Elizabeth George's Blog, page 10

Forgiven First

The origin of forgiveness is in Genesis 3. What consequences happened after Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden? First, the couple was sentenced to a life of pain and hard labor, neither of which they ever experienced before in Eden. Then they were expelled from the garden paradise they had always known and thrust into a sin-laden world to fend and provide for themselves. That’s the bad news.

But the good news is that God forgave the sinful couple that He created in order to have sweet, intimate, perfect fellowship with Him. Furthermore, He clothed them and sent them out to have a new life, as opposed to the death their sin mer­ited. Though their new home in the world was nothing as lovely and perfect as what they had experienced in the garden, God provided for their needs.

Forgiveness began with God. God took the initiative to forgive Adam and Eve’s sin. His first act of forgiveness toward them was to clothe them with the skins of sacrificed animals. The physical deaths suffered by the animals should have been theirs, but it was the animals that died — a preview of Jesus’ substitutionary death for our sins.

In this act of providing animal skins, God set up a system for forgiving the sins of His people. It found its final sacrifice for the for­giveness of sin in the death of Jesus. Throughout the Bible, God the Father refers to Himself as the God of forgiveness. And this forgive­ness was modeled for us in the life and death of Jesus, God’s Son.

What confidence is yours when you know that you are forgiven in Christ! When Christ is your Savior, God’s Holy Spirit comes to reside in you. That means you can exhibit Christ-like behavior (Galatians 5:22-23). In Christ you are capa­ble of not only withstanding great pain and suffering inflicted by others, but you also possess the strength and power of Christ to forgive — with His love — those who cause the hurt.

RESPOND:

Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sin, and help me in turn to forgive others. Search my heart for situa­tions in which I’m not fully forgiving a wrong inflicted upon me. Whenever I recall the injury, pain, or mem­ory of that hurt, let the beauty of Your forgiveness wash over me. Give me your love and perspective to forgive. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Find more encouragement to follow in Jesus’ footsteps in Elizabeth's book, A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus. You will find a treasure trove of truths and applications that enable you to follow well.

REFLECT:

Where do I hold on to bitterness or unforgiveness? How can I let Christ’s forgiveness of me change my heart towards others?

REMEMBER:

Because God loves and forgives us, we can love and forgive others.

Forgiving Others

Family time offers many opportunities to gather with people who have hurt us and whom we may otherwise avoid. Thankfully, God’s Word can help us navigate such relationships.

How Many Times Should I Forgive?

One day, Peter asked Jesus a question that had prob­ably been forming in his mind for some time. He asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21). Peter was being generous when he sug­gested forgiving someone seven times, for the traditional rabbinic teaching was that an offended person needed to forgive a brother only three times.

However, Jesus’ reply communicated that we need to exercise forgiveness to a much greater extent. “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22). Jesus taught that forgiveness has no limits. We’re to forgive no matter the number of sins committed!

Then Jesus told a parable that illustrated the concept of unlimited forgiveness in Matthew 18:23-35. He told of a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed an enormous amount—the equivalent of about a million dollars in today’s economy.

Of course the servant couldn’t pay. According to the custom of the day, the king ordered the servant and his family to be sold as slaves to recoup part of his debt. But when the servant pleaded with his master, begging for time to repay his debt, the master took pity on the servant, canceled the debt, and set him free.

What did the forgiven debtor do? He went out and found another servant who owed him a much smaller amount—the equivalent of a day’s wages. The first servant demanded payment and refused to show mercy toward his debtor. In fact, he had the second servant thrown into prison until he paid the debt.

Others went to the master and told him what had happened, and what his forgiven servant had done to a fellow servant. When the master heard this, he called back the first servant and jailed him for failing to show mercy to a fellow servant, when he himself had been forgiven a much greater debt.

In this parable, Jesus taught that forgiveness should be in direct proportion to the amount we’ve been forgiven. If you are a child of God, all your sins have been for­given through faith in Jesus Christ. When someone sins against you, you are to forgive that person fully from your heart, no matter how many times the act occurs.

This does not mean that you are to continue to place yourself in a position to be abused. But, the spiritual act of forgiving another helps you recall that we are all sinners, and it is God who is judge, not us. As a believer, you have the love of God within you to praise God for His grace to you and forgive another’s actions against you in order that they know that a kind, good, and forgiving God can rescue them from their sin too.

RESPOND:

Jesus, may I always remember with appropriate humility and gratitude the sin condition that was mine without your intervention. Help me to demonstrate this forgiveness to others who have hurt me in order that they may know you and change the direction of their destructive lives.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible  – with Elizabeth George God’s Word guides us in all matters of life. Pick up this Bible, filled with 365 daily devotions and a yearly reading plan, today!

REFLECT:

Who have I not forgiven for past offenses?

How does God communicate with us about forgiveness?Ask the Lord for His grace is forgiving this person.

REMEMBER:

Forgiveness should be in direct proportion to the amount we’ve been forgiven.

Asking for Forgiveness

When a conversation goes wrong and escalates into a battle, we have to deal with the aftermath and assess our part. It may help to ask yourself, "Am I shifting blame to others, making excuses for my actions, or am I accepting responsibility?"

It’s amazing how many excuses we can come up with and how much blame shifting we do after giving in to sin. Have you ever noticed that asking for forgiveness is often difficult? Many times, our pride is what makes it difficult. Instead of immediately asking for forgiveness, pride says, “I was right!” or “It wasn’t that bad!”

James 1:14 says, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” With this statement, James warns us to be aware of our own sin and accept responsibility.

God doesn’t ask us to do a thousand things, nor even a hundred, but just a few things. God’s purposes for you can be boiled down to three things.

Determine to obey God. As Proverbs 3:4-6 says, develop a greater trust in the Lord.Devote your life to becoming more like Christ. Look to God, not yourself, for direction.Look to the finish line, and not only what’s happening today.

As you’re faithful in these areas of growth, you’ll grow in humility and more readily confess sin and ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness will no longer be a chore. Rather, it’s the recipe for a better life and better relationships.

When you fail in your walk with God, accept responsibility for your actions. Be honest with God and enjoy His forgiveness and grace.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, I need greater humility and courage to accept responsibility for my sins. First John 1:9 promises that if I confess my sins, You, dear Lord, are faithful and just to forgive them. Help me to nurture a repentant heart. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Proverbs for a Woman’s Day – Are you stressed out by your responsibilities? At a crossroads in your life? Wondering what to do about a complicated relationship? Take a journey through Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart.

REFLECT:

When is the last time you confessed your sin and asked the Lord for forgiveness. Remember, He is faithful to forgive!

REMEMBER:

Look to God for humility and better relationships.

Seeing the Power of Commitment

“How can anything be so thrilling and yet so sobering?”

This question was repeated over and over in my heart as Jim and I celebrated yet another military change of command for a dear friend and neighbor. The parade ground was packed with troops in formation who had been standing there for well over an hour before the ceremony even began.

Flags representing our nation, the State of Hawaii, and each unit that served and deployed from this U.S. Army base whipped in the trade winds that nipped at the miles and miles of acreage that make up the famous Schofield Barracks. The ragged peaks of the Koolau mountains reached majestically heavenward as the backdrop behind the parade grounds and the tropical sun shone down on all present.

We sat in reserved seats under one of the many awnings set up around the platform where four U.S. Army officers and commanders were coming and going, changing and receiving new responsibilities.

I was overwhelmed reading their biographies and hearing the introductions of each of the four officers, including my friend Patricia. Their lives have been spent in universities, specialized schools, training centers, and multiple deployments. They have faithfully poured their time into study and training to equip and mature themselves for greater usefulness. Their sacrificial families were there—spouses, and children of all ages—as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends who had gathered from around the world to celebrate and take part in honoring and supporting the commitment their loved ones have made to serve our country.

Sitting in the stands, I couldn’t help but be greatly convicted about my own commitments. These officers and soldiers had committed themselves to giving their lives, if necessary, to defend our country. What was I committed to? And how seriously? How deeply? How fervently? What commitments could I be making for my Lord and His Kingdom program? What commitments could I be making to my family, my friends, my church?

I asked myself, "Am I increasing in my study of the Bible, purposefully choosing to grow as I serve the Lord and His people? Am I competent? Am I faithful? Am I committed to keep advancing as a child of God? Is there any 'sacrifice' involved at all?"

And what does an evaluation of how I spend my time reveal – about sacrifice, about commitment, about dedication? About purpose and focus? About my goals?

When Jim and I walked away from that ceremony, we came away thrilled with all of the tradition and proud of the determination of these troops, but also sobered with the reality of what it means and looks like to be truly committed to something, a cause, a creed, a country—indeed, a set of beliefs.

RESPOND:

Lord, may I be truly committed to Your work and Your Kingdom, serving well in my church and community. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Learn more life lessons from great leaders in the Bible, like Paul and Timothy, in Jim’s book and great resource A Leader After God’s Own Heart.

REFLECT:

How does seeing someone else display a fervent commitment inspire you to do the same? How can I use my time to live sacrificially?

REMEMBER:

Purposefully choose to grow as you serve the Lord and His People. Commit to keep advancing as a child of God.

God’s Will in the Workplace

Over the years, people have often asked me how they could “know” God’s will for their career. They thought if they had that answer, they would get a much clearer perspective on their jobs and their direction in life.

I tell them God’s will regarding their work isn’t some mystical revelation they have to hunt for. Rather, it’s spelled out clearly in the Bible: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23), and “Be obedient to those who are your masters… not… as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ” (Ephesians 6:5-6). When you see this as God’s will for your job, it will transform your attitude in the workplace-and have an incredibly positive impact on everyone around you.

In my life I have had many “callings.” One of those included being called into the ministry. But, like the apostle Paul, who was both a missionary and a tentmaker, I also provided for my family as a pharmacist, an Army reservist, a pharmaceutical salesman, and a pastor. I viewed all of these as callings from God.

Long before the first bite of fruit by Adam and Eve, we witness God at work in the creation of the universe. In Genesis 1:1, we meet God punching the time clock, so to speak, as a worker: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Finally, when the work was completed, on the seventh day God “rested from all His work which [He] had created and made” (Genesis 2:3).

After Adam and Eve were created, God told them to “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). That sounds like work to me!

God created us, both men and women, to be workers. He knows that our physical and mental makeup thrives on work and creativity. You can go to work with an attitude that says, “What can I put into this organization or job?” This attitude seeks to make the organization better, cultivating a healthy work environment in which others are helped to live more satisfying lives. If that is your goal, then you will bring glory to God by fulfilling the role of a hardworking, Christian servant, the role to which the Lord has called you.

RESPOND:

God, I know that by seeking You and working hard, I can be confident that I’m in Your will. I choose to work heartily and honor my “masters” - because I honor You, my ultimate Master. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

The Man Who Makes A Difference: 10 Keys to a Life of Impact by Jim George - Readers will experience true fulfillment as they take steps toward making a difference in the workplace, at home, at church, and in their community.

REFLECT:

Am I working hard at my current job, and treating it like my calling? How can I help others in my workplace?

REMEMBER:

Go to work with the attitude that asks, “What can I put into this organization or job?”

They Shall Rise and Call Her Blessed

I've studied the verses of Proverbs 31 for many years. This woman has at times both intimidated and inspired me. While it took me years to begin to understand the purpose of these passages, I have always prayed for my husband and children to fulfill Proverbs 31:28, which says, “Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also.”

Wise Parenting

I'll admit that, in the beginning, most of my prayers were somewhat selfish in nature. I desired to know I'd done the right thing and wanted to feel appreciation from the people who mean the most to me in this world. I didn't always get what I asked for. There were times when my children made decisions that caused me to question them. These were times to teach, pray, and love them despite those decisions.

As wise parents, we commit to this responsibility. We must own it. We must dedicate ourselves to be faithful to what God is calling us to do as a parent. As we are faithful to follow God’s instructions to us to teach His wisdom to our children, He will faithfully enable us to do it. Lean on Him. Talk to Him. Trust in Him. Desire to be a mom after God’s own heart—a mother who will do all God’s will, including teaching wisdom to your precious ones.

Look for the Blessings

The beautiful thing about my quest to have my children rise and call me blessed is that every time my children disappointed me, God used it as a lesson for both of us. These obstacles in our faith walk became opportunities.

It was a chance for me to see where my child's heart really was so I could focus my teachable moments with them. It was an opportunity for me to realize my children's well being and Christ-like behavior was about their relationship with God and not about me receiving praise for my efforts to teach them. I needed to get over myself to elevate my children spiritually.

Once that happened God did something wonderful. He caused my children to rise and bless me! No, they didn't run into the kitchen one morning saying mom you are a blessed woman or call me the best of anything. In fact, they never uttered a word. It was in their "rising" that I received my blessing:

Seeing my children with arms stretched out in worship and a heartfelt praise coming forth from their very core...I am blessed.Lying in bed with fever and having my child lay hands on me in prayer and feeling the power of the Holy Spirit....I am blessed.Overhearing a conversation and my child declined to go to a close friends house because no parents would be there...I am blessed.Seeing my children grow and prosper with their own families now…I am blessed.

I could go on and on about the blessings I’ve received over the years, but you get the idea. These blessings are so much greater than passing accolades or praises sung to appease a mama's heart. These blessings have eternal value.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, You are with me every step of the way in this parenting job. I am excited to share You with my child by living out Your goodness. When I need a boost, a creative idea, or an attitude adjustment, Your ever-present hope brings relief and renewal. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Proverbs for a Woman’s Day by Elizabeth George covers the matters closest to your heart, including how to train and enjoy your children. Don’t miss out on this uplifting Bible Study!

REFLECT:

What has been your impression when you’ve heard about or read Proverbs 31 for yourself? What has your child(ren) risen up and done in the past that blessed you?

REMEMBER:

As a wise parent, we commit to this responsibility. Our children's well being and Christ-like behavior is about their relationship with God and not about us receiving praise for our efforts to teach them.

Reaping the Blessings of Work

The word “work” is mentioned over 350 times in the Bible. It is clear from God’s work that you and I work at something in life. And whatever career we choose to pursue, or feel called to accomplish, will most likely require hard work to be successful.

Charles M. Schwab, the great steel tycoon, is famous for his “Ten Commandments of Success.” What was number one? Mr. Schwab put hard work at the top of the list. He explained, “Hard work is the best investment a man can make.”

Thomas A. Edison, the great inventor, denied he was a genius. Instead, he attributed his success to dedicated work. He rarely slept more than four hours a night and was often seen catching a nap or two during the day. Too much sleep, he claimed, “makes you dopey. And you lose time, vitality, and opportunities.”

Today, our culture has different ideas about work than in years past. A commitment to excellence in the workplace can be hard to come by. Many people either want everything given to them without working for it, or they don’t want to work very hard to get it. You, however, as a believer after God’s own heart, are called to be different. Understanding God’s purposes and priorities for our life, we should work hard for God and His glory, and not for men. What kind of blessings can you reap from this kind of diligence in your work?

First, you will be blessed in knowing that you are fulfilling the will of God in your life. This is enough, but there’s more.

Second, you will be blessed in knowing that a spouse, if you are married, can share God’s blessings with you. Your obedience affects your spouse’s life as well, and brings blessing not only to you, but to them.

Third, you will be blessed by knowing that you are doing your best as you do your work unto the Lord. You will know the fulfillment that comes from taking pride in the excellence of your work.

Believer, if you work hard, understanding the will of God, and live out His purposes and His priorities for your life, you can provide for your family, you will be successful at your vocation, and you will progress in your career. You will be a “light on a hill.” And you will fulfill the will of God for your life. These blessings and more can be yours when you tend to your career God’s way.

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to work hard and for you glory, diligently pursuing my calling and caring for my family. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Pursuing Godliness - Elizabeth shares how women can deepen their Christian walk, paying special attention to focus, heart attitudes, and behavior that glorifies God. This Bible study makes the quest for godliness an exciting and practical journey!

REFLECT:

What other blessings have you experienced by seeing your job as a way to glorify God? How can I grow in diligence in the workplace?

REMEMBER:

Hard and diligent work are part of your calling as a believer, and will bring blessings to you and others.

Becoming God’s Man

Do you share God’s desire for your spiritual growth? God doesn’t force growth upon you. Instead, you must desire it enough to do something about it. When you look at your own heart, what is the burning desire of your soul? Do you truly want to be God’s man, a man who makes a difference, who has a positive, dynamic impact on those around him? If your response is, “Yes! I want to grow spiritually. I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I want to be God’s man,” then here are some steps you can take:

Desire to follow Jesus. Commit to follow Christ at all times, and not only when it’s convenient. We are called to full-time faithfulness without hesitation or reservation.Grapple with sin. Choose to struggle against temptation to fall into sin, even if you experience a constant battle with the flesh and its desires and passions. To ensure that your growth remains steady and uninterrupted, confess any and all sins to God right away.Refuse to be spiritually lazy. Life is full of choices regarding how you spend your time. You must make serious choices when it comes to the spiritual realm. Will you read your Bible and pray today? Your choices will determine whether you grow spiritually strong or become spiritually lazy.Find a role model. It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Look around for a man whose example you can follow, and a man, mature is his own faith, who can mentor you and provide you with counsel, guidance, and encouragement on a regular basis.Realize that spiritual growth is ongoing. Spiritual growth must be pursued daily. You cannot rest or count on yesterday’s growth. Without regular spiritual nourishment, you’ll wake up one day and find yourself defeated in your Christian walk.

To become God’s man, get the help you need. Find the resources that will educate and stimulate ongoing growth. Dedicate yourself to growing spiritually every single day for the rest of your life. Then you will become a man who makes a difference.

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to grow into a man who makes a difference. Help me to make choices that will lead to my spiritual growth. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Man After God’s Own Heart Devotional will equip you with the spiritual wisdom for each challenging day. Its short daily devotionals and prayers will give you the tools you need for making a real difference in all you do.

REFLECT:

What can I do today to help me grow closer to Christ? Who can I ask for spiritual guidance and wisdom as I seek to pursue Christ?

REMEMBER:

Spiritual growth must be pursued daily. You cannot rest or count on yesterday’s growth. Dedicate yourself to growing spiritually every single day for the rest of your life.

7 Steps to Enjoying Housework

Several years ago, while teaching a series entitled “The Wise Homemaker,” I asked a hundred women, “What keeps you from getting your housework done?” There were four main answers: poor use of time, lack of motivation, failure to plan, and procrastination.

These reasons make perfect sense to me, and I can certainly relate to all four of these answers.

So, if you’re anything like me and a hundred other women, we can both thank God that He has shown us the Proverbs 31 woman who use of every second of her time, and uses it well. Let me pass on some methods that help me “work up” a better attitude and even an eagerness about my work.

Embrace God’s will for your life—If you’re uncertain about what God’s will for your life is, you can see it clearly right there in Proverbs 31. Rewrite the message in your own words and then own it, love it, tackle it, be committed to it, and dedicate your life to it!Stay in God’s Word—Allow the Spirit of God to energize your heart, mind, and strength through the power of God’s Word.Develop a vision—Think for a moment about your home environment. Does it reflect your vision for your home and family, and your vision for peace, beauty, and order?Pray for an eager attitude—When you turn off your light at night, pray about the work that awaits the next day. Ask God to help you greet the day with an eager attitude.Create a schedule—A schedule will help you plan your work. You’ll know what’s coming and where you’re going, and you’ll be able to anticipate the pace and envision your next task.Develop a routine—The more work you’re able to fit into a daily routine, the better. Those things you do everyday take less time when they’re part of a routine.Tackle the worst first—There’s no reason to live your days under a cloud of dread because of some challenging or unpleasant task you need to tackle. Simply do that task first! Having the monumental thing out of the way makes the day go more smoothly and easily.

I want you to experience the exhilaration and continuing motivation that come with these noble housework efforts. Pause, pray, and pour out your heart to God and, relying on His grace, persist in the divine work God has given you to do for Him.

RESPOND

Lord, make us masters of ourselves that we may be the servants of others. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

Beautiful in God’s Eyes - Experience a richer, more exciting spiritual walk as you embrace God’s design for true beauty in your life. This wonderful resource is a great guide!

REFLECT

“She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” (Proverbs 31:17)

REMEMBER

All that stands between your goal
And the deeds you hope to do
And the dreams which stir your soul—Is you!

Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone

Do you like change? Some people say that they do; some people quickly respond that they don’t. I bet that most people don’t welcome a change that challenges their comfort zone. But, challenging those comfort zones is exactly what God does to grow us.

One of my comfort zones that was challenged was my general tendency to be meticulous and careful as a person and as a time manager. You might say I that have a “type A” personality. I’ve always managed my schedule and routines so efficiently that you could set a clock by them.

But God had a few new things He wanted to teach me. So He began working on my attitude and my time management. How did He do this? By a trial and a test: He sent my family to the mission field. We moved to Singapore.

Little did I know when we landed in Singapore that my life was on the brink of major change. God wanted to move me toward His perfection (rather than perfectionism), which required trans­planting me to an entirely different culture ... a culture where we did not even have a car!

Can you imagine the trauma this was for someone who previously lived in Los Angeles County, where we basically lived in our cars as we drove from activity to activity?

Having no car meant that we spent hours every day standing on corners waiting for buses that were always late, or didn’t even come at all. I also stood at corners waving for taxis that wouldn’t pull over because they were already full. I regularly stood in the rain with no transportation and no phone. My perfect little routines I had so carefully developed over the decades was completely knocked out. I rarely felt productive and efficient now.

How did I respond to this new chal­lenge and the trials associated with my new situation? Not initially with grace, I can assure you.

But there, in my time of trial, the Lord taught me. I learned how to be flexible. I grew in patience as I became more and more accustomed to standing and waiting. A greater trust in God developed as I began to sur­render—to yield—to His wisdom and purpose in my new living style.

I grew to rest in the Lord, to hand the undone things in my schedule to Him, to relinquish more and more things in my precious routine, to let Him have His perfect work in me. I experienced a variety of tailor-made trials, a variety of ways of living, and different ways to manage life. I learned that millions of women live in a way I’d never experienced.

It’s truly amazing to see how God breaks us out of what we are comfortable with and moves us beyond our current state. He uses trials and tests to help us face and overcome challenges so we can do even greater feats for Him.

These lessons don’t come easily or cheaply. They develop and require fortitude, trust in God, and endurance until growth takes place. Then we have a better understanding of God’s power and how to use it and count on it in future trials.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, as you challenge my comfort zones, please grow in me trust in You. I want to be more like Christ every day. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

With Creating a Beautiful Life: A Woman’s Guide to Good-Better-Best Decision Making by Elizabeth George, prepare to create a more beautiful and productive life and make each day more meaningful. God's best awaits you when you choose to live His way!

REFLECT:

Recall this verse when you are challenged out of your comfort zone: “He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:6)

REMEMBER:

God wants to move us toward His perfection, not our perfectionism.