Psalm 111, 1 Peter 3:18-22

Author John Bevere wrote, “We cannot truly love God until we fear Him, nor can we properly fear Him until we love Him.” Love seems counterintuitive to fear. Especially when it comes to loving God. After all aren’t we told in 1 John 4:18 that perfect love casts out fear? And there’s no more perfect love than God’s. But far from meaning terror or dread, when the Bible speaks of the fear of the Lord it’s referring to a deep reverence and awe for who God is and all that He does. And a respect for the Ruler and Creator of all things due Him and no other.

When David tells us that the fear of the Lord is wisdom, he has good reason. For he knew firsthand the foolishness that comes from ignoring God's guidance. And he experienced the consequences brought on by the mistake of going his own way. But more than that just sparing us heartache and regret, here a few other reasons why fearing the Lord is wise.

1. It acknowledges God's sovereignty - When we fear the Lord we recognize that God is in control of all things and we submit to His authority. This helps us to avoid pride and an ego that tells us we know better than God. Both of which can lead to sinning against the Lord. 

1. It leads to obedience - When we fear the Lord, we are mindful of His presence with us at all times. We recognize that God sees and knows all things, and that we are accountable to Him for our actions. This gives us an awareness that He is always watching whether we choose to do right or wrong.

1. It brings blessings - When we fear the Lord, we have the blessing of His protection and safety, and we are shielded from the dangers and troubles of life. For as Proverbs 14:26 reminds us, “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and His children will have a refuge."

God tells that all we do we are to do in love. Including fearing the Lord. For it reflects our deep and abiding devotion for God's character, commands, presence, and people. And by honoring Him we lovingly show our faith that His ways are higher than ours, and His love for us is beyond measure.

Pause and Reflect -

Are you fearing the Lord out of awe and respect, or do you fear the Lord as a child awaiting punishment? How does this affect your relationship with God? 

How might the fear of the Lord impact your own wisdom and understanding? Does this encourage you to seek after and obey God’s commands? 

Finally, lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Hallowed be Thy name. Father help us to recognize Your holiness, power, and majesty with reverence and awe. Grant us the wisdom to know Your will and the courage to obey Your commands. Father give us a heart that desires to please You above all else, and a mind that is set on things above. And Father may the fear of the Lord be the foundation of our lives, leading us to greater wisdom, understanding, and obedience. And may it be a source of blessing and protection, drawing us ever closer to You. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

💖 Lisa

Psalm 101, Philippians 2:9-11

Christians around the world are celebrating Lent. Lasting from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday, for 40 days ( not counting Sundays) people fast, give up a bad habit, or restrict themselves in some other way. All done with the intent of repentance and restoration. But why do we need a “religious holiday” to lead such a life? Shouldn’t each day be an opportunity to rid our lives from things that cause us to stumble in our walk with God? David thought so. And he gives us sound advice to do just that.

“I will give heed to the blameless way.” (Ps. 101:2) - Although we are all sinners who fall short daily, we can still choose to walk a path of righteousness. That means obeying the Word of God, letting Christ shine through us to others, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And most importantly, staying on that path when only God is looking.

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” (Ps. 101:3) - Just like we wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun, David warns us to protect our eyes from the wicked things of the world. How often do we see what another has and get jealous? Or how many mindless hours do we spend watching television? And how much time today have we spent scrolling on social media? 

“He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.” (Ps. 101:6) It’s said we are the company we keep. And although we are to be out in the world spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, we must be careful. For we are to influence the ungodly. Not to be influenced by them. It’s important our inner circle be made up of people who can encourage and aid us in our Christian walk. 

As a man after God’s own heart, (1 Sam. 13:14) David wanted to lead a life he could be proud of. One that glorified God. That meant behaving wisely, practicing self control, and walking with integrity. We too should have a desire to be free of all the garbage in our lives that keep us from walking closer with the Lord. And as the change of the season is almost upon us, what better time to do some spring cleaning, and sweep out the cobwebs of sin! 

Pause and Reflect -

Reflect on this past week and all of the things your eyes saw. Was anything dishonoring to God? Have you set any guidelines as to what you will and won’t allow your eyes to see?

Do you know people who are “Sunday Christians?” Those walk the walk in church but forget about God Monday through Saturday? Why is integrity so important to the Lord? 

Finally let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father, as we sing your praises through the day, as we consider your steadfast love and justice, we pray that you help us ponder the perfect way You have showed us to follow. Help us consider how to love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly before you. Oh Father may this be the motivation behind all we do. Through Your Holy Spirit, give us the power to overcome any wicked desires in our heart that rise against your Holy Name. Father help us fight against all arrogance. For Lord, we want to be poor in spirit, always depending on you. And finally Father, help us to live this day, this week, this life, with integrity everywhere we go. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

💖 Lisa

 Psalm 86, John 2:19-21, Revelation 15:3-4

One of the greatest gifts God gives to us is prayer. The awesome privilege of being able to come before our Creator anytime, anywhere. And David used this gift often. Many times he found himself on the brink of death, in despair, and facing defeat. And just as many times he came before the Lord in prayer. 

Why? Because David knew the way to win any battle was on his knees before God. And as a passionate seeker of the Lord, David also understood that prayer is so much more than just for asking God for a favor. Prayer is about relationship, faith, and unity. 

Relationship - “Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer.” From the moment He created us, God knows every need we will ever have. (Matt. 6:8) So why do we have to ask? Because what God wants most of all is a close, personal relationship with His children. And when we come to Him vulnerable, hurting, and in need, we establish an intimate connection that can be found with no other.

Faith - “I shall call upon You, for You will answer.” To pray takes faith. Pride tells us we handle anything on our own. That we have the best solutions to our problems. But faith tells us God is in control. That He uses all things for our good, (Rom. 8:28) and His way is always best. Praying for God to intervene shows we trust He will answer, and in His perfect ability to help us. 

Unity - “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” David, like all of us, repeatedly fell into sin. Yet even though he at times wandered,  David never lost his passion for seeking God’s heart. (1 Sam. 13:14) And so often David prayed to return to doing what God wanted him to do. To have a heart undivided, devoted to the Lord alone. And to live a life that glorified his Father in heaven.

David was a passionate prayer warrior. And he’s in some good company. For one of my favorite quotes is by Abraham Lincoln in which he says, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go.” We serve a gracious God. One who is slow to anger, and overflowing with lovingkindness, mercy, and truth. (Ps. 86:15) And most of all, One who longs to hear from me and from you. 

Pause and Reflect -

Has pride ever kept you from praying to God? What has happened when you relied on your own strength to meet your needs instead of God’s? How’s your prayer life? Do you come to God throughout your day? He’s always ready to listen! 

Finally lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Oh Father we thank You for Your grace and mercy. For You are gracious and good, giving Your abundant love to the one who is poor in spirit. How awesome it is that You, our Father who wants for nothing, wants to hear from His children. So Lord may we come to You often in prayer and with open hearts, eager to receive Your love, power, wisdom, and provision. May we trust Your listening, attentive ear. And may we rely on Your promise that our prayer is heard and we, as Your beloved children, will receive what is best from Your hand. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

💖 Lisa

Psalm 71, Isaiah 2:5

When God created man, He gave to us the wonderful gift of song and singing. Music has a power all its own. It invokes emotion, triggers memories, empowers, unites, and divides. I myself come from a family of singers. A long line of beautiful voices. Unfortunately, that’s a gift God didn’t bless me with. For as my Dad would jokingly say, “Honey, you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket!” Yet I love it all the same. And I happily belt out the words to my favorite songs. Especially when it comes to songs of worship.

The Christian life is meant to be one of joy and celebration. A celebration of all God is and His amazing, unmerited blessings. David knew this well. The psalms he wrote, no matter the subject, were songs from his heart to the heart of his beloved Creator. All in worship to the God who was his everything. No matter what he faced, David had an unquenchable inner joy. A joy stemming from his great love for God. One that put a song on his lips and made his heart burst into singing praises to the Lord. 

As lovers of God, we too should have a song in our heart. One that yearns to burst from our lips and sing the praises of God. For once we were dead in our sin, and enemies of the Lord. Yet from His great love, God redeemed, adopted, and provided a path to eternal life. And if that wasn’t enough, He is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives as our Father, Comforter, Provider, and Friend. Knowing all of this, how can we not have that same inner joy as David? How can we not have lips that, “shout for joy when I sing praises to You.” (Ps. 71:23)

Although prayer is a valuable gift in which to praise God, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs helps us glorify Him in a special way. It brings our hearts, souls, and minds, together to focus completely on God. And most importantly of all, it pleases our Father to hear the songs of His children. For He too sings of us. Just think of that! Like our hearts burst for Him, God’s heart bursts for us as He rejoices over us with songs of love! (Zeph. 3:17) And I don’t know about you, but knowing this makes my mouth too want to sing of His great power and righteousness! 

Pause and Reflect - 

Do you have a favorite worship song? When you sing it how does it affect you spiritually, emotionally, and physically? Did you know studies prove that singing creates a musical tone in one’s chest and throat which provides a unique pleasure?

Often times, we think only of singing when we’re happy and times are good, but in Acts 16 Paul and Silas sing for strength while imprisoned. Do you sing not only in times of joy but times of weakness?

Let’s Pray Together -

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we are not worthy to be in Your presence and yet you show Your love for us in everything. Lord, who are we that You would delight in us and rejoice over us with singing? Father we give You all the glory, honor and praise for who You are. We declare that we will sing to You, we will sing praises to You and tell of all of Your wonderful works in our life. We will sing so that all can hear it and see how great You are. Thank You because our voices are a blessing from You. We sing not for ourselves, but to demonstrate Your goodness in our lives. Heavenly Father, thank You that You have been our strength in times past, and You have continued to support and strengthen us through every stage of our of lives. May Your name be glorified forever and ever. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

Psalm 56, 1 Peter 5:6-7

There are many fears in the world today. And while some are real, legitimate, fears, most are rooted in the lies of the Enemy. For he knows the power he wields when we are afraid. And as cunning as he is, Satan offers ample, worldly solutions to overcoming our worries. Because for every fear and phobia, there’s a book, exercise, or yoga pose hailed as a cure. Anything and everything, except the only thing, that can truly help us defeat our fear. And that’s having a close, personal, relationship with God.

Fear is an emotion that not even the mightiest Christian is immune to. David, who walked closely with the Lord, knew it well. Captured by the Philistines, his life hung in the balance. Afraid, I’m sure the mighty king of Israel cried his fair share of tears. I’m also sure he felt no less of a man in doing so. Because there is no sin in crying. No shame in letting out the pain we feel inside. God knows our wanderings, sorrows, and fears. He feels every groan of our souls and hears every cry of our hearts. And from His own loving heart, collects every tear in His bottle of remembrance, recording each hurt in His book.

That’s why even through tears David could declare, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4) And by trusting, praising, and claiming the promises of God, we too can live unafraid. 

In 2 Timothy 1:7, God promises to give us bravery, authority, and power. Everything we need to rebuke the Enemy and take captive every fearful thought. In Psalm 115:11, He promises that if we respect and obey Him, not only will He provide divine help, but will be our mighty, impenetrable shield. One that can stand against any worry. And in Psalm 139:5, the Lord promises that wherever we go His protective hand of blessing is upon us, keeping watch on every side.

God cares about every aspect of our lives. He knows our hopes, dreams, fears, and doubts. And He loves us beyond measure. So much so that every tear we cry, our Father remembers. And one day, in one of the most wonderful promises of all, He will wipe away every tear from our eyes.(Rev. 21:4) And never again will we be afraid!

Pause and Reflect - 

When we are surrounded by enemies, it’s natural to want to run away. But God wants us to face each one hand in hand with Him and in His strength. Have you trusted God with every worry on your heart, and laid your fears at His feet?

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is alive and active,” and “sharper than any double-edged sword.” Memorize a few verses that give you strength. And when fear calls, say those verses out loud. Because nothing stops Satan quicker than the spoken Word of God.

Lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we thank You that there is nothing to fear from any man, nor the Enemy himself. For You have promised to keep us safe from all the evils and from those that oppose us. Father, we know that You do not give us the spirit of fear but instead power, love, and a sound mind. Please minister to our anxious hearts and replace all worry, anxiety, and fear with Your peace and calm assurance. And remind us of Your truth, which is greater than anything we might come up against. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen

Psalm 51, Romans 12:1

When someone is about to tell me a story and they start with, “Don’t judge me, but,” I know they already have a conviction on their heart. For believers that conviction is coming from the Holy Spirit. It’s His way of letting us know that we’ve sinned against God. And the only way to lift the weight laid on our souls is through confession and repentance. 

David committed horrendous sins against God. Sins others might find unforgivable. The conviction was heavy on the mighty king of Israel. And the pain he felt knowing the hurt his sin caused God, brought him to his knees. And it was on his knees where David confessed his wrongdoings and begged God for forgiveness crying out, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”

And you know what? Because of His never ending forgiveness, love, and mercy, and David’s repentance, God did just that. Not only granting David the forgiveness he sought, but reconciling him with open arms back to Himself. And God promises to do the same for us. No matter how big or small the sin, when we come before Him with a “broken spirit and a contrite heart”, confessing all our transgressions, we too will receive God’s forgiveness. But along with that forgiveness needs to come repentance. Because we can’t just say the word sorry, we need to have actions that prove we’re sorry. And that means walking away from the sin and leaving it behind.

I absolutely love what Pastor Joe Focht has to say. “There is no more confused message that you and I could give to a lost and dying world than to live in sin and at the same time to tell people about the transforming power of Jesus Christ. God will not use a compromised life to reach a compromised world. God will use a life that is given over to Him, that is a demonstration of the message that through the power of Jesus Christ and His love He can transform our lives and set us free.” 

Our God is an awesome God! When we return to Him in true confession and repentance, He is faithful to wash away the filth in our hearts and cleanse us with His loving grace. And will renew in us an unmovable and unshakable spirit dedicated to Him alone! 

Pause and Reflect -

Is there a sin that you need to confess and repent of or an area where you need God to renew your spirit? Have you asked Him to search every inch of your heart and life and show you sins that need confessing, and ways that need to be changed? 

When you do receive God’s forgiveness do you truly believe it? Does your heart sing with joy and praise, or do you hang on to the guilt and the shame that keeps us from enjoying God’s promises? 

Finally let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Thank You Father that in Your wisdom You do not renew and restore our old fallen sin-nature. Instead You lovingly give us a new nature and a new, born-again life received through faith in Christ. Thank You for the lessons we can learn from David, who was cleansed of his sin when he confessed his faults, repented from his evil ways, and cried out to You. Thank You for the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our transgressions. Father we pray He will point out all the areas in our lives that grieve You or quench Your ongoing work within us. O Father, create in us a clean heart and a renewed steadfast spirit. And may Christ be seen in us as we submit to Your Spirit's leading and transforming work into Your Son’s likeness. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen 

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

Psalm 41, Hebrews 10:1-10

I read a quote that warned, “not everyone you fight is your enemy. And not everyone who helps you is your friend.” Throughout our lives we will experience hurt, betrayal, and disappointment at the hands of others. And in those moments we have a choice to make. Will that pain make us better or bitter? 

Better is using the hurt to grow closer to the Lord, and softening our hearts to the pain and needs of others. Bitter does just the opposite. It takes glee in retribution and seeing others misfortune. Bitter turns a blind eye to the suffering of another because its focus is only on self pity. King David had much cause to be callus, cruel, and uncaring. Yet because he had a heart that sought after God’s, he made the choice to be better. For he knew that to receive blessings and mercy, he had to give blessings and mercy.

We all fall short and sin daily against God. Yet from His wonderful love, He extends to us His unmerited grace and mercy. And when we have been sinned against, God calls us to show that same grace and mercy. To repay evil with kindness, curses with blessings, and mistreatment with prayer. (Luke 6:27-28) And most importantly of all, if we see a need to meet that need. Because if we do, in return we are promised some pretty amazing things!

David says that if we care for the needy we can cry out, “O, Lord, be gracious to me.” (Ps. 41:4) And our God will deliver the victory in our own day of trouble. Our enemies, try as they might, will find only discouragement because God will protect us from their wickedness. The  blessings we receive will be so bountiful, they will be known around the world. And during times of sickness, we will have by our side the Great Physician. Who with His loving arms, will hold and sustain us! 

We all know that actions speak louder than words. As Christians, hearing and knowing God’s Word is vital. But even more important is putting that Word into action. Because if as believers we aren’t actively out demonstrating the Lord’s goodness through loving acts, charity, and edifying speech, than we become ineffective witnesses for the Lord. And worse yet, we miss out on receiving God’s best for our lives. For as Jesus taught, “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:13-14) So in times of hurt what will you choose? To be better or to be bitter? 

Pause and Reflect - 

Has a trusted friend disappointed you, perhaps even betrayed you? Did that pain push you toward or away from God? Do you truly believe the Lord will never disappoint or betray you? How do you know? 

How do you treat others? Before we can claim God’s promises, we must examine our own hearts to see if we have sincerely met the conditions the Lord has given. Whether it be with time, acts of service, or money, are you actively looking to meet the needs of the suffering? 

Finally let’s pray, 

Our dearest Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Father we know that it is Your will to help those that are afflicted, to support the weak, provide for the widows and orphans, and help those that are in need. May our eyes be open to the suffering around us. And may our hearts be open to hearing and obeying Your call. Father use our hands to help the hurting. And use our voices to speak words of healing and encouragement to those that are afflicted and in distress. Oh Father You are our great Healer, Comforter, and Way Maker. May we demonstrate Your love and goodness to a hurting world. And instead of angry, bitter hearts of stone, Father replace them with hearts like Jesus. Ones that want to love and give as generously as You do. For Father our greatest desire is to lead lives that both glorify and are pleasing to You. So we praise and give thanks to the God of Israel who has always been and will always be. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

 Lisa

Psalm 31, Luke 23:44-46, 1 Peter 3:10-13

One of the age old questions asked about God is how a loving Father could allow suffering in this world. I mean for the evil to suffer is one thing. But how could our Father let us, His precious children, become broken in pain and filled with sorrow? Look at David. He is called by God Himself a man after His own heart.(Acts 13:22) Yet even he was not immune to suffering. For his life story too is one of tragedy and triumphs, successes and failures. 

In writing the Psalms, many times David was grieved to the point of physical pain. I can sure relate. Because I too have felt such grief that not only did I feel mentally, but physically sick as well. Times when my heart literally ached and I couldn’t breathe, or take another step. Hurting so much that all I could do was drop to my knees in agony and cry out, “Father!” And also like David, I have received the loving, comforting care of my soul that comes from my Heavenly Father. A care that only He can provide.

Sadly, as long as there is sin there will be suffering. And this side of heaven we may not understand the reason behind God letting it in our lives. But like David, we can trust that no matter the suffering we endure, God always has a purpose for our pain. I think of Jesus. Satan appeared before Him in the wilderness and offered Jesus the crown without the Cross. (Matthew 4:8) Christ could have walked away from the cup of agony He was about to drink. But Jesus chose to suffer. To see the Father’s will done no matter the cost. And because of what He endured, we are now blessed with the gift of eternal life.

Our suffering too can be a blessing for others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 tells us that we who have suffered and received God’s comfort, can pass that same comfort on to others. For who better to empathize than someone who has suffered from the same cause? And who better to testify of the care, love, and comfort God gives during suffering than someone who has experienced it first hand?

We will all have painful times. But our future is held securely in the hands of the One who controls the storms. No matter what we face, God will be there as our impenetrable fortress every step of the way. So trust in His perfect wisdom. And cling to His beautiful promise to, “Comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness.” (Is. 61:3) 

Pause and Reflect -

Do you trust in God and His perfect wisdom? Romans 8:28 tells us God uses all things for our good. Do you believe that? Has God taken a suffering and turned it into a blessing in your own life? 

Even through his suffering, David found great joy knowing God cared about each and every problem he faced. Can you find joy in the midst of suffering knowing God cares? How does the Lord’s steadfast, loyal love bring you peace in your pain?

Finally, let’s pray together -

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be thy name. Father, You are our rock and fortress. And in we find our joy. We know that while we are on this earth Father, we will face our share of trials, suffering, and hurt. But through it all we trust in Your goodness, promises, and love. Lord we pray that You will lead and guide us through the twists and turns of life, comforting us along the way. And we thank You that no matter what we face, Your grace is sufficient. Like David, Father we have taken refuge in You. And for Your righteous name's sake, May you graciously deliver us out of the difficulties we face. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen. 

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

 Lisa

 Psalm 26, Exodus 40:34-35

It hurts when we are condemned and convicted for something we didn’t do. And trying to prove our innocence can be frustrating and futile. Because no matter how we plead, or the truth before set them, some people will never believe our faultlessness. Furthermore, as was the case with Saul, will always see themselves as the victim. 

In such situations there is no winning. And so instead of wasting time proving our innocence, or taking matters into our own hands and risk sinning against God, we need to follow David’s lead. Bringing our case before God and declaring, “The Lord therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand.” (1 Sam. 24:15)

David had full faith in God’s steadfast love, ability to declare David innocent, and the doling out of the perfect punishment. And when we come before the Lord with a truly clear conscience and unjustly accused, we too can have that same confidence. Oh our victory might not come in the way we want, or in our desired timing, but it will come.

Until then we need to keep our feet firmly planted, walking the path of integrity. Integrity can be described as honesty and adherence to a pattern of good works. Or the condition of being without blemish, sincere, sound, upright, and whole. This was the life David lived and why he was so secure in presenting his case before God. Of course he made mistakes, as we all do. But each day he intentionally walked with God. Each day his heart and lips overflowed with songs of praise and thanksgiving. And each day he bowed before the Lord in confession and repentance. 

So the next time you find yourself falsely accused and on trial for a crime you didn’t commit, don’t go to Judge Judy, go to God. Because there is only one lawgiver and judge. (James 4:12) And if He calls us innocent, no one can condemn us! (Rom. 8:33-34)

Pause and Reflect -

We can only come before God pleading innocence if we truly are blameless. Has bitterness or anger blinded you to ways in which your hands may be dirty? Ask God to search your heart, “testing your motives and affections.” (Ps. 26:2)

Are you walking a path of integrity? I heard a minister once say, “If you’re displaying a bumper sticker on your car, or wearing a cross around your neck and publicly declaring yourself a Christian, you’d better be walking the walk, not just talking the talk! “ We all fail daily. But when you fall are you quick to get out of the weeds and back on God’s path? 

Finally, let’s pray together,

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father, we thank You for this study and the encouraging witness we have in the life of David. May we never forget that Your plans and purposes are working out for our eternal benefit and for Your greater glory. May we trust Father in your steadfast love, especially during those times when we face hurt, betrayal, false accusations, and disappointments. Father when all declare us guilty, may we cling to You who declares us innocent, trusting in Your goodness and perfect, divine judgement. And each day Father may we come to Your altar in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer that we may be testimonies of lives who trust in God alone. In Jesus’ precious name we pray….Amen 

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

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

 Lisa

Psalm 21, 1 Corinthians 15:17-22

When someone hurts us, it’s in our nature to want to retaliate. To make them feel, not only the same, but worse pain than they caused us. But instead of encouraging revenge or getting even, God demands something unfair, undoable, and unjust. Not only does He want us to leave the punishing to Him, but He expects us to forgive our enemies. And most infuriating of all, to pray blessings into their lives. Seriously? 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my enemies to prosper. I want God to make them suffer. That’s why I found Romans 12:19  so encouraging. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Vengeance! That’s what they deserve. Only, God’s idea of vengeance and mine were pretty different. Where I wanted Him to dole out a punishment to those who hurt me, He wanted to give me a blessing far greater and more satisfying than any  revenge.

2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence..” That’s the blessing. God’s divine power through the Holy Spirit that works inside of us. The power of God which allowed David to rule as king, defeat his enemies, and experience victory over trials. And the same power that allows us to forgive others, restore broken relationships, and have hearts overflowing with grace and mercy instead of dried and hardened from bitterness and revenge.

Once we were enemies of God. Yet from the richness of His unmerited grace and mercy, He provided a path to forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. “Most blessed forever,” the Lord gives us mercy instead of death. Grace instead of anger. And love instead of retribution. So when facing our enemies we can, like David, rejoice, singing praises to God’s power. And follow the example of Jesus who, “committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:22-23)

Pause and Reflect -

Proverbs 28:25 warns, “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” When someone hurts you, is your first response to hurt them back or do you first go to the Lord? Has anger ever gotten the better of you and caused you to regret your actions? 

Are you rejoicing in the power of God? The power that allows you to defeat sin, forgive the unforgivable, boldly share the Gospel, and face all enemies knowing through God the victory is already yours? How have you seen God’s power work in your life? 

Finally, let’s pray together,

Our dearest Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Father life is hard, and people hurt us. But instead of responding in anger and hate, may we show the same love, mercy, and forgiveness that you show us daily. We pray that you would take our hard hearts of flesh, softening, and molding them into hearts of Christ. Father, Your word declares that all power belongs to You, yet You generously give that power to indwell those who believe in Christ Jesus. May we use that power in goodness to others, manifesting Your glory on earth. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

 Lisa