Elizabeth George's Blog, page 17

A Universal Language

A couple of weekends ago, as I journeyed out with my husband for a much-needed outing of running errands, I made a startling discovery. There is a universal language that crosses all boundaries known to man as it relates to communicating.

The first evidence came as I waited in a long line at our post office to mail some packages. There were unhappy children, frustrated employees, and a problem with a computer. All of those things led to quite a few grumpy people inside the building.

The post office employees called out, "anybody here for a pick-up?" and "anybody here for a passport?" Each time they did, I noticed a young lady in line ahead of me struggled to understand what was being said. She obviously didn't understand English very well and kept turning to others to see if somehow they could communicate with her.

When she turned around, others would look at her with blank stares, and you could see the confusion in her eyes as she struggled to understand. Then I finally noticed it: a pick-up slip. The young lady had been waiting all this time when she could have picked up her package more than ten minutes earlier.

I tapped her shoulder and pointed to the line where the last gentlemen had just gone to get his package. She looked at me, confused. I realized then that she was unaware of what I was saying, so I touched her ticket, smiled, and then pointed to the line again. I knew that she understood because she smiled back and walked off to get in that other line.

When the post office employee took her ticket and walked to the back to retrieve it, she turned and smiled at me. I understood. She said, "Thank you."

The most wonderful part of the story was when her package arrived, and she saw who it was from. Her face lit up, and a smile was evident from ear to ear. Even though the words she spoke were in a different language, her smile said, "I'm so happy to have this package!" When she passed me and toward the exit, she smiled at me again. This time it was much bigger than before. I understood.

So I thought I would have some fun and test this. I smiled at my husband when I got back to the lobby, where he had been waiting for me. He smiled right back. It was as if we were saying, "I missed you! I'm glad that we are together again!" Then I smiled at people as we walked to the parking lot. They smiled back. It was as if we were saying, "Hi!" Some smiled so grandly it was as if they were saying, "Hi and have a great day!"

This was amazing to me. I tend to just do what I need to do when out in public, but this taught me a powerful lesson. I could possibly change the course of someone's day by communicating with them... through a smile. That's a beautiful thing.

Have you smiled at someone today?

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

RESPOND:

Father, how can I reflect You at work today? At home? In the community? Help me to remember how my simple words and actions can reflect Your saving work in the world. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In Beautiful in God’s Eyes, Elizabeth George guides women through the popular Bible verses in Proverbs 31 to show how God defines beauty and reveals His plan for a woman’s success.

REFLECT:

Look for ways you can be more attentive to the needs of others. Let your smile cross all communication boundaries.

REMEMBER:

As you read your Bible, observe God carefully. Learn from His example. And you’ll grow in spiritual sensitivity.

Front Porch Opportunities

One of the most desired features when finding the perfect home is a front porch. We like them because we can sit outdoors on a beautiful day and feel the breeze. We can sit in our rockers and watch the sunset. We can let the children be free to pretend and play. We can even do like I used to do with my grandma, take a seat on buckets, and play cards on an overturned milk crate. She always won, but it was a wonderful memory to create.

The greatest gift that hides within the columns of a front porch is the ability to take notice of the needs within an eye view of your front door. We can welcome the neighborhood kids trying to raise money for their little league baseball team or the newlywed across the street who wants to borrow some flour to make her true love’s favorite dish. And of course, for talking to that friend who just stopped by for some iced tea and encouragement.

A front porch is a place where the opportunity to serve abounds.

Jesus replied:” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

On the front porch, we are facing away from our own needs and can be attentive to the needs of others.

We don’t have to have an actual front porch to experience this type of neighborly love. It can be something as simple as paying attention to others while in the grocery store. Smile. Say hello. Don’t keep your focus on your own cart and your own shopping list. The front porch is simply a state of mind that isn’t inwardly focused but instead focuses on the people around us.

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.

Be Direct

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.

Be Bold

Be bold and give to the people God places in your path. If, however, you find yourself avoiding a particular 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’s going on—or not going on—in your heart that hinders 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.

What better time is there to be on the lookout for those in need than during the holiday season? Recognize front porch moments like the young girl ahead of you in line who is $0.35 short of paying for her groceries. Is that any different than a neighbor asking for flour? No. The world is our front porch. It is up to us as to how we use it.

RESPOND:

Father, help me accept where I am now and see the blessings and opportunities that are right here. Open my eyes to find the front porch moments You're providing. May I embrace what You’re doing in my life so I can share with others the wonders of Your great purposes. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Today’s devotion is one of the many features in this Bible to help you grow in your faith:

Daily devotionals
150 biographies of women of the Bible
25 full-page topical reflections on life's challenges
400 brief whispers of wisdom for daily life

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:

The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Prov. 11:25

New Years' Goals for Teens

The Greatest Leader Who Ever Lived

Who do you think was the greatest leader who ever lived?

Most people would probably name some famous general or a great statesman. But I’m sure you, like me, would accurately name Jesus Christ as the greatest leader who ever lived… and still lives today. We should get to know Him more and more each day.

Why? It’s because He is the Savior of all who put their faith in Him, but also because He inspired—and is still inspiring—young and old, men and women, black and white, rich and poor, to follow Him.

Servant Leadership Example

Do you recall what Jesus said was the most important characteristic of anyone who wants to be a great leader? A quality that Jesus Himself possessed and liberally demonstrated throughout His life? The answer is a servant’s heart. Jesus said be a servant with a heart of joy and you will be great. And what better place can you be trained as a servant than in your own home?

If you’re a young man, ask your parents and your brothers and sisters the four little words of a servant—”How can I help?” Develop the sincere habit of using these four words at home, and one day you will be great—you will be a great servant-leader. And you will be a man after God’s own heart. Here’s what one leader of a large church writes about being a servant—about the humility that it fosters and the strength that results:

Benefits of Humility in Leadership

If you want to be great according to Jesus Christ, be a servant. Humility shifts our focus outward, on others and off of ourselves. Humility calls us to serve God, our ultimate CEO, by serving others. Humility will enhance your leadership at every level.

And friend, it all begins at Camp Home. How’s your combat training going so far? Camp Home is a little tough; isn’t it? Well, I’m sure you know what the coach always says: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” And besides, no one said it would be easy. In fact, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

Basic Training Starts at Home

Preparing to turn your life into an extreme adventure by living for God, whether at home or away from home, is a challenging task. But it’s one that must be mastered if you are going to be successful in life; if you are going to be a young man after God’s own heart. God has provided the perfect place in Camp Home for you to get the basic training you need.

Consider yourself as one of God’s “special forces” soldiers, as being on assignment from God. And major on following this advice that the apostle Paul gave to another young soldier: “Endure hardship… like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). I urge you… be willing to pay the price that is required of you at your home:

Obey your parents.
Follow their leadership.
Learn from their wisdom.
Seek their advice.

By developing your character at Camp Home, you will grow into exhibiting the kind of conduct in life that honors God… and your parents.

RESPOND:

Father, I ask that you give me a heart of joy so I can follow in Your footsteps and gladly serve others. If my heart ever tires of serving, please remind me that it was Your holy hands washing the feet of the disciples! May I reflect you in selflessly tending to the needs of others. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Find more encouragement for your teen in our books, A Young Man After God’s Own Heart and A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart.

REFLECT:

If you’re a teenage guy or the parent of a teenage son, what are some character development examples that are modeled in your home?

REMEMBER:

Serving is a simple and noble assignment that pours from our heart.

Spiritual Spaces

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” Isaiah 32:18

Our home should be a peaceful, loving place of rest. Most importantly, we should have a place or a spiritual space to escape when we desire or need to spend time with the Lord.

I have made such a place in our home…

I have such a space in our home. We discovered an old desk some time ago and brought it home. It has now been a treasured item for many years. I have found that I greatly enjoy having a quiet and serene little place to study, write, pray, and just bask in His presence.

I often hear moms say they don’t have time to read or spend alone with Him. I empathize with this, but I also know that if Jesus Himself had to have time alone to pray, then shouldn’t we? In this day and age, you can play the Bible from your phone or computer, or better yet, have your husband read to you in the morning or at night. The Word changes us, and spending time with Him is what brings us peace and joy. That is especially needed at times when we think we don’t have time for it. For those blessed to have spare time, an excellent way to go about this meeting time is to make your place a sanctuary.

Every morning I grab my Bible, a pen and notebook, and start my day with Him… right there. A Bible of every kind can be found on the top shelf of my little desk, but my favorite, the one that contains all my most precious thoughts and revelations, sits on the desktop. Devotionals, prayer books, journals, and notebooks line the other shelves.

Of course, I also have every kind of bible study book you might need: concordances, bible dictionary, bible encyclopedia, bible artifacts guide, and others. All of them are books we’ve collected since we’ve been married. Tissue, post-its, pens, colored pencils, bookmarks, paperclips, and other necessities are always within an arm’s reach too.

On the walls surrounding my desk, I keep photos of family and friends. In fact, everything that is close to my heart is close to this desk. Then, when I begin studying, I have everything I need. And when I start praying, I don’t forget anyone.

We must study His Word for ourselves. Pray. Seek. He will answer you.

So there you have it. One of my most favorite spaces is my spiritual space. It brings me so much joy to be there with Him. What about you? Do you have a favorite “spiritual place” in your home? Is it a room? A closet? maybe a chair? Leave your link below and share with us today and, if you have them, even share some photos. We can always use the inspiration!

"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening came, he was there alone." Matthew 14:23

RESPOND:

Lord, help me choose You and Your Word as my source of strength and refreshment each day. I want to deepen my understanding of Your love and Your will so that I become a mother who invests in her faith and family with everything she has and is. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Mom After God’s Own Heart — These upbeat and to-the-point offerings give you daily direction and confidence for the amazing privilege of loving and raising children.

 

REFLECT:

Read one chapter of the book of Proverbs each day (hint: read the chapter that correlates to the day of the month).

REMEMBER:

Your time in God’s Word is time He’ll use to make you a mom after His own heart.

How to Love Your Husband

God is so infinite in His wisdom, and I’m so thankful that He saw fit to share it with us in His Word. But, over the years, I’ve learned so many things are just assumed when we read it without studying. It also causes misunderstandings when we overlook significant bits of scripture. We know that the bible says that we teachers will be held to a higher standard because of what we teach to others, so we must be sure of what we are teaching.

“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,” Titus 2:4

Recently, I discovered a pearl of wisdom in Titus 2:4. I had always simply read it like this: “to love their husbands” – period, – right?

Not exactly.

The original word used is actually a single word, philandros. It means:

Love… husbands (only used here)(5362) (philandros) is an adjective that more literally describes a woman who is “fond of man” and is derived from philos, meaning a friend or companion or loving as a friend and, aner, meaning a husband. This woman is fond of, attached to, and shows affection toward her mate.

It means to love in the sense of “to be friends with.” It means, “friend, to be friendly to one, wish him well.” When expounded upon in the Greek lexicon, we can find that the meaning of this “love” is different from the “love” of John 13:34, agapao, which means:

To love (25) (agapao - see the related study of noun agape) means to love unconditionally and sacrificially as God Himself loves sinful men (John 3:16), the way He loves the Son (John 3:35, 15:9, 17:23, 24).

Note that agapao is a verb and, by its verbal nature, calls for action. This quality of love is not an emotion but is an action initiated by an intentional choice. Philandros, on the other hand, is an adjective that describes this love in action. I don’t know about you, but that gives me a whole new perspective of that verse.

I will just be honest here. There have been times when I was not a friend to my husband, but I never stopped loving him. According to my old interpretation of that verse, I would have believed that was okay. However, I realized while studying this verse that we are to befriend our husbands and that we can also teach others how to befriend theirs. I had to meditate on that for a while.

What needs to change first is our perception of friendship and the love it demands. How can we do this? First, let’s look at what the bible says about this friendship:

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17

"His mouth is altogether sweet; he is lovely in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend." Song of Solomon 5:16

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

According to these three verses that describe friendship, we can see some characteristics emerging.

God wants us to love our husband in a way that sharpens his countenance.

We are to reflect Christ. When we engage in conversation with our husband and challenge him to conduct a more in-depth study of the word, then it inevitably changes his countenance. The word deposited into our spirit does not return void but accomplishes what it is sent forth to do (Isaiah 55:11).

A loving wife will challenge her husband without insulting his intellect or character. Ask biblical questions of your spouse. Next time you have a difference of opinion, challenge him to study more about it, and meet back with you at a predetermined time to discuss it together. Initiate biblical conversations that will get him thinking. Men are problem solvers by nature. If they have a question that requires an answer, you can be sure they will try to find it.

There is a great intimacy in friendship though the levels and types depend on the friend. Our husband should receive all intimacy levels (spiritual, physical, emotional) while other friends may only receive emotional intimacy.

In this verse, Song of Solomon 5:16, we see that she uses the terms “lover” and “friend” in the same sentence telling us that he is, in fact, both of these things to her. We need to see our husbands in such an intimate way that we give ourselves entirely to him. This means we don’t just offer physical selves in intimacy, but also our emotions and spirituality.

We must let go of past failures and disagreements, then learn to trust him again. Forget about the mortgage for a night and enjoy the presence of intimate bliss with your warrior. Would you like to really experience some spiritual intimacy? Pray together, even before getting into bed, and try reading Song of Solomon to each other. You’ll find you can barely make it through some chapters!

You will have to die to your selfish ambitions to establish true friendship in your marriage.

When our marriage hit the ten-year mark, Jim and I attended a marriage conference. One of the suggestions was that we date every week. We had a ton of excuses—money, time, babysitters, jobs. But we made time together—alone—a priority.

Other ways we can die to self would be to spend time with him doing something he enjoys even if you don’t like it. The ability to think past your own desires and to make the time to engage in someone else’s interest speaks volumes to their heart. Nothing says “you’re important” like giving of your time. And if you pray and ask God to give you a genuine desire for those activities then they can be all the more fun!

Do for him what you would do for any other good friend.

Being a good confidant goes beyond asking him to open up to you. You must show that you can be trusted with the deep things of his soul. Do you poke fun of him in front of others? Do you tell your girlfriends all about his shortcomings? Do you speak negatively to him about the way he feels? If so, then you may find it hard for him to continue to reveal his heart to you. You must repent and ask forgiveness, from him and God, then start anew.

Lastly, doing special things for him can be something as simple as buying him his favorite soda while you are at the store or leaving a note in his Bible, to something more extravagant like arranging a date at his favorite place or planning a get-together for him and his friends during the big game. Try doing one thing a day and see what happens!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my husband and our marriage. At times, it feels like we’re just going through the mundane routine of life and that we’ve lost touch with each other. Please help us rekindle our friendship with one another. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

15 Verses to Pray for Your Husband —Discover key Bible passages you can use as a springboard for lifting your husband up to God. Praying the Scriptures brings deeper unity to your marriage relationship and spiritually enriches you as you make it a habit to ask for God’s guidance in your partner’s life. https://jegeorge.co/2kNdJLm

REFLECT:

What are some ways you die to self in your marriage? Do you have any ideas as to how we can develop a deeper physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy with our husbands?

REMEMBER:

Purpose in your heart to pursue God’s plan for your marriage.

Thanksgiving and Heartfelt Gratitude

This Thanksgiving we are thankful for God, each other, our family, and you, our treasured friends in the faith. May God open up the windows of heaven and bestow blessings like you've never experienced. May He make His face to shine upon you. May He heal your body, heart, and mind. And may He draw you close to Him.

As we join our families for a day of gratitude, feasting and celebration, please meditate on and share these beautiful words of thanksgiving from David, the man after God's own heart.

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, [a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

RESPOND:

And now, O Lord, I bow before You with a heart of grat­itude. In the words of King David, I marvel “Who am I, O Lord God” that You have blessed me so abundantly? For Your salvation, for the forgiveness of my sins, for my family and church, I offer You inadequate but sin­cere praise and thanksgiving. Thank You, dear Lord! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In Elizabeth George’s book, One Minute With The Women Of The Bible, you’ll find encouragement for your faith journey. Start or end your day with powerful reminders of God’s work in the lives of women in the Bible.

REFLECT:

Create a gratitude journal for you to record your thanks to God in throughout the year. You can also create a prayer journal.

REMEMBER:

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Missing A Loved One This Season

This time of year can be so painful for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. If you’re not among those experiencing the depth of that loss, know what a blessing it truly is and how worthy it is of giving praise to God!

This year, experiencing the grief and loss of spouses will be the reality for so many. But we all have a choice to make: we can allow ourselves to be consumed by loss, pain, and sorrow, or we can choose to be consumed by God, His mercy, His comfort, and His grace.

Call On God

His word says, “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4).

Paul addressed the topic of widows in the church and the loss of spouses; the greatest of all personal relationships. He said, “Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5).

Whatever the loss, either past or present, we too must trust God in the same way these widows in the Bible were instructed to do. We must call upon God’s strength to help us bear our burden of loss, then ask God to turn our loss into an opportunity to minister His grace to others who are suffering loss.

A Model Widow

We know from Luke 2:37 that in the time of her widowhood, Anna “did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day.” Though Anna was a widow and may have been tempted to live a lonely life, she chose a life of service to the Lord instead. If we keep reading, we see that God rewarded her long-term faith. For she was there to see the Christ Child—her Savior—finally come at last. Upon seeing Him, Anna “gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Anna was devout—she lived at the temple.
Anna was a witness—she saw her long-awaited Lord face-to-face.
Anna was an encourager—she spoke of her Lord to all those who would listen.

Anna was a woman whose life was touched by darkness. Her dear husband had died after only seven years of marriage. In the intervening years, 84-year-old Anna had daily looked for help and redemption from the Lord. Then, on one particular day, the Light of the world entered the temple of the Lord where Anna was devoutly serving the Lord. Mary arrived, carrying the long-awaited Christ Child in her arms; the One who would dispel the world’s darkness. And Anna was there. And her life, and yours, would never be the same.

A life of faith has many aspects, and in the widow Anna we witness a life of steadfast hope and faithful worship, prayer, and service. Anna shows you and me vividly, the winning combination of qualities that make up a heart of humility! Are you one who seeks to lift up, encourage, and restore those who are cast down? To speak a timely word of ever-burning faith in God to those who are weary is indeed a divine art!

RESPOND:

God of all comfort, today I praise You that You give strength to the brokenhearted and aid to those who are in need. You bring sweet relief to those who are in pain. You protect and defend the weak and provide for those who suffer. Often I feel alone and sad with the loss of something or someone that is familiar and precious in my life. Yet I know You are always present and will fill the emptiness I am experiencing with Your love, grace, and peace. Thank You that my losses give me opportunities to trust You and experience a greater measure of Your grace. When I am weak, You give me Your strength to carry on and to also comfort others who are experiencing loss. Thank You for Your love and concern. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Prayers for a Woman’s Heart is filled with this and other devotions and prayer to help you grow in wisdom, patience, and peace!

REFLECT:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

REMEMBER:

Choose to be consumed by God and His mercy, His comfort, and His grace.

Husbands, Here's Your "Buddy Check"

I’ve heard so many believers say, “Don’t study the subject of marriage unless you’re willing to let God work you over as a husband or wife.” That’s exactly how it’s been for Elizabeth and I so many times during our writing process on the topic of marriage. Ouch!

One couple we’ve fervently studied is Ananias and Sapphira. God shook me when I read Acts 5:3 where Peter made this shocking statement to Ananias and his wife, Sapphira: “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” That was definitely a wake-up call! I shook my head as I thought about the spiritual warfare that’s going on in Christian marriages. It’s incomprehensible to think that this couple agreed together to deceive the early church fathers by lying about their offering, and Satan was right in the middle of their evil actions.

There’s something else I’ve often heard believers say, “Don’t ever say you would never do that.” It made me wonder, if something like this is possible, how can a couple–including Elizabeth and me–defend themselves and their marriage from the schemes of Satan?” It was then I remembered the apostle Paul’s solution, to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10).

God has given my wife and I a set of armor, but He expects us to put it on daily. I am responsible to put on my armor–no one else can do that for me. And, although I can’t make Elizabeth put on her armor, one of my greatest acts of love is to do all I can to insure that she, my fellow soldier and mate, also arms herself each day.

As a former Army Reservist, I see my role as a last minute equipment check for the upcoming battle of today. For example, Elizabeth’s brother was trained as an Army Ranger. One of the areas of his training was parachute jumping. The last precaution made before a Ranger jumps out of the plane is a “buddy check.” Each soldier checks the equipment of the man in front of him to make sure they are ready for the jump.

It’s the same for you. Every morning, you and your mate must get ready for your “jump.” One or both of you are going off to work, or to take the kids to school, or to tackle any other endless number of couple actions one of you takes throughout the day. You jump, like that paratrooper, into a free fall. You don’t have any idea what you are going to experience as you “fall” through your day. You are blown about as you drop toward your objective of making it home safely at the end of the day.

But the level of the safety of that jump goes up when each of you, as partners in marriage, has been cleared for the jump by your buddy. I hope you see the analogy. Your mate is your buddy. Your greatest act of love toward your spouse is to encourage one another to “put on the whole armor of God.” Your responsibility toward the love of your life is to make sure they are ready to do battle against the forces of evil. Can you commit to put on the armor for yourself, and to buddy check your spouse? And can you both commit to do this for each other today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows of forever?

RESPOND:

Lord, I will follow You into spiritual battle dressed for victory. May I never take for granted my faith. Remind me to use it as my shield each day. Guide me with Your strength. Each victory is to Your glory. Amen

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In Elizabeth and Jim's book, A Couple After God’s Own Heart, the couple teaches secrets to a great marriage by learning from biblical couples, such as Abraham and Sarah, Boaz and Ruth, Joseph and Mary, etc. Get started by taking their fun free challenge, “5 Ways in 5 Days to be a Closer Couple."

REFLECT:

Each day this coming week, choose one piece of the armor of God to put on. Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom as you trust in Him.

REMEMBER:

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always...” (Ephesians 6:14-18)

Losing Sight of Your Purpose

Young women are so impressionable, especially today. Peer pressure is no longer something that happens on the schoolyard or visiting a friend. Today it happens on the internet and cell phones. Young girls still diligently perform to earn gratitude, attention, and worth, but the method they receive it, and from whom they receive it, has changed. People they’ve never met, or only speak to through a computer suddenly have an influential role in their lives. It’s bondage. But, this isn’t about removing the gadget or turning off the television. It’s about speaking to the heart of the young woman and allowing God to transform them from the inside out.

When Seeking Man’s Approval is a False God

We create unrealistic expectations when we only see the approval of man. We take note of what they approve of and do more of that thing and do it even better than we did before. Then we realize that “thing” isn’t as important to us as it is to them, but we’ve already placed our self-worth in that “thing.” Another issue is we’ve taught others to expect this “thing” from us. In this vicious cycle is where we lose sight of our purpose.

Even as Christian woman, it can be difficult to discover our purpose. So many voices shout at us, suggesting lofty and ambitious goals for women. There is something that rises majestically above the clamor; God’s Word.

The good news is God doesn’t ask a thousand or even a hundred things of His women. He only asks us to focus on ten essential things that help us fulfill His grand purpose for those who love Him, who serve others, and who reflect Him to the world. His list, found in Titus 2:3-5, con­tains these essentials for us to focus our time and energies on.

A habit is a learned behavior. When we do something once, and then again...and again...and again, it becomes routine, an ingrained part of our life. Worrying about the approval of others (people pleasing) is a bad habit that many of us have learned over a period of time. So if we can learn a bad habit, guess what? We can unlearn it and replace it with a good one.

How do you avoid the mental anguish and worry that comes with the temptation to give in to peer pressure, fear of rejection, or fear of persecution? It’s not easy, is it? We’ve all been there, and maybe we’re still there. But it doesn’t have to continue. No, there is hope and help for us.

Here are some things you can do, with God’s help to stop people pleasing.

Keep your focus on God.

No runner ever wins a race while distracted by the crowds in the stands. He keeps his eyes riveted on the track and the finish line in front of him. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

If your focus is on pleasing Christ, you will always say and do the right thing, the God-honoring thing.

See yourself as dead to self.

You are identified with Christ both in His death and in His resurrection. The apostle Paul explains: “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Romans 6:11-12). If you see yourself as dead to yourself, along with all your pride, fears, feelings of loneliness, and yearning of acceptance, you won’t be tempted to conform to the world’s standards.

In other words, there is no you. There is only Christ.

Accept your eternal citizenship.

The temptation for worldly acceptance comes when you lose sight of your identity. As a believer in Christ you are a kingdom citizen (Philippians 3:20). You are a sojourner and a pilgrim (1 Peter 2:11), merely passing through this life on your way to eternity. So don’t get too settled in a world and a life that is passing away.

This will keep you from worrying and being overly concerned about what people think of you and your Christian standards and beliefs.

God is fully able to enable you to live a victorious Christian life. And He is willing and available to do so. That’s His part. Now it’s up to you to do your part, to focus fully on Him—not others—and live for Him.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, please help me crave only Your approval, and to not worry about pleasing people. I want to live for You alone. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

 

Breaking the Worry Habit Forever—Go beyond the simple “just pray and give your troubles to the Lord,” with this practical step-by-step advice to help you change your focus, find the positive in negative situations, develop proactive skills to head off anxiety, and more!

 

REFLECT:

Do you worry more about what people think or what pleases God?

REMEMBER:

If your focus is on pleasing Christ, you will always say and do the right thing, the God-honoring thing.

The Key to Happiness

Finding Happiness

One morning while watching a news segment, an author was interviewed to speak about her latest release. I don’t remember the name of the book, but it was about how women’s happiness is progressively declining. She mentioned that research shows many women who are well educated, successful, healthy, and achieving all of their goals are still not happy.

In fact, while going through a list that consisted of: being a mother, achieving a certain income, improving their physical appearance, meeting their future spouse, and even attaining a form of notoriety, it was said that not one of these events contributed to improving their happiness overall.

What is the key to happiness?

When you hear something like that, you have to wonder, what is going on here? Is it because women have such a long list of things that they want to check off that they never feel accomplished and thus unhappy? Perhaps responsibilities that should be a priority but were overlooked in the pursuit of other things keep them from enjoying the success?

The truth is that happiness is an emotion that is temporarily obtained by circumstances. Our circumstances will not always be pleasant. We are going to go experience unpleasant things. We can’t control our surroundings or the people in them. We can’t predetermine what way to travel to avoid the frustration of traffic. We can’t control the economy or our children. For some, it is that lack of control that brings on the unhappiness.

Wisdom and Happiness

Do you 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).

What is wisdom of God?

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).

How to Gain Wisdom

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!

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, please give me wisdom! I need it to manage this day in a way that pleases You and bears the mark of Your wisdom on it. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:


Creating a Beautiful Life — Each new day presents opportunities to grow your faith, manage your work and your goals, and make good use of the time God gives you. Order this book and Bible Study today to help you navigate these options with wisdom.

 

REFLECT:

Do I ask wise people questions and read the wise advice of others through Christian books?

REMEMBER:

“Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17)