Elizabeth George's Blog, page 15

Praying for the Right Things

Paul knew the importance of strategic prayer in his own life and the lives of others. And he knew what to pray for. His prayers focused on spiritual issues. He knew that if those he was praying for were spiritually mature, they could handle anything.

We, however, sometimes have it backward. We pray about physical matters, not realizing that the real battles are fought in the spiritual realm, not the physical. That’s why Paul stated that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). That’s also why Paul urged believers to take up the full spiritual armor of God (verse 13). And when that’s been done, Paul says to pray always… for all the saints (verse 18).

Your prayers to God for believers and unbelievers are extremely important. So do what Paul did based on Colossians 1:9-12:

Ask God to help others know what He wants them to do with their lives (verse 9).
Ask God to give others a desire for a deeper spiritual understanding (verse 9).
Ask God to help others live life in a way that pleases Him (verse 10).
Ask God to help others understand their spiritual gifts and exhibit the fruit of ministry (verse 10).
Ask God to give others strength to endure life’s trials (verse 11).
Ask God to give others patience when dealing with trying people (verse 11).
Ask God to fill others with joyful thanks as they live for Him (verse 12).

Elsewhere in the New Testament we see other ways Paul prayed for people and had an influence on them:

He prayed for their purity (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
He prayed for righteous living that would produce fruit that would glorify God (Philippians 1:11).
He prayed that they would experience the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). He prayed that they would be united in spirit with one an­other (Romans 15:5).

When we pray for others, we should ask God to help them grow spiritually mature. Without spiritual maturity, people will crumble at the first signs of adversity. As we just noted, Paul prayed for maturity for his friends at Colossae (Colossians 1:9-12).

As we pray for the maturity of others, as Paul did, we should also pray for our own strength and power. It's spiritual power that enables us to have "great endurance and patience… joyfully giving thanks to the Fa­ther" (verse 11). Your influence can’t help but be felt if you trust the Lord through this heartfelt prayer for others. Now that’s spiritual maturity!

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, help us to have hearts for others. Give us strength to have the endurance through difficult circumstances, the patience to live and function around difficult people, and the joy to respond well in all forms of trials. We pray for an attitude of thankfulness and humility as we pray for those around us.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

For more insight into navigating right choices through prayer, read Jim's book The Man Who Makes a Difference. 

REFLECT:

Do you pray more often for the physical and circumstantial comforts of others (and yourself!) or for the spiritual growth and maturity that God desires?

REMEMBER:

Pray faithfully for others—including your enemies (Matt. 5:44). Pray always (Ephesians 6:18), enjoying God’s constant presence (Joshua 1:9).

“Success” Is Achieved One Decision at a Time

How did the men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God - one decision at a time.

MAKE A DECISION

Life requires that you make decisions, and obviously there are a variety of levels of decisions to be made. Some simple; others complex. Each and every decision you make, regardless of its level of intensity, can have long-lasting consequences. Your impact on the lives of others - your family, the people at your church, your workmates - is cultivated with each decision you make, no matter how small. If you had to make any of these serious decisions on your own, it could create stress and anxiety.

HELP IN DECIDING

But, praise God, He hasn’t left you without help. He has given you His Word to show you the way as a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). He has also given you spiritually mature Christians in your church who can help provide guidance.

As I look back on other decisions I’ve made, I realize I learned many times the hard way that, when I didn’t pray, seek God’s wisdom, or ask for godly advice, I just about always make wrong decisions.

So, speaking from experience, here are some guiding principles to use before making a decision.

No decision made without prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

When in doubt, don’t (Romans 14:23)

Always ask “What does the Bible say?” (John 17:17)

Always do what you know is right (James 4:14)

Don’t let fear influence you (1 John 4:18)

Thank the Lord for His wisdom, follow the principles He has provided in His Word, and conquer each day's decisions with the confidence only He can provide.

RESPOND:

Father, may this day be filled with small steps of obedience. I pray that each choice I make today-large or small-will help me influence others for good. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices — You’ll love the hundreds of helpful tips and biblical insights in this book―all designed to help you experience greater productivity and spiritual blessing. (link to Amazon)

REFLECT:

It’s the little things - such as reading your Bible, praying, going to church, and standing up for your faith-that add influence to your life. The key to a powerful Christian life is to obey God one decision at a time.

REMEMBER:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

Lift Up Your Eyes

Psalm 121 is one of comfort and consolation. The pilgrim lifts up his eyes to the hills, the same hills where the Father "promised his blessing, even life forevermore" (Psalms 133:3), and he is pleased to know that help is coming. He then proceeds to lift his spirits with the assurances of God's care and protection.

It is also know as the “Pilgrim Psalms” or “Songs of Ascent.” Each year God’s people were required to attend the annual festivals in Jerusalem. Fulfilling this law called for a commitment to a long and strenuous journey—an uphill climb every step of the way up to the mountaintop where the temple, the seat of worship, was located.

An Uphill Climb

These devoted worshippers trekked through desert lands where bandits often robbed the pilgrims along the way. Families banded together and traveled in caravans to provided safety for all family members, from babes to the aged. And they sang these songs as they ascended the terrain to the temple!

Many of our days are uphill climbs. Our climbs at home and at work often involve stress, weariness, and the challenge of managing heavy burdens and workloads. It’s hard some days to find any joy as we labor on. We must remember the promises of the Lord and His faithfulness to provide them. This alone should give us the reassurance we need to keep going.

Unending Praise

Yet these pilgrims sang! They sang songs like Psalm 121 to praise God as they pushed themselves and their gear uphill. On their way to worship God, they worshipped Him with songs of praise. Through music they rehearsed God’s promises as they struggled onward and upward. They recounted His character. And they recalled His faithfulness.

As you step into your day and step up to take on your responsibilities, with every step you take, lift up your eyes to the Lord. Lift up your songs of praise when you are worn out and weary. Lift up your heartfelt worship as you labor. Your help comes from the Lord.

RESPOND:

Lord, I lay before You my worries, sorrows, disappointments, and failures. I place before You my mountainous workload and look to You for a portion of Your strength. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Elizabeth George--speaker, teacher, and bestselling author of A Woman After God's Own Heart(R)--admits to being a disorganized, goal-less woman when she was in her 20s. Over the decades, the love and patience of God and the transforming power of his Word and Spirit have taught her the life-changing principles she shares in this book.

REFLECT:

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:1-4)

REMEMBER:

Rehearse God’s promises. Recount His character. Recall His faithfulness.

Three Steps Toward Wisdom

Proverbs is considered to be “the wisdom book” of the Bible. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already made enough mistakes to last a lifetime. Frankly, I would like to make as few as possible between now and my last days on this earth. So I can use all the wisdom I can get!

Proverbs 19:2 warns, “A person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way” (NLT)! In today’s fast-paced world, circumstances may try to keep you from taking the time you need to think through situations. Your kids shout that they’re going to a friend’s house as they head out the door. Your friend calls and says she’s got tickets to a local fair and asks if you want to go. The problem is, you have to decide right this minute ’cause they’re going fast.

No matter what the pressure is, “wisdom waits.” Take time to pray and, when necessary, consult someone you trust. The truth is that very few things in life call for an instant decision or offer rewards worth the problems that haste brings. Keep your cool. Take your time. Let's take a look at three steps to wisdom:

Desire wisdom. Want to be “happy”? Then crave wisdom. Solomon wanted wisdom above all the other things the human heart can desire. What is it you want more than anything else? A long life? Riches? Things… and more things? Check your heart. As Solomon teaches, “Happy is the man—or woman—who finds wisdom” (Proverbs 3:13).

Pray for wisdom. Cry out for it! That’s what Solomon did and tells you to do. He recognized his need for wisdom and discernment… and he asked God for it. He didn’t pray for a good marriage, obedient children, or money to pay the bills. No, he prayed, “Give me wisdom and knowledge” (2 Chronicles 1:10). It’s not wrong to pray for your marriage, family, and finances. Just be sure you are constantly praying for the one thing that will improve every other thing in your life. “Call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding” and you will be get wisdom (Proverbs 2:3).

Seek wisdom. Proverbs 2 continues: “If you seek wisdom as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5). Solomon tells us where to get wisdom—”The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (verse 6). The wisdom you need is found in the Bible!

Whatever situation you find yourself facing, you don’t have to argue, debate, or make lists of possible positive and negative outcomes. There's no need to wrestle with your views and thoughts for days or weeks on end. You don’t have to agonize or grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers through trial and error.

Whenever you need wisdom, all you need to do is pray and ask of God… and He will respond: It will be given to you!

RESPOND:

Lord, give me a few minutes to catch my breath. Help me slow down so I can seek Your wisdom and consider the options for the decisions I have to make. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

We have a special grads gift collection to help make gift-giving easier. Let's celebrate our grads with purpose-filled gifts! Plus, you'll receive 60% off storewide!

REFLECT:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5)

REMEMBER:

Do you want a surefire, wide-open, readily accessible avenue for getting wisdom? All you have to do is ask God for wisdom through prayer. It’s as simple and straightforward as that.

Be on the Lookout

I love the tender heart of the shepherd that Jesus describes in Luke 15. When one of his 100 sheep was missing, he left the 99 and went looking for the one that was lost (verses 3-6). God cares for you and me this way, and He wants us to care for others this way too. Here are some tips for getting started.

Develop a “Generous Eye”

Solomon said, “He who has a gener­ous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). I like to think of a generous eye as being like the eyes of God, which “run to and fro throughout the whole earth” (2 Chronicles 16:9). When I go into public places, I intention­ally look for wounded sheep—and, believe me, they are there.

I’ve found women in the ladies’ room crying, sitting on the church patio weeping, standing behind our prayer room door sobbing. One night during church I sat beside a woman who cried for one-and-a-half hours! I could hardly wait for my pastor to finish praying so I could ask her, “Can I do anything to help you? Can I pray with you? Can I get you something? Would you like to talk?” People all around us need a tender word—or more.

God Chose You

Whenever you see a person in need, be direct. Walk straight up to the wounded sheep and see what she needs and what you can do. Don’t hope someone else comes along. Don’t run looking for the pastor. God has allowed you to find this person in need. Now allow your heart to overflow with care.

Giving to the People God Puts in Your Path

Be bold and give to the people God places in your path. If, however, you find yourself avoiding a certain person, ask God to show you why. Sin in our hearts—hearts meant to over­flow with care for others—keeps us from being confident in our relationships. So find out what is going on—or not going on—in your heart that’s hindering your ministry. Then go a step further and decide what you will say the next time you see that person. Actively search for him or her and give the warm, friendly greet­ing you planned. With a heart clean before God, you should have nothing to hide, nothing to withhold. Learn to reach out to the people you meet up with every day.

Teaching Bible Lessons

I am encouraged each time I remember the first Bible lesson I ever taught. The pastor’s wife hesitated and then made her way up the aisle afterwards. She said, “I’ve been asking the Lord if I should say anything to you because I don’t want this to go to your head — but you are a good teacher!” Believe me, I will rarely suffer from overconfidence! My tendency is toward the other end of the scale, toward inadequacy, inferiority, and inability. But this esteemed woman chose to be direct and not withhold the good—those words of encour­agement—when it was in the power of her hand (and heart) to give it.

Let’s make the same choice to not withhold the good from those who cross our paths. And, what a wonderful season to be on the lookout for those who are in need this holiday season – whether it be financial, physical or emotional. We never know how God will use our generous eye toward forwarding His kingdom through those to whom we generously give words of encouragement and prayer.

RESPOND:

O Lord, help me to follow in Your steps and gladly serve others. When my heart tires of serving, remind me that you left the 99 just to go after the ONE! May I become Your twin in selflessly tending to the needs of others. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Man After God’s Own Heart Devotional by Jim George—Growing as a man after God's own heart happens one step at a time. Bestselling author Jim George shares quick, focused devotions that will enable you to make every step count. Shop for this Christian resource for men today! 

REFLECT:

Has anyone ever generously given words of encouragement or prayer to you that impacted you in a significant way? Tell us about it.

REMEMBER:

He left the 99 and went looking for the one that was lost. God cares for you and me this way, and He wants us to care for others this way too.

The Message of the CROSS

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after the crucifixion on Good Friday. It is the most important date on the Christian calendar. The sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, the son of God, is beyond understanding even for some adults, but I determined to teach my girls in a way they would not only understand, but always remember.

“It’s time, girls! It’s Good Friday! Today is the day we bake our cross-shaped cookies for our neighbors. First we’ll mix the dough and roll it out. Then we’ll cut out the cookies with our cross cookie cutter. And after the cookies are baked, we’ll wrap up a plateful for each neighbor and decorate the package. Then when Dad gets home, we’ll deliver them together to our neighbors for Easter!”

“And don’t forget the cards, Mom,” either Katherine or Courtney would remind me, “the special cross-shaped Easter cards about the cross that we always sign and take with the cookies!”

For years this was the scene in our kitchen each Eastertime as my two daughters and I sought ways for our family to share the Easter message – the good news of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, the good news of Jesus’ triumph over sin and death, and the good news of salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ – with our oh-so-needy neighbors.

Oh, our cookie-cutter collection included the shapes of a baby chick, a bunny rabbit, and even an Easter egg. But we chose the cross. Why? Until my daughters “got it,” they invariably asked me this same question: “Why the cross? Why not the chick or the bunny or the egg?”

Always, and in the simplest of terms, using the acrostic C-R-O-S-S, I tried to answer this question in a way that would teach my girls the meaning of the cross, the longtime symbol of Christianity and the death of Jesus Christ.

CROSS ACRONYM

C– hrist, God-in-flesh, gave His life (Philippians 2:8) as a R– ansom, a payment, for our sins (Matthew 20:28), O– ffering up His life as a sinless sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14), S– uffering unto death (Hebrews 12:2) to secure our S– alvation from sin and death (Colossians 2:13-14).

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your plan of redemption and sacrificial gift of Your Son. Help me be bold and wise in sharing about the cross of Christ. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

C-R-O-S-S Print – We’ve created a beautiful CROSS art print to help you share this message! Check out our CROSS acronym printable here.

REFLECT:

Have you embraced the Christ of the cross as your Savior?

Are you teaching your children about the cross? Are you reaching out to others with the message of the cross?

REMEMBER:

In celebration of Easter, the Good News of the Cross of Christ is this: the good news of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, the good news of Jesus’ triumph over sin and death, and the good news of salvation and eternal life through Him.

The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture

How Easy is to Memorize Scripture?

Most of us have no problem memorizing the lyrics to our favorite songs. Sometimes we know them so well, or they're so deeply ingrained in our minds, that they get stuck in our heads. The moment certain songs come on you'll see people rocking in the car or singing along. The words are stored in their minds and coming out of their mouths. Well, that’s how easy and natural memorizing God’s Word can be, if you choose to make it a part of your life.

You know that verse that says, "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45)?"

Hide His Word in Your Heart

The Bible tells believers to “hide” God’s Word in their hearts. Why? So they won’t sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). When you have the Bible in your heart, and meditate on God's Word day and night, it serves as a safeguard against sin, and against suffering the painful and shameful consequences that go along with making wrong choices.

Direct Benefits of Memorizing Scripture

There are many benefits, but here are our favorites:

It increases your knowledge of God: of who He is, what He's promised, and who we are in Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

It equips you to rightly handle the complications and hardships of life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

It supplies us with the wisdom to make the best possible choices (Psalm 119:97-100).

It helps us to think about the things that are excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Our daily downtime counts for eternity and will endure forever (Ephesians 5:16, 1 Peter 1:25).

A Biblical Example

Mary, the young teen who became the mother of Jesus, was passionate about memorizing portions of the Bible. How do we know this? Because Mary was a girl who treasured and pondered God’s Word in her heart. When she opened her mouth to praise God for the blessing of the Savior, out came Bible verses — she cited at least 15 passages from the Old Testament (Luke 1:46-55). These were verses and truths Mary ha memorized on purpose (a choice!) and learned by heart. They became her language. When she opened her mouth, her lips leaked God’s Word. And it was His Word in her heart that helped her live out God’s plan for her to become Jesus’ mother.

A Special Assignment for You

What is your favorite verse in the Bible? Write it out and be sure to memorize it. Make it your own! And if you can’t think of a verse, use one of the two below to get you started:

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:6)

Just think — the Bible is all yours, all the time. And it’s the ultimate source of truth and power. God’s Word makes its way into your heart. It turbo charges your soul. And it changes your views about yourself, other people, and the things that are happening in your life. Do you want a more rewarding and fulfilling life? Good news! You can have it. Your better life is as close and as easy as making the choice to pick up your Bible each day, open it up, and take a few minutes to let God speak directly to you. When you do this, you’ll know what to do and how to handle everything that comes along in life.

RESPOND:

This life is precious’ Lord. I believe that. I watch days pass by and I feel like I’m missing out. Don’t let me waste another minute. Let me grow in spiritual strength, creativity, knowledge, and in all ways that serve my family and Your purposes. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Learn the great truths of the Bible and make them real in your life with The 50 Most Important Teachings of the Bible. You’ll be strengthened and encouraged as you do!

REFLECT:

How has memorizing Scripture helped you make a tough decision or calm you in a difficult situation?

REMEMBER:

The Bible tells believers to “hide” God’s Word in their hearts.

A Picture of Transformation

Joshua 2 was the subject of a Sunday School class I taught and remember vividly. It stands out to me because this chapter features the life of Rahab and gives us a picture of transforming faith. I wanted to pass on these exciting truths of how God changes a person like Rahab – and you and me – from the inside out.

Does God Save Sinners?

Yes, God can save even the worst of sinners. Have you ever been guilty of thinking that someone you know is beyond God’s help? Maybe you believed they were too far gone to be reached by, or accept the gospel. Rahab could have been seen in this light. Yet, she, and many other sinners, were never out of the reach of God’s salvation.

Go ahead, pick your favorite “despicable sinner” and pray for their salvation. Don’t give up on those who seem hopeless. God can change anyone! He didn’t give up on Rahab, and He didn’t give up on you.

Does Faith in God Change Our Lives?

Yes, faith in God absolutely transforms lives. Rahab heard how God parted the Red Sea and destroyed the nations who stood in the way of Israel’s path. In her heart, she believed in the power of Israel’s God. By faith she chose to stand with Israel, even against her own people. Hers was a total transformation, and God honored her faith.

If you're a believer, the work of transformation is already at work and will be complete when you meet Jesus face to face. Paul said it this way, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Until then, are you helping or hindering God’s process? Ask Him to show you any areas in your life where you are resisting His work of transformation. Rahab submitted herself totally to God. Can you say the same?

Will Other People Know That I've Changed?

Absolutely! Faith in God produces fruit. What’s alive will grow. Rahab’s faith was acknowledged when she declared to the spies, “the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9,11). With her resolution came immediate fruit as she chose to hide the spies and turn her back on her own heathen people.

In the New Testament James uses Rahab to illustrate this point of faith producing fruit when he said, “Was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” (James 2:25). James brought this truth home when he also said, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (2:17). Be your own personal fruit inspector. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). If you have saving faith, you will produce fruit.

Will My Heart Change Towards Others?

It most certainly will. Faith in God prompts concern for the lost. When she confronted the spies, Rahab’s first concern was for her family. “Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you also will show kindness to my… father, my mother, my brothers, my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death” (Joshua 2:12-13). As God transformed her heart, Rahab developed a concern for the salvation of her family and extracted a promise not only for her salvation, but also for theirs. 

To learn more about Rahab and other biblical characters, see 10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible and The Remarkable Women of the Bible.

RESPOND:

Lord, thank You for leading me to the center of Your will. Help me to see Your hand in everything that comes my way as I follow You today. May I represent You well in all I do by performing my assigned tasks without complaint and with excellence and joy—“for I serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24). Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Conveying the assurance of God's love, The Remarkable Women of the Bible provides nourishment from a woman's point of view and connects today's woman with the source of fulfillment that sustained her sisters in Bible times--a relationship with God.

The companion study guide is also available: Remarkable Women of the Bible Study Guide

REFLECT:

Do you share Rahab’s heart of concern for the salvation of others?

REMEMBER:

Don’t forget what your life was like before God saved you. Ask Him to prompt your heart to be more concerned for the lost, starting with your family and friends.

Finding Purpose After the Nest is Empty

Becoming an empty nester presents many unexpected challenges, especially when we are used to having a home bustling with children. For years, our calendar was marked with school projects, sporting events, youth groups, and family meals around the table. Now we have an abundance of free time, and we want to steward it well.

You may be wondering what comes next. You may be questioning how to fill your time. And you may be a little nervous, worried about missing the children you have dedicated so much of your time and energy to caring for.

Whether they moved on to college, marriage, or to their own dwelling, it’s hard to miss the sounds of a full house. I understand how hard the empty nest stage of motherhood can be. It comes all too soon! Hannah, of the Bible, wanted a son so badly that in 1 Samuel 1:11, she vowed to “give him to the Lord all the days of his life.” And because she kept her promise, her Samuel had to move to another city. She had to love him across many miles.

And while that love for our children will never go away, consider that now may be the perfect time to open your heart to those outside your family. What a perfect opportunity to minister to and encourage others. It will also bless you to create new, meaningful relationships. Take some time to pray about these questions:

How does God want to me to use my free time for His Kingdom?
What opportunities are open to me now?
How can my giftings be best used to bless others?

Listen for the Lord to lead you. Be persistent and prayerful. And keep your heart open to new ideas, places, and people that you may have never considered before.

It might be discipling another woman in the faith. Taking meals to families in need. Hosting a small group in your home. Volunteering at your favorite non-profit. Sitting with patients during chemotherapy. Speaking to mom groups at church. This new free time is yours to manage. Make it count.

A Filled Heart

Encouraging others requires a heart filled with sensitivity to their needs. If your heart is filled with concern for God’s people, you’ll be privileged to refresh and encourage many. Your time with God will make a difference in their life and they will experience His love through your effort.

Proverbs 12:25 says a kind word cheers you up. Have you seen that in your own life experience? Everyone benefits from kindness. What a sweet gift to give others!

Where do we gather this kindness from? How can we be assured to have a full tank to spend on others? We glean kindness by sitting at Jesus’ feet and studying the Word. It’s time well spent as we purpose to encourage and minister to others. Time with God will fill you with His Spirit, which will naturally overflow to others.

Family Forever

And remember to include your family in this ministry of encouragement. Even though our kids aren’t under our watchful eye, they can still be covered by our prayers. They will need our continued kindness and attention no matter how many miles separate us!

What can you do today to minister to people near and far? As a loving, praying woman after God’s own heart, reach out to someone today with your prayers and your love. It’ll fill their hearts … and yours!

RESPOND:

God, help me take advantage of every opportunity to tell, write, and share with my children how much I love them. Help me remember to continue encouraging them from afar. And guide me as I look for new opportunities to use my free time to minister to and show kindness towards others. I want my life to always be about serving you and blessing those around me. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman After God’s Own Heart
A Mom After God’s Own Heart

REFLECT:

What can I do to best prepare to be a blessing of encouragement to others?

REMEMBER:

If your heart is filled with concern for God’s people, you’ll be privileged to refresh and encourage many.

Even though our kids aren’t under our watchful eye, they can still be covered by our prayers.

Teaching Kids at Home

Over the last year, parents have certainly experienced the challenge to rise to a new level with their children where their education is concerned. Our little ones have been taught at home, through a computer screen, bused to school on only certain days of the week, and teachers have been scrambling to try to keep the pace. Sports, ballet, theatre, beta clubs… all canceled due to our current situation.

I know these are trying times for all of us, but let’s look at the amazing things God has done in the midst of it. He’s bringing us back to His Word. We can find so much peace and joy in that if we could only shift our gaze from the textbooks and chaos and look at it through His eyes. In Deuteronomy 6:7, we read,

“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

The word “diligent” carries great meaning. It is to be industrious, meticulous, detailed, careful, thorough, attentive, conscientious…and the list goes on.

Many years ago, I served as an elementary teacher. You cannot merely wing-it when teaching children. I learned that fairly quickly. You have to carefully consider the educational scope of the whole year and plan accordingly. Each grade level had a list of milestones that had to be incorporated into lessons. The research I did back then for creative ideas, materials, and literature certainly required diligence. And back then, finding bible study resources for children was a huge undertaking. We ended up producing most of the material ourselves.

That experience reminds me of a responsibility the Father has given to us. We are to teach and prepare our children to walk in God’s ways; to live spiritual lives. This essential teaching, in particular, isn’t something that can be passed off to Sunday school teachers, educators, or youth pastors. If we genuinely want to raise a child after God’s own heart, we must be committed to teaching them God’s ways.

We have been given a precious gift in the midst of all we’re experiencing today. With the cancelation of extra-curricular activities, less time at school, having church at home, and no play-dates, we have much more time to prepare and educate our children according to His Word.

I know your heart desires to be a parent after God’s own heart and walk in the wisdom of Deuteronomy 6:7. So, I have a challenge for you. Here are some simple but powerful tasks you can do to expand your child’s spiritual knowledge and wisdom:

Instruct your children in God’s ways.
Take time to plan real lessons and activities.
Schedule a specific amount of time and hour of the day to read the Bible with your children each day.
Encourage your child to have time alone with God.
Have your child keep a journal of all they’re learning and how they’re growing spiritually.
Model to them, and coach them on ways to have daily devotions.
Search for grade or age-appropriate books, materials, and activities to assist in their walk.
Seek out like-minded parents with whom you can share ideas.
Pray for your children daily and ask God to teach you how to teach them.

And for those parents on the front lines, He knows you are doing your due diligence. He knows your heart. He knows your limitations at this time. He also knows all that we do not know or consider. Ask Him to share with you the best ways to work this into your family. It may look a little less scheduled for you or a little more spontaneous, but that’s okay.

Whether you’re enjoying an evening in the backyard, having family dinner, or tucking your children in at night, it’s the perfect opportunity to sneak in a moment to teach your child about Him. Find some Bible stories for kids to read to them at night, even if they are already asleep. He will honor and multiple those investments.

So I encourage you all to take advantage of this time. Be purposeful with this gift of time and togetherness, even amidst all we’re experiencing. Deuteronomy 30:19 says,

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

When given a choice between life and death, a blessing and a curse, good and evil, positive and negative, don’t choose the latter of each. Choose life, the blessing, the good, and the positive. We can make something good out of our circumstances if we choose to walk in His ways and rest in His peace.

RESPOND:

Father, thank you for opening my eyes to see the gift in the midst of the storm. Please help me to plan and follow through with teaching my children your ways. Help me to speak up and take every opportunity to share Your truths with them. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Jim and Elizabeth George have numerous resources available to assist you with teaching your children God's ways. Our kid's collection features books on prayer, bible study, making good choices, coloring books, story time books, and even poem books for the little ones.

https://elizabethgeorge.com/collections/all/back-to-school

REFLECT:

What discussion or activity will you plan today to guide your child into a better understanding of God?

REMEMBER:

I encourage you all to take advantage of this time. Be purposeful with this gift of time and togetherness, even amidst all we’re experiencing.