Welcome to the new SpiritLed Woman eMagazine! My name is Valerie G. Lowe and I’m the editor.

I’m excited about launching this weekly online magazine because I know there are women who want to connect with other women who love God and want to do His will. It is my prayer that you receive an impartation of the Holy Spirit every time you read the SpiritLed Woman eMagazine. But don’t keep the news to yourself—spread the word! Click here to share this premiere issue.

My good friend Mildred often says something good happens when women get together. She’s right. When we unite together in prayer and the Word here, something good is going to happen.

Each week you can allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate your heart and speak to you through our devotional section, “Fueling the Fire.” Or you can receive divine revelation when you read such features as Timeless Treasures, written by renowned women and men of faith. If you’re anything like me, solid biblical teaching inspires you.

And be sure to watch Say It, Sister!, a video blog of women preaching and teaching the Word of the Lord. I know you will be energized and equipped when you hear them minister.

But most of all, I pray you are empowered to fulfill your God-given purpose in life. You can’t do this in your own strength. When we are drawn to a deeper, intimate relationship with God, it happens “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord” (Zech. 4:6, NKJV). May you answer the call to be a Spirit-led woman.

week 1

Deborah: Called to Battle

During one period of Israel’s history, the Spirit of the Lord raised up judges to lead the people of God. Deborah, the prophetess, was the only woman who served in this role. She was a wife, a prophet and a judge. Her life of faithfulness was highly regarded, and God empowered her with wisdom and authority to speak as His oracle in settling internal disputes and to lead the nation in times of conflict.

Read: Judges 4:1-16, Judges 4:17-24, Judges 5:1-18, Judges 5:19-31

Heart Issue
Deborah served God faithfully during a time of great political upheaval and chaos in her nation. To what acts of faithfulness are we called today? What seeks to hinder us, and how do we overcome these
hindrances?

Prayer Focus
Father, send us forth. Help us to serve You courageously in our generation. Reveal to us the hindrances—personal areas of doubt and weakness. Let faith arise in our hearts that is born of a knowledge of who You are, that we might trust in Your sufficiency and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit at work in us day-by-day. Amen.

Brenda J. Davis is the acquisitions editor for Creation House Books.

One of the greatest joys a woman will ever experience in life is giving birth. Though having a baby is oftentimes uncomfortable, it’s a miracle we women treasure for a lifetime.

When a woman discovers she is expecting, thoughts begin to race through her mind. Is it a girl or boy? Is my child healthy? Should I quit my job after the baby is born or return to work? The answers may be unclear at this point but one thing is for certain, she’s expecting!

I believe it happens the same way in our spiritual walk with the Lord. As we develop a relationship with God, He plants His Word deep in our hearts and when the time is right, the Holy Spirit reveals it and causes us to grow. By the time I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, she had her own blood type and her heart was already beating. The first trimester of pregnancy is accompanied by many changes and transitions.

After the morning sickness disappears and the baby is getting bigger every day, a woman can hardly wait to meet the person growing inside her. So it is in the spiritual realm. We wait sometimes patiently, but most of the time anxiously, for the manifestation of what God has for us. With every passing day of spiritual maturity, our potential becomes possibilities and our hopes become reality.

And just as expectant mothers do in the natural realm, we have a shower in anticipation of the new arrival. We shower God with shouts of praise! We shower Him with adoration! We thank Him for His goodness, and we love Him for His grace. Why? Because He is faithful!

By faith we are able to believe God’s promises. Scripture says “For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Cor. 1:20, NKJV).

That’s right! God will fulfill every Word He has ever spoken in your life. If He said you would preach His Word, get ready because it will come to pass. If He told you you’re going to be a missionary, get ready because the mission field is calling your name. If He said He would use the pain of your divorce to minister to others, I suggest you get over your shyness because many hurting people are headed your way.

Whether you feel equipped to do God’s bidding, it does not matter. Every blood-washed woman is expected to carry His Word. It doesn’t matter if you feel worthy or not. The lover of your soul has placed in you everything you need to fulfill your calling. Ready or not, it’s time to come forth. Happy Labor Day!

What a sobering experience. My tour today began with a visit to Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum located on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem. After reflecting on what I saw, it’s clear no other place so far has impacted me like this one.

First we went into the Valley of Communities where we watched a short video of life among Jewish people before Adolf Hitler executed his sinister plan to destroy them.

I saw scenes of Jewish culture with men and women, boys and girls laughing, dancing and enjoying everyday life. Then we descended deep into the museum and the deeper we walked, the more horrific the images were. After seeing remnants from victims herded off to concentration camps–their shoes, pocket watches, family photos and more—the tears started to trickle down my face. It’s something I’ll never forget.

I could barely contain myself when I entered the Children’s Memorial. All I could think about were the millions of children who died in gas chambers. I saw some of their faces and they were no different from my precious 5-year-old niece, Taelor, and your kids. I could hear them giggling and laughing in my mind. Yet they died without the embrace of a mother or father. They died without mercy.

As we departed the museum, I started thinking about an article I had written back in early 2000 titled “The History America Chose to Forget.” It’s about the heinous act of lynching and the persecution of black people. During the Civil Rights movement, many Jewish people marched arm-in-arm with African-Americans because they could relate to the pain. Seeing those images in the museum made me think about my great, great grandmother who was a slave.

As a black person, I sometimes want to ask God about the Holocaust, slavery and other atrocities that have occurred in the annals of time, but I don’t. Instead I trust God to right every wrong and to judge righteously every human being. Every day Jewish people demonstrate forgiveness, and I believe that’s the model we must all follow.

I’m so sleepy my eyes are burning, but I must tell you about the sites I saw today.

We started the tour with a scenic drive through the valley of Jordan where I could see in the distance the kingdom of Jordan. The mountain curved around and around until we were headed in the direction of the Dead Sea region. I’m told the region is the lowest point on earth, about 419 meters below sea level.

Next we stopped in Bet Shean, the city where Scripture says King Saul fell on his sword and killed himself. I’ve read the story of Saul many times in the past, but after seeing the site in person and listening to my tour guide, I have a better understanding of what happened back then.

My guide, Tsion Ben-David, is a masterful presenter. He meshes history with archeology to give an accurate and interesting account of what occurred thousands and thousands of years ago. Well done, Tsion!

We arrived this afternoon at the Qumran ruins where the Dead Sea scrolls are located. And after climbing from one cave to another, I was glad I hit my sister up for a pair of sneakers during my layover in New York.

We left the caves and went to Masada to see the ruins of King Herod’s palace, which is situated on the top of a mountain. Since Masada is a cavernous mountain with gaping holes, we had to ascend deep into the ruins by cable car, which made me extremely nervous. But the other journalists assured me I would make it across unscathed and in one piece, and I did. Thank you, Lord!

And then came the climax of my trip today. Jerusalem!!!!

We “ascended” into the Holy City just after dark and what a beautiful site to see. I know I sound like a child in a candy store, but it was truly an amazing site to behold. I’ve never been to Israel before, so needless to say I’m excited!

When we checked into the David Citadel Hotel later that night, I grabbed my room key, opened the door and did what the Bible instructs each of us to do. I prayed for the peace of Jerusalem.

Shalom.

Today I sailed the Sea of Galilee!

Every time I think my visit to Israel can’t get any better, something or someone will change my mind. That’s what happened to me today when I had an encounter with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.

After eating breakfast this morning we all boarded a bus headed for the sea. I was feeling a little anxious about some things, so I wasn’t myself today. But when I stood up for prayer, the Lord spoke to my inner spirit and said “peace, be still.” At that moment, the weight lifted and I was able to participate in all the tour activities.

Next, we went to the site of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave His famous Sermon of the Mount.

Then we went to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and to Capernaum the “City of Jesus.”

We went to Bethsaida, the birthplace of Peter, Andrew, Philip and the Zebeedee family. And we went to Kursi, the place where Jesus performed the miracle of the swine.

But isn’t that just like Him? Jesus will show up in our lives and speak to our financial problems, health issues, marriage and more. Jesus did for me what He did for others more than two thousands years ago. He told me to be still.

Shalom!

This morning my tour group and I checked out of the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv (what a nice place) and boarded the bus for Caesarea National Park. King Herod the Great (not the Herod who sought to have baby Jesus killed,) built Caesarea. When I got off the bus, my mind went back in time to thousands of years ago.

I sat down in the Herodian Amphitheatre and tried to imagine what it would be like to attend a sporting event back then. According to the brochure, the U-shape venue is more than 250 m long and 50 m wide. Some experts say it might be the stadium mentioned by first-century Jewish historian, Josephus Flavius in Jewish War (Antiq. ll:9, 3). I also got a chance to see some of the archaeological designs made popular by the Romans after they gained control of Caesarea.

After that we went to the ancient city of Megiddo, which is also known as Armageddon. Megiddo was once a fortified city that overlooks Jezreel Valley. The city’s other name, “Armageddon,” will one day resurface in our minds as the return of our Lord draws near.

After taking tons of pictures and eating a good lunch, we all boarded the bus and drove to the place I’ve always wanted to visit. Nazareth was the highlight of Day 2 of my trip to Israel. I toured a place called Nazareth Village where I saw a wine press that dates back to biblical time, and I saw some not so hospitable sheep.

The city is bustling with tourism, but many of its residents don’t know Jesus. That part makes me sad. The childhood town of Jesus is populated with people who don’t have a relationship with Him. The tour guide told us that when he was in the Israeli Army and would get attacked by the enemy, he’d not only pray for miracles, he depended on them! That’s what Nazareth needs.

Jesus Christ raised people from the dead and turned water into wine, but He never worked a miracle in His own hometown. Let’s ask the Lord to move in Nazareth, so the residents can come into relationship with the Man who put their city on the map.

Valerie

When my daughter was growing up, I would talk to her about prayer all the time. I would tell her that praying to God was like talking to Mommy and she could do it anytime, day and night, at the day care or in church. It didn’t matter.

It wasn’t long before Faith would slip to her knees, bury her little face in her hands and pray. She would tell the Lord, “Thank you for being so nice to Mommy and me,” or “Thank you for helping me tie my shoe laces.” And there were times when she would have to tell the Lord, “I’m sorry” and “Forgive me, please.”

For years we would kneel to pray, but when I sensed God telling me to switch things up, my daughter got confused.

I would stop Faith in the middle of a prayer and tell her to get up and pray while putting away her toys. Other times I suggested that she walk around the house or sit in a chair and talk to God. But when I would look into her eyes, her thoughts would say: Why is Mommy telling me to pray this way or that way? Why aren’t we on our knees like before?

She had watched me assume that position for years because kneeling is a sign of humility before God. But He wanted us both to know it is the position of our hearts, not the posture of our bodies that He is after. Whether we sit or stand, sink to our knees or close our eyes, God is looking for people with pure hearts. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8, NKJV).

Today Faith is away at college pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer, but she knows how to get a prayer through. Whether standing in line at the bookstore or kneeling in the privacy of her home, she knows she must keep her heart right before God.

Speaking of prayer, I will be in Israel March 15-23, and would like for readers to log on and intercede for my trip. But don’t just pray for me. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Shalom.

Several years ago I listened to a preacher share a funny story about his adventures at his high school prom. He said he had purchased a beautiful corsage for his date, rented a tuxedo for the special event and got all dressed up.

But no sooner had he and his lovely escort arrived at the prom than one guy after another rushed over to the girl and asked to dance, and she said yes. This went on most of the night until the preacher got fed up with the other fellows cutting in on him and he said to himself, Man up and go get your date!

So he took a deep breath, whispered a quick prayer, and went on the dance floor. He tapped his date on the shoulder and said, “”Excuse me, may I have this dance since I’m the one who brought you to the prom?”

She said yes and the two danced the dust up off the carpet for the rest of the night.

This story reminds me of God.

He is so good to us. He makes ways for us when there seems to be no way out. He beautifies us with the garment of praise when we feel discouraged. He stands by us even when other people forsake us. And when the enemy tries to steal our dreams, kill our hopes and literally destroy us, He steps in and gives us the power to defeat him.

I know the cares of life are vying for your attention, but don’t forget to praise the one who brought you out of sin and shame to a place of peace and joy.

Scripture says God will turn our hardships and pain into praise: “‘Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!’ You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever” (Ps. 30:10-12, NKJV).

In these tough times of economic downturn, war and uncertainty, it’s easy to depend on the president, the government or self, but let’s not change partners. Let’s continue to praise God for His mercy, kindness and provision. Dance with the one who brought you this far.

Last night I read the book of Job and was taken aback by the turn of events that left a man devastated by unthinkable tragedy. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

Most of us can’t relate to the depth of Job’s suffering. He had 11,000 livestock, enough hired help to man a mansion and most of all, a wife and 10 children. And then Satan came in and wrecked his life killing his seven sons and three daughters, the servants and his animals.

Job lost it all, but he never gave up on God.

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t always responded to hardships and pain in my life with unwavering faith. I sometimes doubted God, took matters into my own hands, and did whatever I could do to make things better. But nothing changed until my heavenly Father said that’s enough. He not only rescued me from the enemy, but from myself.

Look at how God blessed Job after his ordeal: “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys.

“He also had seven sons and three daughters. In all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job. After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations” (Job 42: 12-13, 15-16, NKJV).

God is the same today, yesterday and forever more. He is faithful and will never change. If He delivered Job from the grip of the enemy and blessed his life, He will do the same for you.

So be encouraged and keep your focus, and don’t let the enemy make you curse the Father. He tried that trick with Job, but Job refused to “charge God foolishly,” and we must respond in the same manner.

Brian Zahnd, founder and senior pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Mo., recently released a book based on David’s response to the tragedy at Ziklag. What to Do on the Worst Day of Your Life is a must-read, and if you want to be uplifted and learn how to respond to hardships, I suggest you read it today. To get your copy click here.

Valerie G. Lowe is the editor of and associate editor of Charisma magazine.