In His Likeness

By Brigitte Straub on March 6th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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“This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.” Genesis 5:1

The most fascinating and transforming reality is that we were made in the very likeness of God. Just to meditate on that for but a mere moment should bring us into such awe of God, our Creator, and also, our Father. It should draw us closer to Him and impact us to such a degree that we burn with a passion to change in order to represent Him for who He is. I truly believe that this is foundational for us to live our lives in fullness and in completion.

The image of God is stamped on us.

Colossians 3:10 says … “and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.”

We are sons and daughters of the Living God! We must allow this to seep deep within us and take root so that everything we do comes out of this core truth. Satan has tried hard to keep us from understanding and realizing where our identity lies and who we really are. One way to prevent this from happening is by understanding the concept of living in God, and allowing Him to come into every part our being.

Jesus had an incredible intimacy with His Father. Oneness is what He had. Oneness is what He prayed for. He spoke about how the Father was in Him and He was in the Father. He prayed that we would likewise be in Him, and Him in us. Jesus knew His Father, and we must come to know Him, for out of knowing Him, we will awaken to who we are.

Galations 4:7 says: “So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if you are a child, then you are also an heir because of what God did.” Jesus said something similar in John 15:14-15, when He said that we are His friends and no longer servants because a servant does not know what his master is doing; but He makes known to us everything He has heard from His Father.

Why did He say this? Because He wanted us to know, that what we have available to us is to come into the presence of God, know Him personally; His thoughts and His ways. This is the lifestyle Jesus had and wanted to make sure we knew we could have this as well.

May we enter into God and allow Him to indwell us. May our lives reveal Him and Him alone as we walk this life releasing the presence of God.

Heavenly Father, thank you that we are your children and that we are in your family. Thank you that Your thoughts are made known to us by Your Spirit, and may you fill us more with Yourself and Who You are in Your fullness. We love You, Your will and Your ways. Bring us into a deeper understanding that we are Your children and can come to You as Abba and know You more deeply and personally in this way.

Questions: What does it mean (or what is the significance of) being made “in God’s image”?

About this Author: Brigitte Straub

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The Blessings of Our Inadequacy, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

God Sees and Sends

By Marilyn Ehle on March 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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Are you waiting for God but he doesn’t seem to be answering? Try out online interactive study “Why Doesn’t God Answer my Prayer?“

“I have indeed seen the misery of my people…I have heard them crying out…I am concerned about their suffering … So now, go! I am sending you …” Exodus 3:7-10

“And God spoke with Moses face-to-face, as neighbors speak to one another… “ Exodus 33:11 (The Message)

It is far easier to ask God to end sorrow and suffering than it is to agree to be His instrument in the process. Have you heard any of the following reasons people give to rationalize their non-involvement in what could be called the down-and-dirty aspects of service to others? “I’m too old (or young!)” “I wouldn’t know what to say to people like that.” “I give money. Isn’t that enough?” “It’s time for others to work.” “I’m not smart/rich/talented/educated enough.”

Moses, too, gave God good reasons why he could not possibly be a chosen instrument. In fact, his reasons sound much more rational than those noted above. First, he wanted to be sure exactly who was sending him. He asked God to more clearly describe himself. God responded with words that resound through the ages: “I AM WHO I AM.” Then Moses made what seems like a perfectly adequate and realistic comment: “I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech.” Some surmise that Moses was a stutterer, but whatever the weakness, he apparently did not have what he thought to be necessary skills to speak to a powerful king.

We can understand Moses’ hesitance—his obedience was to be unutterably costly. When he finally agreed to be used of God as an instrument, he was granted the remarkable privilege of speaking face to face with God. God is waiting for His followers to be similar instruments in a weary, pain-laden, starving world. Perhaps some of us will only hear God speaking as a neighbor when we agree to be sent.

Father, I don’t want to miss out on your purposes but I admit that I am often fearful. I hesitate to act because I’m not sure about the future. ‘I believe, but help my unbelief.’

Questions: How has God sent you into the world recently? What did you learn about God from the experience?

About this Author: Marilyn J. Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, We Serve God By Serving Others, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Changed by the Spirit

By Gail Rodgers on March 3rd, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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There are places and times when we feel we need extra wisdom, insight, guidance and strength. We long for understanding in situations that seem confusing. We need revelation when truth is being hidden or skewed.

God provides all these things to His children through the Holy Spirit. Paul the apostle, prayed for believers to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so they could know God better.

This prayer is still for us today. It reflects what is available to believers … to you and me.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you
• may know the hope to which he has called you,
• the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and
• his incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Ephesians 1:17-20)

Why do we allow ourselves to live in confusion and even chaos when we can be equipped by the Holy Spirit of God? Do we miss the wisdom and revelation we can have from God because we drown out that quiet voice of the Spirit by our busy lives? In so doing we are actually choosing the chaos and confusion. Think about it. This is not God’s plan for you. Know He wants to equip you to walk in wisdom, revelation, strength and power right where you are. He wants you to know Him better.

Think of one area where you are experiencing perplexity, confusion or chaos and invite God right now to begin to show You His wisdom in this situation.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you that Your Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. Thank you that Your Spirit will lead me to know You better. Fill my spirit afresh today with the wisdom and revelation, the strength and comfort I need to walk in the areas that perplex me. Quiet my heart to hear Your Spirit specifically in (name your own perplexing circumstance) . Thank you that You equip me by Your Spirit. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, amen.

Questions: How do we sometimes “miss the wisdom and revelation we can have from God”? How can freshly we seek God’s wisdom and revelation?

About this Author: Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Blessed are the Peacemakers, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

One Another

By Suzanne Benner on March 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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Is the body of Christ an abstract concept to you?

We are not simply individuals; we are part of a group, a group that is to be characterized by loving interactions.

The Bible is loaded with instructions on how Christians should respond to each other. These “one another” statements form the framework for the body of Christ:

Love one another (John 13:34)

Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)

Live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:16)

Accept one another (Romans 15:7)

Agree with one another (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)

Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. (Colossians 3:13)

Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Offer hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)

The body of Christ is a place of acceptance, service and love. It is a community full of compassion, encouragement and harmony; a group devoted to humility, forgiveness and unity.

How is such a community developed? One “one another” at a time.

Imagine the impact our lives would have if we focused on practicing a different “one another” each day or the same one for a whole week. What would happen if in the midst of an argument or an interaction with an irritating person, we paused to ask ourselves which “one another” we should be exercising at that moment?

I believe that not only would we be changed, but so would those around us. The body of Christ would be an attractive and transforming agent in our world.

God, I want to live how You have called me to live. Help me begin treating all believers with love, compassion and forgiveness. Show me how to humbly serve those around me.

Questions: Which “one another” do you need to exercise today? Why is God so concerned about how we treat one another?

About this Author: Suzanne Benner

Daily audio podcast: Hear today’s daily devotional One Another read aloud, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Pursuing God

By Gail Rodgers on March 5th, 2009 at 12:01 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

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Go deeper in your faith and pursuit of God by talking with an online mentor.

The demands of life can become front and center in our lives. It is easy to postpone quiet times with God. Will Bruce, in Guidelines for Praying for Your Pastor states, “life’s pressures will always result in spiritual decline unless one is careful to maintain a close walk with the Lord.”

We all experience that decline from time to time as pressures mount in our individual lives. It is because we know this happens that we strive to encourage and build each other up.

God makes a promise:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

What do you need to do today to actively choose your relationship with Jesus over the many important and busy tasks that call for your attention? He longs to bring that freshness to your soul! Make a choice to become active in pursuing God.

• Actively choose to spend time in His presence
• expose yourself to music that inspires
• turn off the TV and read something that will feed your spirit
• invite Him into every decision
• ask Him which fruit of the Spirit He wants to cultivate in your life today
• pray in a quiet place and not just on the run
• listen for His voice
• read his Word and to ask Him to teach you.

He will be true to His promise! He will come near and refresh your soul.

Father God,
Thank you for each woman You have brought to this site today. Give each one a fresh desire to pursue You. Grant them insight, wisdom and revelation from Your word as they take the time to be refreshed in Your presence. Bless them today in the powerful name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Questions: In which ways do you feel comfortable drawing near to God? Reading? Serving? Singing? Quiet contemplation? And which ways do you find uncomfortable?

About this Author: Gail Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Prayer to Put on the Armor of God

By Gail Rodgers on February 24th, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

Are daily battles of life overwhelming you? Too much stress? Take this Study to help you.

Paul uses the symbolism of the Christian as a soldier who engages daily in the battle with evil. The armor of the soldier is given as the protection in battle.

As Christians, we need to remember that we can have this protection daily as we face the various challenges of our lives. Each morning you can pray through the symbolic pieces of armor and invite the specific help of the Holy Spirit, who the Lord said He would send to be your help and your comforter and your strength.

Prayer to action this in my life from Ephesians 6:10-18:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand…

“Stand firm then with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist,

(Lord, please give me understanding of what is true and right in every situation I walk into today

“With the Breastplate of Righteousness in place,

(Lord, I thank you that I am loved by You and that You have washed my sin away and covered my doubt)

“and with Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace.

(Lord, remind me today to be open to what You want me to do, use my hands and feet and show me people You would have me do something for today)

“In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

(Lord, I thank you that by faith in Your power I can be protected from temptation and wrong desires today. Guide me and protect me. Keep me from temptation and increase my faith in You)

“Take up the Helmet of Salvation

(Lord, I celebrate the fact that I am Your child!)

“and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

(Lord, give me the desire to read your Word. Help me not to just read it but to obey it as well.)

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

(Lord, guide my day and gently remind me to bring my problems of the day to You as they arise)

“With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

(Lord, keep me alert and focused on You today for You are my hope!). Amen

Questions: Tell us about a time when you neglected to put on the armor of God? How can one know what it is that God desires us to do? What can you do to help you in your daily battle with evil?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Loving & Letting Go

Loving and Letting Go

By Charlene Friesen on February 23rd, 2009 at 2:00 am in Devotional, Devotional For Women

Are you hurting from the pain of losing a child to the distractions offered by the world? We care and want to pray for you.

“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man. The Lord delights in those who fear him; who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:10-1).

I am a mother, a wife and a daughter. At times I am a counselor, a listening ear, or a cheerleader. Most importantly, however, I am a prayer warrior who chooses to battle on her knees.

Praying on bended knee is an act of stillness, of submission and trust, for no amount of running interference, offering advice or encouragement will orchestrate the ideal situation.

My son, I was there when you wrestled with polynomials. Shaking your fists in the air, vowing never to take a math related job, I suppressed a smile. Good luck, for math is all encompassing.

My son, I wasn’t there the moment you cracked the code of math. But I was there for future “aha” moments that boosted your confidence.

Mom, I was there when you struggled with the emotional effects of cancer, succumbing to depression and quarreling with the one who stood by your side for forty-two years.

Mom, I wasn’t there when you and dad finally agreed to work as a team, but I was there to witness the respect, trust and love that was forty-two years in the making.

My cherished husband, I was there when your faith seemed to lose its edge. The zealousness diminished somewhat and the hunger seemed to abate. My heart ached as you wandered this journey alone, restless. I could not fill that void.

My cherished husband, I wasn’t there the day you met the “iron man.” This new friend, a man with solid Christian values, was divinely appointed to cross your path. He is not only an encourager, but has also been encouraged by you. Your friendship is the essence of “iron sharpens iron.”

My youngest son, I was there when you confided of fair weather friends and endured the taunting of those so-called friends because they didn’t have the courage to stand on their own two feet.

My youngest son, I wasn’t there the day you found a reliable, encouraging group of friends at school. But I was there to hear the tales of school fun and camaraderie.

I have trusted God for my salvation; surely I can also trust Him with my prayers for my family in their individual struggles of faith and relationships. I love them enough to let go and give them to God.

I will not always be there. But God will be.

Heavenly Father, You have called us to encourage one another and offer Godly advice. Yet may we also remember that You alone are the source and the solution. May we love enough to let go, thereby inviting You wholeheartedly to have Your Sovereign way.

Question: What or whom do you need to let go and give to God?

About the Author Charlene Friesen