Elizabeth George's Blog, page 23

A Call to Serve

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In late fall of 1990, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm. That meant war. I still remember holding my breath as President George H. Bush addressed the nation on television and spoke the words every military family dreads. He was authorizing the call-up of reservists.

Jim was an Army Reservist. As a registered pharmacist, he was assigned to the Medical Service Corps. After 25 years of routine monthly meetings and after Jim finally qualified for army retirement, we were not prepared for what could happen. Still, it is what we signed up for as a military family. If it was his time to serve then we would serve alongside him, keeping the home alive. Knowing what might be asked of him, Jim’s unit began to prepare for the possibility of going to war.

The same thing has happened again here in America and across the world.

Several weeks ago our nation was blindsided by an invisible enemy. We could see the manifestations of the enemy as it attacked; the coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fever, but until those symptoms appeared, we were unaware of it.

It is still happening today.

A Call to Serve

More and more people are developing these symptoms and many have been lost to this virus. Many great people are now in the arms of the Father having lost their battle. Families are mourning. We stand in prayer with them now and even after this is over.

In the midst of this crisis a new American army has risen up to battle against the enemy we now face. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and many other medical professionals are working around the clock to fight for the lives of the people in their care. We are calling on YOU to rise up and fight in this battle with them.

How, you may ask? The answer is through intercessory prayer. It’s not just our duty as believers. It’s our duty as Americans and as citizens of Earth. We ask that you pray for all of our medical professionals, emergency responders, first responders, essential workers, those staying home to flatten the curve, and their families. We’re asking that you pray for each and every person who is exhibiting symptoms of this virus. Our God is a mighty and powerful God. He will hear us.

Use These Verses During Your Intercessory Prayer Time:

"Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." ~ Jeremiah 17:14
"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." ~ James 5:14-15
"He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” ~ Exodus 15:26
"Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you…" Exodus 23:25
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~ Isaiah 41:10
"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." ~ Isaiah 53:4-5
"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD" ~ Jeremiah 30:17
“See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand." ~ Deuteronomy 32:39
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14-15
"You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back." ~ Isaiah 38:16-17
"I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.” ~ Isaiah 57:18-19
"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." ~ Jeremiah 33:6
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." ~ 3 John 1:2
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19

 

RESPOND

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things.” Psalm 103: 1-4

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

In Prayers to Calm Your Heart, bestselling author Elizabeth George shares from her own personal experiences, points to specific and helpful Scripture verses, and offers soothing prayers to help readers with anxious hearts. As she encourages her readers to develop a solid trust in the Lord, she also offers practical step-by-step advice for facing such worrisome topics as health, finances, and family matters.

REFLECT

Do you know someone in particular in need of prayer? If so, pray for them now. Do you need prayer? If so, please leave us a comment so we may intercede for you.

REMEMBER

We are calling on YOU to rise up and fight in this battle with them. It’s not just our duty as believers. It’s our duty as Americans and as citizens of Earth.

Looking Forward to the Future

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This is normally the time of year every high school, college, and grad student looks forward to; a commencement ceremony to celebrate and applaud their years of diligence and hard work. This year the activities may look a little different, but there are some things that remain the same. For example, following the graduation usually consists of more pondering the next steps in this phase of life, obtaining employment, or gaining a greater understanding of who they are and who they want to become. There is an overwhelming excitement mixed with a bit of fear and an abundance of caution.

Life is full of choices. In fact, you had to make a choice to even start reading this devotion! So, the issue is not the mere act of making choices itself, but rather learning how to make not just good choices or better choices, but the best choices. Please understand that you will make mistakes. None of us are perfect. The key is to gain wisdom and biblical insight from each stumbling block and turn it into a stepping stone to a greater future!

Biblical Lessons for Life

1. Always put God first.

"And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Mathew 22:37-40

Obtaining your degree and experiencing your independence in a whole new way can certainly give you an overrated boost of confidence. We should feel confident, but not solely in ourselves. We must remember to keep Jesus first. Pray consistently. Invite Him into all of your doings. Consider Him before making decisions. It is through Him that you can do all things!

2. Never stop learning.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

It is a welcomed opportunity to now take a break from textbooks and essays, but don’t stop studying His Word. Don’t stop pushing yourself to learn more about his world either. The more we meditate on scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, the closer we become to Him. This is when we die to self and live in HIM! Fruits of the spirit will bloom and Christ-like character will emerge. This won’t happen if we become complacent in our studies.

3. Choose your company wisely.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20

In this next stage of life, new peers will show up wanting to pressure you with their perspectives and beliefs. Some people are born influencers and have a charm that will work its way into your mind. But you know what? If you are consistent with putting God first and continuing to study His Word, you’ll be in a better position to resist temptation and offer your own beliefs and perspective. The Holy Sprit within you will become the influencer. So, equip yourself, stay prayed up, and you will most certainly stand strong.

4. Plans and dreams inevitably change; God does not.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

Though many graduates won’t have a fully mapped out ten year plan, they will at least have an idea of what the next few years will hold for them. High school graduates may already have a college major in mind. College graduates will likely have a job lined up and be read to start their career. Unfortunately, we never know how life will unfold and when we will hit bumps in the road. Sometimes, we’ve caused the bumps and made decisions we later disagree with. College majors are just one example. Every year more than 80% of students change their major. Even more surprising is that only 27% of college graduates are working in their field after two years.

None of this surprises our Father. He is the same today, yesterday, and forever. The more we get to know Him, the more He teaches us about ourselves. Abide in Him. The rest is just a journey to your best self.

RESPOND

Dear God, thank You for the wisdom You give in Your Word. Help me make the best decisions, based on Your ways today and always. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

[image error]Bless the 2020 Graduates in your life with a specially priced book or inspirational printable from our Graduates Collection and receive these free gifts too!

REFLECT

When you are faced with a choice to make, start praying over your options—right now. Do a study on biblical verses about our “future”.

REMEMBER

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The more we get to know Him, the more He teaches us about ourselves. Abide in Him. The rest is just a journey to your best self.

A Couple's Date Night At Home or Away

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Jesus tells us in John 13:34, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

What does this kind of love look like? It is a sacrifice of self, which includes our expectations. This can be hard as it’s opposite of how our natural mind, and desires, works.

This kind of love involves effort, not mere emotion. It requires action, not just feeling. It comes from God and leads us to being content: “God­liness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment is not based on circum­stances, but on the person of Christ. When we learn this type of contentment, it’ll guide our expectations and works. This revelation can greatly improve your dating life with your spouse!

Put This Love Into Action

Few things are more important to a marriage than dating. It aids in keeping your marriage strong, intimate, fun and it tells your spouse that they are important to you. Some couples have a real date night once a week. I think that is great and definitely something to strive for. I also know it may not be feasible for every couple depending on their season of life.

Date Night - Out Of the House

If you have children you owe it to yourself and them to get away once in a while. Once a month is a healthy scenario for a family. Mom and dad taking time away to romance each other is vital to the well being of the family as a whole.

While out on your date, talk about things you wouldn't normally talk about at home such as: aspirations, goals, dream vacations, what you have learned spiritually, how much you miss each other, etc. Allow him open the door for you, ask him to order for you, and flirt with him! Don’t use date night as an opportunity to bash him for his shortcomings or past mistakes. Date night is about renewal.

Date Night - In the House

If you can't get away for the evening then you can have date night at home. Feed the kids, get them bathed, tuck them in, and allow them to watch a video. If you have older children then leave them charge during your date time. Then mom and dad have dinner by candlelight. Make a special meal for just the two of you. Prepare it together for added fun!

After dinner it is time to snuggle on the sofa while watching a movie and chatting away. And keep in mind, it is always nice to sneak him breakfast in bed the morning after!

RESPOND

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my spouse 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 put our love into action and renew our connection and intimacy. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

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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

When is the last time you and your spouse had a night to yourselves? What kind of date night is best for you and you spouse?

REMEMBER

Contentment is not based on circum­stances, but on the person of Christ. When we learn this type of contentment, it’ll guide our expectations and works.

Spiritually Preparing for the Future

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Your God is the God of the past, present, and future! He has promised through His Word to guide you throughout your life and receive you to glory afterward (Psalm 73:24). You can shout along with David, “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6).

With every new growing milestone in life there comes a small twinge of fear and uncertainty. Even those who seemingly have it all together will ponder whether or not they are making the right decisions. They may wonder how they will handle all that this new adventure in life will bring and that is normal.

The beautiful gift we have as believers is that God has already gone before us, therefore it is impossible that He has not already prepared the way for you. Read that again. If He walks before you and prepares the way, then He has already given you everything you need to succeed!

There truly is no reason to be fearful of this new chapter in life. One way we can combat such attacks from the enemy is to go to His Word and fully acknowledge His presence, His power, and His agape love. When you and I begin to meditate on the “what if…” question is when we need to turn to His Word and be reminded of the many promises He’s already made to us:

Nothing will ever happen to you that God does not already know about (Psalm 139:1-4).
Nothing will ever happen to you that is a mistake (Psalm 139:4,16).
Nothing will ever happen that you cannot handle by God’s power and grace (2 Corin­thians 12:9-10).
Nothing will ever happen to you that will not eventually be used by God for some good purpose in your life (Romans 8:28).
Nothing will ever happen to you without God’s presence (Matthew 28:20).
Nothing will ever separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).

So, hold on to these promises. Dance and shout like David, the man after God’s own heart, and rejoice in the many blessed promises He has given us!

RESPOND

Dear Father, I know You are in control and that You hold me and my future firmly in Your grasp. Please help me to focus on You and not on specific circumstances. Please give me a glimpse of the future so that hope may anchor my soul. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

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In A Young Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices, Elizabeth takes teens through the step–by–step process of making decisions that are life–affirming, godly, and wise. You can also check out, A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices by Jim George.

REFLECT

When you think of the future do you typically think positively or negatively? Which verse above will you choose to claim this week to remove the “what if” thinking?

REMEMBER

Your God is the God of the past, present, and future! The beautiful gift we have as believers is that God has already gone before us therefore, it is impossible that He has not already prepared the way for you.

A Prayer for Mothers on the Front Lines

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Our nation, our world, is in His hands. In times like these, we can choose to sit idly by and hope for the best, or we can offer ourselves as a vessel and intercede on behalf of others.

So today, in honor of two holidays celebrated in May: Mother’s Day and the National Day of Prayer observed annually on the first Thursday of May, we want to extend our voices to God on behalf of Mothers on the Front Lines. We ask that you please join us in prayer for these heroes:

Abba Father, there is none like you. You are Jehovah-nissi, our Fortress and Protector.

We surrender ourselves to you as a wiling vessel to be Your hands, feet, and voice for and to those who are currently serving on the front lines.

Today we pray for the mom who has been laid off; the mom who is overwhelmed with her shift in priorities; the mom who is homeschooling her children for the first time; the mom who is caring for sick loved ones; the grieving mom who had to say goodbye to someone much too soon; and the mom who is due to deliver her next blessing any moment.

Today we pray for the mom who sleeps in a hotel room because she cannot expose her family to the virus she fights daily when treating her patients; the mom who rushes into homes to rescue those who’ve called emergency services; the mom who arrives to secure the scene; and the mom who responds to the scene last because someone else’s loved one has taken their last breath.

Today we pray for the mom giving her all for the students she once taught in a classroom; the mom who works grueling hours at the grocery store; the mom who drives miles to deliver the food to warehouses; the mom who arrives at the door step with our recent order; the mom who still makes sure we receive our mail; the mom whose job is deemed essential to her community; and the mom who is struggling to keep her small business alive.

Today we pray for the moms we’ve elected to office; the moms serving our country and fighting for our freedom; the moms paving the way through intercessory prayer; and the mom in the oval office serving as her husband’s counterpart.

For these moms we pray for strength, wisdom, and patience. We pray that they will have food on the table, clean clothes to wear, supportive friends they can count on, and dozens and dozens of prayers going up on their behalf. We ask that you send legions of angels to surround them.

For these moms we pray for a healthy immune system, a decreased level of stress, a sharp mind, a good night’s sleep, and more laughter than their stomach muscles can endure. We pray you will prosper their endeavors, give them insight and wisdom in prevention, pour upon them an abundance of grace and mercy, and give them enough hope to endure the days to come.

Most of all, we pray that each and every one would humble themselves, fall to their knees, pray, and seek your face. We ask that the gospel would be preached to every corner of the Earth and that all those who call upon you would be saved. We pray for divine healing and ask that you help us all to have clean hands and a pure heart.

We believe you will do all of these things and more on behalf of your beloved children. We know that if we ask these things according to your will, then your word does not return void, but it accomplishes what it is sent forth to do.

Please forgive us for our transgressions. Please protect us from all harm, accidents, injuries, and disease. Keep us from the temptation of the evil one. You alone are God. It is our honor to walk in the footsteps of your beloved son. Thank you for the gift of life and thank you for hearing our prayer.

In the precious name of Jesus, Amen

RENEWING RESOURCES  

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The Heart of a Woman Who Prays: Drawing Near to the God Who Loves You by Elizabeth George answers the question every believer asks--whether new in Christ or a seasoned veteran--, How can I be more effective in my prayer life? When it comes to talking to God about people and life-issues, there's always room for growth.

REFLECT

Who, in your community, could you pray for specifically? Create a prayer list and pray for those women daily. 

REMEMBER

From the earliest times, prayer has been an integral part of the worship of God. The way Jesus taught us to pray is the perfect model to follow for our prayer time.

The Symbolic Praise of Motherhood

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We typically honor our mothers with roses on Mother’s Day. The rose symbolizes love and heartfelt gratitude. Today, let’s honor Manoah’s wife with a bouquet of beautiful roses for her example of motherhood.

Known throughout the Bible as “Manoah’s wife,” another phrase can be used to describe this lovely lady: She was “Samson’s mother.” This gentle woman lived her life in the shadow of two men—her husband, Manoah, and her famous son, Samson, a judge of God’s people and the strongest man who ever lived. Being a wife and mother appears to have been enough for her happiness and fulfillment.

Aren’t you glad the Bible paints such a positive picture of parenting? From it we learn these divine truths about being a mom:

Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3).
The fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3).
The Bible also gives parents sound advice for raising children. For instance …
Train up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6).
Bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Love your children (Titus 2:4).

Have a blessed and happy Mother’s Day!

 

PONDER

If you’re a mom, your calling is a high and noble one, a momentous stewardship as God entrusts precious children—His special creations—to you!

RESPOND

God, thank You for the women of the Bible and for the one You chose to bring Your beloved Son into this world. Thank You for their example of love and obedience to You. I know that You can do anything through me if I will obey and trust You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES 

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You’ll find encouragement for your own faith journey as you learn how God has comforted, helped, and provided for women in One Minute with the Women of the Bible by Elizabeth George.

REFLECT

What has the Bible taught me about motherhood?

REMEMBER

Start or end your day with the powerful reminders of God’s work in the lives of women in the Bible.

Shine the Light this Mother's Day

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These are certainly history worthy days we are currently living in. While Spring is bursting with full force, the busy little birds are building their nests and tending their young. It reminds me of the extended roles mothers have now taken on. They are now teaching their children from home sanitizing all surfaces, giving gentle reminders for hand washing, stocking the pantry and making their home the safest nest possible during this pandemic.

From my grown daughters, I got a bird’s-eye view of the day-in, day-out issues, accidents, and squabbles that occur in every modern family… right along with the tender, oh-isn’t-that-sweet moments. And that is where we must focus our attention: on the good in these days of raising our children to love and follow God.

So, in these weeks and days before Mother’s Day, I want to encourage and equip all moms, both young and old, to carry on the good work of raising children after God’s own heart.

As a mom, God has graced you with an incredible calling. Opportunities abound to love, encourage and serve your family and others in ways no one else can. You spend every waking hour of your day encourag­ing others. And at the top of your list is encouraging your children, helping them grow up.

If there is one thing I could shout from the mountain top to every frazzled mom it would be, “Pray! Pray! And Pray some more!” Put your desire for your children right at the top of your prayer list.

Secondly, be diligent to live a life that reveals your love for God. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men [before your children], that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” A woman—a mother—who loves God is a light in dark­ness. Pray for the Lord to help you be that light for your children and family. And, pray diligently that the Lord will work in their little lives to grow them into a light that shines before all men!

 

PONDER

Do you desire that your children love God with all their heart?

RESPOND

Dear Father, I fully submit myself to you so that I may be a light in my home and to my family. I ask that you reveal to me the greater priorities and help me to relax a bit on those things that are not so important. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES 

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Mom, as you meet your children's daily needs, know that God has given you a unique position of influence over their lives—you guide their hearts. No matter what their ages, you can help them experience His love, blessings, and provisions when you become A Mom After God's Own Heart.

REFLECT

What can you do to shine a light in your home during this historic time?

REMEMBER

The Lord is always with you. Acknowledge Him throughout your day.

Example of a Godly Mother

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Hannah appears in the Bible during the last days of the judges of Israel when “there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Even though Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, was a godly man, he followed the common practice of polygamy. Unfortunately, Hannah was barren. This was the ultimate curse for a married woman then.

Hannah ’s sadness— 1 Samuel 1:1–7

Hannah had been married to Elkanah for a number of years and had not borne him any children, while Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, had children constantly and yet harassed Hannah for her barrenness.

Hannah ’s supplication— 1 Samuel 1:9–18

Hannah was childless but she wasn’t without prayer. Before God, she wept, prayed, and vowed that if God gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. Eli, the priest, assured Hannah that her prayer had been heard. With great joy, Hannah returned home with a renewed trust in God.

Hannah ’ s son— 1 Samuel 1:19–28

Before the next year’s trip to the house of the Lord, Hannah gave birth to a son. When the child was weaned, Hannah brought little Samuel, her only child, to the priest Eli and left him there.

Hannah ’ s song— 1 Samuel 2:1–10

Standing with her son before Eli, Hannah uttered a song of thanksgiving. While her earlier prayer came from bitterness, this prayer of praise came from joy and gratitude to God. The contents of her prayer form the basis of the “Magnificat” offered up by Mary, the mother of Jesus, to the same covenant-keeping God (Luke 1:46– 55).

Hannah ’ s sacrifice— 1 Samuel 2:11

More than anything, Hannah wanted a son, and when God gave her one, she fulfilled her vow to give Samuel back to the Lord. Her sacrifice was rewarded by God with the births of five more children. Samuel grew up to reflect his mother’s godliness and became a man of prayer and intercession for God’s people all his days.

What has Hannah taught us?

Pray about life’s sorrows. Hannah’s suffering compelled her to turn to God in prayer. Problems do that for us too. Praying passes your burdens from your shoulders onto the strong shoulders of the Lord. Cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7).
Follow through on your promises. Hannah could have made many excuses for not giving up her only child. But Hannah followed through on her promise to God to dedicate Samuel to God’s service. Make good on your promises, whether they are made to God or to anyone else.

PONDER

Hannah perfectly illustrates how unpleasant circumstances can produce a beautiful outcome.

RESPOND

Lord, thank You for Hannah’s example of a mother after God’s own heart. I pray that my child will follow You for a lifetime. I want to start today to be a mom like Hannah— a mom who prays, instructs, and dedicates my children to You for Your purposes. Help Yourself to my children’s lives! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES    [image error]

Do you long to nurture a meaningful prayer life? For all the ordinary and extraordinary situations you face each day comes a collection of 100 prayers from bestselling author Elizabeth George. Short devotions follow each prayer to help you navigate your relationships with your family, friends, and the world around you.

REFLECT

Does my suffering compel me to turn to God in prayer?

REMEMBER

Make good on your promises.

Godly Motherhood

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Eve…was the mother of all living. Genesis 3:20

“Guilty!” God pronounced after Adam’s wife listened to the tempter, ate of the forbidden tree, and involved her husband in rebellion. It reverberated in Eve’s heart and mind. There was no doubt about her guilt, but as darkness settled in, she heard Adam declare, “Your name shall be called ‘Eve… the mother of all living.'” With these words Eve glimpsed a fresh ray of light.

Having been given a name filled with promise, Eve realized she, the guilty sinner, could still serve her gracious and forgiving God. How? By bearing Adam’s children and becoming the mother of many generations (1 Corinthians 11:12). Her name reflected the role she would play in spiritual history.

Even though you share Eve’s sentence of physical death (Romans 5:12), your life counts too. Here’s a few of the ways you make a difference:

You give life through your physical efforts to care for others.
You share spiritual life by telling others about Jesus.
You are the life of your home, bringing the sparkle of laughter and joy to others.
You pass physical life on to your children.
You can pass the potential for eternal life on to your children by teaching them the gospel of Jesus Christ.

PONDER

You too have life to give and pass on. In what ways are you special to your family?

RESPOND

Lord, You are the energy of life, the purpose of life, and I know all I have of life to pass on is from You, precious Lord! Amen. 

RENEWING RESOURCES  [image error]

Mom, as you meet your children's daily needs, know that God has given you a unique position of influence over their lives—you guide their hearts. No matter what their ages, you can help them experience His love, blessings, and provisions when you become A Mom After God's Own Heart.

REFLECT

Feed your spiritual life by sending your roots deep into God’s love.

REMEMBER

Eve: from death sprang life; from darkness came light; from the curse came a blessing; from a sentence of death came hope for the future; and from the stinging despair of defeat came the strength of budding faith. Eve was the mother of all living!

Let Love Replace the Fear

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Is your courage a little thin these days? Do you feel overwhelmed or like you’re bordering on being overwhelmed by the tough issues and demanding responsibilities you’re currently encountering? Are your fears getting the best of you? Bolster your nerve and fight your fears by remembering these fundamentals:

Prayer dispels fear and doubt. The Bible says you’re not to be double-minded, for the person who doubts is unstable in all his or her ways (James 1:6-8). So pray, says verse 5! Search the Bible for God’s direction and ask for it through prayer. And once you find it, move on! No more wondering. No more doubts. No more fears. No more wishing life was different. Just do God’s will!

Focusing on the finish line diminishes fear. As a Christian, you know you’ll spend eternity with God. There will be less fear in following God when you keep your eyes on that end—the finish line of heaven. There will be little or no wavering when you keep the promise of life forever with Jesus fresh and alive. No matter what happens along the way to doing God’s will and fulfilling His plan, you know you’ll experience fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

Proceeding forward pushes fear aside. Like the snowball that rolls down an incline, you gain speed, mass, and momentum as you step out and do what God asks. Soon you’ll discover your fears have been left behind. 

When you pray, focus on your future and boldly advance. Follow hard after God with all your heart (Psalm 63:8).  

PONDER

What small habits can you begin to form today to create that momentum towards complete trust in Him?

RESPOND

Dear Father, I know that you are are in control and that you hold me and my family firmly in your grasp. Please help me to focus on You and not on our circumstances. Please give me a glimpse of our future so that hope may anchor my soul. Amen. 

RENEWING RESOURCES
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Encouraging Words for a Woman After God's Own Heart is a beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living life as a woman after God's own heart.

REFLECT

Write down the things that cause you fear then search His Word for pearls of wisdom that counter those fears. Write them down.

REMEMBER

Forward momentum forces fear aside.