More to Life Today

Ladies Ministries UPCI

Start your day with a moment of peace and purpose. A daily devotional from Ladies Ministries UPCI.

  1. 13 HRS AGO

    Jesus, Our Safety

    "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10 Recently, my Facebook feed has shown many videos featuring someone being pursued. When it seems they are about to be captured, a cave opening, a shed door, or some place that looks like safety opens in front of them. They dash inside, and their pursuers lose their trail. I know that these are staged videos or AI-generated. There is no way that someone with a video camera would be right there to capture such an incident. Each one is a different scenario, but all portray the message of finding safety just at the right time. In the Book of Joshua, we read about the Cities of Refuge established as the Israelites settled in Canaan. If anyone caused the death of another unintentionally, they could flee to one of these cities and be safe from their accusers until the priest decided if they were guilty of a crime. If they stayed in the city, they were safe, but once they left, they had no protection. We may not be fleeing from a human enemy that would like to destroy us. But we all face times in our lives when we need shelter from things that would harm us. With all that is happening in our world today, it is easy for us to let fear fill our hearts. But the Lord has given us so many promises in His Word that we can stand upon, knowing that He will protect and keep us. As Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:10, we can call upon the name of the Lord and know that He will always be our place of safety. Jesus has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5 "for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Paul wrote in I Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Thought For Today: Are you facing something today that is filling your heart with fear? Jesus is waiting for you to call upon His Name, and He will give you the victory and the protection you need. Devotion by Anne Johnston

    2 min
  2. 1D AGO

    I Will Bless The Lord At All Times

    "I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:1–4 Praising the Lord at all times can feel easy in seasons of joy, but much harder in moments of pain. There are times in life when circumstances don't make sense. When expectations fall apart, when loss feels overwhelming, or when questions arise that don't seem to have immediate answers, it's natural to wonder: Why is this happening? What is God doing in this? The tension between faith and hardship is something every believer encounters. Walking with God is not a straight path of constant victory—it includes both mountaintop experiences and deep valleys. Some seasons feel like soaring, while others feel like enduring. Yet even in the tension, there is a truth that remains steady: God is at work. Trusting God In The Waiting Throughout Scripture, this pattern is clear. Consider Job in his loss, Joseph in his betrayal, Jonah in his resistance, and Hannah in her waiting. Each story is different, yet they share a common thread: God revealed His power, sovereignty, and provision through their trials. Pain, while uncomfortable, is not without purpose. Just as physical pain can alert the body to danger, emotional and spiritual pain can draw attention to deeper needs, inviting a person to lean into God, seek His presence, and grow in ways that comfort alone could never produce. Sometimes, when circumstances do not change, it is because God is working to transform something within. And while change can be difficult, it often leads to a deeper trust and a stronger faith. Whether this season feels like soaring or struggling, one thing remains constant: God has not changed. He is still on the throne, fully aware, fully present, and fully in control. Scripture reminds us that He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and in suffering, there is an opportunity to draw closer to Him. So even when it's difficult, especially when it's difficult, choose to praise. Not because everything feels good, but because God is still good. And in that place of surrender, He will sustain, strengthen, and carry you through.

    3 min
  3. 2D AGO

    God Will Remember

    "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. There are seasons when it can feel as though prayers go unanswered and hearts are left waiting. Even with the assurance that God hears every prayer and loves unconditionally, the passage of time can raise questions, wondering whether He has forgotten. Every new day is a reminder that God remains faithful to every promise He has spoken. His Word has been tested and proven true, and He is always right on time. God Remembered Noah "And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged." Genesis 8:1 God remembered Noah and the promises He made to him and his family, saying that He would save them and the animals. God remains faithful to His promises to you. God Remembered Abraham "And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt." Genesis 19:29 God remembered the prayers Abraham interceded for his nephew Lot. God graciously responded to Abraham's prayers and delivered Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God hears the prayers you are praying for your family. God Remembered Rachel "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb." Genesis 30:22 God knew Rachel's desire to have a child, and one day in God's perfect time, He answered her constant prayer. Just because God hasn't spoken to you yet doesn't mean He won't soon. Trust Him. God has a bigger plan, His thoughts are higher than your thoughts, and His ways are higher than your ways. There will come a day when God will remember. Maybe he has told you, "Not yet," but don't lose hope. Keep trusting Him because He has not forgotten the promises He has made to you. Though you may have lost material wealth. GOD REMEMBERS. Though you may be going through the fire. Though you may be in the process of perfection. GOD REMEMBERS. Though you may be waiting longer than you thought in an ark. GOD REMEMBERS. Though you may be in the wilderness. GOD REMEMBERS. Though your family is still not saved. GOD REMEMBERS. Though you may be barren. GOD REMEMBERS. God will remember His promises. Prayer: Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief. Remind me that every prayer I pray will not return to me void. Your word says that You cannot lie and I believe what You promised. I know that You will answer my prayers and I will trust You if I receive an answer that I do not want. I will remember You and Your faithfulness today and I believe You remember me, too!

    4 min
  4. 3D AGO

    From Awe To Adoration

    "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4 Have you ever stood before something so breathtaking that it silenced you? The vastness of the Grand Canyon, or the thunderous beauty of Niagara Falls can make you stand in awe of Gods creation. That is often humanity's response when we encounter something greater than ourselves. In the same way, when we enter into the presence of God, worship should naturally follow. We are not just singing songs; we are responding to the holiness, majesty, and nearness of a living God who communes with us. Currently, I oversee the music department at my church, and each week as I pray over the song selections for our midweek and Sunday services, I feel a consistent, gentle nudge from the Lord: follow after true praise and worship. We are created to glorify Him. Every time I step onto the platform, I remind myself: I am not leading songs, I am leading worship. And worship doesn't begin or end on a platform. When you worship, whether in a sanctuary filled with people or alone in your living room, you have the ability to shift the spiritual atmosphere. The challenge is that familiarity can dull our engagement. Songs we've sung countless times can become routine, and before we realize it, our lips are moving but our hearts are distant. The Power of Worship When King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit, he called for a skilled musician. When David played his harp, the oppressive spirit departed (1 Samuel 16:14–23). Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go before the army in battle (2 Chronicles 20). Praise became the pathway to victory. Jesus said that the Father seeks true worshipers who will worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). There is a tangible presence of God that rests where authentic worship rises. Worship has a way of pushing back darkness, steadying our spirit, and reminding our soul of who God is. So come in with thanksgiving and let your worship become a doorway into His presence.

    2 min
  5. 4D AGO

    When Tears Become Prayers

    "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." Psalm 51:6 Every meaningful relationship grows deeper through honesty and through sharing not only victories and dreams, but also pain, questions, and the parts we often try to hide. There is a unique closeness that forms when we allow ourselves to be fully seen. God desires that same kind of truth from us. He already knows every detail of our lives, yet He invites us to come close and express what is in our hearts—our sorrow, our confusion, our hopes, and even the things we don't have words for. True intimacy with God is cultivated when we stop performing and start being honest. I am walking through a valley of grief as I learn how to live in the absence of my father. There are moments when prayer feels heavy, when speaking it out loud makes the loss feel even more real. Yet, I've found that when I press past that resistance and fall at the feet of Jesus, something sacred happens. Tears become prayers. Silence becomes surrender. And somehow, He meets me there with strength I didn't have and peace I didn't expect. Have A Little Talk With Jesus It reminds me of the old hymn: "Have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about your troubles…" There is still truth in that simple invitation. God is not intimidated by our grief, nor is He distant from it. He draws near to the brokenhearted. Developing a prayer life is not about perfection; it's about presence. It's learning to: Come to God consistently, even when you don't feel strong Speak honestly, without filtering your emotions Sit in stillness and allow Him to minister back to you Trust that even when words fail, He understands your heart Sometimes prayer is a whisper. Sometimes it's weeping. Sometimes it's just sitting quietly, aware that He is near. But every moment spent with Him builds a deeper foundation of trust. In seasons of brokenness, the temptation is to withdraw, but healing is found when we lean in. When you bring your pain to God, He doesn't push you away; He pulls you closer, and He carries what you are not able to.

    3 min
  6. 5D AGO

    Fear Not, There Will Be A Victory

    Joshua 10:8, "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee." This scripture explains that God gave Joshua a promise that He was going to give Israel victory over the opposing armies. Conquering the kingdoms that were in opposition to Gibeon, and by extension Joshua and his men, will eventually gift Israel a kingdom of their own and they will one day make Jerusalem the city where God will place His name. While it is true that the battle is the Lord's, this does not mean that once we turn it over to the Lord, that we have no responsibility at all. We need to engage in battle with the Lord. We need to utilize the resources we have to see a victory come to pass. God will take what we have to offer and will multiply it for His glory. So many times in our life, the thing that we are up against is not about you or me; it's about God. The thing you are battling in praying and fighting in the spirit is fighting with the Lord, too. In every spiritual battle we fight, God desires us to utilize our level of faith, talent, and ability, and then depend on Him for the things that we are not able to achieve on our own. God will always call us to do something that is far greater than ourselves because He desires all glory and honor. He wants us to know that we would have never been able to accomplish the task at hand without Him. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight, Psalm 144:1 WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Speak in faith today, "I'm going to see a victory. I will be victorious." God will fight for you, but He expects you to fight with Him until there is victory. Don't give up, you've got this.

    2 min
  7. 6D AGO

    Full, But Not Filled

    "The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet." Proverbs 27:7. I don't know about you, but I love snacks. In fact, I am eating snacks right now; Boom Chicka Pop, to be exact. I try my very best not to buy junk food at the grocery store—not because I don't want it, but because I know myself. My discipline is strongest in the produce aisle, not in my kitchen at 9 p.m. Think ahead with me to Thanksgiving dinner. The smell of turkey, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin pie hits you before you even grab a plate. Your stomach is growling, your eyes are big, and you're ready to honor the Lord through this meal. You load up your plate. Then maybe… go back for a little more. And then… you add pie on top of everything else. You need pie. But at some point, something shifts. Now someone offers you more food, and suddenly you're defensive: "No, I'm good. I can't eat another bite." The food didn't change. The recipe didn't change. Your hunger did. Spiritual Hunger What we hunger after matters. Sometimes we say, "I'm just not feeling the Word as I used to." Or, "Prayer feels dry." Or, "Church just doesn't hit the same." But what if it's not that the "spiritual food" has lost its flavor… what if we have been snacking on everything else? Because when you're truly hungry, everything changes. The Bible says even bitter things taste sweet when you're hungry. And Gospel of Matthew 5:6 says: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." I want that kind of hunger. I want a hunger that pushes me to pray when I'd rather scroll, pulls me into His Word when I feel "too busy," and drives me to step out in faith, even when it doesn't make sense. God has not stopped speaking, His presence has not lost its power, and His Word has not lost its sweetness. God's promise is still as true as ever; if you hunger and if you thirst for righteousness, you will be filled.

    3 min
  8. APR 20

    The Choice Is Yours

    According to Google, we make approximately 35,000 conscious decisions every day. Of course, many of these choices seem insignificant and finite. However, every choice we make, good or bad, will impact our lives. Simple Choices: What to wear. What to eat. What to read. What to watch on Netflix. More Complex Choices: What College to attend. Who to marry. What ministry to be involved in. Where to live. we are decision-making machines. The simple decision of our food choices can alter our health in a negative or positive way. Or, the choice of what to watch on T.V and the duration of the time we spend everyday streaming content will affect our personal and spiritual lives. Every choice matters. Of course, we have the freedom to do anything, but that does not mean that we will be free from the consequences of our decisions. One of my favorite Christmas films is, "What A Wonderful Life." The lead character George Bailey says to his guardian angel, "It would have been better if I was never born." The angel proceeds to show him how much of an impact his life made, even through small decisions. I stand in awe knowing that God gave us the power to choose—it is such a huge responsibility. Choose You This Day I am convinced that the greatest choice to make everyday is to choose Jesus. Joshua 25:15 poses a great challenge, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." As a teenager, I had an incredible love for God. However, I struggled with many things and could not live an overcoming life. My spirit and flesh were at war with each other. One day I bowed myself to the ground and prayed, "Lord, why is it so hard for me to serve You?" I heard Him gently whisper to my spirit, "It is because you have a love of the world in your heart." Desperate for more of God I began to pray, "Lord, take the love of the world out of my heart. I want to love what You love and hate what You hate." That moment—that prayer—that choice—changed the rest of my life. Never underestimate the impact one prayer can make. The power of choice puts a weight of responsibility in our hands. And, so I ask, What choice can you make today that will impact your eternity? The choice is yours. Prayer: Lord, I choose you. Help me to make decisions that are conducive to the ministry You have called me to, and lead me to make decisions that will benefit Your kingdom, my marriage, my family, and my relationships.

    3 min

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Start your day with a moment of peace and purpose. A daily devotional from Ladies Ministries UPCI.

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