NIV Devotions for Women

The importance of making wise alliances is highlighted through the story of Jehoshaphat's ill-fated partnership with King Ahab, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of poor relationship choices. By examining our own relationships and considering how they may be impacting our spiritual well-being, individuals can take steps to cultivate stronger, more God-honoring connections that bring them closer to Him.

A former fundamentalist's journey of self-discovery reveals the blurred lines between rebellion and obedience, as they grapple with the idea that God's rules are designed to strip fun from life. By examining the complexities of faith, free will, and personal responsibility, this article invites readers to reevaluate their relationship with a higher power.

Solomon's magnificent temple for God, built with gold, silver, and precious stones, serves as a powerful example of generosity and devotion. By examining this biblical account, readers can discover how to use their talents, resources, and time to create something beautiful for God, reflecting his grandeur and regenerating grace.

A remarkable story in the Bible highlights the unprejudiced nature of Boaz, who welcomed a foreigner into his family despite being from a despised people, illustrating God's unconditional love and acceptance. This inspiring passage reminds us that, like God, we too are called to show kindness and compassion to those around us, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Rejection is a universal experience that can be painful and disorienting, yet it can also be a catalyst for growth and transformation. In 2 Chronicles 11:13-17, the Levites' rejection by Jeroboam ultimately led them to serve God in Jerusalem, illustrating how even the most difficult experiences can be used by God to direct our lives towards him.

Many people believe that if a couple stops loving each other, they should get divorced, but this assumption is based on a misinterpreted statistic that doesn't account for marriages that didn't end in divorce. In reality, going separate ways can be a difficult and life-altering decision with lasting effects, and couples should consider whether staying together out of obligation or convenience is truly the best choice.

A successful African-American woman, who has achieved a high level of professional success, is struggling with the idea of continuing to climb the corporate ladder and feeling empty in her personal life. She questions whether the pressure to succeed is worth the sacrifices she must make, including potentially missing out on motherhood, and seeks guidance on finding a balance between career advancement and personal fulfillment.

A young slave girl and a powerful commander, Naaman, both struggled with life's "exceptions" that threatened to disrupt their happiness. Through their stories in 2 Kings 5, we are reminded that it is often our willingness to trust God without exception that can bring healing and help to ourselves and others.

In ancient times, God provided cities of refuge for those who unintentionally took a life, offering protection until justice could be served; today, Jesus is that same refuge for all who struggle with sin and its consequences. By embracing Christ as our safe haven, we can find forgiveness and healing from the anger and harm that threatens to consume us.

A biblical passage from 2 Chronicles highlights the story of King Solomon's encounter with a genie-like figure, offering a unique opportunity to make a wish. Instead of pursuing personal gain, Solomon chooses to prioritize his relationship with God and serve others, demonstrating a profound understanding of what truly matters in life.

Solomon's extravagant worship and subsequent encounter with God in a dream reveal the transformative power of devotion, as he discovers that wisdom is the greatest gift from God. By exploring the biblical account of Solomon's ascension to the throne, readers can gain insight into the importance of worship and its role in preparing hearts for God's blessings and wisdom.

In ancient Israel, King David offered sanctuary to the last survivor of his grandfather's line, Prince Mephibosheth, demonstrating God's kindness and acceptance. Today, readers can experience a similar welcome at the "King's table," where eternal friendship with Jesus Christ offers refuge from sin and judgment, leading to a life of anticipation and praise before the Prince of Peace.

Paul's personal struggle with a debilitating thorn in the flesh serves as a powerful reminder that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, and that our human limitations can be used by God to display His strength. By embracing our own "thorns" and allowing them to keep us dependent on God's love and power, we can discover new depths of tenderness and effectiveness in serving others.

God often uses unexpected means to communicate with stubborn individuals, as demonstrated by the story of Balaam and his donkey, highlighting the creative and sometimes unconventional ways in which He can reach those who refuse to listen. By examining this biblical account, readers can gain insight into God's innovative methods for getting their attention and encouraging them to reconsider their perspectives.

A biblical passage from Joshua 5:13-15 reveals that God's power is not about being on someone's side, but rather about being on God's side, and it was this acknowledgment by Joshua that led to a miraculous victory over the walls of Jericho. By examining this story, readers can gain insight into the nature of true faith and obedience in the face of adversity.