To You My Daughter: Recent Episodes
To You My Daughter
As a follower of Jesus Christ, a wife, a mom and a grandmother, having struggled in life with many difficulties - through it all the Lord has remained faithful. These devotionals were created to encourage women to keep looking to Him, holding on to all His promises and not to lose hope. ToYouMyDaughter.com is a website God can use to remind His daughters about the truth of His word as we continue to trust Him, relying on Him for He alone is faithful.
In seasons of trials, fear can be overpowering. Our troubles often lead us to doubt God and His ability to deliver us, leading to hopelessness and making it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The palmist David experienced fear personally but decided to trust God. How did David arrive at this conclusion?
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When we follow the Lord and obey His word, we expect only good from Him. Yet, Job learned during his season of suffering that difficult circumstances can occur even when we are faithful. God commended him as one who walked uprightly, feared the Lord, and shunned evil, yet he still faced severe trials. Why did God allow him to suffer?
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It’s estimated that many people have at least $35,000 in credit card debt. Because of the accrued interest, it will take many years for some to repay it. We do not like to deprive ourselves of those things that please us, so we reach out for our plastic cards without a second thought. However, the bill arrived to our discontent, and we realized we could not pay the minimum. We ponder and wish someone would pay the debt for us. But the good news is someone has paid all our debt.
We are encouraged to be grateful despite our circumstances, but some say, "How can I give thanks when I have not received my answer to prayer?"
Learning to wait takes discipline however, waiting in silence requires yet more. Often, we don’t do very well when required to wait. Many times we do it noisily through complaining or grumbling, often falling into a “why me” mindset. In my experience, when I’ve allowed anxious thoughts to dictate my responses to situations I could not control, I was faced with great disappointment. In reaching this point, I unconsciously chose fear over faith as my constant companion.
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Sometimes, we say or do things unintentionally that hurt others, especially those closest to us. The moment we take the step to make right what we’ve done, seeking forgiveness and restoration, joy and satisfaction fill our hearts. How much more knowing that when we have sinned against God, He readily forgives us when we come to Him in humble repentance? But you may ask how can God forgive my sins, when I’ve done evil in His sight?
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Have you felt trapped or imprisoned by circumstances beyond your control? Are you being held hostage by fears and anxious thoughts? Many psalms begin with the psalmists pleading to God for help in their distress and finish with echoes of praise to God even when they had yet to see deliverance. What was their secret?
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There are times when God tests our faith. He often tests our faith when we cannot see what lies ahead. God often does not work according to our preconceived ideas. He doesn’t initially reveal all the details. How can we move forward and rust God when we can’t see what lies ahead?
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One question that often arises is why does God allow suffering? There is so much I still do not know and much that I still don’t understand. I cannot be so quick in my conclusions or my responses; I recognize that I don’t have a complete picture (or panoramic view) of all God is doing in my life and the world around me. It is true of all of us, for we are all limited in understanding and knowledge of the future. Job’s suffering caused him to question God and what God was doing in his life. Do you find yourself in the same place as Job?
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We all have dreams and aspirations for the future, but what if God showed us that He has a different and better plan? Would we be willing to do God's will, whatever the cost, knowing that it will be worth it all in the end?
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There is great reason to celebrate this Christmas season, and here’s why!
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Jesus, #salvation, #hope, #forgiveness, #weary, #sin, #burdened
In times of trials, where do you place your trust when anxious thoughts threaten to overwhelm you? Do you rely on yourself and others in difficult moments? We all go through moments of fear and doubt at the onset of a trial. The question becomes where and who we will run to when in trouble.
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We have all experienced moments when it seemed as though we have no strength to move forward. The battle raging within us and around us seems overwhelming and ongoing without an end in sight; we are unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our eyes fail from searching out God’s word. It’s like when we look into the Scriptures for comfort, but it seems more like empty words on a page. What we seek is to be released from our agony. In desperation, we may have asked God, When will you comfort me? When will you come to my aid?
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Giving into the demands of another runs contrary to our human nature. Instead, we rather give into our instincts than listen to the voice of reason and wise counsel. We desire to be masters of our destiny, preferring to do it our way, not realizing what it will cost in the long run. Obeying God is not optional, and here’s why...
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Who do you turn to in times of trouble? In Isaiah 41:13, God said, “For I, the Lord, your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you.” However, you may question His wisdom and ask why doesn’t He remove it immediately?
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Everywhere, we hear differing opinions and views on life, death, family, and the social and economic issues plaguing our society today. Most of what we hear comes from the news, social media, and the internet - which begs the question, who are we to believe? What we choose to believe must be based on accurate knowledge or proof. If not, we can be deceived and led astray. How can we avoid from being deceived?
We all struggle with prayer. For some the underlying problem is that they have lost faith in the power of prayer to change any outcome. If this is you, take a listen.
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Sometimes, life’s challenges and external pressures can leave us feeling like we’re drowning with no help in sight. For some, it has felt as though they were drowning in deep murky waters, unable to escape the surge of waves that keeps sweeping over them. If this describes you, you are not alone.
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In life, taking a detour off the main road - away from God’s will does not always work out as planned - many times the detour can be worse than the main road.
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Is God good all the time? Is a question that many who find it difficult to understand God’s purpose in suffering have echoed. How can we learn to trust God in our seasons of suffering?Perplexing as these questions may seem to us in times of trouble, we must bring our concept of God in line with whom the Bible teaches about Him. If we are to see any good out of our trials, we must learn to view suffering from God’s perspective.
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Some say that God works in unexpected ways in answer to our prayers. But how will we respond when confronted with challenges and obstacles to our faith? Will we give up or do we hold on to what we know is true about God?
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News spreads at a fast pace when an event that is supernatural occurs. Words like, “did you hear what happened?” perks everyone’s interest. There are words that can bring change and hope to those who are in need good news. ToYouMyDaughter.com
The holidays have come and passed. Neatly packed away are the decorated lights and trimmings. After all the celebrations the thrill is gone and exhausted both in the physical and emotional sense. We are left with the reality of everyday life and, for many of us, the dark days of winter. For some, who have reached the pinnacle of their journey to happiness, quickly realize that what they hoped for lasted but for a moment. Their heart still yearns for more.ToYouMyDaughter.com
We can lose the true meaning of Christmas not only in the hustle and bustle in preparing for this special day but also from the deep sorrow that comes from broken hearts and broken lives, having lost all hope and motivation. We have forgotten the true significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday or another day off from work.
David says in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” I think we can all sympathize with David in times of trial. David grew weary and believed that somehow God had forgotten him, for he longed to see the Lord answer and deliver him out of his troubles.
The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s the time of year when we feel pressed for time, and pulled in every direction. This makes it even more challenging to manage our priorities, leaving us with little or no time to spend with the Lord. Are you feeling that the demands of your life are overwhelming? www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Upon entering a chaotic situation the first question that may arise in minds is who is in charge? Looking around the world with its increasing turmoil and chaos, we too may ask who is in charge. So where is God in all of this? www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
“Living Contrary To A Dark World” There is a deep darkness in our world today, in a spiritual sense. What was once called evil is now being celebrated as good, and what was once called good is regarded as evil. There are confusing messages on how we are to live in today’s polarized culture. Some Christians find that to live as light in the world and walk differently contrary to today’s culture is very difficult, but why? And how are we to guard against the deception that is prevalent in our culture? www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
“Failed yet again” is perhaps a statement you may have said in recent days. But you are not alone, for there are many who strive to avoid it, but for the most part, it’s inevitable. Nothing can be more frustrating that having to face failure even after putting much effort into achieving the desired goal. For us as Christians, no matter how hard we try to live the Christian life, we come across failure more often than we would like to admit. Failure can lead you to a temporary place of defeat but you don’t have to stay there. To read, hear or view the entire devotional, "Failed Yet Again”, visit: www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
A desperate woman in Jesus’ day said, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” It wasn’t the touching of Jesus’ garment that made her well, but it was her faith that came in contact with the power of Jesus that healed and restored her.
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There are many who have written on the need to find rest in our troubled world. Others have sung songs describing the struggles many confront daily and the desire to be at rest. Why is it that so few find it? www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Have you ever experienced the inability to pray during a severe trial? Perhaps all you could do was cry as the waves of sadness and sorrow swept over you. Deep within, you cry but lack the ability to put into words what you are feeling or experiencing at the moment. How do I know God is listening?
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We all make choices daily. But we know some choices have consequences. When facing difficulties how we choose to respond will affect the outcome.
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Life often leads us through twists and turns, leaving us both worn out and empty with nothing else to give. Since our understanding is so limited, our hardships blind us to the truth of God’s word. We become disillusioned when we look to ourselves or others for an answer. No one can provide an answer or solution to our suffering, but God alone. www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
“To believe or not to believe”. For us today, this is still a question we must all answer as to whether or not we believe in God and His word. The Bible is the most read book in all of history and yet many are still undecided whether they believe it as truth. It takes a simple step of faith, but what will you choose to believe? www.ToYouMyDaughter.com.
We have heard it said that we should learn from our past mistakes and move on. But if we are honest, we would have to confess that when we have failed, it becomes difficult to move on. Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, defined a mistake as an opportunity to begin again more intelligently. As Christians, we fail many times in turning to the Lord for His strength to help us in our walk with Him as we do battle against our sinful flesh. We will fail at every turn when we rely on our own resources and strength to accomplish what only God can do through us. But how can we get past the failures and the shame? To hear or read the entire devotional, Turning Defeat Into Victory, click on the video or visit us at: www.ToYouMyDaughter.com.
Each passing day, we hear of severe tragedies with the rise of violence and chaos, either here or in some part of the world. We are daily bombarded with the latest news of war or rumors of war, along with the threat of food and energy shortages. And to add to our woes, there is yet another wave of the pandemic hitting our shores once again. As a result, we face continued waves of fear, and for many, hearts have failed and given to despair. Where can our help come from? To hear or read more devotionals visit: www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
For many of us life has not been easy and when we’ve called upon God for His help it seemed as though He doesn’t respond immediately to our cries as we had hoped. God will often use difficulties to test our faith and perseverance. During difficult seasons in our lives, God will often allow us to reach the end of our own resources so we could learn to depend on Him alone. But how can we learn to rely on Him only and what does it look like? www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Has the noisy throng of the Christmas rush silenced the joyous sounds of His first coming? Let’s remember Jesus came to save us from our sins, a great occasion for rejoicing. (Romans 5:8) www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
As Christians, we need to “walk the talk”, so if you say something, back it up with meaningful action. John staled that if we say we abide in Jesus, we should walk as He walked (1 John 2:6)
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If God is for us, who can be against us? Who can defeat us if God is on our side? (Romans 8:31)
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Giving thanks is seeing all of life’s circumstances through God’s perspective using eyes of faith. We can choose to thank God in every situation or grumble in them failing to benefit from the lessons He desires to teach us.
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We often go through challenging times, which we cannot understand. Perhaps you have been going through a difficult struggle, and it appears things get worse instead of better. You may be asking why, why now? Throughout Scripture, we see how God accomplishes His purposes for our lives apart from our own understanding. He works ‘outside the box’ to fulfill His plan, and most times He works in ways we could never have imagined. To hear or read the entire devotional, A Greater Purpose, visit us at www.ToYouMyDaughter.com.
God’s Amazing Love. Have you ever asked that if God is a holy God, how could He love a sinner like me? God demonstrated His love by sending His Son to die in our place so that we might live through Him. (1 John 4:9-10)
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Choosing to live differently requires courage. There are very few people who are willing to be the oddball standing out in a crowd because they become the target of rejection and ridicule. So how then should we live in a dark world that opposes the truth of God’s word? To hear or read the entire devotional, Dare To Be Different, visit us at: www.ToYouMyDaughter.com.
Our culture pushes us to depend on no one or anything outside yourself, how well is that working for you? The Bible says, Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. (Isaiah 50:10)
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Are our thoughts of God too small? When in times of trials, we may see our difficulties greater than God Himself. Have you felt lately that God has chosen to look away from your troubles and that His mercy and love have ceased?
To hear or read the entire devotional, Take A Deeper Look, visit: www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Who do you turn to in times of fear and uncertainties? As Christians we often face spiritual attacks. We are not to put our trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. (Psalms 146:3, 5). We are to trust and hope only in the Lord. www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Have you ever experienced a crisis of faith where you struggled with doubts, anger and frustrations towards God, failing to understand His purposes? It’s hard to comprehend why it seems as though the wicked go unpunished and the righteous suffer. Our hearts are grieved when we try to make sense of all the injustices around the world. To hear or read the entire devotional, Crisis of Faith, visit us at www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Some believe that if we look at things on the bright side, hoping for the best will make our situation more bearable. But this sounds more like wishful thinking instead of hope. Our only hope is Jesus Christ who is more than able to fulfill all His promises. www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
In difficult times many have asked the proverbial question, “Why me?” It is difficult to understand with our limited understanding the reasons behind suffering, but God always works all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
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As believers in Christ, we have enemies, but we can overcome them, because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Many seek their own individuality apart from God which has caused much suffering and pain. Jesus came that we might have life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) ToYouMyDaughter.com
In times of crisis why is it that prayer is our last resort? Many have such a hard time with prayer, what may be the reason? Prayer is simply talking to God and sharing the deepest cries of our hearts with Him. (Psalm 142:1-3) ToYouMyDaughter.com
Unaffected Trust Can we experience a peaceful state of mind where we are unaffected by outward circumstances? The Lord will keep in perfect peace whose minds are fixed on Him. Trust in Him for with the Lord is everlasting strength. (Isaiah 26:3-4)
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You may have read or heard it stated “be yourself”, don’t be afraid of being who you are but through the years Christians have misunderstood that statement. To read or hear more: ToYouMyDaughter.com
When we focus on God and remember all He has done for us, our attitude and perspective changes. Our hearts will then be filled with praise and gratitude. (Psalm 145) ToYouMyDaughter.com
Many have suffered terrible affects from the pandemic. The psalmist stated that he would have perished in his affliction if it were not for the faithful promises of God. (Psalm 119:92) Trust in the Lord.
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In Scripture, pride in whatever form it takes is never seen in a good light. Our proud heart deceives us into believing that we can make it on our own without God or without His help. (Daniel 4) Pride Comes Before A Fall.
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Have you thought of giving up when the circumstances were beyond all hope? The psalmist David said, My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my hope comes from Him. (Psalm 62:5) Wait and trust in God to work it out for you. Don’t grow weary.
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We all take pleasure in someone or something. However, the Bible encourages us to find our greatest delight in the Lord. Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. ToYouMyDaughter.com
When we concentrate only on the trouble surrounding us our view of things can be somewhat distorted. Fear will often cause us to lose sight of who Jesus is. Turn your eyes back on Jesus. (Mark 6:50) www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
God’s grace is His love, mercy and favor that He poured out on us who are undeserving. Grace is separate from any merit or works on our part. His grace is through faith in Christ alone. (Ephesians 2:4-9) ToYouMyDaughter.com
Many of us, upon hearing God’s word, often choose not to listen or apply what God is saying. We rather turn a deaf ear especially when we feel uncomfortable with its truth. God’s truth sets us free. (John 8:32)
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We often are tempted to view our difficulties as times of defeat but these can be God’s opportunities to fulfill a greater purpose in and through them. ToYouMyDaughter.com
When we say the Lord’s prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” we are asking God to reign not only on earth but in our hearts as well. (Matthew 6:10)
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The world apart from Christ seeks to control us, desiring to conform us to its corrupt standards. When believers choose compromise over devotion to Christ, regrettable consequences are inevitable.
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When we come face to face with obstacles and challenges in our Christian life, trust God to work through them as you hold on to His promises.
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We have heard it said that if we don’t receive answers to prayer then it must mean we don’t have enough faith. However, that is not always the case.
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Before knowing Christ, we were held in bondage to sin. Jesus came to set us free from the power of sin. So now through faith in Him we are free, not to do our own thing, to obey Him.(Romans 6:1-4) www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
We all desire to triumph in every challenge we face, for we love to win. However, as we strive in life to cross the finish line some of the choices we make can lead us to a disastrous end. (Proverbs 14:12) www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
The Bible states that Paul made it his goal to be pleasing to God (2 Corinthians 5:9). As believers in Christ, it’s where we find true purpose and meaning for our lives. www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
How we think determines our emotions, attitudes and actions. Therefore the mind becomes the battleground for all spiritual warfare. It is crucial that we are continuously transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2) www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
In the Bible, the heart becomes the focus of our spiritual life. In Proverbs 4:23 states that we are to guard our hearts above all else. The heart is easily deceived and can become unreceptive to God’s truth.
When we are too busy with demanding schedules, one of the things we often cross off our to-do list is the time we would spend with God. Our time with Him should be our top priority for the day. www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Light Or Darkness. Are we living in the light or in darkness? When we walk in the light, we are kept from stumbling but if we are in the dark, we will not see the danger that lies before us. www.ToYouMyDaughter.com
Divided or Undivided Heart? What is it that we desire more than anything and would sacrifice, whatever necessary, to get it? If our desire is not for God Himself, then whatever I long for has become my idol.
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Nothing is more assuring than knowing that God is with us but do we believe it? Trust that the Lord is true to His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:6) The Lord is with you.
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We are told not to let our hearts be troubled or let it be afraid. When we dwell on our troubles, it can lead us to despair, but when we dwell on God’s promises, we have hope to hold on and not give up. ToYouMyDaughter.com