Elizabeth George's Blog, page 27

Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman

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NOTE: Today's devotion is a sample from Discovering the Treasures of a Godly Woman: Proverbs 31.

I once read about a woman who went to an art museum. Determined to see it all, she whisked from room to room, from painting to painting. Each time she criss-crossed the museum, she saw a gentleman seated on a bench across from one painting. He remained there the entire time, drinking in the glory of one masterpiece. 

Dear one, as we step into this study of the woman God puts on display in Proverbs 31:10-31, purpose to do like the man above did: pay attention to detail, appreciate gracious beauty, and seek to comprehend God’s message. Then beseech His help in reaching toward the excellence revealed in this woman.

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Read Proverbs 31:10-31. Check here when done ______. Then write out verse 10.

As we seek to describe the woman in Proverbs 31, realize that the word “virtuous” or “excellent” is used some 200-plus times in the Bible to describe an army of men and men prepared for war.

This Old Testament word refers to a force and is used to mean “capable, strong, valiant, powerful, worthy.” Its primary meaning involves military strength. Just as the two forces of mental toughness and physical energy are primary traits of an army, they also mark God’s Proverbs 31 woman. 

A Virtuous Woman

The root word for “virtuous” or “excellent” is used only four times in the Bible to describe a woman or women. Look at them now.

Ruth 3:11—What did Boaz say about Ruth? What do you learn about Ruth’s character in Ruth 1:16-18 and 2:11? And about her physical condition in Ruth 2:2, 17, 23?



Proverbs 12:4—How is this excellent woman described, and what does this imply about her? And how is the other kind of woman described, and what does this imply about her?



Proverbs 31:10—How is this excellent woman described, and what does this imply about her?



Proverbs 31:29—What accolade does the husband of the Proverbs 31 woman have for his wife?

Now, back to Proverbs 31:10. What is the question asked regarding this woman that indicates her value? What words strike you most and why? The choice of descriptive words used to describe God’s ideal woman (“who can find?” and “far above rubies”) indicates that she’s a rarity. She must be searched for and sought after because she is so rare. 

Developing Godly Excellence...

This section of our study is devoted to responding to what we are discovering from God’s Word about each quality of the Proverbs 31 woman. Think through what you’re learning about godly character. Review your discoveries about each of the topics above and then answer the questions.

A woman of excellence—How do you measure up in mental toughness and physical energy, and what improvements must be made?

Which one of the references to the four “excellent” and “virtuous” women spoke most to your heart and why?

A priceless gem—After learning what “virtuous” and “excellent” mean, why do you think such a woman is so rare?

I still remember the day I discovered the meaning of the word “virtuous” or “excellent.” As a result of the conviction of the Holy Spirit through what I was reading in the Bible and of a desire for the character and strength of this godly woman, I pursued her excellence.

My first step was to apply my strength and energy to better things than lazing on the couch and non-stop reading. I wanted to be strong in character, mind, and body. I wanted to be an asset to my family and others. To be a woman of worth and excellence, a woman who is priceless.

I’ve shared my heart’s desires. Now...how about yours?

RESPOND

Dear Lord, I desire to become a woman who, like and army, moves through the challenges and duties of life with virtue, kindness, sta­mina, endurance, and power—Your power. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Discovering the Treasures of a Godly Woman by Elizabeth George—Be delighted to see how easily you can be like the Proverbs 31 woman through this easy-to-follow Bible study! 

REFLECT

How do you assess yourself in these areas: trustworthy and honest, thrifty, strong in character, kind, wise, holy?

Choose one attribute to grow in over the next six months. Reassess, and begin again. By this time next year, you will be a lovely Proverbs 31 woman!

REMEMBER

God knows the value of the work He has given us and what it takes mentally and physically to accomplish it. He will provide the strength we need.

Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone

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

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

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

Challenged Comfort Zones

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

Can you imagine the trauma that was for someone who had lived in Los Angeles County where we basically lived in our cars between activities?

What having no car meant was hours spent every day standing on corners waiting for buses that were always late or never came at all. I also stood at corners waving for taxis that wouldn’t pull over because they were usually full. I stood in the rain with no transportation and no phone.

My perfect little routines I had so carefully developed over the decades was completely knocked out. I hardly felt productive and efficient!

Changing Inwardly

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

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

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

Comforts in God

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

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

RESPOND

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

RENEWING RESOURCES  [image error]

A Woman's Guide to Making Right Choices by Elizabeth George—You’ll love the hundreds of helpful tips and biblical insights in this book for Christian women―all designed to help you experience greater productivity and spiritual blessing!

REFLECT

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

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

The Secret to Wisdom

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Do you want in on a really good secret? I heard it from James, and he said I could share it with you. He said, in essence, “Let me tell you a secret that will revolutionize your life as you encounter the various trials life sends your way. A secret that will bring about greater endurance, character, wisdom, and faith in you!” Doesn’t that sound exciting?

As we dream about possessing these desirable qualities, James tells us the secret: If you want wisdom, all you have to do is ask God for it. Do you want wisdom for handling your problems?

Wisdom for Handling Problems

Go to the only source of truth—to the giving God who bestows wisdom for managing life’s trials—and ask. Are you growing as a woman of faith? As a woman who asks God wholeheartedly, trusts Him completely, and doubts nothing? Are you completely convinced that God’s way is always best? Or do you sometimes treat God’s Word like it’s advice you can take or leave?

Do you grapple with what to choose based on your feelings, the world’s advice, and God’s commands? Do you believe God cares about you? That He is powerful and good and watching over you?

These are serious questions, and the answers will reveal where you are in your walk with God. 

Walking in Wisdom

How many times a day do you need God’s wisdom? As I write these words, it’s almost noon, and I’ve already counted on God’s wisdom several times today. Isn’t it wonderful that all you have to do is ask Him for guidance with a heart full of faith...and wisdom will be given to you? 

The next time you face your trials or dilemmas, instead of praying for the removal of your test, ask God to give you the wisdom needed to handle it His way. 

Stop, look, and listen before you move ahead full speed: Stop before you do anything. This gives you time to consult the Lord before you act. Look to the Lord. Boldly ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do here?” Listen for His wisdom.

A heart of faith believes God hears your cry for help...and He answers. Proceed because you know God’s wisdom is best. Respond to Him in obedience without doubt.

These actions and attitudes of faith make up the secret to wisdom. You will face trial after trial, but you now know how to face them!

RESPOND

Lord, I will stop, look, listen, and then proceed. I’m asking today for Your guidance. Help me to discover the secret to wisdom, to discern Your Word and Your will so I can move forward as a woman growing in You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Growing in Wisdom and Faith by Elizabeth George—An encouraging resource for women who yearn to experience real spiritual growth!

REFLECT

Do you need to pray about making some changes?

REMEMBER

God’s wisdom is best. Respond to Him in obedience without doubt.

A Christmas Story

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Have you heard a group of elementary schoolchildren reciting “the Christmas story” from Luke? There’s nothing like it!

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

Many adults can recite the story right along with them. That’s how familiar people are with the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.

As we read the Bible, we quickly discover that God is a “seeking” God. He sought out individuals, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Mary, and countless others to accomplish His plans and bless His people. We are inspired in our faith when we explore how others respond to Jesus. As we look to the shepherds in the field, they are at first afraid, but then their fear was transformed.

A Christmas Story Response

Belief: The shepherds said, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass” (Luke 2:15). They didn’t say, “Let’s go see if this came to pass.” They had believing hearts.

Motivation: After hearing the news, the shepherds wanted to go immediately to Bethlehem. And once there, they shared their story with all who would listen (verse 17). Belief generated action.

Praise: As the shepherds returned, they praised and glorified God for all that they had seen and heard (verse 20)

With faithful hearts, these shepherds responded to the good news of a Savior born in Bethlehem, acted on it, shared it with others, and praised God. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus tomorrow, let’s take a look at our response to this amazing news.

Object of Our Affection

I believe a Christian woman’s heart for God should be like a teakettle on a flaming stove burner—hot to the touch, visibly steaming, and audible. The heat of her love moves her to activity. Her passion for Christ—the object of her affection and enthusiasm—finds a voice.

We can do this by singing Christmas carols that exalt God and praise Him for the gift of Jesus. Our holiday decorations can point to Christ. We can read the Christmas story accounts in the gospels. And we can talk about Jesus’ birth with family and friends.

What’s your response to the Savior? How audible is your passion for Jesus? And how intense is the heat of your love for Him? This Christmas, let’s make sure that everyone within earshot of us hears about the great things God, who is mighty, has done for us (Luke 1:49)!

RESPOND

God, You seek my heart. May the truth of Christ turn my belief into action and praise. And may I always share with anyone who will hear the good news of You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible-Read the Christmas story and about Christ's life in this devotional Bible.

REFLECT
The presence of the Savior should inspire a fervent reaction in your soul. Does your passion for the Son of Man show? Are you glorifying and praising God for all you know and have heard?

Are others hearing of your passion for Christ? 

REMEMBER
This Christmas, let’s make sure that everyone within earshot of us hears about the great things God, who is mighty, has done for us

On Your Own

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Have you had to do something by yourself...utterly alone? Have you been the only one bearing the full weight of a task or an endeavor? And have you ever wished for someone—anyone—to come alongside and give a helping hand, to assist you in carrying just part of the responsibility?

You might feel alone in your emotional burdens. Many of us juggle incredible responsibilities in our households, churches, families, and communities, feeling alone in the middle of such busyness and worthwhile efforts.

Never Alone

Wouldn’t you agree that it’s hard to work alone and to stand alone? Being part of a group certainly has tremendous benefits. And that’s the way it is in the body of Christ too. No one is ever alone. We will never be asked to stand alone or minister alone.

Why? Because we are a “spiritual house” that is constructed using many individual “living stones.” God provided for us so we’d never be alone.

I thank God for Peter, the verbal artist who has used superb imagery to paint a picture of the body of Christ that is simultaneously comforting and challenging. In 1 Peter 2:6, he tells us, 

“Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame,” which is based on Isaiah 28:16.

We are building our eternal life on the chief cornerstone (Jesus), and we are supported by other living stones when we reach out in fellowship with other believers. Isn’t that comforting?

Members of the Body

There’s nothing we, as believers, will have to do alone or bear alone. Why?

Because we’re part of a “spiritual house”—the church of God. And what is this house like? Its foundation is Christ. As a house, it possesses strength and beauty based on a wide variety of materials (including you!). What’s more, this magnificent house of God is built up and improved with the addition of each person when they accept Christ and become new members of His family.

And how is the picture of the church, the body of Christ, challenging? It requires that you and I, as individuals, do our part to sustain the strength, beauty, and usefulness of the house. We have to let go of our impulses to do our own thing, on our own strength, in our own timing.

We need to focus on the Lord and ask Him what He wants us to do...and when...and where...and how. And He will tell us! Rest in this freedom today.

RESPOND

God, I have felt alone. I have tried to live my life without support, without leaning on You as my cornerstone. In my hurry to live a good life, I’ve sometimes forgotten that I’m not meant to live it alone. Thank You for reminding me I live with You in Your magnificent house. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Strengthen your heart with this Bible, filled with daily devotions, over 400 Whispers of Wisdom for Daily Life, and over 150 biographies of women, just like you. Pick up your copy of this devotional Bible in English or in Spanish.

REFLECT

Do you make going to church and knowing fellow church members a priority? If not, what is standing in your way?

REMEMBER

We are building our eternal life on the chief cornerstone (Jesus), and we are supported by other living stones when we reach out in fellowship with other believers.

Who is Jesus?—Teen Tuesday

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Have you been taught about Jesus by your parents? Or has a friend maybe told you about Him, but you aren’t sure exactly who Jesus is? In 1 Timothy 3:15-16, one of the authors, Paul, expresses in six lines the core of the gospel and who Jesus Christ is.

Here’s that Bible verse:

"I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels,  preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory."

Who is Jesus?

Let’s consider each line, remembering that every phrase is a mystery beyond our ability to totally comprehend, yet the truths are ours to choose to believe.

God was manifested in the flesh. This is a clear reference to Christ, who revealed the invisible God to mankind by coming to earth in human form.

He was justified in the Spirit. Here is a declaration of Christ’s righteousness based on His sinless life. Jesus Christ was justified by the Holy Spirit.

He was seen by angels. The angels witnessed the entire plan of God in sending His Son Jesus to earth to redeem us and restore our relationship to Him.

He was preached among the Gentiles.  This points to the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).

People believed in Him. Christ is not only preached among the nations, but He is also the Redeemer and Lord and Savior to millions across the world.

He was received in glory. The apostles witnessed Jesus’ ascension to heaven: “When He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9).

We can always be growing in our understanding of “the mystery of godliness,” who is Jesus Christ.

Growing in Godliness

Pursuing godliness is all about Jesus Christ. He is the mystery of godliness, the mystery once hidden but now revealed. If you are a believer in Christ, as a young woman after God’s own heart, you have the ability—and the precious privilege!—to live for Him—to live for Him and strive to be like Him.

Yes, you can live a godly life in and through Jesus Christ. Put plainly and simply, a deep-seated loyalty and devotion to Christ that affects your conduct and commitment to spiritual duties and practices. What a wonderful reality! What a wonderful possession to share with others.

May you and I never let the passing of time crowd out this amazing message of the awesome mystery of Christ—the hope of glory!—in us. As a young woman pursuing godliness, please don’t lose sight of the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

RESPOND

Lord, I’m so thankful to grow in faith as the mystery of godliness is revealed in Jesus Christ. What a tremendous gift to be part of the living, growing, believing church that serves You. Thank You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

A Young Woman's Walk with God by Elizabeth George—Focus on God and learn to live like Jesus with this helpful teen resource. 

REFLECT
Having God as your heavenly Father and to be personally related to God can only come through putting your faith and trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This has to be the starting point in your quest after God’s own heart. 

REMEMBER

If you are a believer in Christ, as a young woman after God’s own heart, you have the ability—and the precious privilege!—to live for Him and strive to be like Him.

Stewarding Christmas Spending

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"No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and
love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon [money]." Luke 16:13 

Whether we acknowledge it or not, nothing that is ours is truly ours. Our homes, our finances, our husbands, our children, our health...and ultimately our lives...belong to God. 

A steward is “one who is accountable to another.” In our case, we answer to God for all He entrusts us with. Keep in mind these words from the apostle Paul: “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Stewarding Your Finances

Are you faithful? Which representation of worldly wealth is your biggest obstacle to godly stewardship? Your house? Your possessions? For many of us it’s money. Here is God’s wisdom: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). 

Stored riches on earth will break down and can be stolen. But those treasures we place in heaven will be preserved forever. Our minds need to focus on the eternal: 

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God,  who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

We are to place all our trust in God alone. When we do experience a season blessed with financial security, we have the opportunity to use it to help others. We can give richly, serve sacrificially, and love unconditionally...as we follow Jesus’ example.

Your Life God’s Way

Everyone wonders about life after death. In the Gospel of Luke, we have a parable Jesus told that gives us a possible glimpse of life beyond this earth. A beggar dies and enters a life of comfort after an earthly existence of torment. We also read about the death of a rich man who lived his days on earth in splendor...and woke up to eternal torment in Hades. What made the difference?

We can infer that the rich man didn’t heed the Word of the Lord or seek the instruction of God. He didn’t reach out to help the poor and downtrodden. Instead, he lived in luxury, concentrating on worldly wealth. Lazarus, the beggar, was humble and content to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. When he died he was rewarded by being brought into heaven.

My friend, clearly the ultimate stewardship you’re given is your life on earth. How can you use it to be a better servant of God and glorify Him?

RESPOND

God, help me make the most of the opportunities You bring my way today. I want to be rich in good works for You. Replace my longing for earthly treasures with hope and peace and a desire for heavenly blessings. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

Christmas Gifts Under $10-Stay within your budget and share God's wisdom with these books, devotionals, and more for everyone on your list. Shop here!

REFLECT

Do you pay attention to where you spend your money?

Does your spending reflect your trust in God?

REMEMBER

We are to place all our trust in God alone.

God’s Redemption Plan

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From the beginning of biblical history, God had a plan of redemption: a promised Savior for sinful man (Genesis 3:15). For centuries, devout Jews regularly searched the Old Testament prophecies in the hopes of understanding when and where this Savior, their Messiah, would appear.

God’s Plan of Redemption

One of these prophecies came from the book of Isaiah: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) The basic theme of this book is found in Isaiah’s name, which means “salvation is of the Lord.” The word “salvation” appears 26 times in Isaiah, but only 7 times in all the other prophets combined. 

In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, man is pictured as being in great need of salvation—a salvation that is of God, not man. Isaiah describes God as the supreme Ruler, the sovereign Lord of history, and man’s only Savior. Then in a dramatic shift, the last 27 chapters portray God as being faithful to His covenant by preserving a godly remnant and providing salvation and deliverance through the coming Messiah. 

The Messiah

The fact that the Messiah is to be both a suffering servant and a sovereign Lord would not be understood until Jesus’ time on earth. This Savior is to come out of Judah and will accomplish redemption and restoration with universal blessing for both Jews and Gentiles in His future kingdom. 

In the “fullness of time”—God’s time—a star appeared in the sky. Wise men from the East, in Persia, recognized this bright star as the fulfillment of a prophecy: “A Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17).

They then began the long journey to find this King whose arrival had been predicted long ago, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

The appearance of this star and the birth of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus, were the culmination of thousands of years of anticipation. Jesus’ coming to earth as the Savior was the fulfillment of the covenant promises that were made to Israel that shape the structure of the Old Testament. From this point onward, the rest of history would revolve around the brief years that Jesus Christ lived among us.

God’s Salvation for You

God’s judgment is coming, and you too need a Savior. 

You cannot save yourself. Christ’s perfect sacrifice for your sins is foretold and pictured in Isaiah. Just as Isaiah foretold, Christ came in the flesh and paid the price for sin in His death. With His resurrection, He is now willing to save all those who turn from their sin and come to Him.

Have you committed yourself to Him? If you have experienced His salvation, continue to be faithful and live in anticipation of His soon return.

It is impossible to treat Jesus as merely another man! He is unique. He is the Promised One who, through His birth, death, and resurrection, brings us into a relationship with God when we believe in Him. This, my friend, is the true meaning of Christmas!

RESPONSE

Dear Lord, thank You for fulfilling Your plan of redemption for the world. Jesus is the best gift for all time. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Through the Bible One Rhyme at a Time by Jim and Elizabeth George—It's never too early to teach your children God's Word! Shop this and other Christmas gifts under $10 today.

REFLECT

Take time to memorize Isaiah 9:6 over this month: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

REMEMBER

Jesus is the Promised One who, through His birth, death, and resurrection, brings us into a relationship with God when we believe in Him.

What Does the Bible Say About Low Self-Esteem?

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Do you suffer from low self-esteem? Well, my dear sister in Christ, for a Christian this condition shouldn’t apply. Why? Because of who we are and what we have in Jesus Christ. Indeed, the entire book of 1 Peter offers an impressive list of the benefits and privileges and assurances we enjoy as believers in Christ. Peter graciously points to one advantage after another...after another...that are ours as saints.

Blessings in Christ

Here are a few of our blessings in Christ from 1 Peter 1:2–2:5:

We are sanctified.
We have God’s grace and peace.
We are born again.
We have an inheritance in heaven.
We are kept by God unto salvation.
We are redeemed by Jesus’ blood.
We are living stones in the house of God.

How’s that for a list of blessings? And Peter has only just begun! God has done all this so that we can enjoy our redemption, share with others the excellencies and virtues and qualities of God, and lift our praises to Him. We are called to proclaim who God is and what He has done—by our conduct and by our words (Matthew 28:11). 

Are you doing everything you can to let people know who you are in Christ?

Scripture and Low Self-Esteem

So what’s all the fuss about self-image? I hope by now you know you’ve been blessed beyond measure. In the moments when you slump or fall into despair or discouragement, you need to remember who you are in Christ. You are never a nothing or a nobody. Who are you?

Read today’s verse, 1 Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 

You are a chosen generation.
You are a royal priesthood.
You are a holy nation.
You are God’s special people.

All of this was accomplished by Christ on your behalf. Although some people base their worth on accomplishments, as a Christian your identity is based on who you are in Christ. That is far more important and meaningful than money, success, education, and career.

You’ve been chosen by God to be His very own. And as a child of God—as one who has been purchased with the precious blood of Christ—you have worth that can never be tallied.

Thank God now! And make it a point to refuse to succumb to feelings and thoughts of inferiority.

RESPOND

Dear Lord, forgive me for listening to my self-talk more than I pay attention to Your bold statements about my worth. I have value because I am Your child. Thank You! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George shows you how you can experience a richer, more exciting spiritual walk as you embrace God's design for true beauty in your life. Pick up this encouraging book for women today! 

REFLECT

On a 3x5 notecard, write out the blessings in Christ from 1 Peter 1:2–2:5. Memorize this list and praise God for it daily! 

REMEMBER

In the moments when you slump or fall into despair or discouragement, you need to

remember who you are in Christ. You are never a nothing or a nobody.

Mary and Elizabeth

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Following the angel Gabriel’s announcement concerning the baby Mary would have, he mentioned to her that “Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren” (Luke 1:36). So, off Mary went to visit Cousin Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s Elation

An amazing thing happened as Mary “entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth” (Luke 1:40). As she crossed the threshold into Elizabeth’s warm and welcoming home, the give-and-take of blessing and encouragement, of assurance and edification, of praying and sharing began.

As Mary entered, “when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary...Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41), giving Elizabeth an extraordinary understanding of the situation. She greeted Mary with utmost joy and not a hint of skepticism...or jealousy!...about the working of the Lord. As the babe in her womb leaped for joy in response to the Holy One in Mary’s,

Elizabeth understood the response of her unborn child and acknowledged the great importance of the Christ Child whom Mary carried. 

The illuminating work of God’s Spirit in Elizabeth’s heart led to discernment, insight, and Mary understanding about God’s will. Her quiet time alone with her God enabled her to believe in His amazing plan...and to rejoice!

Mary’s Magnificat

Once Elizabeth spoke her greeting, it was Mary’s turn to worship the Lord. As she arrived at Elizabeth’s residence, this young woman—who pondered things in her heart and, in biblical accounts, rarely spoke (Luke 2:19)—opened her mouth and spoke from the abundance of her heart.

And what issued forth? Her rich words of praise in Luke 1:46-55 is a song known as the “Magnificat.” “My soul magnifies the Lord,” Mary began. And take note—the inspired words that followed contained 15 quotations from the Old Testament. 

Clearly Mary had tuned her heartstrings to the heart and the Word of God! Indeed, her heart was saturated with the Word of God. Knowing God and knowing about His mercy, His provision, and His faithfulness to her ancestors, Mary sang! What was the content of her heart song? It was...

A song of joy characterized by gladness and celebration.
A song of substance drawn from the Scriptures.
A song from the past reflecting Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2).
A song for today since God is the same yesterday and today.
A song for eternity because God’s Word—where Mary’s song is recorded—will stand forever!

Your Praise

Knowing God and recognizing His infinite power enables you to join with Mary in her chorus of praise. Why not make Mary’s solo a duet? Spend a golden minute now reading her beautiful and joyful words. Then add your voice to her sweet melody and echo her praise: “My soul magnifies the Lord!”

The surest test of a heart is indeed the caliber of its speech—the quality of the words that issue forth from it. As Mary’s son Jesus would one day say, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good...for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Surely you, too, desire to love God more deeply. Seek the sanctity of solitude and allow God to open your eyes that you may behold wondrous things from His law (Psalm 119:18) and His working in your life and in the lives of others. Such time alone with your heavenly Father does indeed honor Him, the Source of all the blessings you know.

RESPOND

Dear Lord, You are worthy of all praise. Guide me in carving out time to worship You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Nurturing a Heart of Humility: The Life of Mary by Elizabeth George will help you discover how to:

Sustain a humble spirit with overflowing prayer
Hold God's assurances deep within
Walk humbly through good times and bad with a heart fixed on God

REFLECT

What is the content of the song in your heart?

Have you praised Jesus today?

REMEMBER

Seek the sanctity of solitude and allow God to open your eyes that you may behold wondrous things from His law (Psalm 119:18).