“For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭

 I used to look for signs that God was there, something tangible that I could see and point to and show myself and others as proof that God had heard my prayer and He had given me clear direction. But that’s not living by faith. That’s living by sight. God doesn’t always give us a sign or that miracle we  prayed for. There’s not always a clearly marked path. And this becomes the ultimate stretching of our faith. Is God there when I can’t see Him at work, or when I can’t hear His voice, or I don’t get that sign, or life seems messy and doesn’t make sense? How do I take that next step when I am not sure? That can be a place where doubts and fears want to unsettle us and distract us. But it’s ok if we are battling doubts and fears. We don’t have to have all of the answers or a deep understanding. We just have to have a relationship with the One who does. We have to cling to the truths of His Word -“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭

How grateful I am for His Word. It is the map for my life and the Holy Spirit is my experienced guide. My duty is not to have full knowledge of the journey but to trust that God desires for me to move forward. Faith is an action. If my heart wants to move closer to God and spiritual maturity, then that becomes my destination. I have to surrender my ideas of what that journey should look like and trust Him. 

”Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step." - Joni Erickson Tada

Prayer: May God grant you the courage and strength to be willing to take the next step, and the next, and the next. Praise be to God who promises to guide us and never leave us alone. “I can feel His hand in mine, that’s all I need to know.”

 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 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

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” ⁶ And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you. Luke 17:5-6

Father, just as the apostles longed to have their faith increased, we long to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of you Lord.  We want that faith that moves mountains.  We ask You Lord to fill us with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we may walk in a manner worthy of You, Lord and to please You in everything we, think, say and do.  That we would bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in our lives.  That our faith would increase more and more each day as we are obedient to You. Strengthen us with all power, according to Your glorious might, that we may have steadfastness and patience in You alone.  May our lives overflow with thanksgiving to You who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Light of Christ Jesus. Amen

Selah,

Lyn

We live in a world which has a mindset that “more is better.” But Jesus says to walk closer to Him, we need to value quality over quantity. There were none closer to the Lord than the 12 men He handpicked to walk beside Him. For three years the disciples faithfully followed Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and raised the dead. And still they cried out to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” Yet it wasn’t actually more faith they were seeking, but rather a deep, genuine faith that empowered them to fulfill all Jesus called them to do.

The disciples understood that faith is the Word of God in action. It is meant to be lived out, not left idle and stale. Because the deeper our belief and trust, the closer we are to God. Even the tiniest bit of genuine faith in the Lord, can produce amazing results in our life and in the lives of others. And that’s the kind of faith the disciples wanted. Because of their overflowing love and gratitude for their Savior, they wanted an active, deep faith. One that not only allowed them to walk closer to Jesus, but as did Jesus. Is that the faith you want? I do! So how can we have that kind of genuine faith? 

First through spending time in God’s Word. All relationships need nurturing. By feasting on the scriptures, we get to know who Jesus is and what He teaches. Another is through obedience. When we step out in trusting faith, obeying God’s will in all things, we learn to depend on Him completely. And third, we grow closer to the Lord by living out our faith for all to see. By loving, forgiving, and caring for others as Jesus does, we become living examples of our Savior in action for the world to witness.

Faith is the very foundation of Christian life. For as Hebrews 11:6 tells us, without it, it is impossible to please God. So today I challenge you to increase your faith! Pray that God puts a fire in your heart to take that small mustard seed, bury it deep in the soil of God’s Word, and watch it bloom into a faith of the highest quality! 

From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.   Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Selah. Psalms 61:2-4

During the times when our life is uncertain or we are dealing with anxiety, worry and fears, where do you run to?  Do you run to a friend, food or anything else that will for a time quiet your mind and heart? 

The Lord is a strong tower that we can run into and be safe.  How do you do that?  Spend time in His Word everyday seeking Him, praying His Word, and resting in His promises.  It is a matter of faith, belief, trust, hope and perseverance.  Run to Him first and let Him quiet you.  He only is the One who gives us peace that passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Selah,

Lyn

Father as we draw closer to You, let us ever be present of coming before You with a clean and pure heart.  Guide us in Your truth and teach us for You are the God of our salvation.  It is for You and You alone that we wait.  We give thanks to You Lord, for You are good and Your loving kindness lasts forever.  Increase our faith in You!  In Jesus name, Amen!

“My heart rejoices in You Lord, for You have blessed me and my family abundantly and over the years You also gave me the opportunity to witness to our king, of Your Loving-kindness and Your Wondrous works in our lives through Your Prophet Elisha!  

I can vividly remember how we first met Elisha and how through him, You touched our lives in such a special way! My husband and I were old and had not conceived a child, but we loved and served You with all our hearts. When you blessed us with the promise of our child I was so surprised I had not realized I still had this deep yearning in my heart; but You knew this! Later when our child grew and suddenly became ill and died, I now understand that: only You gave me the courage and the certainty that I should find Elisha and trust that “ALL would be fine”, that You would restore my son back to life! You had a Perfect Plan and Purpose in all this! How can I be silent and keep all these blessings to myself?

 Her story is found in 2Kings 4 & 8.

She was a giver.

The king was talking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, and had said, “Tell me about all the great things Elisha has done.”  Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal to the king for her house and land.

Gehazi said, “This is the woman, my lord the king, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life.”  The king asked the woman about it, and she told him. (2Kings 8:4-5)

We may never have the opportunity to speak before powerful and influential people like a king, or rulers of our country, but I pray I will possess these same gifts to speak to my neighbor, friend, family member; anyone who is seeking the truth and never shrink back whenever the opportunity arises.

So, what do you think about this amazing women known only to all as "the Shunammitte woman"? I pray her life will impact all of us so that we will long to possess these same qualities she possessed in abundance.

Blessings,

sue

The room was still dark when Mary awakened. For a moment the events of the past days seemed like nothing more than a horrible nightmare. As she rose and lit the oil lamp, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the polished water pitcher sitting on a table nearby. A tear stained face with swollen eyes, stared back at her. And instantly Mary knew it was no dream. She fell to her knees as the horrific images of her Savior being crucified came rushing back, and the tears began to flow once more.

Jesus Christ, Mary’s Master, Teacher, and Friend, had been arrested and sentenced to death. He was beaten beyond recognition, wearing a crown of thorns, and hung on a Cross. Many others who had followed this Man now deserted Him in fear. But not Mary. Her heart wouldn’t allow her to leave. And so there she stood at the feet of her Savior, whom she loved so dearly. She witnessed His unbelievable grace as He forgave those crying out for His death. She felt His amazing love as He turned the care of His mother over to His dearest friend. And with a broken heart, she heard Him take His very last breath. 

When it was over, Mary watched from afar as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea removed the body of Christ from the Cross. And after they had wrapped Him in linen filled with spices fit for a king, Mary followed behind as they laid His body in a tomb. And only after the tomb had been sealed with a stone rolled across it, did Mary return home to grieve her terrible loss.

That was two days ago. And now, in the early morning hours, Mary was off to meet the mother of James. Together they were going back to the tomb where her Lord laid. Oh how Mary had longed to go yesterday, but as it was the Sabbath, she had to wait. But at last, today, she could return to her Messiah. Loving and gently, she would properly anoint His body with spices she had so painstakingly purchased.

As she walked in the darkness, Mary’s mind wandered back to when she first met this Jesus of Nazareth. Her life then was one of agony and suffering. Being possessed by seven demons, Mary was battered and bruised, both physically and mentally. She was considered an outcast and shunned by society. But then Jesus came. And instead of turning away in disgust as so many others before Him, He turned toward her. “Mary”, He called. Mary looked into His face and suddenly felt a wave of love wash through her that she had never before experienced. Finally she was free! The demons that had ravaged her life for so many years had left at the command of this Man! And from that moment on, in loving thankfulness, she had devoted her life to following and serving Jesus. But now with His death, all of that had been ripped away.

As Mary neared the tomb, she wondered aloud who would help roll the stone away so the women could get inside and perform the anointing. But when they arrived, to Mary’s horror, she found the stone already removed and no body inside. The linens Jesus had been wrapped in laid crumbled on the ground, but His body was nowhere to be found. Instead some strange man dressed in a white robe stood inside. “Jesus is not here”, said the man. “He has risen, just as He said.” Confused and afraid, Mary ran back to tell her fellow disciples what had just happened. 

Racing back to the tomb with Peter, Mary stood to catch her breath while the disciple looked inside. After seeing for himself that the Lord was gone, Peter left to tell the others, leaving Mary alone at the tomb. This was just all too much for her, and Mary collapsed in a pile of tears. In the midst of her grief, she heard a man ask, “Woman, why are you crying?" Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking this man the gardener, she pled, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Then suddenly the voice became the same familiar and loving one she heard calling her name all those years ago. “Mary”, He said. Instinctively she turned and answered, “Teacher!”

How could this be? Standing in front of Mary was Jesus, alive and talking to her! “Mary”, Jesus said again snapping her out her wonderment. “Pull yourself together and deliver my message to My disciples. For I have not yet ascended to My Father.”

Although she was pained to again leave her Lord, Mary obeyed. And as she left to share the good news, tears once again filled her eyes. But far from tears of pain, the tears she now cried were of joy and gladness. For her Savior had returned and had chosen her to be the first one to appear before. 

As she walked Mary now had a pep in her step, for she couldn’t wait to tell everyone of Christ’s return, His great love and His ability to rescue anyone from even the greatest depths of darkness.

At the tender age of 12 or 13, as Jewish custom dictated, Mary was betrothed in marriage to a man named Joseph. I often imagine the excitement she felt preparing for the upcoming wedding and starting this new chapter of her young life. Yet all of her dreams and plans came to a screeching halt when Mary was visited by the angel Gabriel. “Greetings, favored one!”, said the angel.  “The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) As Mary was wondering who this man was and what he wanted, the angel shared something even more shocking! “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him, Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31) 

Gabriel went on to tell Mary that this son Jesus, conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, was actually the Son of God, and would sit on the throne of David, ruling forever! Imagine the thoughts, fear, and confusion swirling in Mary’s young mind! And yet even not fully comprehending the true depths of Gabriel’s message or what she would have to endure, Mary replied, “May it be done to me according to your word.” This young, innocent, girl, had a faith so strong, not only didn’t she hesitate to be used by God, she believed fully that God would provide all she needed to see His will done! And throughout her life and struggles, Mary relied on that faith to see her through. 

Oh how the momma’s heart in me sings with joy at the happiness Jesus brought to Mary’s life. The great love she felt holding Him in her arms, the excitement of watching Him grow, and the wonder of knowing He was her long awaited Messiah. And just as equally, my heart aches knowing that Mary witnessed the pain, betrayal, and sacrifice Jesus endured. And how torn her heart must have been as she watched her son nailed to the Cross. 

Bible scholars agree that Joseph had long since died before the death of Jesus. So near the end of her story, we find Mary widowed and grieving the loss of her child. Yet she is still willing to be used by God. For after the death of Jesus, it would have been custom for Mary to return home to be with her family; and the Bible tells us that Mary had other sons and daughters. ( Mark 6:3) Yet before He died, Jesus commanded Mary to go with the apostle John, and Mary followed. (John 19:26-27) It is widely believed that is there, in Jerusalem, where Mary stayed with the disciples working in the ministry up until her death.

Do you wish that you too could be used mightily by God, but wonder what He could ever do with someone like you? We need to remember that God didn’t choose Mary because she was the prettiest, smartest, or special in any way. He chose Mary because of her heart. 

Do you have the heart of Mary? The heart of Mary is open to receiving God’s calling. How is your prayer life? We can’t hear from God if the lines of communication aren’t open. The heart of Mary is ready to answer God’s calling. Are you ready, no matter the cost, to lay down your own plans to see God’s done? And finally, the heart of Mary is an obedient one. Will you follow where the God leads no matter where He takes you? 

The same words Gabriel spoke to that young Jewish girl he speaks to us as well. “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30) As followers of Christ we too are favored by God. So with the heart of Mary, be brave, be faithful, and be open to His calling. And watch how God, through little old you, does awesome and amazing things! 

 Elizabeth:  Luke 1:5-80

Elizabeth only appears in this first chapter of Luke, but I could easily find at least five legacy lessons through her story here. Perhaps you were able to find more and I hope you’ll share them with us.

OK, here goes:

 1.) I believe Elizabeth demonstrates that God is Jehovah- Jireh and He will provide for us. 

Notice what the angels says to Zachariah, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth” (Luke 1:13-14). We aren’t privileged to see Elizabeth’s initial reaction when she learns that she is finally carrying a child after all these years of praying, but Elizabeth’s story tells us that we can never give up praying for the things we long for. Are you currently be held in the waiting room just now? I pray Elizabeth's story will be an encouragement to you. 

2.) God keeps His promises

The name Elizabeth actually means “God keeps His oaths”. He not only kept His promise to Elizabeth, but He brought the prophecy found in the Book of Malachi to life!

If you are struggling right now, waiting, wondering if God will ever answer, Elizabeth’s life is telling us to hang on! Keep trusting, for we may not see it now, but He is at work and will always keep His promises!

 3.)  God Still Performs Miracles

Both of the babies found in this chapter were miracles, but the people of that day would all view Elizabeth conceiving a child in her old age as a miracle right away. God was clearly at work then and is still at work today. Miracles are happening all the time and we need to be on the lookout constantly!

4.) We Should Bless Others Whenever We Have the Opportunity

 Notice, Elizabeth has learned that she is with child. She is so excited that she can hardly contain it. Suddenly, Mary comes to visit and shares her own exciting news and, instead of Elizabeth blurting out her own news, she chooses to share in Mary's excitement and blesses her,  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:42-45)

Elizabeth’s blessing to Mary caused Mary to praise God,

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-55

But all of this praise could have gone sour quickly if Elizabeth had allowed jealousy to destroy her joy.

Both Elizabeth and Mary were graciously favored by God. Each were carrying precious men the world had been longing for.  I know Elizabeth was elated, yet when Mary came to Elizabeth to share her news that she had been visited by the angel of the Lord, and was now pregnant with the Son of God – Elizabeth rejoiced for her cousin, and that each were a part of God’s plan.

Have you ever been guilty of learning of a friend or family member receiving a blessing and wondering why it couldn’t have been you? What about looking over the fence at your neighbor’s home and seeing their new car, or new pool or summer home and lamenting over what you have rather than being excited for them?

I believe we all  have a tendency to look at others and compare them to ourselves and our lack, but what if we changed our way of thinking and, instead, remained grateful for all we've been given and were able to rejoiced with them and cause them to rejoice as well?

What if we could actually rest in the fact that we are just the way God has created us? We have all that God desires for us to have at this moment. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be free to simply be happy and share in other's happiness?

I believe this is the greatest takeaway from Elizabeth's life? How about you? I'd love to hear what you've discovered!

Blessings! 

sue