Ears that hear and eyes that see—the Lord has made them both.—Proverbs 20:12 (NIV)

God sends small miracles to brighten every day. Do you notice them? The next time you experience a little blessing—a parking spot that opens up, a beautiful dragonfly that lands on your window, or a meaningful song that pops up on the radio just as you tune the dial—thank Him for shining His light on your life.

Dear Lord, Your fingerprints are all around me. Give me ears that hear and eyes that see Your many wondrous blessings.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.—Matthew 10:14 (NIV)

When Jesus sent the disciples to spread the Gospel, He knew that they would not always be welcome. His advice when this happened was to move on and keep going. Is there something in your life that you are clinging to that may just be a waste of time? Reflect on what is blocking you from moving forward. Shake the dust off your feet.

Lord, help me discern what I should let go of. Guide me forward on my faith journey.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.—Psalm 119:62 (KJV)

Often things that keep us up at night lose their significance and power in the light of day. The lonely hours of the night can break down our defenses and make us feel hopeless. God and strong faith are the cure for dark thoughts. His Word is a beacon of hope.

Heavenly Father, I know You are with me, guiding me to embrace life’s journey, even through the loneliness of dark nights.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)

Someone said, “The courage it takes to share your story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to hope.” Reflect on your life, and ask Jesus to help you find ways to inspire others and give them hope by sharing a personal experience.

Dear Lord, guide me to bless others with my story.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)

Are you a good friend to yourself? Do you ever reward yourself by doing something that makes your spirit soar and your heart sing? Reflect on your accomplishments and the many life lessons you have learned. Treat yourself. You deserve it.

Dear God, sometimes I put myself at the end of my to-do list. Today, help me remember that being good to myself is essential for my wellbeing.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”—John 17:20 (NIV)

This beautiful verse reveals this humbling and magnificent truth: Jesus prays for you! So take that comforting message to heart: Jesus continues to plead for you before the throne of His Father. The Son of God prays for you!

Lord, thank You for showering me with Your love and prayers!

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV

“How’s Herb?” people would ask me when we’d meet on the street.

I was evasive. “Oh, I can’t really say. It changes from day to day.” My husband’s mental illness was not something I wanted to talk about.

“How are you doing?” my friend, Bertha, asked. “Fine,” I told her. “And you?” She looked me in the eye and said, “No. Really. I want to know how YOU are.” She didn’t accept the standard “fine.” I burst into tears. The floodgate was opened! Keeping my emotions pushed deep down inside was doing me real emotional and physical harm. As a caregiver for Herb for years, I was worn down from the pressure and stress of dealing with his illness.

Friends and family urged me to join a counseling group at a local hospital. After some resistance, I decided to give it a try, and immediately found I was met with kindness, understanding, support and love in the group. I saw that I was not the only brokenhearted person.

Over eight weeks of learning how to accept my situation, I became more confident. I opened up to people about Herb when they asked about him. I even elaborated on our situation without fear of being judged. I was finally free to talk about mental illness and the effect it had on our family, and it felt like such a blessed relief.

Lord, thank you for the support and encouragement of others who understand what I’m going through on my caregiving journey. Thank you for setting me free to talk about mental illness.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

God has wonderful plans to accomplish through each of us. In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (verse 5). A vine should bear fruit, and Jesus lists several variations on this theme: no fruit; some fruit; more fruit; and much fruit (verses 2, 8). Of these four possibilities, how would you rate yourself spiritually?

It’s important to remember that spiritual growth is not something you can do on your own. “Without me,” Jesus cautions, “you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In that same verse, He urges His followers to, “Abide in me.” Jesus wants you to live in His presence, to think of Him often, to pray to Him, to sing His praises, to talk and work with other Christians, who are really His body (Ephesians 5:30). You abide in Christ when you read His words in the Bible (often!), meditate on them and do what He says.

In John 15:7, Jesus gives us an amazing promise: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” When you truly abide in Christ, you can ask for whatever you desire—for your longings will have become those of Christ Himself.

Why not take time this week to read the entire 15^th chapter of John? Underline (or memorize) verses that challenge or inspire you. Abide…and bear fruit!

ELIZABETH PEALE ALLEN

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/

By HEIDI GAUL

Remove the distractions and seek Jesus.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

In the kitchen, my utensil drawer was stuck shut again. I jiggled and yanked the handle, finally releasing whatever had blocked it. Staring at the jumbled contents, I sighed. All I needed was the ice cream scoop. Shuffling through various wooden spoons, silicone spatulas, and stainless-steel knives—each created for only one purpose—my fingertips found the familiar rubberized handle. Now to work it free from the tangled mass.

That drawer, with all its useful and helpful items, sometimes reminds me of the way life can get cluttered with busywork. Like the garlic press I recently purchased, I always find ways to cram one more volunteer opportunity or social engagement into my week. Sometimes I lose track of the point. Why am I doing it and who am I doing it for? With my focus split in a hundred directions, none of these things bring me—or others—closer to Jesus. I’ve emptied the drawer, carefully selecting the utensils I’ll keep and which to donate. Now I’ll be able to find what I need with ease.

I’m doing the same with my free time. Things that distract me from Jesus or from serving Him better will be removed. Psalm 27:8 reminds me, “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD, do I seek’ (ESV). I want to declutter my soul, to seek Him with all my heart and find Him, and to reach for Him and recognize His touch deep inside.

FAITH STEP: Pick a cluttered drawer in your home and clear the unnecessary items from it. Now apply the same principle to your life. Remove the distractions and seek Jesus.

https://guideposts.org/daily-devotions/devotions-for-women/devotions-for-faith-prayer-devotions-for-women/