than a Father

When I say… “I am a Christian” – by Carol Wimmer

I am Thanking You right NOW

thoughts by Sylvia Gunter Thoughts by Women

Refreshment

Published July 20, 2024

Refreshment

Hear God’s word for you in Isaiah 40:31.

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

You may be exhausted and at the edge of your endurance from running the race of life. You may be weary and weighed down by demands and tensions. You may need strengthening and refreshment with God’s holy strength to receive his enabling grace for each day. Be blessed as you are lifted into your Abba’s presence to receive his love. Lift your eyes to him, and receive his eye-to-eye, face-to-face fresh touch of his love in all its fullness. He sets the godly ones apart for himself. He committed himself to you as your Abba, and he will meet all your needs today, because those who seek him will not lack any good thing. He has covenanted to heal and strengthen you spirit, soul, and body. He pledges to defeat Satan’s plans of attack in physical and emotional areas that are vulnerable.

Receive his Spirit of revelation, wisdom and understanding, so that you take only his yoke and do the things that fulfill his divine purposes. You can be confident in his ability and presence at work in your life in everything that touches you. You have his favor and blessing as a shield.

Remember your God-given place in his scheme of things. See the cross and run there and hide from all stresses and pressures. His resurrection power and his ascended authority and glory outshine all the plans of the enemy to oppress you. He will lighten your steps as you mount up with wings as an eagle, as you run and do not grow weary, as you walk and do not faint. That’s his sure word to those who wait on him. Be still inside, and look to him and receive a fresh touch of the power of the Holy Spirit. Let him refill and rejuvenate you so that you will have a full supply from which to water others. Hear God speaking to you as you draw close to him.

God gives you grace for today, and then tomorrow he gives a whole new supply of himself. Receive his sweet presence each moment, and rest in feeling secure in him. When you don’t know the outcome of your situation, it is safe not to know, because he is good. Be blessed to open up to new trust in your Father. It is his will and design that you take your full God-given authority, evicting all fear and doubt and discouragement, because his perfect love casts out your fear.

The blood of Jesus heals where there is pain and hurt. His hands hold the answer in the situations closest to your heart, the ones that have wearied you the most. Know that God holds the key for every person and circumstance that has claim upon your spiritual, emotional, and practical responsibility. God’s reconciling grace is ready for all relationships to enjoy his unity and the sweet fellowship of his presence. Exchange your strength for his. Be blessed in the power and the glory of his great strength.

Be blessed in the name of the Lord who is your strength and your song (Isaiah 12:2).

by Sylvia Gunter
used be permission

Inject Hope

The heart of God to us, His children, is so caring and loving.

He knew there would be times in our lives when our hearts are down and our spirits depleted. I’m convinced that is why He placed many encouragements in the Bible to help us in just those times.

I read one of them today and it occurred to me that if I followed through on the words of this Scripture it would impact my daily outlook in an incredible way.

Listen to these wise words from Psalm 92:1 & 2…

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” Psalm 92:1 & 2

God knew that we would need to be encouraged in very practical ways as we walk out the changes and challenges of our days. He said it’s a good thing to praise Him. He not only said it’s good to praise Him and to use music as part of our praise, but He also gives two very practical ways to do it.

Proclaim His love in the morning.

Proclaim His faithfulness at night.

Imagine the impact on your daily outlook if you took a few minutes every morning to declare out loud how much the Lord loves you. To look in the mirror as you prepare for your day and thank the Lord for His loving care as you prepare to head into your day. Ask Him to remind you throughout the day of His love.

At night when you lay your head to rest on your pillow imagine the comfort and peace it would bring to recount 2 or 3 ways the Lord showed His faithfulness to you throughout the day. Think of how it would nurture the relationship with your spouse if you recounted these blessings of God’s faithfulness out loud.

To keep our days sandwiched between the morning proclamation of His love over you and the evening declaration of His faithfulness is a sure way to keep your heart in tune with His and to keep your attitudes adjusted throughout the day.

Prayer & reflection

Father God, You know just what I need. And I need to proclaim your love and faithfulness every day. I can so often fade from the deep realization of how much you do love and care for me every day. Open my mind to remember this simple way of praising You. Thank you for holding me close to Your heart today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
used by permission

Call to Prayer

“I urge you, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority” 1 Timothy 1:2

A few months before Dr. Bill Bright went home to be with the Lord, Marvin and I talked with him by phone. The doctor had given him only months to live because of a deteriorating lung condition. Even though he was bedridden and on oxygen all the time, he was rejoicing in the Lord and still was working on 15 projects.

He told us how God spoke to him in a dream. In the dream, God showed him the growing number of bedridden and/or handicapped seniors who could be using this last season of their lives for the most powerful ministry of all – intercession. They could be interceding for their families, their church, their country and the world. God asked him to share this dream with all bedridden and handicapped seniors.

My brother Frank became totally handicapped as the result of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Near the end of his life he could only communicate by blinking his eyes. But as he grew physically weaker, he became spiritually stronger and his ministry became intercession.

“God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil….” – EM Bounds

Would you help Bill Bright fulfill the dream God gave him by recruiting seniors to intercede for the world?

Father, the Bible says that “first of all” we are to pray. I ask that You would raise up millions of seniors who, in their retirement years, would make intercession their ministry. Amen

by Katherine Kehler
used be permission

No Age Limits

“Growing in grace they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (spiritual vitality) and rich in the verdure (abundance) of trust, love, and contentment. They are living memorials to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises…” Psalm 92:14-15 (Adapted from the Amplified Bible)

She is now in her 90’s, resides in an assisted living facility, has a failing memory, and—some would say—is confined to a wheelchair. But when I saw her recently in the narthex of our church waiting for her son to take her home, I saw a woman with pink cheeks, surrounded by people who couldn’t wait to say hello. There was the mom of toddlers who heard Marti—when she was merely in her 80’s!—speak to young mothers about maintaining sexual happiness in marriage. An older woman wanted to bring Marti up to date on the Bible study she formerly attended. Someone else reported on her children’s missionary activities in a secure country; Marti has prayed for this couple since they were teenagers.

Many years ago I asked Marti how she “happened” to be so involved in ministry, especially since her beloved husband died in her arms while on a mission trip. The essence of her answer?

“Oh, Marilyn, I just kept saying ‘yes’ to Jesus. There were times when I wasn’t sure about the path my husband or our organization was suggesting, but when I knelt by my bed, confessed my inadequacy (or angry resistance!), asked for wisdom, and reaffirmed my willingness to go anywhere, be anything, God always led in the right direction.”

Simple, isn’t it? While Marti has lived with disappointments and sorrow, experiences rapidly failing health and is dependent on others, she sits in her wheelchair to pray, listen to others read the Bible to her and rejoices that a daughter and two sons carry on an inner city ministry to at-risk teens. Grandchildren minister in unexpected and unique ways around the world. There is no “I-wish-I-could” attitude in Marti. She just keeps saying “yes” to Jesus.

by Marilyn Ehle
used be permission

Are People Asking Questions?

“Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.” 1 Peter 3:13 (The Message)

In a recent conversation with a successful businessman, he described how he encourages his Christian colleagues to live and work in a secular environment where a verbal expression of faith may not be welcome or even allowed. His advice, however, should not be limited to the nine-to-five, frequently harsh business world. How can we be “evangelists” in whatever community in which we find ourselves? This man says, “Live a life that invites inquiry.”

Am I living my faith in such a supernatural way that people are dazed by my reliance upon God?

Do my neighbors see unselfish acts quite out of character with the prevailing culture? Do I courteously relate to my family?

Paul and his friend Silas were privileged to hear that kind of question. They had been beaten and jailed for talking about Jesus but their response was nothing short of miraculous. Instead of whining or beating on the bars of their cell door, at midnight they were praying and “singing hymns to God.” Suddenly God intervened with an earthquake that shook open the prison doors. Perhaps it was both the earthquake and the mens obvious trust in God that elicited the jailer’s question: “What must I do to be saved, to really live?” (Acts 16:30, The Message)

When was the last time a friend asked, “What IS it with you? How can you keep going? Why do you seem content when your world is crumbling?” This is not to suggest that we hide our difficulties from onlookers, but what a thrill it is when we allow God to produce supernatural love, joy, peace and patience in the face of trial—responses that invite inquiry.

Father God, grace me with the desire, willingness and ability to live a life that invites inquiry. Help me trust you to put the right words in my mouth at the right times.

When was the last time a friend asked you about your faith? What was your response?

Read 1 Peter 3:12-14 for encouragement.

By: Marilyn J. Ehle
used be permission

God-Size Rest

In our culture and language the word rest can sound like a simple word.

We talk of taking a rest which usually means a short break long enough to regain some strength but never quite long enough for a full recovery before we have to start again. So it is no wonder that when we hear God say “rest in me,” we don’t begin to understand what He means. God is inviting us to a God-size rest.

In the Old Testament, one of the Hebrew words for rest is ‘nuah‘. It means absence of activity or movement, being settled in a particular place with finality, victory, security, or salvation. I love the strength of that definition. Finality, victory, security and salvation. Now that is a God-sized rest.

Rest is in God alone (Psalm 62:1-2, 5; 116:7).

It is a gift from God (1 Kings 8:56). God promises rest from the enemies called sorrow and suffering, turmoil and trouble, hard service and cruel bondage (Isaiah 14:3). Nevertheless, God warned that continued rest depended on their obedience (Numbers 32:15, Isaiah 28:12, Psalm 95:11). Continuing in God’s undisturbed composure requires that we keep our spirits and souls stayed on Him.

Another word for rest ‘shavah’ means to repose, to end, to observe the Sabbath, to cause to rest, to bring to completion. Can you imagine the dramatic change when all the whirl of activity in creating everything on Earth came to an end. When God rested from creation, He did not stop because He was tired, but because His work of creation was complete. It speaks again of the strength and finality of God’s rest.

God ultimately accomplished true rest for His people through Messiah to make for Himself a glorious name (Isaiah 11:10, 63:14). The fulfillment of this is expressed in Hebrews 3:7-4:13. This Greek word for rest ‘katapauo’ means to cease, refresh, give intermission from labor. This passage speaks of entering into God’s rest. We enter this rest through Christ’s completion on the cross of all the work needed for us to enter into His victory and grace. He has won the victory and the battle is over. We rest as we choose to have our total being, our spirit, our will, heart, imagination, and conscience centered in His perfect work. This is rest to be enjoyed in fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is the rest of God Himself in our spirits and hearts, based on relationship with Him.

God is longing to give you His God-size rest of spirit, soul, and body as you abide in Him. Allow His God-sized rest full of victory, finality, security, and strength to take care of everything that concerns you today and enjoy Him in it.

By Sylvia Gunter
used be permission

Store of Salvation

“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

When I lived in Taiwan, there was a general understanding that shopping is the national pastime. Stores stay open until 10pm every day and whatever the time of day, you can usually find a place to buy something. I, too, love a good shopping adventure. Just today I found two fabulous jumpers for my girls at a quarter of their original price. I love the thrill of the find.

In Isaiah, the Lord refers to himself as a store! A rich store filled with everything good, beautiful and necessary for abundant life.

When I am in need of salvation, wisdom and knowledge, there’s only one place to shop.

You always get more when you shop with Jesus. There’s endless variety with individualized packages for each customer. Abundant life just doesn’t come any cheaper. In fact, at Jesus & Co. salvation is free. A lifetime membership, offering you every available treasure of heaven, will cost you everything and yet nothing. The value? Priceless!

Reflect: How often do you spend time shopping for the treasures of heaven?

by Idelette McVicker
used by permission

Spiritual Sunglasses

“So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

I live in a city with over 200 days of sunshine each year. But along with warmth and beauty, such brightness also yields a negative effect. Extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays produces cataracts as well as more serious degenerative diseases. To counteract these possibilities, doctors advise the wearing of sunglasses.

But sunglasses have both positive and negative effects. Recently as I was driving I commented to my husband, “It looks as though the predicted rain will be heavier than expected. Look at those dark clouds.” Then I removed my sunglasses for a moment and was surprised to see that while clouds definitely were scudding across the sky, they weren’t as dark and threatening as I first thought.

It’s possible to wear spiritual sunglasses that distort our view of people and the world just as my glasses produced a less than accurate picture of the sky. God says, “Love your enemies,” but I see their violence and assume that the Father’s love couldn’t possibly extend to them and therefore, I have no responsibility to emulate that love. Jesus proves his power over wind and storm but I cower in the face of natural disasters and the vicissitudes of life. He proclaims victory over sin and death but I neglect or refuse to appropriate all that the Holy Spirit generously offers.

Physicians who specialize in eye care routinely recommend cataract surgery, an operation to remove a cloudy lens, replacing it with an artificial lens to restore clear vision. In a similar but far more restorative procedure, God waits for our consent for his operative work to help us see him, his creation and even ourselves with more perfect vision. His command to “fix our eyes on Jesus” can become a daily reality when we remove the sunglasses of our own distorted view and see God and his world with vision unfiltered by our own pessimism and faithlessness.

The psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes…” and the hymn writer penned, “Open my eyes, illumine me…” How different will be my viewpoint of the people and world around me when my prayer is the same.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Compelled by Love

Is serving God your obligation or passion?

Published July 12, 2024

Compelled by Love

“But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourself whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20

Is serving God your obligation or passion?

I was sitting alone in a hotel room in Rome, thinking to myself, “Why am I here?” I grew up believing that in order to be a good Christian, I needed to do certain things. I believed my value was based in what I did for God. Then, God changed my heart. He began to show me what it meant to truly love Him and let that love motivate me to act.

I had committed to a mission trip, which included a week of training in Rome, then two weeks of service in Birmingham, U.K. In the middle of the week of training, I began to doubt my own intentions. As I prayed for clarity, God gave me Acts 4:20, which affected me deeply: “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

The early Christians were not motivated by obligation. They did not live their lives based on a rigid set of rituals. The early followers of Christ were compelled by something much more significant. Many had been in the presence of God in the form of the man, Jesus Christ. They had seen things they could not reason away. The sick had been healed. The dead had been raised. They had experienced a love and a power they had never felt before ? and they could not stop talking about it, even at the threat of imprisonment or death.

If any of us feel like our devotion to God is based on ritual or if we are trying to gain God’s favor by doing something for Him, we’ve got things upside down. We shouldn’t have to ask why we are doing what we are doing if our motivation is love ? for God, and for others.

Lord, why do I serve you? Search my heart and change me if my motivation is wrong. Let me never do anything to earn your love because I already have it. May I never serve from a need for recognition or out of obligation. Help me know you and serve out of the overflow of your love. Amen.

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

https://thelife.com/devotionals

Category: <span>Thoughts by Women</span>

FURTHER READING

The perfect formula for JOY is “Jesus, Others, You.”

FURTHER READING

In my talks with women, I find that many a mother’s heart has been broken because there is division in her family.

When we are secure in His love, we’ll be able to reach out to our children in love.

FURTHER READING

The Bible instructs us to bear one another’s burdens.

Many problems are too heavy for us to bear alone.

Further Reading

FURTHER READING

What is our source? What sustains us?

More Poems Glorifying God

Be blessed in the name of the Lord who is your strength and your song (Isaiah 12:2).

FURTHER READING

The heart of God to us, His children, is so caring and loving.

Proclaim His love in the morning.

Proclaim His faithfulness at night.

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

“Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.” 1 Peter 3:13 (The Message)

FURTHER READING

In our culture and language the word rest can sound like a simple word.

Rest is in God alone (Psalm 62:1-2, 5; 116:7).

FURTHER READING

“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)

Reflect: How often do you spend time shopping for the treasures of heaven?

FURTHER READING

Is serving God your obligation or passion?

FURTHER READING