Quiet Moments: Encouragement for Daily Living

By Karlene Millwood

In todays increasingly busy world, it is more important than ever for women to find quiet time to reflect on a higher power, draw inspiration and wisdom for daily living, and use spiritual principles to overcome challenges and struggles.

Karlene Millwood, who has drawn spiritual inferences from every facet of her life, shares inspirational wisdom based on experiences and meditations journaled over a six-year period. As she leads women through specific examples when she needed to rely on her faith to make difficult decisions or conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Millwood encourages a deeper relationship with a divine and supreme God and proves that no matter what happens, He is always in control. Included are thoughtful questions that prompt deep reflection and meditation on His word, as well as personal growth in faith.

Quiet Moments: Encouragement for Daily Living shares lessons and meditations that guide Christian women to carve out time every day to tap into divine power and strengthen their walk of faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781532023101

Karlene Millwood

Karlene Millwood is an entrepreneur, poet, author, playwright, and screenwriter who finds inspiration through her discoveries of unique and interesting places and people. She resides in Ontario, Canada, where she practices daily gratitude for her wonderful life and the beautiful gift of God’s continuous presence. Quiet Moments is her first book.

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Copyright © 2017 Karlene Millwood.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version, Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked AMP are from The Amplified Bible, Old Testament copyright © 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation. The Amplified Bible, New Testament copyright © 1954, 1958, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Website.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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ISBN: 978-1-5320-2311-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-2310-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017909066

iUniverse rev. date: 06/13/2017

Contents

1   The Importance of Living by God’s Word

1.1   Meditation

2   Desperation

2.1   Meditation

3   Intrinsic Value

3.1   Meditation

4   Identity Crisis

4.1   Meditation

5   Those Little Frustrations

5.1   Meditation

6   Idols

6.1   Meditation

7   The Secret Place

7.1   Meditation

8   The Fullness of Who He Is

8.1   Meditation

9   Resistance to Change

9.1   Meditation

10   Who Do You Obey?

10.1   Meditation

11   It Costs to Obey God

11.1   Meditation

12   Pregnant with Purpose

12.1   Meditation

13   Dancing to the Right Tune

13.1   Meditation

14   Assured Victory

14.1   Meditation

15   The Concealer

15.1   Meditation

16   Look Within

16.1   Meditation

17   The Realm of Faith

17.1   Meditation

18   Let It Go

18.1   Meditation

19   Sing, O Barren Woman

19.1   Meditation

20   A Special Gift

20.1   Meditation

21   Show A Child Some Love

21.1   Meditation

22   True Passion

22.1   Meditation

23   What Has God Said?

23.1   Meditation

24   Dealing with Conflict

24.1   Meditation

25   Do You Really Trust Him?

25.1   Meditation

26   Knowledge is Key

26.1   Meditation

27   A Father’s Love

27.1   Meditation

28   Effective Communication

28.1   Meditation

29   Feasting with the King

29.1   Meditation

30   A Cup of Coffee

30.1   Meditation

31   Facing the Giants

31.1   Meditation

32   The Bully

32.1   Meditation

33   Addiction

33.1   Meditation

34   Conforming

34.1   Meditation

35   Do Not Despair

35.1   Meditation

36   Dreams

36.1   Meditation

37   God is in Control

37.1   Meditation

38   It’s In You

38.1   Meditation

39   Loyalty

39.1   Meditation

40   Passion

40.1   Meditation

41   Role Models

41.1   Meditation

42   Stepping in the Right Direction

42.1   Meditation

43   Stop Struggling

43.1   Meditation

44   Talking To Strangers

44.1   Meditation

45   Thankfulness or Gratefulness

45.1   Meditation

46   Whose Report will You Believe?

46.1   Meditation

47   The Necessity of Pruning

47.1   Meditation

48   Jealousy

48.1   Meditation

49   Are you a Victim or a Victor?

49.1   Meditation

50   Loving Through the Pain

50.1   Meditation

51   The Law of Love

51.1   Meditation

52   Vitamin L

52.1   Meditation

53   Curses vs. Blessings

53.1   Meditation

54   Our fortress

54.1   Meditation

55   Victorious

55.1   Meditation

56   Insecurities

56.1   Meditation

57   Get Drenched

57.1   Meditation

58   The Lord’s Kingship (Psalm 24)

58.1   Meditation

59   Predestination

59.1   Meditation

60   Seed and Fruit

60.1   Meditation

61   No Weapon

61.1   Meditation

62   Rightly Handling Failure

62.1   Meditation

63   Creation

63.1   Meditation

64   Just Stop

64.1   Meditation

65   Quality of Life

65.1   Meditation

66   Answered Prayers

66.1   Meditation

67   The Goodness of God

67.1   Meditation

68   Growing Up

68.1   Meditation

69   The Big Bang

69.1   Meditation

70   Honor the Father

70.1   Meditation

71   Joy Comes in the Morning

71.1   Meditation

72   Checkpoint

72.1   Meditation

73   Our Refuge and Strength

73.1   Meditation

74   Worship

74.1   Meditation

75   Exuberant Praise

75.1   Meditation

76   Conclusion

Dedication

To all those who were instrumental in pushing me out

of my comfort zone into the next level

Foreword

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and in trusting confidence shall be your strength…

[Isaiah 30:15 AMPC]

I n today’s world, the rapid advancement of technology both connects us and divides us. It makes our lives simpler and, at the same time, more complex. Some elements in the world seek our attention. Some seek our intellectual or emotional engagement. Some, like social media, seek a platform for unfiltered opinions under the guise of truth or an unlocked gateway to relationships. In the end, though, what we really get is simply more noise that intrudes upon our already stressful lives and makes us less able to quiet ourselves when we need quiet most.

In order to free ourselves from stress, fear and worry to have that peace of mind and be in control as we ought in Christ, we must embrace a quiet moment each day, ideally at its start. We must ensure that we consciously and on purpose acknowledge our God and Heavenly Father. We must be in agreement with Him that He made the day; that within each day He has a plan and purpose for our lives; and that He has given us sufficient grace to enable us to do what needs to be done.

That is why this devotional is so timely. In a very noisy world, it reminds us all that quiet moments with God is what truly matters and what makes life within each day count, whether it’s Adam in the cool of day in the Garden of Eden, Jesus exemplifying these moments while here on earth, or John on the Island of Patmos. We, too, must recapture what it means to have quiet moments with God, our Father.

For the past six years, I have watched the spiritual growth of the author, Karlene Millwood, and experienced first-hand her commitment to learning how to tap into the ways of the Spirit, which you will experience when you read this devotional. What I most love about the book is the simple yet profoundly life-changing way in which the word is presented and, in particular, the Meditation at the end of each chapter that will seal it in your heart.

Apostle Ralph ‘Bobby’ Somers

Kingdom of Heaven Embassy Ministries

Foreword

A s the complexities of this age bear down on humanity, we are seeking different ways to endure the challenges of our everyday lives. Women often become overwhelmed with the task of being wives, mothers, students, employees and leaders in varying sectors of our society.

They are responsible for caring for, and establishing the value systems for the success of their children and generations to come. These responsibilities can demand so much of the giver’s time that they can easily lose themselves in their services to others, and forget the importance of spending time with the Lord.

The creator, who holds our being together and causes us to function in wisdom, knowledge and understanding, takes pleasure in our time spent in His word and prayer on a daily schedule. This allows us to hear his will for our lives through his words, gives us the opportunity to speak to him in prayer and to pour out our love, appreciation and thankfulness for all that he has done for us.

For many years, I have practiced spending quiet time with God each day. It is during these times of devotion that I have felt his heart of love, his hands of comfort and his voice of direction.

Thou will show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11 KJV).

My admiration and support goes to my sister in the Lord; Karlene Millwood, for introducing this devotional to all women of faith. May each mother, wife, daughter or sister be drawn into a deeper relationship with the Lord. May each moment spent in reading and applying the principles of this devotional become seeds producing a harvest of healing to……. body, soul and spirit.

Bishop Fern B. Mclean

Church of The Living God Int’l.

Preface

M any inspirational books have been written for, and about, women. Quiet Moments devotional has joined this distinguished rank in providing material that will inspire and hopefully motivate Christian women to carve out quiet moments everyday to tap into Divine power and strengthen their walk of faith.

The contents of this book are based on my own experiences and meditations that I journaled over a six year period from 2011 to 2016. Whether it was a morning meditation to start the day, or reflections in the night before going to sleep, I was able to draw spiritual inferences from every facet of my life, be it tending to my plants or watching a television program.

The word of God began to take on more meaning for me through these simple exposures. During this six year period, I had the distinct privilege of leading two womens’ groups and became aware of the need for mentoring on how to practically apply the scriptures to everyday life and began to teach what I was learning and experiencing. Instead of teaching merely from intellect, I was able to teach from a place of understanding and experience and connect with their hearts (or spirits) and not just with their minds.

We understand the scriptures and know how to quote them, but the life application is missing when dealing with difficult situations. I prayed and asked the Lord to show me how to apply His word to my life every day. I documented the results of that journey in my journal, and have now transcribed them in the ensuing chapters of this book. I did not study theology, therefore the insights in this book are based solely on my personal journey with the Lord. I am taught by the ultimate teacher; the Holy Spirit.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV).

This book, which was drafted during the quiet moments of my one year sabbatical, has been a labour of love, and I would like to say thank you to all those who came alongside to support and encourage me throughout the process.

A special thanks to my own pastor, Ralph (Bobby) Somers, who so graciously and eagerly wrote the foreword. His teaching and mentorship over the years have contributed significantly to the insights reflected in this book. Sincere thanks to Pastor Fern McLean, a woman of God, for her continued encouragement and support of this project. To all those who read, reviewed and endorsed the chapters, I say thank you. I could not have done it without your honesty, insight and love. Thank you all for standing with me and encouraging me.

The chapters are best digested as a devotional in your private moments with God. You will need paper and a pen to answer the questions at the end of each chapter. I hope you will be blessed by the contents of the book. Be encouraged that you are not alone on this journey. From my experiences you will note that you will make many mistakes, fall and get up again, each time stronger than before. That’s the journey of life. It’s a process. Walk it out.

My love to you all.

Karlene Millwood

…It is in the quiet that we are replenished, renewed and

recharged for the demands of our lives. In silence we can reconnect

with our true source of energy and inner wisdom. The still small voice

is heard more in the silence beyond, around and beneath

language than it is in the cacophony of incessant sound.

(Sue Patton Thoele)

What Readers Are Saying…

‘Quiet Moments’ is truly representative of its name. This book is packed with powerful takeaways to meditate upon and also to apply to life. The chapter titled Desperation resonates with me. The one on Intrinsic Value is profound as knowing your worth and value in the Father is essential to self-realization.

‘Quiet Moments’ can only be expressed as vulnerable and relatable, as it has shown me that growth stems greatly from acceptance of, and learning from, ones failures.

(Novelette M.)

I like that the author uses her personal experiences to highlight the different lessons. The reader is able to relate based on similar experiences or challenges. The chapter that spoke about humility helped me to change my perception of an individual and as a result, I was able to enjoy interacting with the person, where I wasn’t able to before. It was a great read, and one that I will continually read.

(Kareen G.)

This is a very good devotional. It is such a timely reminder of God’s great love for us. The Intrinsic Value chapter reminded me of what’s most important in life. This devotional ministers to me and challenges me to live an empowering and Godly life. Love it!

(Camise B.)

This work is truly well thought out and speaks from a real relationship with the Father. It makes one think, because it is relatable. The meditations/reflections enables the reader to really digest the chapters. Sing, O Barren Woman, spoke volumes to me. Even the title reminded me to worship in the waiting process. It corrected me to celebrate the precious gifts He has given me. Simply wonderful work.

(Tania C.)

1 The Importance of Living by God’s Word

I like flowers. I have so many potted plants in my house because I believe that they add beauty and ambience to any space. Plus it is good for the oxygen-carbohydrate exchange which we need to live. I have been planting flowers since I was a teenager and living with my grandmother in the Caribbean.

What I have noticed about these plants is that they need a few things to grow. Most importantly are healthy soil and water. If I should uproot any of these plants and leave them out of the soil, they would eventually die because they have been removed from their natural environment. Without the soil to provide nutrients for the roots, the plants’ growth would be affected even if I continued to water it constantly.

Every living organism needs the right environment to grow. Fish and amphibians need water, birds need the open air, trees and flowers need healthy soil. Every living thing has its own environment in which it thrives. When it is disturbed, they begin to die.

So it is with humanity. When God created man (humanity or mankind) He took us out of Himself, the Source of all life. God is a Spirit, so if He took us out of Himself it means we were first spirit. He fashioned a body for us and placed us on the earth. The earth is not our natural habitat even though God created it for us. We came from somewhere and was placed on the earth. We came out of the creator.

Therefore in order for us to thrive, we must stay within our natural, healthy habitat - in God. When Eve was deceived by the serpent and got her husband Adam to join her, sin entered and they were cut off from their natural environment. Sin rooted them up out of the soil of the Spirit of God, and as a result they died spiritually and set humanity on that downward spiral.

God, in His wisdom, loved us so much that He put insurance in place to make a way for us to be re-introduced to our natural habitat. He sent His son to earth in the form of a human, to die for our redemption. This wonderful act is summed up nicely in the gospels but for this I will use John chapter one.

Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was there with God in the beginning. Everything was made through Him, and nothing was made without Him. (John 1:1-3 ERV).

God’s Word framed creation. Faith helps us to understand that God created the whole world by His command. This means that the things we see were made by something that cannot be seen. (Hebrews 11:3 ERV)

God’s word has been around from the beginning. He gave us His Word in scriptures to help us live abundantly in the earth. Solomon told us in the book of Proverbs, The words are the secret to life and health to all who discover them. (Proverbs 4:22 ERV)

When we choose to live by the Word of God it nourishes us and gives us life. We are infused by the very Spirit of God as we meditate His word. Rightly applying what we have learned to the situations in our lives, guarantees us victory every time.

God’s word is also protection from the onslaught of the enemy. God is one with His word. His word is spirit and life. (John 6:63). God is His word as we saw in the first few verses of John chapter one. When we live according to the Word, we are covered, hidden, surrounded by God.

His Word is our shield, defense, and protection against the lies, deception and attacks of the enemy. Living in His word is living in Him. Attacks and criticisms cannot affect us when we are under God’s covering.

It is very important to make time every day to read and meditate on God’s Word. It is the very essence of life.

Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. (Joshua 1:8 ERV).

1.1 Meditation

References: John 1:1-3, 6:23; Hebrews 11:3; Proverbs 4:22; Joshua 1:8

1. What stands out for you in this lesson?

2. How important is God’s Word to humanity?

3. How important is God’s word to the church?

4. How important is God’s word to you personally?

5. Besides the scriptures above, find two others that talk about the importance of living by God’s Word.

6. How did you apply the Word to your life today? (Give a situation)

2 Desperation

A while back when I was still working in the corporate world, I planned my day out nicely. I knew exactly how I wanted to spend those most important waking hours, trying to make every moment count.

I had planned to use my lunch break to go to the store run some errands, but incidentally my morning was dragging on a bit, so I took the liberty to run the errands a little earlier on my morning break instead.

I stepped outside into the blustering cold of the winter morning. Every bone in my body was telling me to go back inside but I decided to press on and get this over with.

Twice I felt like turning back. Not only was it cold, but I was also feeling a stabbing pain in both my heels. I continued on despite the pain because something kept telling me to just go, so I slowly walked the half block. As I was crossing the street I vaguely heard a woman’s voice. She was coming up the street toward me.

Everyone she approached ignored and passed her by like she was invisible. She caught up with me just before I entered the store. She spoke to me in her halting English, Please…help me buy breakfast. I’m hungry.

I’m sorry. I don’t have any money, I told her.

The woman insisted, Please, I’m hungry. Just help me get something to eat. I sighed as she continued, Miss, I’m cold and I’m hungry. I slept outside last night. Please help me!

I looked at her as she spoke trying to spot any signs of lying. Let’s face it. As much as we want to help every time a homeless person asks, we are skeptical to do so sometimes. I know I am. Not because I am mean or stingy. Far from it, but some of them lie blatantly about what they are going to do with the money. They use it to buy drugs, alcohol or cigarettes.

So even though I felt compassion for her I hesitated. I was also concerned about her so I continued the conversation.

Where did you sleep? I engaged her further in conversation.

In the stairwell of a building, she replied.

Her teeth were brown and rotting and as we talked all sorts of thoughts were going through my mind. She interrupted my