 Scripture: “Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel” Judges 5:7. The Bible describes this woman of God as wearing multiple hats: prophetess, judge (adjudicator/ruler), military advisor, spiritual guide, and leader. I resonate with her so much because I, too, wear many hats: evangelist, church elder, mother, education advocate, leader, entrepreneur, educator, and mentor. Devotion: Deborah is the only judge of Israel mentioned in the Bible, and her story is one that had a positive impact on her country and her people. She ruled with fairness, loyalty, and with God’s wisdom. Her unique approach to serving her people (under a palm tree) also set her apart from other judges mentioned throughout the Bible. As a young woman, I shied away from my uniqueness, but as I have become older, I embrace being different and doing things differently. Even as an introvert, my gifting causes me to stand out. She was a woman who let love, compassion, and nurturing lead her. Her exhortation and support of Barak is one of the key relationships to her leadership that I found interesting and connected with. I have an intense and intentional passion for seeing the “underdog” win, and strive consistently to encourage and motivate others to their potential in God and in life’s pursuits. Deborah’s ability to balance her calling as a prophetess and her mantle as a political leader to her people speaks volumes to me as I strive to achieve that same kind of balance in my calling and life’s purpose work. Her level of confidence in not only her ability to lead, but in decision-making direction from God are qualities I look to apply to my own life. I desire to have her same level of discernment and fortitude in knowing “who” to invest in and how to do it. Lesson/Takeaway: As women, we are not only powerful life-givers, but we are also strategic, supportive, and innovative. Following God’s examples in His word should be all of our life’s desires. We should look up to these women in how they not only fulfilled their roles of their time, but their stories and lives impacted history. I desire to have that same level of impact in my family, my community, my church, and in my business. Prayer: Lord God, I thankYou for thinking of us by giving us examples after Your own heart. I thank You for giving us a standard and at the same time, giving us room to develop and grow into our own calling. I pray that each little girl or woman who reads this is just as encouraged and impacted by Deborah’s story as I am. Speak to each one of them, giving them the keys to their purpose and the path in which You have designed for them. Lord, please help us to desire to be women of impact for our world and for Your kingdom. We submit to You to write our story. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Reflection Questions: In what ways has God called you out to be different? What traits do you have that may have made you once feel like an “outcast,” but now you use them to empower you?  Tonya Franklin is an international, best selling, and award winning author. She has been in ministry leadership for almost 30 years. Tonya has been a trailblazer by introducing praise dance ministry to her local church in the late 1990s and was instrumental in helping shape youth choirs and ministries. Tonya is a speaker, evangelist, and mentor to youth, young adults, and women. She has served in the leadership ministry for almost 32 years, and formerly worked in education and with at-risk youth. In her professional pursuits, she is a marketing strategist and publicist, and was the founder of the first digital publication for virtual assistants of color (2015). Tonya is also the mother of 3 children.
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WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: WHAT WOMAN IN SCRIPTURE AM I MOST LIKE? (The Woman with the Alabaster Jar)3/23/2026  What a Waste? Scripture: Matthew 26:6–13; John 12:1–8 Jesus and His disciples were gathered in Bethany at the home of Simon. During the meal, a woman entered carrying an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Without hesitation, she poured the fragrant oil over Jesus’ head. The rich aroma filled the room. But not everyone appreciated the moment. Judas Iscariot objected. Disguising his true motives with concern for the poor, he asked why such costly perfume had been wasted. According to him, it could have been sold and the money given to those in need. To Judas, it was wasteful. To others in the room, it may have seemed excessive or unnecessary. But they did not know her story. Devotion: This woman knew what Jesus had done for her. She remembered His mercy, His forgiveness, and His love. What others saw as waste, she offered as worship. And Jesus, who sees every heart, defended her. He honored her devotion and declared that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel was preached. Sometimes I feel like that woman. Lesson/Takeaway: I consider my writing an offering to Christ. The stories I write are like the precious oil poured from an alabaster jar—my attempt to honor the One who gave His life so that I might have eternal life. Not everyone will understand the value of that offering. Some may question the time, the effort, or the purpose behind it. But the Lord knows the heart behind the gift. When our work flows from gratitude and devotion, it becomes worship. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. I pray that the words I write will be pleasing to You and that they will draw others closer to Your heart. Amen.
 Opening: Have you ever wondered which woman in the Bible your life reflects the most? Not by perfection, but by the way you love, serve, and trust God through every season. Scripture: Proverbs 31 Woman (Proverbs 31:25) - "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Devotion: When I think about the Proverbs 31 woman, I picture a woman rising early with purpose in her heart. Her hands are busy caring for her household, blessing others, and building something meaningful. She is strong but gentle, wise with her words, and her life quietly reflects her devotion to God. She may get tired, but she never stops trusting God with her family, her work, and her purpose. Lesson/Takeaway: I can relate to the Proverbs 31 woman because my heart is to serve, encourage, and provide for others. Whether it’s feeding people, speaking life, praying for others, or caring for my family, I believe God honors a woman who works with love and keeps Him first. She reminds me that strength isn’t loud — it’s faithful. And a woman who fears the Lord will always be honored by Him. Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling women to walk in strength, wisdom, and compassion. Help me to continue serving with a pure heart, loving others well, and trusting You with every responsibility You’ve placed in my hands. Let my life reflect Your goodness and bring glory to You. In Jesus' name, amen. Reflection Question(s): • How can I reflect God’s love through my daily actions? • Am I trusting God with the responsibilities He has placed in my life? • What legacy of faith am I building for my family?  Temecka Smith is a woman of faith whose life is a testimony of God’s grace, redemption, and purpose. Through life’s challenges and victories, she has experienced firsthand the transforming power of God. What the enemy meant for harm, God turned into a testimony of strength, perseverance, and faith.
Temecka is passionate about encouraging others to trust God, to walk in integrity, and to live with clean hands and a pure heart. Her journey reminds others that when God calls you, He also equips you. Today, she continues to share wisdom, love, and the goodness of God with her family, community, and everyone she encounters, believing that obedience to God opens the door for His blessings and purpose to unfold. Life Scripture: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Epistle to the Romans 8:28  Woman in the Scripture I am Most Like: JAEL Opening: BORN TO CONQUER Scripture: Judges 4-5-9; Judges 5:2, 6, 11, 24-27 Text: During a war between Israel and Canaan, the enemy commander Sisera fled and hid in Jael’s tent. Instead of protecting him, she took decisive action and killed him, ending the threat and helping secure victory for Israel under the leadership of Deborah. Devotion: Jael was aggressive, bold, decisive, unafraid to act, God’s servant, and well informed. She did not need to be told what to do. She was proactive, self-managed, dependable, and accountable. She took initiative solving the problems and courageously faced danger. Lesson/Takeaway: Jael didn’t honor man, she honored God, and His Judge, Deborah. She acted spontaneously and took advantage of the opportunity to finish the job. He used an unlikely woman that was living for Him to save all. I can relate to her in my walk because I am the unlikely person, but I WAS MADE TO PRAISE HIM! You don’t just praise God when you go to church and sing praise songs; that’s just religion. You praise God with your life, homage, and devotion. I made my vow and never looked back. I work great under pressure (last minute tasks), with God’s power. I just do what needs to be done. Prayer: Lord, please allow your daughter to be courageous when challenging situations befall her. May she see it as you trusting her with a test and an opportunity to flex her faith. I pray that she will call out to You for help and embrace however You answer. In Jesus' name, amen.  EVANGELIST VICKIE CHINEY-SMITH (EVCS) The Praise Raiser
Evangelist Vickie was raised in KCMO. She’s earned a Bachelor’s in Sales and Marketing (Devry/2017); a Master’s in Public Business Administration (Keller Business School of Devry/2018); a Master’s in Theology (LU, Lynchburg, VA/2023), and holds a certificate in Family Counseling (Prepare/Enrich). EVCS is a licensed Evangelist (COGIC), PR Specialist, and prayer intercessor. She facilitates the MIDDAY WORD Spiritual Brunch - Tuesdays - 2:00 PM CST/FB. She co-authored an Amazon Best Seller, Influence 365, (2/7/22). She’s the community PR Associate at Raymanningsingers.com, and is the producer/host of “RAISE THE PRAISE”W/EVCS Radio Program (WED/FRI/SAT 11am – 12pm CST). EVCS is the manager at Better At Home Services, Inc., -Independence, Missouri. She’s the special advisor to her pastor and the administrative assistant to Earnest L. Fisher, Sr. at New Hope Tabernacle of Faith COGIC - Raymore, Missouri. EVCS is married to Elder Donald Smith, Jr. (26 years), with 2 daughters, 3 sons, 11 grandchildren and 4 greats.  Sitting At His Feet by Pastor Danyelle Scroggins Opening: During Women’s Month, I find myself thinking about the story of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42. While Martha was distracted with much serving, Mary—made a different choice—she chose the floor over the kitchen, the presence over the pressure. Scripture: Martha wasn’t wrong or serving—she was responsible, diligent, dependable, faithful, and committed. But Mary just chose something different. She chose closeness as she took careful consideration of who was in her midst (Luke 10:39). Devotion: I see myself in her. There have always been voices—subtle and loud—whispering what women should and should not do. “Women don’t preach.” “Stay in your place.” “Serve quietly.” And for a while, I wrestled with those expectations. Those choices tried to make me question what God placed inside of me. I wondered if my hunger for His Word, my desire to speak it, share it, was too much. But like Mary, I sat anyway. I sat at His feet. I listened. I received. I allowed Him to pour into me everything He desired to give—wisdom, calling, boldness, identity, self-awareness, anointing, and love. I chose His voice over the noise (Luke 10:42). Lesson/Takeaway: Mary wasn’t distracted by opinions. She wasn’t intimidated by tradition. She understood something powerful: when you sit at Jesus’s feet, you receive what can never be taken away. And that’s what I’ve learned. My place is not defined by culture, criticism, or comfort. My place is wherever He calls me—even if that means speaking when others say I shouldn’t. This Women’s Month, I celebrate not just being a woman, but being a woman who sits at the feet of Jesus—and then rises to walk fully in what He has spoken over my life. Prayer: Father, I pray that your daughters would choose to be Mary in this Martha world. I pray that they would sit at your feet to gain clarity, wisdom, and all they need to walk out the call. Help them to know your voice and not be defined by any other. In Jesus' name, amen.  Pastor Danyelle Scroggins, M.R.E., is a dynamic preacher, teacher, and accomplished author dedicated to empowering believers to embrace their God-given purpose. With a Master of Religious Education degree, she combines theological depth with practical insight.
Known for her bold voice and heartfelt transparency, Pastor Danyelle inspires women to walk confidently in their calling while equipping the body of Christ through transformative preaching and impactful, faith-building books. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: WHAT WOMAN IN SCRIPTURE AM I MOST LIKE? (The Woman with the Issue of Blood)3/7/2026  Opening: Did you know you were born to walk in freedom? Freedom from sin, illness, disease, and any other form of bondage. As we celebrate women's history month, I want to take a moment to remember the women who were recognized in scripture. Myself and a few beautiful women of God are stopping by the blog this month to share devotions on the women in scripture we are most like. I have chosen to share the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." Now, those of you who know me are probably familiar with my testimony, my fiction stories, and my connection with Hannah from 1 Samuel. Although, Hannah and I do have many similarities, I also find myself connected to the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." Scripture: This amazing woman's testimony is found in the gospels (See above). The gospel of Luke records her as one among the crowd of people seeking Jesus. Luke, begins with several trying to get to Jesus. Then, along came a ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, who fell at Jesus feet begging Him to come heal his twelve year old daughter who was dying. Jesus begins to follow him as people continued to push towards Him. Among them was the woman who was only recorded as the one who had an "issue." They didn't bother to record her name, only what she had been experiencing for 12 long years, having spent all she had on physicians but hadn't been healed by any of them. We are familiar with her story. She crawled to reach Jesus, believing if she could just touch the end of His robe, she would be healed. After touching Christ, her discharge of blood stopped. Jesus turned, recognizing that power had gone out from Him. Trembling, she confessed in the presence of everyone, and Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace." Devotion: This woman reminds me of myself because of her desperation for Christ. In that society, she wasn't even supposed to be among the crowd because she was considered unclean. However, she had tried everything. Then, (probably) seeing or hearing about Jesus healing and delivering others, she knew she had to get to Him no matter what. At a young age, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I struggled with this condition for many years, miscarrying, and even being told that I couldn't have children. However, this wasn't my greatest issue. I felt empty inside until I touched the robe of Christ, until I received His love, deliverance, and healing (physically and spiritually). You see, I thought the healing was all I needed. It would allow me to be a mother and fix all of my pain and rejection, but I needed Christ. I was desperate for Him. I needed to be whole, and that's what He did for me as well. Then, I too, heard Him call me "daughter." I had placed my faith (physically) in the doctor's and (spiritually) in others, but none of them could help me. Like her, I felt I was only recognized by my issue, but Christ recognized me as a daughter and one He desired to walk in wholeness in Him. Today, I continue to walk in that freedom in Christ, keeping my eyes fixed on Him. Lesson/Takeaway: I learned one thing from the "Woman with the Issue of Blood." I learned to be so desperate for the LORD, even if I break societal norms, even if I have to go at it alone. I learned that wholeness doesn't come from the healing. It comes from being in relationship with Him, recognizing that He is the source of all I need. Prayer: Lord this month and every month may your daughter choose to be whole. May she forget all of the rules of religion and chase after you, crawling through the crowd and reaching for you, our source and redeemer. Heal her, show her truth, and may she receive the title "daughter." In Jesus' name, amen. Reflection Question: What did you learn from the woman with the issue of blood? Please like, share with someone else, and comment your answer below. Be Blessed, Hope in Christ Denise M. Walker Founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries  Denise M. Walker is a minister, speaker, podcaster, and teacher of the Word of God with a heart for restoration, biblical literacy, and Christ-centered transformation.
She is an award-winning and bestselling author and an experienced educator with more than 20 years of service primarily serving in the English language arts and reading department. Denise is the founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries, Inc. and the owner of Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, LLC, where faith, purpose, and clarity intersect. Through Hope-in-Christ Ministries, Denise teaches the Word of God bi-weekly, hosts the Hope-in-Christ w/Denise podcast, and creates Bible literacy and verse-mapping resources designed to help believers grow deeper in their understanding of Scripture. Through Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, she supports Christian nonfiction and children’s book authors through editing, writing coaching, and book coaching services, equipping them to communicate their message with excellence and integrity. Overall, Denise considers herself an agent of hope, called to lead women and girls out of barren places and into wholeness in Christ, while guiding them and others to discover and walk confidently in their true identity through biblical literacy. Websites: • Ministry: www.hope-in-christ.com • Business: www.armorofhopewritingservices.com • Author: www.denisemwalker.com |
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