Psalm 141, John 17:17-19

One of the things I love most about the Psalms is the beautiful imagery David uses to express his feelings about God. And there isn’t a more glorious picture he paints then our arms raised to the sky in worship. And our prayers ascending to heaven in the cool of the evening, rising like a sweet-smelling fragrance to our Heavenly Father. David knew that prayer is a powerful tool to connect us to God. To bring about change in our lives, and to receive God’s blessings, love, grace, and guidance. But more than just the beauty and power of prayer, this Psalm also has wisdom we can apply to our daily lives.

1. Our dependence on God - Not a single second of a single day goes by where we don’t need God in our lives. We are weak and vulnerable, and apart from Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) And so humbly and thankfully, we need to acknowledge the Lord as Sovereign in our lives and turn to Him in times of trouble.

2. The danger of temptation - Even the strongest Christian can fall to the lure of sin. That’s why we need to be vigilant about recognizing and resisting temptation in our own lives. And when we feel the pull of sin taking hold, ask God to help us. For He will provide all we need to endure, overcome, and escape. (1 Cor. 10:13)

3. Trust in God's justice - It’s frustrating to see the wicked prosper. But we serve a just God. (2 Thess. 1:6) And we can trust that in His perfect timing He will bring about perfect justice to punish the wicked. And one day very soon, God will ultimately set all things right and bring about a world of peace and righteousness.

The days are growing darker. And as the time hastens until the soon return of the Lord, we need now more than ever to draw near to God. To lead dedicated prayer lives, have eyes open to the evil around us, and to trust the Lord completely in times of trouble.

Pause and Reflect - 

How can I deepen my prayer life and connect more deeply with God? What are the areas of my life where I am most vulnerable to temptation, and how can I seek God's help in resisting these temptations?

Lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we come before you in humility, recognizing our need for Your help and protection. We ask that You would hear our prayers and guide us in our journey of faith. Father help us to resist temptation and to stay on the path of righteousness. Protect us from the lure of sin and help us to remain vigilant in our walk with You. Above all, Father we ask that You would draw us closer to You. And may we always turn to You in times of trouble, trusting  in Your perfect justice and mercy. 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 136, Matthew 5:44-45

Psalm 136 is one of my favorites, because it’s a summary of the entire book of Psalms. And its message, repeated 26 times, is this. God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. What a beautiful promise we can carry in our hearts! And what a beautiful song to sing no matter the circumstances we face. Because it’s a powerful reminder that God’s goodness and love aren’t limited by time or circumstance, but are boundless and unending. And most wonderful of all, offered freely to all who call on Jesus as Lord. So in response to the God’s faithfulness, how should we be living our lives as Christians? 

First and foremost, we are to lead lives that are thankful for God’s lovingkindness. Because every good and perfect gift comes from Him alone. (James 1:17) And even if we aren’t in the best place in our lives, there is always something to be grateful for. So from the moment we awaken until we close our eyes at night, our lips should be giving thanks to God for all that He does, and all that His is. 

Next we are to lead lives that trust in God’s lovingkindness. Even when the world tells us otherwise, we know that nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) He is always in complete control, working all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And nothing happens to us without His say so. We can trust in Him to guide and protect us. And because of His great love, we can rely on the Lord to provide for all our needs. 

We are also to lead lives that are telling the history of God’s lovingkindness. One of my favorite quotes says that we may be the only Bible someone reads. And since our hope comes from God’s Word, (Rom. 15:4) part of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ includes sharing the rich history of the Bible. Because there is no greater story of love than how God chose and redeemed His people. And how that redemption is available to all. 

And finally we are to lead lives that are sharing God’s lovingkindness. God’s love isn’t to be kept hidden away in a secret place in our hearts, reserved for us alone. Instead it is to be on full display for all to see. For we are commanded to love others as God loves us. (John 15:12) And nowhere is God’s love greater exampled than when what we what say, how we live, and how we care for others lines up with the way the Lord does. 

David was quite the poet. And this Psalm is no exception. It’s full of hope and comfort to a lost and hurting world. For it contains the blessed promise that God's love and mercy remain steadfast. Demonstrated most of all through His Son, Jesus Christ, who shed His precious blood to provide eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Pause and Reflect - 

In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust God? How can I work on developing a deeper sense of trust and reliance on him? How does remembering the history of God's faithfulness in the Bible strengthen my faith and encourage me in my walk with God?

Lets Pray Together -

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we come to you with hearts full of gratitude and praise. We thank you for your steadfast love that endures forever, and for all the ways in which you have blessed us throughout our lives. Father help us to trust in you, even in times of trouble or uncertainty. Strengthen our faith and help us to rely on your guidance and protection. And Father we also pray for unity and community among your people. Help us to recognize that we all share in your love and grace, and to work towards building relationships that reflect your goodness and love. 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 126, 2 Samuel 5:17-25

Easter is one of my favorite times of year. Because it’s a season of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While equally joyous Jews, celebrate the wonderful feast of Passover, thanking God for their freedom from Egypt. Both celebrations are rooted in joy and gratitude. Psalm 126 is also rooted in joy and gratitude. And contains some lessons we can reflect on as we commemorate this most holy holiday.

Gratitude for deliverance - “The Lord has done great things for us.” Even though the Israelites remembered the pain and sorrow of their captivity, they could now laugh and sing. Because they knew it was the Lord who brought them out of slavery and restored their fortunes. We too should be filled with gratitude for the good things in our lives and the ways God has delivered us from past troubles.

Perseverance in difficult times - “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.” Because of all they endured, Israel went through a period of weeping and sowing in tears. But their perseverance ultimately led to a period of joyful harvest. Difficult times will come for us all. But if we remain steadfast and persevere, God will take the seeds of our tears and make them blossom into enormous joy. 

Trust in God's promises - “He who goes to and fro weeping shall indeed come again with a shout of joy.” Even as they were forced into captivity, the Israelites never gave up hope that God would fulfill His promise to one day restore them to their land. And had faith in His ability to continue to bless them in the future. We too can trust and have faith that as our heavenly Father, God will always provide for the needs of His children.

As we head into Holy Week, and follow the footsteps of Jesus to the Cross, Psalm 126 encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even in difficult times. Our present struggles are not the end of the story, and God can bring beauty and joy out of even the darkest situations. All we need to do is sow seeds of faithfulness, even when it involves hardship, and trust in God's promises of restoration and redemption.

Pause and Reflect - 

In the midst of troubles do you live in fear and worry, or do you find comfort remembering the times God has delivered you in the past? What are some situations in which we might find ourselves "sowing in tears" and hoping for a “bountiful harvest?”

Lets Pray Together -

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we come before You with grateful hearts. We thank You for Your faithfulness and the joy that comes with the restoration of what was once lost. Father we ask that You bring that same joy and restoration to our lives. Whether we are in a season of captivity or simply feeling lost and discouraged, we know that You are a God of redemption.  Help us to trust in Your plan for our lives, knowing that you work all things for good. May we be a people who sow seeds of faith and obedience, even in difficult times. And as we wait for the harvest, may we continue to trust in Your unfailing love and provision. 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

Of the seven annual Jewish Feasts, three included festivals requiring the people to make a trek to the temple. And as Jerusalem sat upon a high hill, Jewish pilgrims sang beautiful songs of praise and worship as they climbed the road to the city. Psalm 121 is such a song. One the people sang with joy as they remembered all the times they cried out in despair, and how every time their help came from the Lord. For our God is always awake and watching over His people with infinite care.

Although we aren’t required to travel to Jerusalem, we too are on a trek. For until we are called home to heaven, we are to walk this earth on the path chosen for us by God. And whatever path that is we can have confidence that as His beloved children, our Father will never let our feet be moved. He is the mighty Keeper of our souls. Protector and Sustainer of His people. And as such, night and day, coming and going, God will keep us secure and steadfast. Always helping, guiding, and providing. 

Each of us has a calling. One unique to us alone. And with threats coming at us from all sides, following that calling can be difficult and dangerous. But God never asks us to go it alone. Minute by minute the Lord is watching and protecting us from all evil. And as our source of strength and security, we can look to Him for help from each adversity. This isn’t to say that life will be easier. But it is to say that no matter what we face, we won’t face it alone. For God promises to sustain us through every challenge.

We can’t protect ourselves from all of life’s dangers. And often we needlessly suffer from fear because we’re looking everywhere for help, except to the One who can. God loves us beyond measure. He offers us eternal care and protection. All we need to do is trust in Him and accept His help. And when our dependence is completely on God, we can experience a sense of peace and security even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Resting secure knowing our Father will never let us falter. 

Pause and Reflect -

Are you trusting in God's care and protection, or do you rely on your own strength? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust in the Lord, even in the face of uncertainty and danger?

Let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Oh Father we stand in awe over Your great power and protection of Your people. And we thank You for always watching over us. Lord we confess that at times we feel overwhelmed and uncertain, but are comforted by the help that You alone provide. For Father we trust that You will keep our feet from slipping. And that You will be our ever-present help in times of trouble. Father give us the courage to face the challenges before us, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. And may we always look to You as our source of strength and security. 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 116, 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

One of the most well known passages in the Bible is Psalm 23. Often read at funerals, it tells of the lovingkindness, mercy, and goodness of the Lord, bringing comfort to those who are left behind. But just as comforting is Psalm 116. For it too speaks of the lovingkindness, mercy and goodness of God. And expresses just how valuable His children are. Not only in life, but especially in death. For as much as we love the Lord, He loves us even more. And all who belong to Him are so very precious in His sight. 

There is no other pain like the loss of a loved one. It cuts deep, leaving behind a gaping hole of sorrow and emptiness. Yet as much as it hurts to lose the ones we love, we are grateful for the glory awaiting those who love the Lord. Death is just as much a double edged sword for God. Because as our Heavenly Father He grieves at our pain and mourning. Yet at the same time He rejoices greatly at His precious child coming home. 

Once we were like the Psalmist. Enemies of God and eternally separated from Him, “The cords of death encompassed me and the terror of Sheol came upon me. I found distress and sorrow.” But because of God’s righteous compassion, also like the Psalmist, through the name of Lord we have rescue, restoration, and life. Our souls can rest knowing that Jesus forever conquered the sting of death. And He lovingly offers the cup of salvation to all who will drink. 

As believers we know that death is not end. But rather the beginning of a glorious eternal life spent in the presence of God. It’s a natural part of the cycle of life and the wonderful opportunity to be reunited with God. One day, the Lord will call us home. And never again will our eyes shed a tear. Nor will our feet ever stumble. With our new glorified bodies, we will dwell in the house of the Lord. And together with God we will reign forever in perfect love and peace. 

Pause and Reflect -

How can I live my life in a way that honors God and reflects my faithfulness to Him? In what ways can I trust God's plan for my life, including my eventual death? How can I support and encourage others who may be facing death or grieving the loss of a loved one?

Let’s pray together - 

Our dearest Father heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we thank You for the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. And in the comfort of knowing that our death is precious in your sight. Lord help us to live our lives in a way that is faithful and pleasing to You, so that we may be counted among your faithful servants. Give us strength and courage to face death with hope and confidence knowing that it is not the end, but rather a transition to a new and glorious life with You. Father comfort those who are grieving. May they find hope and peace in Your promises, and may they feel Your loving presence surrounding them in their time of sorrow. 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 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 106, Ephesians 2:10, 1 John 2:28-29

Comedian Flip Wilson was famous for always using the phrase, “The Devil made me do it!” And he isn’t the first. After eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, Eve too tried to lay the blame squarely at the feet of Satan. But that excuse didn’t work for her, and it won’t work for us either. Now that’s not to say the Devil isn’t responsible for tempting us to disobey God. But we alone are ultimately responsible for the choices we make.

Disobedience to God refers to the act of deliberately disregarding God's commands or instructions. And far from out of our control, not obeying the Lord is a deliberate choice we make to act contrary to what God has revealed to be true, good, and right. Throughout history the Lord’s people acting in disobedience has been a recurring problem. From the fall of man, the rebellion of the Israelites in the wilderness, the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders of His time, to the sin we each commit daily.

Sadly, the consequences of disobedience to God can be severe, both in the present and in the eternal sense. Disobedience can lead to spiritual and moral decay, broken relationships, and harmful consequences both for ourselves and others. Worse yet, it can also result in the loss of God's favor and blessings. But thankfully, our God is one of unending grace and mercy. And despite our times of faithlessness, God will forever be faithful in forgiving His people and delivering them from their enemies.

Although God may allow us to face the consequences of our disobedience, when we come before Him in true sorrow for our sins, our Father will never turn us away. For the Lord generously offers His forgiveness and restoration to those who acknowledge their disobedience, repent from their wickedness and seek His forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. One of the most wonderful gifts God gives us is free will. Which means it might be easy to blame the Devil, but we are each responsible for our own actions, good and bad.

Pause and Reflect - 

Ingratitude and grumbling are the habitual sins committed by Israel. Do you have these in your own life? Why are these habits so destructive?

It was temptations that drew Israel away from her faith in God. What concrete action could you take to prevent the temptations of the world from interfering with your commitment to God?

Let’s Pray Together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we are reminded of the ways in which Your people have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. And we confess that we too have sinned against You and ask for Your forgiveness. Lord, we thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness, even in the face of our disobedience. And we praise You for Your mercy and compassion, which are new every morning. Father help us to learn from the mistakes of the past and to follow you more faithfully in the present. May we be a people who seek to obey your commands and live according to your will. 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 96, Hebrews 3:7-11

Growing up I remember listening to America’s Top 40 with Casey Kasem. Each week I was excited to hear who held the coveted spot of the new number one song. And each week we too have a new song to sing. One of praise and worship to the Lord for His blessings, glory, and gift of salvation. Because His goodness and mercy are new each morning. (Lam. 3:23) And in our daily Christian walk, when we look, much is the evidence of Him lovingly, working in our lives daily. So how can we help but sing, “great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.” (Ps. 96:4)

Each day God is busy doing something new. He’s building up, tearing down, blessing, intervening, answering prayers, working miracles, and saving souls. For as He says in Isaiah, “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise from the end of the earth. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”  (Is. 42:9-10, 43:18-19)

The “new song” we sing comes from when we experience God in a new way. I love how gotquestions.org puts it. “A new song springs forth unrehearsed from the heart of a worshiper who has been struck anew with wonder at the greatness of God and the salvation He has provided. When we see the mighty hand of God working in a way we’ve never observed before, we can’t help but burst forth with a song we’ve never sung before.” Every day the Lord never ceases to amaze me. Because just when I think I know all there is know about Him, He overwhelms my heart with something new! 

All of creation cries out in worship to God’s glory, splendor, and majesty. The heavens, earth, sea, fields, and even the trees, sing to the Lord a new song. For one day God will restore everything His hands have made to its original perfection. From the beginning, God has had His master plan in motion. And with the birth of Jesus Christ, that plan was made real before all mankind. In His amazing love, God planned to once and for all destroy evil and reconcile everything back to Himself, our great Creator. And one day soon, all will sing a new song praising and giving glory to Him alone! 

Pause and Reflect -

In this Psalm we are encouraged to sing to the Lord. What songs do you most enjoy singing to the Lord? Why do you like singing those? Why is the Lord worthy of our praise? What changes in nature are you most eager to see when the Lord reigns over all the earth?

Finally, let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the wonder that You have done in our lives. And we pray that our lives in thought, word, and deed, may be a song of praise to You, and the goodness of Your grace. Father may we declare Your glory, not only among those who know You, but also among those who do not. For You have sent us into this world to bring the good news of Your marvelous works, most of all Your salvation through Jesus Christ. And we thank You for the newness of Your goodness and mercy each morning. 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.

Psalm 91, James 1:11

We have two red maple trees in our front yard. Not just beautiful to look at, they provide a strong fortress for all who dwell within their thick leaves and branches. And on a hot August afternoon, the cooling shade they offer is a blessing of refuge for all who rest in their shadows. When the temperature of life gets too hot to handle and we’re in desperate need of relief, we too have a shadow to run to. A place of comfort where we can rest and shelter in safety. The shadow of Almighty God.

This world is full of troubles. And sadly many seek shelter through alcohol, drugs, food, relationships, or money. But these worldly sanctuaries are nothing more than paper houses that blow away with the first wind of danger. It is only when we abide in God will we find a fortress so secure, no evil can penetrate it. For He is our perfect security and refuge. His faithfulness is an impenetrable wall and our shield against all enemies. And in His presence alone can we dwell in perfect safety.

This beautiful assurance we have from God isn’t  because we are good and deserve it, but because He is. And from that goodness the Lord promises to answer every plea, every call, and every cry. He will never forsake nor abandon us. Nor will He fall short or fail to show up. He alone is worthy of our complete trust. The Lord loves us so much, He sends His angels to guard and protect us. And because of our love for Him, in times of trouble God will not only rescue us, but set us securely in a high place of honor.

As Valentines Day approaches and love is the focus, there is no greater love to be celebrated than the one God has for us all. Even though we don’t deserve it, each day our Lord showers us with His grace, love, and blessings. Not because we are especially lovable, but because God is love! And it is in that great love where He demonstrates daily His amazing lovingkindness, and truth. If not for His example, we would never know what a true perfect love looks like! 

Pause and Reflect -

What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High? In what way is God your refuge? What difficulties are you facing now that you can trust God to help you with? What will you do differently in the face of these difficulties if you are trusting in God?

Let’s Pray Together - 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we thank you that no matter what circumstances invade our lives, there is no evil or harm that the Enemy can inflict except as You permit for our good and Your glory. We thank You that as Your children our times are in Your hands. And we pray that we may draw closer to You, day by day, and abide under the shadow of your protective wings of love. Father help us to live a life of faith and trust in You as our Refuge, our Fortress and the God in Whom we trust implicitly. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

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

💖 Lisa