Elizabeth George's Blog, page 37
January 22, 2019
Taking Control of Screen Time
[image error]Analyze your screen time. (And this goes for your kids’ screen time too.) Do you know exactly how much time you, “a mom after God’s own heart” (and your “children after God’s own heart”), are watching TV or playing on your phone? Chart or record it for a while if you like.
Then think about how you could use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God.
How did the young woman Mary come to know the scriptures that became the heart of her prayer of praise?
How did Hannah manage to pour life-changing religious teaching into her little boy before he was three years old?
How did the young lad David find the time to meditate on God’s nature, write his worshipful poetry, and offer it up to God in song?
We know the obvious answers, don’t we? (And it has nothing to do with TV/phone/computer—and everything to do with time!)
These acts of devotion occurred because there was time for them to occur. There was also a passionate heart-desire to see them occur. These faithful believers were fiercely intent on knowing God.
Dear mom, with the TV off (or at least on less) and your phone put aside, these activities that shape both heart and soul—of both mother and child—are more likely to happen.
Choose a Devotional Book
A mom after God’s own heart feeds her soul, but she’s also intent on feeding the souls of her children. Select a devotional book for yourself, and one that’s age-appropriate for each child. Then set aside a special time each day for enjoying these books.
They will soon become treasures. If your children can read, have them read their books to you. If your children are older, have them tell you what they’re learning. And be sure you share how you’re growing too. Lead the way to God’s heart!
Memorize One Verse
Hannah knew God’s Word. Mary knew God’s Word. Timothy’s mother and grandmother (and Timothy too) knew God’s Word. (Are you noting the common denominator in these moms and children after God’s own heart?) Choose a verse to memorize this week.
Don’t know where to begin? Then memorize Luke 10:27, Acts 13:22, or Colossians 3:2. Each one is a verse about the heart.
And pick verses for your children. Again, be sure they are age-appropriate. Even an 18-month-old can remember “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Then see how creative you can be at celebrating each verse learned by heart with all the extra time you have without screen time. What fun!
RESPOND
Father, strengthen my resolve to show my family what it means to be a devoted person of faith. I want to model a joyful commitment to the body of Christ. Give me a heart to pass on to my kids this legacy of eternal importance.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring book today!
REFLECT
Chart or record your screen time (many phones have this capability built in) for a while if you like. How could you use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God?
REMEMBER
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
January 17, 2019
Taking My Family to Church
[image error]What does your average week look like? What patterns do your days fall into? And what do you want your week to look like? Or what must your week look like to accomplish (with God’s help) the raising of children with a heart for God? A week is a fairly little increment of your life. But because it’s repeated again and again, it’s a mighty thing.
Taking Control of Your Week
Fine-tune what’s already going on in your home so you are truly putting first things first. Master-mind a schedule that allows time for both you and your children to have a daily Bible or Bible-story time (depending on their ages).
Also plan in time for getting ready to go to church (clothes, Bibles, any preparations) so no one is stressed out by the time you all get there. You may not feel like you have time, but creating a template for your week will allow you to make going to church a priority.
Taking Your Family to Church
Putting God first in a worship setting is a powerful example for your children. Jesus’ parents thought it was important to make sure He participated in spiritual worship. Good things will happen because of your commitment.
And, taking your children to church will pay you dividends for generations. Going to church is just a small commitment of a tiny slice of time each week. Yet this one little practice, over time, makes a huge difference in a life, a heart, and a family. I know that’s been true in our family.
I didn’t become a Christian during my childhood going-to-church years. But I’m so grateful it sowed a seed in my heart that bloomed later on. Plant that seed now in your child’s heart—no matter their age—and pray for God to water it as they grow. He is faithful!
RESPOND
God, give my children eyes to see me pray. Give them ears to hear my praises and petitions. Give them a heart to enjoy the gift of prayer for themselves. Give them a desire to seek You with assurance that You are always there for them. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
NEW RELEASE! A Mom After God’s Own Heart – offers 10 principles to help moms make God an everyday part of their lives … and their children's lives! Get a copy of this great book for moms—plus two free gifts—today!
A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible with Elizabeth George – This Bible includes a daily one-year reading plan, 365 daily devotions, and so much more! Pick up this Bible for yourself or as a gift for a loved one!
REFLECT
Take a look at the coming week today. And be sure to plan your church day. Fill it with loads of fun, and of course, like a good mom, plan lots of food!
REMEMBER
Taking your children to church today will pay you dividends for generations.
January 15, 2019
How Do I Stop Worrying?
[image error]When worry strikes, if we’re not careful we can often get discouraged or even depressed. We can respond to life negatively, and take our eyes off God and His promises to take care of us. Do you ever think about the fact that God knows, in advance, everything that will happen?
That means there is nothing that takes God by surprise – even the difficult crises in your life. The next time worry strikes, here’s how you can restore your hope:
Pray — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Trust — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5). Refuse to worry about circumstances beyond your control. Remember, God is always in control.
Give thanks — “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When you thank God even for the hard things in life, you are saying, “Lord, I am confident You will use this for my good.”
So when you find yourself worried about tomorrow, lift your cares up to the Lord. He already knows the future, and because He is faithful, He will give you whatever you need to persevere through your problems. In the same way that He sustained the psalmist “through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), He will preserve and comfort you in every trial you face. That’s why you can rejoice with David and say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (verse 6)!
RESPOND
God, I don’t know what might happen tomorrow, but You do. I can’t cause good to come from any crisis, but You can. I won’t always be able to meet my own needs, but You will. I thank You with all my heart. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring book today!
REFLECT
Deliberately choose to follow God’s advice and “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
REMEMBER
We need joy when we’re suffering and misunderstood, when we’re rejected and hated, and when we’re in emotional or physical pain. Our praise to God gives the Spirit room to touch us with His joy that overshadows these circumstances.
January 10, 2019
Discipleship for Life
[image error]If you knew you were going to die in the near future, what information would you want to pass on, and who would you want to pass it on to? That was Paul’s situation. He was on “death row,” waiting his execution for preaching the gospel of Christ. The letter of 2 Timothy is his last will and testament.
One Last Letter
Of all the people Paul has known over the years, he chooses to write one last letter to his spiritual son in the faith, Timothy. Instead of trying to drum up sympathy or pity for himself or stir up reprisals against an unjust and godless governmental system, Paul writes to comfort and encourage and motivate Timothy.
Before he dies, Paul wants to pass on the mantle of ministry to Timothy, his trusted assistant. Concerned that Timothy may be in danger of spiritual burnout, Paul writes to encourage him to continue being faithful to his duties, to hold on to sound doctrine, to avoid error, to expect persecution for preaching the gospel. Above all, he encourages Timothy to put his confidence in the Word of God as he preaches it constantly.
He reminds Timothy of his assets for the ministry – a genuine faith that had been modeled for him by his mother and grandmother, his calling and giftedness, a resolve to hold tightly to the truth of God’s Word, and a loyalty that will last even under the most difficult of circumstances.
Discipleship to Endure
Paul then challenges Timothy to prepare others to follow him in the ministry. Timothy is to discipline himself like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, and to follow Paul’s example of endurance. In his dealings with others, Timothy must not get entangled in useless controversies. In his dealings with himself, he must flee youthful lust and keep his life pure.
And Paul exhorts Timothy to never waver in his use of the Scriptures to combat this growing problem. In fact, it was these same Scriptures that God had used even in Timothy’s childhood to made Timothy “wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). These Scriptures are “God-breathed” and will now equip Timothy to combat erroneous teaching and heresy.
To the very end, Paul is thinking of the personal and spiritual needs of others more than he is thinking of himself. Let’s follow his example to the end of our life too!
RESPOND
Dear God, thank You for Your Word of truth. Please give me a passion for discipleship all the days of my life. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
One Minute with the Men of the Bible by Jim George — Start the New Year with powerful one-minute reminders of how God can work in your life. ORDER this men's devotional before January 30 and receive two FREE gifts!
REFLECT
How does Paul’s utter disregard for himself strike you? Are you so busy focusing on yourself and your perceived needs that you are failing to notice the people around you?
REMEMBER
Look outside yourself. You are sure to find plenty of people who could use a helping hand or a word of encouragement, particularly a message from God’s Word delivered to them… by you!
January 8, 2019
Cultivating a Passion for God
[image error]I am especially challenged about the temperature of my own heart whenever I consider these words spoken by Jesus: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Heart Condition
According to this scripture, which heart condition do you think God considers the worst? Think about these chilling facts: To be cold-hearted means to be decidedly below normal, to be unemotional, unaware, unconscious of God. Imagine…being unemotional about the things of God!
And then there’s the lukewarm heart. It’s only moderately warm. It’s indifferent! Imagine being indifferent toward God!
Hot—the third option—is where we want to be. That’s having a high temperature, characterized by passion. It’s fiery and excited. Now that’s the heart of someone committed to God! Have you ever been in the presence of a person who is hothearted toward God? I have. Mike was asked to say grace at a potluck dinner. Well, when you have a hot heart for God you can never just say grace.
A Passion for God
Prostrate in his heart and soul, Mike began a prayer of heartfelt worship. His passion tumbled out of his mouth as he thanked God for His salvation, for the fact that he had been transferred from darkness into the kingdom of light, that he had been lost but was now found, blind but could now see. On and on Mike went until I, frankly, lost my appetite because I had found other meat—for the soul! Mike’s hot heart moved me to forget about a mere hot meal for my stomach.
Our heart for God should be like a boiling pot. Our heart should be characterized by a God-given and intense passion for our Lord. After all, when a teakettle is boiling on your stove, you know it. It sputters and steams. It actually hops up and down and jiggles from side to side, empowered by its violent heat. Hot to the touch, it shares the heat that is within. There is no way to ignore its fire.
Likewise, we should be fiery and excited about God, and God will fuel our fire. That’s what I want for you—and for myself. I want Jesus’ presence in our lives to make a difference. I want us to overflow with His goodness and praise. I want our lips to speak of the great things He has done for us (Luke 1:49), to tell of His wonders (Psalm 96:3). “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2)!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, please help my heart be fiery for You. I want to be in awe of Your wonders and to tell others about You. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring book today and receive two free gifts!
REFLECT
In what ways do you cultivate a fiery heart for God?
REMEMBER
Our heart should be characterized by a God-given and intense passion for our Lord.
January 3, 2019
Give God Your Life
[image error]Our devotion to God is strengthened when we offer Him a fresh commitment each day. Every morning, in a heartfelt prayer either written or silent, start fresh with God by giving Him all that you are, all that you have… now…forever…and daily. Lay everything on God’s altar in what one saint of old called the “surrendered life.”
Give God Your Life
Give God your life, your body (such as it is), your health (or lack of it), your husband, each child (one by one), your home, your possessions. Nurture the habit of placing these blessings in God’s loving hands to do with them what He will. After all, they are not ours—they are His! A daily prayer of commitment helps us to release what we think are our rights to these gifts. As the saying goes, “Hold all things lightly and nothing tightly.”
I also find these words from nineteenth-century devotional writer Andrew Murray helpful: “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.” So aim at some kind of commitment to God made daily. It can be as simple as this prayer, the first of F.B. Meyer’s seven rules for living: “Make a daily, definite, audible consecration of yourself to God. Say it out loud: ‘Lord, today I give myself anew to you.’”
Perhaps the prayer of commitment I love best (and have written on the front page of my Bible) is that of Betty Scott Stam, a China Inland Mission worker. She and her husband were led through the streets of China to their execution by decapitation, while their baby lay behind in its crib. This was her daily prayer:
Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my time, my all, utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever.
In this case, the cost was high. This total commitment to God cost Betty Stam her ministry, her husband, her child, her life. But that kind of commitment is indeed our high calling as His children (Romans 8:17).
Giving Our All to Christ
Oh, dear sister, how would you rate your heart condition? I pray that your heart belongs to Christ, that you have entered into an eternal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus. If this is true for you, thank Him for the wonderful privilege of being called a child of God!
However, if you are unsure about where you stand with God or if you know quite clearly you are living your life apart from God, purpose to make things right with Him. Spend time in prayer. Confess and deal with any sin. Invite Jesus to be your Savior, and by doing so, welcome Christ into your life and become a new creature in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).
RESPOND
God, I want to be a woman after Your heart—a woman who lives her life in You, through You, and for You. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family. Pick up this inspiring book today!
REFLECT
Turn your heart heavenward. Open up your heart. Invite Christ in and put yourself in a position where God can grow in you a heart of devotion.
REMEMBER
"God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.” ~ Andrew Murray
January 1, 2019
Benefits of Reading the Bible Every Day
[image error]As you look ahead, what do you anticipate facing in 2019? Are you struggling with your roles and responsibilities? Are you at a crossroad in your career? Do you need direction in dealing with a family member, a workmate, or your finances? Or are you needing some help with all of the above? Then you need wisdom—God’s wisdom. Well, wait no longer!
Blessings of Wisdom
God promises you wisdom—and it’s free and readily available. Your job is to pray, seek, search, and dig for God’s wisdom in His Word. God’s job—and His promise to you—is to give you all the wisdom you ask for…and all the wisdom you need.
Do you realize what this means? It means that whatever issue or problem you are facing, you don’t have to grope around in the dark, hoping you will somehow stumble upon answers. You don’t have to stab at a solution and hope you made the right choice—the wise choice, all the time fearing that maybe you made the wrong choice. No, you have a surer way to tackle life’s problems—and gain God’s peace of mind in the process!
Benefits of Daily Bible Reading
Start today by reading Proverbs 1. Tomorrow, read chapter 3. On January 3, read chapter 3, and so on … and by the end of the month, you’ll have read the entire book.
As you daily make your way through Proverbs, starting in chapter 1, you can’t miss the truth that evil does its worst in secret and solicits new followers in the dark. But God’s wisdom is public. As verses 20 and 21 note, “Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings.”
There is so much to tend to, worry about, fear, and beware of. Every minute of every day can be full of fear and charged with anxiety. But God and His Word quell all our fears. “But whoever listens to me [wisdom] will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil. (Proverbs 1:33)
Whenever you need wisdom, you can pray to God, ask of God, look to God’s Word…and wisdom will be given to you!
Thank you for sharing 2018 with us!
May God bless your New Year with His wisdom, hope, and joy.
We look forward to growing together as men and women
after God’s own heart in 2019!
RESPOND
Father of all wisdom, as I think about this year and all that is planned, all that is necessary— and all the temptations and interruptions and crises that may come my way, I ask You afresh, “Lord, give me wisdom! I need it to manage this year in a way that pleases You and bears the mark of Your wisdom on it. Amen.”
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family in this incredible resource for women!
Proverbs for a Woman’s Day – Don't guess about the next step and hope for the best. Take a journey through Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart.
REFLECT
In what three areas are you seeking God’s wisdom this New Year?
REMEMBER
Whenever you need wisdom, you can pray to God, ask of God, look to God’s Word…and wisdom will be given to you!
December 27, 2018
I'm Tired of Cleaning
[image error]Over the Christmas break, kids will be out of school, family will be on vacation, and guests will be in and out of our home … which means the messes will be more frequent and the cleaning doubled. We get to choose our attitude toward this.
Would you describe what goes on in your home as “heaven on earth”? That’s quite an expression, isn’t it? Heaven on earth! Do you know that your home life is meant to be exactly that?
The Bible uses home life and marriage as illustrations of God’s relationship with His church, with the people who choose to follow Him. And when you live out your God-ordained roles and fulfill your God-given assignments others take notice and see proof of our special relationship with the Lord.
Lean on God
You have the privilege of presenting a picture of what heaven will be like to those around you. When you pursue with passion and purpose God’s design for a woman, a homemaker, a wife, a mother, you establish a home that reflects the order and beauty of life in heaven. An amazing opportunity, isn’t it?
But maybe you’re thinking, “I’m tired of doing dishes, sweeping and vacuuming floors, dusting, picking up after other people!” I can so relate. But it is worth it! Or at least it can be.
Love Cleaning
You and I know that love is the world’s most powerful motivator. So love your home—love being there and love managing it, watching over it, keeping it, and, yes, cleaning up the mess. Love will enable you and empower you to tackle it, master it, and excel at it. Turn to the Lord to fire up your passion in your heart to manage your home His way...in a loving, serving, sacrificial capacity.
No task will be too difficult and no job will be meaningless with Him as the foundation.
It took me a while to discover there’s no greater responsibility and privilege in this world than to make a house a home. I know that takes work, which is not always appreciated. I truly honor what it takes to be a woman, a wife, and a mother today and I want to give you two presents right now: the gift of encouragement...and applause for a job well done in caring for your home.
Thank you for all you do to take care of yourself and your family. I pray that God will continue to bless you richly.
RESPOND
Lord, I thank You for the house I call home. Give me insight and wisdom in making my home reflect Your presence. You are welcome here! Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God's Own Heart—Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities for your home and family in this encouraging book for women.
One-Minute Inspirations for Women—these uplifting devotions share practical everyday wisdom and make a perfect read as you take a break from cleaning (on sale for $2.49)!
REFLECT
Do I grumble, complain, or yell when I am cleaning my home?
REMEMBER
No task will be too difficult and no job will be meaningless with God as the foundation.
December 25, 2018
A Child is Born
[image error]Isaiah is considered among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets because of his many predictions of the Messiah. For instance, you’ve probably heard this one during the Christmas season:
“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)
A Child is Born
The birth of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus, was 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.
Christ's Blessings
Consider all that Jesus the Christ, offers you and me. He:
S-ubstitutes His sinless life for our sinful one (2 Corinthians 5:21)
A-assures us of eternal life (John 10:28-29)
V-anquishes Satan’s hold on our life (2 Timothy 2:26)
I-nitiates us into the family of God (Galatians 4:4-6)
O-verthrows the power of sin (Romans 6:1-10)
R-econciles us to a holy God (2 Corinthians 5:19)
Jesus 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!
RESPOND
Dear God, this Christmas give me a heart that marvels at the fulfillment of Your promises and the blessing of Your Son. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES[image error]
A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible with Elizabeth George –Get to know our Savior through His Word. This inspiring Bible is filled with pearls of wisdom, 365 daily devotions, a daily one-year Bible reading plan, and so much more! Pick up this Bible for women today!
REFLECT
Share this devotion with someone else today.
REMEMBER
Jesus is our forever King!
December 20, 2018
Growing in Humility
[image error]
Take a minute to read the account of Christ’s “Birth Announcement”:
“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, ‘Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!’
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.’
Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’
And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.’…Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’” (Luke 1:26-35, 38)
Growing in Humility
So often we struggle with God and postpone our submission. And even in Mary’s case, a rash of human emotions and responses probably raced through her mind. And with good reason!
Wonder—Mary didn’t understand (verse 34).
Fear—Mary was troubled (verses 29-30).
Distress—Mary probably knew the penalty for pregnancy outside marriage was death by stoning (see Leviticus 20:10).
Troubled—How could she explain this to others? To her family? To Joseph, her spouse-to-be?
Questioning—Mary was a virgin and unmarried. How could or would this happen?
But, in the end, Mary submitted to God’s mysterious will and purpose from the heart.
Beloved, follow Mary’s example. Cultivate a humble heart—a heart of pure faith. In essence Mary’s heart reply to God was, “I live to serve You. I desire no life apart from You. I will do whatever You ask because I belong to You. I will do whatever You ask, quietly and without question. Let it be to me according to Your word.” May that be our heart’s reply this Christmas season—and all year long—as well.
RESPOND
God, You are my reason for living, my salvation, my comfort, my provider, my love. I choose today to follow You every step of the way. When the way gets hard and I falter, encourage me and give me strength. Amen
RENEWING RESOURCES
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your life in 2018. We'd love to walk through God's Word with you in 2019 with this Bible!
FLASH SALE: Hardcovers $25; Leather covers $35! Sale runs now through Dec. 24. Shop for your Bible - English version and Spanish version.
REFLECT
What will I do to cultivate a humble heart before God? Read Scripture, pray, worship….
REMEMBER
Cultivate a humble heart—a heart of pure faith.
