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    Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection
    Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection
    Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection
    Ebook779 pages7 hours

    Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection

    By Compiled by Barbour Staff

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    You Are a Woman of God. Be Blessed by Him Everyday.

    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 2018, this beautiful volume provides inspiration and encouragement for your soul. In these pages you'll find comfort, challenge, and spiritual blessing as you experience an intimate connection with the Savior all 365 days of 2018.
     
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBarbour Publishing
    Release dateOct 1, 2017
    ISBN9781683225218
    Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection
    Author

    Compiled by Barbour Staff

    Barbour Publishing is a leading Christian book publisher offering bestselling books featuring exceptional value, biblical encouragement, and the highest quality. Barbour is the home of New York Times Bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter along with well-known fiction authors Gilbert Morris, Olivia Newport, Michelle Griep and many others. If your interest is Christian Living or Bible Reference, you’ll find excellent titles by bestselling authors Josh McDowell, Jonathan McKee, Debora Coty, and Stephen M. Miller’s The Complete Guide to the Bible.   Barbour also publishes the top classic devotionals God Calling by A.J. Russell, and Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts. With inspirational Christian books available in all genres--fiction for adults and children, Bible Promise books, devotionals, Bibles, Bible reference, puzzle books, and gift books there's something for everyone to enjoy.  

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      Daily Wisdom for Women 2018 Devotional Collection - Compiled by Barbour Staff

      life.

      New Year’s Day

      MONDAY, JANUARY 1

      Delight in His Word

      Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

      PSALM 1:1-2 KJV

      That week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is always so exciting for me, Meredith said to her friend, Jan, as she poured herself a second cup of coffee. I wake up on New Year’s Day with so much anticipation for the coming year.

      Really? Jan asked, Do you feel that way every year?

      Yes. Meredith smiled. And I especially love how, as I start fresh with my Bible reading plan each year, I discover how the Word of God speaks something new to me. I have notes in my Bible from years past, but lots of times, I see something new and different.

      Wow, you read your Bible every day? I don’t, Jan admitted, though I know I should.

      Well, there are days I miss. When it happens too often, I start to feel detached. I need that connection with God every day. That time really empowers me and gives me a sense of His presence. I know I’ve come to know Him—and myself—better through reading His Word.

      Lord, I make afresh commitment to truly abide in Your Word this year. Help me read, discover, delight, and live in Your truth.

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

      A Daily Walk with God

      And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you?

      GENESIS 3:8-9 AMPC

      Are you an on-time person or are you constantly running late? Does the tardiness of others or your own put a strain your friendships? Imagine what it would be like to have an appointment with God every day. Time allotted not to do anything in particular, but simply to spend time with Him, sharing your heart in conversation and companionship.

      That must have been what it was like in those early days of Eden. How did Adam and Eve feel knowing God would come down from heaven just to spend time with them? Were they excited to see Him or did they take His presence for granted?

      You can experience God each day. He desires to spend time with you. He wants you, His child, to share your heart with Him. Are you there, waiting to hear His voice? Take the time now to walk, to abide with Him today, though prayer.

      God, forgive me for allowing the busyness of life to consume me. Remind me there is nothing more important than abiding in You.

      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

      The Delight of My Life

      The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.

      MATTHEW 3:16-17 MSG

      If you’re a parent, no doubt you’ve experienced much delight in your children. From the moment they were born, you took pleasure in being a part of their life, experiencing a relationship with them as you watched them grow.

      God the Father wanted a family. After Adam, the first son, who God created from the earth, fell to sin, there was a chasm between God and His family. Jesus came to restore that breach.

      In Matthew 3:16-17, God declared Jesus to be the delight of His life. Through Jesus, God is the loving Father of many sons and daughters today—including you (see Romans 8:29).

      Just as God delights in Jesus, He also delights in you. He does so the same way you delight in your own children.

      Rejoice that the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory (Psalm 149:4 NIV).

      Father, thank You for delighting in who I am and who You created me to be. It gives me great pleasure to know I belong to You.

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

      Peace

      In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

      PSALM 4:8 NLT

      Mommy, Christian called out as Ellen turned to leave her preschooler’s bedroom, I can’t go to sleep without Bear in my bed. The family’s five-year-old cocker spaniel, scheduled for minor surgery the next morning, was spending the night at the vet.

      Oh, honey, Ellen whispered, trying to soothe her son’s fears. Bear will be just fine. He’ll come home from the vet tomorrow.

      But, I can’t go to sleep. He always lays here by me. I don’t want to be alone. Will you sleep with me tonight? he asked.

      I’ll lay down with you until you fall asleep, Ellen said. That seemed to appease Christian. She felt his tiny fingers in her hair. It’s probably what he does to Bear, she thought.

      As she lay there waiting for her son to doze off, she thought about her own need to feel safe. She remembered the many nights she laid awake, feeling alone while her husband was deployed for nine months overseas. Just a month into his deployment she discovered God’s incredible promise to never leave her. Knowing He kept her safe throughout the night, she felt amazing comfort in His peaceful presence.

      Thank You, Lord, for Your promise of peace.

      You are always with me. You will never leave me alone.

      FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

      Just Following God

      I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.

      GENESIS 13:16-17 NKJV

      Sarai’s family worshipped other gods (see Genesis 20:12; Joshua 24:2), yet the Lord Almighty asked her husband to leave everything they’d ever known for a land they had never seen, saying, Abram, pack up and start walking. I’ll show you where to go.

      The Bible doesn’t say if Sarai struggled with the grief of leaving everything familiar or if she embraced it with excitement and expectation. Whatever her attitude, Sarai followed Abram as he followed God.

      Sarai and Abram, just ordinary people, trusted God for something bigger than they could have ever imagined. They just stepped out, confident God would deliver all He promised.

      Although Sarai at some later crossroads had her moments of doubt, struggled to believe God’s promises included her, and battled her earthly circumstances and thoughts, she continued to follow the Lord.

      Like Sarai, God has called you to walk with Him. He has set you apart to follow Him and live according to His way. Choose to do so today.

      God, I choose to walk with You. No matter what the earthly circumstances are surrounding me, I trust You to lead me on the right path.

      SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

      Unity with the Father

      Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.… Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

      MATTHEW 5:44-45, 48 NIV

      The biggest challenge facing you today is probably a person—what she said or did—or didn’t say or do—to you or someone you love. Relationships are difficult on any level—from someone you’ve never met who takes your parking place, to your closest friend who makes a disparaging remark about you, to your perfect prince who acts like a frog.

      It’s easy to get caught up in the drama when someone pushes your buttons or you feel used, abandoned, mistreated, or hurt. Society is full of people looking for revenge and a way to make someone pay for wrongs done to them. As a child of God, you can choose another way—your heavenly Father’s way.

      He responds with grace and forgiveness to both good and evil people. He is the calm in the middle of the storm. He desires to put His love, poured out lavishly upon you, to work in you and let it operate through you. You can rest in His peace, knowing He chose a perfect way for you.

      Father, thank You for pouring Your love out on me. I desire to walk in unity with You, allowing Your love to flow through me and responding in peace to all.

      SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

      Consistent in Prayer

      But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

      MATTHEW 6:6 NIV

      Jennifer walked into the breakroom to find her friend, Rhonda, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

      Good morning, Jennifer chirped, almost dancing toward Rhonda.

      Rhonda smiled. Look at you, all bursting with sunshine and happiness. Don’t get me wrong; I’m glad to see you so cheerful, but this is three days in row. What’s up?

      "I’ve had a hard time transitioning to my new position here, and my personal life has been a mess—as you well know. The truth is, I’ve not spent the time I really should in prayer, and I finally saw the movie, War Room, that you were telling me about. It really inspired me to take my time with God seriously. I’m making it a priority every day, and I can really tell there’s a difference in my relationship with Him."

      Well, keep it up, Rhonda replied. I’m sure your quality time with God is making a huge difference in your heart, if that glow on your face is any indication.

      Thank You, Father, for our time together. As I open my heart to You in prayer, You pour into my spirit all I need for my day. Help me be faithfully consistent in my prayer life. You are my priority.

      MONDAY, JANUARY 8

      Lovingly Connected

      I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way? Yet we’ve so narrowly missed being gods, bright with Eden’s dawn light. You put us in charge of your handcrafted world.

      PSALM 8:3-6 MSG

      You have family and friends that you love. You think about them and visit them. You carry them in your heart. You feel their hurts and celebrate the good times in their lives. You desire to stay connected to them even when you’re apart.

      In today’s verse, God is asked, What is woman that You think about her? Not only that, but You visit her? The writer takes notice that as God’s creation, He thinks about you. He longs for a relationship with you. He wants to visit you and spend time with you. He is always with you, even when your thoughts are not on Him.

      God holds you close. You are precious and valuable to Him. His relationship with you runs deeper than even the tie you share with friends and family. You are lovingly connected to the Lord of the world without end.

      God, I am Yours and You are mine. Thank You for loving me unconditionally and desiring to have a relationship with me. You astound me.

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 9

      Faithful Friend

      The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.

      GENESIS 21:1-2 NLT

      God faithfully directed Abraham and Sarah as they left their friends and family to follow Him. Their journey was not without challenges and opportunities to doubt, and yet, in His own time, God proved to them His friendship and faithfulness.

      God is your faithful companion as well. As you read and study God’s Word, you come to know Him more and more. His Word describes His character, His nature, and His promises to you. Whatever He speaks to you through His Word, you can trust Him to do what He says He will—and when He will.

      What promises has God made to you? Do you remember times when He proved Himself faithful?

      Regardless of what you’re going through today, God is your faithful friend. Remind yourself of His presence and His promise to walk with you—to never leave you or forsake you. Hold fast to Him and His promises!

      Lord, You are my closest, most faithful friend. I trust You to keep every promise You’ve made to me. Because I know I can count on You, I’m holding tight to You as You walk with me through my life journey.

      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10

      A Sure Foundation

      These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

      MATTHEW 7:24-25 MSG

      Jennifer sat numbly in church. Her mind faded from the platform as her pastor’s words faded. She and her husband, Clark, were navigating a hellish ordeal. Suffering silently, they had told no one but God.

      Her heart lost, her mind continued to slip away. Her eyes fell on a young mother sitting a few rows up from them, slowly rocking her baby. Before Jennifer knew it, she herself was rocking, too.

      As tears ran from her eyes, comforting and powerful promises from God’s Word broke into her mind. The healing scriptures she’d read so many times, flooded her, and she began to feel alive again. As her body moved back and forth in that same calming motion as that mother rocking her child, Jennifer, in her heart, knew it was her Savior gently rocking her back to life.

      When life hurts, I will run to You, God, my healer. In Your presence I find just what I need. No matter what I’m facing, Your healing words rock me gently back to life.

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 11

      Christlike Compassion

      Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. Lord, the man said, if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean. Jesus reached out and touched him. I am willing, he said.

      MATTHEW 8:2–3 NLT

      What compels you to take the actions you take each day?

      Jesus’ heart of compassion compelled Him to help, to intervene, to take action. The love of God shed abroad in His heart moved Him to touch the untouchables, accept the rejected, dine with the unclean, and see those whom society preferred to remain invisible. Jesus couldn’t help but reflect the heart of His heavenly Father among even the most unlovable people.

      Sometimes it’s difficult to see a homeless person on the street or someone who is being treated unjustly or taken advantage of. The Spirit of God living inside of you opens your eyes to see, gives you ears to hear, and softens your heart to understand in a way most people can’t comprehend. Perhaps He’s showing you something so you can pray for that person. Maybe He wants you to give someone a smile or say a kind word.

      Allow God to speak to you about how He’d like you to respond with compassion as you walk with Him each day.

      Lord, forgive me for closing my eyes to the pain others experience. Show me how I can be Your hands and feet to those You bring across my path, to listen and respond with a heart like Yours.

      FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

      This Very Moment

      LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more.

      PSALM 10:17–18 NKJV

      Nola climbed behind the wheel of her car and turned slowly down her street toward her son’s elementary school. Although it was only a ten-minute drive, each day she was determined to experience the moments with God and her son. In those ten quiet minutes, she felt the Lord’s presence as she began to pray, thanking Him for her blessings and then listening for what He might impart to her heart.

      As she pulled into the pickup line and waited for her son, she smiled, knowing this was another moment in time she would never get back. As he climbed excitedly into the backseat and began to spill out the details of his day, she caught a glimpse of the sparkle in his eyes.

      Determined to hold each moment close instead of wishing her life away, she drove back toward the house slowly, drinking in the experience, cataloging in her memory the things her son chose to share.

      Lord, sometimes I’m filled with an urgency to look way ahead, making it difficult to live in the moment. Help me drink in the time I have with You and those I love. Help me be present in the now, this very moment.

      SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

      His Promises Are True

      Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.

      GENESIS 28:15 NKJV

      Daddy, can we go to the fair this weekend? ten-year-old Peyton asked. Olivia shot her husband, Richard, a knowing look, which Peyton caught instead. I know. You have to talk about it, right? Olivia smiled and nodded her head.

      Richard and Olivia had had many conversations about promises before Peyton was ever born. Olivia’s parents had failed to keep most of those they’d made to her and her siblings. As a result, trust was a big problem for her. She even once had trouble trusting God.

      Richard and Olivia had agreed they’d keep their promises to their children, others, and each other. If you promise, you deliver—even if it hurts, Olivia had told her husband on many occasions. And there’d been times when keeping a commitment had been a painful process, but they’d followed through.

      Because of Richard’s determination to carefully weigh commitments before making them, Olivia trusted him to deliver on his word. She and her children never doubted his promises—or God’s faithfulness.

      God, people have failed me, making it hard for me to trust. But You are faithful. You have kept Your word to me. So I know I can count on You, for You never fail to follow through.

      SUNDAY, JANUARY 14

      His Hands and Feet

      Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

      MATTHEW 10:7–8 NLT

      The disciples knew Jesus. They spent years following Him around, watching everything He did and hearing everything He said. They knew intimately His character, nature, and teachings. Through His constant companionship, He prepared them for ministry. He furnished them with the resources only He could provide for their journey ahead.

      As you spend time with Jesus in prayer and in the Word, you come to know the Father through Jesus, just as the disciples did. Jesus said, If You’ve seen me, You’ve seen the Father (see John 14:9). And as He ascended into heaven, He left them with a promise: The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you (v. 26 NKJV).

      You, too, are prepared because God is with you; the Holy Spirit is your teacher. Allow Him to demonstrate His presence and His power through you. Be His hands and feet today.

      God, I know You. You have made yourself real to me. Your Holy Spirit resides in me, furnishing me with all the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding I need for my journey. I choose to be Your hands and feet. Work through me today.

      Martin Luther King Jr. Day

      MONDAY, JANUARY 15

      Living the Truth

      But I have trusted, leaned on, and been confident in Your mercy and lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice and be in high spirits in Your salvation.

      PSALM 13:5 AMPC

      Martin Luther King Jr. said, We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope. This statement is a good description of the biblical David’s tenet.

      David’s life was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. Just a few verses before the scripture shared above, David asked God, How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? (Psalm 13:2 NIV).

      Have you had days when God seemed distant and you were overcome with questions like these: Has God forgotten? Did He leave me? Why can’t I hear Him?

      When you abide in Christ, you are equipped to battle those negative thoughts. His Word comes alive within you, reminding you of His faithful promises.

      Like David, you can hope again. You may not have the answers you think you need, but God is there—as He has always been.

      David ends his prayer: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’S praise, for he has been good to me (Psalm 13:5–6 NIV).

      Lord, sometimes I struggle to see the truth. Hide me in You as I remember Your promises. You love me; You will not fail me. You are my hope and expectation.

      TUESDAY, JANUARY 16

      His Miraculous Intervention

      God is present in the company of the righteous. You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

      PSALM 14:5–6 NIV

      Diane hadn’t heard from her twenty-four-year-old daughter, Trena, for months. Each attempted communication went unanswered. Diane asked God daily to please let her hear from her daughter. Diane really needed to know Trena was okay.

      One Sunday morning Diane’s heart ached to hear Trena’s voice. Tears streamed down her face as she drove a few miles to church. Emotion washed over her and she could barely see the lines of her parking space in the church parking lot.

      She composed herself and went into the building. Unable to focus on the message, deep in her heart she cried out to God, praying for her daughter as she sat there.

      After church she walked slowly out of the building. As she raised her head to look toward her car, her heart leaped. Trena stood in front of her—just outside the doors. Oh, God, how You love me—and Trena. Thank You, she prayed.

      Trena had had no idea Diane was in church that day. Miraculously God had led Trena straight to her mother.

      Thank You, Lord, for Your constant presence. You are at work, perfecting those things that concern me, even when I don’t see them. I trust You for divine intervention in my situation today.

      WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17

      When He Calls Your Name

      Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. And God said to him, Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.

      GENESIS 35:9–10 NKJV

      Brendan called to his four-year-old daughter, Sierra, it’s time to go. He watched her stop short in front of the swing set and turn toward him. He could see her bottom lip begin to pout as she dropped her head and crossed her arms. He walked closer to her and reached for her hand.

      Daddy, she said, looking up at him, my name is not Sierra—I’m Rain.

      Here we go again, Brendan thought. For the past few days, his daughter had refused her first name, insisting everyone call her by her middle name, Rain. He’d told his wife, Carolyn, I hate it when kids go by their middle names.

      Well, maybe we should pray about it. So far she’s not giving this up, Carolyn replied. Names are really important. Maybe there’s a reason she so strongly identifies with her middle name. After all, God changed people’s names in the Bible, remember?

      Brendan’s voice softened. Okay. Let’s pray and see where God leads.

      Jesus, You know who I am. When You call my name, You have my attention. When You speak to me, I’m reminded of all You have done. Thanks for giving me Your name and the authority that comes with it.

      THURSDAY, JANUARY 18

      Sweet Surrender

      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 AMPC

      If you have ever stood under a powerful waterfall, the water—though it pummeled your body—offered a sense of fresh renewal. Jesus said if you come to Him, He will refresh your soul. He offers spiritual rest. Unlike physical rest, one definition of spiritual rest is to cease from striving.

      Spiritual rest offers a place of sweet surrender. In his book The Saints’ Everlasting Rest, seventeenth-century English Puritan church leader, poet, hymn writer, and theologian Richard Baxter said, They who seek this rest [to cease from striving] have an inward principle of spiritual life. God does not move men like stones, but He endows them with life, not to enable them to move without him, but in subordination to himself, the first mover.

      Jesus is calling you to a higher place of rest. As you move in Him and with Him, you can let go of those things you are trying to control and can experience His sweet, easy rest.

      Jesus, I want to experience the spiritual rest You have for me. I let go of my control and submit to Your direction. I stand under the waterfall of Your spiritual rest and will not move except to do so in step with You.

      FRIDAY, JANUARY 19

      Whispers of Love

      I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

      PSALM 17:6–7 NLT

      Like the psalmist David, you probably have a day now and then when you feel empty or alone. Maybe you struggle to keep nagging, negative thoughts at bay. In many of his psalms, David shared his challenges to keep his negative thoughts from imprisoning him. At first he would give in, but then as he remembered God’s faithfulness, he was able to break the tentacles of doubt.

      When those self-assaulting thoughts come to the forefront of your mind, refuse the lies and focus on the many times God has come through for you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He is faithful. He will never leave you. He is with you always. He has given you a future and a hope.

      Remind yourself of God’s Word, just as David did, and doing so will bring you back to your spiritual senses. As the light of God’s truth makes its way in, you will begin to break free. His promises remove the prison bars of doubt so that you can hope again.

      God is there—as He has always been. Listen quietly for the gentle whispers of His unfailing love.

      Thank You, God, for Your whispers of love. When negative thoughts challenge me to give in and doubt, I will remember Your mercy, compassion, and faithfulness. Lord, hear my prayer.

      SATURDAY, JANUARY 20

      Irrefutably His

      Then Pharaoh said to his officials, Isn’t this the man we need? Are we going to find anyone else who has God’s spirit in him like this? So Pharaoh said to Joseph, You’re the man for us. God has given you the inside story—no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom.

      GENESIS 41:38–39 MSG

      After years of living far from where they’d grown up, high school sweethearts Rachel and Blake took the kids home to family and friends. They both found jobs in the city and bought a

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