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

  1. 5D AGO

    Chosen and Protected

    "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (I Peter 2:9). God's people have always been special to Him. Exodus 19:5 speaks of them as a "peculiar treasure," chosen and set apart by God. The word peculiar has several meanings. As a teenager I never took time to check a dictionary. In my mind peculiar meant being strange, weird, or odd. I wondered why I had to be strange to be a Christian. Had I done a little research, I would have discovered that peculiar also means "to have a character exclusively its own; select or special; separate; belonging particularly or exclusively to one." Peculiar denotes ownership. GOD'S PROTECTION When God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, He gave numerous laws to guide their conduct and worship. The restrictions He placed on them were not designed to make their lives miserable. Instead, they were to keep His people from adopting the sinful practices of surrounding nations. God's laws were given for protection, not punishment. They were to preserve Israel's distinctness, to keep them from blending in with the heathen society of their neighbors. "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth." (Deuteronomy 7:6, ESV) CALLED AND SET APART Today God's people are also at odds with the world's culture. We are surrounded by those who not only tolerate immorality but condone it. Sin is not called sin. Those who stand up for godliness and morality are ridiculed or blamed. We are portrayed as the one in error, the problem in society. Rather than be embarrassed by our distinctness, we should feel blessed and rejoice in our ownership by the Lord. Ephesians 1:4 says, "He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world" and we are "the purchased possession" (verse 14). In I Peter 2:9 God's people are called a royal priesthood. Old Testament priests were set apart for service. Being a representative of God demanded responsibility. There were also visible differences that set the priests apart from the general population. (See Exodus 28 and 39.) If we are to be priests of the Lord, giving ourselves in service to Him, we must be different from those around us in our attitudes, our actions, and our appearance. If there was ever a time when God's people need to stand out from the crowd rather than blend in with the world, it is today. We are to "Come out from among them and be separate" (II Corinthians 6:17, NKJV). light in the darkness The Christian must maintain separation from the world while still living in the world. We do not cloister ourselves and hide away. Nor do we divide our allegiance in an attempt to follow two masters. The separation we maintain in our godly lifestyle becomes our strongest witness. We are visible, a light in darkness. Have you ever experienced someone coming up to ask if you are a Christian? They sense your difference, so they know to approach you with their spiritual questions and to ask prayer for their needs. To recognize God's ownership in our lives is a wonderful thing. Rejoice in the fact that you are chosen, separate, and His own special people. "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself." (Psalm 4:3) Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Unsurpassed Love

    Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14, ESV) Today is Valentine's Day, a day dedicated to love in many countries around the world. In many places, it is celebrated with gifts, greeting cards decorated with hearts, red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy, and romantic dinners. The customs vary from country to country. While for many it's a celebration of romantic love, others use it a time to show appreciation for friends and family. The Love Message Love! Just the word may give us goosebumps. Some keep cherished love letters and cards from many years ago, reading them over and over until the pages become fragile. Yet, the greatest love letter ever sent was not a lace-and-flower-trimmed Valentine. The greatest message of all is John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (ESV) God's love far surpasses ours. It is pure, sacrificial, and given without reservation. This is a love we do not earn it; it is given freely, bountifully. Romans 5:8 says that "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The Deepest Love of All Much has been written about love—songs, poems, books, love letters. But I'm not sure we will ever completely understand its depth or complexity, especially the love of God. I do know it is real and it will never end. God does not offer His love to us and then take it back if we displease him. It's unconditional and pure. Jeremiah 31:3 assures us, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." God's love is ours for keeps. Today, everyone reading or listening to this devotion is loved beyond measure. This love is God's love, and it is unsurpassed by any human emotion. Ephesians 2:4 speaks of "his great love wherewith he loved us." Just think! The God of all creation cherishes you, treasures you, and calls you His own. You are wonderfully, deeply, forever loved. Enjoy this Valentine's Day, knowing that you have been given the greatest love gift of all—the love of God. THE LOVE OF GOD The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell; the guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, and pardoned from his sin. Refrain: O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure: the saints' and angels' song! (Hymn: The Love of God by Frederick M. Lehman) NOTE: Take a moment to leave a comment below and tell us your favorite love verse in the Bible. Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  3. FEB 13

    Unlimited

    "How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel." (Psalm 78:40-41, NKJV) Psalm 78 records the faithfulness of God to His people. But this same psalm also records the actions of a nation that continually rebelled against that same loving God. Although He performed daily miracles on their behalf, they forgot His goodness. ISRAEL'S UNBELIEF After the Israelites departed Egypt, they witnessed God doing so many amazing things. Miracles surrounded them throughout their journey. God parted the sea for them to walk across. He destroyed their enemies. He provided food in the wilderness. He made rivers in a desert. Their clothes and shoes never wore out. Despite everything they experienced, the Israelites still questioned God's ability to provide for them. "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?" (Verse 19) "Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?" (Verse 20) "Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation." (Verse 22) "Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue" (Verse 36) The children of Israel would run to God when they faced trouble, but they were fickle. They were also quick to turn to false gods and ignore His commandments. Although disloyal and disobedient, they still wanted His help when facing difficulties. As I read the Old Testament story of Israel, I find myself repeatedly asking how they could do that. Why did they limit God's blessings by doubting His power? How could they forget all the miracles God performed on their behalf? And then I pause to ask if I may sometimes do the same. Do I recognize and remember the many blessings and miracles He has provided in my life? Do I remember to express my gratitude for His goodness to me? LIMITING GOD God's power has no limitations. Luke 1:37 assures us that "with God nothing shall be impossible." Nothing! He can save, heal, provide, and deliver. Whatever our need, God has the unlimited power to supply that need. Psalm 84:11 assures us that He will not withhold anything good from the upright. There is, however, one thing that will hinder God from meeting our needs. It's not a lack of power on His part. It is unbelief on our part. When Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth, the people did not believe in Him. In their sight, He was just Mary's son, the man they had seen grow up there. They knew Jesus and His siblings. (Read Mark 6:3-5.) While in Nazareth, He did pray for a few people. But Scripture says He could not do any mighty works there. He was limited by their unbelief. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns us to be alert so we won't allow disbelief to enter our hearts. "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." (NKJV) We must never put limitations on God. His power is limitless. PERSONAL REFLECTIONS What miracles has God performed in your life? Have you ever placed limitations on God because of unbelief? Have you testified to others of God's amazing power in your life? Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  4. FEB 12

    The Blessings of Obedience

    But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams." (I Samuel 15:22, NLT) Saul, the first king of Israel, began well. His ending, however, was sad. But let's look at some background to better understand what happened to a promising life. It was never God's plan for Israel to be ruled by a king, but the people insisted. They wanted — or perhaps demanded is a better word — a ruler like the surrounding nations. Samuel, the priest/prophet/judge who currently led Israel, was old and his sons were corrupt. Although it felt like rejection, God said the people were really rejecting Him, not Samuel (I Samuel 8:7). GOD'S CHOICE The man God chose to anoint as king was Saul, a tall, handsome young man from the tribe of Benjamin (I Samuel 9:2). However, when the time came for him to be anointed before the people, Saul could not be found. He was hiding among all the baggage. Gradually, we see changes in Saul's life. Pride crept in. He showed impatience and then disobedience. He offered excuses to justify his actions. He displayed a loss of respect for God. Somehow, that modest young man who hid among the baggage disappeared, and not in a good way. First Samuel 15 describes a major turning point in Saul's life. God said Israel was to completely destroy the Amalekites and everything they owned. Instead, Saul spared Agag, their king, and some of the best animals from their herds. Saul blatantly disobeyed God's command — but he had excuses. He, of course, would have called them reasons. When confronted by Samuel, Saul justified his actions by saying he had saved these animals as a sacrifice to the Lord. Samuel asked which was more important: sacrifices or obeying the voice of the Lord. Seeing Saul's downward slide demonstrates that a good beginning does not guarantee that we will finish well. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (ESV). We must be on guard and search our hearts daily. BIBLICAL OBEDIENCE I recently read a beautiful definition of biblical obedience. It described obedience as "walking in harmony with God's plan." Obedience brings blessings, but disobedience has consequences. Samuel told Saul, "For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel" (I Samuel 15:26, ESV). Excuses and self-justification do not erase the consequences of our actions. And just to make it clear, partial obedience is still disobedience. When God speaks, we must listen. Our obedience is an acknowledgement that His ways are higher than our ways. His ways are always best. We will find peace and safety when we choose to walk in harmony with God's plan. Unfortunately, this is a lesson that King Saul refused to learn. "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." (I John 5:3, ESV) PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you struggle with obedience to God? Do you find yourself making excuses instead of admitting your failings before the Lord? What can you do today to deepen your relationship with the Lord and surrender to His will? Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  5. FEB 11

    Integrity Under Pressure

    "For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another." (Psalm 75:6-7, NKJV) Two men. Two very different motivations. They lived in the same city and crossed paths often. We find their stories in the Book of Esther. The time is around 480 BC, and the place is Shushan, a royal city in Persia. Haman's Story Haman was an Agagite who held a position of prominence under King Ahasuerus, the Persian king. Haman had wealth, status, and power. People bowed as he walked by. But none of that was enough. One man, Mordecai the Jew, refused to bow to anyone other than Almighty God. This infuriated Haman. Haman devised an evil scheme that would destroy not just Mordecai but every Jew throughout the provinces. But power and influence are of little help if God is not on your side. Haman was defeated because of his pride, hatred, and bitterness. (Read I Samuel 15 for historical background on Haman's possible ancestor, Agag, king of the Amalekites. Agag also held a bitter hatred toward the Jews.) Mordecai's Story Mordecai was a devout Jew, observant of the Law. He was a descendant of the family of Kish, King Saul's father. Mordecai and Esther (Hadassah), the young cousin he had adopted, lived in Shushan, one of four royal Persian cities. Refusing to bow to Haman, which would compromise his integrity and devotion to God, took courage and character. Yet Mordecai was willing to risk it because it was the right thing to do. Unlike Haman, Mordecai did not actively seek status and power. He lived honesty and uprightly but allowed any advancement to come from God, not selfish ambition. As we continue reading the Book of Esther, we find that Mordecai attained a high position in the kingdom. "For Mordecai was great in the king's palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent." (Esther 9:4, NKJV) Choose Humility and Integrity Whatever our position in life, the principles are the same. Character counts. Matthew 23:12 tells us: "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (NKJV) God blesses those who choose humility and integrity over self-advancement and manipulation. Haman thought he could have it all. He enjoyed wealth, power, and recognition by others. But his life was flawed in so many ways. He lacked integrity. He schemed and used his power for harm instead of good. Ultimately, pride destroyed him. He lost everything, including his life. It may look like others are achieving it all and living the good life. But if that life is not built on honesty, integrity, and humility, it may suddenly crumble. Let God lift you up. ". . . God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." (I Peter 5:5-6, NKJV) "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10, NKJV) Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  6. FEB 10

    Do We Panic or Pray?

    For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. (Psalm 18:39, ESV) What do we do when the enemy comes at us full force? What kind of battle plan do we make when things look bleak and we are outnumbered? In II Chronicles 20, the enemies of Judah aligned themselves against King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered, and the outlook was grim. What Jehoshaphat did next cannot be found in any military manual. What he did required bold faith. He did not call for the generals and top military strategists. Instead, he called a prayer meeting. That was the best way to resist the enemy. HOW TO RESPOND TO ADVERSITY Jehoshaphat chose to pray, not panic. Yes, there was momentary fear, but he replaced his fear with faith. Verse 3 tells us that he "set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." Jehoshaphat's plan of action was to seek God and to call the nation to fasting and prayer. The people admitted that they did not have the answer to their problem. They needed direction from God. "'For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.' Meanwhile all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children." (II Chronicles 20:12-13, ESV) They recognized they did not have the strength needed for victory. They needed to rely on God's strength. Isaiah 40:27 declares, "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength" (ESV). He is the one who empowers us. A SIMPLE PLAN The Spirit of the Lord spoke through a man names Jahaziel and told the people of Judah where the enemy army was located. He also provided the battle plan. It was a simple plan but not a typical military strategy. The message delivered was, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God's" (II Chronicles 20:15, ESV). God would handle it. What was God's plan? It was easy. They were to sing and praise Him! The worshipers marched ahead of the army — an army that really needed no weapons because the battle was God's. When they reached the enemy camp, everyone was dead. With God setting the ambushes, not a single enemy soldier escaped alive. They had destroyed each other. The spoil left behind took three days for the people of Judah to gather up and bring home. What could have been a battle became a blessing. CHOOSE TO PRAY AND PRAISE The story of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah was not a one-time happening. Repeatedly, the Bible records times when God gave victory to His people in seemingly impossible situations. After all, nothing is too difficult for Him. Romans 8:31 says that when God is for us, who can be stand against us. When battles come, and they will, don't panic. Our battle plan is to pray and praise. And perhaps we should sing as we go. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17, KJV) Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  7. FEB 9

    A Tranquil Heart

    "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot." (Proverbs 14:30, ESV) Having a tranquil heart is a good way to live. It sounds peaceful, calm, serene. But often life is not as tranquil as we would like because other things creep in—things that tear down rather than build up. Throughout the Bible, along with many uplifting passages we find stories of conflict, dissatisfaction, resentment, envy, and jealousy. Cain killed Able because of jealousy and resentment that Able offered the better sacrifice. Joseph's brothers grew jealous because their father favored him most. King Saul became jealous and resentful of David's popularity with the people. Leah felt envious of the love Jacob showed toward Rachel. In Jesus' parable, the elder brother was jealous that his father welcomed the prodigal home. Jealousy is destructive and has been described as a cancer of the soul. James 3:16 warns us that, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice" (ESV). If life feels messy and chaotic, it's time to check your heart. Could envy or jealousy be contributing to the turmoil in your life? Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister, once wisely stated, "The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build." THE CAUSE AND EFFECT What causes envy and jealousy? A dissatisfied heart—a heart that is unhappy with what God has given us. The tranquil heart mentioned in Proverbs 14:30 is a heart filled with contentment and gratitude. This is a heart that trusts God to provide what we need. Even though he faced many difficulties, the apostle Paul learned the secret of a tranquil heart. "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." (Philippians 4:11-12, ESV) LIVING A CONTENTED LIFE Contented people share several positive characteristics. They are content with what they have and practice gratitude. They avoid making comparisons. They choose to invest in people rather than possessions. They rejoice when they see others being blessed. There will always be those with more money, a nicer car, nicer clothing, more exotic vacations, and a more perfect figure and face. That's life. But the more we focus on what we do not have, the less we appreciate and enjoy what we do have. How do we overcome negative feelings of envy, jealousy, discontent, and resentment? By controlling our thought life. Second Corinthians 10:5 tells us to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" (ESV). Instead of focusing on these negatives, we must fill our hearts with gratitude. PERSONAL REFLECTION: During your personal devotional time, list at least ten things you will thank God for today. ADDED NOTE: Vocabulary.com describes the difference between jealousy and envy this way. "You can feel envy about something you don't have but want, but you feel jealousy over something you already have but are afraid of losing." Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

    4 min

  8. FEB 8

    I Am Who I Am

    "I am who I am." There are no more important words than these spoken by God. All other words in the Bible are only important because these words are true. In Exodus 3, God manifested Himself to Moses in a burning bush, so He could manifest Himself through Moses as a deliverer for His people. Because Moses' authority was wrapped up in the God who commissioned him, he asked for His name to capture the essence of God's character and being. In reply, God said, "'I am who I am.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: "I am has sent me to you."' God also said to Moses, 'Say this to the people of Israel: "The Lord, the God of your fathers … has sent me to you."' This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations" (Exodus 3:14-15, ESV). "I am" (Yahweh, Jehovah) is written in English translations as "Lord." It is God's personal, self-identifying name. It speaks of Him as self-existent, unlimited, unchanging, and ever-living. Note these distinguishing characteristics of God's name: God is. The name "I am" makes the most important statement about God: He exists. It is a revelation of God's complete self-sufficiency. No one brought God into existence or shaped His identity. There is no reality outside Him that did not come from Him. There is no force or influence upon His character except what comes from Him and is controlled by Him. Nothing is more foundational to the Bible than God is. This is the basis of our faith and obedience. God is powerful. When Moses felt the burden of leadership weighing heavily on him, he instinctively focused on who he was: "Who am I?" (Exodus 3:11). God ignored the question and instead made a statement about Himself: "I will certainly be with you" (verse 12). In other words, who I am is more important than who you are. The promise of God's presence connected Moses to an inexhaustible source of power. God is faithful. "The Lord God of your fathers" (verse 15) is a covenant-keeping God. He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Nothing surprises Him or forces Him to act out of character or compromise His integrity. He cannot fail. He is steadfastly faithful. His name is the rock-solid foundation of our confidence in His ongoing faithfulness. God is eternal. As the "I am," God exists eternally. "This is my name forever" (Exodus 3:15) is a guarantee that God's promises are certain, and our future is secure. On this assurance, we can commit our life and base our ministry and service. God-obsessed people are an irrepressible people. We have eternity in our hearts and a passion to spread the absolute truth of who God is! TODAY'S REFLECTION: What characteristics of "I AM" resonate with you personally? God's name is "to be remembered throughout all generations" (Exodus 3:15, ESV). How can you apply this to your life? TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL WAS WRITTEN BY JULIE LONG.

    4 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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  • Creator
    Ladies Ministries UPCI
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ladies Ministries UPCI
  • Show Website
    More to Life Today

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