Elizabeth George's Blog, page 21

The Truth About Godly Marriage

[image error]

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27

The 50/50 Myth

Many times in our ministry we’ve listened to couples contemplating how the 50/50 model works in marriage. While it may seem logical, it is not biblical. We are complete in Christ. We are without spot or wrinkle when presented to our Holy Savior as His bride. How can that be so if we’re only half a person in marriage?

The key to a long-lasting marriage is the extra mile. It means always giving 100% of what you can at the present time and striving to go a bit beyond.

What Does the 100/100 Model Look Like?

Simply put, it looks like Christ.

What it looks like in our marriage is much different from what we’ve led ourselves to believe. If you’re a two income household and one of you suddenly becomes unemployed due to factors outside of your control, it doesn’t have to mean you are no longer giving 100%. Instead, it will mean that your 100% will be directed in other areas. Most likely that will be in finding new employment. However, until you find a new place of employment, you give your all and then some to searching for it. You can improve your skills, read educational material, and network with people in your preferred field. While you’re home you can give your all to finding ways to budget accordingly, keep up the home, invest time in your spouse and children.

No matter what the situation is, you give our all and then give a bit more. Where you lack, your spouse should pick up the slack. That is the secret to a successful marriage: each spouse giving 100% and then going the extra mile. No one partner should feel as though they have to do everything at all times. If you aren’t feeling well, do what you can and know your spouse will take care of the rest. One day, they will need the same from you.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my marriage. The pressures and chores of a wife and mom never seem to end. The roles and responsibilities of a husband and father weigh heavily. Please help my spouse and I value and appreciate all the other does and may we always go the extra mile. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Couple After God’s Own Heart by Jim and Elizabeth George teaches the secrets to a great marriage by learning from biblical couples. Get started by taking our fun free challenge HERE!

Pick up this book for couples and workbook today!

REFLECT:

In what areas have you not been giving your all? What can you do to go the extra mile in those areas?

REMEMBER:

The key to a long lasting marriage is the extra mile. It means always giving 100% of what you can at the present time and striving to go a bit beyond.

God's Providence

[image error]

The story of Boaz and Ruth is such an amazing example of our relationship with the Lord. This Jewish redeemer from the tribe of Judah, who possesses the finest of qualities is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. He extends such grace to Ruth who feels so unworthy of it. Then, we discover that Boaz knew all about Ruth and her commitment before she knew anything about him! God prepared it all in advance.

Boaz knew of her heart and the sacrifice she had made to follow Naomi and the Lord. Doesn’t Jesus know who we are even before we know Him? It also shows us that it is not necessary to blow our own trumpet before God or man. Not before God because He is already entirely aware of all we do and will reward us accordingly; or before man because it’s not likely he’s at all interested!

Isn’t it refreshing when you see people who are committed and faithful to the Lord, behind the scenes, where no one but the Lord is watching? Ruth was like this. What she did was done out of love and devotion and not in trying to make a name for herself. It’s the little Pharisee in each of us that wants to be seen as something great before man.

In Ruth we see a remarkable combination. She is someone who is dedicated and loyal without trying to draw attention to herself, as well as humble and dependent upon grace in her relationship with Boaz and he, like our Lord, gave her more than she expected. In Ruth 2:15-16 we see him telling his servants to purposely drop grain just for her and to let her drink water they’ve drawn from his well. In fact, by the end of chapter two we have seen him invite her to have lunch with him, and she had collected the equivalent of 22 liters of barley. That was enough food for 10 days for her and Naomi. He blessed her abundantly and God will do the same for us.

We have to be willing to be sold out for Him. How can we do that?

Have faith in His promises.
Walk in His spirit.
Praise Him for His providence.

When we set goals we need to be sure it is what God would have us to do and be willing to work in the ways He tells us to. Ruth knew she had to glean the fields for food because God set up that law through Moses. God blessed her obedience by giving her more than she could have ever expected. So when we consider our goals let’s keep in mind we must work to achieve them according to His will and then when He blesses it, we must give Him the glory for it.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word and the many faithful saints who have shown us examples of integrity, loyalty, and hope. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

The Bare Bones Bible Handbook by Jim George—Grow in your knowledge of the Bible so you can better answer others’ questions with this helpful Bible study tool!

REFLECT:

Life Lessons from Ruth:

What you think to be a tragedy is God’s opportunity to show Himself faithful, and your opportunity to exhibit godly character.
Your abundance is an opportunity to help the less fortunate.
God honors faithfulness.

REMEMBER:

When we set goals we need to be sure that it is what God would have us to do and be willing to work in the ways He tells us to.

The story of Boaz and Ruth is such an amazing example of our relationship with the Lord.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

[image error]

Our salvation does not begin at death. It begins here and now. He came that we may have life, and have it more abundantly. Jesus is alive and well and looking to spend time in fellowship with us.

Too often we unknowingly disregard Him. I know what it is like. I’ve been there. Many of the moms I’ve spoken to over the years have shared their stories with me as well. I can remember one profound story I read that was written by a sweet young mom.

She told the story of how she’d had a really chaotic morning: the kids had woken up before her and decided to redecorate and reorganize the kitchen and living area, the phone had rung several times; the kids put too much tissue in the toilet and it overflowed; all of her kids wanted something different to eat for breakfast; she had not had her coffee yet, and the list went on! She finally got halfway through her day, which had continued to erupt in chaos. As she continued to load the dishwasher her hands slipped off a pot, and it fell right on top of several of her glass dishes, breaking them into pieces. That’s when she finally couldn’t take the stress anymore. She threw her hands up and began to talk to God. She asked Him why all of this was happening and what had she done wrong. Then, when she turned around and glanced at her dining table, she saw her partially sipped cup of coffee that was now cold and it was right next to her unopened bible. That’s when she realized she’d missed the most important part of her morning. As life as she knew it happened that day, she forgot to sit down and spend some time with Jesus. She talked about how her heart just broke as she comprehended that she had been too busy to even realize that she had indeed forgotten Him.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it-and I won't take it away from her.” Luke 10:38- 39

All morning she had been doing things she deemed Godly and in the name of Jesus: training her children, preparing food for her family, taking care of her home, and doing ministry things. Yet, she forgot one thing… the most important thing. She forgot to spend time with Him.

We must sit at His feet in order to be raised up by Him. We must be taught by Him if we are going to teach our children. We can’t be worried about eating food and cleaning our home until we receive our daily bread from His Word and receive cleansing from repentance through prayer. We can’t blame God for the multitude of work and then ask for help when we have yet to submit ourselves to Him for that day. God loves us. He is concerned over the details and will help us with them. He knows what we need but how can we expect to receive it from Him if we never spend time with Him?

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for being ever present in my life. Thank you for being faithful to me even when I neglect to faithfully spend time with you. Please help me to always start my day in your presence. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Creating a Beautiful Life by Elizabeth George—Each new day presents opportunities to grow your faith, manage your work and goals, and make good use of the time God gives you. This book for busy women will help you create a more beautiful and productive life.

REFLECT:

What does your daily time with the Lord look like? Does your day go by more smoothly and with more peace than on days when you don’t spend time with Him?

REMEMBER:

Our salvation does not begin at death. It begins here and now. He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus is alive and well and looking to spend time in fellowship with us. We must sit at His feet in order to be raised up by Him.

Biblical Misfits and Heroes

[image error]

I’ve heard many sermons and read many books that tell the tale of a dozen misfits that we admonish as biblical heroes; the apostles. None more clearly demonstrate to us just how human these men of God were than the Bible itself.

We can stand to learn a thing or two from these men. It should encourage us to know their flaws in relation to God’s strengths. We truly can accomplish anything through Christ Jesus our Lord and savior.

What We Can Learn From Peter

Failure does not disqualify you from serving Jesus. Jesus predicted Peter’s failure, then later said, “When you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:32). After each of his failures, Peter always returned with a desire to continue to follow Christ. Jesus knows that no one is perfect—failure is inherent in our humanness. Just as Jesus was ready to forgive and reinstate Peter for usefulness, He is ready to do the same for you. Whatever spiritual failure you are presently experiencing, is an opportunity for you to experience the grace of God. It is better to be a follower who sometimes fails than one who fails to follow.

Spiritual warfare should not be taken lightly. When Jesus warned of coming persecution, Peter was quick to assert he would remain faithful to Jesus. In his overconfidence he believed he could remain strong even when Satan applied spiritual pressure on him. Jesus knew Peter couldn’t remain faithful on his own, and predicted Peter’s restoration (Luke 22:32). Peter’s fall is a reminder that no one is immune to temptations or failure. None of us can stand in our own strength. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), which includes withstanding temptation.

Evangelism is simply introducing people to the Savior and letting Him do the rest. Andrew’s major accomplishment was bringing his brother, Peter, to Christ and allowing Jesus to transform him into one of the great spiritual leaders of the early church. You may think you don’t have much to offer your Savior, but one very important thing you can do is introduce your family, friends, and workmates to Jesus and allow His Spirit to do the rest. Some of the greatest contributors to the cause of Christ down through the centuries have been those who simply introduced someone else to the Savior.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord. I know I am not a perfect person. Please forgive me for the times when I fall short. I submit myself fully to you so that you may use me as you see fit. Amen.

REFLECT:
[image error]

A Leader After God's Own Heart by Jim George teaches that every man is either a leader or a leader in the making. God’s desire is for him to serve as a role model and provide direction for others. But this raises an all-important question: What makes a man a truly good leader – one who God can use? In A Leader After God’s Own Heart, Jim George looks at the biblical life of Nehemiah, who provides an outstanding example of leadership you can follow.

REFLECT:

What aspects of Peter’s strengths and weaknesses do you relate to the most?

REMEMBER:

Failure does not disqualify you from serving Jesus. Spiritual warfare should not be taken lightly. Evangelism is simply introducing people to the Savior and letting Him do the rest.

They Shall Rise and Call Her Blessed

[image error]

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.

Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also. Proverbs 31:28

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 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 decisions were times to teach, pray, and love them through it.

As a wise parent, 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.

[image error]

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.

Courtship in a Loving Marriage

[image error]

Desiring a Godly Marriage

A successful Godly marriage comes with a price—the price of time. As important as they may be, praying for and communicating with your spouse aren't the only areas of marriage we should work on. If we want our relationship with our beloved to be that of a biblical story, we are going to have to be willing to make time for it.

In the beginning of a courtship, we purpose to make time for each other. Once the reality of bills, family, house repairs, and “what’s for dinner tonight” take hold, it is then we seem to forget there is so much more to marriage.

Purpose is Key to a Successful Marriage

Purpose to spend time with your spouse, even if it is only going for a walk or cooking a meal together. If your spouse is not as excited about that as you are, meet them where they are at that time: watch the game with him; go shopping with her; watch a movie together. You have to start somewhere.

There are also a few other productive ways to invest time in your spouse.

Pray for them.
Surprise each other with gifts or favors.
Speak words of life over them, to them, and to others.
Write down the qualities that attracted you to them in the first place. Share it with them.
Greet each other with enthusiasm.
Relax, visit, sightsee, and eat together.
Don’t overlook the little courtesies, encouragements, and affectionate acts.
Try to “out-love” each other.
Don’t try to take more out of your marriage than you put into it.

Revive Your Courtship

Make the time to continue—or revive—your courtship into your married life. Successful marriages don’t just happen; they must be developed. Don’t take one another for granted or the resulting monotony could harm your marriage. Keep your love for one another growing by expressing it to each other; otherwise, love might fade and you could drift apart. Love and happiness are not found by seeking them for yourself, but rather by giving them to others. So spend as much time as possible doing things together. Lack of love is the biggest destroyer of marriage.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, please give me Your grace to purpose to spend time reviving my relationship with my spouse. Thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit that guide me. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George will help you embrace God's plans for you, and you will find real purpose in a life of prayer and practicing God's priorities as you become A Woman After God's Own Heart®.

REFLECT:

In the past you thought investing time in each other was important to your relationship with your beloved, so why wouldn’t it be important today?

REMEMBER:

If you want your relationship with your beloved to be that of a biblical story, you are going to have to be willing to make time for it. Successful marriages don’t just happen; they must be developed.

Listening for God's Voice

[image error]

Romans 5:5 tells us, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

If we allow Him to, the Lord will use everyday things to speak His words of wisdom to our hearts. Once while I was cooking my favorite soup, He gave me a wonderful illustration to ponder. You see, the world is suffering through many illnesses lately: Covid-19, stomach viruses, allergies, colds, flu, and more. When illnesses like these surround us, it is more than enough reason to cook a big pot of life giving chicken soup.

Chicken soup is full of flavorful, healing components, but only if it is the real thing. It needs to be made from the whole chicken with lots of fresh vegetables and herbs. However, when you have a sore throat it is hard to eat anything. Sipping smooth, warm soup broth is nourishing but please, no chicken and veggies because they will irritate an already swollen throat. Once it is done cooking, you must pour the soup through a strainer so all of the vegetables and chunky pieces of the chicken are held back. Only the shimmery liquid passes through. With it goes all of the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics; the healing components.

Sometimes our lives can be like that. Sometimes things won’t go the way we plan or purpose. Kids will get sick and plans will be delayed. Obstacles will come and we must choose how we will react. We can either chew on those seemingly appealing bits of chicken and carrots (emotions, flesh, peer pressure, and judgment) that cause further irritation or we can sip on what brings life.

Of course there are times when we might want to whine or complain, but after hearing what God whispered to me I decided to rest in His peace instead. Sometimes we can think of many reasons to exhaust ourselves with negative emotions but we must resist giving the devil that foothold.

What God whispered to my spirit while straining that soup is this: Every decision we make goes through a filter. We call that filter the Holy Spirit.

Jesus says, “But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14

“If you believe in me, come and drink! For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within.” John 7:38

When you use the Holy Spirit as a filter for all of your decisions, you receive life. Just like a when a mother makes life giving soup for her sweet babes, our Father in heaven offers us life giving water. We only get that if we use the filter of the Holy Spirit.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, please help me today to walk forward in Your Holy Spirit with a renewed spark of commitment. Please speak to my heart and remind me to filter all things through your Holy Spirit. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Creating a Beautiful Life by Elizabeth George—Each new day presents opportunities to grow your faith, manage your work and goals, and make good use of the time God gives you. This book for busy women will help you create a more beautiful and productive life.

REFLECT:

Have you been listening for God’s voice in the everyday mundane circumstances? What has He been whispering to you?

REMEMBER:

Every decision we make goes through a filter. We call that filter the Holy Spirit. When you use the Holy Spirit as a filter for all of your decisions, you receive life.

The Fruit of Redemption

[image error]

Redemption is an ongoing process. It has to do with so much more than our initial salvation. We need to know the answer to the question, “Does our ongoing deliverance from the power of sin come from our best efforts to keep God's law or is it also by trusting in the Lord Jesus as we did when we first met Him?”

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the law of God. It is perfect and holy and if it could redeem us it would. The problem is that this perfect law has to deal with imperfect people. Not only that, but it does not have the power to free us from the persuasion or penalty of sin. Jesus Christ can. You can read all about Paul’s revelation of this in Romans 7. He tried to fulfill the law to be a “holy” person, but he failed and God showed him that Christ was the only way. The book of Ruth gives us a beautiful example of this too.

“Then Boaz said, ‘On the day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must also acquire Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of the deceased, in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance.’ And the closest relative said, ‘I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I jeopardize my own inheritance. Redeem it for yourself; you may have my right of redemption, for I cannot redeem it.’” Ruth 4:5-6

Biblical Stories of Redemption

The law is redeeming as long as a perfect person comes along who can maintain it for his or her lifetime, but we know that is unrealistic. Just like we stand in the way of the law being our redeemer, Ruth stood in the way of this other “closer relative” being her redeemer. Then we have the example with Paul. He realized in Romans chapter 7 that he is the one thing that prevented himself from fulfilling the law. He was the problem. He couldn’t find it within himself to fulfill the law and redeem himself. If we are the problem then how can we be the solution?

Paul finally got it as we see that as we go into Romans 8:1. He has to look elsewhere and having reached this point he immediately sees the answer.

“Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

In walks Boaz, our picture of Jesus Christ. We can be diligent to keeping God's word but if we do it within our own strength then we are still looking to the wrong redeemer.

The Picture the Bible Paints for Us

The whole book of Ruth points to our Lord Jesus, ‘in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins,’ (Col 1:14). This leads us to a profound point. There were ten elders who were called to witness two things – first, they witnessed that the closer relative couldn’t redeem, and secondly, they witnessed that Boaz could. I believe these ten elders are a picture of the ten commandments that also tell us these two very things – they witness that the law itself cannot save, but they also witness the one who can. The New Testament tells us this.

“Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” Galatians 3:23-24.

“Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, ‘We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.’ The Descendants of Boaz.

So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son.” Ruth 4:11-13

So you see, it is not salvation alone that redeems us but the revelation that we can’t fulfill the law ourselves. Jesus Christ did it for us and we abide in Him and he gives us the strength to choose right from wrong. And, if we mess up and have a repentant heart then He is faithful and just to forgive us. If we abide in Him, then just like Paul and Ruth, we are free. And from that freedom, we find lots of fruit manifesting!

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for being our redeemer. Forgive me for falling short and praise you for loving me anyway. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

The Bare Bones Bible Handbook by Jim George—Grow in your knowledge of the Bible so you can better answer others’ questions with this helpful Bible study tool. 

REFLECT:

What have you learned from reading Paul's testimony? Have you surrendered yourself to Christ and accepted Him as your Lord and Savior?

REMEMBER:

It is not salvation alone that redeems us but the revelation that we can’t fulfill the law ourselves. Jesus Christ did it for us and we abide in Him and He gives us the strength to choose right from wrong. And, if we mess up and have a repentant heart then He is faithful and just to forgive us.

Independence From the Oppressor

[image error]

Our nation’s founding fathers approved the wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This declaration gave the people of this newly formed country a freedom they had not experienced before. Though it took many years for it to become a holiday that is readily celebrated, it has always been a pivotal time in our nation’s history. It was much more than a declaration. It is a celebration of independence, religious freedom, and freedom from tyranny and oppression.

Are you declaring the freedom God has given you in your life? The Lord says that the greatest kind of freedom possible belongs to His children.

As a woman, a wife, a mom, and a grandmother–I’m grateful we are free. I’m thankful to be able to pray openly with my family, to read the Bible without fear of any reprisals whatsoever, to take a stand for my faith or witness to others, and pray for those who lack these freedoms.

Jesus came so we could experience freedom. Not political freedom, or even the personal freedoms we enjoy, but freedom from sin. Whatever the situation and circumstances people of the world suffer–we are free in Christ. Rejoice! Celebrate and walk in this truth every single day!

The Truth Will Set You Free

Jesus Himself is the truth and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Our true freedom begins with Him. To experience true liberation and freedom, we must seek Christ and get to know Him through His word.

The oppressor, Satan, often tempts people into sin. That sin can lead to bondage: addictions, unforgiveness, fear, and many others. We know that the wages of sin is death. We can slip off those chains that confine us by repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Boundaries are Blessings

Those who lived during medieval times were fully aware of the freedom that fortified walls gave them. These walls weren’t constructed to confine those who lived within them. Instead, it kept their enemy out, giving those within the freedom to go about their daily lives without fear of attack. Our nation’s constitution which came more than ten years after the Declaration of Independence, delivered similar freedoms, through boundaries, to the people of America.

When we view God’s Word, His laws and commandments, through His eyes then we can see the freedom within them. They free us from bondage and promise blessings in return for obedience. They aren’t meant to hinder us. They protect us. They give us pure freedom to experience the life He intended for us.

RESPOND:

Lord, I want other people to experience Your freedom through Christ. Show me who I can minister to. Please help me be prepared, and give me the words to speak. Amen.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

The Bare Bones Bible Handbook by Jim George—Grow in your knowledge of the Bible so you can better answer others’ questions with this helpful Bible study tool 

REFLECT:

Study God’s Word and seek to view it through HIs eyes. Learn more about the boundaries that give you freedom in Christ.

REMEMBER:

When we view God’s Word, His laws and commandments, through His eyes then we can see the freedom within them. They free us from bondage and promise blessings in return for obedience. They aren’t meant to hinder us. They protect us. They give us pure freedom to experience the life He intended for us.

The Father's Diverse Creation

[image error]

We are blessed to be able to live in Hawaii on a part-time basis. Besides the weather, the residents are the friendliest people in the world. Even with all the tourism, the Hawaiian people, made up of all races, are kind, courteous, and helpful. This has certainly been our experience, and others have validated our observations. The residents seem to be genuinely happy! Of course, the most important reason we spend time in Hawaii is because five of our eight grandchildren live in Hawaii along with their Navy Lt. Commander dad, Paul, and our daughter Courtney.

When we’re in Hawaii, we can power walk 365 days a year. We can look for the green flash most evenings as the sun disappears into the Pacific Ocean. Jim is a retired Army Reservist and enjoys visiting the different military facilities and memorials, as well as taking advantage of services provided for both active and retired military. We also enjoy walking through the lobbies and tropical gardens of different hotels and resorts and appreciating what they have done to provide a beautiful Hawaiian atmosphere.

Then there are the people of this great state. There is such a diversity of cultures represented here. We enjoy discovering more about the heritage and history of those in our community. There is such beauty within heritage. We aren't taught the individual histories of many distinct people groups in the majority of schools in the US, so it is long forgotten. It is lumped together within a broad view of history focused on just a few people groups. We can see to learn more about those around us because notably does it give us a greater understanding of their culture, but it helps us to understand our own. To know and understand our cultures and heritages is to understand our mannerisms, our way of life.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

God loves diversity. We see it in the colors, textures, and patterns of nature. We find it in the intriguing characters in the bible. As his children, we all have different traditions, languages, dialect, accents, fashion, names, history, strengths, cuisines, weaknesses, and so much more. And, we were all created in His image. Until we embrace that about each other we will remain distant. We tend to be uncomfortable with that which is unfamiliar. So, become familiar and celebrate our differences. It’s what makes the such a beautiful and magnificent place.

It is easy to ignore all of these things and just treat everyone as though they are just like us, but that doesn't connect us. That doesn't engage us. That doesn't strengthen us. I encourage you to really connect with others. Genuinely get to know the person first. Then you will be able to start talking about cuisine, genealogy, or countries of descent.

Our Father loves to do that. The bible is full of history, genealogy, cultures, and diversity. It only makes sense that we'd follow Him in this too. And as the locals would say, “Ho’olu komo la kaua” or “Please join us!”

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, You lead me and you know what I need at every step along the way. Thank you for the many beautiful people of this world. I am blessed by your creativity.

[image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus by Elizabeth George has long been a favorite source of encouragement and wisdom for women who hunger to know how God desires for them to live.

You can also get the companion A Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus - Growth and Study Guide HERE!

REFLECT:

In what ways do you seek to get to know and connect with others?

REMEMBER:

God loves diversity. We see it in the colors, textures, and patterns of nature. We find it in the intriguing characters in the bible.

As his children, we all have different traditions, languages, dialect, accents, fashion, names, history, strengths, cuisines, weaknesses, and so much more. Until we embrace that about each other we will remain distant.