Sarah Geringer's Blog, page 84

I read the first verses of Psalm 18 aloud, crafting them into a prayer for my friends and family members just to the north of here. All those people pelted by three-inch hailstones. All those huddled in their basements (thank God for basements!). All those people worried sick about loved ones.

I clung to Psalm 18 again at 4:00 a.m., when the sound of high winds whipped me awake. My husband and I jumped out of bed, gathered up the kiddos, and rushed to the basement. We listened intently for that signature train sound that precedes a tornado. As my heart beat faster, I closed my eyes and prayed, “Lord, protect us. You are our protection. You are our safe place.”

The train sound never came. The 70 mile-per-hour winds finally died down. It’s still dark at 6:08 a.m. as I write this. Daylight will reveal fallen limbs and tossed debris.

The daylight will also reveal God’s faithfulness. In almost 13 years of living in the woods, not once has a tree fallen on our home. Tree branches crashed around us in the 2008 ice storms, but not a one touched our home. A large tree toppled in our garden a few years ago, but never hit our house. God is faithful. He will continue to be faithful, even if a tree hits our home in the future. Even if a tornado strikes my little corner of Missouri, I will trust in God’s protection, provision, and shelter.

I will pray for those in the line of this storm system. Will you join me in praying Psalm 18 for those people today?

My book The Fruitful Life will help you address nagging sins and bear more fruit this Lenten season. I look forward to joining you on the blog and in the online Bible study to discuss this book.

Congratulations to Naomi, winner of the Breaking Busy book giveaway!

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #coffeeforyourheart, #wisewomanlinkup, #gracemoments, #sittingamongfriends, #womenwithintention, #writerwednesday, and #encouragingwordwednesday. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 01, 2017 04:23

February 28, 2017

My Lenten Sacrifice

Are you giving something up for Lent this year?

This is the very first year I will give up something for Lent. I write about it in the chapter on Self-Control in my new book, The Fruitful Life. Let’s just say it’s something very near and dear to my heart, in a place where God wants to have primary residence.

I’m not giving my Dear Thing up because I want to fit in with a group of other Lenten fast-ers.

I’m not giving my Dear Thing up for personal benefit (for example, give up smoking and get healthier).

I’m not giving my Dear Thing up to get a spiritual promotion in exchange.

I am giving up my Dear Thing because it’s become an idol.

In this season of contemplating the sins of mine that Jesus covered on the cross, the least I can do is give up this little Dear Thing. This idol which has a higher place in my heart than Jesus, who died on my behalf.

It will be HARD! I turn to this Dear Thing many, many times daily for pleasure, comfort, ease, and good feelings, even if they only last a moment.

But it will be GOOD for me to learn to turn to the Holy Spirit many, many times daily when I face temptation during this Lenten season. When I miss my Dear Thing. When I think using my Dear Thing is the only way to feel good again. When the enemy whispers, “Surely God didn’t say this Dear Thing is all that bad for you.”

Giving up my idol for Lent will be hard but good.

I’m afraid this Dear Thing has stood in the way of me bearing greater fruit for God’s kingdom.

If I keep relying on my Dear Thing instead of God, even in small ways, I wonder if he can’t trust me to bear more fruit. So he gives the opportunity to someone who can, who has self-control in this area.

I’m willing to accept this challenge. I’ll be writing about it over the next several weeks. I hope you will join me on this Lenten journey of confession and repentance.

As promised, here is a sneak peek at my hand-drawn illustrations for quote cards and the prayer calendar I’m creating now, available to everyone who subscribes below!

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, #tuestalk, #tellhisstory, #messymarriage, and #teaandwordtuesday . Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 28, 2017 04:22

February 27, 2017

Giveaway: Breaking Busy

Hello friends! I’m reviewing AND giving away a copy of Breaking Busy today! Read below to see how you can enter this quick giveaway which ends 2.28.17!

Breaking Busy by Alli Worthington

This book called my name because I’m way too busy. How about you? Do you struggle with the rat race, and feeling like you have lost your peace and purpose?

I laughed out loud at the opening story. I’m not going to give it away, but the rush of endorphins from that belly laugh hooked me hard. I felt like I was chatting with a funny, wise girlfriend.

Alli Worthington puts her finger right on all the ways we run ourselves ragged with too many commitments which don’t even promote happiness. We often agree to new projects out of a sense of social obligation, not out of a calling to serve. I nodded my head so often while reading.

Alli weaves in her personal story so beautifully. She doesn’t hide her flaws and mistakes, even though she is a well-accomplished leader and businesswoman. She is gentle and kind in her suggestions to change your schedule and reevaluate your priorities. It’s even better that she speaks from a biblical worldview.

Two takeaways have already helped me since I finished this book a few days ago. She shared her experience of hearing from the Lord while reading Psalm 23. I felt God speaking to me in the same way He spoke to her through that psalm. Also, she talked about communication styles: I am an overtalker, according to her definition. I was more aware of my tendency to overtalk at two events this weekend, and my awareness created more peace.

So many practical tips are shared in this book, in a warm, friendly manner. I recommend it to the many women reading today all caught up in the trap of BUSY.

I was so busy, I didn’t realize I had already downloaded this book to my Kindle before I bought a paperback copy at Lifeway. THAT’S how busy I am, ladies! But it’s for your benefit, because I’m giving the paperback copy away today!

Giving away a copy of Breaking Busy today!

You can enter the giveaway for this book in a few different ways:

Visit this link (click here) to vote for me in a writing contest. The contest closes 2.28.17, so please vote now! Scroll WAY down to the bottom of the page, enter 17 in the comments (nothing else), then enter your name and email. (Hint: It may be easier to do from a tablet or laptop than a phone.) Also please comment here that you voted, so I can give you credit for the giveaway!
If you already voted for me or another blogger in the contest, sign up below to join my subscriber list. Enter your name and email address, and you’ll receive free resources instantly too!
Choose both options above and be entered twice in the contest!

Winners will be announced on March 1 here on the blog and via email. Thank you in advance for entering!

My next book The Fruitful Life is now available for pre-order on Amazon! Click here to place your order. I look forward to joining you on the blog and in the online Bible study to discuss this book. Come back tomorrow for a sneak peek of my new hand-drawn illustrations. I’m so excited to share them with you!

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #momentsofhope, #mondaymusings, #mommymoments, #modestmommondays, #theartofhomemakingmondays, #livingproverbs31, #goodmorningmondays, #dreamtogether, #soulsurvival, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, #tuestalk, #tellhisstory, #messymarriage, and #teaandwordtuesday . Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 27, 2017 04:17

February 24, 2017

Five Minute Friday: Slow

This is a poem written in five minutes flat, on the prompt “Slow” for the Five-Minute Friday linkup.

Slow is a breath of fresh air

after writing for days and days,

copying, pasting, editing, sending.

I open the front door

and step out into February sunshine

seventy degrees and breezy.

Slow is the stroll up the gravel drive

to the church cemetery

where I walk in a loop

around sleeping saints.

Slow is a wink of hope

when I catch a glimpse

of yellow shining bright

among dead leaves:

daffodils pushing through

so early

so welcome.

Slow is an envelope of peace

as I listen to the birds twittering

in the cedar trees

as I hear squirrels scuttering

over fallen branches

as I watch the hawk circle slowly

over us, seeing what I don’t notice.

But today I take notice

of the small things,

the tiny purple flowers

peering up cheerful

amid the gravel.

I just finished writing my third self-published book, The Fruitful Life, a study on the fruits of the spirit. I hope you’ll join me when it goes on sale March 5, 2017 and also in the online Bible study March 6 – 31, 2017.

I’m creating two free resources to go along with the book for those who signup below (under 5 Days to Greater Peace). You’ll receive access to the Fruitful Life Prayer Calendar and Study Guide once the book goes on sale. You can also join my Facebook online Bible study group to interact with other readers March 6 – 31, 2017.

Please comment below and let me know if you plan to join me for The Fruitful Life!

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

This post will be linked up at #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #fmf. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 24, 2017 04:09

February 23, 2017

Quotes from The Fruitful Life

Yesterday I finished writing my new Bible study for Lent. It’s called The Fruitful Life: Addressing Common Sins and Growing in Faith, available for pre-order on Amazon soon! This book is a study on the fruits of the spirit and their common opposites. Those nagging sins like impatience, anxiety, and indulgence which seem to hang around no matter what I do to prevent them. I’m writing each chapter with a personal story, then a look at God’s way, Jesus’ example, and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. I know I can’t get past my nagging sins without God’s help. I’m writing this book to help you and me uncover hidden sins and grow closer to God.

Here is a sneak peek of quotes from each chapter:

Chapter 1: Apathetic/Loving

I want to have an engaged heart rather than a disconnected heart, open to giving and receiving love the way God does.

God doesn’t close his heart off from you or me, even after we’ve wounded him time and time again.

Chapter 2: Irritated/Joyful

Irritation springs from a negative outlook. Joy springs from a life of faith.

If we draw our sustenance from God’s Word, we will have deep reservoirs of joy to sustain us through every season.

Chapter 3: Anxious/Peaceful

I am practically guaranteed to get caught up in anxiety’s web unless I am spending time every day cultivating my relationship with God.

If goldfinches can find food without worry, and dandelions can bloom without fear, I can lay my worry aside and trust God to grant me peace.

Chapter 4: Impatient/Patient

I have fallen prey to this fast-paced, on-demand culture we inhabit. I want it now, please. Right. Now.

It’s better for me to be a calm, nurturing mom who doesn’t vacuum every day than a power-mongering parent with pristine floors.

Chapter 5: Selfish/Kind

Kindness is being AWARE of my loved ones’ needs and treating them the way I’d like to be treated.

Who knows if the cup of water I offer may be the conduit of salvation in one person’s story?

Chapter 6: Worldly/Good

I have a whole closet of stuff I haven’t even used yet, because I worshiped the idol called Deal.

Once you taste goodness, worldliness loses its strong appeal.

Chapter 7: Harsh/Gentle

Honesty delivered gently is refreshing and winsome. Honesty delivered harshly is painful and offensive.

I want to be gentle with harsh people. They are coming from hurt places, just as I was.

Chapter 8: Scattered/Faithful

It’s easy to drop healthy commitments when I feel scattered. Especially exercise, eating right, family devotions, and keeping up with friends. All the things most beneficial to my well-being tend to go first.

When I listen to God’s voice and take time to recount his faithfulness to me, I don’t feel scattered anymore. I feel his peace.

Chapter 9: Indulgent/Self-Controlled

If I allow the Holy Spirit to fully take charge of the branch in my heart that bears the fruit of self-control, all the other branches will benefit.

If my priorities are in line with God’s Word, and I’m following him closely every day, self-control is easier to choose when I feel tempted to indulge.

Which quote is most interesting to you? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

I’ll be illustrating these quotes with hand-drawn pictures on my blog and in my online Bible study. Can’t wait to share my art and writing with you!

I hope you’ll join me for The Fruitful Life, when it goes on sale March 5, 2017 and also in the online Bible study March 6 – 31, 2017.

Please comment below and let me know if you plan to join me for The Fruitful Life!

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

This post will be linked up at #livefreethursday, #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #fridayfive. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 23, 2017 08:56

February 21, 2017

Preparing for Lent

How are you preparing your heart for the upcoming Lenten season?

Growing up in the church, I experienced Lent as a season of solemn contemplation. As a girl I was taught to consider my sins and how much I needed Jesus’ redemption on the cross. This practice of inward-seeking has stayed with me over the decades. Lent is the season when I ask God to search me for hidden sins. Each year he reveals new pockets of disobedience, and I grow closer to him through repentance and obedience.

This year I’m writing a new Bible study to help me recognize hidden sins. It’s called The Fruitful Life: Addressing Common Sins and Growing in Faith. This book is a study on the fruits of the spirit and their common opposites. Those nagging sins like impatience, anxiety, and indulgence which seem to hang around no matter what I do to prevent them. I’m writing each chapter with a personal story, then a look at God’s way, Jesus’ example, and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. I know I can’t get past my nagging sins without God’s help. I’m writing this book to help you and me uncover hidden sins and grow closer to God.

If you have read my previous books Newness of Life and Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, you are familiar with my writing style of brief chapters, intended for busy women with hectic schedules. I write books that I have time to read in my own busy schedule as a wife and working mother of three. My goal is to breathe God’s peace into your life through the books I write. I hope you’ll join me for The Fruitful Life, when it goes on sale March 5, 2017 and also in the online Bible study March 6 – 31, 2017.

Here’s what’s new with The Fruitful Life:

Shorter length. This book has only 9 chapters, so it’s shorter than my past books. This is perfect if you are in a busy season but still want to do a Lenten study.

Hand-drawn illustrations. I’m an artist as well as a writer, and I’m going to feature hand-drawn illustrations on the blog and in promotional materials. I can’t wait to share the drawings with you!

Prayer Calendar. I’m designing a special Lenten prayer calendar to go along with this study. I’ll make it available to everyone who signs up to receive my newsletter and other free gifts like 5 Days to Greater Peace (see signup below)

Deeper Bible Study. In the book I will have two reflective questions per chapter. I’m creating a more in-depth study guide for those who signup below. You can also join my Facebook online Bible study group to interact with other readers March 6 – 31, 2017.

Please comment below and let me know if you plan to join me for The Fruitful Life!

Looking for new life in your current season?

Newness of Life will help you apply Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 so you can understand God’s plan in your current season.

“There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

No matter what season you are in, God is teaching you valuable lessons to grow your faith and trust in Him.

Buy Newness of Life today!

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

This post will be linked up at #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, #tuestalk, #teaandword, and #messymarriage. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 21, 2017 05:02

February 20, 2017

Fresh Batch of Book Reviews #7

Friends, I’m keeping it short and sweet today, because I’m busy writing my next book, The Fruitful Life: Addressing Common Sins and Growing in Faith. I hope you’ll join me tomorrow when I begin my sneak peeks into The Fruitful Life before it launches on March 5. Today, I hope you enjoy these two reviews on Energy Reset and 40-Day Lent Vocabulary Word Devotional.

Energy Reset by Michelle Brown

This book challenged me, held me accountable, and inspired me to make several changes. It hooked me with its scary descriptions of the consequences for some of my choices, such as eating unclean food and using unhealthy beauty products and cleaning chemicals. I read it straight through and decided on some swaps, though I’m not going to commit to going all-in. Living totally clean is not an affordable option for me right now, so I’ll just make a few key changes. Here are the changes I’m making after reading this book:

1. Cutting way back on dairy, grains, and sugar. I have lots of control over my breakfast, lunch, and snack choices, and I will modify those choices to exclude those three groups as much as possible. However, I plan to eat normal suppers with my family, which may include those groups. I’m OK with one meal per day that’s not 100% healthy. I will eat eggs for breakfast and veggie soup or salad for lunch, and apples with nut butter for snacks. I plan to do this for the next two months to assess the change in my energy level.

2. Using more olive/coconut oil and less canola/vegetable oil. I didn’t know much about the dangers of using seed-based oils until I read this book. I will make a swap with olive oil for savory dishes and coconut oil for sweeter dishes.

3. Taking a closer look at fragrance-based products. I usually make clean choices for my household products, but I’m not so sure about my beauty products. I will study the labels and try to evaluate whether to keep using a product or make a swap.

4. Stop drinking diet soda. I rarely enjoy any kind of soda, but a Coke Zero is my favorite afternoon pick-me-up. I think a wiser choice will be unsweetened tea, which I already like. Who knows what those artificial chemicals are doing to my gut. Every once in a blue moon, I’m OK with indulging in a full-sugar soda. But I’m trying to cut out soda as much as possible and switch to tea, because it’s full of antioxidants.

I have always been a low-energy, slow-paced person. I don’t think that will change dramatically even with the changes I plan to make. But this book is helping me see how my everyday choices are likely taking a toll on my endocrine system. This book has been the kick-in-the-pants I needed to get back on track with healthy eating habits.

40-Day Lent Vocabulary Word Devotional by Alan Balmer

I liked this book for the same reason I enjoyed Alan’s 100 Day Vocabulary Word Devotional; it combines my love for vocabulary words and for Bible study. Alan is gifted at writing with a strong command of Bible knowledge while remaining humble and relatable. Each day has thought-provoking questions to stimulate self-examination. The chapters are brief yet rich and engaging, perfect for a busy person’s schedule. This is an excellent devotional for the reflective Lenten season.

I hope you’ll join me for my next book, The Fruitful Life. Come back tomorrow for more information!

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #momentsofhope, #mondaymusings, #mommymoments, #modestmommondays, #theartofhomemakingmondays, #livingproverbs31, #goodmorningmondays, #dreamtogether, #soulsurvival, and #glimpsesofhisbeauty. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 20, 2017 03:37

February 17, 2017

Five Minute Friday: Weak

Writing for five unedited minutes on the prompt, Weak. Thoughts about my new book on the fruits of the spirit.

When my love is weak, apathy spreads.

When my joy is weak, irritation climbs.

When my peace is weak, anxiety rises.

When my patience is weak, impatience grows.

When my kindness is weak, selfishness multiplies.

When my goodness is weak, worldiness increases.

When my gentleness is weak, harshness overshadows.

When my faithfulness is weak, I am scattered everywhere.

When my self-control is weak, my indulgence does me in.

But

the Holy Spirit lifts me up

resets my branch to its perfect height

trains me to the trellis

cuts off all the brambles

the prickly thorns

the wandering vines

making me fruitful once more

in his perfect

strength

power

and might.

You’ve just read an outline of my new book in the format of a poem. I’d love for you to join me for this study, releasing March 5. The online Bible study will be held here March 6-31. This is a perfect study for the cleansing, meditative season of Lent. Please comment below and let me know you are interested!

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

This post will be linked up at #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #fmf. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 17, 2017 13:51

Be His Advocate

Welcome! I’m glad you’ve joined me for the final day of this 10-day series, “How to Be the Wife He Really Wants.” Read on to see what’s next, in time for Lent!

Do you know your words show how you are an advocate for your husband?

An advocate speaks on someone else’s behalf for their betterment. They fight for the rights of someone who needs defense, who needs protection. The way you speak about your husband to others is key to becoming the wife he really wants.

Your husband knows he’s not perfect. He knows he’s not as emotionally complex as you are. He doesn’t want those faults broadcasted to others. Not to your mom, sister, best friend, or Bible study members. Your husband wants you to be his advocate, not a judge who picks apart his performance in front of an audience.

Oh, I lament how many times I spoke ill against him out of my frustration and lack of understanding about the differences between men and women. I deeply regret “venting” about his faults so widely and so thoroughly. Sharing my problems with a trusted friend or two would have been fine, to gain relief and help. But complaining about him everywhere I went was a damaging blow in the early years of our marriage.

Here’s a great quote by Joni Eareckson Tada, from the book The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage:

Since those early days [of her marriage], I’ve made it a habit to watch my words. Scripture has lots to say about our bodies, but no body part gets quite the attention as the tongue. For example, Proverbs 18:21 says, ‘The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.’ With our words we either beat the life out of our marriage or we cultivate, feed, and water it to ensure happy years ahead.

I had to learn that my words about my husband held either life or death for our marriage. I had to quit the pattern of griping about him to my family members and friends. This took practice, because the habit of griping about him was so deeply ingrained. In time, and with God’s help, I was able to overcome this bad habit. Every time we were around others, I thought of a specific way I could praise him. When I replaced my critical words with constructive words, my husband flourished.

When you replace critical words with constructive words, your husband will flourish.

Serving as your husband’s advocate shines God’s light in our culture. Turn on the television during prime time and notice how almost every show and commercial paints the guy as a doofus and a punching bag. Criticizing men has become a horrific national pastime. Ladies, let’s show how Christians are different in this area. We can make a concentrated effort to speak well of our husbands everywhere we go, and show the world Christ through our example.

Let’s make a concentrated effort to speak well of our husbands wherever we go.

I love this quote from Francis Chan in You and Me Forever on the powerful example of a countercultural, Christ-centered marriage:

This is how our lives should look. We are filled in Christ. Beyond filled. Overflowing. So we turn to the people around us and share the abundance of love, peace, joy, and life.

Here’s a blueprint for marriage:

We become overwhelmed by Christ’s care for us.
So we shower our [spouses] with the same love we receive from God.
Then, people are shocked by our extravagant love toward our [spouses].
As a result, we are given an opportunity to tell them about the love of Christ that compels us.

Let’s shock our family, friends, and acquaintances by our extravagant words of affirmation about our husbands. Let’s let them see Jesus through our words.

Here are three ways I’m serving as an advocate for my husband:

Speaking well of him to our children. I am working hard to say something positive about their dad every day, especially when he messes up. My children’s affection for their dad has grown since I replaced stinky words with sweet-smelling ones.
Speaking well of him at work. In my conversations with my friends at work, I intentionally say good things about my husband. I no longer fall into the trap of man-bashing.
Speaking well of him to his friends. We have a date night tonight, and we’ll probably spend a little time socializing with his friends first. I have found this is the most powerful venue for me to speak well of my husband. Those guys are hungry for positive examples of wives who build up instead of tear down.

What practical step can you take today to serve YOUR husband as an advocate? I would love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

Congratulations to Kelly, winner of THREE marriage-building books: The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage, You And Me Forever, and $10 Great Dates!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What’s next?

This weekend, I’m writing my third book: The Fruitful Life: Addressing Common Sins and Growing in Faith. In this new Lenten study, we will discuss how common sins get in the way of deeper faith, and how to rely on the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew us.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Please comment below to let me know you plan to join this study. I look forward to discussing the book here on the blog with you and in my online Bible study group.

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

This post will be linked up at #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, and #graceandtruth. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on February 17, 2017 04:22

February 16, 2017

Be His Prayer Warrior

Welcome! I’m glad you’ve joined me for day 9 of this 10-day series, “How to Be the Wife He Really Wants.”

Do you know you are likely your husband’s #1 prayer warrior?

No one else is as close to your husband as you are. No one else knows the details of his life quite as intimately. Because you are so closely linked, your prayers for him can be more detailed and more specific than anyone else’s.

Listen to this quote by Phil and Heather Joel, from the book The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage (one of the books in the giveaway below):

We’re hooked on knowing [God] and hearing from Him during time we spend alone with Him in the Word and prayer. Our time with Him is not some check-it-off-the-list religious activity, but a meeting with the true and living God who loves speaking truth to us and having us walk with Him and enjoy Him.

Your prayers over your marriage are like strategy meetings with God. When you meet with God about your marriage, you have access to the One who created you both and knows you through and through. God wants the very best for your marriage, and He will reveal powerful truths to you as you meet with him in prayer over your husband.

Here are three specific ways you can serve as a prayer warrior for your husband:

Be faithful in prayer.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Your regular, committed prayer time will work powerfully to shape your marriage. When you are hopeful despite your marriage problems, the time you’ve invested in prayer will ground your faith that God can grant healing and new life.

Be thankful in prayer.

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:6

Every time you pray for your husband, make sure to say a word of thanks for him. No matter how difficult your situation, God will help you find ways to rejoice in thanksgiving over your husband.

Be righteous in prayer.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

When you pray for your husband, confess to God any wrongs you’ve committed in your marriage. Pray for your own healing as well as your husband’s healing after conflicts. God will reward your efforts to repent, and your prayers will be more effective and powerful from a clean heart.

Your faithful, thankful, and righteous prayers will transform your marriage!

Here are three ways I’m serving as a prayer warrior for my husband:

Pray regularly. My morning commute is my cue to offer prayers for my husband.
Pray specifically. I listen to his work stories like a secret detective, gathering prayer clues.
Pray thankfully. When I thank God for my husband every day, it also spurs me to thank my husband for who he is.

What practical step can you take today to serve YOUR husband as a prayer warrior? I would love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

Join me tomorrow for Day 10, “Be His Advocate.” And catch up on last week’s posts here!

Want more marriage encouragement? Enter to win THREE marriage-building books: The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage, You And Me Forever, and $10 Great Dates!

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Photos generously provided by Lillian at Embracing the Lovely. Visit her site for more beauty and inspiration!

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Looking for Newness of Life in your current life season?

My book Newness of Life will help you apply Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 so you can understand God’s plan in your current season.

“There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

No matter what season you are in, God is teaching you valuable lessons to grow your faith and trust in Him. We will discover what God is saying through the different times and activities we traverse.

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This post will be linked up at #livefreethursday, #heartencouragement, #thoughtprovokingthursday, #chasingcommunity, and #heartsforhome. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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