Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 20

5 Discipleship Resources to Start 2021

Right now, Christmas dominates our minds and time. But now is also the time to think about and plan for our spiritual growth. Most of us want to grow spiritually, to look more and more like Jesus, but it won’t happen by accident.

Although only the Holy Spirit has the power to transform us into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18), God does expect our obedient and active cooperation (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). He calls us to “train ourselves to be godly” (1 Tim 4:7-8). That means purposeful planning and intent.

This post is full of discipleship resources that can help. Check them out. Use a few, none, or all of them!

5 Discipleship Resources

1. Evaluate and Set Goals – You’ve heard the old saying: “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” If you’re serious about spiritual growth, the first step is to evaluate your current condition, then determine where you want to go. The following posts/discipleship resources can help:

Looking Back and Planning Ahead
5 Tips for Setting Spiritual Growth Goals
Discipleship Evaluation Sheet
Spiritual Goals Planning Sheet

2. Commit to Regular Time with God – Every relationship needs time to flourish. The same is true regarding our relationship with God. If we want to know Him, if we want to foster intimacy with Him, we need to spend time reading His Word and talking to Him. The following resources will can help you do that:

7 Tips to Start of Restart a Quiet Time 
3 Steps to Foster a Hunger for God’s Word
11 Tips for Spending Quality Quiet Time with God
8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from “Want To” to “Get To” 
5 Probing Questions to Help You Meditate on Scripture
2021 Bible Reading Plan

3. 4 R Bible Study Method – The Bible is a book by God and about God. When we read the Bible, our first goal is discover God’s original and only meaning so we can know Him more. And we want to also apply what we learn to our lives. May sound like a big task, but the 4 R Bible Study Method makes it easier. This method will equip you to better study any Bible passage. In fact it’s simple enough to use every day.

4. Read the Bible Together – Maybe you need some direction and help to keep you in the Word all year long. I have a suggestion! For several years now I’ve been leading a Facebook group called “Reading the Bible Together” that provides all that and more! This private group of more than 1,300 women from all over the world, is a place of encouragement and enrichment. We use a reading plan that works through one Bible book at a time. This plan has readings for 5 days a week, giving you two days of “grace” time to catch up when needed. (Here’s the Reading Plan for 2021.) The daily readings and discussion questions are posted at 5:00am each morning, Monday – Friday. Membership approval requires you answer three questions, so watch for that. JOIN US TODAY! READING THE BIBLE TOGETHER!

5. “Deep Rooted” Short-Term Group – This temporary, closed Facebook group will go through my new devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark.” In addition to daily discussion of the 40 devotions, I will do video teaching on the “4 R Bible Study Method,” hold weekly live Q&A sessions, and share some additional teaching videos. There is no cost for the group, but members will need a copy of “Deep-Rooted.” We get started on Wednesday, January 6th. Follow the link to the group, request to join, and be sure to answer the three questions.

Want to Grow?

The new year can be a great time of spiritual growth. But it takes purpose and intent. You ready?

What has helped you most grow spiritually in the past? What new thing do you want to try in the new year?

 

5 Discipleship Resources to Start 2021 by Kathy Howard.

Christmas Greetings from My Family to Yours

I love the Christmas season. That time of year when we reflect on and celebrate the coming of our Savior. And I love the opportunity to send Christmas greetings to you from my family. If you have a few minutes, read on to see what the Howard family has been up to in 2020.

The Howard Family in 2020

Like many of you, we rung in the New Year with anticipation. I had a busy spring speaking schedule. My daughters, daughter-in-love, and I had a girls’ trip planned to New York City in April. But it wasn’t long before COVID changed all that and more.

So, we spent a lot of time fishing at our family camp on a lake in Texas. Time on the water and in the woods helped us deal with the stress of the pandemic – and it kept us separated from other people! An added benefit – we ate a lot of fish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did get to take a road trip to Tennessee in October. My nephew got married outside of Knoxville. While we were there, we spent time in the mountains to hike and enjoy God’s creation. And by God’s grace, I was allowed to go into the nursing home to see my mother whom I had not been able to see since January.

Then on October 31st, Mom won her long battle with Alzheimer’s and graduated to heaven. And in God’s perfect timing, we welcomed our newest grand baby Everett James on October 28th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ministry in 2020

This pandemic did not surprise God. His plans were not changed. He still had things for me to do in this crazy year. Although my in-person speaking opportunities were greatly slashed, He gave me multiple new opportunities to teach God’s Word through online courses and conferences.

Plus, God gave me the opportunity to write TWO books this year! In hindsight, I don’t know how I would have written both books with my original speaking schedule.

The first book – “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” – was released in November. This 40-day devotional journey through the life and ministry of Jesus, will show you how to interact with and apply Scripture, not just read it. These meaty, daily devotions will help you foster a desire for God’s Word that keeps you rooted in Scripture and growing spiritually. Look inside now on Amazon!

BY THE WAY… if you’ve read (or started reading) “Deep Rooted” will you consider leaving a review on Amazon? I hate to ask, but reviews is one way more people can find out about this great resource. Thanks in advance!

The second book, “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” won’t be out until August. But stay tuned for more details!

 

A Small Gift for Your Family

To help you and your family focus on the real gift of Christmas this year, I’d love for you to download this free family devotional,

Our Christmas Greetings

We’ve had a lot of bad news this year. But Christmas points us to the Good News:

“Christ died for sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, defeating sin, death, and the grave. His presence fills us with grace and strength for today. The Gospel also birthed the church, changed the world, and continues to propel us towards God’s full and final purposes.

Yes, bad news still makes headlines. But for those who belong to Jesus, His Gospel decidedly trumps any bad news the world can deliver. The Gospel of Christ. Life conquers death. Hope pushes out despair. Joy overwhelms grief. Truly the best news ever.”  (Excerpt from “Deep Rooted”)

 

May your family experience God’s peace, comfort, and joy this Christmas.

The Howard family

Christmas Greetings from My Family to Yours by Kathy Howard.

How Well Do You Know the Real Christmas Story?

So, how well do you know the real Christmas story? Can you separate biblical truth from pure fiction? Many “facts” we think we know about Jesus’ birth are not really factual at all. Centuries of tradition and even popular culture have affected the way we view the story of Jesus’ birth.

Why should we care if our version of Jesus’ birth is biblically accurate? God calls us to handle His Word with care and diligence in every area. We shouldn’t want to warp His truth, no matter how “trivial” the facts.

Here are a few articles you might find helpful for your own Bible study:

4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible
Do You Read the Bible All Wrong?
The 4 R Bible Study Method
“Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” – Kathy’s new devotional book formatted on the 4 R Bible study method! Great Christmas gift for yourself of a friend!

 

Let’s start by checking our facts on the real Christmas story. Be honest! Answer the multiple choice questions without looking down below at the answers. Don’t use your Bibles or the internet.  I will give the answers and Scriptural support at the end. (Download & Print this PDF version of the Christmas Trivia Quiz!)

Take the Christmas Trivia Quiz

1. How did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?

a. Camel

b. Donkey

c. Walked

d. Volkswagen

e. Joseph walked, Mary rode a donkey

f. Who knows?

2. What did the innkeeper tell Mary and Joseph?

a. There is no room in the inn.

b. I have a stable you can use.

c. Come back after the Christmas rush

d. Both a and b

e. None of the above

3. What is a manger?

a. Stable for domestic animals

b. Wooden hay storage bin

c. Feeding trough

d. Barn

4. According to the Bible, which animals were present at Jesus’ birth

a. Cows, sheep. goats

b. Cows, donkeys, sheep

c. Miscellaneous barnyard animals

d. Lions, tigers, and bears

e. We don’t know

5. What “sign” did the angels tell the shepherds to look for?

a. A star over Bethlehem

b. A baby that doesn’t cry

c. A baby in a stable

d. A baby lying in a manger

e. None of the above

6. Who saw the “star in the east?”

a. Shepherds

b. Mary and Joseph

c. Magi (aka Wise Men)

d. Both A and C

e. None of the above

7. What did the heavenly host of angels say?

a. Joy to the World

b. Alleluia

c. Unto us a child is born

d. Glory to God in the highest

8. Did the baby Jesus cry?

a. He never cried

b. He cried just like other babies

c. Only when the little drummer boy banged his drum

9. How many Magi came to see Jesus?

a. We aren’t sure, but probably less than 10

b. Three

c. We don’t know for sure, but there were probably dozens of people in their entourage

10. Where did the Magi find Jesus?

a. In the manger

b. In the stable

c. In an inn

d. In a house

Answers to the real Christmas Story Trivia Quiz

Okay, here we go. Some answers and explanation!

1. The Bible does not say anything about a donkey. Luke 2:4 simply tells us that Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Galilee. Many biblical scholars do think that because of their economic status they probably both walked.

2. The Bible does not record any words spoken by the inn keeper. In fact, Luke does not even mention an inn keeper, merely an inn and the fact that there was no room. Luke 2:7. To get really specific, there is also no mention of a stable.

3. A manger is a feeding trough for animals.

4. Read Luke 2:1-20. There is no mention of animals of any kind around Jesus after His birth.

5. The star is only mentioned in conjunction with the Magi. They told Herod they had seen the star. See Matthew 2:2.

6. The sign the angels told the shepherds to look for was a baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:12.

7. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:14.

8. Baby Jesus was fully human. He cried when He was hungry, tired, wet, and in pain just like any other baby.

9. The Bible does not tell us how many Magi visited Jesus. The tradition of “3” probably developed because they presented 3 kinds of gifts. According to scholars the Magi’s journey probably lasted up to two years with an entourage of dozens or more people.

10. Sorry to wreck your nativity scenes but the Magi were not present the night Jesus was born. Scriptural evidence shows Jesus could have been as old as two by the time they arrived. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were staying in a house. See Matthew 2:11.

Feel free to download and print this PDF version to use at Christmas parties, in your SS classes, or just to show your family how “smart” you are!

So, how did you do? Which ones do you think would trip up more Christians?

 

Did this little trivia quiz challenge you to more thoroughly study the Bible? If so, in what way?

How Well Do You Know the Real Christmas Story? by Kathy Howard.

5 Simple Truths about Listening to God to Ignite Your Faith

The following guest article by Ginger Harrington is adapted from her book “Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life.” Kathy & Ginger will have a LIVE conversation December 17th at 12 pm EST on Ginger’s Facebook Page. Join us!! THIS POST IS ALSO A GIVEAWAY!! CHECK OUT THE DETAILS AT THE END!

Have you ever caught yourself approaching time with God as an activity rather than a relationship? Hearing God through the Scriptures is about relationship. Longing to hear God’s voice draws us to deeper intimacy with God.

Learning to recognize God’s voice breaks through the barrier of our misunderstanding and skewed expectations. Isaiah 50:4-5 shows us simple truths about listening to God that can ignite our faith.

“The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples,

That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.

He awakens Me morning by morning,

He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

The Lord God has opened My ear;

And I was not disobedient

Nor did I turn back.” Isaiah 50:4-5 NASB

Expect to Hear from God as You Read Scripture

Hearing God is easier when we come with the faith and expectancy that He will speak to us through His Word. It is tempting to approach having a devotional time with God (Quiet Time) as one more good thing to cram into an over-loaded day.

We attend to God’s Word because we are holy, not to become holy. (Note from Kathy: We are made positionally holy -justified – before God when we enter a saving relationship with Jesus. We receive HIS holiness.)

Without the Holy Spirit awakening our attention, we wouldn’t care, but roll over continuing our slumber. When we’re unresponsive, truth fades into the fog of a sleeping spirit. Meaning is lost in the murmur of countless thoughts muttering in our minds and a lack of concern.

Hearing God strengthens our souls and deepens our relationship with God. Christian women benefit from developing the holy habit of discerning God’s voice. 

5 Simple Truths About Listening to God to Ignite Faith

Here are five simple truths about listening to God we can gather from Isaiah 50:4-5.

Consistency is spiritual discipline. Morning by morning echoes the constancy of a daily habit opening the day by listening to God. He nudges our attention. He opens our attention to hear, understand, and respond. I prefer to begin my day in God’s Word, but some days it doesn’t happen and that’s okay. God knows your schedule and your season. Ask Him to show you how to make it work during this season of your life. Friend, please remember this: Aim for consistency, but walk in grace.
Listening begins with God. Isn’t it interesting that most of the activity is on God’s part? He gives. He awakens. He instructs disciples. He opens. When the Spirit impresses God’s Word on your thoughts, it strikes a chord. When a concept or phrase resonates or stands out, the Holy Spirit speaks the Word of God to accomplish God’s purpose. When God speaks it always agrees with His Word and His nature. As we learn more of God through regularly reading and studying the Bible, the more easily we discern His voice.
Listening to God prepares us to bless others. When we listen, we are prepared to encourage the weary. Not just any word. This isn’t a pat your hand and bless your heart kind of word. Who needs that? And it isn’t a preachy, I know best kind of word. Sometimes the weary one is someone else, but it’s often ourselves as well—we all need to hear God’s life-giving words. The Holy Spirit often brings a person to mind with a purpose, prompting us to pray, encourage, or help. As He speaks to our attention (putting it on our mind) we are hearing Him.
The more we obey, the more we hear God. I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back. In this passage, hearing means to listen with the intention to obey. When the Spirit speaks God’s truth, it has the power to change us—to turn us from rebellion to obedience. As we listen to the truth He speaks and then obey, we move forward, trusting God to bring it into our experience. It only takes a step in the right direction to start. As you give God your attention with a desire to listen, trust Him to teach, guide, and empower you.
When God speaks through His Word, we are experiencing God. In Experiencing God , Henry Blackaby writes, “Understanding spiritual truth does not lead you to an encounter with God; it is the encounter with God.” For too long, I read the Bible to learn about God, but storing up facts about God didn’t change my heart. It was more like arranging knick-knacks to admire from a distance in the living room of my life.

Reading about God can’t compare to knowing God by experience as you recognize His voice. Beyond the borders of the page of the Bible, the Holy Spirit also speaks through our thought, intuition, and conversation, as well as through the preaching of His word and the wise counsel of other Christians.

Nothing ignites deeper faith like holy moments of hearing God speak to our hearts.

When was the last time you heard God speak to you through His Word? What passage were you reading and what did you learn?

ENTER TO WIN! WINNER WILL BE DRAWN DECEMBER 18th

There are multiple ways to enter! Each thing you do gives you another entry!

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ABOUT Ginger Harrington

Selah-Award finalist, Ginger Harrington is the author of Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life, as well as the publishing director for the non-profit organization, Planting Roots: Strength the Thrive in Military Life. A dynamic speaker, Ginger helps women learn practical ways to deepen faith with wholeness and healing in Christ. Read more or get a free Christmas ebook from Ginger at GingerHarrington.com. Connect with Ginger on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

Want to discover how to experience healing and wholeness in your daily moments? Ginger’s book, Holy in the Moment includes her personal journey in finding help and hope for anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, discouragement, and insecurity as well as biblical insights and simple ideas to enjoy a deeper life with freedom in Christ. Bring the reality of grace, healing, and holiness into your daily experience with intentional choices.

5 Simple Truths about Listening to God to Ignite Your Faith by Kathy Howard.

Christmas Gifts for You from a Few of My Friends

Christmas is a time of reflection, giving, and gratitude. Of course, I am always thankful for the indescribable gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am also thankful for you. Your support and encouragement bless me every day!

As a small way to express my gratitude, I teamed up with some of my writer friends to create this bundle of early Christmas gifts to enhance your Christmas season. Download a few – or all of – the freebies. If you have a few moments, explore their websites. These wonderful Christian women have plenty to offer all year long, so sign up for their newsletters if you’d like to hear more from them.

Time to unwrap all your Christmas gifts! Here we go…

CHRISTMAS NOVELLA from Peggy Sue Wells

‘Tis the season for giving gifts! Especially for you, Homeless for the Holidays is a hope-filled novella about a family that loses it all and find they have everything. Click HERE to download Homeless for the Holidays. PeggySue Wells is the author of 29 books including The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make and creator of Single Mom Circle, wishing you and yours grace and joy. 

 

CAREGIVER RESOURCES from Evelyn Johnson Taylor

As a former caregiver, Evelyn Johnson Taylor Ph.D. knows holidays can be extremely stressful. With the added responsibility of caring for a loved one, it’s easy to dismiss the warning signs of caregiver burnout. Click Here to download Caregivers Tips for Surviving the Holiday and a Prayer for Caregivers. 

 

 

HOLIDAY DATE IDEAS from Joyce Zook

Life and marriage coach Joyce Zook knows how difficult it can be to find the money or time for a date with your mate In the middle of the busy holiday season. In 8 Holiday Dates,  you’ll find fun and inexpensive ideas to help you keep the romance in your marriage. Click Here to download 8 Holiday Dates.

 

 

THREE PRAYERS OF PSALMS from Phylis Mantelli

Holidays can be stressful for the moms who are doing ALL THE THINGS and feeling exhausted. Click here to download the Three Prayers of Psalms. Phylis Mantelli, memoir coach and author of Unmothered, prays you find inspiration and hope to decompress and soak in God’s love.

 

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL from Lori Stanley Roeleveld

When Christmas is complicated or family challenges tax your heart, it can help to remember that the baby born in the manger is all grown up now. Don’t Treat Jesus Like a Baby – A Deeper Experience of Advent is a 32-day advent devotional from Lori Stanley Roeleveld. Invite Jesus into your holiday no matter what you’re facing when it arrives! Lori writes for those unsettled from comfortable places and moved to follow Jesus into the adventure of our times.

 

 

FAMILY CHRISTMAS ALBUM from Jeanne Dennis

What is Christmas without music? This year, especially, we need a special touch of Christmas joy. Jeanne Dennis‘s newly completed Christmas album with family features songs brings moments of wonder, humor, gratitude, and contemplation to your Christmas season. Download your copy of A Family Christmas here. Jeanne is an award-winning author, singer/songwriter, veteran homeschooler, and online host of Heritage of Truth TV, and Grace Overflowing podcast.

 

FREE CHAPTER FROM “FREEDOM CHALLENGE” from Dawn Scott Damon

Dawn Scott Damon prays you will experience the FREEDOM Jesus came to give you this holiday season! To help ensure you do, Dawn shares a free chapter from her latest book, The Freedom Challenge: 60 Days to Untie the Cords That Bind You. Don’t be unprepared to battle the stressors that may come your way. Instead, triumph over them, stay in peace, and keep your FREEDOM!  Dawn Scott Damon is Your Freedom Coach, an award-winning author, speaker, podcast host, and lead pastor of multi-cultural Tribes Church in Rockford, MI.

SCRIPTURE PRAYER CARD from Tara Furman

When we learn to pray God’s Word, we can pray with power. Enjoy this prayer card of powerful scriptures you can integrate into your everyday prayer time. This handy tool helps you keep your mind focused and your prayers strong. Tara Furman, president and founder of Knowing God Ministries provides more resources to help you grow in your everyday walk on her website.

CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE BOOK FOR KIDS from Linda Goldfarb

Coach Linda Goldfarb and her coauthor, Kelly Harris, share Christmas cheer with your young children who enjoy coloring adventure books. Download your free copy of Lovey Mouse in the Night Before Christmas – #REAL Adventure Book and Audio narration. Since the holidays can be stress-filled, Linda doubles her giving with a free download of her Holiday Stress – A Matter of Choice. These doable strategies help you cope when you feel you’ve lost hope. Linda – author, speaker, voice actor, and podcast host, would love to stay in touch with you. Check out Coach Linda to see where you can find her. 

 

One more Christmas gift from me!

Sometimes the real meaning of Christmas gets lost in the busyness of the season. This free devotional, , is a great tool to help you and your family focus on Jesus this Christmas. 

And, if you still have some Christmas gifts to get…

Do you have some Bible lovers on your Christmas gift list? My brand new devotional Deep-Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark may be the perfect gift. This 40-day devotional journey with Jesus will help her nurture a delight for God’s Word that keeps her rooted and growing spiritually. Find out more about Deep Rooted or go to Amazon to see inside or get your copy.

What’s on your Christmas gifts list this year?? What was your favorite gift from last year??

Christmas Gifts for You from a Few of My Friends by Kathy Howard.

5 Reasons this Book Makes Great Christmas Gifts for Your Friends

Now that Thanksgiving is down to leftovers in the fridge, I’m ready to move on to Christmas. I spent the weekend decorating the house, the mantle, the tree. And I started my Christmas gifts shopping.

Like you, I want to give meaningful gifts. Gifts that my loved ones will enjoy. Gifts they need or will help them in some area of their lives. And I will take all the great gift suggestions I can get.

Should “Deep Rooted” be on your Christmas Gifts List?

“Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” is my newly released devotional book. And it may be just right for some on your Christmas list. Here are five reasons why:

Nurtures a relationship with Jesus – “Deep Rooted” is a 40-day journey with Jesus through the Gospel of Mark. Readers will experience the life and ministry of Jesus in a beautiful, daily time in God’s Word.
Teaches a doable, Bible study method for every day use – “Deep Rooted” uses the 4 R Bible study method as a framework for the daily devotions. Readers can take the tools they learn from “Deep Rooted” – Read, Record, Reflect, & Respond – and use them with any other book of the Bible. This meaty devotional helps readers get in, delight in, and apply Scripture for themselves.

“Kathy Howard’s new devotional book is more than simple readings. Deep Rooted  teaches the reader how to dig in to scripture, think about it, understand it, and apply it to one’s life.”  Janet Holm McHenry, author of 24 books including the bestselling PrayerWalk and the Bible studies Stronger Every Day and Training for Success

Helps develop a regular habit of being in God’s Word – The 40-day format is a great start to a daily, lifelong habit of spending time in the Bible. Deep Rooted nurtures a delight in God’s Word that keeps readers rooted, growing, and coming back for more. (See “11 Tips for a Quality Quiet Time with God.”)

Kathy Howard’s love for God’s word is a gift to us all.  “Deep-Rooted” takes us through the gospel of Mark in a format that keeps the reader wanting to come back for more. I loved this 40-day devotional and how it immersed me in the truth of the gospel!  Debbie Alsdorf, Author of The Faith Dare, Deeper, and It’s Momplicated

Easy way to give – You can order “Deep Rooted” from Amazon and have it send to your friends without ever leaving home. Doesn’t get much easier than that!
Economical – At just $13.95, you can get “Deep Rooted” for all your Bible-loving friends and family members on your list!

A Couple More Book Suggestions

Two of my author friends have new books out too. Maybe one of these would be the perfect gift for someone on your Christmas list.

“10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make” – If there any single moms on your Christmas list, this practical, helpful book can help her parent her children with courage, confidence, and clarity. My friends Pam Farrel and Peggy Sue Wells will show her how!
“Fix-Her-Upper Christmas” – Need a little encouragement and laughs during this sometimes stressful time of the year, Rhonda Rhea and Beth Duewel will give you both!

What about you? Do you have some great Christmas gifts suggestions to share?

5 Reasons this Book Makes Great Christmas Gifts for Your Friends by Kathy Howard.

Gratitude is Essential to Peace

Gratitude and peace have been pretty illusive in 2020. In fact, this year has given us plenty of reasons to be anxious – worldwide pandemic, racial strife, community unrest, AND a toilet paper shortage. Plus, on a good day we live in a culture that breeds anxiety. Rampant self-centeredness, materialism, and entitlement all contribute, ramping up our worry and discontent. Hanging on to peace is like trying to catch rain with a colander.

God knew we would struggle with anxiety and worry. It is the default setting for our sinful nature. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Not even when our lives are filled with trials and struggles. The God of peace not only offers us peace, He tells us how to experience it.

First and foremost we must enter into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As long as our sin separates us from God, we can never have true peace. But, praise God, Jesus has broken down the “dividing wall of hostility” through His death on the cross, making eternal peace with God possible (Ephesians 2:13-16).

Yet even Christians still struggle to experience peace in our daily lives. We allow the worries of this world to rob us of the peace that is ours. In Paul’s letter to the believers in Philippi, he addresses this problem with practical advice for turning away from anxiety and embracing God’s peace. (See “4 Steps to Embrace God’s Peace” for a breakdown of Philippians 4:4-13.)

Benefits of Gratitude

In addition to prayer, a disciplined thought life, and reliance on God’s strength, Paul highlights gratitude:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Recently, in preparation for a teaching event, I did a little research on gratitude and its effects. There have been lots of secular studies done on the impact of purposeful gratitude. Every study I saw cited positive effects on mental health, emotional well-being, and physical health.

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of gratitude cited by these studies:

Mental – reduces depression, stress and anxiety, and helps overcome trauma
Emotional – breaks hold of toxic emotions, improves relationships, reduces materialism and self-centeredness
Physical benefits of gratitude – promotes better sleep, decreased pain, increases energy, and activates the area of the brain that controls appetite, sleep, and metabolism

Although none of these studies mentioned God or how thankfulness affects our spiritual well-being, they still confirm what God’s Word teaches:

God created humans to flourish under an attitude of gratitude. 

In addition to the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of gratitude, purposeful thanksgiving also has profound spiritual effects:

Takes our focus off our struggles
Fosters awareness of God’s provision and activity around us
Build reliance on God’s future provision
Ushers in God’s incomprehensible peace

A Few Practical Tips to Foster Gratitude

Paul also wrote that our lives should “overflow with thanksgiving” for all God has done (Colossians 2:7). This phrase implies we should have a constant attitude of gratitude that expresses itself in thanksgiving as we go about our day. While this is easier said than done, there are some things we can do to begin to form a habit of gratitude:

Don’t give up – Studies show it takes a minimum of 4 weeks of purposefully and persistently practicing gratitude before it produces real benefits. This awareness can keep us moving forward!
Gratitude is self-producing – Studies show that the more we express, the more we will feel. So, give gratitude a fair chance. Eventually the attitude will multiply!
Journal it – These studies encouraged participants to keep a gratitude journal. Writing our thanksgivings not only requires us to be intentional and purposeful, but it also creates a record we can review on the days when we are struggling to find something to thank God for.

Let’s try a little gratitude right now! In the comments below, voice a thanksgiving to God!

Gratitude is Essential to Peace by Kathy Howard.

15-Day Thanksgiving Guide for a Tough Year

Thanksgiving is almost here and you may be thinking there isn’t a lot to be thankful for. I’ve certainly been feeling that way. After all, 2020 has taken and taken and taken.

Everyone has lost something. Lost health. Lost wages. Lost loved ones. In many ways, COVID put our lives on hold. We’ve struggled with isolation, fear, and uncertainty. Add on the non-COVID difficulties of life and this has been a year we just want to forget.

Although you may just want to skip Thanksgiving this year, it’s more important than ever that we give God our praise and gratitude.

Thanking God in Hard Times

Trials, difficulty, and persecution filled the apostle Paul’s life. Yet he not only purposefully practiced thanksgiving he also called the church to a constant attitude of gratitude even in times of difficulty. For instance, when the church in Thessalonica suffered persecution, Paul wrote:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

And from prison in Rome, Paul encouraged the Philippians:

“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.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV

Paul knew that even when our physical circumstances are dire, God is present and God is working for our good and His glory. Purposefully focusing on giving Him thanks opens the door to joy and peace even in the midst of heartache and struggle. (See “Thankful Even Now.”)

Why Should We be Thankful?

Several Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “thank,” “thanks,” and “thanksgiving” in the Bible. However, they all reflect the truth that our good God deserves the gratitude and praise of His people. Thankfulness is the right response to God and His grace in our lives.

God wants our thanksgiving and commands us to be thankful. He doesn’t need anything from us but He does expect us to respond to who He is and what He does with gratitude.

I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice; I don’t need the blood of goats. What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High. Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. Psalm 50:13-15, NLT

We don’t deserve anything, yet God provides. We don’t deserve forgiveness or salvation, yet God extends it. Every good thing in our lives is an act of grace from our loving and merciful heavenly Father. Even strength and endurance in times of difficulty are grace gifts from God.

Giving thanks to God for His mercy and kindness is a blessing and a privilege. It shifts our attitude and makes us more aware of God’s activity in our lives. It humbles us and allows us to see just how truly great our God is! (See “God is Good Even in Loss.”)

A Thanksgiving Guide

We may all feel a little rusty when it comes to thanking and praising God. So, I’ve put together a 15-day Thanksgiving Guide. It will take you from today through the end of November. Use the Scriptures and prompts to thank God for what He provides and how He works in your life and the world. The day’s Scripture passage can be read before you pray or as part of your prayer. Pray quietly by yourself, with your family, or both!

Download the 15-Day Thanksgiving Guide Printable

Let’s give each other some prompts for thanksgiving now! Share something to praise or thank God for in the comments!

15-Day Thanksgiving Guide for a Tough Year by Kathy Howard.

10 Promises of God for His Children

When my kids were young, I learned the hard way to be very careful about making promises. Why? Because sometimes, no matter how much I may have wanted to keep the promise, the circumstances were beyond my control.

For instance, a promise of a trip to the park could be quickly shattered by a thunderstorm. A promise that daddy would be home soon could be easily derailed by a traffic jam. Broken promises like these didn’t do much for the mother-child relationship. And one of my children was particularly sensitive to any breech.

Unlike the promises of earthly parents, we can completely trust the promises of our heavenly Father. (For more on this Father/Child relationship see “We are Not all God’s Children.“) We can hold tight and hope fully because our God will always keep His promises (Hebrews 6:17-19).

God does not break promises. Period.

God, the Promise-Keeper

He keeps promises because He is good and faithful. He keeps promises because there are never circumstances beyond His control, never situations He did not foresee.

The absolute security of the promises of God is like an anchor for our souls in times of trouble (Hebrews 6:19). This anchor produces hope that holds us fast and sure as the waves of life toss us about. We may get a little seasick, but we won’t drift away in the current. We won’t sink in the waves.

This year has been filled with hardship and heartache. But whatever you’re facing today, God knows and He is able. You can trust in His presence and hold fast to His promises. Find comfort and peace today in His Word.

10 Promises of God

The following Scriptures are just a sample of the many promises God makes in HIs Word. (Check out this post for a few more.) These promises are not for the world, but for God’s children, those who have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus. (If you aren’t sure, see “How to Know Jesus.”)

God will be present with you (Isaiah 43:1-2) – God does not promise His people that we won’t go through trouble. But He does promise He will go through it by out side.
God will provide for your needs (Matthew 6:25-33) – Jesus assured us that the Father knows our every need and will meet it. Sometimes His provision doesn’t look exactly like what we expected. So, although we cannot trust in a specific provision, we can trust in our divine Provider.
God loves you (Romans 8:39) – No matter the quality of your other relationships, as a child of God, we can always depend on our heavenly Father’s love for us.
God will ease your fears (Psalm 34:1-7) – God is greater than anything that can hurt or harm us. He can deliver us from trouble and whatever He does allow into our lives He will deliver through it, even if it’s all the way to glory. We have no need to fear what today or tomorrow holds because God hold us.
God will trade His peace for our anxiety (Philippians 4:4-10) – When we bring our anxious thoughts to God and meditate on His good things, He will trade our anxiety for His peace.
God will give you soul rest (Matthew 11:28-30) – This world gives us lots of burdens to carry. But God invites us to lay them down and experience His rest.
God gives us spiritual protection (1 Peter 1:3-5) – When we enter into a saving relationship with Jesus, we never have to wonder if we will “get to heaven.” God spiritually shields and protects those who belong to Him.
God will always provide a way to say no to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) – We do not have to give in to temptation. God promises to show us a way out and the strength to say “no.
God gives contentment in any situation (Philippians 4:10-13) – No matter our physical circumstances – plenty or need – Jesus will give us the strength to be content.
God will make all things right (Revelation 21:1-4) – At the end of history, when Jesus comes again, God will abolish all sin, grief, death, and mourning!

Which one of these passages spoke to you today? What promise of God do you need to hold tight to?

10 Promises of God for His Children by Kathy Howard.

Celebrating Two New Lives

This past week, God gave our family two new lives over which to rejoice. On Wednesday, our son’s wife gave birth to their first child, a son. He is a beautiful, healthy boy and we are so very thankful.

Then on Saturday, my mother finally won her battle with Alzheimer’s when God called her home to eternal life in heaven. And although we grieve that she is no longer with us, we also rejoice that her real life has begun.

The Giver of Two New Lives

God is the creator and giver of life. He forms the child in the womb. (For more on this, see “What Does the Bible Say about Life in the Womb?“) And He also knows the length of our lives here on earth. (See Psalm 139:16 and Job 14:5.) Yes, God gives physical life. He miraculously forms our bodies and gives us with the very breath of life. But God also gives spiritual life.

Praise God, He did not create us just for life on this broken earth. God created us for eternity. We are physical AND spiritual beings with capacity to relate to our Creator. Our bodies are merely temporary tents for our souls. (For more about our need for a Savior and God’s merciful provision for salvation see “How to Know Jesus.”)

My mother’s physical tent was beyond repair. Her body and mind were ravaged by a cruel disease. We have been grieving her loss for years now. But my mother had a saving relationship with Jesus. So, we have been waiting for God to fulfill His promise to her of new life. We have been longing for her suffering to end and for her glorious eternity with her Savior to begin. Now she is home.

Thoughts of Heaven

The past few days I’ve thought a lot about Mom’s home going. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about heaven and what it will be like for us. Perhaps that’s because it’s so wonderful, our limited minds could not comprehend the description. But Scripture does tell us there will be no more pain. No more grief.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation  21:4, ESV

On the night He was arrested, Jesus told His disciples that our “Fathers’ home” (aka “heaven”) has many rooms. Jesus also said He was going to prepare a place for those who belong to Him. (See John 14:1-2.)  There is a place, a room for my Mom in heaven. Maybe even a “mansion?”

My parents used to sing together often – at church and at home. My mom had a lovely alto voice and my dad a sweet tenor. One duet I particularly remember signing was “I’ve Got a Mansion.” Mom would sit at the piano in our living room and play. Dad would stand behind her and together they would sing:

“I’ve got a mansion, just over the hilltop. In that bright land where, we’ll never grow old. And some day yonder, we will never more wander. But walk on streets that are  purest gold.”

Today Mom is clothed in her resurrection body and enjoying her heavenly home. Her mind is restored. Her beautiful voice is praising her Savior. Can’t wait to join in Mom. See you later.

Celebrating Two New Lives by Kathy Howard.