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April 11, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 3 Comments

5 Benefits of Reading God’s Word {and One Big Problem}

Do you struggle with being faithful in your bible reading? Tricia Goyer shares some help and 5 benefits of reading God’s word. She also shares one big problem which might surprise you…

5 Benefits of Reading God’s Word

At the beginning of this year, I felt the desire to read through my Bible again. I’ve read through it six times before and putting God’s Word in my heart changes my life. On a whim, I asked if anyone on Facebook would like to join me—200+ women did!

Reading through the Bible is the same as providing water, soil, and sunlight to a new plant. It’s what’s needed for God’s children to grow!

Growing up in Sunday school I knew a lot of Bible stories. I knew about David and Goliath, Noah’s Ark, and the miracles of Jesus. Sunday-school lessons are often laid about by theme, which is great for building morals. But . . . what I didn’t understand was how the pieces fit together. I didn’t understand how Adam’s story connected with David’s story and how they both connected with Jesus’ story.

Why should you read God’s word daily? Here are 5 benefits of reading God’s word. (via @TriciaGoyer):

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Are you considering reading through the Bible? Start today! You don’t have to wait until the new year. You can start any day, any time. (I use this guide.) And if you do, you will be blessed.

Here are five benefits of reading God’s word.

When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit can remind you of specific messages or stories that relate to your personal concerns.
When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit can teach you Bible people’s choices—both wise and unwise. And you can make better decisions for yourself.
When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit will guide you to Bible promises when you most need direction.
When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit will fill you with God’s peace. The worries of this world are pushed to the back burner.
When you read and know the Bible, God’s Holy Spirit will convict you of God’s mandates. You learn how to discern truth versus lies. You discover what’s right and what’s wrong. The pride you have in your own efforts diminishes and you look to God. Your sin stands out, and you turn to Him.

I’m a different person, who makes different choices when I read God’s complete Word.

I’m a different person, who makes different choices when I read God’s complete Word. @TriciaGoyer #faith

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So what’s the problem?

Problem: The more time I spend in God’s Word the more I NEED it. I don’t function well without it. When I don’t have time to read and meditate on God’s truths, my soul feels weary and hungry. AND this hunger problem leads to one cranky, overwhelmed wife and mom.

More than once I’ve been on the brink, and I’ve told my husband, “I just need fifteen minutes to read and pray.” And it works.

God’s Word is addicting. My soul craves it on busy, harried days. I need His word to be reminded, taught, guided, filled, and convicted. Without it, my own desires, demands, and decisions lead me astray.

Thankfully even when I’ve feel soul empty, there is an easy fix. I open up God’s Word and read. As I do, my problems aren’t solved overnight, but I’m changing. . . and from there God is able to do His work on all that’s around me, too.

What about you? What benefits of reading God’s word have you found?

Steps You Can Take

Find/make time for God’s Word. (Don’t be afraid to ask your spouse for help with this!)
Put away all distractions.
Open the Bible and begin reading!

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Word spoken to us through the Bible. Thank you that it feeds and nourishes my soul. Help me to continue to hunger for it, to need it daily, and to make time for it every day.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources You Might Like:

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too. God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.

Praying Through The Bible in One Year

How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens
Read Through the Bible in a Year
How to Read the Bible Book by Book

March 24, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

A Prayer for Peace

God’s Word is powerful. It takes my mind off of my surroundings and places it on God—where it should be. God’s Word is also a great launching place for prayer. Today, join me in praying for peace.

Scripture:

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. —2 Thessalonians 3:16

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you that you’re the Lord of peace. When I turn to you, it doesn’t mean all my problems will be solved immediately. When I turned to you, it does not mean I’ll have all the answers to my questions or that my worries will vanish like the morning dew under the sun’s rays. Instead, the peace comes from within me as I remember that you love me completely, and that you are in control. When you come in my needy moments you give peace at all times and in every way. “The Lord be with all of you” . . . that sounds so general and “churchy.” But when I allow those words to sink in I realize they are for me . . . for today.

A #prayer for peace from @TriciaGoyer:

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Jesus, I declare you as my Lord, and with you I find calm and peace. Today—this moment—I choose to look to you, instead of focusing on the people and problems that hound me. Because I am your child, you will lift my heart, tilt my head heavenward, and help me to rise above every difficulty. And when worry begins to weigh me down, one distrusting thought after another, may you remind me that you are worthy of my trust.

I choose to live my life for you, knowing that you go before me. I declare that you are my Lord, always there to guide, to protect, and to use me to impact others for your kingdom. And even during times when you take me beyond my comfort zone and the peace is hard to find, I know that you are with me still. I also know that when I choose to rejoice in all circumstances, I’m actively choosing to focus on you. I know, Lord, that it’s through the praise from my parched lips that you draw me to you, bringing your peace again, and again, and again.

I choose to live my life for God, knowing HE goes before me. @TriciaGoyer

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Resources You Might Like:

30 Prayers of Peace
Prayer: The Ultimate Conversation
Prayer

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January 16, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Priorities {And Making Lists}

How to Organize Your Priorities and Keep God First

It’s a simple thing, really, yet I have to admit it’s the #2 thing that makes me productive. It’s writing things down, five things a day. They are the top five things that I’d like to achieve in a day. If possible I put the hardest thing first. Once that’s out of the way then the rest is easy.

This is the #2 thing. The #1 thing is seeking God. Every morning I ask God for direction for my day. I ask Him to guide my thoughts and my plans. I submit my day to him, and I know that whatever comes my way IS part of his plan. Sometimes it’s not easy. Sometimes nothing on my list gets done. Yet, it’s God’s list that matter’s most, whether it is taking my Grandma to the store or spending time hanging out with my kids.

How do you get things done and still make #God a priority? @TriciaGoyer

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On other days part of my list gets done, and it’s a great feeling to mark those things off. So at least when I write them down I have a plan. But more important that that, I try to submit to God’s plan. The best one there is.

What about you? How do you get things done? Share with me in the comments below!

Did you hear the good news? My new book Balanced is available now via Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only $2.99 (digital only)!

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September 12, 2013 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Living a Grace-Filled Life

Every Sunday we have a small group that meets at our house. I count these people among my closest friends, and they love me for me—not for anything I’ve accomplished in life or anything I strive to accomplish. They are my cheerleaders and my inner circle. They also tell me what I need to hear even when I don’t want to hear it! (Now those are good friends!)

This is our second “small group” of friends. When we left Montana I hated leaving our small group behind. I STILL count those people my dearest friends. What a good God that He doesn’t take away from my friendships. Instead, when we moved to Little Rock, He added to them.

Can you approach every situation full of grace, or do you struggle with it like @TriciaGoyer does?

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In Montana, one of the studies we went through was the DVD study for What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. It was a great study that has led to deep study and lots of commentary. It was also a study that stretched me. In doing that study I realized there were lots of areas that I needed to work on being more grace-full. I do great with people who like me and believe the same as I do. I have a harder time with people who don’t value my opinion or who actively oppose my point of view. (I know, it’s hard to believe. . . .)

Looking back I could see clearly that God prepared me THEN for what He had for me NOW. In Little Rock there are far more people different from me than similar to me. We’re attending a multi-ethnic and multi-economic church in the inner city. I greet both homeless people and U.S. senators during the meet-and-greet at church. It’s awesome, amazing, and stretching. My grace has grown as I’ve been kicked out of my comfort zone!

When it comes to grace, there is one key place we need to look for inspiration. As the well-loved Bible verse 3:16 says, “For God so loved the WORLD that WHOSOEVER believes …” Lately, I’ve been praying God will help me offer the grace of God to whosoever He brings in my path. And I’m also praying He reminds of this before I disgrace myself!

When it comes to grace, there is one key place we need to look for inspiration. @TriciaGoyer

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Here’s a quote by George Mueller that compliments this thought.

A Christian is a mind through which Christ thinks; a heart through which Christ loves; a voice through which Christ speaks; a hand through which Christ helps.

That’s what I want to be: mind, heart, voice, hand . . . and pen.

And even as I type these words I’m thinking about what the next ten years will hold for me and my small group. In my weakness by God’s grace abound!

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20. Lord, I’m so thankful that you saw me and showed compassion for me when I was a long way off! May I continue to reach out to others and show compassion to those who are still “a long way off,” and may my compassion draw them closer to You!

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August 22, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 13 Comments

How to Study the Bible- Plus a Free Printable

Today Tricia Goyer shares some tips on how to study your bible. May these tips encourage you in your time with the Lord, along with the free printable!

I love studying the Bible. I’m perfectly happy to have a stack of study books by my side. I could spend hours a day reading God’s Word and allowing it to carry me through its passages.

Of course, I’m a mom of six, including three little ones who usually never “sleep in” after 6:00 a.m. I don’t have time to spend hours a day in God’s Word. Instead, I’ve discovered a few tricks of “going deep” into a topical Bible study . . . quickly!

Pick a topic that resonates with your heart.

Right now I’m under yet another book deadline. It’s a gift (love writing), and a struggle (dislike babysitters, quick dinners, and inner tension that comes with deadlines). It’s days like this when doubts swirl around my heart. “Maybe this book isn’t going to come together” or “You’re hiring a baby sitter . . . again? Some mom you are.” I know these voices of doubt aren’t from God. I need HIS TRUTH to speak to my heart.

BibleHub it.

One of my favorite online tools is BibleHub.com. One of the search features is “topical” (second search field). I type in the word Doubt in press enter.

Read the first Scripture.

The first Scripture first that came up was Matthew 14:31:

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Right away this speaks to my heart. A prayer escapes my lips, “Lord, give me faith and not doubt.”

Read the context.

Bible Hub provides the context for the Scripture verse. (The “context” means verses before and after the key Scripture.) Reading the verse in context reminds me that the verses we cling to didn’t just come from thin air, but God was doing something for someone.

The verses we cling to didn’t just come from thin air, but God was doing something for someone.

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In this case, Peter had a few doubts when he found himself walking on water!

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. (Matthew 14:30-32).

These verses remind me that in frightening situations, Jesus is there. And even when I feel myself sinking, Jesus stretches out His hand. It’s my job to stretch out mine and take a hold of them. Jesus wants me to have faith, not doubt. And Jesus is perfectly capable of calming the storm! But . . . it’s the storm that causes me to reach out to Jesus. (<—— Great takeaway for today!)

Apply the Scripture.

As I think through these verses, I realize I am in a “storm” but Jesus is there. I also consider what I’m paying attention to: is it the worries that are pounding me or Jesus’ outstretched hand? I picture myself stretching out my hand to Him.

Read cross-references.

BibleHub.com provides a list of cross-references that go with my chosen Scripture verse. Here are a few:

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith? Matthew 6:30

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26

Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Matthew 16:8

Read additional Scripture on the same theme.

In addition to cross-references, BibleHub.com also provides the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, which connects Bible verses with “keywords” in my chosen Scripture verse. Here are a few that stand out to me:

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand, you save me. Psalm 138:7

So he went to her, took her hand, and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. Mark 1:31

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Are you encouraged by those Scripture verses and God’s messages of truth? I am!

As I study God’s Word, my heart is transformed.

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I start praising God, asking for more faith to blow away my doubts!

If time allows, here are three more things that I do:

1. Read through additional Bible translations.

I love how God’s Word is captured in various ways. Young’s Literal Translation puts it this way:

And immediately Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, ‘Little faith! for what didst thou waver?’

Take away: Doubt causes us to waver from the truths that we know.

2. Read a commentary.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary is one of my favorites. (It’s also on BibleHub!) I love this nugget:

Christ bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord’s power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Matthew 14:31)

Take away: The “storms of life” come (including deadlines) so that I will be reminded of my weaknesses and I will turn to Jesus.

3. Share the truth.

When I read God’s Word and it impacts my heart, I share it with others. I share it through a blog. I share it in conversations. And sometimes these messages manage to make it into the books I write.

I’m so thankful for resources like BibleHub that makes Bible study easy . . . and yes, the kids are now awake. Time to go!

Enjoy this printable to help your time with the Lord:

Download the Printable

Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances takes readers on a journey to discover where their true strength, peace, and joy come from—the Lord—no matter what life offers up. Tricia Goyer—author, podcast host, volunteer, homeschooling mom of ten children, and caregiver to her grandma—understands what it’s like to be pulled in different directions with the longing and intention to do all things well. In the midst of chaotic circumstances (which all of us face), she’s found uncomplicated but effective practices for nourishing the soul—because everything stems from the heart.

Preorder Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer.

Did this post speak to you? Here are some similar ones:

August 19, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 13 Comments

How To Use Your Skills for God

What about you? How do you use your skills for God?

Have you ever wondered how to use your skills for God?

God created each of us for a purpose. The skills He gave you are not by random chance. He made you drawn to certain tasks for a reason. Is there something you love and enjoy? God no doubt gave you that pleasure so you can serve others with your skills.

King David in the Bible played his harp on the hills of Israel without getting paid. He did it because God had placed the love of music and worship within Him. And now, thousands of years later, David’s words and song are still impacting millions of people everyday as they read and sing the psalms.

How can you use your passions and desires for God’s Kingdom? @TriciaGoyer shares her tips:

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“To the extent we are able to put others first is how effective our lives will be for Christ. It is through this kind of witness that we can lead people to salvation.” —Larry Burkett, Great is Thy Faithfulness, July 19

Four steps for using your {God-given} skills for His kingdom:

1. Consider, “What do I {really, really} love to do?” Think of the tasks that bring joy as planted there by God. What do they tell you about yourself? What do they tell you about God’s plan for you? He wants to use your skills to impact His kingdom. Embrace that!

2. Find others to {joyfully} journey with. When I first started writing, I had one friend who was on the same journey to be a published author. A few years later, I connected with fifteen more women (through a conference), and we shared prayer requests and praises through email. Having a support system strengths you. Walking with others on the same journey helps you to go farther, sooner.

3. Start as a {willing} learner. When I started writing I set out to learn as much as I could about the craft of writing. I attended conferences, checked out books, and joined online writing support groups. I made many mistakes and received a lot of rejections, but I learned from them. Being a willing learner has expanded my skills. And learning has become a good habit. I continue to learn and expand my skills.

4. Don’t get {too} discouraged. We never get as far as we wish as fast as we want to go. When I attended my first writer’s conference I was worried what would happen if TWO publishers wanted my manuscript. That makes me laugh now. At the time I’d just started writing, and I didn’t have the skills to craft a book. It took me many years to figure that out. Now, I’m thankful none of those first books were published! I did get discouraged many times, but during those times I turned to God. I grew in my relationship with Him, and He gave me the courage to continue.

Today, spend some time pondering these four steps. Consider how God designed you to use your God-given skills for His Kingdom.

When you understand your skills and their importance, your life makes sense. @TriciaGoyer

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When you understand your skills and how important they are, then your life makes sense and you can step into each day with kingdom purpose. God knows when you’re in your “sweet spot of service,” your work, words, walk and worship will draw others to Him! Not only that your life, and the lives of countless others, will forever be impacted for His glory!

What about you? How do you use your skills for God?

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

Interested in some similar posts to this one? Check out these:

Tips for New Writers

Wanna Be Published? Relinquish Your Dream, Your Heart

Reach the World Right Where You Are

August 15, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 8 Comments

5 Benefits of Being Still Before God

When you are still before God . . . you know God.
When you are still before God . . . you realize He is still at work among the nations. He does not need your work to succeed for His plan to succeed. (Honestly, He doesn’t.)
When you are still before God . . . you know God has your future in His hands.
When you are still before God . . . you’ll understand yourself better. You get a glimpse of your life’s purpose through His eyes.
When you are still before God . . . you realize your future is God’s memory. And there you can have peace.

Five benefits of being still before God? Find out today on @TriciaGoyer’s blog:

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What does it mean “to be still?”

Find a quiet place.
Pick up your Bible and turn to a favorite Scripture or the Psalms.
Read until God’s Word stirs your heart.
Pause, listen, and ask Him to come.
Ask, “Lord, how does this apply to my life?”
Worship Him for who He is!

Now, what about you? How has “being still” changed you?

What does it mean to “be still” before God? @TriciaGoyer shares:

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Interested in some similar posts to this one? Check out these:

July 9, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Do You Ever Question if God Remembers You?

Do you ever question if God remembers you? I know I have. Let’s talk about what our response should be when we feel this way.

There have been several times in my life when I have been at a place where I would question if God remembered me.

I remember being in second grade and sleeping in an attic bedroom. I felt alone, scared, and disconnected from my mom, stepfather, and my brother—my father’s biological child.

I remember being in sixth grade and feeling too chubby and awkward for anyone to like me. I wondered if I could ever capture a guy’s attention, a guy’s heart.

I remember being a senior in high school, but instead of being at school I was sitting at home depressed and pregnant. My boyfriend already had a new girlfriend. I wondered if there would ever me a man who would love me and my child.

And during each of those times I prayed.

I prayed to belong.
I prayed to be chosen.
I prayed to be worthy of a life-long commitment.

I’d forgotten about those times until just this morning when I read in Bible about Joseph locked in prison. Joseph hadn’t done anything wrong. God had even granted him the ability to interpret the dreams of the chief bake and cup-bearer. Joseph only asked for one thing: not to be forgotten. He simply wanted the man whom he helped to remember him and offer help in return. But it didn’t happen.

“Pharaoh’s chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought,” Genesis 4:23 (NLT).

Joseph may have felt forgotten for a time, but God remembered Him. God knew exactly where He was. God was with Him, and when the season of Joseph’s kingdom-service came, God helped the chief cup-bearer to remember him, too, and within days Joseph went from prison cell to palace seat.

Do you feel forgotten? Do you question if God remembers you? He does!

Have you prayed to belong? Have you prayed to be chosen? Have you prayed for a spouse, a child, or a long-desired dream? People may forget. You may have pushed your prayers to the back of your mind, but God remembers.

Have you prayed to belong? Have you prayed to be chosen? Have you prayed for a spouse, a child, or a long-desired dream?

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We have to trust God even when we feel forgotten:

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

And in your waiting, also have the faith to look ahead:

“The time will come,” says the Lord,
“when the grain and grapes will grow faster
than they can be harvested.
Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel
will drip with sweet wine! Amos 9:13

Do you feel forgotten? God remembers.
Do you feel alone? God remembers.
Do you feel that someone who should be on your side isn’t giving you another thought? God is there.

Keep turning to Him. Keep praying. In the right moment God’s timing will come and His purpose will be displayed. You will enjoy a harvest of blessings in a way you couldn’t have experienced unless you’d walked through the silent days.

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Now how about you? When is a time that you felt forgotten? How did God show up?

~Tricia

Join Me in Studying God’s Word! Living & Leading Like Jesus

Today I started blogging over a Good Morning Girls! I connected with those amazing ladies at the Allume conference, and I’m so blessed to encourage parents on simple ways they can live and lead like Jesus. You can read my first blog post here.

Today at GMG we’re studying Luke 9:10-20. And this is what I got out of it.

Jesus takes you places . . . and teaches you how to lead.

When we follow Jesus, He takes us places—just like the disciples. Where did Jesus take them?

Jesus took them to their old stomping grounds. Luke 9:10 says, “The apostles returned. They told Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him. They went off by themselves to a town called Bethsaida.”

To set things up, the disciples had just gotten back from going off on their own; they’d been preaching about Jesus and healing people. They must have been on cloud nine, and then Jesus took them home—literally.

John 1:44 reads, “Philip was from the town of Bethsaida. So were Andrew and Peter.” Many scholars believe James and John were from there, too.

I don’t know about you, but the hardest people for me to share with are those who knew me “before.”

I was a wild teen who got pregnant at seventeen and dropped out of high school. The shame of that trailed me for years, and the worst part is there were people who witnessed me at parties, in fist fights, and lip-locking with my boyfriend in the school halls. Yup, wish I could go back and be able to take an eraser to their memories concerning all that.

Where else did Jesus take the disciples? He took them into their knowledge of Jewish history. Have you ever read this passage from 2 Kings 4:42-44?

Elisha Feeds 100 People

“A man came from Baal Shalishah. He brought the man of God 20 loaves of barley bread. They had been baked from the first grain that had ripened. He also brought some heads of new grain. “Give this food to the people to eat,” Elisha said.

“How can I put this in front of 100 men?” his servant asked.

But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. Do it because the Lord says, ‘They will eat and have some left over.’”

Then the servant put the food in front of them. They ate it and had some left over. It happened just as the Lord had said it would.”

Remember, these were Jewish men, and they knew their Scriptures. I guarantee they remembered God’s miracle for Elisha and were thinking, “Hey, wait. Elisha got twenty loaves of bread for one hundred men. And we got half that for one hundred times more people!” (Remember the 5,000 was the number of men, not including women and children.)

Jesus also took them to a place where they acknowledged their lack of resources. Check out Luke 9:13:

But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve naturally looked at what I have and it’s come up painfully, painfully short. How about you?

Jesus took them out of their comfort zones and asked them to be leaders.

Jesus didn’t group the people up in lots of fifty himself; he had the disciples do it. They were the ones mingling with the crowds and directing them. Jesus also asked his disciples to pass around the bread and fish. He used their hands and feet to show them what being a leader was all about. Jesus knew that some day He wouldn’t be around. This was their training ground.

What does this tell us?

Jesus knows there are people who remember what we were like “before,” and He wants them to see the difference He can make.

Jesus knows we often have head knowledge of God at work, but He wants our faith to grow as He chooses to do even greater things in us.

Jesus knows that we can never provide for our needs—or the needs of others—in our own strength, with or without our resources, and He wants us to depend on Him as Provider.

Jesus wants to show Himself off. He wants to prove that all can be satisfied through Him. As we learn to love and lead, many will be blessed . . . namely ourselves.

Do you want to learn to live and lead like Jesus? It’s not too late to sign up! You can do that here.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll be asked to go with Jesus in ways you couldn’t imagine, to places you’ve never gone before. The good news is that through this Bible study, Jesus will show up, and He will show off! Just you wait and see.

Are you praying about how to love and lead in your lives, and in your family? Check out Lead Your Family Like Jesus. As you will see in Luke, a leader is anyone who wishes to influence the thoughts, behavior and direction of their followers . . . and as moms that’s exactly what we do!

Consider this parenting book a resource that will give you practical ways to practice what you’re learning in Luke, in your own home. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see what God is going to do through this study and in your heart!

March 5, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 8 Comments

Three Reasons Why You Need Jesus

You can sing Jesus Loves Me, but it’s more than a song. You wonder if life can be different. You wonder if it’s just enough to respect who Jesus was. Do you really need Him?

Yes, and here are three reasons why:

1. Because the Nothing Takes the Emptiness Away

You may have been an unplanned pregnancy. (I was.) You may have grown up with feelings that you aren’t enough. (I did.) Maybe you’ve tried to find happiness from people or things. (Done that, too, and failed.) Maybe you question if striving for happiness will ever bring it into your life. (It won’t.)

Inside there is a void. There’s an empty feeling that tells you things aren’t OK, even if you have a smile plastered to your face. In your mind there is a clanging—like a hammer against a bell. Ringing out the regrets. You’ve done things you hope no one, no one, will find out.

Jesus already knows. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He’s seen it ALL, and He still loves you—more than you can ever know.

2. Because You Can’t Do Life Alone

You weren’t made to take a solo journey. You weren’t made to have to try to figure it out all by yourself. Jesus not only wants to be there to give you strength, help, hope, love. He wants to give you Himself. He wants to be your best friend. He believes in you. He believes in the best in you. He doesn’t see you as you are, but who you will be when He gets His hands on you.

3. Because You Long for a Happily-Ever-After

Even though fairytales are things of books, you want to have something to look forward to. You want a love that will last. You want a future you can eagerly anticipate. You want to have someone you can trust forever. You want joy in a world of sadness, and peace in a world of restlessness.

The best part of Jesus being there yesterday, today, and for all eternity is that He’s had time to think of you and plan an amazing life—and eternity—for you.

Psalm 40:5 says, “O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.”

Psalm 33:1 says, “But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.”

If you’re ready to 1) allow Jesus into that emptiness, 2) turn over your life into His hands, and 3) place hope in the plans He has for your life and your eternity, then here’s a simple prayer.

Dear Jesus, I know that You created me with a need that only You—as my Lord—can fill.

I place my life in your hands.

I believe you lived on earth, died for me, and that your death paid for my sins.

I trust that from this moment Your shed blood covers over all I’ve done and gives me a clean slate.

By faith I accept what you’ve done as a free gift—a gift I’ll never have to work for or try to make up.

From this moment I turn in my dreams for yours, and I accept your gift of eternity.

I confess you are Lord of my life. Amen.

If you’ve prayed this prayer today, can you let me know? Also, if you know a Christian, personally tell him or her about your decision and ask for help in finding a good Bible-believing church. Also start reading God’s Word for yourself. (Try www.biblegateway.com if you don’t have a Bible at home.)

I’m thrilled about your decision, and I know your life will never be the same!

*Photo credit: Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 21, 2013 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Making Time for God

On the heels of my upcoming release with Phil Hodges and Ken Blanchard, Lead Your Family Like Jesus, I decided to poll my Facebook and Twitter friends about all things family, parenting, and leadership. Here are their answers to “In the business and busyness of life, how do you foster your personal relationship with God?” (By the way, the official Lead Your Family Like Jesus website is up and running! Check it out here.)

“Keep a Bible by my bed, one by my desk, YouVersion on my phone, make use of them, go to sleep praying, and wake up praying. I go to church and Bible study. Still that is not enough time to make me feel like I honor and devote enough time to God.” ~Jane Anderson

“I pray every night, and we talk frequently throughout the day.” ~Avery K. Tingle

“I try to do morning devotions with my kids as well as nighttime devotions, and I write in my journal to God and pray for people as I fall asleep. Not always good at it, but I do try.” ~Wifeof Erik

“God has to come first. My QT is first on my list every day. Have to have to have to . . . it’s not good if I don’t.” ~Rebecca Brandt

“Frequent talks. Scripture reading everywhere. Worship music that reminds me of His Love, power, and grace, etc.” ~Kennisha Hill

“Intention and accountability. Focus.” ~Sarah Hollensed Poling

*Photo credit: Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net