Liz Curtis Higgs's Blog, page 6

A Different Kind of Sacrifice

“Love means not understanding His plans yet resting in their goodness.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Seven: It’s Good to Praise God

One of the worship songs I learned in my early days with God started out, “We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.”

I sang it. But I didn’t quite get it. Praising God was an easy thing to do, right? Hands lifted, hearts lifted, voices lifted—why would anyone call that a sacrifice?

Then I hit my first speed bump as a believer.

While I struggled to my feet, brushing the gravel from my knees, I was not singing, “Praise the Lord.” Oh, no. I was muttering, “Thanks a lot, God.”

That’s when I began to get it. Praise isn’t about feeling good—it’s about doing good, whether we feel like it or not.

Praise also doesn’t happen just on Sundays at church. It happens at home, at work, at play, every day of the week.

Praise becomes a sacrifice when we throw ourselves on the altar—our ego, our pride, our need for control. It’s when we praise God instead of others or ourselves. It’s when we praise Him simply because He deserves it.

When Sheba came to that sacrificial place, having been humbled by Solomon’s God-given wisdom, words of praise poured from her mouth freely, openly, joyfully. 

Praise be to the Lord your God,

who has delighted in you

and placed you on the throne of Israel.

Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel,

he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.

1 Kings 10:9

She doesn’t simply praise His holy name. She praises His love for Solomon’s people and His calling on Solomon’s life.

I’m taking a page from Sheba’s hymnal and learning to not only say, “I praise You, Lord,” but also to get specific. “I praise You, Lord, because _______.” By focusing on His mighty attributes and the many great things He has done, I’m able to look beyond the here and now and trust in what’s to come.

So, here’s a question from the Study Guide that might help us both follow in Sheba’s footsteps.

From the Study Guide

1. b. If you’ve ever praised God simply to be obedient, what did you discover in the process?

Yesterday was One of Those Mornings. I had a carefully orchestrated list of appointments and errands, which quickly fell apart when I arrived at the first stop and was told, “Sorry. You’re not on our schedule for today.”

I’m not what?

The good news? I didn’t voice my frustration, didn’t bite the woman’s head off, didn’t storm past her into the doctor’s office.

The bad news? I still thought about doing all those things, Furthermore, I didn’t whisper under my breath, “Praise the Lord. Must be a good reason for this. I’ll just trust Him.”

When my morning didn’t improve, my attitude didn’t either. Grumble, grumble, grumble. On the return trip to the doctor’s office, this low-blood-pressure girl—usually 120/70—was a scary 158/90.

“Is it usually this high?” the nurse asked, a note of concern in her voice.

“No,” I sighed. “It’s been a really bad day.”

Was it? Really? Sitting there waiting for the doctor, I made a mental list of the many things that had gone well and all the ways I saw God’s hand at work. By the time my physician appeared, I was breathing easier. And praising my Maker.

The doctor snagged my chart from his desk. “Having a good day, I see.”

“Sure am.” Finally.

Lord Jesus, let nothing stand in the way of our praise. Not disappointment or discouragement or any other distraction. Even when life is hard, You are good. Even when feeling down seems easier, looking up is wiser.

Now, it’s your turn

We know our praises don’t change our unchangeable God. How do they change you? Your comment, shared below, will encourage so many.

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. You’ll find my free video teaching on Chapter Seven on Vimeo. And here’s this week’s wallpaper for your smart phone or tablet. Finally, two terrific bargains this week online. You can pre-order my Parable Treasury, a new collection of my 4 children’s parable books, including The Pumpkin Patch Parable, at a crazy low price thru October 12. And, get my Victorian novella, A Wreath of Snow, for your Kindle for just $1.99 (80% off!) thru October 18. Happy shopping, saving, and sharing, my friend.

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Say Something Nice

“True encouragement flows from the heart of God.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Six: It’s Good to Encourage Others

When I’m asked, “What do you like to do for fun?” my standard answer is read long novels, travel to new places, and watch old movies. But my favorite thing to do is encourage people. Just the best.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 (and free).

Keep an eye out for people who need a little boost (we all do).
Ask the Lord for the right thing to say that will lift their spirits.
Share that encouraging thought for His glory and their pleasure.

Ta-da!

So simple, yet what a profound difference a few kind words can make.

For a young mother who’s fretful about her energetic kids giggling and wriggling in their seats at church, in a restaurant, at the movies:

“Your children are so happy. You must be a terrific mom!”
For a woman whose downcast expression says she’s having a hard day at work:

“In case no one has mentioned this, you’re doing a great job.”
For a teenager who has that “I’m so ugly” look on her face:

“Cute top! And the color matches your eyes perfectly.”

Look, this isn’t rocket science. Just say something nice. It costs nothing, yet might be worth everything to the other person, whether friend or stranger.

Check out the queen of Sheba—a true encourager in action.

“How happy your people must be!

How happy your officials,

who continually stand before you

and hear your wisdom!”

1 Kings 10:8

Love all the exclamation points! This is one enthusiastic woman here. “O the happiness of thy men” (YLT) and “How blessed are your staff!” (ISV).

She could have praised Solomon directly, privately. By praising him and his followers openly, she made lots of people happy, rather than just one. Smart.

For two months or more, Sheba had listened to Solomon’s powerful, God-soaked wisdom. We’re seeing the fruit of it in this verse: honest praise, genuine encouragement.

The Lord calls, equips, and empowers us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Though it might be easier to say nothing, how much better to say something. To get our focus off ourselves and on others. To look for ways to lift up rather than tear down. To whisper words from God and bring refreshment to a parched soul.

I see you, nodding your head. You get this. You do this. God bless you for sharing your gift!

Suppose I answer one of our Study Guide questions? Then I hope you’ll do the same. We’re on this journey together, beloved.

From the Study Guide

2. c. When and how did someone offer you genuine encouragement that provided a strong foundation on which you could build?

The first time I shared my testimony on Thanksgiving Eve 1982, I was not a public speaker, so my nerves were a wreck. Couldn’t eat, sleep, think. Was such a new believer, I wasn’t entirely sure what a testimony was.

Still, my pastor, Bob Russell, invited me, believed in me, and trusted me. My knees were unsteady as I climbed the few steps to the platform and turned to face the audience. All at once, a sense of peace washed over me. Five minutes later, when I returned to my seat, still trembling, Bob leaned over and said, “I believe this is what God is calling you to do.”

“No way!” I whispered back. “I haven’t eaten in three days!”

Clearly, that problem has been solved (smile). I’m also certain the Lord spoke directly through Bob that day to encourage me, because I haven’t stopped speaking since!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for pouring out words of encouragement through Your children to bless others. Help us never hold back, worrying about what people will think or how they’ll react. Give us the courage to take the risk and speak up. May it never be about making us look good, but about making Your goodness shine in a world full of darkness and discouragement. Remind us everywhere we go, everyone needs a word from You.

Now, it’s your turn

Is encouraging people one of your natural or spiritual gifts, or is that something you would like God to help you with? Thanks for sharing your thoughts below!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. Hop over to Vimeo for my brief, free video teaching on Chapter Six. Here’s this week’s wallpaper for your smart phone or tablet (isn’t the lavender delicious?). And, if you follow me on Facebook, I’ll be celebrating the beauty of October with a favorite autumn photo and quote every morning!

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To Tell the Truth

“It takes a woman of courage to show the world her flaws and failures.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Five: It’s Good to Be Honest

As a kid, I loved watching the classic game show, “To Tell the Truth.” A panel of celebrities matched wits with three guests—two imposters and one person who was telling the truth. Each time a celeb voted for an imposter instead of the real person, the guest won $250. (Hello, 1960s.)

I’d rather not be less than truthful on national television—even in fun, even with a cash reward. First, because I blush when I tell a fib. Every time, without fail. I think it’s part of God’s plan to keep me honest. And second, He commands us to “speak the truth to each other” (Zechariah 8:16) and “not tell lies about others” (Exodus 20:16).

Dishonesty isn’t an option for believers. Honesty is how we do life and how we grow: “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

Honesty is also at the heart of every healthy relationship. We start with being honest with ourselves. Then with the Lord. And then (oh, so bravely) with others.

Sheba, our role model, shows us how.

She said to the king,

“The report heard in my own country

about your achievements

and your wisdom is true.”

1 Kings 10:6

She could have stopped right there. Affirmation spoken. Enough said. Still, it wasn’t the whole truth. Being honest means holding nothing back, especially if our confession will bless the other person and glorify God.

“But I did not believe these things

until I came and saw with my own eyes.”

1 Kings 10:7

Well done, Sheba. This word “believe” also means “to confirm, support.” She admitted she could not embrace the reports about Solomon until she examined them in person. For Sheba, seeing was believing, and she was not ashamed to say so.

Now I Lay Me Down

“It’s one thing to willingly bow our heads and hearts. But it’s something else again to be humbled.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Four: It’s Good to Be Humbled

This chapter was originally titled “It’s Good to Be Humble,” until I realized Sheba didn’t arrive with an attitude of humility—and I seldom show up with one either.

Humility doesn’t come naturally to most of us, let alone to a queen. Even so, God humbled our Sheba by gently putting her in her place—on her knees, with her pride in tatters and her breath stolen and her eyes lifted up.

That’s where we belong as well, beloved.

Let’s see how she got there.

When the queen of Sheba

saw all the wisdom of Solomon

and the palace he had built,

the food on his table,

the seating of his officials,

the attending servants in their robes,

his cupbearers,

and the burnt offerings he made

at the temple of the Lord,

she was overwhelmed.

1 Kings 10:4–5

Quite a list. Solomon displayed his wisdom not only by answering every one of Sheba’s questions but also by inviting her to view his architectural feats. And his lavish meals. And his impressive court.

Still, it was Solomon’s worship that really blew Sheba’s mind. A king, paying homage to an unseen God! No wonder she was “overcome” (AMP), and so utterly “amazed” (NCV) that no “breath” (OJB) remained in her body.

Finding the Answers You Need

“Sheba didn’t solicit just anyone’s advice. She consulted the wisest, most devout person in the ancient world.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Three: It’s Good to Seek Wise Counsel

Who doesn’t want answers? How to, when to, where to, what to, and maybe most of all, who to. Who to turn to when we’re hurting or confused. Who to trust with the things that matter to us. Who to depend on when we need solid advice.

For the queen of Sheba, the king of Israel filled the bill, since “Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth” (1 Kings 10:23).

Not many of us would travel two long months—on a camel—just to listen to a wise guy talk. But Sheba was a seeker. Her desire to know more and grow more is what makes her a stellar role model, especially because she aimed higher than Solomon, seeking the One who was Wisdom itself.

Here’s what happened.

Solomon answered all her questions;… 1 Kings 10:3

This boggles my mind. I’m married to a very smart guy, but he doesn’t know everything about everything. Who could answer all our questions, meet all our needs, put all our doubts to rest?

You know: His name is Jesus.

He is wisdom and knowledge incarnate. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
He is the creator of all things. “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).
He is the ultimate authority. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).

You can ask the Lord anything and be assured of an answer. Of course, the next question is, “How do we do that?” All the usual methods for reaching out—phone call, letter, email, social media, text—aren’t a good fit for our holy God.

The solution? Set up a daily appointment with Him. His office hours are 24/7, His services are freely given, and His wisdom exceeds Solomon’s ten million times over. (Okay, way more than that.)

As we speak, I’m sitting across from an empty chair in my dining room, pouring out the unanswered questions weighing on my mind at the moment. I am saying them aloud, but you could meditate on them or write them down, so people won’t think you’re talking to yourself.

Truth is, we’re talking to God, who is listening and ever present. He is with us.

So, how does He answer us? Booming voice? Writing on the wall? Not at the Higgs house. My conscience may nag me, the adversary may accuse me, but God’s voice is gentle and low, and His words are full of love.

How can we be certain it’s His voice we’re hearing in our hearts? He speaks like He writes. His whispered words match His written Word.

And He never says, “I don’t know.”

…nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her.  1 Kings 10:3

“No matter how difficult” (CEV), our King not only answers us, but also explains things. That’s love in action, caring enough to help us grasp the why, not just the what, so we’ll have a mind at rest, a heart at peace, and a sense of knowing that we know.

Once we’ve asked our questions, the Lord invariably leads us to His Word. His truth confirms and guides, moving us from answers to action. This is what God wants from us: not merely a full mind or a full heart, but a full life spent serving Him.

Suppose I tackle just one of our Study Guide questions? Then, I’d love to hear from you.

From the Study Guide

Do you think of yourself as a seeker, in need of further knowledge? Or as a counselor, ready to help others find their way?

I hope I’ll always seek after knowledge, because who can ever get enough of God and His Word? I’m also willing to counsel, encourage, or guide anyone who crosses my path, as the Spirit leads.

So, yes, I think it’s possible, even necessary to do both. But one costs more.

The first one is a matter of pouring in. If you’re open (see chapter two!), and eager to learn, you’re good to go.

The second one requires pouring out. It’s an investment of your time, energy, and resources. Hours, days, even weeks of listening more than talking, constantly searching your heart and God’s Word for the wisdom He offers, praying it will meet the person’s needs, yet not always getting to see the end result.

Hmmm. Writing this down is pretty convicting. The truth? I gladly pour out on the page, on the stage, online, but am I willing to pour into one person’s life and consider it time well spent? If no one knows but the other person, if no one sees but God, does it count for the kingdom?

The answer is obvious. So is my discomfort.

Lord Jesus, you know I love to study, to learn, to fill my head. But when You ask me to pour out, to give, to sacrifice, I find a dozen reasons why it’s not convenient. Next week, next month, but not right now. Help me order my life such that sharing Your wisdom with one person is first on the list and not last. Help me be willing to be unnoticed, invisible. Behind the scenes instead of starring in a scene. I love Your Word, Lord. Help me faithfully give it away.

Now, it’s your turn 

Are you more of a seeker? Or a counselor? Please share your thoughts below, so we can encourage one another.

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. If you’ve not yet purchased a copy of It’s Good to Be Queen, here’s the lowest price I’ve found. And if you’d like to hear me teach Chapter Three, pop over to watch my free video on Vimeo. Finally, if you requested an autographed bookplate and bookmark, my new assistant, Beth, is still hard at work on them. (I was thinking we’d have a couple hundred requests; God had a much bigger number in mind!) Thanks for your patience, beloved.

And here’s a fun freebie. Wallpaper for your smart phone or tablet, to keep our weekly goal in mind. (Thanks for the suggestion, Sherri!) Just click to open, save to your images, then open your images, select the one you just added, choose “Use as Wallpaper” from your options, size to fit your screen, and save as your lock screen. Ta-da!

  

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Opening Your Heart to God

“Sheba came to learn. Her eyes and ears, her mind and heart—all were wide open for King Solomon to fill.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Two: It’s Good to Be Open

Of all the wisdom we’ll be learning from Sheba week by week, you said this one spoke to you most: “Be open to whatever God has prepared for you.” Openness is a real test of faith, isn’t it? Whatever means…well, whatever!

Alison admitted, “This is a challenge for me. I struggle discerning what God wants me to do.” You’re not alone, Alison. There are so many good things we could do, we wonder which is the right thing.

Here’s what we know for certain: God wants us to trust Him. As in let go. As in don’t fret. Pam shared that she is “learning to trust Him in all things and lift my finger off the control button.”

Love the visual. Lifting our fingers. Opening our hands. Releasing our fears. Receiving what’s next.

For many of us, God clearly is preparing something new.

“I’m at a transitional place in my life…” Gina
“I am in a holding pattern…” Joyce
“I’m in a new chapter /phase right now…” Karin

Being open to change can be both exciting and scary. Our one consolation is knowing who’s in charge: “The Lord reigns forever” (Psalm 146:10).

Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great  caravan—with camels carrying spices,  large quantities of gold, and precious stones—  1 Kings 10:2

What a spectacle! However valuable the jewels, however costly the gold, the queen’s spices were the most extravagant of her hostess gifts. The land of Sheba was rich with Arabian balm, myrrh, frankincense, and other delights meant to please a king.

But Sheba didn’t only open her treasure chest. She also opened her heart.

…she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind.  1 Kings 10:2

Sheba opened herself up and revealed “all the things that she cared about” (MSG). The fact that her discussion points aren’t recorded in Scripture doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. They just aren’t as vital as her spoken words soon to follow.

Remarkable, isn’t it, how she trusted this royal stranger? Perhaps because the two were peers. More likely because Solomon loved and served the one true God, and His Spirit permeated their conversation.

Clearly, God was wooing Sheba through Solomon. Beckoning her to share her deepest thoughts. Answering her endless questions. Meeting her heartfelt needs.

The Lord does this for us as well, beloved: He listens. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

Let me take a quick run at one of our Study Guide questions, then it’s your turn to share what you’ve learned this week. So glad you’re here.

From the Study Guide

Are you willing to open your heart, your life to God’s leading?

This is an easy yes for me…now. In the early years of marriage, with young children at home, saying yes was harder. I worried about my own future, but mostly I worried about theirs. If I said yes to God, how would that affect my family? Would my children feel neglected? Would my husband feel ignored?

Here’s what I’ve learned: God not only prepares us, He also prepares those we love, so we’re all walking according to His will. It’s not about me, it’s about we. It’s not my ministry, it’s our ministry. His Word calls us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21), which we do our very best to honor at the Higgs house.

Bill and I have worked side-by-side for two decades. I’ve only fired him twice (smile) and both times, he stayed in his desk chair and kept working. What a man. Our son serves as my first-draft book editor, our daughter-in-law is my new personal assistant and office whiz, and our daughter is my social media maven. When I began stepping away from a “real job” back in 1986 and opened my hands and heart and calendar to God, I could never have hoped, dreamed, or imagined what He had in mind. So good, Lord. So kind.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of You. You love us, You lead us, You let us stumble, but You never let us fall from Your hands. Let our hearts remain open to whatever You have in store for us, knowing it’s not only good, it’s best.

Boldness is a Beautiful Thing

“A crown means nothing unless the head wearing it is filled with wisdom and good judgment.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter One: It’s Good to Be Bold

Here we go! If you have a copy of It’s Good to Be Queen, you’re ready to rock. If you need to order one, it’s easily managed at ItsGoodtoBeQueen.me. If that’s not your plan, you’ll find lots here to encourage you.

Love this week’s bold orange? Check out our Shebalicious board on Pinterest! And if you want to spend a few minutes watching me teach the first chapter, pop over to my free video on Vimeo.

Now, let’s start with a snapshot of our queen: 

Her story is found in 1 Kings 10:1-13.
She lived in the tenth century B.C.
Her country was likely in southwest Arabia.
Her palace was in the inland city of Ma’rib.
She prized wisdom above all things.
She was a worshiper of many gods.
She was destined to meet the one true God (best part!).

You’re going to love this woman’s story.

Last week I offered snippets of wisdom from the queen of Sheba and asked which one spoke to you. “Be bold and take frequent leaps of faith” was high on your list, coming in at #3. Wonderful, because God’s kingdom needs bold women to do His bold work.

Tamie shared, “Many times I hesitate before stepping out. I want to be bold enough to move the first time I sense His call.” She’s not the only one. Some of us hear that call a dozen times before we move, then wonder, “What was I waiting for?”

Even so, God is patient with us. He’s not surprised at our hesitancy or frustrated by delays. The moment we’re ready, He fills us with His boldness through the Holy Spirit.

It’s not you being bold for God. It’s God being bold for you.

We definitely see His boldness at work three thousand years ago, calling Sheba to His side.

­

When the queen of Sheba

heard about the fame of Solomon

and his relationship to the Lord,

she came to test Solomon

with hard questions. 1 Kings 10:1

You probably noticed the word bold isn’t in this verse…but it’s clear Sheba’s actions fit the bill. Having learned about Solomon’s wisdom, Sheba traveled fifteen hundred miles across the Arabian Desert to test him, thinking she might best him with her difficult riddles.

Now, look at the middle line of the verse: “his relationship to the Lord.” That’s what put Sheba on a camel bound for Jerusalem. She realized if Solomon was the wisest man on earth, then his God must be even more wise, more powerful. No wonder she wanted to see His magnificence for herself.

The hardest part is waiting for her to get there. Come on, chapter two!

If you’ve already answered the questions in the Study Guide, I am beyond proud of you. I’ll take a stab at one, then invite you to share what you’ve learned so far.

From the Study Guide

What do you find appealing about Sheba’s boldness?

I love her sense of urgency. She heard. She went. We have no record of her dithering over the idea, weighing the pluses and minuses. She heard. She went.

The times I’ve made a bold move for a righteous reason, it was always God’s idea. Go. Now. But, the times I’ve made a bold move for a selfish reason, I usually talked myself into it, then plowed forward on my own steam. Disaster.

If being bold comes naturally to you, how might you use it for advancing God’s kingdom?

Since boldness comes a little too naturally to me, God has been tempering my take-charge approach and urging me to listen before I speak, to consider other people’s opinions before I offer mine, and to fearlessly follow His lead, without looking over my shoulder to see who else is coming.

The apostle Paul was definitely bold, yet he urged God’s people to speak the truth in love. Boldness should look like affection, not aggression. Like love, in action.

Heavenly Father, I have so much to learn about true boldness. The kind that’s not of the flesh, but of the Spirit; not my will, but Your will. When I need to be bold, lead the way. When I need to be still, hold me in place. Let my words be Your Word, spoken in love.

Now, it’s your turn: If being bold is a stretch for you, why is it important to make the effort? Please share your thoughts below. Can’t wait for next week when Sheba arrives in Jerusalem!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

 

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A Woman in Search of Wisdom

“Tantalizing reports blow across the Arabian Desert like the fragrance of cinnamon on the night wind. One man’s name is on every man’s lips: Solomon.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Are you excited to begin our journey with the queen of Sheba? Oh baby. This book has been beating in my heart for three long years. Spending the next several Wednesdays with you, gathered around her story in God’s Word, will be pure joy!

Even if you aren’t able to read the book this fall, I promise you’ll find heaps of encouragement here each week, as we discover how to become as bold, gracious, and wise as the queen of Sheba.

Yes, she was also wealthy, powerful, and famous. But her desire for wisdom is what makes the queen of Sheba a worthy role model.

Blessed… Proverbs 3:13

A good word, yes? All of us long to be “happy” (ASV), to be thought of as “joyful” (ISV), to be seen as “fortunate” (AMP) because of God’s kindness.

Still, I use the word blessed with care. Even though a statement like “Look how God has blessed me!” is the truth, it can sound…well, prideful. People might feel “enviable” (AMP) instead of happy for you. (It’s hard to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15) while they’re reminding you how blessed they are…)

…are those… Proverbs 3:13

Whether you’re “the man” (NASB) or “the one” (NABRE) or “the person” (NCV), this blessing is meant for you.

…who find wisdom,… Proverbs 3:13

We’re talking about the kind of wisdom that’s “skillful and godly” (AMP). Not street smarts. Not being in the know. Instead, it’s  knowing “right from wrong” (MSG).

In a culture where people can spin a wrong until it sounds right, true wisdom is knowing the difference and doing the right thing. More than insight or intelligence, it’s integrity.

I see this up close daily. My husband, Bill, doesn’t care if something appears right. What matters to him is that it is right, ethically, morally, and spiritually. (I know, I know. Who but God would marry such a good man to a Former Bad Girl?!)

…those who gain understanding . Proverbs 3:13

That’s our queen, who wanted to grow and expand her knowledge and wisdom, and so ventured hundreds of miles north to Jerusalem to meet with King Solomon. Every leader needs “good judgment and common sense” (MSG). The best way to accomplish that—for her, for us—is by “drawing it forth from God’s Word and life’s experiences” (AMP).

Together, her words and actions, her motives and methods as recorded in Scripture reveal a woman almost as sage as Solomon himself.

Be bold and take frequent leaps of faith.
Be open to whatever God has prepared for you.
Seek wise counsel from trustworthy sources.
Be humbled, trusting Him to lift you up.
Be honest with God, with yourself, with others.
Encourage everyone who crosses your path.
Praise God in all things and in every situation.
Give generously, with open hands and heart.
Receive graciously, to honor God and the giver.
End well by loving well all the days of your life.

These ten truths are listed on our beautiful bookmarks. If you’d like one for your book, plus an autographed bookplate to peel-and-stick inside the cover, send an email to beth@lizcurtishiggs.com with your name and address, and we’ll drop your freebies in the mail.

Don’t have a copy of the book? You’ll find It’s Good to Be Queen on sale at a great price on Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBook, and at your favorite bookstore. And here’s How to Use It’s Good to Be Queen as a Bible Study.

For next week: Read pages 1-17 and answer the Study Guide questions on page 169-170. On Wednesday, August 26 we’ll dive into Chapter One: It’s Good to Be Bold.

I’d love to know before you go: Of Sheba’s ten bits of wisdom listed above, which one speaks to you? Please share your thoughts below. Can’t wait for next week!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

 

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A Fragrant Offering

Beloved, you and I have praised God together through two dozen posts since January. We’ve celebrated His greatness, His compassion, His strength, His gentleness, His sovereignty—the truth is, we could mine His Word for years and never unearth all His praiseworthy qualities.

As our online sister, Jennifer, said, “He is faithful, merciful, loving, patient, long-suffering, our Father and Friend, an all-perfect Sacrifice, and our Savior. He is everything.”

He is. And His sacrifice is the most generous gift ever given. “He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

There is no one else like our God. Over the centuries, other gods required followers to sacrifice their lives or the lives of their children. Molek, the detestable god of the Ammonites, was one of them. (Leviticus 18:21).

But our Lord Jesus? He sacrificed His life for us. “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).

Can you imagine it? God the Father watched His Son’s suffering and pain, His crucifixion and death, and called it good, called it a sweet-smelling aroma, a fragrant offering.

Oh, Lord, how can we comprehend such love?

His sacrifice didn’t cost Him something. It cost Him everything. “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith” (Romans 3:25).

What does it mean, to receive something by faith?

It means letting go of our pride and accepting the undeniable fact that we need His blood to cover our sins.
It means facing the horror of the cross and embracing the truth that His atoning sacrifice was necessary and was enough.
It means saying with Jesus, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Because it is, my friend. It’s done, once for all.

His finished work is our finished faith.

“For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14). Perfect forever? It hardly seems possible. In our flesh we’re not perfect even for a minute, let alone forever. But through His Spirit and because of His sacrifice, we are made perfect. That is to say, complete. Yes, finished.

There is nothing left to be done but praise His name. All the time. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Our calling is clear: profess, proclaim, and praise His name. Today, tomorrow, and forever.

Lord Jesus, Your sacrifice is beyond our comprehension. Your gift is unmatchable. Your love is overwhelming. Your offering is everything.

“Amazing love, how can it be, that You my King would die for me?” If you have a moment, listen to this powerful worship song written by Billy James Foote, with unforgettable scenes from The Passion of the Christ.

His amazing love. His amazing sacrifice. Please share your thoughts below.

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. Next Wednesday, please join me for two special events. First, we’ll gather in my old Kentucky home for a 30-minute Livestream at 12noon ET. It’s easy to join me at LizCurtisHiggs.com/livestream. Then, at 1:00pm here on my weekly blog, we’ll begin our 10-week study of the queen of Sheba, as together we journey across the Arabian Desert and through the pages of It’s Good to Be Queen. My sister, I cannot wait to spend time with you, Sheba, and the Lord we love!

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Boom

Summertime and the living is easy? Not at the Higgs house. Maybe not at your house either. We’re waking up earlier, staying up later, and trying to squeeze in one. more. thing.

When our get-go is gone, beloved, it’s a different kind of power outage, but it can be just as crippling.

Without electricity, all our switches and gadgets are useless. Without the Holy Spirit, all our works and efforts are fruitless.

But with His power? The possibilities are endless, even miraculous.

In the time of Jesus’s ministry on earth, “the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all” (Luke 6:19).

Wow. The Greek word for power, might, and strength—dýnamis—gives us our word dynamite. Boom.

His kind of power is real, palpable. When the Lord healed the bleeding woman, “at once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him” (Mark 5:30).

Power went out from Him. Like a jolt of electricity, like a bolt of lightning. Strong enough to change a life. Mighty enough to challenge death. “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also” (1 Corinthians 6:14). Boom.

Now comes the astounding rest of the story: This same holy power can flow through us. “The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people” (Psalm 68:35).

He gives His power, freely, generously. As one online sister said, “With all that I’ve been through, His power and love have been amazing.”

His might, His power—in Hebrew, His taatsumah—is available to us. When we’re exhausted, discouraged, overwhelmed (my hand is up), it’s because we’re trying to do, do, do on our own steam, instead of depending on God’s power.

So, what might it look like in real life if we went for it and asked God to boom through us? It could mean stopping to pray before making an important phone call, asking God to give us the right words to say. Then, on the phone, really listening to the other person, waiting for God’s prompting before we respond, “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

When we hang up, amazed, we need to remember where that power came from and give Him credit for it. As His Word reminds us, “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Boom.

Lord Jesus, we’ve read about Your power in Your Word. Now help us experience Your power in our lives. May Your strength, Your energy flow from You through us, accomplishing Your will, resulting in Your glory. What an honor it is to be a conduit for Your mighty power and love on this earth!

How might this reminder of God’s infinite power change what you’re doing today? Take a second to share your thoughts below. Your words are a blessing and encouragement to all of us!

Your grateful sister, Liz

@LizCurtisHiggs

P.S. Congrats to our 10 sisters who won a copy of It’s Good to Be Queen and a lovely serving dish from DaySpring! We have one more week in our series, He Is Worthy of Our Praise. I’ve LOVED opening God’s Word and studying His glorious attributes with you this year!

On Wednesday, August 19, we’ll dive in to a new 10-week study on the Queen of Sheba, as together we journey across the Arabian Desert and through the pages of It’s Good to Be Queen: Becoming as Bold, Gracious, and Wise as the Queen of Sheba. Get your copy now and you’ll be all set. Also on Wednesday, August 19, I’ll be chatting with you via Livestream at 12noon ET on my website, LizCurtisHiggs.com. Maybe have lunch with me? morning coffee? second breakfast? Can’t wait!

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