More to Life Today

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. 14h ago

    Your Story Is Not Over

    "And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is." Genesis 21:14-17. I don't know about you, but when I read Hagar's story, my heart grieves for her. Her life was profoundly shaped by decisions made for her, not by her. She was not wealthy, not a matriarch, and not even free. She was an Egyptian servant girl in Abraham and Sarah's home. I know we can judge the situation with Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, but let's consider Hagar's part of the story. Other people's desires and decisions controlled her life, and even if she had an opinion, it was likely dismissed because of her social status. I can only imagine the weight of expectation she must have carried when her handmaiden told her she was expected to conceive a child on her behalf. And, it seems, when she did conceive, she loved him, clung to her baby, and became a really good, loving mother. Hagar's story took another turn years later when Ishmael was caught mocking Isaac, the promised child. It was during this juncture of life when she and her son were commanded to leave the only home she had known for years of her life. Some seasons in our lives feel like we have been sent away from everything familiar. Some people we thought would be in our lives forever are no longer there. Or we find ourselves in a wilderness that we never intended to enter. This is where we find Hagar and her son Ishmael. Abraham sent Hagar and his son away with some bread and water; honestly, those two things in a desert environment would not sustain anyone for very long. I can only imagine Hagar's anguish when the water runs dry, when the food runs out. She finds shade, places Ishmael under a bush, and weeps nearby. Honestly, I would weep too. Then God speaks through His angel. "I have heard the voice of the lad where he is." Scripture doesn't record what Ishmael said, but it shows that God hears the cry of despair in the wilderness. God hears the voice of the broken. He hears the voice of the bruised and discarded. You may be in a place you never imagined you would be. You may face circumstances you cannot change, carry a burden you cannot explain, or grieve a loss that has left you feeling empty. Perhaps the water has run out, and you have no idea how you will make it through another day. Your present moment does not limit God's ability to reach you. God can provide a future beyond the place you feel your story may end. This is not the end for you, or your children, or your family. There is hope today. So if you find yourself in a wilderness place today, don't give up. Keep trusting God, even when you cannot see the whole picture. Keep praying, even when the words are difficult to find. And keep believing this painful chapter isn't the only chapter; many more pages are still to be added to your story.

  2. 1d ago

    Grace for the Journey What do we do when life becomes difficult? First, we turn to the Lord. Second, we need to let others walk alongside us.

    "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV). There is something beautiful about knowing we don't have to be strong all the time. As believers, we often feel the need to keep moving, keep serving, keep showing up, and keep believing, even when life becomes difficult. We remind others to trust God and hold on to His promises, yet sometimes we need that same encouragement ourselves. The truth is, faith does not mean we will never grow weary. Trusting God doesn't mean we will never cry, and walking with Christ doesn't mean we will never have seasons when life feels heavy. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reveals a beautiful promise: God's grace is sufficient for us, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Notice that God does not require us to hide our weakness. He reminds us that His strength is made perfect right in the middle of it. We do not have to pretend we have everything together to experience His grace. We simply have to come to Him as we are. Grace does not always change our circumstances immediately, but it meets us in the middle of them. Be honest with God about what hurts, and bring Him your concerns, disappointments, and the questions you still try to understand. You do not have to find the perfect words or put on a brave face when you enter His presence. The God who created you already knows your heart, and He welcomes your burdens. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us. What a comforting truth! The God who holds the universe in His hands is also concerned about the details of your life. Nothing that weighs on your heart is insignificant to Him. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to bear one another's burdens. We were not created to navigate every hardship alone. God often uses the people around us to remind us of His love and faithfulness. A trusted friend, a faithful brother or sister in Christ, a pastor, or someone willing to listen can encourage us when we need it most. There is no shame in needing support. Sometimes, God answers our prayers for strength by sending people who are willing to help us carry what has become too heavy. Even Jesus received help carrying His cross on the road to Calvary. Luke 23:26 tells us that Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross behind Him. If someone helped carry the cross on the journey to Calvary, we should never be ashamed to acknowledge that we need help along the way, too. As we walk through seasons of grief, disappointment, and change, we may discover that some experiences leave a lasting mark on our hearts. We may never understand every circumstance, and some losses may always hold a tender place within us. But we can keep trusting that God is present in every season. Our hope is not that life will always be easy. Our hope is that God will remain faithful, even when life is hard. Perhaps today you are tired from carrying responsibilities, grieving someone you love, navigating an unexpected loss, or simply trying to find your footing in a season you never anticipated. If so, take a moment to breathe and give yourself permission to rest. Make room for your feelings, spend time in God's presence, and let the people He has placed in your life love you through this season. God's grace is sufficient for this moment, this day, and this season of your life.

  3. 2d ago

    When Life Feels Like More Than You Can Bear Simple Questions And Difficult Answers Faith In The Broken Places

    "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." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) We often hear people say, "God won't give you more than you can bear." Although those words are well-intentioned, they don't exactly reflect what this Scripture says. First Corinthians 10:13 speaks specifically about temptation and God's faithfulness in providing a way for us to endure it. It does not promise we will never face circumstances that feel too heavy to carry. And if we have lived long enough, most of us know what it feels like to reach that place. Have you ever walked through a season of life and wondered how you would make it to the other side? Have you experienced a loss, a disappointment, or a series of hardships that seemed to come one after another? Perhaps you have found yourself smiling in public while privately trying to hold yourself together. Sometimes life happens in ways we never could have prepared for. And sometimes, the very things we are trying to survive are the things we never imagined we would have to face. A few years ago, I sat with a friend visiting from Chicago. We met at a little bistro in Washington, D.C., where we enjoyed coffee, a gentle autumn breeze, and the kind of conversation that nourishes your soul. I have always loved meaningful conversations. I enjoy going beyond the surface and creating space for people to share what is really happening in their lives. That day, our conversation turned to writing a book. My husband, who has encouraged me for years to write, reminded me again of something I had carried in my heart for a long time. Then came the question: "Why haven't you written a book?" It was a simple question, but my answer was anything but simple. As I sat there, I began to put words to something I had been carrying for a long time. "Grief is exhausting," I said. "I guess I haven't written anything because I have felt powerless." As soon as I said the word powerless, I felt its weight. My eyes filled with tears, and I realized how much pain I had been carrying beneath the surface. Over the years, my husband and I have experienced seasons of deep disappointment, uncertainty, and loss. We navigated financial struggles early in our marriage. We experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage. My father suffered a stroke that changed his life and affected our family in profound ways. We faced difficult family circumstances, continued serving in ministry, earned my master's degree, and welcomed our precious daughter into the world during a season when so much was happening around us. There were beautiful moments, and there were heartbreaking ones. Prayers were answered, unexpected challenges arose, new beginnings began, and losses changed me forever. And eventually, I had to say goodbye to my dad. Losing him has been another chapter in my journey through grief. His absence reminds me that life keeps moving, even when our hearts need more time to catch up. Grief does not always announce itself. Sometimes it shows up in a memory, a familiar moment, a conversation you wish you could have one more time, or the realization that someone you love is no longer here to call. Grief has a way of reaching into places you didn't even realize were hurting. Through all of this, I have continued to believe that God is faithful. I believe His Word when it says He will never leave us nor forsake us. I believe He is our strength when we are weak. I love the Lord, and my faith in Him remains the foundation of my life. But I have also learned that loving God does not mean we will never experience sorrow. Faith does not make us immune to grief. Trusting God doesn't mean we will never feel overwhelmed, and serving Him doesn't mean we must pretend everything is okay. Sometimes, faith looks less like having everything together and more like bringing...

  4. 3d ago

    When God's Will Is Different From Our Will A Prayer of Surrender

    "…Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42 (KJV) Have you ever prayed earnestly for something, believing with all your heart that God would answer in a particular way, only to watch things unfold differently than you expected? Have you ever stood on God's promises, exercised your faith, and still found yourself facing a reality you never wanted? One of the hardest lessons in our walk with God is learning to trust Him when His will differs from our own. In Luke 22:42, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the suffering that lay ahead of Him. He prayed, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Jesus expressed the weight of what He faced, yet He surrendered Himself to the Father's will. His prayer reminds us that surrender does not mean we have no desires, questions, or fears. It means that, even amid those feelings, we choose to trust God above all else. Sometimes, we approach God with a clear picture of how we believe our prayers should be answered. We pray for healing, expecting a miracle. We pray for restoration, expecting mended relationships. We pray for open doors, expecting opportunities to unfold. And we pray with faith, believing God can do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think. But what happens when the answer does not come the way we prayed? What happens when the healing doesn't happen, the door stays closed, or the situation ends differently than we hoped? These are the moments when our faith is tested—not simply whether we believe God can do something, but whether we will keep trusting Him when He does not do what we expected. Faith is not about convincing God to fulfill our will; it is about trusting Him enough to surrender to His. God calls us to pray boldly, believe His Word, and trust in His power. We should never become discouraged from praying for the sick, interceding for the brokenhearted, believing for miracles, or sharing the truth of His Word. Our God has not changed. He remains able, merciful, and worthy of our trust. At the same time, we must remember that God is sovereign. We can be obedient to His Word while leaving the outcome in His hands. We may not always understand His decisions, and we may not receive answers to every question we carry. But our inability to understand does not mean we must abandon our trust in Him. Some seasons, God's plan seems clear; other seasons, we cannot see beyond the next step. Sometimes the path He allows us to walk leads through disappointment, grief, uncertainty, and pain. In those moments, we may find ourselves asking, "Lord, can I still trust You? Can I trust You when I don't understand? Can I trust You when my prayers are answered differently than I hoped?" The answer is found in the character of the One we serve. Our circumstances may change, our understanding may be limited, and our hearts may struggle, but God remains faithful. Trusting God does not mean we will never wrestle with difficult emotions. It means bringing those emotions to Him rather than letting them separate us from Him. We can be honest about our pain. We can ask our questions. We can admit when we are struggling. And even when our faith feels weak, we can pray as the father did in Mark 9:24, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." There is something powerful about a prayer that says, "Jesus, I don't understand everything You are doing, but I still want to trust You. Help me surrender what I cannot control and rest in who You are." I want to remain faithful in prayer. I want to continue believing for healing, praying for people to receive the Holy Ghost, encouraging the brokenhearted, and proclaiming the Word of the Lord. I will not let what I do not understand keep me from trusting the God I know. Why? Because my faith isn't built on getting every answer I desire. My faith is built on the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. Perhaps today you are facing a situation that didn't turn out th...

  5. 4d ago

    Empowered To Be A Witness Some Practical Ways to Be a Witness Who Is in Your Mission Field?

    "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."— Acts 1:8 (KJV) Most Christians love to quote Acts 1:8, and for good reason! It is a powerful promise from God. Often, when we read this scripture, we focus on the power the Holy Ghost gives us. We certainly need God's power in our lives. But have we ever asked ourselves: Why does God give us His power? The answer is in Scripture: "And ye shall be witnesses unto me." God doesn't give us His power simply for our own benefit. He empowers us to be witnesses of His goodness, His grace, and His saving power. The power of the Holy Ghost is not just something we receive; it is something that equips us to reach others. God has commissioned us to carry the message of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth. This is more than a good idea or an occasional activity for the believer. It is a calling that reflects God's very heart. He desires that the lost be found, the broken be restored, and people everywhere have the opportunity to know Him. Sometimes, we can become so accustomed to reaching those within the four walls of our church that we forget about the people outside those walls who desperately need Jesus. There is absolutely nothing wrong with sowing seeds among fellow believers. We all need to hear the Word of the Lord, grow in faith, and be encouraged. But if we want to see a harvest of souls, we must also be willing to sow seeds where the lost are. And the uttermost part of the earth may be closer than we think. It may be the neighbor across the street. It may be the cashier standing behind the register, a coworker struggling through a difficult season, or a stranger you meet while on vacation. We don't always have to travel to another country to fulfill the Great Commission. Sometimes, our mission field is right in front of us. People all around us are hurting, searching for hope, and longing for something this world cannot provide. We have the privilege of pointing them to the One who can meet their deepest needs: Jesus Christ. So today, let's put Almighty God's power to work—not merely for our own benefit, but to reach a world that needs to know Him. Let's ask God to open our eyes to the people around us, give us boldness to speak when He provides an opportunity, and fill our hearts with compassion for those who have yet to experience His love. Being a witness doesn't always require a pulpit or a platform. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes through simple acts of faith, kindness, and obedience. Share your testimony. Tell someone what God has done in your life. Your story may be exactly what they need to hear. Speak a blessing. If you're standing in a checkout line, tell the cashier, "God bless you!" A simple expression of kindness can open a door. Share the gospel and God's love. Look for opportunities to share Jesus and the hope He offers. Offer to pray. If a coworker, friend, or even a stranger shares a difficult situation with you, gently ask, "Would you mind if I prayed with you about this?" Take a moment to pray sincerely with them, if they're comfortable. Invite someone into fellowship. Invite a neighbor, coworker, or someone who may be lonely to share a meal in your home and enjoy wholesome Christian fellowship. Pray for those who are sick. If you know someone who is ill, ask if you can pray with them and believe God for their healing. Meet a practical need. If someone is struggling to afford groceries, consider purchasing food for them or leaving a meal at their doorstep. Sometimes, showing God's love helps people understand the love we speak about. These are just a few ways we can be a witness. Countless opportunities exist to share the love of Jesus if we are willing to see them. We don't have to wait for a special service, a church event, or a mission trip to begin reaching people. Every day brings ne...

  6. 5d ago

    Appreciating My Pastor A PASTOR'S ROLE SHOWING APPRECIATION PRAYER POINTS MY PRAYER PERSONAL REFLECTION

    "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." (I Timothy 5:17, ESV) For many years October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. Although it is not celebrated worldwide, perhaps it should be. But just as importantly, each of us with a godly, loving pastor have the opportunity to honor our spiritual leader for their investment in our spiritual life. What is the role of a pastor? Many of us see the public image, Sunday sermons and midweek Bible studies, but often overlook the heart of the calling. I love the description found in Jeremiah 3:15. "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." (ESV) As I read this verse, the phrase "after my own heart" caught my attention. A true pastor has the same heart as that of the chief Shepherd. Because of that compassionate heart, they are there for us during the good times, the bad times, and the sad times. They rejoice with us in times of joy and comfort us in times of sorrow. They guard truth and protect us from false teaching. They care for us. That's what a shepherd does. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV) As I think about the spiritual leaders I've had in my life, I realize each was uniquely different — high energy, fatherly, outgoing, studious, reserved, laidback. The youngest was in his late twenties and the oldest in his seventies. Some were bi-vocational. One was female. All were called by God. All cared about my soul. How can I show my sincere appreciation to my pastor, not only during Pastor Appreciation Month but also all year long? I will respect and honor him (II Thessalonians 5:12-13). I will support him and the church financially (I Corinthians 9:14). I will follow his godly example (Hebrews 13:7). I will speak words of affirmation (Ephesians 4:29). I will pray for him (II Corinthians 1:11). All of the above are important, but the one way we can support our pastor daily is through consistent prayer. Here are a few things you can pray for your pastor and their family. An anointed ministry Boldness to proclaim truth Wisdom and discernment A servant's heart Steadfastness Direction and vision Integrity of character Protection A strong marriage Physical health Lord, I thank you for a pastor who loves truth and loves his congregation. I realize that his load is heavy and he grows weary at times. Help me to lift him up in prayer and to express my love and support not just today but throughout the year. What are some ways to show appreciation to my pastor? How consistently do I pray for my pastor? Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

  7. 6d ago

    That's Never Happened Before! STARTING TO BUILD PUBLIC OPINION LIFE LESSONS

    ". . . Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:9, NKJV) Some may consider the story of Noah and the ark little more than a nice children's story. It tells about a big boat and lots of animals, and children do enjoy it. But the meaning goes much deeper than that. It's the story of a man who chose to believe God while most of the world scoffed. God asked Noah to do something that had never been done before — build an ark and prepare for a massive flood. It is possible, based on Genesis 2:5-6, that up to this time the world had never experienced rain. We do know that men had become very corrupt and violet, something that made God sorry He had ever created mankind. "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5, NKJV) THE IMPACT OF ONE GODLY LIFE The righteous life of one man, Noah, caught God's attention. Genesis 6:8 tells us that Noah "found grace in the eyes of the LORD." One godly man was enough to change God's mind about the total destruction of mankind. He would provide a way of escape and save Noah and his family from the devastation to come. "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7, NKJV) According to Genesis 6, the ark measured 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. A cubit was about 18 inches, so the ark would have measured 450 feet (137 meters) long, 75 feet (23 meters) wide, and 45 feet (13.7 meters) high. This was no small backyard building project, but Noah did not hesitate. He and his sons went to work. The Bible does not tell us exactly where Noah lived, but it may have been in the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. I'm fairly certain no other vessel of that size or design existed. The construction of this massive boat took about one hundred years. That's a long time to continue working with no sign of the promised flood. But Noah and his sons just kept doing what needed to be done. The neighbors probably had a good bit to say as this strange structure took form. A modern-day homeowners association would have complained about destroying neighborhood values. But any curiosity seekers who passed by the strange structure may have found themselves listening to Noah preach on God's coming judgment. Unfortunately, he had no converts. He was just "the crazy guy down the street." Until the rain started and the water began to rise, that is. Then those same skeptics probably pounded on the door of the ark, begging to come in. But God had shut the door. It was too late. The life of Noah provides numerous lessons that should encourage us to guard our integrity even when others around us show little regard for righteousness living. Noah trusted God completely. "Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." (Psalm 40:4, NKJV) Noah displayed obedience. He followed God's instructions without deviation and did not allow the opinion of others to deter him. "And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him." (Genesis 7:5, NKJV) Noah chose righteousness rather than "fitting in" with a wicked culture. "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." (Titus 2:12, NKJV) Noah did not forget to worship. After the flood, his first act was to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God. "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar" (Genesis 8:20). Many things may challenge our faith and mock our beliefs. However, Noah's righteous lifestyle demonstrates that it is possible to live a godly life in an ungodly world. Sta...

  8. Oct 16

    The Shorter Route WHY SAMARIA? THE ENCOUNTER COME SEE HIS MINISTRY, OUR MINISTRY THE ROUTE WE TAKE

    "He left Judea and departed again to Galilee . . .But He needed to go through Samaria." (John 4:3-4, NKJV) Have you ever taken a shortcut that ended up taking more time than the long way? It doesn't always work well, as I can tell you this from experience. Many times, I prefer to take the longer route because there may be less traffic or the scenery is better. This story is not about a shortcut or even a necessary detour. It's about a road usually avoided. When Jesus decided He and His disciples would go through Samaria as they traveled back to Galilee, He did not choose that route because it was shorter. Nor was it the preferred route. Yes, it was more direct when traveling between Judea in the south and Galilee in the north. Many devout Jews, however, chose a longer route to avoid Samaria. The reasons dated back several centuries. Samaritans were of a mixed heritage, part Jew and part Gentile. and they worshiped on Mount Gerizim, not in Jerusalem. Jesus showed no reluctance in traveling through Samaria. In fact, when He uttered what we now call the Great Commission, He explicitly included Samaria as one of the places His followers were to become witnesses. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) As they started toward Galilee, Jesus told the others that He "needed to go through Samaria." He had a reason for choosing that way. There would be a woman at a well, a woman most people avoided because of her past. Jesus was going to ask her for a drink of water—and offer her the chance to drink living water. Jesus was willing to break religious and cultural norms by speaking to a woman most would ignore. She had "a past." Her reputation was no doubt in tatters. That's why she came to the well at a time of day when others would not be there. But today a man sat there. The woman immediately recognized that this was an unusual encounter. A Jewish man was speaking to her and asked for water. "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans." (John 4:9, NKJV) When the disciples returned from town with food, even they were surprised to find Jesus talking to the woman. No one, however, was brave enough to question Him (verse 27). When the Lord had said He must go through Samaria, they did not realize His purpose was to minister to one broken woman at a well. That woman would soon rush to tell the townspeople to "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did" (verse 29). And the people came! Throughout His ministry, the Lord often reached out to those on the fringe of society­—lepers, beggars, outcasts, the oppressed, sinners, and those without hope. Whether in Judea, Samaria, or on the shores of Galilee, Jesus took time for those others would pass by. It was His ministry. "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." (Luke 4:18, NKJV) When the Lord says, "You must go this way," don't be afraid to take the route others may avoid. We are surrounded by hurting people who need the hope we possess. When God filled us with His Spirit, He gave us the power to be witnesses wherever we go. He has commissioned us to go. Where is your Samaria? Who can you tell about the living water today? Prayer: Lord, direct my steps today and help me to speak words that will bring hope to someone who needs to know You love them. Give me greater compassion for the lost, the lonely, and those who feel unloved. You are the answer to their needs. Devotion by Mary Loudermilk

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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
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ladies Ministries UPCI
  • Show Website
    More to Life Today

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