Elizabeth George's Blog, page 9

Counting Our Blessings

As we head into the holiday season, I am reminded of the need to focus on spiritual blessings. In the midst of celebration and being surrounded by material blessings, let’s turn to the book of James. One reason I love the book of James is that along with advice to help us with our daily trials and challenges, we read in James 1:3-12 a list of benefits or blessings that come from going through trials. Let’s look closely at two of these verses.

Blessing #1 (verse 3) Perseverance

“You know that the testing of your faith produces [or develops] perseverance.”

“Perseverance” is a word that describes the strength God is building in you when you face tough times. God is right there with you to help you! Perseverance gives you what you need to hang in there until you make it through your problem, until you make it to the end.

Do you know the children’s story called The Little Engine That Could? You may remember that the engine had a tough time pulling the train up steep hills. But he persevered. As he chugged along, he kept saying, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”

My friend, God gives you His power and grace so you can say, “I know I can make it through this problem”—because He is producing perseverance in you.

Blessing #2 (verse 4) Spiritual Growth

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Did anyone ever say to you when you were young, “Why don’t you just grow up?” Well, James is telling us that when we let perseverance finish its work in us, we grow up spiritually. Just as when you were a child doing your chores, or when you practiced an instrument or sport over and over, when you persevere you are experiencing the blessing of becoming “mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

God does not ask you or any of His people to understand our trials. But He does want us to trust Him and His wisdom and His plan for us. When you do this—when you trust God with your problems—you will find the blessings of joy in Him, joy in His promises, and joy in His perfect will for your special life.

RESPOND:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the reminder of the blessing of perseverance during trials. Help me to grow in my love for You and my family. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In A Young Woman After God’s Own Heart: A Teen's Guide to Friends, Faith, Family, & the Future you will find yourself caught up in the exciting adventure of a lifetime—that of becoming a woman after God's own heart!

REFLECT:

After reading James 1:1-12, how can these verses help you live out your faith?

REMEMBER:

Remember the blessings and spiritual growth that come from persevering through trials.

Keeping a Gratitude Journal

Traditionally, Thanksgiving Day is a food-filled celebration associated with expressing gratitude to God for the harvest of His bounty. As we prepare for 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.

Has something happened in your life that just 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 some difficult thing 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 keeping 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 that He gave to His people: safety, family, life, deliverance. The Almighty has done wonders for you too!

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 season.

RESPOND:

And now, O Lord, I bow before You with a heart of grat­itude. 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:

Finding God's Path Through Your Trials acknowledges the hard times we all face and reveals how people can "count it all joy".

REFLECT:

Create a gratitude journal for you to record your thanks to God in throughout the year. You can also create a prayer journal.

REMEMBER:

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

On Your Own

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

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

We can agree that it’s hard to work alone and to stand alone. Being part of a group certainly has tremendous benefits. And that’s the way it is in the body of Christ too. God provided for us so we’d never be alone.

Why? Because we are a “spiritual house” that is constructed using many individual “living stones.” The foundation of this house is Christ. As a house, it possesses strength and beauty based on a wide variety of materials (including you!). What’s more, this magnificent house of God is built up and improved with the addition of each person when they accept Christ and become new members of His family.

I thank God for Peter, the verbal artist who used superb imagery to paint a picture of the body of Christ that is simultaneously comforting and challenging. In 1 Peter 2:6 he tells us, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame,” which is based on Isaiah 28:16.

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

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

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

RESPOND:

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

RENEWING RESOURCES:

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

REFLECT:

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

REMEMBER:

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

Like Apples of Gold

The writer of Proverbs 25:11 paints this word picture about good communication, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” As a woman after God’s own heart, this kind of beauty should be the goal for all of your communication. Here are several of God’s keys to godly speech. Your words are to be:

Soft - “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). The words we choose to use have an effect on the hearer. Harsh, loud, caustic speech leads to arguments and quarrels, while soft, gentle words bring about peace.

Sweet - “Sweetness of the lips increases learning” or influence (Proverbs 16:21). Do you want to get your point across? Realize that, “Pleasant words promote instruction” (Proverbs 16:21 NIV).

Suitable - “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). Kind words have a medicinal effect on both body and soul.

Scant - “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). Another Bible translation is very vivid and down-to-earth in its language: “Don’t talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!”

Slow - “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Make it your aim to “listen much, speak little, and not become angry” (James 1:19 TLB). Why? Because “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20 NKJV). No good ever comes from sinful anger.

What happens when you and I don’t communicate God’s way with others? What results from a failure to pay attention to God’s wise guidelines for our speech? Proverbs has more word pictures for us, detailed in these verses:

“Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman” (Proverbs 21:9).

“Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman” (Proverbs 21:19).

“A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike” (Proverbs 27:15).

I’m sure you get the picture! The message is that a crabby, cranky, nagging, quarrelsome, complaining, ill-tempered woman annoys others in the same way a con­stant drip gets on our nerves and “drives us crazy.” It’s also important to note that poor communication drives people away, isolates, and divides them from each other.

Instead, let your speech be like apples of gold in settings of silver, like 14-carat gold fruit in a sterling silver basket—priceless, admirable, exquisite, and desirable. Learn to speak with godly wisdom when you communicate with others. Choose words that are soft, sweet, suitable, and scant!

RESPOND:

Lord, let my speech be like apples of gold in settings of silver. Help me to speak with wisdom. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES: 

Elizabeth George shares God's Word and woman-to-woman practical wisdom on how you can pursue God's priorities in A Woman After God’s Own Heart.

REFLECT:

What specific things can I change about how I communicate?

REMEMBER:

Poor communication drives people away, isolates, and divides them from each other, but kind words have a medicinal effect on both body and soul.

Finding Friends

As a Christian, you have a perfect friendship in Jesus Christ. God’s Son, Jesus, chose you to be His friend. Just as with His disciples, Jesus says about you: “You are My friends…I have called you friends” (John 15:14-15). With Jesus as your friend, you really don’t need anyone else.

But God also provides people with whom you can and should have friendships. Women you may meet at church are a natural starting point. Meeting women and making friends with those in your neighborhood might be another good starting point. Recently I spoke at a women’s conference in California, and while I was there, I spent time visiting with a former next-door neighbor. Although I hadn’t seen her in several decades, we picked up right where we had left off, before we both moved away so many years ago!

There are two other sources of friends that we often forget about. One is your parents. There is nothing weird about having your mom and dad as best friends. They are God’s gift to you. No one loves you more, or cares for your best interests more than your parents. Make it a goal—and put in the time, effort, and money—to develop a deeper level of friendship with your parents. Work on it today and every day. In later years you will be blessed and so glad you did.

Secondly, you also have friends in your brothers and sisters. As a child, you probably thought, Friends with my goofy brother? No way!  or Friends with my pesky little sister? You’ve got to be kidding! But in truth, friends throughout life can come and go. You may stay in touch with some, but most of your friends will move on. But your family is just that—your family. They will always be there, especially if you work at building and maintaining friendships with them. And that goofy brother of yours is all grown up and perhaps not so goofy anymore. That pesky little sister is a woman with a family of her own. Find ways to connect with your family members, and your nieces and nephews!  Make an effort to stay tight and be friends with your family.

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to always see you as the most important friendship in my life. Help me to seek and develop other relationships as well, that are healthy, godly, and meaningful to both my life and theirs.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Read A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices for more insight and encouragement for becoming a woman after God’s own heart.

REFLECT:

What can I do each day or week to connect with my parents or siblings? How can I grow and develop friendships with women who may already be in my life?

REMEMBER:

While Jesus is the best friend a believer will have, look for ways to grow friendship with your family members, neighbors, and fellow church-goers.

A Universal Language

Recently as I went with my husband for a much-needed outing of running errands, I made a startling discovery. There is a universal language of communication that crosses all boundaries known to man.

I discovered what this language was as I waited in a long line at our post office to mail some packages. There were unhappy children, frustrated employees, and a problem with a computer. Those things together led to a few grumpy people inside the building.

The post office employees would call out to those in line for a pick-up or a passport. Each time they did, I noticed a young lady ahead of me struggling to understand the words being said. She didn't understand English very well and kept turning to others to see if somehow they could communicate with her.

When she turned around, others would look at her with blank stares, and you could see the confusion in her eyes as she struggled to understand. I finally noticed a pick-up slip in her hand. She had been waiting all this time when she could have picked up her package more than ten minutes earlier.

I tapped her shoulder and pointed to the line where the last gentlemen had just gone to get his package. She looked at me, confused. I realized then that she was unaware of what I was saying, so I touched her ticket, smiled, and pointed to the line again. I knew that she understood because she smiled back and walked off to get in the other line.

When the post office employee took her ticket and went to retrieve her package, she turned and smiled at me. I understood. She said, "Thank you."

The most wonderful part of the story was when her package arrived, and she saw who it was from. Her face lit up, her smile evident from ear to ear. Even though the words she spoke were in a different language, her smile said, "I'm so happy to have this package!" When she passed me and toward the exit, she smiled at me again. This time it was even bigger than before. I understood.

I thought I would have some fun and test this. I smiled at my husband when I got back to the lobby, where he had been waiting for me. He smiled right back. Our smiles said, "I missed you! I'm glad that we are together again!" Then I smiled at people as we walked to the parking lot. They smiled back. It was as if we were saying, "Hi!" Some smiled so grandly it was as if they were saying, "Hi, and have a great day!"

This was amazing to me. I tend to just do what I need to do when out in public, but this taught me a powerful lesson. I could possibly change the course of someone's day by communicating with them with a smile. That's a beautiful thing.

Have you smiled at someone today?

RESPOND:

Father, how can I reflect You at work today? At home? In the community? Help me to remember how my smile, my simple words, and my actions can reflect Your saving work in the world. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In Beautiful in God’s Eyes, Elizabeth George guides women through the popular Bible verses in Proverbs 31 to show how God defines beauty and reveals His plan for a woman’s success.

REFLECT:

Look for ways you can be more attentive to the needs of others. Let your smile cross all communication boundaries.

REMEMBER:

Your smile can encourage others and change the course of their day.

Giving an Answer for Your Hope

Not long after I accepted a position at the seminary where I received my own training, I attended a conference of professors from around the country. One of the speakers had a Ph.D. in religion and theology. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that, while this person knew a lot about God, he did not have a personal relationship with God through Christ. During a lunch break, I sat with him and initiated a conversation about salvation and the gospel message. I’ll never forget this professor’s response, “Well, how can a good God let bad things happen?”

His question is a common question that believers are asked, and it brings up a common fear that most people have about sharing the gospel message with unbelievers. While believers may be worried about being asked a question that they are unable to answer, the chances of that happening are small. There are only about seven basic questions that are asked by unbelievers as they grapple with the truth of the gospel. The question from my unbelieving-Ph.D.-in-theology friend was number-one on that list!

You may be among those who are afraid of the questions that come your way after you’ve built the bridges, developed the friendships, and become a good neighbor. But questions are a good thing. Witnessing is not a one-way street, and evangelism is not a monologue, but a dialogue. Evangelism is listening to other people—understanding their objections, fears, and questions, and then seeking to give solid biblical answers.

The Christian faith demands that we have enough compassion to learn the questions of our generation and go to the Bible for its answers. Here is a list of the seven basic questions that unbelievers most often ask. Alongside each objection, I’ll also provide the most basic scriptures that will help you with the answers. My prayer is that you will develop the kinds of friendships with others that will make them feel comfortable with asking you one of these questions.

Six Basic Objections to the Gospel

Why do the innocent suffer? (Answer: Romans 5:12)What about the heathen who have never heard the gospel? (Answer: Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20)How can miracles be possible? (Answer: John 1:1,14; John 3:2)Isn’t the Bible full of errors? (Answer: 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21)Isn’t the Christian experience psychological? (Answer: Acts 9—the conversion of Paul; Romans 5:8-10)Won’t a good moral life get me to heaven? (Answer: Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5; James 2:10)

I pray that you will take on the task of building relationships so that you will have an opportunity to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). The rewards of sharing the faith are eternal, for those who come to Christ through your witness will become fellow citizens of heaven. Show people that you really care. Show them Christ’s love through your love. Show them your heart!

RESPOND:

Lord, may I love unbelievers well, and not be afraid of their objections to the faith. May I study Your word and communicate with my neighbor well. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

If you are a man who desires God’s best for your life, read A Man After God’s Own Heart and find encouragement as you follow Him.

REFLECT:

What type of objections have you experienced when sharing the Gospel with other people?

What answers do you find most useful to help overcome someone’s skepticism?

REMEMBER:

The rewards of sharing the faith are eternal, for those who come to Christ through your witness will become fellow citizens of heaven.

The Pattern of Your Life

Sometimes the accounts of the faithful in the Bible can feel a bit intimidating. You may wonder if you will ever transform into a man or woman with godly influence. Maybe you feel that way when you read about the woman in Proverbs 31, or when you read about the life of Paul. Paul was Jesus’ “chosen vessel” to spread the Savior’s name “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

Of course, like any human being, both of these spiritual icons had emotional and spiritual struggles. They had seasons of strong belief, and moment of doubts and fears. But the pattern of their lives was one of obedience, consistency, and faith.

If people were to look at the pattern of your life or mine, what would they see? Are there any con­tradictions or inconsistencies?

If so, we are in good company—the com­pany of the apostle Paul. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a notorious persecutor of Christians. Even in the midst of his missionary journeys, he faced fears (Acts 14:6), unrelenting trials (2 Corinthians 12:7), and arguments with fellow believers (Acts 15:39).

But with God, all things are possible and redeemable (Matthew 19:26). He transforms believers into people whose lives have a lasting impact on others. But you must be willing to make some changes in your own life. If you want to see a change in others, you must begin with yourself. We see this affirmed in the following words, which appear on the tomb of an Anglican bishop at Westminster Abbey,

“When I was young and free, my imagination had no limits. I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered that the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to chang­e only my country. But, it too, seemed immoveable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my death bed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I then would be able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.”

Ultimately, neither Paul nor the Proverbs 31 woman set out to change the world or be immortalized forever—they were intent on being faithful followers of the One, true, living God. Both made daily sacrifices and chose to obey, in ways both large and small. Their pattern of obedience and faithfulness brought them into His presence, and they are still an example of godliness to all believers today.

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to live out my life with a pattern of steady faithfulness and obedience, influencing others as I follow You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

For more insight into navigating the choices before you in life, read my book, A Leader After God’s Own Heart.

REFLECT:

Who are you striving to change, yourself or others?

Are there any areas of life where God is showing you a pattern of disobedience?

REMEMBER:

You must be willing to make some changes in your own life if you want be a godly influence for others.

Finding Purpose After the Nest is Empty

Becoming an empty nester presents many unexpected challenges, especially when we have been used to living in a home bustling with children. For years, our calendar was marked with school projects, sporting events, youth groups, and family meals around the table. Now we have an abundance of free time, and we want to steward it well.

You may wonder about what comes next. You may be questioning how to fill your time, and you may be a little nervous, missing the children you have dedicated so much of your time and energy to caring for.

Whether they moved on to college, marriage, or to their own dwelling, it’s hard to miss the sounds of a full house. I understand how hard the empty nest stage of motherhood can be. It comes all too soon! In the Old Testament, Hannah wanted a son so badly that in 1 Samuel 1:11, she vowed to “give him to the Lord all the days of his life.” Because of her vow, when she finally had a son, he had to move to another city. She had to love him across many miles.

While the love for our children will never go away, consider that now may be the perfect time to open your heart to those outside your family. What a perfect opportunity to minister to and encourage others. It will also bless you to create new, meaningful relationships. Take some time to pray about these questions:

How does God want to me to use my free time for His Kingdom?What opportunities are open to me now?How can my gifts be used to bless others?

Listen for the Lord to lead you. Be persistent and prayerful. And keep your heart open for new ideas, places, and people to serve that you may not have considered before.

It might be discipling another woman in the faith. Taking meals to families in need. Hosting a small group in your home. Volunteering at your favorite non-profit. Sitting with patients during chemotherapy. Speaking to mom groups at church. This new free time is yours to manage. Make it count.

RESPOND:

God, help me take advantage of every opportunity to tell, write, and share with my children how much I love them. Help me remember to continue encouraging them from afar. And guide me as I look for new opportunities to use my free time to minister to and show kindness towards others. I want my life to always be about serving you and blessing those around me. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

A Mom After God’s Own Heart - Be equipped with the tools you need to live out God's priorities in your marriage, family, spiritual journey, and ministry.

REFLECT:

How can I best use my new free time to be a blessing and encouragement to others?

REMEMBER:

If your heart is filled with concern for God’s people, you’ll be privileged to refresh and encourage many.

Even though our kids aren’t under our watchful eye, they can still be covered by our prayers.

Praising God When Life is Hard

If today is “one is those days” that you’d rather forget, remember that God is available to you every moment of it, no matter what you are facing. Choose not to focus on your problems, but to focus on God. Begin by praising Him for the gift of your salvation.

Everlasting Gifts

A mere “Thank You” is hardly a sufficient response for the gifts of salvation and eternal life, but expressing praise to God will go a long way in showing your thankfulness. So choose to praise the Lord! Praise Him for the wonders that are at work in your life and in the lives of your loved ones. Proclaim His praise to the people you meet.

Praising God is a wonderful way to testify to the reality of the living God. Praise Him for the true joy you find in Him and in His promises. Ask Him for grace—and thank and praise Him for it. Ask God to help you remember to go to Him for His comfort and guidance in your times of need.

Every Breath

Until you are with the Lord forevermore, there will always be suffering, disappointment, dashed dreams, and even ridicule and persecution. It is at these times you may not feel like praising God, but let your suffering cause you to offer to Him a sacrifice of praise.

James 1:2-3 reminds you to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Praise God and His blessed Son with every step and every breath you take today.

RESPOND:

God, before I place my feet on the floor this morning—and every morning— may I dedicate my day and myself to You. Today I commit to bless and serve my family and others You bring across my path. And I will count it joy—all joy—to rely on Your strength when trials come my way. Praise Your holy name! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Prayers for a Woman’s Heart is filled with this devotions just like this one, along with prayers to help you grow in wisdom, patience, and peace.

REFLECT:

Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

When was the last time I gave thanks and praise to God for His gift of salvation and eternal life?

REMEMBER:

Let your suffering cause you to offer the Lord a sacrifice of praise.