FOCUS: Words to Prepare Your Mind

“God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“When we know that we are loved by God, loved beyond measure, we can dive in and take a chance.” – Sheila Walsh, Imagine Devotional Journal

PUSH: Words to Influence Your Spirit
Would you consider your love for Jesus to be ‘radical love’?

Whether you feel that your love for Jesus is radical or not, know this: Jesus is radically in love with you.

Let me tell you what radical love means. It is having an all-consuming, passionate love for God—the kind of love God has for you. Do you want this radical kind of love in your life? If you do, let me tell you how to get it.

First and foremost, if you don’t have it, you have to confess that fact. Secondly,cry out to God for it in your life. And lastly, don’t give up until you get it!

The...

If we could hear God’s voice audibly, if He were to say something personally to us, it would be wonderful to hear Him say what Habakkuk heard: “Look among the nations and watch – be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you” (Habakkuk 1:5).

All our lives we’ve been in trouble – nations rising against nations; wars and rumors of wars; people speaking of peace where there is no peace. That also describes the days of Habakkuk. God made a promise to him that we can claim as our own . . . just like we’d heard it audibly. It’s that real.

From Women of Faith Devotional Bible.  Copyright © 2003 (Thomas Nelson, Inc.)  Used by permission.

Women of Faith is a global ministry, providing digital media, resources and events to encourage and equip women to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Initiatives and programs allow women to be reached...

OBADIAH: Short And Powerful

The somewhat obscure book, written by its somewhat obscure author, is the shortest book in the Old Testament.  In only one chapter Obadiah admonishes us to not hold a grudge.  Picking up on another passage of Scripture, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” (Matt. 7:12).  Obadiah warns us to be careful.  In verse 15, he writes, “As you have done, it shall be done to you.”

As tempting as it is at times to get even when we’ve been hurt or mistreated, it never pays.  Obadiah only had one chapter to do it in, but he makes that very clear.

From Women of Faith Devotional Bible.  Copyright © 2003 (Thomas Nelson, Inc.)  Used by permission.

Women of Faith is a global ministry, providing digital media, resources and events to encourage and equip women to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Initiatives and programs allow women to...

I find that those who walked with God in the Old Testament seem far more honest than some of us today. The psalmist D0avid, for example, was brutally honest with God. The prophets poured out their hearts to God; Job railed against God. Those who were able to bring their doubts and fears, however raw, into the presence of God, and who truly wrestled with their faith, found a faith that could withstand anything.

The apostle Peter was pretty sure that whatever Jesus needed, he was the man for the job. But as he faced the greatest failure of his life, he was about to be transformed . . . into a man of faith.

Doubts unexpressed isolate us and drive us from the heart of God. God’s heart is big enough to carry whatever burden you are bearing.

Do you doubt that God loves you?

Do you doubt that He cares?

Do you doubt that He will see you through any and every circumstance?

I encourage you to bring your doubts to Him. He can be trusted with your questions.

Excerpted from A Grand New Day...

Women of Faith is a global ministry, providing digital media, resources and events to encourage and equip women to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Initiatives and programs allow women to be reached with the Word of God. Various media and events are utilized in delivering the message.  Women of Faith's Foundational Voice is Alita Reynolds 

ZECHARIAH: Words to Remember

God’s people faced a daunting task . . . rebuilding the temple.  Their resources were limited, and their motivation waned.  We can relate, as we’ve faced challenges that seem impossible.  Such was the challenge of the Israelites.  They looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and had an earnest desire to be ready.  The job however, was too difficult.

God gave Zechariah perfect words to motivate them, and in those same words we find hope for today: “This is the word of the Lord: . . . ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts” (Zech. 4:6).

There is nothing we face, nor imagine ever facing, for which these words of the Lord do not apply.  They are ours to remember every day, no matter what.

From Women of Faith Devotional Bible.  Copyright © 2003 (Thomas Nelson, Inc.)  Used by permission.

Women of Faith is a global ministry, providing...

MALACHI: The Final Prophet

God’s message to His people throughout the Old Testament is punctuated by doom and gloom.  While He consistently encouraged and imparted hope, we become painfully aware that words weren’t working. What His people could not have comprehended was that the next word He spoke to them would be the living Word, His own Son, born of the Father and one with the Father.

Malachi, the final prophet, wrote the last book in the Old Testament confronting the indifference and cynicism of His day.  There is a sense he knows all will be right, but we know what he could not have known: The next time God spoke to His people, it would be a message of grace through His only begotten Son.

From Women of Faith Devotional Bible.  Copyright © 2003 (Thomas Nelson, Inc.)  Used by permission.

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,

Sing praises to His name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, was at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be.

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;

Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

(Anonymous Dutch Hymn)

Right about now families and friends across the U.S. (and beyond) are making plans to gather together and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday (November 28). If you haven’t already, this would be a good time to start listing all the things you have to be thankful for. Write them down and post the list where you can see it. We so easily forget our blessings; it helps to have a reminder. If you...