Have you ever thought of being a different person? Perhaps desiring to be like someone else or becoming the ideal woman according to what the magazines and social media portray that image to be. When you really think about it, deep down in your heart, what type of woman do you want to be? As a believer we can choose to be a woman after God’s own heart. What does it mean to be a woman after God’s own heart? A woman after God’s heart is grounded in God’s word. She trusts Him fully and continuously asks to draw closer to Him. She remembers who He is and reflects on the past…

Today is a great day to stop and think about the many different people that God has placed in your life who have mentored you in your walk with Christ. People who have supported and encouraged you to learn in order to maximize your potential, develop your skills, improve your performance and become the person God created you to be. That is the definition of a mentor and they are a gift from God. As I thought back to my early years as a believer I’m reminded of those who invited me to church and went with me so I wouldn’t feel alone or too uncomfortable. Then there were others…

In Biblical times, a disciple referred to anyone studying under, and trying to emulate, a valued teacher. To modern day Christians, it means a follower of Christ who leads by following his example. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Discipleship is a process of not only holding onto your faith, but growing in it so that you may lead others toward Christ. Discipling is helping other believers live lives committed to Jesus, in both spirit and truth. A disciple is one who follows…

We see this term all over social media and might ask ourselves, “What is an influencer?” By definition an influencer is someone who has: the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of his or her authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with his or her audience; one who exerts influence : a person who inspires or guides the actions of others. In her day, Deborah would have been considered an influencer, but with a much greater purpose that getting people to buy the latest trends. She was respected by the people of Israel because she influenced them to live for God. Daily they saw her example of living a…

What is spiritual leadership? One explanation I found said, “spiritual leadership is a blending of natural and spiritual qualities utilized for influencing God’s people to accomplish God’s purposes.” “God called a man to begin a nation (Abraham), to preserve that nation (Joseph), to lead that nation out of slavery (Moses), and to lead them in conquering the land (Joshua). He used individual men and women to further his agenda. He directed judges and kings to govern and prophets to reprove his people. And finally he sent one man to die for the sins of the world.” “Take these few leaders out of history and you have a radically different history.…

What do those words means to you? Do you know your specific call from God? Do you know the anointing that goes along with your call? Each and every one of us as believer’s have a call from God. He has placed us in the families, towns, communities, jobs, social circles etc. all with great purpose. In addition to that He has blessed us with everything we will need and makes it available at the exact moment that we will need it. The trials and experiences that you have endured have been used to refine you and teach you valuable lessons that will be used as you fulfill the call…

It may sound like a spoiler alert, but the words “The victory has already been won,” can also provide the encouragement we so desperately need in a crisis, trial or season of doubt. Barak was a military general that was charged with leading Israel’s army against Jabin the king of Cannan, who had cruelly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years and enforced his reign with nine hundred chariots fitted with iron. Deborah had received a word from the Lord for Barak and told him, “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you; ‘Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor.…

Many times throughout the Bible you will read the words, “and the Lord raised up…….,”which is followed by a name of an individual that was called to serve a mighty purpose for God. Each and every time that person was given the strength, courage and wisdom to accomplish everything that was required of them. Many of the tasks were so incredible that there would be no doubt it was only by the power of God that they were accomplished. That was true of Deborah’s calling from God. The Lord raised her up at that exact time and place to be a leader for His people. Her authority didn’t come from…

Music is a beautiful way to communicate, tell stories, celebrate and remember. The day after the Lord gave the victory to Israel over the king of Canaan, Deborah and Barak sang a song. The song is found in Judges 5 and recounted the events that had taken place and it proclaimed God’s greatness by giving Him credit for the victory. That song was also an excellent way to preserve and retell this wonderful story from generation to generation. Songs of praise focus our attention on God, give us an outlet for spiritual celebration, and remind us of God’s faithfulness and character. Whether you are experiencing a great victory or a…