Elizabeth George's Blog, page 6

True Freedom

Newly found freedom

Our nation’s founding fathers approved the wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This declaration gave the people of this newly formed country a freedom they had not experienced before. Though it took many years for it to become the holiday as it is celebrated today, July 4th has always been an important date in our nation’s history. We celebrate much more than the approval of a declaration. The Fourth of July is a celebration of independence, religious freedom, and freedom from tyranny and oppression.

True Freedom

As a woman, a wife, a mom, and a grandmother—I’m grateful we are free. I’m thankful to be able to pray openly with my family, to read the Bible without fear of any reprisals whatsoever, to take a stand for my faith or witness to others, and pray for those who lack these freedoms. But in Christ we have true spiritual freedom as well.

When we view God’s Word, His laws and commandments, through His eyes then we can see the freedom within them. They free us from bondage and promise blessings in return for obedience. They aren’t meant to hinder us. They protect us. They give us pure freedom to experience the life He intended for us.

A freedom only Jesus can deliver

Are you living in the freedom God has given you in your life? The Lord says that the greatest kind of freedom possible belongs to His children.

Jesus came so we could experience freedom. Not political freedom, or even the personal freedoms we enjoy, but freedom from sin. Whatever the situation and circumstances people of the world suffer—we are free in Christ. Rejoice! Celebrate and walk in this truth every single day!

RESPOND:

Lord, thank you for the freedom we have in this country, and through Christ. I want other people to experience Your freedom. Show me who I can minister to. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Do you long to be a faithful leader of your home and community? Purchase and download this printable for helpful reminders of how to succeed as a Christian Leader.

REFLECT:

How can I show others about the freedom we have in Christ?

REMEMBER:

Jesus came so we could experience true freedom!

Pray for Your Husband

Paul wrote, “We do not cease to pray.” This is a good reminder for all wives that our prayers for our husband are not to be a one-time event. When our husband has an issue, need, or crisis, or we have a concern regarding him, we can offer up a quick prayer anytime and anywhere.

But don’t be satisfied with random prayers shot up to heaven from here and there, now and then. While there is a place for quickly sharing your heart with God as you go through your day and think about someone, or your heart is breaking, or you need some on-the-spot wisdom. But prayer is also doing business with God. It’s sort of like preparing a presentation to share at work.

It is serious business to present your needs to God. You pour out your heart to God and your reasons for what you are asking. Let’s do as the apostle Paul. His prayers were “always” (Philippians 1:4), “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and he prayed “constantly” (2 Timo- thy 1:3 NASB).

Now, what is it you should be praying for? Here are three prayers for your husband: **

Pray that your husband will grow in the knowledge of God’s will (Colossians 1:9).

The Bible says that “if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). So praying that your husband knows and lives and acts according to God’s will is extremely important.

How is your husband to identify God’s will? Colossians 1:9 gives the answer: “All wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Pray for wisdom for your husband. Wisdom is the ability to gather and organize principles from Scripture. And pray for your husband’s spiritual understanding—that he will understand what he reads and studies in God’s Word. Understanding is the application of those principles in your husband’s daily life. That is the essence of God’s will!

Pray that your husband will please God (Colossians 1:10).

Pleasing God occurs when your husband obeys God’s commands—when he does God’s will. Pray that your husband will follow and obey God by walking in a worthy manner, which will result in bearing the fruit of the Spirit in his life—the fruit of love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Pleasing God also occurs when your husband grows in his knowledge of God.

Pray that your husband will be strengthened by God (Colossians 1:11).

Paul focused on God’s strength in Colossians 1:11, that believers would be “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power.” ****In prayer, ask Christ to enable your husband with His power to be God’s man. Ask God to infuse your husband with His strength to love and to lead your family through the pressures of life. And pray fervently for your husband to be strengthened with all might, “according to His glorious power.” Ask God that your husband would be made strong with God’s incredible strength so he can have “all patience and long-suffering with joy.”

And here’s the ultimate blessing of God’s glorious power: when your husband is strengthened by that power, there will be only one way to explain his life and character—God! And because there is no human explanation for your husband’s walk and the fruit in his life, God Himself will receive all the glory. God will be glorified, which is every Christian’s highest goal and purpose—“to do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

RESPOND:

Father God, I do not cease to pray for __________ , and to ask that __________ may be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that __________ may walk worthy of You, Lord, fully pleasing You, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in his knowledge of You, God; that __________ may be strengthened with all might, according to Your glorious power. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In ”15 Verses to Pray for Your Husband” you'll discover key Bible passages you can use as a springboard for lifting your husband up to God.

REFLECT:

Do I have a daily habit of praying specifically for my husband?

REMEMBER:

Make it a point to pray for your husband; pray for God to work in his life, and give Him all the glory!

From Jim’s heart for men…Accept the Challenge to Live Boldly

I’m not much of a student of the laws of physics, but it doesn’t take much of a student to understand that where there is no resistance, there is no pressure. And that same law could apply to our spiritual lives as well—where there is no resistance to sin (that is, when we disobey), there is no challenge to obedience.

There are no challenges

…when you allow fear to immobilize you

…when you allow peer pressure to compromise you

…when you allow your culture to conform you

…when you allow ignorance to stupefy you

…when you allow apathy to pacify you.

But you are seeking to be a man after God’s own heart. I believe you are ready to accept the challenges that come with obedience. I believe you want your life to have a bold impact for God…and that you want to become a man of godly influence. With God’s help (and that’s what it will take) you are ready to be used in powerful ways by God.

Here then are a few suggestions that will definitely help you develop a life of influence and lasting impact. If you are like me, we can never be reminded enough of these simple steps!

Step 1: Realize that God’s Word is God’s Word to YOU. As an excuse for disobedience, some people say, “If God would speak to me in a vision like He did to Paul and Ananias, or like He did with Moses, then I would obey.” But God has revealed Himself to us! God has revealed Himself to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in His Word, the Bible. Let’s stop making excuses and start obeying God’s Word.

Step 2: Realize what God’s commands are and obey them.

What kind of commands? Commands like…

“Husbands, love your wives” (Ephesians 5:25).

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1).

“Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25).

“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

Step 3: Constantly seek God’s strength to follow through on His commands. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10 NASB). What God expects you to do, He also enables you to do. The strength comes from Him. You just need a willing heart.

Step 4: Repent when you have disobeyed God’s standards. God does not ask you to be perfect, but He asks you to progress and grow in maturity. God uses pure vessels. So

…keep a clean slate with God

…acknowledge your sin

…accept the forgiveness God offers

…move on boldly for God.

Step 5: Rejoice in even the smallest victories. No war is ever won in one battle. And neither is your war against the challenge to obedience. Spiritual growth happens one step at a time, one victory at a time. So thank God even for the smallest of victories in Jesus Christ (Romans 7:24).

Your outcome in life doesn’t depend on your income, but on how you overcome. It all comes down to this: an influential life for God is dependent on an obedient life to God. **

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to be an overcomer in life, and life boldly for You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In “The Man Who Makes A Difference”, Jim George explores how Paul took God's priorities for life and made them his own.

REFLECT:

What challenge are you ready to embrace this week knowing that God enables you to overcome?

REMEMBER:

Spiritual growth happens one step at a time.

Being a Godly Father

If you are a dad, you are part of an exciting exclusive club. However you came to be your children’s father, and whatever your specific story or circumstances, you are their dad. Being a father is one of the greatest privileges God extends to you. But this role also bears the greatest of responsibilities.

Influencing Your Kid’s Heart

You will influence your children more than any other person, for good or evil. Your example will mark them for life. Maybe you need to get down on your knees and ask God to give you His wisdom to do whatever is necessary to be a dad after God’s own heart. And even better is to pray for this every day.

Influencing Your Father Heart

Here are four steps that make a big difference in helping you become a godly father—a father after God’s own heart.

Love your wife. The most important step you can take as a dad is to love your wife. This may not be the easiest step for you. But it will be the one that goes the farthest in modeling God’s love for His children.Affirm in your heart that you are in the faith—that you are in Christ. If you are, you have access to all the help you will ever need to be God’s kind of dad.Make sure you are growing spiritually. God wants you to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Because spiritual growth is a command, that means you have a choice. If you want to be a dad after God’s own heart, you will want to choose to grow spiritually. So carve out some time each day to spend with your heavenly Father.Don’t make excuses for not reading your Bible. Getting into God’s Word is an obvious step for all important things—including being a dad. I’ve heard a lot of men say, “I have to be at work really early.” Or “I don’t understand the Bible.” Or “I don’t know where to start.” Yet if something is truly important to you, you’ll find a way to fit it into your busy schedule, and you’ll take time to learn how to do it. Not only does a Christian man, husband, and father need to spend time with God daily, but he should want to.

Your love for your Heavenly Father will guide you as you love and lead your family well. Focus on God and let His word guide you as you seek to be a dad after God’s own heart.

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, help me represent You, our heavenly Father, to my children—I want to display Your love, devotion, discipline, and caring well. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

This printable serves as a reminder of God’s provision for you, and is available to purchase and download.

REFLECT:

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

In what ways do I need to grow in the Lord in order to grow as a godly father?

REMEMBER:

Your love for your Heavenly Father will guide you as you love and lead your family well.

From Jim’s Heart for Men: A Heart That Worships

We often focus on the personal side of worship when we note what marks a man after God’s heart. You, as God’s man, should be marked by prayer, praise, and personal worship. As you read, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word, you will develop a deep reservoir of strength that, in time, will issue forth in praise and prayers of gratitude to your God.

But there is another aspect of worship—the public side. From the very beginning of the church, believers have gath­ered together to worship God through singing, studying the Word, and celebrating the Lord’s resurrection. In fact, the day the early church gathered together was called “the first day of the week” or “the Lord’s Day” (Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10).

On modern calendars, Sunday is the first day of the week. And for Christians, there are several reasons it is an important day. A friend and author, Dr. Richard Mayhue of The Master’s Seminary, believes there are good reasons for us as men after God’s heart to participate in corporate worship:

-It provides the only opportunity during the week for the entire flock to hear the heart, mind, and voice of the Senior Shepherd.

-It’s the only day during the week for God’s flock to join their hearts together in unified worship.

-It’s the only time during the week that the flock can blend their voices together in praise to God.

-It’s the only time during the week to join hands in giving sacrificially to the Lord.

-It’s the only opportunity during the week in which the congregation (both young and old) can have a common shared experience.

-It’s the only time during the week in which the large body can be in a position to encourage and stimulate one another to love and good deeds in accord with Hebrews 10:24-25:13.

You and I—as men aspiring to godliness—should be as excited about going to church as David was about his visits to the house of God. Hear again how David, a man who had a heart for worship, expressed his yearning for God’s house. This longing ought to be ours as well:

“I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells” (Psalm 26:8).

“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).

An additional reason why church attendance is important is to meet the spiritual needs of your family. Your wife and children need spiritual stimulation as much as you do!  Therefore you must take leadership in this vital area. It’s not your wife’s responsibility to make church attendance happen. It’s your responsibility as a husband and father and the God-ordained spiritual leader of your family. God holds you accountable for nurturing your family’s spiritual needs, and church attendance is a key part of that nurturing.

God did not intend for church attendance to be merely a cultural ritual devoid of meaning and joy. He infused the benefits of community interaction and corporate praise into Christian gatherings when He said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

If this is the time for you to begin (or return to) gathering with fellow Christians, bring it before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to guide you to the community where you can both serve and be served…both learn from others and share your own wisdom…and worship the Lord in spirit and truth (John 4:24).

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to lead my family well by attending and participating in corporate worship. Thank You for Your body, the Church. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Discover how God can use men just like you and read One Minute with the Men of the Bible by Jim George.

REFLECT:

How can I grow in my participation with my local church community? How can I better nurture my family’s spiritual needs?

REMEMBER:

Church should be a place of joy and worship, where you can grow in wisdom and truth.

God’s Purpose for You

Knowing your purpose as a Christian woman is important. To drift aimlessly through your precious days is tiresome, frustrating, and unrewarding. It would be a great tragedy to wake up one day and realize all you could have accomplished if you had focused on some worthy goals along the way.

But so many voices shout at us and suggest numerous and varied goals for us. How are we to pursue our purpose if we can’t pinpoint it? If we read it, God’s Word will rise above the clamor and give us the answer. And here’s amazing news…God doesn’t ask a thousand or even a hundred things of His women.

The Lord asks us to focus on a mere 10 things. These will help us pursue His purpose for us—to love Him and others, to serve people, and to reflect Him. Let’s take a quick look at this list in Titus 2:3-5 for the essentials on which to focus our time and energies. We are to be:

Godly in our behavior.Kind and truthful in our speech.Self-controlled and disciplined.Devoted wives to our husband.Devoted moms to our kids.Wise in our actions.Pure on the outside and inside.Focused on the management of our home.Good to all we meet.A teacher of good things.

It’s liberating to know and pursue your purpose in life. Are you already living out your purpose? If so, continue to focus your time and energies on it. If not, spend time examining Jesus’ life. Now that you know this list, His purpose for you is not as mysterious as you may have thought.

Pay close attention to His focus and confidence as He lived God’s pur­pose on a daily basis. Notice how He fixed His gaze on God’s plan for Him. And be encouraged! As a woman who is seeking God’s plan, you are already evidencing purpose. You are reflect­ing Jesus as you live out His instructions to “seek first the king­dom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to be a woman of purpose, as You use me to minister to others. Thank you being faithful to lead me and guide me. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Elizabeth George’s Life Management for Busy Women will help you organize your life as you strive to live in godliness and faithfulness.

REFLECT:

How can I seek first the kingdom of God in my life?

REMEMBER:

God has a plan and purpose for you!

A Woman of Purpose

Like other single people, a widow has a choice to make. She can worry about her situation as a widow, or she can take up God’s challenge and take on the multitude of opportunities for service.

Depending on her age and whether or not she has children at home, she can shift her service from her husband’s needs to the church’s needs. Like my husband’s mother, who was widowed twice, a widow can gain a reputation with her service, being “well reported for good works,” offering hospitality to others, caring for people in need, and diligently following every good work (1 Timothy 5:10).

The Bible shows us many marvelous examples of widows who contributed significantly to God’s purposes and people.

The Widow of Zarephath

During a time of severe famine in the land of Israel, this single mom and widow gave up her last bit of food to feed God’s prophet Elijah. In response to her faith, obedience, and sacrifice, God provided food for her and her son during the famine (1 Kings 17:9-16).

Anna

This amazing woman had been married for seven years and then lived as a widow until she was 84 years old. One day Jesus was brought to the temple by His parents—where Anna “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37). God honored Anna’s faithful service by allowing her the blessing of seeing the Messiah.

The Widow Who Gave All

One day when Jesus was in the temple He observed those who were placing their tithes into the treasury. Jesus pointed out a poor widow who dropped in only “two mites,” about one-eighth of a penny. Jesus commended this destitute widow’s giving (Mark 12:42-43).

Here are a few ways to serve others as a widow:

     1. Own Your Role

Just as a married woman has a purpose, so do you! You get the honor and privilege of unencumbered service to your Lord! You get to pull out all the stops and serve to your heart’s content. Develop your spiritual gifts and ask those in leadership at your church about areas of ministry where you could help others and use your time and gifts. Begin by just being available.

     2. Keep Yourself Pure

God keys in on being “holy both in body and in spirit” (1 Corinthians 7:34). God is holy, and those who serve Him are to fight the battle of keeping themselves untainted and pure from sin.

     3. Encourage Those Who Are Single

As a widow or married woman, you can be an encourager to those who are single. For three years, I flung open the doors of our home to the single career women in my church for a Bible study. We grew together. We studied God’s Word together. We created fun outings and get-togethers.

I hope you grasp the reassuring reality of God’s plan for you if you are a widow, single, or if you become single in the future. As in all things, God has a purpose for you and He has you covered…no matter what happens, where you are, or what your life involves.

RESPOND:

Dear God of all comfort, today I praise You that You give strength to the brokenhearted and aid to those who are in need. Please guide me in serving others. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Decorate your kitchen or office with this printable, available for purchase and download.

REFLECT:

Look around in your local congregation, reach out to church leadership, and see how you can serve.

REMEMBER:

As a widow or married woman, you can be an encourager to those who are single.

Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman

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.

As we step into this study of the woman God 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 ask His help in reaching toward the excellence revealed in this woman.

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Read Proverbs 31:10-31. Take a minute to focus on 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, 2:17, and 2:23?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

Take time to respond 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 this 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:

Lord, thank You for teaching me in Your Word how to be a virtuous and excellent woman. Help me to pursue Your truth today. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In A Woman’s High Calling, learn about how to live a life focused on God and His plan for you.

REFLECT:

Take time today to think on your heart’s desires and how they match with God’s desires for you as shown in Proverbs 31.

REMEMBER:

Listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit as you apply yourself to become a woman of virtue and excellence.

What Makes a Woman Beautiful in God’s Eyes?

There are few questions I’m asked more than, "What makes a woman beautiful in God’s eyes?"

The simplest answer is devotion and time. Nothing beautiful happens overnight. It takes daily surrender and making God’s Word your highest priority. You are a diamond in the rough. And you gain the power of character and begin to more clearly reflect your heavenly Father’s face as His Word smooths and polishes your character.

As you spend time studying God’s Word, the light of His truth brightens your motivation to live your life for His glory. When you read the Word of the Lord, He uses it to scrub and scour away your fears, your laziness, your doubts, and your sinful ways.

God uses His Word to transform you into a woman of divine power who reflects His beauty. This is what makes a woman beautiful in God’s eyes.

WOMAN OF GOD

Once you begin to see your transformation taking hold, other aspects of your life will be different. Those who are close to you will comment on your loving, Godly marriage because they see God reflected so vividly in it. Your children will rise and call you blessed! This is what happens when we surrender our hearts to God. He transforms us from the inside out and that is what true beauty is all about.

Another very sweet and special change takes place when we begin to be transformed by our loving Father, as we’ll also be motivated to take better care of ourselves.

HABITS OF A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

Over the years, there are four things I’ve strived to do each day to show Him how much I cherish the vessel He’s given me.

Dress up—Queen Esther chose to wear her royal robes into the presence of her husband, the king (Esther 5:1). The Proverbs 31 woman wore silk and purple (Proverbs 31:22). These women dressed with a touch of class, wearing what was right for the occasion and proper in her day and time. Fix up—Make an effort to create a pleasing appearance. Think about the people who fill your day. What will they see? Fresh face, hair, and makeup? Clean, wrinkle-free, spot-free, odor-free clothes? A bright smile and a little color here and there?Clean up—Proverbs teaches that “ointment and perfume delight the heart” (Proverbs 27:9). Both are pleasant and heartwarming and indicate that someone has gone to the trouble to spruce up. Plus, the Bible mentions washing oneself over and over again.Look up—Throughout your day look up to the Lord. Pray to Him, think on Him, serve Him, worship Him, do all unto Him, obey Him, and love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27). As you are consciously aware of His presence, His beauty will shine through your efforts. And then He is glorified (Matthew 5:16)!RESPOND:

Dear Lord, Your Word tells us what true beauty is—to love and revere You. Help me be a woman of strong, godly character, and a woman who is beautiful in Your eyes. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Enjoy this Beautiful in God’s Eyes printable, available to purchase and download on the website:

REFLECT:

Write down one verse each day from your time in God’s Word. Think on that verse throughout the day to remember God’s promises to you.

REMEMBER:

Throughout your day look up to the Lord. Pray to Him, think on Him, serve Him, worship Him, do all unto Him, obey Him, and love Him.

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Women Leaders of the Bible: Miriam, Sister of Moses

Women in the Bible

Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and the daughter of Amran and Jochebed. She is one of seven major prophetess' in the Bible.

Miriam, sister of Moses

The first time we meet Miriam in the Bible she is just a young child. Her mother had just given birth to her youngest brother, Moses, and during this time in history, a decree had been established that demanded all newborn Hebrew males must be killed.

It was during this era of her life that Miriam watched her parents strong faith as they hid the newborn Moses for months and then, when they could no longer keep his existence a secret, they came up with a plan to attempt to have the boy's life spared.

Miriam watched as her mother coated a papyrus basket with tar and pitch to waterproof it. Then, she bundled up her baby boy and placed him inside the basket and hid it in the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. Miriam stayed to see what would happen to her baby brother (Exodus 2:1-4).

Not long after Moses was placed in the Nile River, Pharaoh's daughter went to the river to bathe. It was then that she saw the basket and sent her slave girl to get it. When she opened the basket and saw baby Moses inside, she decided to keep him and raise him as her own.

Miriam still hadn't stopped watching, so when she saw what Pharaoh's daughter did she ran over and offered to help find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby for her. Miriam ran to her mother to tell her the news, and Moses' very own mother was then compensated to nurse and care for him until he was weaned.

A Leader in the Bible

Even at a young age, Miriam was a leader. She knew when to follow, when to initiate, and later in her life we see that she knew exactly when to pray. If ever you are looking for a female model of a leader, God shows you in Miriam one of His very special women of faith.

Assisting God's People to Freedom

Miriam faithfully followed and assisted her two brothers, Aaron and Moses, as they led God’s people to freedom. As a prophetess and a pray-er, Miriam was filled with the Holy Spirit, who inspired her words. Moved by God’s miraculous defeat of the Egyptian army in the midst of the Red Sea, Miriam “took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.” (See Micah 6:4; Exodus 15:20)

May God’s Spirit be at work in you and the example of Miriam encourage and inspire you to love and serve the women in your church as you pray about leadership. And always remember, the young girls who surround you are always looking up to you. They will be our future leaders someday, so model leadership and teach them well.

Becoming a Christian Leader

If leading other women is one of the desires of your heart, or if leadership is something others are asking of you, consider a few principles drawn from J. Oswald Sanders’s classic book, Spiritual Leadership.

**A leader is a follower—**The adage is true that to be a leader you must first be a follower. Leadership is a discipline, and it is in the process of being a faithful follower that you gain the discipline necessary for effective leadership.**A leader is a pray-er—**Prayer brings to leadership the power and energy of the Holy Spirit. Missionary and leader Hudson Taylor was convinced that “it is possible to move [others], through God, by prayer alone.”**A leader is an initiator—**It is only the authentic leader who is willing to take risks and move out courageously as “venturesomeness” is applied to vision.

(Drawn from J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership. Chicago: Moody Press, 1967)

RESPOND:

God, please transform me into a godly leader. Speak to me through Your Word, through Your Spirit, and through godly people. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In 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. Learn more about this book here:

REFLECT:

The best way you can lead others is to make sure you are growing spiritually. This growth will give you the wisdom and strength you need for leading other believers.

REMEMBER:

Find role models to emulate, and be a role model to emulate. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17)