Today’s reading:  Psalm 4 and 1 Thes. 4:13-18

I am so grateful for God’s Word, and especially that we can run to the Psalms as a guide for us to enhance our prayer life, our worship and praise to our Heavenly Father. Whatever need we may have, here we find the “right” and powerful words to express our heartfelt thoughts to God!

In this Psalm David has the assurance that he can boldly and confidently come to God and express his troubles and fears (4:1-2), and he reminds himself:

 -The Lord set apart the godly for himself. 

He continues on, with a deep meditation: (4:4-5)

“ Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude  -Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the Lord.”

With all the ungodliness and enemies around him, David had many reasons to be angry and even frustrated, but he decided in his heart that he had no reason to sin. He reminded himself to not sin in his anger, and to find a refuge and His peace through meditation before the LORD.

Many of us during our day to day also have challenges to face; trials, doubts and ungodliness around us (enemies), just like David. But at the end of the day as he meditated on his bed he had decided he could fully surrender it ALL, even his own self as a living sacrifice into God’s care! (Romans 12:1-2)

At the end of this Psalm, David could confidently express:

Even though his life was not perfect, and sometimes doubt would cross his mind, he would immediately remember ALL of God’s blessings in his life, and this would bring back the joy, peace and confidence in his heart! His God was a place of safety and rest!

So let me ask you:

- What challenges are you going through right now that you are trying to “fight” on your own? Which are the thoughts you are focusing on? Are they taking away your sleep?

Dear Heavenly Father:

You know exactly all our troubles and we want to come to your throne of Grace (Heb. 4:16) with a childlike faith, confessing each one of our cares and doubts. Thank you for setting us apart for yourself and for assuring us that you will answer us when we call on you (4:3) and all of this through the Saving Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ! Who promised that He would give us rest (Matt. 11:28) taking all our burdens! Thank you Father for you promised to never leave us nor forsake us, now and through eternity! (Heb.13:5b-6) In Jesus Name we pray. Amen!

Blessings,

Mari

Our Reading:  Psalm 3 and Ephesians 4:26 

Have you ever had a sleepless night where you couldn’t get the thoughts in your head to turn off? Has your mind replayed spoken words and troubling details like a recording on a continuous loop? Or perhaps you weren’t as focused on what had already transpired but instead, were troubled by what was yet to unfold. Did you dwell on the fear, anxiety and anticipation of what the future might hold?

I think we all could identify with times when we have wrestled with troubling thoughts and sleepless nights. After all, we can not control all of the events and circumstances that impact us. David also knew what it was like to be in dire circumstances. He was pursued on multiple occasions by those whom he loved and yet they meant him harm. But David gives us the answer to gaining peace of mind and restful sleep. 

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭

David placed his inability to control his circumstances into the hands of the One who could control all circumstances. David used beautiful imagery of God as:

-A shield about Him: We can take comfort in knowing that God can protect us and will not let anything touch us that has not been first sifted through His loving hands. Even difficult trials can be transformed by God into what He purposes for good.

-his glory: We can take our focus off of earthly troubles and focus as David did on the majesty and awe of God’s presence with us. Honoring and pleasing God should far outweigh anything else in our life, including the opinions of man or any material gain/ position.

-the lifter of his head: When our head is bowed down with weariness, depression or worry, we can find renewed comfort, hope, and strength as we surrender our circumstances to Him. He will carry our burdens for us and lift our countenance as we lean on Him. 

David focused on God’s ability vs his inability. He poured out his heart to God and then he rested in the knowledge that God heard his prayer.

“I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” Psalm‬ ‭3:4-5‬ ‭

Reflection:

1. How do you cope with sleepless nights and troubling thoughts? 
2. When you can’t sleep, do you turn to the Lord in prayer and seek wisdom in His Word?
3. Can you entrust your circumstances to God? 

Let’s Pray:

Father, We thank you for being a shield around us to protect us in this fallen world. May the splendor of Your Glory surround us with awe and wonder as we turn our eyes from worldly cares to focus on You, our Creator. We thank You for being the One who sustains us day by day. Grant us Your peace Lord and the blessing of restful sleep as we learn to trust in Your love and provision for our needs.           

Becky

Today's Reading: Psalm 2 & Hebrews 1:5

"There are different levels of surrender, all of which affect our relationship with God. Initial surrender to the drawing of the Holy Spirit leads to salvation ( Acts 2:21). When we let go of our own attempts to earn God’s favor and rely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf, we become a child of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). But there are times of greater surrender during a Christian’s life that bring deeper intimacy with God and greater power in service. The more areas of our lives we surrender to Him, the more room there is for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we exhibit traits of His character (Galatians 5:22). The more we surrender to God, the more our old self-worshiping nature is replaced with one that resembles Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)."*

Today's Reading - Psalm 1, Matthew 5:3-11

When I was little I loved going to church with my Grandma. I so enjoyed seeing all the women with their pretty dresses, nodding along with the Pastor, singing the hymns, and greeting everyone with a loving, “Good morning.” To me they were the perfect picture of the Christian woman. And oh how I wanted to be like them. So imagine my disappointment when I later found these same women gathered together around cups of coffee gossiping and criticizing others. 

We all want to be blessed by God. God wants that too. But that won’t happen if we’re rooted in the wickedness of the world, being fed by the sins of the flesh, and producing worthless, worldly fruit. The way we live our lives, not the words we speak, are the true testimonies of our hearts. And every eye is watching; especially God’s. So to receive His very best, we need to be women after God’s own heart. 

This means uprooting ourselves from the sinful soil of this earth, being replanted on the riverbank of God’s living water. There we can be nourished day and night with His goodness and love. Our leaves will forever be lush and beautiful. And never will our tree be barren, but always produce sweet, bountiful fruit pleasing to the Lord. 

That day at church those women didn’t know it, but far from showing the heart of God they exposed the roots of a heart fostered by flesh and rooted in barren soil. And the fruit they produced tasted bitter to a young girl watching, along with the Lord, the watcher of the godly. 

Pause and Reflect - The Psalmist tells us that a blessed woman thinks about God’s Law day and night. We can only do this if we know what the Bible says. How much time daily are you spending in His Word?

God warns us that walking beside the wrong crowd leads to standing with them, sitting with them, and finally taking on their lifestyle. Who is influencing you? Who are you influencing? Is the influence for good or evil?

Finally, let’s prayer together,

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful description of the woman who is like a tree firmly planted by streams of living water, producing the fruit of righteousness and being blessed by Your never-failing provision. I pray that I will not walk in the wickedness of the world nor compromise my Christian faith. Instead may I be a woman after Your own heart, rooted deeply in Your truth, and providing a loving testimony of Your kindness, mercy, and glory.  In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.”

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

 Lisa

Happy Scripture Saturday!

We, at Women in the Word, would like to approach Scripture Saturday in a different way than we have in the past. As a Christian ministry dedicated to studying the Bible with women, we encourage participation and would love to hear what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you. Each Saturday we will challenge you to go a bit deeper with each psalm for the day…seeing Jesus in each Psalm that we read together, as well as discover God’s attributes that the psalmist “brings to light” in his worshiping words. 

So that being said…this coming week’s reading and connecting readings are:

Seeing Jesus!         God’s attributes

Monday         8/29 Psalm 1 Matthew 5:3-11

Tuesday         8/30 Psalm 2 Hebrews 1:5

Wednesday 8/31 Psalm 3 Ephesians 4:26

Thursday         9/1      Psalm 4 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Friday 9/2 Psalm 5 Isaiah 38:18-20

You can use this fill in the blank statement at the end of the week to not only recognize one of God’s attributes that you find most convicting, but also to ask yourself how knowing God more should change you.

*Knowing that God is _______________ shows me that __________________________.

For instance…

Knowing that God is worthy of worship shows me that I will worship Him throughout my day, even if it’s ordinary, through prayer, reading His word, and fellowshipping with Him.

Each Saturday, I will be posting a similar chart for you to refer to as you read through the psalms and read our posts each day. We hope that you will be sharing your thoughts with us about what you have discovered about God and Jesus!

We are so excited to be journeying through the Psalms with all of you!

Here is the link to our study on Facebook...WitW Facebook Page

Have a blessed week!

Sandra

*from Jen Wilkin’s book,  Women of the Word.

C. S. Lewis once said, “The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.” Are you ready to dance? Are you ready to have a heart that chases after God’s? Then join us starting Monday, August 29th, when we’ll begin, “Becoming a Woman After God’s Own Heart - A Journey through The Psalms.” Monday through Friday we’ll be writing a daily devotional. On the weekend, Sandra will be posting an exercise helping us wrap up the week. So mark your calendars, grab your Bible, and tell your friends. And come with us on a life and heart changing journey! Be sure to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. And check out our public Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like! 

The Lord reminded me recently that He had me open up this blog and Facebook group tens years ago so that women from all over the world could come and study God's Word together!

Ten years of studying together and I now have met sisters on every continent! Some of my very best friends I may never be able to hug until we reach heaven! The Lord absolutely amazes me!! Only He could have done all this!! Only Him!

We are about to begin a new study that will take us all the way to June of 2023, and I believe this journey will be the sweetest one yet, for we are on a journey to become women after God's own heart! I know the Lord is so very pleased, and I cannot wait to begin! 

Would you all join me in praying this prayer with me before we begin? 

Abba, Holy Father, 

 Please take Your precious daughters right up next to Your heart this year. Keep us and make Your face shine upon us and be gracious to us, we pray. (Num 6:24-25). Shower us and the women on WitW with an outpouring of Your blessing, Your presence, the assurance of Your favor, and Your enabling grace.

You have written our days in Your book. You knew us by name before we were born and how we would bring You glory! (Ps 139:15-18). Your thoughts of us are too numerous to count. We are constantly on Your mind and heart. Hallelujah, thank You, Lord.

 This is a big challenge for us this year and we pray You’ll continue to assure us that Your presence goes with us and you will bless our efforts with Your wisdom and all the abilities we’ll need to do our job WELL! Father it is our desire to grow more deeply and intimately in love with You and we study to know You better.

Please Father, don’t let us go where You do not bless (Exo 33:12-16). Teach us Your ways and make us sensitive to Your hand on our lives. Let us know Your faithful direction at all times. Go before us to open the way where there seems to be no way. Please place before us an open door that no one can shut, according to Your sovereign will (Rev 3:7-8), and shut all doors outside Your will for us.

Please make a way for all those You desire to do this study to join us and bless each woman's efforts. Yes, bless us indeed and enlarge our territory in all areas in our lives! Let Your hand be with us constantly to strengthen us and keep us from harm (1 Chron. 4:10).

Establish Your appointed work through our hands with Your favor (Ps 90:17). Great are Your purposes, and mighty are Your deeds. Your eyes are open to all our ways (Jer 32:19). Smile upon us today and throughout this study this year with Your compassion and Your full blessing, as we seek You continually. (Isa 30:18). And may we finish STRONG, Father! In Your precious Son's name we ask these things.  Amen.

Blessings, 

Did you know in Hebrew, the book of Psalms came to be known as “Sepher Tehillim”, the book of praises. It’s called this because almost every Psalm contains some note of praise to God. Praise is a vital part of a life surrendered to God, because it gives credit where credit is due, to the Lord alone. That’s why here at WITW we are excited for our new fall study. Starting August 29th, we’ll begin, “Becoming a Woman After God’s Own Heart - A Journey through The Psalms.” Monday through Friday we’ll be writing a daily devotional. On the weekend, Sandra will be posting an exercise helping us wrap up the week. So get ready to get your praise on as we through one of the most cherished books in the Bible, and be blessed by the fellowship, worship, and study! So head over to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2and join in on the discussion! 

Have you ever wondered what character qualities David possessed that qualified him, in God's eyes, to be a man after God's own heart? Have you longed to possess all those same qualities in your own faith walk? 

I have! I would love to be known by God as a woman after God's own heart!  

I believe when God is looking for a woman after His own heart, He is searching for a woman like you and me, who does not merely love Him, no it goes much deeper than that.

I believe He is also looking for women who share the same qualities He found in David (1 Samuel 13:14).  God is searching for a woman:

• Who has given her heart to her Lord completely and is wholly surrendered to His authority . 
• Whose love for God is both fierce and tender at times.  
• She is a woman who desires to do God’s will no matter the cost. 
• She’s a God chaser, who can say, 

She is also one who has put her past behind her; accepting God's forgiveness and is eager to discover all that lies ahead. 

• She is transparent with her struggles as well as her victories. One who seeks the help of others and also seeks to come alongside to encourage and give hope!
• She love others with the same compassion as the Lord shares for others and seeks to help those in need. 

The truth is, I am barely scratching the surface of all the qualities a woman after God's own heart possesses, for her qualities are as infinite as our Lord's are!

 Which is why I'm so excited to be taking the next few months and reading through the Psalms to discover, study, and pray for all the qualities we can find hidden throughout the Psalms. 

I hope you'll come along on this journey with us this year, for I believe the more of us who are searching the Psalms together, the more we will find! And as we meditate and pray for, and practice these same qualities we will be so much better for it when we're done!! 

Study Details:

Monday through Friday we’ll be reading one Psalm each day, plus a daily devotional that will go along with each psalm. Then on the weekend, we'll be posting an exercise helping us wrap up the week.

The goal of this study, is to grow more deeply and intimate in love with our Lord and to be able to confidently trust Him in the difficult times.

So grab your Bibles, and tell your friends. And join us as we go through the Psalms and develop a deeper connection with God, our Creator, Father, and Friend!

Our study, Becoming a Women After God's Own Heart- A Study Through the Psalms begins on Monday, August 29th on Women in the Word FB page. Click the link and ask to join! 

There will be lots of us there to welcome you!

Blessings, 

The book of Psalms is filled with songs from believing hearts in every imaginable situation. It’s is a collection of lyrics that can help Christians deal with anger and depression, joy and hope, fear and doubt, life and death, hatred and love. And a common chorus to many of the psalms is, "I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears" (Psalm 34.4) Are you ready to cry out to the Lord for help? Then join us here at WITW for our new fall study. Starting August 29th, we’ll begin, “Becoming a Woman After God’s Own Heart - A Journey through The Psalms.” Monday through Friday we’ll be writing a daily devotional. On the weekend, Sandra will be posting an exercise helping us wrap up the week. So get ready to go through one of the most cherished books in the Bible, and be blessed by the fellowship, worship, and study! Head on over to our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join the discussion!

We here at WITW are excited to announce our new fall study. Starting August 29th, we’ll begin, “Becoming a Woman After God’s Own Heart - A Journey through The Psalms.” Monday through Friday we’ll be writing a daily devotional. Then on the weekend, Sandra will be posting an exercise helping us wrap up the week. In the book of Psalms, David cried out to God over and over during his difficult times and God answered his cries. And in this study, we’ll learn how we too can trust God in the difficult times. So grab your Bibles, and tell your friends. And join us as we go through the Psalms and develop a deeper connection with God, our Creator, Father, and Friend! 

 Creamsicle Pull Apart Bread

Cut rolls in half and dip in dry pudding mix then place in prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle any remaining pudding mix over the top. Combine softened cream cheese with the melted butter. Add sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to create a syrup. Pour syrup over rolls. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let rise until double in size or even with top of bundt pan. Carefully remove wrap. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes with a sheet pan underneath to catch any drippings. Cover with foil after 25 minutes if browning too quickly. Let rest for a couple minutes and then loosen from sides of the pan with a knife and invert onto a serving plate.