"Daughters Arise Ministries"

Theme: Trusting God’s Timing and Purpose in Your Life By: Tamarie Johnson-Williams  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)” As we embark on this new year, many of us may be reflecting on the desires, goals, and dreams we hold for the future. Perhaps there are things you’ve prayed for, longed for, and worked towards that still haven’t come to fruition. In those moments of waiting, it can be difficult to understand why God's plan is unfolding as it is. But, beloved, trusting God's timing and purpose in our lives requires faith—faith that His ways are higher than ours and His timing is always perfect. Consider the story of Abraham, whom God promised that he would become the father of many nations. Yet, the fulfillment of this promise did not come immediately. Abraham and Sarah waited many years, and at times, the waiting seemed unbearable. Sarah even tried to take...

Embracing Your God-Given Gifts Theme : Discovering and Using Your Talents for God’s Glory By: Jolen Whyte Unwrap Your God-Given Gifts: Shine for His Glory!!  God has placed unique gifts within each of us, designed for His glory. Whether it is teaching, encouraging, creating, or serving, your talents are not accidental—they are intentional. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Quite often, I am commended for being talented. Truthfully, sometimes I wonder if it is a curse, as your greatest strength sometimes becomes your greatest weakness. I do think that, at times, people abuse your willingness to use your talents for the glory of God. How do you balance serving others and staying true to yourself? Recently, I am learning to say "no" without feeling bad about it. It is essential for us to know our limits and recognize when we are being used or taken f...

  Building Spiritual Discipline Dr. Terry -Ann Robinson    Building Spiritual Discipline Theme: Establishing habits of prayer, fasting, and Bible study to grow closer to God. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 ).   Have you found that forming a good habit, such as exercising daily or eating healthy foods, is challenging? Yet, other less wholesome actions, such as binge-watching TV programs and overindulgence in social media, are embedded in the blink of an eye. The scripture gives us some healthy habits that we should have. How do you rate these habits in your daily life? Do you rejoice always? Do you pray without ceasing? Do you give thanks in all circumstances? In my daily life, I sometimes miss the mark on these. I fail to make choices that promote my spiritual growth; quite frankly, I lack spiritual discipline.   The Apostle Paul had...

Remembering God’s Goodness in Both the Highs and Lows Author: Leisa Walker Scripture : “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1 Reflection : Life is filled with a mix of highs and lows, moments of joy and seasons of sorrow. When we are standing on the mountaintop, basking in victories, it’s often easy to recognize God’s goodness. We see His blessings in answered prayers, opportunities, and celebrations. In those moments, gratitude flows naturally from our hearts. But what about the valleys? The seasons of difficulty, pain, or waiting? It can be challenging to perceive God’s goodness when prayers seem unanswered, struggles persist, or hope feels distant. We ask ourselves- God where are You? I need You now! However, let us be reminded that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. His love and faithfulness endure forever, unchanged by the flow of our emotions or situations. Let us consider the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16)...

  Healing from Past Wounds Author: Arlene McLoed Theme: Allowing God to Heal Emotional and Spiritual Wounds Scripture  Scripture : “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3, NIV) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) Many  Many of us carry emotional and spiritual wounds from our past. Whether from relationships, loss, or trauma, these experiences can leave deep scars. Yet, the Bible reminds us that God is a healer, not just of our physical bodies but of our hearts and souls. In the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), we see a powerful example of healing. For twelve long years, this woman suffered from a condition that isolated her from society and caused her immense pain. Despite her desperation, she found the courage to reach out to Jesus in a crowd, believing that if she could just touch His garment, she would be healed. Her faith was rewarded; not only was she physically healed, bu...

Fruits of the Spirit Author : Nickela Davy Theme: Cultivating love, joy, peace, patience, and more in your life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23 My mom and I planted a little mango tree in our backyard one summer. I was so excited because I imagined it was full of sweet, juicy mangoes. But as weeks turned into months, the tree barely grew. It just stood there, looking small and weak. Mom explained to me that the tree needed more than just soil and sunlight. It needed watering, pruning, and patience. Over time, we cared for that tree together, pulling weeds, adding fertilizer, and waiting. It didn’t bear fruit that year or the next, but it slowly grew stronger. In many ways, the Fruits of the Spirit are like that mango tree. God plants His Spirit in our hearts, but the “fruits” like love, joy, peace, and patience don’t appear overnig...

Walking in Wisdom Theme: Seeking God’s guidance Author: Deneisha Campbell-Davey, Women's Ministries Leader, King's SDA Church  Scripture Reading :  Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Reflection : Each day, we face multiple choices, some significant while others are insignificant- these choices help to shape our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, the urge to lean on our own understanding is powerful. However, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that true wisdom starts with placing our trust in our Lord. When we seek God’ s guidance, we are not simply asking him for help, we are choosing to submit our will to His divine plan for us. By deciding to surrender our desires and concerns to the will of God, we are opening ourselves to His power to transform us. This bold act of surrender allows us to step faithfully in wisdom rather than ambling around in confu...

  Perseverance Through Trials Nicola Blackmore Imagine a young tree standing resiliently in an open field, buffeted by fierce winds. Initially, it may appear that the tree is on the verge of destruction, but the reality beneath the surface is quite different: its roots are extending deeper into the ground, securing it against even the most violent storms. This imagery serves as a profound representation of the Christian journey. The adversities we encounter—such as loss, disappointment, illness, or uncertainty—may seem insurmountable. However, these experiences can fortify our spiritual foundations, prompting us to place our trust in God and His promises. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Romans 5:3-5: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been g...

A Pot of Soup Focus: Developing a Heart of Gratitude  Theme: Finding reasons to be thankful in all circumstances Evelyn Linton        “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24)   It was the beginning of summer, and I was excited about the holidays ahead. I looked forward to a well-deserved break from the rigors of work. As I lived alone, cooking daily was not a priority. However, I remember feeling a strong impression to cook a pot of soup in the largest pot I had available. Although I am a soup lover, my largest pot could easily serve fifty people, so the thought made no sense. Nevertheless, I went ahead and cooked a delicious pot of pumpkin and thirteen beans soup.  I remembered feeling some discomfort below my rib cage before bed. I tried to sleep without success. The pain quickly partnered with labored breathing and became so intense I had to sit up in bed. I...

 Identity in Christ Theme : Understanding Who You Are in Christ and Living from That Truth Written by : Peyton Hamilton Scripture: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) As a teenage girl, I face daily challenges and often seek my friends’ approval. Sometimes, I trust people as true friends, only to feel hurt or betrayed. In those moments, I take comfort in God, who never criticizes but instead reassures me through scripture or a kind friend. Jeremiah 31:3 reminds me: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” This verse reassures me that God’s love remains constant, even when I feel rejected. I often want to make everyone happy—my family, friends, and myself—but I struggle with what I truly want. There’s a constant tug-of-war between doing what’s right and what’s easy. Paul’...

  Persistent Peace   Overcoming Fear and Anxiety            Theme : Trusting God to calm fears and bring peace. Author :  Evelyn Linton   Phil. 4:6-7 (NKJV) - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   One of my weirdest quirks is to periodically engage in battles that aim to wrestle worry from the clutches of peace. Do you sometimes do it, too? The reasons behind our responses to challenges may be complex; however, a fair conclusion is that we sometimes struggle to demonstrate enduring faith that overcomes fear and anxiety.   Here’s a scenario - I remember experiencing a very challenging situation that had the potential to impact my well-being and, consequently, my job. Understandably, we value good ...

  Living Out Your Faith Theme: Trusting God to Calm Fears and Bring Peace Written by : Kerry Ann Batchu-Hamilton Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Life is often not as it seems. You might be smiling on the outside but crying for help deep inside. There’s a saying: “Today you are up, but tomorrow you may be down.” Thus, even during the toughest journeys of life, I stand resolute for God. How do I remain steadfast despite life's roller-coaster rides? By putting my trust in You, Lord! I draw courage from Your Word and strive to maintain my spiritual integrity. My human fragility often makes me fearful as I tread this pilgrim path, but I am reminded of Your promise: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer...

  Stewardship and Generosity Author : Andreka Davis Scripture Reading: “Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity. At that time she became ill and died. … Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up.” – Acts 9:36-37a, 40 As women, we often feel the weight of responsibility – balancing family, career, relationships, and personal needs. Stewardship is about managing all that God has entrusted to us: our time, talents, resources, and even our hearts. The core of stewardship is not ownership, but rather the realization that everything we have belongs to God. Our homes, finances, and even our health are gifts from Him, and we are called to manage them wisely. Like many others, I can relate to the story of Tabitha, she was a woman who lived in Joppa who the Bible says …wa...

Faithful Friendships Author: Shaqueena Danvers Theme: Building Godly, Supportive Relationships Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This verse beautifully captures the essence of faithful friendships, emphasizing love, support, and unwavering loyalty, especially during difficult times. As we reflect on examples of godly friendships in the Bible, we see a common thread: faithfulness, support, and godliness. These friendships remind us of the relationships God desires us to build and nurture. Examples of Faithful Friendships in the Bible Elijah and Elisha Elisha’s unwavering commitment to Elijah reflects true loyalty and faithfulness. Even when Elijah urged him to stay behind, Elisha refused, showing his devotion to their shared purpose in serving God (2 Kings 2:2-6). David and Jonathan Despite the complexities of their situation, Jonathan supported David, even to his own detriment. His sacrificial love and unwavering loya...

  Learning to Swim -Surrendering Control Theme: Trusting God with your plans and desires Author: Evelyn Linton   “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5: 6, 7     Falling face-first in deep water when you’re unable to swim isn’t my idea of fun. But that’s a part of the story of how my swimming journey began. While I can now swim (to an extent), I am still apprehensive in the water and prefer to look at it rather than be in it. I also prefer to have reliable support within grabbing distance when I get tired or start to panic.   Does life as a Christian sometimes feel like that? Do you sometimes fear the deep end or feel that you were pushed in unprepared? You are never alone. Jesus, our swimming instructor, loves you. He also walks on water and always has a close eye on you. He will never allow you to sink.    Swimming begin...

The Joy of the Lord: Choosing Joy in the midst of trials Author: Jusene Brown   Key Text: James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  Is it possible to choose joy or find the joy of the Lord during trials?  There is a misconception that once we accept Christ, we will not face trials or adversity. When trials arise, they can plunge us into pain, depression, anxiety, unexplained illnesses, and other effects.  You may have experienced or are presently going through a trial or series of trials in your life—trials in your family, marriage, with your children, at work, in your daily activities, or at church.  How can we then experience joy when everything seems to be stacked against us, when it is more than we can bear?  The answer is found in James 1:2-4. We are encouraged to ...

Being a Light in the World Author: Shirlette Facey Theme: Living as a reflection of Christ in daily interactions Key Verse: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14 Reflection As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love, grace, and truth in everything we do. Much like a lamp shines in a dark room, our actions, words, and attitudes should illuminate the goodness of God in a world that often feels shadowed by fear, negativity, and selfishness. Being a light doesn’t mean being perfect; instead, it’s about showing kindness, offering encouragement, and standing firm in what is right, even when it’s challenging. The small acts—helping a stranger, listening to someone in need, or choosing peace over conflict—can shine the brightest in a dark world. Bible Story In John 4:1-26, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. Despite cultural barriers and past mistakes, Jesus speaks to her compassionately and truthfully. By simply en...

Renewing Your Mind Author: Sandra Rose Overcoming Negative Thoughts through Biblical Truths. Romans 12:1-2 How do you overcome negative thoughts? Like a drug addict, I struggled with negative thoughts for a major part of my teenage years. At the age of thirteen, I went to visit my mom, who was working on a small island as a live-in helper. Since she had no personal accommodation for herself, a family member, Elizabeth, decided it was acceptable for me to spend the time with her and her family. To my surprise, after my arrival in mid-July, she dismissed the helper, and I became the full-time live-in helper without any form of compensation other than the food I ate and the place to sleep. I did not know that mid-July to mid-August was my orientation. What made matters worse was that both Jeremiah and Elizabeth were verbally, physically, and emotionally abusive to me. This drove me to resentment, then bitterness, then thoughts of murder. Yes, you heard me—murder. I would think about takin...

Resting in the Security of God’s Never-Ending Love  Author : Arlene Johnson-McLoed Bible Verse : "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." —Isaiah 54:10 (ESV)   In our constantly changing world, we often seek security in things that are fleeting—relationships, accomplishments, or material possessions. But God's love is a secure foundation that never shifts. His love for us is not based on our performance, nor is it dependent on external circumstances. It is unshakable and eternal. Isaiah 54:10 reminds us of the incredible promise of God's unwavering love. Even if the mountains crumble and the hills fade, His steadfast love will remain. This is the security we are invited to rest in—the knowledge that God’s love will never abandon us, no matter what.  One of the most explicit pictures of God’s unchanging love can be s...

I AM A Warrior!  Author:  Sharon M. Campbell-Danvers Theme: Spiritual Warfare. Equipping Yourself with God's Armour to Stand Firm I was a worrier in yesterday's devotional, but today, I am a warrior! What a twist! I have had to fight many battles in my life. They come from the left, right, and centre. Battles appear to love me. Sometimes, I literally feel tired. How do I survive and not just thrive? One of my favourite Bible stories is the account of the Amorites and Moabites in 2 Chronicles 20. They came against Jehoshaphat to fight. Jehoshaphat, fearing the threat, sought the Lord through prayer and fasting. The congregation joined him in one accord, united and purposeful in seeking the Lord’s help. We need to respond when we hear the battle call for our sisters, families, friends, and the church. Jehoshaphat and the people of Israel proclaimed God's promises of protection and deliverance in times of trouble: “If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgement, or ...