Liz Curtis Higgs's Blog, page 5

Go with the Overflow

We know what living on overload feels like. It’s a deep kind of tired that goes right down to the bone.

Who needs that at Christmastime? Not you, not me, and definitely not the Lord. He would never ask us to overdo, overspend, overcommit. That’s the enemy of our souls, drawing our attention away from the Child in the manger.

God wants to remake our overload into overflow. To exchange the feeling of being drained into an awareness of being filled. To turn the dread of carrying everything on our shoulders—all the planning, decorating, cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping—into the delight of watching the Holy Spirit work in us and through us to bless the people around us.

Oh, sister, how I love this verse.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

May the God of hope… Romans 15:13

Yes, indeed. The Lord reigns over hope, is “the source of hope” (CJB), and He “gives hope” (WE). When God is in your heart and life, you have access to all the hope you need.

Hope isn’t something we drum up inside us or cobble together from broken dreams. What “the God of green hope” (MSG) offers is new, fresh, vital, alive. Hope doesn’t come from people or circumstances or situations, not for one holiday minute: “our hope comes from God” (NLV).

And look at this! The Author of hope comes bearing gifts.

…fill you with all joy and peace… Romans 15:13

He doesn’t simply splash a little joy and peace in your general direction. He stands before you and pours out all you need, until your arms are filled and your heart is about to burst. He will “bless you with complete happiness” (CEV) and “infuse your lives with an abundance of joy” (VOICE).

Who doesn’t want joy, delight, gladness?

Who doesn’t need wholeness, peace, quietness, rest?

Who doesn’t long for a Christmas that’s truly merry?

If you’re thinking, “I want all that, but God seems to have forgotten me this year,” then the next phrase is for you, beloved.

…as you trust in him,… Romans 15:13

I know. It’s hard to believe in something we can’t see or touch. Yet that’s the definition of faith: “being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith means not knowing what tomorrow holds yet putting our trust in the God who holds tomorrow. Faith is the biggest, brightest gift under your tree, placed there by the God who loves you and knows exactly what you need.

Look at who He is and you’ll be convinced of what He can do:

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal” (Isaiah 26:4).
“Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity (Psalm 93:2).
“Everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3:15).

Our trust, our faith, our belief in Him and His atoning work on the cross: that’s what unlocks the floodgates.

…so that you may overflow with hope… Romans 15:13

What a picture! You, “bubbling over” (AMPC) with more hope than your heart can possibly contain. You, with so much hope to spare that you bathe everyone who crosses your path. You, knowing there’s more hope where that came from because your “confidence in His promises” (AMP) means an endless supply.

The Greek word perisseuó means “to be over and above, to abound, to exceed the ordinary.” This isn’t a small measure of hope. It’s enough to make you “brim over” (MSG), spill out, overflow your banks, such that “your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope” (PHILLIPS).

That’s what we want, Lord.  But how is such abundant hope possible?

…by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Ah. So, it’s not our doing. It’s His doing “by the virtue of the Holy Spirit” (JUB). It’s not our effort, our labor, our work, or (heaven forbid!) our virtue, our goodness, our strength.

It is only “through the Holy Spirit’s power within you” (TLB) that you can experience a forever kind of hope that sorrow can’t steal and disappointment can’t banish. A hope that can withstand anything the enemy tries to throw at you because you are “filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit” (MSG).

Yes, that’s exactly what we want. For Christmas and for always.

Lord Jesus, You came to earth to bring us hope, to give us joy, to bless us with peace. Open our tightly folded arms and soften our hardened hearts to receive Your generous gifts. Refresh us with the living water of Your Word. Renew us with the living presence of Your Spirit. Restore our faith. Refill us, Lord. Amen, amen, amen.

P.S. With all I’ve been going through personally this month, opening God’s Word with you has been a beautiful oasis in the midst of our mourning. Bless you for your encouraging and comforting words. They mean so much.

Now, a gift from Lizzie. Post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, December 22 at 10:00pm ET, I’ll choose one name at random to win three autographed books: The Women of Christmas. A Wreath of Snow, and my latest nonfiction, It’s Good to Be Queen. (Please forgive me, but I can only ship to U.S. addresses.) We’ve chosen six happy winners so far, and I’m cheering for you to be our seventh!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

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Be Ye Glad

Good news, my friend.

He’s not making a list.

He’s not checking it twice.

And He’s not gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.

Why? Because He already knows. “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3). Not you, not me, not anyone.

Even so, He is coming to town.

He came to Bethlehem two thousand years ago.

Over the centuries He has come into millions of hearts.

And one glorious day He will come again.

While we wait in anticipation, we honor Him most by reading and obeying His Word. This week’s verse for A Season of Joy covers a lot of ground in ten short words. Grab your hot chocolate, your latte, your Earl Grey, and let’s dive in.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope,… Romans 12:12

God calls us to “be happy” (CEB). It’s not a feeling, not a mere emotion. It’s a being thing. A doing thing. An act of obedience. A verb: “joying” (WYC).

I can’t wait for somebody to ask, “What are you doing today, Liz?” so I can say, “I’m joying.” Love. It.

In Greek the word for “glad” and the word for “grace” come from the same root. That means God doesn’t expect us to do this gladness thing on our own. “Be happy or else.” No way. He provides the grace, the gift, and the reason for our joy: ”Base your happiness on your hope in Christ” (PHILLIPS).

Your Savior wants you to be “cheerfully expectant” (MSG), thinking about “all God is planning for you” (TLB). Just imagine what surprises He has in store for you today, tomorrow, next week, next year…oh!

Embracing our hope, our future, our “confidence in Christ” (AMP) means we can weather the happy times and the hard times. It’s wonderful to visit with family and friends, to share a festive meal, to open presents, to laugh until we leak. But in the end, such joys are reduced to memories. Only our hope in Christ lasts forever.

…patient in affliction,… Romans 12:12

Oops. Things suddenly got serious. No happy-happy-joy-joy in this part of the verse. The Greek word for “patience” literally means “to stay behind, to await, to endure.” Once again, a doing thing, not a feeling thing.

God is gently but firmly telling His people to “stand your ground” (CEB) and “do not give up when trouble comes” (NLV). We’re talking heavy stuff here: “tribulation”(ASV), “distress” (AMP), and “suffering” (NET).

Maybe that’s why He mentioned joy and hope first. To bolster our faith. To prepare us for hard times—yes, even at Christmas. Maybe especially at Christmas, when everyone is determined to wear a smile, if only to cover their pain.

Sadly, I’m there. My older brother John passed away on Tuesday. Even as I write these words, I don’t quite believe them.

More than 17 years and 1700 miles separated us, but in my heart he was always the handsome Air Force pilot, who visited home now and again to regale his little sister with hilarious stories before he took off on another adventure. Oh, Johnny. You had the best laugh.

If you are missing a loved one this Christmas season, I hope this truth will comfort you: God knows, God cares, and God is listening.

…faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Joy, sorrow, and then the perfect landing spot: prayer. People who “steadfastly maintain the habit” (PHILLIPS) know that prayer is the heart of our relationship with God.

I’ve startled a few people, launching into a spoken prayer with my eyes open and my hands on the wheel. Especially if they miss my first words—“Heavenly Father”—they look at me askance and whisper, “Are you talking to me?”

Not this time, my friend. If we’re urged to be “instant in prayer” (DRA) and “never stop” (CEV), I figure it’s best to just “keep on talking with God” (WE). So, I do, pretty much anytime, anywhere. We know He’s listening. Why not reach out? Why not right now?

Heavenly Father, how remarkable that You hear our words, spoken and unspoken, and You care about what we care about. Nothing is too small for you, Lord. No pain or heartache goes unnoticed. Even so, You call us to look beyond ourselves and see the broken world You plan to mend and the empty souls You intend to fill. When we catch a glimpse of your glory, Lord, our joy overflows and our hope knows no end.

The song “In the First Light” by the a capella group, GLAD, proclaims the story of God come to earth. Beautiful. And worth a listen.

Now, a gift from Lizzie. Simply post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, December 15 at 10:00pm ET, I’ll choose one name at random to win three autographed books: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new Parable Treasury for children. (Since these hardcover books are heavy, I can only ship to U.S. addresses. Thanks for understanding.) We’ve had five happy winners so far. It’s your turn!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

 

The post Be Ye Glad appeared first on Liz Curtis Higgs.

Take Refuge

So, how’s your holiday season going so far? Tree up? House decorated? Presents starting to stack up? Travel plans made?

Odd how a season meant to bring us so much joy can feel like the world’s longest to-do list. Sigh.

For the next 90 seconds, let’s escape from all the craziness and take refuge in the Lord and in His Word. This is what Christmas is all about. This is what matters.

Let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy.  Psalm 5:11

Take a deep breath. No, really. Breathe.

Think about the magnificence and the greatness of God.

Consider the many blessings He has poured into your life.

If you feel the urge to smile, do so.

Now you’re ready.

Let all who take refuge in you be glad;…   Psalm 5:11

Never mind climbing onto Santa’s lap and telling him what we want for Christmas. Let’s climb onto our heavenly Father’s lap and rest in His loving arms.

Because what we really want for Christmas is peace, contentment, and deep joy.

And so, we run to Him “for protection” (CEV), we “take shelter” (NET) in Him, and put our “trust” (AMP) in Him. Only then can we “rejoice” (ASV) and “be happy!” (NET)

All the Christmas gifts in the world pale in comparison to God’s greatest gift: the pleasure of His Son’s company forever.

…let them ever sing for joy.  Psalm 5:11

We’re talking “always” (CEV) and “forever!” (CEB) Not one sacred day, not one special month, but every day of every month of every year “to the age” (YLT).

Christmas is our chance to show the world that Jesus came for them. He is the reason we “celebrate” (CEB) and “party” (MSG) and “break out in joyful song” (VOICE). His goodness inspires us to “shout for joy” (ASV) and “sing out loud” (CEB) and “rejoice and triumph” (GNV) and “make full out joy without end” (WYC).

Right now, in your heart and mind, put aside everything that hinders your joy and run into His sheltering embrace.

Lord Jesus, keep us safe from our own foolish desires. Protect us from spending money we don’t have on things we don’t need. Let our entire focus this season be the gift of You. Help us sing for joy so others may hear and wonder at Your goodness.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23 NLT)

Now, a gift from Lizzie. Simply post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, December 8 at 10:00pm ET, I’ll choose one name at random to win three autographed books: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new Parable Treasury for children. (Since these hardcover books are heavy, I can only ship to U.S. addresses. Thanks for understanding.) We’ve had four happy winners so far. This week I hope it’s you!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs



P.S. I was recently featured on Focus on the Family, sharing from my heart about Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna: The Women of Christmas. As time permits, take a listen.

The post Take Refuge appeared first on Liz Curtis Higgs.

Add This to Your Menu

Oh, do I have a yummy Frosted Pumpkin Cookie Recipe for you! Bake up these beauties in the oven while you’re tending all those pots on the stove—you amazing multitasker, you.

Now, here’s something delicious to chew on from God’s Word. No cooking, no calories, and soooo good.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

Trust Lizzie. I’m not suggesting we stop eating and drinking, today of all days! Paul didn’t go down that road when he wrote to the believers in Rome. He just wanted God’s followers to do a better job of loving one another through their differences instead of judging one another for lesser things, like how they observed certain holidays or what foods they ate.

That’s why we read…

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,… Romans 14:17

Life is “not a matter of whether you get what you like to eat and drink” (PHILLIPS). That’s not what pleasing God is about. It’s about embracing grace and extending grace. It’s seeing His big, kingdom-size picture. It’s living for what truly matters.

On Thanksgiving or any other day of the year, “what we eat and drink is not important” (ERV), since it feeds only the flesh and not the Spirit.

…but… Romans 14:17

My pet word in Scripture. Just saying.

…of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

Food and drink are quickly enjoyed and quickly forgotten, even if they cost many dollars to purchase and hours to prepare. That’s why Paul said it was better to spend our time learning “about pleasing God, about living in peace, and about true happiness” (CEV).

Here’s the really good news. We don’t have to cook up righteousness or dish out peace or whip up joy for dessert. There is no recipe to follow, no secret ingredient to buy, no cooking show to watch. “All this comes from the Holy Spirit.” (CEV).

He is the Master Chef. He holds the key to the pantry. He is the One who takes a bow at the end of every spiritual meal because He has done all the work. See how I have fed you, provided for you, loved you?

Maybe it’s time we asked Him to step out of the kitchen and join us at the table. Reign over our conversations and restore our relationships. Bring us to a place of genuine joy at the end of the day. Wouldn’t that be the best Thanksgiving ever?

Heavenly Father, help us get our priorities in alignment with yours. Adjust our appetites. Let us hunger and thirst for righteousness. And remind us to always reserve our deepest thanks for You.

Now, a gift from Lizzie. Simply post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, December 1 at 10:00pm ET, I’ll choose one name at random to win three autographed books: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new Parable Treasury for children. (Since these hardcover books are heavy, I can only ship to U.S. addresses. Thanks for understanding.)

So eager to read your words, beloved. I hope you and yours have a joy-filled holiday weekend!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

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In God’s Joy We Trust

If joy is leaking out of your life faster than you can pour it in. If your job has become a challenge, if your friendships are falling apart, if your stress is going up and your peace is spinning down, I have good news. No, great news.

You can ask God for joy.

Bring   joy   to   your   servant, Lord,

for I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:4

We’re talking armloads, boatloads, truckloads of joy. It may not come gift wrapped or rolled in sugar, but that kind of joy doesn’t last very long.

What we really want and desperately need is joy that can’t be taken away.

Bring   joy   to   your   servant, Lord,… Psalm 86:4

No question, God is more than able to “gladden the soul” (ESV) and fill a “servant’s heart with joy” (CJB). When you bring Him your request—“Make my heart glad!” (CEV)—the Lord’s response is swift and sure.

Yes.

So, is that it? Just ask and get “a happy life” (MSG)?

You know better. I do too.

One small word bridges the promise of what God will surely do with the step of obedience He asks us to do.

…for… Psalm 86:4

This is “why” (WYC) He is willing to do this, and the reason we can ask for joy: “because” (CEB) we have given our lives completely to Him.

…I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:4

In Hebrew nephesh nasah literally means “soul” and “lift up.” A living thing paired with a doing thing.

Imagine standing in your kitchen, at your desk, in your garden, slowly lifting your cupped hands toward heaven. To anyone watching, your hands look empty. But God knows they contain something precious and rare.

Your soul. Your self.

All the things that make you you,

offered to the One who is all things.

Along with our open hands, we open our hearts and mouths and make a confession of faith (perhaps aloud, if you’re in a place where you can).

“I turn to You, Lord” (HCSB)
“I offer my life to you” (CEB)
“I set my hope on you” (ISV)
“I worship only you” (TLB)
“I put my life in your hands” (ERV)

When we mean what we say, our soul no longer belongs to us. It belongs to God. A change of ownership, passed from our hands to His hands.

You may be thinking, “Oh, Liz. Nothing really happens. Nothing I can see or taste or touch or see or hear. They’re only words.”

The whole of the Bible is made up of only words, yet look at all the lives those words have changed!

Faith is believing without seeing. Faith requires trust, not tangible proof.

When you lift up your soul to Him, when you let go, when you trust God, you will have joy. The joy of not worrying, not panicking, not fretting, not obsessing. The joy of knowing your Lord and Savior. The joy of resting in His plans for you.

This isn’t holiday joy He’s handing out—not a stocking stuffed with presents or a plate of your favorite cookies. This joy goes deeper and wider. This joy is a promise fulfilled. This joy declares, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

This joy? It’s His gift of love to you. Every season of the year.

Now, a gift for you from Lizzie. Kindly post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, November 24 at 9:00pm EST, I’ll again choose one name at random to win three autographed books: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new Parable Treasury for children. (Since these hardcover books are quite heavy, we can only ship to U.S. addresses. Thanks so much for understanding.)

Can’t wait to read your words this week!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

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Ten Million Hearts a-Leaping

Welcome to A Season of JOY!

This week we’ll unwrap one beautiful verse, Psalm 28:7, then I’ll give away three books to add a splash of joy to your holiday season. Let’s leap right in.

In just four lines King David shows us his experience on the battlefield, his dependence on God, his boundless joy, and his love for praise music.

Sing it, Dave:

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

As a lifelong alto, I’d love to hear the music David paired with these beautiful lyrics. Was it slow and majestic? Upbeat and dramatic? Since God’s Word urges us to ”Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19), we’ll trust Him for the notes as we fill our hearts with His words.

The Lord is my strength and my shield;… Psalm 28:7

His strength is unending and His shield is “impenetrable” (AMP), providing “safe cover” (NLV) and protecting us “from every danger” (TLB).

When we have no strength, He has abundant strength. And His shield isn’t one-sided, guarding us only from frontal attacks. It goes before us and behind us and flanks both sides. We never face any person, any situation, or any heartache on our own. God is with us and for us and all around us. Always.

…my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. Psalm 28:7

Trust is the core of every relationship. The person who turns to God “with unwavering confidence” (AMP), who “trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him” (AMPC) can count on God’s saving grace. At the perfect time and in the perfect way, “He sends His help” (VOICE) and we are “rescued” (NET).

Let’s say we go out to sea for a three-hour tour and get shipwrecked on an uncharted desert isle. First we do our part—pray, send up flares, trust we’ll be found. But the miracle comes when God does His part—sending help.

My heart leaps for joy,… Psalm 28:7

Thank goodness this vital organ doesn’t actually take a flying leap, though it feels like that when “joy rises in my heart” (TLB). The Hebrew word alaz literally means “jump for joy,” the perfect description of what happens when “my heart exults” (ESV) and “greatly rejoices” (JUB).

It’s the overwhelming sensation we get when we’re reunited with a lost child or when the biopsy shows no sign of cancer or when a rescue helicopter starts circling the island. Thank you, Jesus.

…and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

First joy, then music. A natural, human response to a supernatural blessing from God. Overflowing with gratitude, we “burst out in songs of thanksgiving” (NLT). The Hebrew word yadah tells us how. It means “to throw or cast,” to give thanks “with extended hands.”

That urge to lift our hands in praise? It’s a prompting from God. Need a little help on that score? Richard Smallwood’s song Total Praise will get you there in a hurry.

Not a singer? No worries. God gave you the voice you have and believe me, it’s music to His ears. Can’t read sheet music? Make up the notes. Since we’re called to share “psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (Colossians 3:16), any tune the Holy Spirit gives you will be glorious to God.

What matters is that we “sing to him in gratitude” (NET) so our “thankfulness rises as song” (VOICE). He’s listening to our hearts, not our vocal chords. When His joy becomes our joy, then our joy becomes His joy. Ten million hearts a-leaping!

Lord Jesus, we lift our hands in total praise to you right now, right where we are. Never mind what people think. All we care about is what You think. You’re our strength, our shield, our help in times of need, and our source of joy. You put a song in our hearts that we can’t wait to sing. All glory, honor, and praise to You, dear Jesus.

As promised, a gift for you! Kindly post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, November 17 at 9:00pm EST, I’ll choose one name at random to win three autographed books: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new children’s collection, Parable Treasury. Because these hardcover books are heavy, I can only ship to U.S. addresses. SO sorry. Please know wherever you live, I love you!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

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All the Joy You Need

Thrilled you’ve joined me to celebrate A Season of JOY!

We’ll unwrap one joy-filed verse each Wednesday, then I’ll give away three books meant to brighten your holiday season. Sound good?

This week, we’re visiting John 16, where Jesus is talking to His disciples, telling them about the hard days ahead when He must leave them. He knows they’ll be deeply distressed, but promises their pain will turn into joy, comparing the experience to a woman giving birth. (Love this. Never do we move from “Help!” to “Hallelujah!” faster than when we’re in labor.)

Jesus assures His followers that when they see Him again, their hearts will be filled with the kind of joy no one can take away.

Then, He makes this amazing promise:

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

Sounds like an ironclad guarantee to me.

Our speech is often filled with wishy-washy words like maybe and sometimes and might. But the Lord speaks with authority and power: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and “my words will never pass away (Luke 21:33) and “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). My italics, helping us all get the picture.

Gives me goosebumps. The Lord is that sure. Consider what He says here.

“Until now…” John 16:24

“So far” (GW), says the Lord, or “Hitherto” (ASV), for the English majors among us. Fact is, “You haven’t done this before” (NLT).

What haven’t we done?

“…you have not asked for anything in my name.” John 16:24

This means more than adding “in Jesus’ name” at the end of our prayers. The Greek word onomati not only means “name,” it also means, “character, fame, reputation, authority.” He means in His name and all that it represents.

Jesus wants us to ask for things that glorify His name, proclaim His name, shine a spotlight on His name.

I’m fairly certain the things I’ve prayed for lately don’t qualify. They’re all about me or the people I love. Honestly? Focusing on Jesus doesn’t even factor in.

Please, Lord, ease my brother’s pain.
Please, Lord, provide a new job for my son.
Please, Lord, help me finish this book.

These aren’t bad prayers. Not at all. God is simply calling us to go deeper. To seek after the heart of His Son and listen to what He wants for us (not from us).

When our requests are all about honoring Him, we can be very sure of His response.

“Ask and you will receive,…” John 16:24

Not perhaps. Not might. You will receive.

“…and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

Ahhh. Joy at last. Jesus guarantees us “the fullest joy possible” (ERV), like “a river overflowing its banks!” (MSG). The kind of “abundant joy” (NLT) that makes us “completely happy” (GW).

Beloved, this is way more than a Thanksgiving table covered with delicious food or a Christmas tree with presents piled around it. This is the kind of deep joy, delight, and gladness that comes from knowing Christ and putting Him first.

It’s a complete joy, a perfect joy, a joy that never goes away. A joy based not on what we get, but on Who we bless.

Lord Jesus, You have shown us the path to joy. Now help us walk in it, keeping our eyes on You. Give us the courage to ask according to Your will, in Your name, and for Your fame. This sacred season and always, we’re giving thanks for You.

Now a gift for you, my friend. Kindly post a comment below, sharing something God has revealed to you in this week’s study. On Tuesday, November 10 at 11:00pm ET, I’ll choose one name at random to win three autographed books: A Wreath of Snow, The Women of Christmas, and my new Parable Treasury for children!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

The post All the Joy You Need appeared first on Liz Curtis Higgs.

A Fine Finish

“Time can’t be bought. It can only be spent.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

If you’re asking, “What happened to October?!” I’m right there with you, beloved. I was late to the gate with every week’s post (sigh), and may never catch up on emails.

How about for the next 3 minutes we put aside our to-do lists, our didn’t-get-it-done lists, our ain’t-gonna-happen-anytime-soon lists, and focus on that glorious day when our earthly work is done and the joy of heaven awaits us.

Best. Day. Ever. That’s a promise.

Chapter Ten: It’s Good to End Well

After a major gift exchange, the queen of Sheba’s visit with King Solomon came to a happy close. No tears or gnashing of teeth or sobbing into her silk hankie. Sheba simply went home.

Then she left

and returned with her retinue

to her own country.

1 Kings 10:13

The real happy ending? Sheba departed Jerusalem a changed woman! Not because she’d met the wisest man on earth, but because she’d met the one true God.

Even more amazing, Solomon had prayed for that very thing to happen, back when he dedicated the temple (1 Kings 8:41-43).

Solomon didn’t name Sheba, but he certainly described her—a “foreigner” who came “from a distant land because of Your name”—praying that all the peoples of the earth would come to know the Lord’s name and fear Him.

Oh, Solomon. What a man of God you were! But, “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God” (1 Kings 11:4). Groan.

Let’s make a vow right now that we’re not going to follow in Solomon’s footsteps. No way. Year by year, we’ll turn our hearts even more in His direction and be fully devoted to the Lord our God. Yes?

That’s what Sheba did. We can too. For all who believe in the saving grace of God, the finish of one life is merely the start of another. Rather than our lives ending, we simply step into a new realm. Thrilling, isn’t it? I’d love to hang around for another decade or two, but I know what’s next is truly The Best.

For now, I’ll wind things up answering one of our Study Guide questions, then it’s your turn, my friend. How I’ve loved exploring the queen of Sheba’s story with you!

From the Study Guide

1. a. Solomon didn’t know Sheba would someday appear in Jerusalem. But God knew. In what ways do stories like this help you grasp the sovereignty of God?

When I look at all the ways God was at work in Sheba’s life—wooing her north to Jerusalem with the promise of wisdom, giving her the courage to ask every question on her heart, revealing Himself through His servant, Solomon, prompting her praises when she acknowledged Him as God—I am even more convinced that God is at work in my life too.

The books I read, the people I meet, the experiences I have, are all part of a grand plan that I can’t begin to fathom yet joyfully embrace. God never makes a mistake, never misleads, never lets go. He is sovereign over everything, which for this take-charge chick is a huge relief!

Thank you, Lord, for showing us again and again in Your Word how much You love Your children. You see what we cannot see. You reveal what we would never discover on our own. You guide us along the path You’ve chosen for us. You bless all who praise Your name.

Now, it’s your turn

When you come to the end of your days, what will you be glad you invested your life in? Please post your comments below. I treasure each one!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. You’ll find my video teaching for Chapter 10 on Vimeo, and here’s this week’s wallpaper for your smart phone or tablet (don’t you love sunflowers?). Next week we’ll begin celebrating A Season of Joy! Watch for my special holiday Bible study in your inbox each Wednesday thru December 30, with weekly giveaways (yay!).

The post A Fine Finish appeared first on Liz Curtis Higgs.

Two Words: Thank You.

“God wants us to be grateful even before we ask and well before He answers.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

LOVED your comments last week about generous giving. Look how wise you are, just like our Sheba:

“The joy I get from seeing how happy I have made someone is worth so much more than the monetary value of what I have given.”–Gabriela
“Nothing really belongs to us anyway. The Bible says we are pilgrims and strangers here on earth, so why not give all that we can?”–Sheila
“I don’t have much money, but I can do small acts of kindnesses for others.”–Karen
“Giving time to the very young, the elderly and the poor, all of whom cannot give back, blesses me more than I could ever bless them.”–Sally
“Sharing keeps filling me up inside instead of emptying me out. Only God could create such a wonder! “–Shannon

Now comes the tricky part (at least, for this girl): accepting gifts from generous people. When it was Solomon’s turn to give, the queen of Sheba wasn’t afraid to ask or ashamed to receive. Let’s see what she can teach us.

Chapter Nine: It’s Good to Receive Graciously

King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba

all she desired and asked for,

besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty.

1 Kings 10:13

Never mind all the salacious, ungracious stories about Sheba. What she desired and asked for wasn’t a night of passion with Solomon or a son born out of wedlock. That’s the stuff of legends, not biblical fact.

The truth is, “She came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom” (Matthew 12:42). When the king did his part, she didn’t refuse his gifts, didn’t say, “I couldn’t possibly!” Nope. She received.

That’s what we’re called to do as well, beloved. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

In Sheba’s case, wisdom was keenly sought after, boldly asked for, generously given, and graciously received. That’s the essence of her style. It can be ours as well. “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Rest assured, the Lord is prepared to answer and delighted to give, often bestowing those gifts through His children. Still, we hesitate, feeling we’re not worthy, fearing what might be expected of us if we accept such a gift.

Sisters, those of us who find it hard to receive need to get over it. Stop thinking about ourselves and focus on the giver. How can we show our gratitude? How can make this exchange a blessing for them? How can we say “thank you” and mean it with all our hearts?

If you’ve read chapter 9, you know how God has been working on this prickly issue in my life. Whew. He is relentless when it comes to shaping and molding and changing His children.

And how are we to receive those changes? You got it.

I’ll answer one of this week’s Study Guide questions, then hope you’ll do the same. Who knew the queen of Sheba had so much to teach us by example?

From the Study Guide

2. a. How does our willingness to receive from others prepare us to receive God’s abundant gift of eternal life?

Here’s what I know to be true: the only one way to receive a gift is humbly and with gratitude. Both require me to surrender any “I’ve got this” kind of thinking and my “Thanks, but no thanks” attitude. Sounds hard.

But, I’m finding the solution is amazingly simple. Say yes. Yes to my neediness. Yes to my brokenness. Yes to the gift. Yes to the giver. Yes to God. And yes, always yes, to gratitude.

“Thank you.” Really, that’s it. In word and in Spirit.

Thank you, Father, for giving Your Son and forgiving our sin. Help us keep Your ultimate Gift in mind when smaller gifts are given to us, knowing every one pours through Your hands. You are beyond good to us, Lord. Keep us humble, grateful, and eager to receive whatever You have for us.

Now, it’s your turn

2. c. When has God tested your willingness to receive, and what did you discover in the process? Can’t wait to hear what you’ve learned! Just click on Share Your Thoughts below.

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. Hop over to Vimeo for my brief, free video teaching on Chapter Nine.  And here’s a pretty wallpaper for your smart phone or tablet, reminding you It’s Good to Receive Graciously. One more week with the queen of Sheba, then we’ll dive into a short Bible study to carry us through the last two months of 2015. Join me for A Season of Joy!

So…if you’re feeling generous, might you post a brief review of It’s Good to Be Queen on Amazon? It would mean the world to me, and might help others who are considering whether or not to read it. Thank you!

The post Two Words: Thank You. appeared first on Liz Curtis Higgs.

Giving for the Joy of It

“ A generous woman extends more than her coin purse. She’s also generous with her heart.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Giving to others can be tricky. Yes, we do it to bless, not to impress, but sometimes we secretly hope we’ll knock the person’s socks off with our generosity.

Just being honest here.

From God’s point of view, giving generously isn’t about the size of our gift. And motive matters far more than money. This week, a quick look at what else His Word can teach us.

Chapter Eight: It’s Good to Give Generously

How generous was the queen of Sheba? Take a look:

And she gave the king 120 talents of gold,

large quantities of spices, and precious stones.

Never again were so many spices brought in

as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.

1 Kings 10:10

Okay, that’s a ton. More like 4.5 tons of gold, plus spices worth even more. Since she presented her hostess gift right before she got outta Dodge, Sheba clearly wasn’t trying to earn Solomon’s favor. Rather, she was displaying her gratitude and respect.

So, one reason for giving? To show how grateful we are. In Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, he assured them their gifts of support were “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

A second reason for giving? It’s fun. When the Bible says, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), the word “cheerful” comes from the Greek word hilarós—as in “hilarious.”

What’s the connection? When you make someone laugh, when they see the humor in what you’re saying, they’re won over. Their laughter becomes a gift, freely and joyfully given.

That’s how God wants us to give—from a sense of joy rather than a sense of duty.

Time for me to answer one of our Study Guide questions, then I hope you’ll do the same. You can be sure I consider each response a gift. And this week, I have a surprise for you. Keep reading…

From the Study Guide

2. c. How does 1 John 4:11 capture the heart of gift giving?

This is the verse I usually write on the notepad in my hotel room before I check out: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11.

It’s one way to let the housekeeping staff know why I left a tip for their good service. Not because I’m kind or caring or generous, but because God is all those things and more.

His gift to us—His only Son—remains the greatest gift ever given to humankind. When we give to one another—cheerfully, eagerly, generously—we are doing what we can to follow His example.

That’s why our gifts need to be personal, meaningful, and sacrificial, wrapped in love, mercy, and grace. Because that’s how the Father gives.

Bless You, Lord, for showing us what generous giving means, then stirring our hearts to do the same. We’re not there yet, but we want to be. So grateful, Lord, for Your patience and Your love.

Now, it’s your turn

How would you finish, “It’s good to give generously because _____.”? Keep reading to find out why you’ll want to take a moment to respond! Also, my free video teaching for Chapter 8 awaits you on Vimeo and you’ll find this week’s smart phone/tablet wallpaper here. How grand, learning from the queen of Sheba with you!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. Now, the delightful surprise: our friends at DaySpring are celebrating this week’s post on giving with a generous giveaway!

Ten winners will receive my new Parable Treasury, a collection of my best-selling Parable books for children ages 3-7 plus DaySpring’s beautiful “Think About Such Things” Journal, featuring a Scripture verse on each page and bound with embossed faux leather in a lovely harvest orange.

Entering to win is easy: just post a comment under “Share Your Thoughts” below. Then we’ll choose ten winners at random on Tuesday, October 20 at 12noon ET—the perfect lead-in for next week’s post on why It’s Good to Receive Graciously!

The post Giving for the Joy of It appeared first on Liz Curtis Higgs.