Devotions Archives | More To Life Bible Studies for Women

In Devotions

Secret Places

July 20, 2019 2 Comments

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

A secret is concealed and classified information. When someone tells you a secret it is because they trust you with their dreams, their struggles, and their shame. And, when you share a treasured piece of your heart with someone, it reveals that you feel safe with that individual.

Trust is a foundational necessity for every healthy relationship. If you do not exhibit trust then that relationship will be shallow and will not grow closer than a chummy acquaintance.

God desires a deep relationship with you, not a “hi” and “bye” type of relationship, but a connection that will lead to mutual trust and confidence.

Do you feel weary? Are you hurting? Are there things in your life you need to bring before God? If you answer yes to any of those questions, there is a secret place for you to find peace, solitude, strength, and joy.

There is a secret place – a protected dwelling – to abide with God.

Prayer: Lord, help me abide in your presence. Take me to the secret place. I want to go higher, draw closer, and seek the depths of your spirit. I am ready to seek you so I can find you.

In Devotions

Forgotten Chapters

July 19, 2019 No Comments

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11, KJV.

Have you ever read a scripture that evokes a question that you have been trying to avoid? The above verse encourages me to think about the state-of-mind I was in when God saved me. I was a broken, confused, and lost teenager. I oftentimes forget that I did not grow up in church, because my past is far removed from me.

There are certain years of my life I have hidden under the guise of present joys and successes. I have convinced myself that some of my experiences are insignificant and useless.

However, the forgotten chapters of my life, and yours, are valuable—they are pieces of our testimony.

Searching through the debris of our past will excavate the chapters of our lives we have thrown away. But more than anything in this world, I desire to find God in the most painful moments of my life, and discover that He was there with me. If God wasn’t with me in those dark moments, then I would not be where I am now. Without Him I wouldn’t have endured, overcome, and grown.

You have an incredible story—it may be titled, “My Life: The Up’s, The Down’s, and the In-betweens,” but it is your life’s work of how you found God. It is your testimony of what God has done for you and your family. And, it is a storyline riveting with impossible situations and miraculous miracles.

Your forgotten chapters can be used as a tool to bring healing and restoration into this world. You and I can both change the trajectory of someone’s life by sharing our experiences. Together, we can share our testimony when our adversary attempts to discourage us.

Your forgotten chapters are important. Yes, some pages may be red, covered by the blood of Jesus, but that is the power of your testimony—forgiveness, deliverance, salvation, hope, legacy, and eternal life.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to share my story with the intention to edify and empower other people. I believe that there can be purpose though my pain. I desire to be an overcomer and a person who combats the enemy with the influence of my testimony, because it is through my past that I can share the power of the blood You shed for me on Calvary. Thank you, Jesus.

In Devotions

Be Anxious For Nothing

July 18, 2019 No Comments

The apostle Paul understands the lows of life’s trials and shares an encouraging word while imprisoned,

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7, NKJV.

Do you know those nights? The kind of night when tears hit your pillow as life overwhelms you or the nights you toss back and forth. Sometimes, we miss the nudge from God and think that all we need to sleep better is a comfortable position, but what we need is His peace from our anxiety.

God gives a pattern to release anxiety:

Be anxious for nothing.

This scripture doesn’t only say, “Don’t be anxious.” It says, “Don’t be anxious about one single thing.” This is easier said than done, but God wants you to know that nothing is out of His control.
But in everything by prayer and supplication.

Take everything to God in prayer. It doesn’t matter what situation you are going though right now, God cares, and He desires to hear about your fears, anxiety, and questions. A supplication is a request you petition to God—He wants to hear about the desires of your heart.
With thanksgiving.

Even if you do not see the answer yet—even if the situation you are facing has not changed—choose to thank God for hearing your prayers and for being in control. Choose to thank God for being all-powerful.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.

I have learned that perfect peace is not the result of perfect circumstances, a perfect marriage, or a perfect bank account. Perfect peace emanates from a perfect God. The peace that passes all understanding is supernatural. It is like God places you in the eye of the storm, where there is protection in the middle of an unfavorable circumstance.
Will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

You heart and your mind are the two places that the enemy attacks. However, this scripture says that God will guard the most vulnerable places of your being, so you can live above your circumstance and remove your adversary from condemning you.

When your life is being shaken, when your faith is tested, when you are grieving, there is hope. There is perfect peace that can pass your comprehension and every fear and stress has to submit to the authority of God. Whatever it is that is causing you to toss and turn at night, God is more powerful. That situation that makes you hyperventilate should not steal away your peace. You may not feel thankful for this season of life, but you can thank God for being in charge of each season.

Find a place to pray today because God desires for His people to resist the pressures of this world as He offers peace and harmony as an alternative to anxiety.

Will you join me on this journey of being anxious for nothing?

Prayer:

Lord, I’m so thankful I’m not alone during this lonely time of my life. Help me to trust you. Speak peace to my spirit. I cannot live in a state of anxiety, please help me to take everything to You in prayer. Prove to me today that you are the peacemaker and help me keep my heart and mind on You!