Kathy Collard Miller's Blog, page 6

Your Feedback Please on A Portion from My Next Book

Your Feedback Please on a Portion from My Next Book

I’m writing a new book, currently titled Anger Management: Jesus Style.

Any initial response to that title?

Here’s a description of this book. “We can learn from Jesus, who never sinned when facing situations that usually make you and I angry, like the inadequacies of ourselves and others.”

Here is the opening material for the chapter on inadequacies. I would appreciate any kind of feedback you have. Does it make sense? Anything you don’t understand? Disagree with? Wonder about? Hope you’ll learn about from the rest of the chapter? Maybe have a story about your own struggle or how Jesus’s example has helped you? (If so, email me privately at KathyCollardMiller@gmail.com to receive the guidelines).

Here’s the opening portion of the chapter.

Imagine for a moment. You’ve been given an assignment to gather a team to work on a high-level project. This could be at work, in ministry, at your child’s school—no matter. The stakes are high. The future of the world is on the line.

No, this is not one of the many movies where a man (or woman) is released from prison in order to gather a group of other well-trained criminals to complete a death-defying espionage job and earn their freedom—if they live through it. (But if you want to think of a movie like that, have fun. It fits.)

As you pray and consider the best of the best for the project, you review the women’s qualifications and personalities. “Oh, no, I’m in big trouble. Every single one of these women has inadequacies and could prevent success. They cannot be trusted and chances are, they will fail me. I still have to choose. But who?

Your mind flicks to Amanda. “Maybe Amanda? After all, she is a natural born leader. Oh, true, but she tends to criticize people. The team will be demoralized by her superior spirit.

“Okay, how about Samantha?” you ask yourself. “She has lots of good qualities, but come to think of it, she becomes easily overwhelmed and can’t make a decision. Success is going to demand quick decisions.

“Hmm, I could consider Maria. She’s a go-getter but she becomes easily impatient when co-workers don’t complete their assignments as quickly as she does.”

As you consider each one, you are more convinced than ever the mission is doomed. There is not a single candidate who is adequate for the role. What am I going to do? If I don’t find the right people, disaster will endanger many lives and I will be blamed. I might be fired, demoted, or at the least, not considered for future assignments. This team must accomplish the goal so that I can be promoted.

I’m sure you have already figured out this plot line resembles Jesus’s challenge of choosing twelve disciples, each burdened by inadequate personalities and sinful habits.

(Of course, Jesus wouldn’t be fearful about accomplishing the mission, but you and I would). Jesus would never be able to find on the face of the earth any who were fully adequate for every task. And yet Jesus wasn’t concerned or pleading with his heavenly Father to create adequate people. When in prayer seeking the Father’s direction, Jesus was basically asking, “Which inadequate person?” And then he responded with understanding and help for the unqualified disciples and every other weak person he met on his human journey.

Oh, if only we would do the same.

Unfortunately, the inadequacies of others create a myriad of sinful responses in us. As we’ll find out in this chapter, there are underlying reasons for our lack of love and compassion which we may not initially identify. Understanding those issues and being inspired by Jesus’s example of godliness will be crucial for our journey toward God-honoring responses.

Defining inadequacy can help us quickly pinpoint exactly what is bothering us and contributing to our sinful anger. Inadequacy is defined as the state or characteristic of lacking the “quantity or quality required” (Dictionary.com). Synonyms include insufficiency, deficiency, scarcity, defective, failing, and lacking. Think about which of those bothers you the most—in yourself and others.

Jesus loved bringing his Father glory by empowering the weak. Every one of us should wonder why God would choose to interact in any way with imperfect people, much less because of our insufficiencies. But as he does, our joy and confidence grow as we see his mighty power empowering and transforming us. We become equipped for that which we initially were unqualified or ill-prepared.

God’s Word makes the assumption every member of the Body of Christ is imperfect and needs to be equipped: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;” (I Corinthians 1:27).

That’s it! I look forward to hearing from you! Please comment on the blog post. 

(PS I know many will wonder: “Do you explain how to have godly, righteous anger?” Yes I do.

Book Drawing! “Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs” by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dormacher

Book Drawing (2 winners) for  “Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs”

Would you like a Bible study filled with wisdom, devotions, group/individual questions, and coloring pages? This new book for studying Proverbs has it all. And there will be two winners!

Read directions below for entering the drawing.

Here’s more information about this fabulous and unique book.

Walk with the wise and become wise.”—Proverbs 13:20 Though it was penned thousands of years ago, the book of Proverbs offers a wealth of guidance that helps you live well today. From the team behind the beloved Discovering the Bible series, this interactive Bible study helps you apply the Old Testament’s evergreen advice for developing a God-honoring character that blesses you, your family, and your community.

As you’re led to examine what Proverbs says about topics like money, sexuality, and relationships, you’ll grow in adoration for God’s wisdom and compassion. You’ll also find

encouraging insights from authors Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher on the life-changing impact of studying Proverbs enriching contextual information about the people and culture that background this oft-quoted book engaging activities including whimsical illustrations for coloring, thoughtful prompts for reflection, and creative invitations to connect with God

Perfect for using on your own or with a group, Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs is a unique way to immerse your heart in everlasting truth. Delight in God’s counsel and support as you connect spiritually, intellectually, and creatively to this incredible book of the Bible!

Here is an excerpt from this delightful book.

Devotional page with opportunity for coloring

Wisdom for Victory!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:57 ESV)

We long for it- the thrill of victory: The adrenalin rush of a win! The feeling of:

The panoramic view from on top of a mountain after an arduous uphill climb.The reach and touch of the wall at the end of an all-out swim.The push to break the tape at the end of heart-pumping foot or bike race.The camaraderie of the team, jumping up and down as a pack, with a trophy raised.

These are unique victories, but for most of us, victory comes in the form of:

Landing that big client or perfect jobSigning papers for the new home, boat, or RVHearing from your boss that you got the promotion or contractHearing that you, your kids, or grands got that straight A report cardGarnishing the college or graduate school scholarship

But sometimes victories are raw and real, like:

Reading a positive blue line signaling that long awaited babyOvercoming a nagging negative habit that has held you back from life’s bestHealing an emotional hurt that has been haunting youConnecting spiritually with God to hear His plan and pathShedding the weight that has put your health and wellness at riskRepairing a relationship so it is healthy and whole againSeeing a prodigal return to Christ, and to the familyHelping a child or grandchild overcome an obstacle to move forward in lifeReturning home from deploymentWaking up this side of heaven

No matter what the victories are that you long for, know what if that desire matches God’s Heart and Word, God is in it with you!

In Discovering Wisdom in Proverbs: A Creative Bible Study Experience, we share God’s heart and clear path to victory in the book of Proverbs. No matter what the victories are that you long to achieve, know that if that desire matches God’s heart and Word, God is in it with you! Proverbs 21:31 proclaims “…victory rests with the LORD.” God plants the seed for the goal, empowers your path and celebrates the victory with you!

In the book of Proverbs, we gain a glimpse God’s battle plan to victory:

“He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,” (Proverbs 2:7 NIV)“Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free .” (Proverbs 11:21 NIV)“The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm ..” (Proverbs 12:7 NIV)The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe .” (Proverbs 18:10)

Do you notice a common thread in what is our part in garnering victory? Living righteous and upright. Righteousness capsulized means blameless, innocent, and just and upright is to live on the straight path. Victory come when we seek to live in congruence with God’s principles. Living in God’s guidelines is to live on the path of wisdom.

Thank you Pam, Jean, and Karla for these encouraging words.

To win one of the two copies available in the drawing, enter by making a comment on the blog page. Drawing ends July 8th, 2023. Only USA addresses can win.

Jean E. Jones is a contributing writer for Crosswalk.com and a member of the International Society for Women in Apologetics. She’s happily married to her high school sweetheart, Clay, a Christian apologetics professor at Biola University. They live in Laguna Niguel, California, and once were foster parents to three preteen/teen girls. Jean enjoys trying new foods, such as the rooster claws and century eggs she ate in Asia.

 

 

Author/Artist Karla Dornacher is passionate about sharing hope, encouragement and inspiration in everything she does. Karla is best known for her best-selling books, Love In Every Room and Down A Garden Path, as well as several other Christian Inspirational Gift and Devotional books of the same style.

 

 

 

Pam Farrel is an international speaker and author of 60 books including bestselling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti. She and her husband Bill Co-direct Love-Wise ministry helping people in their vital relationships. They are parents to three sons, 3 daughters in law and 7 grandkids. The Farrels make their home on a live aboard boat docked in Southern California.

 

 To order: book page on Amazon. Christian Book and Barnes and Noble . Also, www.discoveringthebibleseries.com

 

God Has Realistic Expectations of You

God Has Realistic Expectations of You Someone has said, “A perfectionist is a person who takes great pains and passes them on to others.” I’m one of those! And today I can only say “I’m a recovering perfectionist.” 

But that’s okay. Because God has realistic expectations. Paul’s letter to the Philippians gives us that assurance. 

Most people consider Paul’s letter to the Philippians the book of joy and contentment. Included in his encouragement, he wrote about his own imperfections and God’s realistic expectations of his earthly children. 

Paul emphasized: 

•We’ll never become perfect on this earth. We’ll always be “in process.” And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (1:6). 

•Seek excellence not perfection. Excellence is doing the best we can with what we already have learned. It means knowing there will always be more we can learn. Perfection means never sinning and is unattainable. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (vss. 9-10). 

•After we become a Christian, we’ll be dependent upon God’s continuing work. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure (2:12-13). 

• Continue to learn. God uses our circumstances to develop more contentment. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need (4:9). 

In addition, to the Corinthians he writes, And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18). Seeing God’s glory assists the transformation of our growth in glory (our godliness) even on this earth. 

I hope this is encouraging. Don’t let perfectionism diminish or destroy growth in being satisfied in God’s good gifts. Have confidence and satisfaction that God loves us enough he’ll never give up on us nor stop investing in our lives. 

This post is adapted from Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory

 

God’s Orchestration of Esther’s Story … and Yours and Mine

God’s Orchestration of Esther’s Story … and Yours and Mine

If you haven’t read the book of Esther recently, here’s some motivation to revisit this exciting story. God still orchestrated our lives just as much as He did Esther’s.

At the beginning of Esther’s story, she had no idea she and her people would face life-threatening danger. She walked step by step in faith. Esther’s journey is the same for us. We don’t know the future, or how God wants to use us. We can only faithfully follow through on the guidance we receive. Knowing God’s orchestration behind the scenes in Esther’s story can build our courage.

Today, we may not be able to see God’s work, but stories like Esther remind us God is always at work. He never feels uncertain, worried, perplexed, or confused. He is totally in control. That’s the basic definition of his sovereignty: he is totally in control.

Here are some of the examples of God’s sovereignty in the book of Esther:

Rejection of Vashti as queen thus setting up the search for a new queen (chapter 1).Favor of king toward Esther out of the many women he could choose from (chapter 2).Haman hated the Jews (chapter 3). It may seem strange God would allow someone to plan evil, but in the end the plan is defeated thus giving God glory.The king can’t sleep and requests some of the chronicles of his reign be read (chapter 6). At this point, he’s been in power for twelve years. The reading about Mordecai was five years earlier, yet that story is the one chosen by God’s design.Mordecai wasn’t given any reward when he saved the king’s life (chapter 2). God would later use the “mistake” to give Mordecai favor with the king (chapter 6).When the king wants to honor Mordecai, Haman enters the outer court precisely then (chapter 6), and Haman must honor Mordecai.The king enters the room at exactly the time when it appears Haman is attacking Queen Esther (chapter 7), thus causing the King’s anger and Haman’s demise.The hearts of the enemies of the Jews are changed to favor them (chapter 8).

We don’t know to what degree Esther had insight to understand God’s orchestration, but certainly much of what happened must have given her courage to proceed with God’s leading.

So often we don’t think we have courage because we aren’t taking huge steps. But Esther’s story can speak to us how God leads one step at a time. He brings the results he wants in his timing.

One step she took seems unusual—have the king and Haman come to dinner two times. Commentators offer several possible reasons.

She was led specifically by God.She was intimidated at the first dinner and didn’t have the courage to follow through on her plan.She believed the pleasures of two delightful and delicious banquets would prepare the king’s heart to hear her request and be more favorable toward it.The ploy emphasized the importance of her request.The delay piqued the King’s curiosity and interest.

Of course, we don’t know the reason(s) because Scripture doesn’t spell them out. Ultimately, the “why” or “how” isn’t important. The essential vital message is God will fulfill his plan to save the Jews.

Our courage will grow if we are convinced God will fulfill his plan. Ultimately, we really don’t have the power to prevent or aid God’s will. If we did have that kind or level of power, we would be his substitute, a god. No one and nothing can substitute for the Lord God Almighty.

We can also have greater courage knowing even if we make a mistake or don’t follow through with the right plan (like Esther possibly did), God can overcome any obstacle or mistake on our part. He knew from the beginning how he would save his people, to whom he had promised his loyal protection in the first covenants with Noah (Genesis 6:18) and Abraham (Genesis 15).

(Excerpt from Heart of Courage: Daughters of the King Bible Study. Gain more courage from studying women of the Bible. Appropriate for individual and group study.)

Book Drawing!! “Who Wrote Hebrews?” by Bob Andersen

Book Drawing!! “Who Wrote Hebrews?: The Case for Silas and His Message for Today” by Bob Andersen

I’m so excited! My friend, Bob Andersen, has written an exciting book that I loved reading. I gained so much, not just about the possible human author of the book of Hebrews, but about the background of that culture and so many other fascinating facts.

Read below how to enter the drawing. Here is a delightful taste of the fascinating ideas Bob shares in his book.

Who Wrote Hebrews and What Can You Learn from It? Be on the Jury! by Bob AndersenMy book is not another commentary on Hebrews. It is an analysis of the setting—which shines a beacon on the message. Pinpointing the author, historical setting, and target audience makes the urgency of the message clear—not only for the ancient Hebrews but for Christians today. This argument contends that Silas, Paul’s companion on his second missionary journey, wrote Hebrews from Rome to Jerusalem in early A.D. 67.

In a jury trial, each side makes an opening statement. Chapter 1 is my opening statement. It presents facts to be addressed in chapters 2–14 which present the evidence. In the next chapters, you will see proof of the author, destination, and timing of Hebrews along with its all-important message to the first-century Jerusalem church and to us today. Place yourself on the jury but don’t draw conclusions until you evaluate the evidence. Based on this evidence, you may conclude whether a fact is true or not. I believe you will find that Silas authored the Book of Hebrews.

Many people have given serious thought to the question of the author of Hebrews. Isn’t it enough to study the book for its content without having to identify the author? After all this time, why bother trying to solve this age–old mystery? I believe the historical, political, cultural, and religious contexts and the reason for writing play a part in our understanding the message to the Hebrews, which has special significance to Christians today. Understanding the urgency and importance makes this message critical for us.

The Mount Sinai Law

Thousands of years ago, God delivered his Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Jews knew this was an extraordinary event and gave that Law preeminent standing among their Scriptures. The Jews were God’s chosen people. His first commandment declared that they should worship only him. His laws included the rest of the Ten Commandments, dietary restrictions, and a priestly system of animal sacrifice. In order to ensure continued fidelity to this law, Jews married only other Jews, as God commanded, and circumcised newborn males, as God had told Abraham and his descendants to do.

First Temple Destruction

More than eight hundred years after God gave the Law, he allowed Babylon to capture Jerusalem and destroy the temple because the Jews had been unfaithful to him by worshipping other gods. When they could return to their land and rebuild the temple, they wanted to make sure it never happened again. Consequently, they sought to follow the teachings of Moses strictly while under foreign rule.

Hellenization

For the next 600 years, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Jewish Hasmoneans (the Maccabees), and Romans ruled the Jews in succession. Both the Greeks and then the Romans wanted to “Hellenize” or absorb all their subjects into one larger culture while God through the Mosaic law wanted the Jews to remain uniquely devoted to him. For over 300 years, Jews living in and outside of Israel struggled with which parts of Greek culture they could accept and still remain true to God since some changes contradicted God’s instructions.

Conflict resulted. Greeks and Romans believed in many gods and didn’t agree with the Jewish sacrificial system and dietary laws. In the second century BC, the king of the Syrian Greeks ordered the Jews under penalty of death to accept idolatrous Greek practices that clearly violated the Mosaic law. This included the order to sacrifice pigs on the altar in Jerusalem and throughout Judea, inciting the Maccabean Revolt. The Jews prevailed and experienced freedom from foreign rule until the Romans took control in the first century BC. Although the Romans initially were more accommodating, they continued the process of Hellenization.

Predicted Messiah

Furthermore, Jewish Scriptures predicted a coming king called the Messiah or “anointed one.” He would be a descendant of King David and born in Bethlehem. The Jews believed this Messiah would set Israel free as predicted by Isaiah and other prophets. The Jewish prophet, Daniel, even put a timeframe on the Messiah’s appearance. By the first century, the Jews inside and outside of Jerusalem expectantly awaited the promised Messiah.

Why we should consider Silas the author of Hebrews?

Although modern commentators question the background of Silas, the first-century leaders who knew him personally credited him with authority, faithfulness, and ability. The Jerusalem Council chose him to defend Paul and Barnabas’s gospel to the Jews in the dispersion. Paul chose him to help lead the second missionary  journey throughout the Greek world. Silas proved faithful through the persecutions of that journey, preached in Corinth, Peter approved him as a faithful brother near the end of Peter’s life, and Silas played a part in writing First Peter. While his resume is impressive, the selection of Silas by the Jerusalem council and by Paul and Peter for crucial leadership and theological roles in more impressive.

Thank you, Bob, for giving us a fascinating taste of your important book. My friends, that’s only the beginning of how Bob, as the lawyer he is, delves into examining the different people who have been suggested as the author. Would you like to enter to win this wonderful book? You can by writing a comment on my blog post. The drawing will end on the evening of Monday, June 12th. Only USA addresses can win.

Bob has been an attorney in Riverside, California for 43 years. He now practices exclusively mediation and holds an M.A. in Theological Studies from Talbot Seminary. He is married, has three daughters and five grandchildren. He and his wife have a Christian marriage ministry under the name “The Marriage Dance.”

Links for buying:
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Wrote-Hebrews-Silas-Message/dp/0990725952

Links or reaching me: www.AndersenMediations.com www.TheMarriageDance.com  www.SilasWroteHebrews.com Bob@AndersenMediations.com

Bob Andersen
Andersen Mediations
P.O. Box 375
Riverside, California 92502
Bob@AndersenMediations.com
www.AndersenMediations.com

951-224-9277; 951-505-0357

When is Anxiety Sinful?

When Is Anxiety Sinful?

Imagine for a moment you are in the forest and a bear comes running toward you. You will most likely feel anxious and worried.

No one is surprised by that. You better be fearful, anxious and worried. God designed your body to be energized to run when facing a threat like that!!!!

Our body naturally responds with concern to fearful things. That natural reaction isn’t necessarily sinful. Concern and anxiety can be something we don’t choose because they are natural feelings.

The challenge is to transform our anxiety in a godly way to trust in God. But even as we do that, our bodies may not release the tension.

Therefore, I think anxiety is sin when we agree to continue to give into it and encourage it.

The important thing is that you are turning your mind and heart to trusting God.

The key to doing that is in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (ESV)

You may be surprised that Jesus had anxiety. When Jesus was praying shortly before his arrest, Luke 22:44 tells us, “And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

In different translations, the word “agony” is anguish, agony of spirit, deeply distressed and anguished, The Greek word is “agonia” and Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance gives additionally the wording “the state of a struggle.”

Commentator Elliott explains, “The Greek noun primarily describes a ‘conflict’ or ‘struggle’ rather than mere physical pain.”

I’m trusting I”m not the only one who “struggles” with the battle, the conflict. According to Second Corinthians 10:5, you and I can reject lies and focus on truths about God.

Our body may not cooperate with the truth and we might continue to feel stressed, have higher blood pressure, be restless if we want to sleep. I’ve noticed I awaken in the night and I’m already tense. I didn’t choose that. But in one way or another my dreams or thoughts were bothering me.

I’m hoping we can believe God has compassion for our tension and physical anxiety. He does want to empower us with rehearsing truths about him in order to win the battle for your mind.

You can only win by knowing Scripture through memorization and studying Scripture.

Also, try this spiritual exercise. Put a rubber band around your wrist and frequently let the sight of it cause you to pause and ask the Holy Spirit within you:

What am I thinking about?What am I believing right now?Is any distrustful thinking barging its way into my heart?What is my body demonstrating?

Oh! And then snap your rubber band if you identify thoughts which are leading you away from trust in God.

I’d love to hear from you about your favorite verse or saying about trust in God or how to gain peace. Thank you for sharing.

Did the Midwives Really Lie and How Their Story Can Give Us Courage?

Did the Midwives Really Lie? How Can their Story Give Us Courage? This is important because this biblical story is one that many people use to discredit the Bible and God. Let’s look at this topic.

As is common in many stories in the Bible, the written account doesn’t declare whether a choice is wrong or right, only what occurred. We don’t know if God directly commanded the midwives to disobey the Egyptian king. We only know they “feared God” (Exodus 1:15-21) which empowered their lack of fear for human authority.

But how do we reconcile servants of God lying? After all, we know God never lies (Titus 1:2) and never honors deceitfulness. Yet, God did reward the two midwives who lied. But did they really lie? And did they “lie” at God’s direction?

Maybe they didn’t actually lie. Possibly they selectively said what was true—the Hebrew women gave birth before the midwives could arrive.Maybe the Hebrew women waited until the last minute to call the midwives as a means of protecting a newborn.

Some commentators reason the named midwives may have been the “senior” midwives of the total group of midwives. It’s highly improbable only two midwives could serve the huge Hebrew population. Another possibility is that Shiphrah and Puah didn’t murder the male babies, but others did. We don’t know.

If God doesn’t give us all the details in the Bible, then we don’t have to figure everything out.

Maybe this story is more about teaching us to fear God as the source of our courage. Scripture doesn’t specifically say God rewarded them for lying, but for their fear of him (1:21).

How interesting the two courageous women who feared God are named, but the king of Egypt is unnamed in Scripture. Although Egyptian records indicate Thutmose I (1526–1512 BC) was most likely the Pharaoh at the time, God does not give him any honor by including his name.

Because Pharaoh’s plan for killing the Hebrew male babies wasn’t working, he told the Egyptian population to voluntarily throw Hebrew male babies into the Nile. Although this is horrifying to us, the command would not have been shocking to them. Infanticide was a common practice, because human life was not considered sacred. Whether any baby lived or died was decided by the father of the household. Female Egyptian babies were most often thrown out on the trash or into the river. The Israelites’ value of life was in stark contrast to Egyptian culture and practice.As God provided courage for the midwives, if any of us are called to do something risky, God will give us the courage we need in the moment.

As God provided courage for the midwives, if any of us are called to do something risky, God will give us the courage we need in the moment.

As God provided #courage for the #midwives, if any of us are called to do something risky, God will give us the courage we need in the moment. #biblestudy #spiritualstrength
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We may not know exactly how we will respond, but he will direct us and give us direction in the moment.

Nothing would have culturally motivated the daughter of the Pharaoh (possibly Hatshepsut) to save the Hebrew child. After God gave her the initial curiosity and compassion for the crying baby, we can assume the Pharaoh’s daughter had the power to go against her father’s edicts. She may have convinced herself (and others) she wasn’t going against her father’s rule because she would raise Moses as an Egyptian, not a Hebrew.

But of course, every detail was designed by God to save the Israelites from their slavery decades later when Moses would lead them out of Egypt as a freed people.

We can wonder why the princess concluded quickly the baby was Hebrew. Several reasons tell us why.

Circumstances : Only the Israelites would have needed to try to save a male child. Rarely was a male Egyptian child abandoned. Girl babies were the ones on the trash heap. Circumcision : The baby would be circumcised—a practice Egyptians weren’t performing at that time. Characteristics : Differing physical appearance between the two groups. Compassion : God enlightened her understanding and sparked her empathy for this baby.

God’s sovereign power is exalted even more as he uses only women to rescue Moses when women were not considered valuable in Egyptian culture. God may be telling us he offers his courage to all, male or female.

As the examples of these women show courage, our courage can grow from trusting God. If we face something dangerous to either our identity or even our life, we can be assured God is with us and orchestrating everything around us.

Even today there are martyrs. Christians around the world are being harmed and their lives disrupted because of their commitment to Christ. God is strengthening them now and will give courage to any of us now and in the future.

Want to gain more courage? Check out my women’s Bible study, Heart of Courage: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series. It includes 10 lessons studying biblical principles and women in the Bible who gained courage and those who didn’t depend upon God. The topics include: representing God, serving, overcoming discouragement, family, church, against popular opinion, against evil, at work, facing temptation.

Book Drawing! “The Parent’s Battle Plan” by Laine Lawson Craft

Book Drawing! “The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal” by Laine Lawson Craft

I’m so excited to feature the latest book by Laine Lawson Craft as this month’s feature for my book drawing.

In Laine’s book, she will share the prayers, Scripture passages, weapons, practical applications, and tools she used and has shared with other parents in the same battle. She wants to provide the hope and guidance that caused her to be effective in the war for her children. Laine says, “We can take back what the enemy has stolen, but we must know the strategies to activate our victory. Most importantly, we have to start today.”

Book Drawing! “The Parent’s Battle Plan” by Laine Lawson Craft
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To enter the drawing for Laine’s book, read the excerpt from her book and then see the instructions below.

Our Children Belonged to God First by Laine Lawson Craft

No matter what we are facing with our children, there is one—and only one—fact to which we can cling during the lowest times of chaos. Our children belonged to God before they were lent to us. When we were busy dreaming about what color hair our child would have or what gender our loved one was going to be, God already knew. There is a huge difference between what we did and what He did to usher them into the world. God literally called them into existence.

God is all-seeing and all-knowing. Nothing exists outside of Him, and nothing happens without His knowledge. The Bible tells us, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). This demonstrates His foreknowledge of children. When God speaks to Jeremiah, He prefers him to know of his origin. This means every human, including our child, has a relationship with his or her Creator from pre-birth to the afterlife. It is truly an eternal partnership.

If God brought our children into existence, then it follows suit that He specifically entrusted them to us.

He intends us to love and care for them throughout their lives. The Bible includes many tips and guidelines on how to do that. Most of us have heard the declaration, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he grows older he will not abandon it” (Proverbs 22:6 NASB). There is no doubt that, as parents, we all try to do that very thing. Some of our children, however, have to run interference with an unseen enemy that can alter their paths greatly. Depending on how much they listen to our advice versus how much they listen to outside influ- ences, this verse may seem beyond impossible to stand on or believe.

And that is just what dark influences would have us do. It is our job not to go down the proverbial rabbit hole with our children. We are, instead, to choose to fight to bring them back into our plane of existence. Although we may be tempted to give up or feel we have failed, God still believes in our ability to walk through “better or worse” with them. He will give us the strength to get through it all.

Thank you, Laine, for your inspiration and encouragement.

To enter the drawing, go to this blog post and make a comment. Only USA addresses can win. The drawing will end Monday May 8th, 2023.

Laine Lawson Craft partners with parents of prodigal teens and young adults, with her new book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal. She is a bestselling and award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses and Facebook Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of prodigal children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children, a son-in-love and a daughter-in-love.

Reach Laine at:email: Lainecraft@lainecraft.netwww.lainelawsoncraft.comInstagram: @lainelawsoncraftFB: @lainelawsoncraftTwitter: @lainelawsoncraft

Study the Bible Even if You Don’t Think You’ll Remember Much

Study the Bible Even if You Don’t Think You’ll Remember Much

I get in the car and Siri asks me, “Which doctor are we going to now?”

Getting older is no fun. A part of getting older is that I can’t remember what I studied and read.

My husband, Larry, and I were commiserating with each other the other day about this.

We both wished we could apply every day the amazing truths we’ve read over the decades of following Christ. It is discouraging to think that we can’t remember everything we’ve ever taken in.

But then I said to Larry, “Maybe we can think of it this way. We can’t remember what we had for dinner three years ago, but it nourished us at the time and became a part of us.”

Study the #Bible even if you don't think you'll remember everything you studied.
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It’s the same way with reading the Word of God or other worthwhile books—or the sermon we heard on Sunday. The Spirit of God applies it to our lives at that time and builds us up spiritually and mentally. We may not remember everything but it has become a part of us.

Now, certainly, we should take the time and effort to memorize, recall and re-concentrate on important truths. We also need to respond in obedience to what we hear and read. Those are the elements for truth to be powerful in our lives. But don’t be discouraged if it seems you remember so little over a long period of time. The Spirit of God is faithful to apply it all for the edifying of our spirits. We may not even remember what work He did, but He has. And He promises to bring to our remembrance what we need to apply and share with others.

Hebrews 4:12 assures us,
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (NASB).

If we’ve cooperated with the Spirit by responding to what we read and heard, the heart surgery has already occurred. We have been changed and as we continue to seek and grow, the results will be revealed.

Even when we don’t remember everything!

How are you encouraged or comforted even when you can’t remember everything you’ve studied?

“Simply for Women”: I loved being Interviewed by Jennifer Jackson

“Simply for Women”: I loved being interviewed by Jennifer Jackson

I had the privilege of sharing my story of God’s help to become a more patient mother. I also told of how God helped Larry and I restore the joy of our marriage.

I trust you will be encouraged by listening!