Thoughts by Women Archives - Page 126 of 165

Published November 10, 2016

Called to Obedience

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
Philippians 2:8-9

The reason why Jesus came into the world was to die on the cross for the sins of humanity. But it was far from easy: on His last night on earth, Jesus cried out to God three times, asking Him for another way. But God didn’t provide one. So, Jesus humbled Himself to God’s will. And His obedience led Him die one of the worst deaths imaginable.

What is God calling you to do that you are finding hard to obey? Are you sensing, deep within you, that God is speaking to you about something you’re meant to do? Maybe He’s calling you to take a risk, and you’re having a hard time letting go of your comfort zone. If so, I want to encourage you to humble yourself, obey, and step out in faith just like Jesus did. The reward for you will be great, as it was for Jesus. An obedient lifestyle may not be easy, but it is possible.

We may not understand how the entire process is going to work out, but we need to trust God, because He is worthy of our trust! He is good and His plans for us are good. It just makes sense for us to be obedient to Him and to His call.

Father, give us the grace to be obedient to what You are calling us to. May we have the courage to step out in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

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Offer What You Have and Watch

Published November 8, 2016

Offer What You Have and Watch

“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do.” John 6:5&6

We don’t know his name, but we do know the little boy was among the crowd that gathered to hear Jesus teach. He bought a small lunch of five buns and two sardine-like fish. He must have overheard the conversation when Jesus, knowing exactly what was going to happen yet, asked His disciples the question anyway. “Where will we buy food for these people?” Philip quickly answered that it would take more than half a year’s wages to buy everyone a bite!

I can just imagine the scene. Tugging on disciple Andrew’s sleeve, the young boy says, “I have some food”, and holds out his small lunch. Andrew takes the lunch to Jesus, acknowledging that it certainly won’t go far. Yet Jesus receives the small offering and tells His disciples to have the crowd sit on the hillside. Then He blesses the little lunch, breaks it up and gives it to His disciples to hand out.

Can you imagine the little boys delight as his lunch is passed out yet it never runs out! That day five thousand people were fed and there were twelve baskets of leftovers!

I love this story because of the innocent, naïve, generous offering the little boy made to Jesus. It would have made more sense for him to find a shady spot and share his lunch with a friend. Yet when he overheard the need for food and knew he had some, he offered it, small as it was …. and an incredible miracle took place!

What is in Your hand today? A talent that has been dormant too long? Some resources that you could share? Some time to give? All around us there are needs of many kinds. We look at what we have to offer and it simply isn’t enough. It seems naïve to even offer our small token toward filling the need. Yet when we place what we have in the hands of Jesus, He blesses it and uses it to meet those needs. He truly performs miracles when we generously offer Him what is in our hands to give.

Lord God, Please help me not to shrink back and keep what I have to myself. Help me to have the courage to place my time, talents or resources in Your hands and watch what miracle You will do with my small offering. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Thought: Is there a need that tugs at your heart yet you feel what you have to offer is too small to mention? Ask the Lord to help you bring it forward, even when it seems to make little sense. He may just be waiting to do a miracle through you!

By Gail Rodgers

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God Has a Plan

Published November 7, 2016

God Has a Plan

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire.” Matthew 26:39b (AMPC)

It is not always easy to understand the will of our Father, but it is imperative that we choose to follow His lead. I have come to understand that He knows best. We don’t have to know all the details. It is up to us to TRUST His heart concerning us.

So, today, I encourage you not to lose hope in the midst of the pain you may be feeling right now. God has a plan. His plan is not always understood but it will be revealed. You may not know what tomorrow holds, but follow His voice as He leads you step by step to the next place He has for you. He is a God of purpose. He uses the good, the bad and the ugly to work together for our good. Trust Him.

Father, it is so hard for us to understand Your will at times. We know what we desire to happen, but that is not always what You desire. Teach us Father to submit our will to Yours. Teach us to trust Your heart for us. Teach us not only to know Your ways but to know Your character. Teach us to find our peace and assurance in Your love for us. May we come to understand that Your plans are to give us an expected end and a hope. Let Your will be done in our lives Lord. In Jesus name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney

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“Eye” Problems

Published November 6, 2016

“Eye” Problems

“When Jesus saw the crowds…” Matthew 9:36

Churches and civic groups collect eyeglasses for people around the world for whom good, even adequate sight is only a dream. Some people suffer from sight defects from birth; others from disease or environmental pollutants. Before the donated lenses are usable, they usually undergo re-grinding, and the frames must become pliable with the application of heat so they fit the new wearer’s face. Only when the process is completed by a skilled or trained technician can more normal sight be attained. The brilliant smiles of children and adults who catch their first clear glimpse of a sunset or a loved one’s face leaves us in awe.

Christians too have eye problems, but they are best described as “I” problems. Our view of ourselves, world needs, people and even God is distorted by our own humanity and the environment of our culture. The disease of self-orientation causes foggy lenses resulting in blurred vision and, in extreme cases, spiritual blindness.

We need the Creator/Redeemer to correct our vision. One hymn writer penned, “Open my eyes that I might see glimpses of truth thou hast for me.” We might add to this prayer, “Fit me with the lens of your Word so that my vision is like unto yours. So that when I look at people, events, circumstances, myself and even you, O God, I see clearly. I see as Jesus saw.”

Father God, too often I allow the contaminants of the world and my own nature to blur my vision. Help me be willing to see as You see and then to act on what You reveal.

By Marilyn Ehle

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photo credit: Henri Lirani

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The Island of `What If’s?’

Published November 4, 2016

The Island of `What If’s?’

Islands seem so romantic. The gentle sea breezes and the soothing sound of the waves crashing on shore. The breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The peace-no hustle and bustle of the mainland.

And yet, an island can also hold us captive. If we have no way of getting off, we might not be in a 5’x5’ cell but we’re prisoners just the same. Stuck, going round and round but never accomplishing anything. When the storms come, we’re sitting ducks with no place to run. Isolated and alone.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to an Island. It wasn’t the kind with gentle breezes and the soothing sound of waves. Oh no, this Island was one of my own making. It was the Island of “What If?” Have you ever been there? What if I don’t get that job? What if my children grow up to be drug addicts and alcoholics? What if I’m forgotten? What if it’s cancer? What if they don’t like me? What if I fail? What if God fails me? Round and round we go in the “What If’s?” Held captive, not in a 5’x5’ cell but a prisoner just the same. The Island of “What If?”

When we allow the “What If’s” to rule our lives, we run round and round never accomplishing anything. We’re stuck and we wonder why.

“What If’s?” allow fear to run rampant in our lives and keep us from trusting the One who holds us in the palm of His hand. (Our lives are in His hands and He keeps our feet from stumbling. Psalm 66.9)

“What If’s?” isolate us.

“What If’s?” keep the focus on us. “

What If’s?” hinder us from knowing our God. (But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken! Jeremiah 9.24)

“What If’s?” hold us captive and hamper us from embracing the beautiful plan God has for us. (“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29.11)

But there is HOPE! We no longer have to live on the Island of “What If?”; this Island of shifting sand and endless anxiety! God wants to lift us up out of this muck and mire and place our feet on solid ground. (I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire and He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40.1-2)

Today is the day to leave the Island of “What If?”! Call out to Him, put Your hand in the hand of the One who loves you (. . . Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15.5) and experience FREEDOM, it’s what Jesus gave his life for!

By Kristi Huseby

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Restoration is on the Way

Published October 25, 2016

Restoration is on the Way

The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.” Joel 2:25 (NLT)

The Lord is in the process of building you right now. Although it seems as if you have been stripped on every side, keep your head up. Restoration is on the way.

He is positioning you for what He has prepared for you. Even as Joseph had to be positioned in the land of Egypt through a series of hardships, He is placing you in the place of your birthing. What He has placed on the inside of you will live and not die.

God will perform that which He has promised you. His plans for you cannot be frustrated by the hands of man. Man can only help facilitate God’s plan for you. Do not be afraid my brother, my sister. The vision will speak soon. Be of good courage, restoration belongs to you.

Father, thank you for the great things you have in store for us as your children. The Bible declares that eyes have not seen, nor ears heard the great things you have in store for us. May we focus not on what we see in the natural but on what You have spoken to us directly through your promises, the scriptures. Thank You for being our God and loving us the way that You do. Thank You for performing with Your hands what you have promised even with Your words. In Jesus name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney

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Called to Holiness

Published October 24, 2016

Called to Holiness

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 2 Timothy 1:9

You have a calling. A purpose. A role to play in God’s great story.

This calling is to a way of life regardless of your profession. God calls every person who has received His salvation to live a holy life.

In fact, New Testament writers had the habit of referring to believers as “saints” or “God’s holy people.” In every thought, every word, and in every deed, God calls His followers to walk in the way of righteousness.

In his first letter to believers scattered around the world, Peter explains much about our call to holiness (1 Peter 1:1-2).

• We live holy lives, not to try to earn salvation — that’s impossible — but because God is holy and we want to be like Him. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15).

• Holiness is not a life of legalism or rule following. It’s a life of freedom from sin and of surrendering to God’s way. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:16).

• Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us the power to live holy lives. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

• Holy living brings glory to God as we show others by our words and actions how God has changed us. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

God calls us to be holy, because He is holy, so that our lives will draw others to Him. This high calling lifts our eyes to Jesus, the One who saves us freely and the One who makes us holy with our cooperation.

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me Your own and giving me a purpose. Make me holy as You are holy. Amen.

By Suzanne Benner

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Rat Race

Published October 22, 2016

Rat Race

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:2

Have you ever felt like you were in a rat race?
Jackie struggled with that feeling.
She was a Christian wife and mother, held a part-time job, and was actively involved in church.
For the most part, she enjoyed her activities. But increasingly her efforts seemed fruitless.
She became discouraged, stressed and ready to drop out of life.

If you’ve ever been tempted to drop out when life seemed like a rat race,
let me assure you, you’re not alone! Even the Apostle Paul felt that way.

His Biblical advice is to strip off the unnecessary weight that slows you down.
And to keep your eyes on Jesus.

Jackie heeded that advice by prioritizing her church responsibilities, dropping some commitments, and giving each day to God.

Run the race God has given you, friend, but don’t pick up hitchhikers!

By Vonette Bright

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Knowing God

Published October 21, 2016

Knowing God

“The people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits” Daniel 11:32

When the Lord began to open my eyes to the importance of knowing God, I started to study His attributes and His names. I learned many great truths about God and was tremendously blessed. One of the things I learned was that according to the Westminster catechism, our main reason for being alive is to “glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

About that time in my spiritual journey, God sent a young man to live with us for several months. He talked a lot about enjoying God. Following his example, I began to make it a habit to enjoy my relationship with God. I invited Him into every part of my day, not just when I had my quiet time.

Gradually, I began to change. Instead of my relationship with God consisting of me just asking for things, I began to discuss everything with Him. I began thanking Him everywhere — while driving, walking, working, or shopping — anytime, anywhere. Talking to God all day long became a habit — a good habit.

I now enjoy my relationship with God. How about you?

Father, what a privilege to know that You delight in our fellowship — that You are actually waiting for us to come to You. What deep, deep satisfaction You give. Thank You so much for the privilege of knowing You. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler

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Published October 14, 2016

Name Your Fear

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

The large, old house creaks with every rush of the night wind. Furnaces come on with a whoosh that sends cold shivers up the spine. We wonder if we locked all the doors and windows. We recall unproven but frightening reports of suspected prowlers.

Fear. Darkness, unfamiliar sounds, safety concerns combine to make us uneasy at the least, immobilized at the extreme. And yet it is rarely such physical, identifiable circumstances that cause most of our fears. More often it is the nagging anxieties that increasingly cripple our spiritual and emotional wholeness. We hem in our children for their protection – “it’s a dangerous world,” we say, yet are our fences also in response to the fear that we may somehow lose a child and grief would be unbearable? We relentlessly climb the career ladder to provide financial security, but could one of our reasons for such aggressiveness be that we fear losing our identity if we fail at the job?

Closely examining our fears can be uncomfortable – “even deeply disturbing” but often it is only when we discover the base reason for the fear and openly name it before God that we can discover his antidote. Knowing and claiming promises such as ‘children are a gift from the Lord,’ or ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’ can be a giant step toward releasing us from fear.

Lord, I don’t like admitting my real fears because that is such a glimpse into my inadequacies and lack of trust. But I know that you are trustworthy and want me to grow in my faith. I do believe; help my unbelief. Amen

By Marilyn Ehle

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Photo Credit: Logan Brumm https://www.flickr.com/photos/lbrummphoto/
Some Rights Reserved: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

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Refiner’s Fire

Published October 12, 2016

Refiner’s Fire

Many years ago, a few women met to read scriptures.
They came upon Malachi 3:3.
It says, “He will sift like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross.”

So, one woman decided to view for herself the process of purifying precious metals.
She wanted to see how it was like God’s love for us.

Well, the silversmith sat, just as the scriptures indicated.
He kept his eye fixed on the furnace, watching the impurities burn away.

Dear one, can you picture that?
God must purify you to burn away the garbage in your life, but won’t go beyond what you can bear.

Then, the man said the process wasn’t complete until he could see his own image reflected in the silver.
And that’s the way it is with God in your life too!

By Vonette Bright

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Moving Beyond Good Intentions

Published October 11, 2016

Moving Beyond Good Intentions

“Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12

When I was twelve, I had a horrendous fight with both of my brothers. I was shocked at the anger and hate I identified in myself. A verse in 1 John 3:15 smothered me with guilt and shame: “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

But the fighting continued in my closest relationships. At times my anger felt overpowering and I was conscious of being hateful. However, I rationalized that feelings of hatred could not be the cause of the dissension — that I had a right to sort things out. I grappled to be understood. I doubted that Solomon’s words, “love covers all wrongs,” really meant what they said.

The New Testament affirms the wisdom of Solomon: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8.

Over 50 years have passed since that fight with my brothers, and we have a great relationship now. But these words by contemporary author Mike Mason still ring true:

“In order to surrender, and so to put an end to fighting, one must see that it is within one’s power to consciously and prayerfully move toward love. The storms of life, we all know, are fraught with subtlety and complexity. But perhaps, in the end, the peace we seek lies in something very simple, the pure action of our will. The question is not What should I do? but Will I do it?”

That question provided an “ah-ha” moment for me. Whether I liked it or not, it was a matter of obedience to choose love and peace in the face of conflict.

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing to me that You will renovate my life as I obey You. Amen.

By Sue Braid

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Praise the Lord

Published October 7, 2016

Praise the Lord

I did it! I can hardly believe this three year project has come to a close. At first it seemed a little daunting, I wasn’t sure I was ever going to complete it and now that I’ve finished it, I find myself wishing the journey would never end.

I have just completed copying down the whole book of Psalms and what an amazing experience it’s been!

This journey through the Psalms has been filled with sweet holy sacred moments with God.

Moments of . . .

Praise as I have seen God’s love for His people, spilling off the pages.

Sorrow when God has shot his arrows into my heart and pointed out the sin in my life.

Awe, as I’ve witnessed His greatness and glory so artistically described in these songs.

Weeping when a truth about God has intersected with my life.

Joy as I’ve glimpsed God’s deep, overwhelming love for me.

Inspiration as I’ve learned to write out my own Psalm to God.

What a privilege and honor it has been to copy down God’s truth, to have Him speak deep into my soul through His Word, to witness His absolute power and might over all creation and to experience His deep love for me, His child.

In the last four chapters of the Psalms, each one begins and ends the very same way. There is no other fitting way to begin and end my writing here than to do the same. All glory and honor goes to Him!

Praise the Lord!

By Kristi Huseby

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Put Your Love to the Test

Love is....1 Corinthians 13 - devotional

Published October 5, 2016

Put Your Love to the Test

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This scripture reveals to us what it looks like to love God’s way. Tests are essential in life to measure one’s level of growth. Just as a student needs to write tests to measure their level of understanding; likewise, we will encounter situations or people for the purpose of measuring whether we are truly growing in the love of God.

In light of the scripture above, we should ask ourselves honestly:

Am I patient and kind to people?
Am I envious, boastful, and proud?
Do I dishonor others?
Am I self-seeking?
Am I easily angered?
Do I keep record of wrongs?
Do I rejoice with the truth or delight in evil?
Do I protect? Trust? Hope?
Persevere always?

The answers to these questions reveal where we need God’s help to grow in love.

It’s important to remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit; it’s not something we can manufacture on our own. We cannot love people God’s way in our own ability. Love grows as we yield to the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. It’s His fruit, so we need Him to produce it in our lives.

Lord, help me to yield to you every day in fellowship and communion, so that the fruit of love can be evident and abound in my life. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo

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The Lost Art of Listening

Published October 1, 2016

The Lost Art of Listening

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 10:19

We live in a world that won’t stop talking. We have 24-hour news stations. We can watch video after video on YouTube. Radio talk shows want listeners to call in or tweet their opinions on certain stories. Our society encourages constant communication.

In light of Proverbs 10:19, I have to wonder if God is pleased with all this talk. In the 21st century, communication is faster and farther reaching than it has ever been — and yet it is so much harder. We are constantly bombarded with talk. But is anyone really listening?

When we are constantly talking, we are not connecting. And God is all about connecting. Connection comes from listening to understand.

As an introvert, I’ve tried to fit in more with our extroverted society. I’ve tried to say more. I’ve tried to be louder. But it wears me out. After many years of questioning God’s motives for making me this way, I’ve come to the conclusion that He did not make a mistake when he gave me a quieter spirit. He gifted me with a temperament that’s drawn towards reflection and listening. I’ve come to believe that attentive silence is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess, as I’ve experienced the difference it has made in my relationships. Therefore, I’ve chosen to hone that skill in my life.

James tells us in the New Testament to be “slow to speak” and “quick to listen” (James 1:19). Practice the habit of listening.

Lord, I live in a world full of people who desperately want to be heard. Help me be a better listener to You and to the people around me. Amen.

By Debbie West

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Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
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Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
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