Elizabeth George's Blog, page 41
September 4, 2018
Success Starts Here ...
Would you be encouraged to know that God addresses success in the Bible? He does! In fact, He gives us a step-by-step plan for arriving at true success in our lives. When you follow His simple guidelines laid out in Joshua 1:8–9, God lavishes His blessings on your efforts and perseverance.
These verses are God’s recipe for success. Life is filled with challenges, assignments, necessities, routines, work, and surprises. And it’s easy to feel anxious, afraid, and inadequate at times, just like Joshua did.
If we choose to follow God’s advice, He assures us in Joshua 1:8 of “good success” and prosperity. In other words, there will be a successful outcome due to the courage, confidence, hope of victory, and wisdom that comes only from focusing fully on God’s Word and believing in His promises. As we obediently and unwaveringly trust in God’s promises—refusing to succumb to our fears, doubts, inabilities, and tiredness—His blessing and success are ours.
God gave Joshua directions—and hope—through these words. And the same directions and hope are yours too. It is success made simple: if you know God’s Word and do God’s Word, you will be successful in your endeavors, in fulfilling your assignments from God, and in pleasing Him as you move confidently forward.
Note these ingredients for success from Joshua 1:8–9:
Believe God’s Word. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (v. 8). The Bible is “living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12) and able to make a difference in lives, including yours.
Dwell on God’s Word. “You shall meditate in it day and night” (v. 8). Your mind must understand the Bible before it can move your heart and change your life.
Obey God’s Word. “You may observe to do according to all that is written in it” (v. 8).
Persevere. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed” (v. 9).
But beware—it may not be the kind of success the world respects, such as wealth, fame, good looks, power, and prestige. You will live out God’s plan and please Him as you study and obey His Word and follow Him with all your heart. And He will bless you. That’s His promise to you!
RESPOND
God, may I represent You well in all I do by performing my assigned tasks without complaint and with excellence and joy—“for I serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24). Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life.
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God's Own Heart (only $3.00!) —A beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living a life as A Woman After God's Own Heart.
REFLECT
Study and reflect on these verses: Proverbs 3:1–4; 16:3; James 4:10.
REMEMBER
You will live out God’s plan and please Him as you study and obey His Word and follow Him with all your heart.
August 30, 2018
Working With Your Spouse
Beware of being a wife who has a “when-then” attitude, thinking, “When he does this— then I’ll do that.” This method might work some of the time, but when it does, what have you really gained? Your assignment from God is not to change your husband, but to love, follow, assist, and minister to him.
In Acts 18, we find the example of a remarkable husband-wife team: Aquila and Priscilla. In Scripture, they are always mentioned together. Together they set up shop for their tent-making business. Together they were involved in ministry. And together they took Apollos aside and “explained to him the way of God more accurately.” The key word is “together.”
Effective service as a couple requires spiritual growth. Priscilla and Aquila were both learning and growing spiritually under the ministry of Paul. Both were prepared to give Apollos more accurate information when necessary.
Grow continuously in the Lord yourself, and encourage your spouse to grow too. God gave you to each other to be a greater force together than either of you could be alone. To work well as a team, both of you must grow as individuals. Effective service is possible when you make yourself available.
Priscilla and Aquila had a full life of service because they were available. It appears that they had no children, so the opportunities for ministry were greatly increased. There are times and seasons when you will find yourself limited by family and work obligations, but this should be no excuse for failing to use your spiritual gifts in some capacity. Make your best effort to make yourself available to God, and watch Him multiply the effects of your service.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” As a couple, your goal is to work together as a team. Working together will make a difference in your marriage. There’s no substitute for the strength that blesses a couple when they accomplish their work and tend to their responsibilities together.
RESPOND
God, thank You for my husband. I want to be an encourager to him, to bless him, and work together with him—not against him. Please show us how and where we can serve You together. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life.
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God's Own Heart (only $3.00!)—A beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living a life as A Woman After God's Own Heart.
REFLECT
Do you ask your husband how you can help him in serving others?
REMEMBER
Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.”
August 28, 2018
Cultivating A Heart Committed to Prayer
[image error]Talking with God daily is important to building a deeper relationship with Him. Perhaps you, like me, have had many stops and starts on the way to a vibrant prayer life. Some of the best advice I ever received was to write out a prayer list in a special book and begin taking my concerns to God each day. I tried it and was amazed as I paid close attention to how God answered item after item.
As a woman after God’s own heart, I hope you, too, will find a special prayer book for yourself. It can be basic or fancy. Use whatever works best for you.
In the front of your special book, note this encouraging reminder of areas God can and will impact through prayer.
My relationship with God: Prayer changes me (Ps. 51:10)!
Greater purity: Confession causes me to purge practices that displease God (Matt. 5:29–30).
Decisions to be made: Make no decision without prayer (Gal. 1:10).
Improved relationships: Praying for someone will strengthen and better my relationship with him or her (Matt. 5:44).
Contentment: If God doesn’t meet it, I don’t need it (Phil. 4:11–14)!
Ministering to others: Prayer makes a difference in the history of people’s lives (Eph. 1:15–19).
Here’s an idea of how to set up your special prayer book. Don’t worry if yours isn’t exactly the same; it’s simply one idea to get you started. Whatever helps you consistently connect with the Father and reminds you that He is answering prayers is the right setup for you.
Date
Request
God’s Answer
Date Answered
Now, what do you write in it? Requests for your loved ones, intercessory needs for others, health concerns, confession of sins, or decisions you need to make. Your original list does not need to be exhaustive. In time, you will add items as God brings them to your attention.
Set aside time each day to linger with the Lord in prayer. Begin small—even five minutes—and watch for mighty effects! Spend time praising God for the requests He has answered. Prepare yourself to be blessed and to be a blessing to others through prayer!
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for the powerful privilege of the ministry of prayer. I’m grateful that You hear my prayers. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life.
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God's Own Heart (only $3.00!)—A beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living a life as A Woman After God's Own Heart.
REFLECT
Pray faithfully for others—including your enemies (Matt. 5:44).
REMEMBER
Pray always (Eph. 6:18), enjoying God’s constant presence (Josh. 1:9).
August 23, 2018
You Will Have Trouble
“She has the patience of Job.” It seems that most people have heard of Job. That may be because he suffered so greatly. One day, in the span of a few hours, his children died and he lost all his wealth, everything he had.
I can still remember, as a new Christian, believing that being a Christian would surely one day mean a problem-free life. As I was reading the New Testament, I came across these words of Jesus: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).
Jesus said it: you and I will suffer. It’s a fact of life. We live in a sinful world of aging bodies, homes that are destroyed, faltering relationships, and fortunes that can be lost. But be assured that trials are not punishments.
God loves you and allows trials to help you grow spiritually. He offers sufficient grace for every situation. And the journey through trials grows your patience, endurance, and empathy. Yes, Jesus said we would experience suffering, but He did not leave us without hope. The second half of John 16:33 says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
RESPOND
Lord, the idea of suffering makes me very uncomfortable. But Lord, I know that You are working in me to accomplish spiritual growth. And You have promised to take care of me. I am looking to You for encouragement because You have overcome. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life.
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God’s Own Heart (only $3.00!)—A beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living a life as A Woman After God’s Own Heart.
REFLECT
Where do I turn when I’m suffering?
Spend time in prayer the next time you’re hurting.
REMEMBER
“Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Read You Will Have Trouble on Elizabeth & Jim George.
August 22, 2018
You Will Have Trouble
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“She has the patience of Job.” It seems that most people have heard of Job. That may be because he suffered so greatly. One day, in the span of a few hours, his children died and he lost all his wealth, everything he had.
I can still remember, as a new Christian, believing that being a Christian would surely one day mean a problem-free life. As I was reading the New Testament, I came across these words of Jesus: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).
Jesus said it: you and I will suffer. It’s a fact of life. We live in a sinful world of aging bodies, homes that are destroyed, faltering relationships, and fortunes that can be lost. But be assured that trials are not punishments.
God loves you and allows trials to help you grow spiritually. He offers sufficient grace for every situation. And the journey through trials grows your patience, endurance, and empathy. Yes, Jesus said we would experience suffering, but He did not leave us without hope. The second half of John 16:33 says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
RESPOND
Lord, the idea of suffering makes me very uncomfortable. But Lord, I know that You are working in me to accomplish spiritual growth. And You have promised to take care of me. I am looking to You for encouragement because You have overcome. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God’s Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life.
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God’s Own Heart (only $3.00!)—A beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living a life as A Woman After God’s Own Heart.
REFLECT
Where do I turn when I’m suffering?
Spend time in prayer the next time you’re hurting.
REMEMBER
“Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
August 21, 2018
Back to School Tips – Teen Tuesday
It’s a new school year, which can be fun for the first few weeks. But going to school can get old with day after day trudging off to the same classes, only to come home and do homework. I want to encourage you! The good habits and disciplines you develop during the next few years will lay the foundation for the rest of your life. Here’s my story and some back to school tips….
Back to School
When I was in high school all I aspired to was teaching office management skills. I loved my classes in that area and wanted to give to others what my teachers gave me. I wasn’t a whiz kid or a genius. I struggled to get B’s and had to work really hard to get A’s. So I wanted to help others who were average like me fall in love with something helpful and fun, something they could use every day to make a living.
Well, trust me, you’ll never know what the future holds! Only in time did I use the teaching part of my education…and then it was to teach the Bible! And only in time did I use the typing part of my office skills training…to write books. And only in time did my other office skills help manage our ministry organization. And, my friend, only in time will you realize God’s bigger picture for your abilities and passions, all to be revealed and grown as you work at being a faithful student today.
Begin Each Day
Please acknowledge the importance of “today” each day. Take advantage of today…and every day…and any and every opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t waste or hate these critical years—years that can move you steadily down the road to success.
Today’s good decisions give you the freedom to choose greater opportunities tomorrow.
Today’s good habitsgive you greater discipline for accepting greater challenges tomorrow.
Today’s good attitudes equip you to run the greater race and win the greater prize tomorrow (1 Corinthians 9:24 ).
RESPOND
Dear Lord, I thank You that You are beside me right now and at all times. Help me to recall Your powerful presence when I need to be diligent and disciplined. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart Devotional —Teens and tween girls will enjoy the dynamic, practical messages that build good habits, cultivate a can–do attitude, and fan the flames of passion for God.
REFLECT
What is one good habit I will commit to doing this week?
REMEMBER
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 ).
Read Back to School Tips – Teen Tuesday on Elizabeth & Jim George.
August 20, 2018
Back to School Tips - Teen Tuesday
It’s a new school year, which can be fun for the first few weeks. But going to school can get old with day after day trudging off to the same classes, only to come home and do homework. I want to encourage you! The good habits and disciplines you develop during the next few years will lay the foundation for the rest of your life. Here’s my story and some back to school tips….
Back to School
When I was in high school all I aspired to was teaching office management skills. I loved my classes in that area and wanted to give to others what my teachers gave me. I wasn’t a whiz kid or a genius. I struggled to get B’s and had to work really hard to get A’s. So I wanted to help others who were average like me fall in love with something helpful and fun, something they could use every day to make a living.
Well, trust me, you’ll never know what the future holds! Only in time did I use the teaching part of my education…and then it was to teach the Bible! And only in time did I use the typing part of my office skills training…to write books. And only in time did my other office skills help manage our ministry organization. And, my friend, only in time will you realize God’s bigger picture for your abilities and passions, all to be revealed and grown as you work at being a faithful student today.
Begin Each Day
Please acknowledge the importance of “today” each day. Take advantage of today…and every day…and any and every opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t waste or hate these critical years—years that can move you steadily down the road to success.
Today’s good decisions give you the freedom to choose greater opportunities tomorrow.
Today’s good habitsgive you greater discipline for accepting greater challenges tomorrow.
Today’s good attitudes equip you to run the greater race and win the greater prize tomorrow (1 Corinthians 9:24 ).
RESPOND
Dear Lord, I thank You that You are beside me right now and at all times. Help me to recall Your powerful presence when I need to be diligent and disciplined. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart Devotional —Teens and tween girls will enjoy the dynamic, practical messages that build good habits, cultivate a can–do attitude, and fan the flames of passion for God.
REFLECT
What is one good habit I will commit to doing this week?
REMEMBER
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24 ).
August 16, 2018
Dealing with Gossip
It’s a horrible fact: Everyone has been hurt by gossip or slander. No one is immune from the searing pain brought about by false or damaging information. I know I’ve been on the receiving end of such pain and damage. And I’m ashamed to say I’ve been the deliverer of it too. You’ve probably experienced both ends of gossip as well.
Satan and She-Devils
The word slanderer is used many times in the Bible. And it has a frightening meaning! Slanderer comes from the word diabolos, meaning a malicious gossip, slanderer, or false accuser. This word is used 34 times (yes, 34!) in the New Testament as a title for Satan. It is also used to describe Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus and was called a “devil” in John 6:70.
And, besides these references, the word is used in Titus 2:3 and in 1 Timothy 3:11 in reference to women, literally meaning “she-devils” and “malicious talkers.”
Gossips are not in very good company, are they? They are lumped together with Satan, Judas, and slanderous “she-devil” women—not a pretty or pleasant thought, is it? Even the most hardened offender (gulp!) might be ashamed of her gossiping if she realized she was a she-devil involved in slandering and killing others.
Stay Out of the Fray
So what are we supposed to do when we’re around gossip? It’s good to be prepared, and these options will help.
Choose your activities carefully—Be careful about talking on the phone, hanging out, or staying too long after your luncheon appointment with your friends is over.
Choose words of praise—Be known as a woman who is a friend of women. I call this being a woman who is for other women rather than being against them. God wants you to share words that are full of grace (Colossians 4:6), wise and kind (Proverbs 16:23-24; 31:26), pleasant, sweet, constructive, and instructive. May your speech edify and minister grace to your hearers (Ephesians 4:29).
Choose to pray—Rather than talk about someone who has issues, pray for them. And while you’re at it, pray for yourself and your speech. Also pray for those who harm you. This way, you’re telling the right person—God, not everyone else—about your problems. His job is to deal with those who wrong you (Romans 12:19). Your job is to pray and to forgive.
Choose to deal with gossip as sin—This is where I had my greatest breakthrough. Acknowledge to God that you have a problem with gossip. Confess it as sin. Tell Him all about it (1 John 1:8-9). And ask for His help.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, please help me make it my goal that, in every encounter, others are better off for having been in my presence. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices—Combined biblical insight & a built-in Study Guide make this book a perfect Group Fall Bible Study! Women will experience greater productivity and spiritual blessing as they glean from wise tips.
$10 SPECIAL → Pair this resource, now ON SALE for $6.99, with Encouraging Words for a Woman’s Heart (only $3.00)!
REFLECT
Do I enjoy gossip more than I enjoy honoring the Lord and others?
What is my plan to avoid gossip?
REMEMBER
God wants you to share words that are full of grace (Colossians 4:6), wise and kind (Proverbs 16:23-24; 31:26), pleasant, sweet, constructive, and instructive.
Read Dealing with Gossip on Elizabeth & Jim George.
August 15, 2018
Dealing with Gossip
It’s a horrible fact: Everyone has been hurt by gossip or slander. No one is immune from the searing pain brought about by false or damaging information. I know I’ve been on the receiving end of such pain and damage. And I’m ashamed to say I’ve been the deliverer of it too. You’ve probably experienced both ends of gossip as well.
Satan and She-Devils
The word slanderer is used many times in the Bible. And it has a frightening meaning! Slanderer comes from the worddiabolos, meaning a malicious gossip, slanderer, or false accuser. This word is used 34 times (yes, 34!) in the New Testament as a title for Satan. It is also used to describe Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus and was called a “devil” in John 6:70.
And, besides these references, the word is used in Titus 2:3 and in 1 Timothy 3:11 in reference to women, literally meaning “she-devils” and “malicious talkers.”
Gossips are not in very good company, are they? They are lumped together with Satan, Judas, and slanderous “she-devil” women—not a pretty or pleasant thought, is it? Even the most hardened offender (gulp!) might be ashamed of her gossiping if she realized she was a she-devil involved in slandering and killing others.
Stay Out of the Fray
So what are we supposed to do when we’re around gossip? It’s good to be prepared, and these options will help.
Choose your activities carefully—Be careful about talking on the phone, hanging out, or staying too long after your luncheon appointment with your friends is over.
Choose words of praise—Be known as a woman who is a friend of women. I call this being a woman who is forother women rather than being against them. God wants you to share words that are full of grace (Colossians 4:6), wise and kind (Proverbs 16:23-24; 31:26), pleasant, sweet, constructive, and instructive. May your speech edify and minister grace to your hearers (Ephesians 4:29).
Choose to pray—Rather than talk about someone who has issues, pray for them. And while you’re at it, pray for yourself and your speech. Also pray for those who harm you. This way, you’re telling the right person—God, not everyone else—about your problems. His job is to deal with those who wrong you (Romans 12:19). Your job is to pray and to forgive.
Choose to deal with gossip as sin—This is where I had my greatest breakthrough. Acknowledge to God that you have a problem with gossip. Confess it as sin. Tell Him all about it (1 John 1:8-9). And ask for His help.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, please help me make it my goal that, in every encounter, others are better off for having been in my presence. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices—Combined biblical insight & a built-in Study Guide make this book a perfect Group Fall Bible Study! Women will experience greater productivity and spiritual blessing as they glean from wise tips.
$10 SPECIAL → Pair this resource, now ON SALE for $6.99, with Encouraging Words for a Woman’s Heart (only $3.00)!
REFLECT
Do I enjoy gossip more than I enjoy honoring the Lord and others?
What is my plan to avoid gossip?
REMEMBER
God wants you to share words that are full of grace (Colossians 4:6), wise and kind (Proverbs 16:23-24; 31:26), pleasant, sweet, constructive, and instructive.
August 14, 2018
Finding Time for a Quiet Time
Lunch out with friends…or quiet time with your Bible? Hmm. Sometimes this choice is really hard, isn’t it?
Time for Ourselves
Time for ourselves is important, but that priority takes second place to God’s calling to train our little ones. This is your highest and most noble calling. But we can’t give out what we don’t possess, so it’s vital to nurture a passion for God’s Word and His wisdom.
Time for God
Spend some time each day reading the Bible. Share its life-giving truth with your children. It requires the sacrifice of time and energy, but the years you have with your children fly by so quickly.
Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart.” Your time in God’s Word is time He’ll use to make you a mom after His own heart. It’s time well invested!
RESPOND
Lord, help me choose You and Your Word as my source of strength and refreshment each day. I want to deepen my understanding of Your love and Your will so that I become a mother who invests in her faith and family with everything she has and is. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Mom After God’s Own Heart Devotional — These upbeat and to-the-point offerings give you daily direction and confidence for the amazing privilege of loving and raising children.
A Boy After God’s Own Heart Action Devotional — Help your tween (ages 8-12) get into God’s Word himself with these 140 devotions that address every part of a boy’s life!
REFLECT
Read one chapter of the book of Proverbs each day (hint: read the chapter that correlates to the day of the month).
REMEMBER
Your time in God’s Word is time He’ll use to make you a mom after His own heart.
Read Finding Time for a Quiet Time on Elizabeth & Jim George.
