Reliance on the Word
Sharon Betters
Today’s Treasure
Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of the law. For it is no empty word for you; but your very life.
Deuteronomy 32:46-47
Dear Friends,
Connie Miller joins us this week as our guest writer. I met Connie through our national women’s ministry and was drawn to not only her southern accent but her passion for pouring life into the hearts of others, especially through women’s ministry in the local church. In this week’s devotionals, Connie encourages us to consider each of these words: Think. Remember, Reference Point, Word, Presence, and Glory. In Thursday’s devotion Connie writes about how the Word can equip us for some of the hardest of life experiences:
I’ll never forget the doctor’s words to me that day. “There is no heartbeat, Mrs. Miller, your baby did not survive”. The trajectory of my life changed in that moment. But by God’s Grace I’m thankful that I knew the truth and authority of His Word: “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. “You are my treasured possession”. ‘I am the giver and taker of life” ‘God works all things together for those who love Him’.
Just as God knew me before the foundation of the world, He also knew this little life I carried, but for a short while. His promise of creating me and purposing me for good works also applied to the life of my baby. What was part of his little good work and purpose? God used my baby to help me know and experience the pain of miscarriage, loss, and the blessing of life. This little life God used to make me a different woman. For that, I’m truly grateful.
What now? Beloved, soak in God’s rich, life-giving Words to you today. Where are we, women, when it comes to responding to “Did God really say?” Do we choose self-rule or God’s rule when it comes to life’s hard decisions? How do we operate when life throws an unexpected trial into our lives? How do we behave when people disappoint us or don’t meet our expectations? Do we respond biblically? Friend, let us feast on His Word. Let His Word be the daily treasure of your heart. It is no empty Word for you who know Him as Lord and Savior. His Word is your very life! (Connie Miller, Daily Treasure, Thursday)
I share Connie’s reliance on the Word to carry me through not just the hard places, but everyday life. How often His Word stops me in my tracks and causes me to reconsider my feelings or take a deep breath in the middle of a frightening situation and remember the promise of His presence. Or perhaps He calls me to “die to self” in order to be a life-giver rather than a life-taker. I’m seventy-four years old and the Word continues to breathe life into my soul and direct my steps. Perhaps my age makes me even more aware of the desperate need I have to Think and to Remember my Reference Point, His Word, the promise of His Presence, and how He changes us from glory to Glory.
Enjoy getting to know Connie this week and allow the truths of these devotionals take you to a place of equipping you to offer others the redemption you have in Jesus.
Treasured by Him,
Sharon
PRAYER
Thank you Father, for giving us the ability to think biblically, to remember Your faithfulness, for bringing us back to the reference point of our salvation, to hide Your word in our hearts as we lean into the promise of Your presence and trust Your glory to transform us into a reflection of Jesus.
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Sharon W. Betters is the author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.