Elizabeth George's Blog, page 28

Keeping a Gratitude Journal

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Traditionally, Thanksgiving Day is a food-filled celebration associated with expressing gratitude to God for the harvest of His bounty. So, let’s praise God this Thanksgiving Day—in the midst of our food prepping, house cleaning, and entertaining, let’s pause, bow our head before God who is mighty, and note some of the great things He’s done for us…both in good times and in rough seasons!

In All Seasons

Maybe something has happened in your life that doesn’t make sense. Are you facing a Thanksgiving Day that is not full of celebration? Has this been a tough year for you and your family? Maybe you couldn’t understand how a loving God could let something like that hap­pen to you or a loved one. Well, you are not alone.

Most people have events happen that are difficult or impossible to understand. Rather than question the Father, it will help us to lift our hearts and “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  

Keeping a Gratitude Journal

A great place to start giving thanks is through a gratitude journal. Each day, write down:

Bible Verses. Write out Bible verses on praise and thanks. Here are some scriptures to help get you started:


I will give thanks to the Lord… and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Psalm 7:17).

Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name (Psalm 30:4).

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him (Psalm 33:1).

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips (Psalm 34:1).




Answered prayers. It’s so easy to ask God for His help and then forget to show Him gratitude for it. Be diligent to acknowledge His goodness.




Blessings. Make note of the blessings you have in Christ. A reading through the Old Testament shows many of God’s rich and miraculous blessings He gave His own: safety, family, life, deliverance. The Almighty has done wonders for you too!

We become Christians by God’s grace, through His unmerited favor.
We can’t buy salvation. We can’t earn eternal life. All that God offers in a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ comes to us as a free gift.
We have all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
And what’s also amazing is that God hears and answers our prayers!

Even if life is difficult right now, lift your voice in joy because of the hope you have in Christ. Rejoice that either here or in heaven, depending on God’s appointed time, you’ll experience the full, unimaginable blessing of His wonderful promises completely fulfilled.

Jim and I thank God for you and pray that you have a blessed and peace-filled holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

RESPOND

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

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

7 Steps to Enjoying Housework

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Will you have company over for Thanksgiving? When we have people over, we usually clean. But what happens when we just don’t have the energy or desire to pick up?

What keeps you from getting your housework done? What stands in the way of you putting that basket of folded laundry away? Unloading the dishwasher? Dusting the end tables? If you’re like several hundred other women I posed this question to, your answers probably look a lot like theirs:  

#1 Reason: Poor use of time
#2 Reason: Lack of motivation
#3 Reason: Failure to plan
#4 Reason: Procrastination

 

Are you nodding in agreement? I’m smiling because I can certainly relate! These reasons make perfect sense to me.

Yet it helps me to remember that while we have so little control over most of the events of our lives, we do have a measure of say in establishing the atmosphere of our homes. And that includes cherishing and managing it. If doing housework make you feel overwhelmed, I hope these few practices below will encourage your heart.

Enjoy Housework

Give it to God—Begin your tasks with prayer. Give God your attitude, your day, and your work. Ask Him to energize you, to give you a love for your home, and to see your work as unto the Lord. 

Spend time in Scripture— Recall the industriousness of the woman in Proverbs 31 and ask the Lord to help you emulate her.

Dream a little dream—What did you dream your home would be like when you were younger? Neat, orderly, peaceful? Pray and ask God to help you make plans and any changes needed to bring this vision for your family to life.

Ask God for an eager attitude—If your attitude needs to change, ask God to give you an adjustment. I understand the daily grind of never-ending laundry, dirty dishes, and crumbs on the floor. But with God’s help, we can tackle these tasks with joy. 

Write it down— What must be done… and when? Create a schedule and a plan. The more work you’re able to fit into a daily routine, the better. Those things you do everyday take less time when they’re part of a routine. Use your calendar or phone app to keep track of lists, due dates, etc. Delegate age-appropriate responsibilities to your kids.

Do a little at a time—I’m working my way through my house by what I call the “one foot” method. I clean out a least one drawer, one shelf, or one foot of space every day, usually while I’m doing something else, like heating up food, brewing coffee, or talking on the phone. Something is better than nothing … and once you’ve completed this week’s task, aim for more next week.

Get the worst out of the way—No one enjoys having an unpleasant task hang over their head. So, instead of dreading a chore all day, do it first thing! Having the monumental thing out of the way makes the day go more smoothly and easily.

I want you to experience the exhilaration and continuing motivation that come with such noble efforts. So please pause, pray, pour out your heart to God—with tears if they flow—and, relying

on His grace, persist in the divine work God has given you to do for Him! And remember these two things: God’s not looking for superwoman—He’s looking for a godly woman who is following after His own heart. And, there’s nothing wrong with a well-earned rest. Pause when you need to and refresh yourself in the Lord. 

RESPOND

Lord, make us masters of ourselves that we may be the servants of others. Amen.

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REFLECT

“She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.” (Proverbs 31:17)

REMEMBER

All that stands between your goal
And the deeds you hope to do
And the dreams which stir your soul—Is you!

Rejoice in The Lord

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Most women create “to do” lists that show what they need to do that day, that week, that month—especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. These catalogs of tasks, phone calls, reminders, and plans keep us on track so we get more done and better manage the events of day-to-day life. We might have other forms of organization, but few methods keep us so focused.

How to Enjoy Peace

If you could borrow anyone’s “to do” list, I suggest you take a look at the apostle Paul’s. In the book of Philippians one of his recurring themes is peace. So Paul’s “to do” list shows us how to enjoy the peace that is available to us as believers in Christ. You see, Paul so greatly desired peace among members of the body of Christ that he exhorts each person to possess the personal peace God offers. Only then can there be harmony in the church. In 4:5-6 he writes:

“Let your gentleness be known to all men.” Be forgiving and fair and gracious.
“Be anxious for nothing.” Trust in the Lord, and hope and peace will follow.
“Let your requests be made known to God.” Exercise your faith and give your needs to God.

When we think of all we want in life, I know joy ranks high. So does peace. And here, in the God-breathed, inspired Word that comes straight from the mind and heart of God, we have the source of both! But to enjoy these two desired qualities of life, we must follow the list with devotion. What does this look like? What are we to do?

Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice. This is not optional, my friend. This is a command. It’s an exhortation to cheerfulness. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (verse 4). We are to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what is happening to us.

Pray. This too is not optional...it’s a command. Rather than suffering from anxiety, we are to present our needs to the Lord and trust Him to provide for us. In any and all circumstances, we are to lay our requests before God and trust Him to take care of us. And the results? The sweet, sweet results?

First, not only will God respond to our prayers, but we’ll experience “the peace of God”—the peace that is characteristic of God Himself. Even when our difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.

Second, God’s peace will stand guard over us, like a soldier or a sentinel, protecting us against the anxieties and worries that want to attack our hearts and minds.

This week—during Thanksgiving—and over the next month, spend time with the Lord. Memorize and recite Philippians 4:4-6 to yourself as you bake pies, zip from store to store, wrap presents, decorate your home, address Christmas cards, attend holiday pageants, and more! Through prayer, we will truly experience God’s peace that surpasses all human comprehension.

RESPOND

Lord, I’m ready to create a “to do” list of joy and peace. Thank You for Paul’s example. I lift up my needs to You and trust in You. You calm my fears. You guide my steps. You lead me to Your presence. I am rejoicing in You! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES  

REFLECT

When is the last time you rejoiced in your circumstances?

REMEMBER

Even when our difficult circumstances don’t change, God’s peace will prevail.

Facing Your Giants

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Are you staring into a seemingly impossible day? One winter when my daughter Katherine lived in New York, where winters are brutal, she stepped into what she thought would be a “normal” day. She dropped her children off at school and returned home to a full Monday. She went downstairs to the basement laundry room only to find that a pipe had broken and the floor was completely flooded.  

Katherine went into action. She called her husband for advice, called their insurance agent, and started into her first five hours of mopping, bailing water, and moving possessions.

The next day, the plumber came and found yet another leak in Katherine’s upstairs master bedroom, which had flooded the dry garage where she and her husband had moved their furniture. All of Paul’s hard work of painting, tiling, and putting down hardwood floors was ruined, as well as much of their furniture and possessions.

The emails she sent shared her shock, woes, challenges, the details of the catastrophe ... but they also shared her “roll up your sleeves attitude.” And her tales were sprinkled throughout with thanksgiving to God that the flooding wasn’t worse, that, as her young children said, “It’s OK, Mom. It’s only stuff."

Facing Your Giants

Maybe my daughter Kath’s situation seems somewhat trivial and “daily” compared to what’s in front of you today. But every problem is to be confronted in the same way and with the same decisiveness, strength, and grace that only comes from God. What’s in front of each of us is God’s will for us this minute and this day. We have our own personal challenges. And we’re to go through them and over to the other side.

Perhaps you’re facing a frightening life or death situation for yourself or a loved one. What gives us the ability to think straight and make good decisions under duress? To keep a clear head and resist the temptation to give in to sorrow or depression? And just where are we supposed to obtain the energy and courage needed to even take a deep breath and take the first step into God’s will and our present challenge?

God’s Power

Power, valor, and victory come from God as you and I obediently press on by faith. You will be able to follow God with all your heart, face your fears and demands, and fight on to gain the victory when you count on:

God’s will—“Have I not commanded you?”

God’s presence—The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.


God gives the orders, and God goes with us! He reveals His will to us and walks with us and strengthens us as we do His will. And our part? “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). These instructions and truths infuse us with strength...strength to move forward, strength to keep moving forward, and strength to triumph over all odds and live out God’s plan.


RESPOND

Dear Lord, when I’m scared, tired, worried, or feeling aimless, I know that You care about me and every aspect of my life. Please help me trust in You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

REFLECT

Read Joshua 1 and make notes of how God gave Joshua courage. 

REMEMBER

Every problem is to be confronted with decisiveness, strength, and grace that only comes from God.

Opening Your Home at Thanksgiving

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Abraham’s servant Eliezer traveled hundreds of miles in the desert climate. As he prayed beside a town well, the lovely Rebekah appeared. After first drawing water from the cistern to satisfy his thirst—and even taking care of the camels’ thirst—Rebekah respectfully answered the man’s questions regarding who she was and whether her family had a place for him to stay.

In her welcoming way, Rebekah replied with her name and an invitation for food, lodging, and fodder for the animals. Inside Rebekah’s family home, Eliezer would be the recipient of assistance, refreshment, shelter, and rest.

Opening Your Home

Do you see your home as a gift from God to be used for the comfort and well-being of others? A Christian home is earth’s sweetest picture of heaven and a welcome relief in our stressed and weary society. Many folks are especially lonely during the holidays. A question to ask ourselves in this holiday season is, “Who can I open my arms and my heart and my home to?” 

Consider the teens you know who live where parents are seldom home, where few meals are served, and where apathy reigns. 


Think about the little ones next door who could rest a moment in your warm, peaceful kitchen, a welcome respite from the angry shouting under their own roof.


Ponder the needs of a widow or widower who has no one to talk with.


Count the singles you know who are on their own.

Consider opening your home and inviting people over to share your holiday meal with you. If the people you invite over for Thanksgiving Day aren’t available, why not deliver a meal to them the next day? Or freeze small portions to send home with them the next time they visit your home. It may be that you live by yourself; pray about hosting a potluck to fill your table with smiling faces and full hearts…including your own!

Opening Your Heart

As you open your home, offer a listening ear, an encouraging word, and a heartfelt prayer to those in need. Hospitality is a matter of the heart—your heart. All who enter your door offer you opportunities to minister. Welcome them into your home sweet home—a home where Jesus lives in the heart of the hostess. 

RESPOND

God, guide me toward chances to minister through neighborly kindness and hospitality. Help me open up my heart and home to people who are a part of my world. Give me a servant’s perspective in all that I do. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George—As you embrace God's plans for you, 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
Ask yourself, “Who can I open my arms and my heart and my home to?” Then, talk to your family and pray together about making plans to open your home.

REMEMBER

Hospitality is a matter of the heart—your heart.

Managing Emotions

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When Jim and I married, he joined the Army Reserves and, 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 happened.

Preparing for War

In October 1990, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm, and that meant war! I still remember holding my breath as President George H. Bush addressed the nation on television and spoke the words our family dreaded. He was authorizing the call-up of reservists!

Jim’s unit began to prepare for the possibility of going to war. And that Thanksgiving our family went away for four days together because Jim had been told he should plan to be in Saudi Arabia...before Christmas.

Soon all of the medical units on the West Coast were in Saudi Arabia except Jim’s. His would be next. That meant that Jim’s duffel bag was packed and by the door. He was issued a gas mask and trained extensively on how to use it. He was instructed to update his insurance forms and his will.

Needless to say, the months between October and March were an emotional roller coaster ride for me! Every day I struggled with the emotions that came with not knowing what the future held for Jim and me and our girls.

Managing Emotions

Fear, anxiety, uncertainty—I had to cope with these emotions daily. The practical issues of life—managing schedules, a household, work, and family responsibilities—were challenge enough. But harder for me was managing emotions.

For most of us, our family members are our greatest concern. We worry about our spouses and children, about nurturing our marriage and family relationships, about caring for aging parents. Another emotionally charged area is finances as we worry about layoffs, salary cuts, and growing families. What can we do with these realities that drain our emotions?

We can use Christ’s truth and guidance: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34 ) During the Persian Gulf War, anxiety was pressing in on me from every direction, and all I had was this command from Christ. And, beloved, I learned that it was all I needed...because it pointed me to Him.

Jesus commands us not to worry about tomorrow and calls us to handle our emotions...one day at a time. So I applied this verse and five principles—prepare, plan, pray, proceed, and trust God’s provision—to my raging emotions.

Five Practical Principles

Prepare—Jim and I cut our budget. We stopped using credit cards and stopped making major purchases. He met with mortgage company officials and our daughters’ college to check on their tuition policy for activated military parents. 

Plan—Jim talked to our daughters about what his deployment and even his possible death would mean for them. Jim and I also discussed every option and step if he didn’t come back.

Pray—Like never before, Jim and I prayed.

Proceed—My dear reading friend, peace came only as I followed the wisdom of Matthew 6:34. As I proceeded through those six months, I fought to keep my thoughts and feelings focused to one day at a time.

Provision—I witnessed God’s provision for me—His presence with me and His work in my life—as I proceeded, by His grace, one day at a time.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 how to make our way through trying times—“Do not worry about tomorrow.” Let this verse set boundaries for your thoughts. Choose not to speculate on the future because God isn’t asking us to handle our entire life all at once. Instead, His wisdom tells us to limit our thoughts to today, to what was real right now, to His peace and sovereignty. And that is a comfort in every season.

RESPOND

Lord, may all my behaviors reflect my desire to grow in Your wisdom. When I feel the old behaviors rise up, give me the self-control to resist them. I have Your Word to steady my reactions and emotions. Help me grow into a lovely woman of God. Amen.

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REFLECT

Put these five principles—prepare, plan, pray, proceed, and trust God’s provision—to help manage your emotions.

REMEMBER
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 how to make our way through trying times—“Do not worry about tomorrow.” Let this verse set boundaries for your thoughts.

Watching Out for False Teachers

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One of my favorite descriptions and pictures of the Proverbs 31 woman is that of her watching over her family and home: “She watches over the ways of her household” (verse 27). As wives, mothers, and homemakers, we wear many hats as we discharge our duties at home. And there’s no doubt that one of our most important duties is that of a “watchwoman.”

Just as the walls of the ancient cities were dotted with watchmen who guarded the towns 24 hours a day against hostile action, we too faithfully and carefully guard our children from harmful influences and sound a warning to our husbands when we feel the family is threatened.

Watching Out for False Teachers

Paul watched too. He checked on and encouraged the people who attended the churches under his charge. In fact, when Paul listed his sufferings for the cause of Christ, he ended his list by stating that “besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28). He worried about false teachers promoting ungodliness.

As we pray against the ungodly influences that could cast darkness over our families, our children, and our hearts, what can we watch for? Look for three bright stars produced by sound, biblical teaching in 1 Timothy 1:6-7— "Some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm":

Godly edification—Sound teaching furthers the plans of God (1 Timothy 1:4).

Good fruit—Sound teaching comes from the heart of a sincere teacher (vs. 5).

Glorious gospel—Sound teaching showcases the glory of God (vs. 11).

Growing in Discernment

Don’t you want to learn and grow so you can understand the doctrines of the Christian faith better? So you can teach them to your children and help others? You can start by studying the Bible, attending Bible-study classes, and memorizing Scripture.

The more you know, the more effective your protection of your loved ones will be. How can you not be fooled by false teaching? Answer: By being familiar with the truth! Put W-A-T-C-H to work in your life today:


Want to be with God’s people

Ask God for discernment

Take in God’s Word

Carefully select a Bible-teaching church

Heed the warnings of Scripture

Keep watch over your spiritual well-being so you can help your family and friends distinguish light from dark. 

RESPOND

Dear Lord, my attention gets caught up in daily needs and tasks so easily. Paul reminds me to scan the horizon and pay attention to the influences around my family and me. Give me a heart of discernment so I can watch for those who teach Your light and avoid those who don’t. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES  [image error]

A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George—As you embrace God's plans for you, 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

Schedule time in each day to study God’s Word. Make a plan to memorize Scripture—it is the sword of the Spirit!

REMEMBER

As wives and mothers and homemakers, we wear many hats as we discharge our duties at home. And there’s no doubt that one of our most important duties is that of a “watchwoman.”

Procrastinating — Teen Tuesday

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It’s soooo easy to get in the habit of putting off unpleasant tasks. For instance, your mom asks you to clean your room or do your homework, but you tell yourself, “I’ll do it later.” Or your teacher has warned the class about a big test coming up, but you haven’t even started to study. No matter how hard you wish, your messy room, your homework, and that test are not going to simply disappear into thin air!

God's Way

Rather than put things off, God gives you a better way of getting things done: “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands” (Psalm 119:60). So block out what you want to do and focus on what you need to do.

It might help to know that the Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). As a teen after God’s own heart, God expects you to take care of the things that belong to you—your clothes, your bed, your homework. Taking care of your space and your responsibilities shows good character. It proves that you can set a goal and then work to achieve it.

Giving It Your Best

Remember, God wants you to do your best in every area of your life—even when it comes to taking care of your room, doing schoolwork, or participating in a sports game or dance recital.

So, here’s some motivation to help you: set little goals for yourself—study for 30 minutes, then eat a snack; clean up your desk, then take a break; practice your instrument for 15 minutes, then play with your sister.

Don’t delay—get it done, and then have fun!

RESPOND

Jesus, help me to stop putting things off and instead, follow Your “don’t delay” rule. I know that by getting things done, I’ll bring honor to You. Amen.

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REFLECT

The next time you have to do something that you’d rather not do, set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle it with all your might.

Ask your mom or sister to help hold you accountable to completing a task.

REMEMBER

God wants you to do your best in every area of your life.

Starting Your Day with God

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Does your day start off like a race against time as you maneuver through a long to-do list and unexpected obstacles? “I need to call Mom, pick up Dave’s dry cleaning, take Melinda to the dentist, stop by the bank, then go to that parent-teacher conference at 4:00.” If this list reminds you of your own schedule, take out your planner and see what’s slated for tomorrow.

Planning Your Day

If you’re rushing in all directions at once, stop. Breathe. Have you included any time with God? When your priorities are out of whack, you end up going through your days with guilt and frustration, and rarely with a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Put God in your planner—as the first thing. A wise woman puts God first, so include one very practical decision in your schedule every day: read something out of God’s Word. After all, He’s the source of the wisdom and calm you’re looking for. And He’s revealed it in His Word. Before the day gets out of hand, curl up in some cozy place and read your Bible. Fill your mind with God’s mind. Beginning each day with God will change your priorities.

Praying for Your Day

What do you lift up to God in your quiet time? “That’s easy. My husband and children and that we can pay the bills this month!” Those are worthy things, but we also need to be sure to pray for the one thing that will help everything in your life.

One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 2:3. It says, “Cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding.” That covers a lot of ground. How strenuously are you seeking understanding? Do you seek it as though you are searching for hidden treasure, with a heart of passion, anticipation, and hopefulness? Are you searching the Scriptures?

I leave you with this encouragement from James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Now that’s a promise you can take to heart that will help fill your day with peace and calm.

RESPOND

Lord, I need discernment. Help me to understand the riches of Your Word. I want to pursue the  treasures of Your promises so that my prayers, decisions, and dreams come from a right under standing of Your will and Your way. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

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REFLECT

Get up 30 minutes earlier tomorrow. Begin your day with God, and you’ll start discovering a rich reward. Oh, you’ll be tired. Count on it. But you’ll also discover fulfillment and refreshment because you are walking with God.

REMEMBER

Live your days according to God’s top two priorities: God first, others second. It’s an incredible formula to draw you closer to God’s heart.

Loving Your Neighbor

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Have you noticed how few people know their neighbors these days? It might seem convenient to not be overly involved with other people around you, but Jesus calls us to a deeper relationship. “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). Love your neighbor as yourself. We were home free—almost—until that last little phrase.

Some women worry that they lack the education, ability, or time to minister to others. Let’s not be one of these women—we’ll miss out on some wonderful opportunities God has for us today.

Remember, we can serve others right where we are.

Practical Ways to Love 

Prayer is how such a heart and such a love are cultivated. Pick one day each week to pray for your neighbors. Over time, you’ll discover that these people have a sincere place in your heart and in your life. When you wave to them in passing, your heart will have a greater compassion and empathy for them. Through your prayers, God turns strangers into loved ones. It’s one of the privileges of being faithful in all that you do.

Another way is to get in the habit of saying yes when your neighbors invite you to do something. Make it a point to attend the jewelry party (even if you don’t buy anything), or the neighborhood block party. If someone’s child is having a birthday, participate. Your neighbors need to know you’re vitally interested in them.

And while church activities are important, let’s not be so wrapped up in our church that we’re perceived as distant or aloof. Let’s open our home. Have school moms to your house for coffee and cake. Hospitality is a great gift to give others. Make a list of the things you’d feel comfortable doing, and then get at it.

Purposeful Prayers

As you get to know your neighbors, share your faith with them. I encourage you to earnestly pray for opportunities to introduce your friends to Christ. There’s no greater gift you could give to them. Paul prayed in Colossians 4:3 that God would open a door “to speak the mystery of Christ.” To walk in wisdom toward non-Christians. That he would make the most of every opportunity.

As you form friendships with neighbors, co-workers, and friends, let them see Christ through your love. There should never be any doubt about your relationship with God through Christ. Make Paul’s prayer your own with his encouragement to “let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (verse 6).

Reach out … speak out … and have fun as you love your neighbor!

RESPOND

Dear Lord, I love You with all my heart and soul. Expand my circle of people to pray for and give me a sincere heart for my neighbors. Let compassion and kindness give me a tenderness toward their needs. Lord, help me be a true neighbor and friend to these people You’ve placed near me. Amen.

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REFLECT
Who do you already know in your neighborhood? Is she also a Christ follower? If so, ask her to join you in prayer for your neighbors.

Plan a get-together soon. It can be as simple as a coffee chat or something more elaborate as an outdoor movie night.

REMEMBER

As you form friendships with neighbors, co-workers, and friends, let them see Christ through your love.