Daily Wisdom for Women 2015 Devotional Collection

by Barbour Books (Compiled by)

Overview

Experience an intimate connection to your heavenly Father with the Daily Wisdom for Women devotional collection. Featuring a powerful devotional reading and prayer for every day of 2015, this beautiful volume provides inspiration and encouragement for your soul. Enhance your spiritual journey with the refreshing readings—and come to know just how deeply and tenderly God loves you.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630586225
Publisher:	Barbour Publishing, Incorporated
Publication date:	10/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	384
File size:	1 MB

Read an Excerpt

Daily Wisdom for Women

2015 Devotional Collection

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By Barbour Publishing

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Copyright © 2014 Barbour Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-63058-622-5

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CHAPTER 1

Thursday, January 1 New Year s Day

Only One Thing

One thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. Philippians 3:13–14 AMP

The start of a new year is filled with anticipation of what is ahead—a sense of getting to start over, make a fresh start—and with relief that some things are best left behind. Some make resolutions, only to break them within a few days or hours. Some set goals, both realistic and unrealistic. Many stay up New Year's Eve in order to welcome in the New Year; others value their sleep more and really couldn't care less.

Luke records a story in his Gospel illustrating our need to resolve to do only one thing. Jesus and His disciples came to Bethany and were invited to stay with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. When Martha came to Jesus, complaining that her sister Mary wasn't helping her, Jesus spoke to her in loving concern: "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42 NLT).

Maintaining a close relationship with the Savior is the only goal Paul would set. He wasn't perfect at it, but he singlemindedly pursued it. And he encourages us to do so today. Life is much simpler when we choose to pursue only one thing—the race before us. Don't look back.

Heavenly Father, keep our eyes on the goal, forgetting the successes and failures of this past year.

Friday, January 2

Run with Endurance

Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1–2 NLT

Running was the first and, for many years, the only event of the ancient Olympic games. So it is no wonder that the New Testament writers use the metaphor to describe the Christian life. The first races were two-hundred-yard sprints. These gradually increased in length as the Olympic games continued to develop. The modern marathon commemorates the legendary run made by a Greek soldier named Pheidippides, who ran from the battlefield outside Marathon, Greece, to Athens to proclaim a single word: victory! Then he collapsed and died.

The Christian race lasts a lifetime, with Christ Jesus as our goal, the prize that awaits us at the finish line in heaven. It can't be run all-out as a sprint or no one would last the course. Though there was one race in the ancient games where the runners wore full armor, most of the time the ancient runners ran naked, stripping away anything that would slow them down. Obviously the writer of Hebrews was familiar with the ancient sport of running when he advised believers to run with endurance the race God set before them.

Father; as we run the race You set before us this year, let us run with endurance, not allowing anything to distract us from the goal of Christ- likeness.

Saturday, January 3

Life Is Short

Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise. Psalm 90:12 NCV

A pastor tried to illustrate the brevity of life to his congregation. "Think of a straight line stretching into infinity on either end. Anywhere on the line, place a dot, smaller than a pinprick. That is your life, your 'threescore and ten' years Moses spoke of."

James describes our life as "a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away" (4:14 KJV). In reality, given our finite minds trying to wrap around an infinite concept, these examples don't really come close to describing the brevity of life. But in spite of that, God does have a purpose for each one of us, a purpose He designed uniquely for each individual.

As a new year stretches ahead, many tend to procrastinate, thinking that time stretches into enough time to accomplish their goals and still "enjoy life." But Moses likens our lives to grass that springs up fresh in the morning, but by evening it dries up and dies (Psalm 90:5–6). What seems a long time to us is really very little in the eyes of an eternal God. No wonder Moses' prayer was for wisdom to live a fulfilling and purposeful life in the brief time allotted to mankind. We would be wise to make this a daily prayer as we walk forward.

Father, teach us to number our days, to live each day with purpose and wisdom as You lead us to fulfill Your purposes through us.

Sunday, January 4

Singing a New Song

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 NLT

For many, the New Year is a good time to reflect on the events of the past year, to review what God has done, to praise Him for deliverance and safety, and to thank Him for His provision—both individually and corporately. Some of the social networks online have software that will look at the posts and pictures an individual has made and put together a year in review, hitting the highlights and major events. But those "reviews" don't always pick up on the praise and thanksgiving to God that should result from such an accounting.

Take a moment to reflect on all that God has done in the previous months. Then proclaim the works of the Lord, be amazed at His outpouring of love, grace, and mercy. Break out in song, spontaneous and free. Praise God in hymns, praise songs, and scripture songs. Even those who can't "carry a tune in a bucket," as the saying goes, can praise God with a joyful noise. If God's people don't proclaim the glorious works of their God, how can they expect the world to ever have a right view of Him? Sing a new song of praise to God for His many and varied works, and renew your trust in Him for the new year ahead.

Father, thank You for the new song of praise You have placed in my heart.

Monday, January 5

Courage!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV

Israel was on the verge of a new era in the life of their nation. Forty years before, God had delivered them from their fourhundred-year slavery to the Egyptian pharaohs. But when given the opportunity to enter the Promised Land, they instead saw the giants in the land and wouldn't trust God to give them the land in spite of the obstacles. Only Caleb and Joshua had the faith to believe God.

Now, after forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Joshua is tasked with the job of leading the children of those naysayers to take the land God promised long ago to Abraham. It's interesting to note that between Moses' charge and God's direct communication to the new leader, Joshua is told to "be strong and courageous" no less than seven times (Deuteronomy 31:6–7, 23; Joshua 1:6–7, 9, 18). And no wonder. Joshua faced a task that would be impossible to accomplish without God's help.

The challenges of a new year may seem impossible. Some may be old, familiar hurdles or battles; others may be hidden from view right now. Whatever is ahead, take courage from these promises given to Joshua and claim them for whatever lies ahead. "Be strong and courageous ... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Father, thank You for the promises of Your Word that You are always with us. We never need to face anything without Your presence and constant help.

Tuesday, January 6

Be Strong

Be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold. Nehemiah 8:10 AMP

Nehemiah, Ezra, and other religious and civil leaders of their day had been given the job of leading the Jews back to Jerusalem after seventy years of exile. It hadn't been easy work for those who had made the long journey. Solomon's beautiful temple had been destroyed, and the attempts to rebuild it had resulted in something very inferior to what they remembered. Rebuilding the walls and reestablishing their homes were tasks made more difficult when they only had one hand with which to build. They held weapons in their other hand in order to defend their right to live in the land. At one point the work of rebuilding was stopped after their enemies wrote a letter to the Persian king pointing out the unsuitability of the Jews to live out from under the immediate control of their captors.

Now the work was done, and the people wanted to hear what the Law of God said so they could avoid making the same mistakes again. All the Jews in the land came to Jerusalem and listened as Ezra read from the Law and Levites explained what they were hearing. The renewed understanding of God's Word caused them to weep. Finally Nehemiah stood before the people he now governed and begged them not to be grieved and depressed. God was pleased with their desire to do what He commanded. It was a day for rejoicing for they were back in the land.

Father; joy gives us strength to do Your will. Let us find our joy in You today.

Wednesday, January 7

Well-Watered Gardens

"The LORD will always lead you. He will satisfy your needs in dry lands and give strength to your bones. You will be like a garden that has much water, like a spring that never runs dry." Isaiah 58:11 NCV

Exhausted and weary to the bone, the writer walked into the prayer time barely able to summon any pleasure in the proceedings. The previous year had been grueling, and while she still clung to her faith in Jesus Christ, she had very little strength left. Empty and dry, she could barely make it through the motions of living. She came to the prayer room from a meeting with her agent, who had refused to drop her as a client. Frustrated at her lack of purpose and unable to write out of her desert-like existence, she sat facing the friend who had agreed to pray for her.

Soon after prayer began, the dam holding her emotions hostage broke deep within.

Tears flowed, and the Lord poured assurance after promise after confirmation over her head in the form of more life-giving water. God wasn't done with her yet. Hope pushed through the dry soil, turning lush and green in the showers of life-giving water.

Two months later she stared in amazement at Isaiah 58:11. Almost word for word, the verse matched what her friend had prayed, proving once again that God's Word is living and powerful.

Thank You so much, Father, for sending Your Holy Spirit to wash us with the water of Your unchanging Word and to refresh us in the showers of blessings and mercies that are new every morning.

Thursday, January 8

Confident Peace

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33 AMP

The apostle Paul called the peace Jesus spoke of in this passage incomprehensible, not easy to comprehend or understand with our finite minds (Philippians 4:7). Part of the armor of God that Paul later describes in Ephesians 6 is the footwear, the sandals—the gospel of peace. God has much to say about peace in the Bible. A quiet spirit, a peaceful spirit, is what God desires for each of His children. Yet worry in the midst of our busyness is much more common.

The scriptures tell us all we need to know in order to live a life of peace, of contentment, free from the worry and distraction of the world. Replacing the worry-thoughts with things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8) will make room for the peace from God that transcends human understanding. Jesus gives it freely to all who desire to follow His example. Claim it today.

Father, as I take every thought captive to the glory of Jesus Christ, help me to think on the things Paul listed in Philippians. May Your peace reign in my heart and life today.

Friday, January 9

Thirsting for God

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Psalm 63:1–2 NLT

David wrote many of the psalms in the middle of difficult times. Biblical scholars believe this one was written when David fled Jerusalem when his son Absalom took the throne from him. Even in the midst of David's breaking heart, he sought the Lord with a deep, soul-parched thirst. He was the deer being hunted by his son; he was the one longing to be filled, to be completely satisfied through the only source who truly satisfies.

Many years later, Jesus said, "God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6 NLT). The thirst Jesus describes is the same thirst David spoke of. Charles Spurgeon, a nineteenth- century pastor in London, explained it this way in his Treasury of David: This thirst is "the cry of a man far removed from the outward ordinances and worship of God, sighing for the long loved house of his God; and at the same time it is the voice of a spiritual believer, under depressions, longing for the renewal of the divine presence, struggling with doubts and fears, but yet holding his ground by faith in the living God."

Father, I, too, thirst for You in the dryness of my soul. Thank You for Jesus who alone is able to satisfy this thirst.

Saturday, January 10

Perfect Rest

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 AMP

One day the crowds pushed against Jesus as He taught. So instead of allowing them to push Him into the deeper waters of the Sea of Galilee lapping at His feet, He got into one of the fishing vessels His disciples owned. When the evening came, He asked His disciples to take Him to the other side of the lake. So they did. While the majority of the crowd couldn't follow Him, a few did who had boats.

Jesus, tired from the day's teaching, healing, and casting out demons, went to the back of the boat and fell asleep. Even when a severe storm blew up, He slept on. Finally, afraid the huge waves would swamp the ship, the disciples woke Jesus with their shouting: "Teacher, don't You care that we're going to drown?" Jesus woke, heard the disciples' fear, and rebuked the wind and waves, and they instantly calmed. This is the kind of rest the Lord desires to give to His children when He said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened."

When we go to Him for rest, He eases, relieves, and refreshes our souls. He gives the best kind of refreshment we could ever wish for.

Father, please remove the burden that weighs me down and give the rest that eases, relieves, and refreshes my soul.

Sunday, January 11

Trust God

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 AMP

Many people make resolutions at the beginning of a new year ... only to break them before the month is complete. Others set goals, then lay out detailed plans to accomplish them. In fact, January sees a plethora of self-help courses, webinars, blog posts, and other venues that emphasize how goals and/or resolutions will lead to success if we can manage not to break them or throw out the goals. There's nothing wrong with these things, except too many times we forget to include God in our plans.

In the first chapter of Joshua we read of God's charge to Joshua after Moses was dead. It was time to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. God tells Joshua the secret to success: "Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything" (Joshua 1:7–8 NCV).

Solomon writes that we are to roll all our plans and goals onto the Lord. If they are in accordance with God's plan, then He will establish our plans and help us make them reality.

Father, I commit my plans to You today.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Daily Wisdom for Women by Barbour Publishing. Copyright © 2014 Barbour Publishing, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction,
January 1,
February 1,
March 1,
April 1,
May 1,
June 1,
July 1,
August 1,
September 1,
October 1,
November 1,
December 1,
Contributors,
Scripture Index,