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. 16 HRS AGO

    Jesus, Our Strength

    "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalm 18:2 One of the hardest things to accept as I grow older is the fact that I no longer have the same strength to do things that I once had. Simple household tasks take longer than they used to. I need to sit down and rest more often. Each morning, I find myself asking the Lord to give me the strength I need for whatever the day holds. Psalm 18 is one of David's songs of praise for all the times that the Lord had delivered him from his enemies. During his lifetime, he had many enemies who tried to destroy him, but God always gave him the victory. Consider these verses that mention the strength that the Lord gave him. Verse 39 –For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me." Verse 32 – "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." Whether we are young or old, we will all face seasons in our lives when we cannot rely on our own strength or wisdom. God gave David the strength that he needed for each circumstance he met. As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can trust Him to do the same for us. Young or old, we can claim the promise that we find in the Book of Isaiah: Isaiah 40:28-31 "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 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." Thought For Today: We may not face the battles or problems that David faced, but we do serve the same God. He has not changed. He is still able to provide the strength that we need every day of our lives. Devotion by Anne Johnston

    3 min
  2. 1D AGO

    Jesus, Our Shield

    "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." Psalm 3:3 The Dictionary describes a shield as "a piece of metal or other material, carried to protect the front of the body when being attacked, or a person or thing that provides protection: to protect someone or something." David was a soldier. He knew the importance of a shield when battling an enemy army. When he went out to face Goliath, he did not have a physical shield. He depended upon the Lord to protect him, and he was not disappointed. Consider all the experiences he faced while fleeing from Saul, and then later from Absalom. He did not trust in his fighting ability or any armour he wore to protect Him. He trusted the Lord to be his shield and defender. II Samuel 22:3 "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." Psalm 18:35 "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." We may not be fighting physical battles like David. There are voices in our world today by which the enemy would like to destroy our peace and trust in the Lord. Paul describes the battles we fight in Ephesians 6:12. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." He admonishes us to put on the whole armour of God, which includes the shield: Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Hiding God's word in our hearts assures us that the Holy Spirit will always be our shield, protecting our body, soul, and spirit, against anything with which the enemy may attack us. Thought For Today: We may not know what today holds for us, but we do know that we have a shield that will never fail us. Devotion by Anne Johnston

    2 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Jesus, Our Shelter

    "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Psalm 61:2-3 When I was fifteen, I was attending Vocational School in Saint John and boarding with some friends of our family. One day classes were dismissed early because of a snowstorm. There were supposed to be city buses waiting for us when we left the school, but there were none. It was hard walking, the sidewalks were slippery, and it was cold. The snow turned to sleet. When we reached Main Street, we saw that the buses had not been able to make it up the hill, and so we continued walking. At one point, my friends had to go in a different direction, and I was alone. I could hardly see because of the sleet but had no choice but to keep moving. What a relief it was to finally reach Stanley Street. My hands were so cold I could hardly push the doorbell. But how good it felt to enter the warm hallway and know that I was safe and sheltered from the storm. We had lots of snowstorms this winter, and I am always thankful that I am inside a warm home and do not have to go outside. I never want to go through that experience again. Everyone will face storms at some point. Sickness comes at one time or another to us all. We may watch as a loved one suffers and passes from this life. Financial problems may press us down. These things come to all. But it is so great to know that our loving Heavenly Father is there for us. As we call upon His Name, He is our shelter and our fortress. He protects us. He does not always take the storm away, but He guides and protects us until the storm is over. Thought For Today; When you are facing a story, this old song is a good prayer to pray. "'Til the storm passes over, 'til the thunder sounds no more. 'Til the clouds roll forever from the sky Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand. Keep me safe 'til the storm passes by." Devotion by Anne Johnston

    3 min
  4. 3D 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
  5. 4D 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
  6. 5D 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
  7. 6D 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
  8. APR 23

    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

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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

You Might Also Like