Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

July 4, 2005

"An Affirming Firend"

by

Gladys DeMichael

"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us king and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever."

 Revelation 1:5b-6 (NKJV)

One of the things we must learn as women is balance. There are many facets to being a woman . . . often we feel scattered, separated and pulled apart by the responsibilities of our lives. This may seem more challenging to us as Salvation Army officer women, but every woman faces it and every season of life brings with it new lessons of balance to be learned.

We need affirmation; everybody does. We need affirmation from others and we need to be able to affirm ourselves. When we have learned this, we are then able to become an affirmer, a giver of affirmation. Receiving and giving are extremely important components of a balanced life. When we struggle with the receiving of affirmation, it is most difficult to give it to others. Isn't it true? A word of affirmation can change your worst day into a lovely day. Affirmers are world changers. When you give the gift of affirmation, you give a gift to yourself.

Accept the affirmation from the scripture for today. 'King' denotes the change Christ has made in your life. 'Priest' indicates your ministry to others. Christ affirms you and enables you to affirm others. Believing, accepting and giving affirmation is a sure foundation to keeping a balanced life.

Prayer

Dear Lord, your affirmation enables me to walk tall with

my head held high. I know I am valued. Lead me

to someone today who needs an affirming word.

Amen

"This devotional was written as 'heart preparation' for the women attending a 'Journey in Grace' Women's Conference in 1998."