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August 20, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

There Comes a Time . . .

There comes a time when you take “Go, Ye, into all the world” seriously and invite your neighbor out to coffee and look into taking a mission trip with your kids. When you realize people need Jesus and if you don’t reach them, who will?

There comes a time when you consider that Jesus meant it when He said to care for the widows and orphans, and you think about opening your home and making friends with the aged and lonely.

There comes a time when you set your prejudices aside and consider who are “the least of these” that Jesus talks about. He says when you feed them, care for them, and love them, it’s like you’re caring for Him. It’s a teen mom, a single mom, a needy friend who needs time, love, and attention.

There comes a time when church service becomes a verb instead of a noun. You look for ways to serve on Sundays and not be served.

There comes a time when you realize you need to change more than your spouse needs to be changed, and you start praying about that and asking God to start with you. True love is rooted in true sacrifice and preference to another person.

There comes a time when you realize the whole point of raising kids is to launch them into the world—not for them to be successful, but to be obedient to Jesus Christ, even if that means they must live a life of sacrifice far beyond your reach.

There comes a time when you spend a lot of time fundraising and a lot of money out of your own pocket, and when you put life aside to travel 40+ hours simply to stand in front of a few dozen teens to tell them God loves them . . . then you have no doubt it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be at that moment.

There comes a time when you realize the dreams God placed in your heart aren’t about you at all. They’re about the world and God’s desire to touch, help, and inspire those around you. They’re about being a foundation stone that Jesus can build on for His kingdom.

There comes a time when you hold a piece of yourself in a book and you don’t know where the words or story came from—except from God—and you understand the message was as much for you as anyone else.

There comes a time when the most impacting friendship isn’t when someone is there for you, but when you’re there for someone.

There comes a time when you get more excited about promoting other people than promoting yourself.

There comes a time when you realize when you asked God to give you His heart, you can look around and see He has. And you pray it’s only the beginning. And deep down you know it is.

August 17, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 15 Comments

The Dig for Kids

I was given the opportunity to review an amazing new resource for families called The Dig for Kids. The first Dig covers Luke chapters 1-12 in such a way that keeps kids engaged and leaves the door open for opportunities to discuss the Bible further with your children. “Doc” takes kids through each section in search of treasure (the overall takeaway lesson from the section), and through the Dig and the Display, the kids interact and apply what they learn.

The Dig for Kids makes it easy for parents to teach children about God’s Word. Reading through Luke becomes a family activity. One of my favorite parts was the life application part at the end; it was a great way to connect what the kids just read from the Bible to real-life issues that kids face. It also reminds them of the importance of sharing the Good News with others. I also loved the Oasis, which is the review. It was smart and fun!

The Dig for Kids Luke Vol. 1 is available now for Kindle, Nook, and PDF for—get this—$4.99! You can find the website and more information by clicking here. More in the series will soon be available, including Luke Vol. 2 and Theology 101.

Lucky for you, The Dig for Kids is giving one lucky reader the PDF version for free! Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Full disclosure: The Dig for Kids was given to me courtesy of The Better Moms for review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

August 13, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

What Would Happen?

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What would happen if instead of just believing there is a God, you take a risk and start seeking Him, wanting to truly find Him? What would happen if instead of just admiring your Christian friend’s faith, you decide to become like your friend and trust God for everything? What would happen if you prayed—really prayed and ask God to make Himself real to you? What would happen?

What would happen if you read the Bible? Not just read the little cute verses that pop up on the Internet (displayed with a pretty graphic), but sat down with the Bible and read a chapter or two of the books that talk about Jesus’ time on earth (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)? What would happen if you pushed aside what you thought you knew about Jesus and let the reporting of His life on earth speak for itself? What would happen if you truly believed that the same love Jesus had for those men and women in the Bible is the love He wants to offer you? What would happen?

What would happen if you took a step toward making a change that matters? What would happen if you swallowed your pride and made a point to attend that church you’ve had your eye on? What would happen if you really believed God had great plans for your future and that all your heartache could be transformed into joy? What would happen if you handed it to Him? All of it?

What would happen if tomorrow you woke up and instead of setting off on your tasks, you looked around to see where God was at work and joined Him? What would happen if you ignored the safety net that you make for yourself and believed, truly believed, that if God asked you to take a step of faith, He was already waiting there? What would happen if you believed the words to the song, “Jesus loves me this I know,” and trusted that He would not—WOULD NOT—let you down? What would happen?

What would happen if you embraced you were truly forgiven from all those things in your past? That Jesus took care of them once and for all? What would happen if you walked through life realizing God sees you as pure and beautiful and without one check mark against your name? What would happen if you asked Him to heal those shredded parts of your heart as only He could?

What would happen if you released everything holding you back and surrendered . . . daring to believe that turning over control to Jesus is the wisest thing to do . . . daring to trust that accepting His love will bring freedom you can’t imagine . . . daring to embrace the fact that this moment could change everything . . . everything . . . aring to stand up and walk in the knowledge that the past doesn’t matter and the future God has planned for you is more beautiful than you can imagine?

What would happen?

What could happen?

What will happen if you dare to believe . . .

. . . more than you can ever dream.

August 9, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 6 Comments

A Day of Stories

Auschwitz

Today was a day of stories. We traveled to Poland to see Auschwitz-Birkenau. I’ve read many books about Auschwitz. Part of my novel Night Song took place there, and being there was surreal. More than 1.4 million people visit Auschwitz every year, and the place was packed with people from around the world. As we walked, we heard facts about the locations, and in my mind I scrolled through the stories I read of those who’d been there.

As I walked through the barracks, I considered those who’d walked the same path. I looked at prisoners’ photographs, and I wished I could hear the story of each one. My heart broke the most when I saw the suitcases stacked with names and birth dates of those who’d traveled by train not knowing what awaited them at the last stop. Parents were scared and worried about their children. They most likely guessed that hard days lie ahead, but no one could imagine that death waited, that only those capable of work would live more than twenty-four hours within the barbed wire.

I also teared up to see the small sweaters, shoes, and dolls from the children. Lives cut short because of evil. Little Alyssa was with us through the tour. She rode on a backpack on her dad’s back. His smart phone played Barney and happy songs flowed through her earphones. She had no idea where we were or what that place represented. Her smiling face and plump arms and legs were such contrast to the skeletal photographs plastered on the walls.

I was amazed by the side of Birkenau. Brick chimneys stretched into the distance as far as I could see—the remnants of the barracks, each one holding between three hundred and five hundred prisoners. Yet in that place wildflowers now bloomed. Visitors came to weep and remember. The truth of what happened there can never be completely known. The tragedy won’t ever be understood completely by those who stroll alongside the railroad tracks, but we were there and were trying to understand. I think those lost would appreciate that—appreciate that we won’t forget their suffering.

Auschwitz barracks

The stories from within the camp weren’t the only ones I listened to. On the drive to and from the camp we had the chance to spend time with our Czech pastor friend, Petr. His family’s story moved me. Christians during WWI, during WWII, and during the Communist regime, his family served God and others during difficult times. I could almost picture the printed pages of a novel as I listened to him speak. About my age, Petr has experienced so much. Following Christ has been downright dangerous for his family, and that amazes me.

Where would we be without stories? Our view of the world is limited until we dare to step out. Dare to listen.

Listening makes me want to listen more. It makes me want to understand deeper. It makes me want to write a translation of my own—whether a blog or book—to help others understand, too.

Of course you don’t need to travel to foreign countries to experience such things. Stories are all around us; we just need to take time to focus on the words of another.

I’ve only been in the Czech Republic for a few days, and my heart is already full of thankfulness for all I’ve experienced. God never ceases to amaze me. I can’t wait to see what else is in store!

August 7, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Friendship (Despite the Language Barrier)

It’s very cliche, but the song that’s be going through my mind is Michael W. Smith’s song “Friends.” The start of this mission trip has centered on friendships. First, the friendships of the team members. I love these people, and I’m enjoying the time with them. We’re getting to know one another better (how could you not over four days of travel, including three planes, four trains, two taxi rides, miles of walking, and at least fifty flights of stairs—all while carrying big luggage). We’ve laughed and prayed and sang together when we weren’t in transport. And then laughed some more.

We’d only been in our Prague hotel thirty minutes when John and my friends Ivana and Pavla showed up. (Bunny showed up, too!) They walked around with us for a while, and we caught up on life. The time went fast, but hugging their necks was so wonderful! This mom and daughter were campers we got to know during our first two mission trips, and then we were blessed when they came and stayed with us a month when we lived in Montana. During our walk Ivana shared about how God recently answered one of their prayers, and it was encouraging to hear that!

Thursday we traveled to Vysoke Myto and stayed with our dear friend Gabi and her daughters, Klara and Elishka. Gabi is one of the pastors’ wife, and we’ve worked together on two camps. We felt comfortable in their home (her husband and son were away on a camping trip), and we had a great time sharing God and worshiping together as a group. To sing worship songs together reminded me again how the Holy Spirit unifies. We’re believers who life half a world away, but our hearts were united in a way that only God can do.

The Vysoke Myto church also planned a get-together so we could see many of our friends. It just felt right to hug and laugh and talk with those we’ve gotten to know over the years. The best part about friendships is that we just picked up where we left off two years ago. We rejoiced to see believers from the church and to reconnect with those who haven’t made a decision for Christ and are still on their faith journey. The more I see these people. The more I want to see these people. I can’t imagine living life without them. I’m so blessed!

Then yesterday we traveled to Olomouc, and we reunited with our daughter, Leslie. This is “her” city, and we was so excited to share it with us. Over and over again we’ve heard from those in leadership what an amazing job she’s done building relationships and ministering to the people of this city. She is greatly loved here—by those inside the church and those who’ve yet to take a step inside a church building. Jesus’ love flows through her, and I’m thankful she’s dared to take this step of faith. So many times questions or doubts or fears cause us to hold back from the hard things God asks us to do. May we all be willing to take steps of faith because God indeed shows up!

Now that we are here in Olomouc, I’m excited to get to know the pastor, Petr, and his wife, Jana, better. We’ll also be working with the Czech team for camp next week, and our hearts are all focused on pouring out onto the teens at the camp. Petr and Jana are great people, and I can see how much Leslie has grown to love them during her time here. Please pray for us, that God’s Spirit will guide our teaching and leading at the camp!

Finally, I have to mention Alyssa’s friendships. Over the last few days she’s played and played with her new friends her age. Last night Alyssa and Daniel (Petr and Jana’s son) jabbered for hours as they played, and I don’t think they realized they speak different languages! That’s such a clear example of joy that crosses cultures and languages. A smile, laughter, and outstretched arms go a long way . . . crossing over when words—language—fail.

I’m eager for the new friendships that will be built over the coming week. May each one we connect with know they are special and that God’s love has propelled us to come and tell him or her so.

August 6, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Bringing Light in a Dark Place

The truth is I don’t think much of spiritual warfare in everyday life. I know we have a real enemy. I know that enemy wants to thwart our efforts and discourage us, but we’re quick to blame challenges and discouragement on life and on the fact that sin is real and life won’t be easy or perfect until the day we are in heaven with Jesus.

Yesterday, I listened to Leslie and Emma talk about spiritual warfare. Emma had a horrible, horrible nightmare. And Leslie’s been having them often. They understood this was spiritual warfare and have been praying against it. They are continuing to pray.

It makes sense that the enemy would be fighting for this ground, in the Czech Republic—one of the most atheistic countries in the world. While the country is beautiful and the people are friendly, there is a dullness in so many eyes. There aren’t the smiles and laughter I see on the faces of so many of my Arkansas friends back home who follow Jesus.

Because of the gloomy attitudes and down-turned gazes, light is easy to recognize. When I look at my daughter, she simply glows. And others witness it, too.

Yesterday I was talking to a new friend, Hanza, and he told me (through a translator) that Leslie has a light in her eyes he hasn’t seen before. I told him it was the joy of the Lord, and he nodded. The light is Jesus inside her, reflecting through her gaze.

Light is easy to see in a dark place—but that also makes it a target for the spiritual forces of darkness that do not want to give up an inch of ground. Won’t you pray for the followers of Christ here in the Czech Republic, both the Czech Christians and the others who come here to serve?

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 (NIV)

Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that You are the Light of the World. The only light we have flows from You being in us. Fill us, Lord. May your light and love be seen by everyone we meet. You are Lord, and I pray you strengthen our spirits to fight against the rulers and authorities of the unseen world. May you send your heavenly angels to do the battle around us, preparing peaceful ground for us to walk on.

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Isaiah 60:2 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)

Lord, may you be glorified in our words and our actions today. Although darkness covers the earth and the people of this earth, rise among us. May your glory appear over us. And may those who are living in darkness take steps to the light. May they confess those words, “Jesus, you are the light of the world.” And through their confession may the light of life fill them.

In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4 (NIV)

“While I [Jesus] am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5 (NIV)

I [Jesus] have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46 (NIV)

And for those who may not yet have a relationship with Jesus, here is a prayer to pray. (You do not have to use these words exactly, but this is a guide for you.)

Dear God in Heaven, as Your Holy Word, the Bible, says, I believe that Your Son, Jesus, is the only way to eternal life and the light of the world. Lord, I do not want to stay in darkness, but I desire to walk in Your light. Come into my heart. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins. I need Your forgiveness. I release my control to You. Fill me with Your light, Jesus.

I believe Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross and died for my sins. You said in the Bible in Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved. I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. At this moment I accept Jesus as my personal Savior.

I thank You that according to your Holy Bible I am saved, that at this moment You are writing my name in Your eternal book, and that I can look forward to eternity with You. Even more than that, I know that on this earth You now live inside me, and Your Holy Spirit will fill me and guide me. I accept that. I am thank for that. My heart rejoices over that fact!

I know your unlimited grace has saved me from my sins. May my salvation never give me license to sin, but may Your Spirit inside me always lead me to repentance. Fill me with Your Light and transform my life so I might bring glory to You. Protect me from the enemy of the world who wants to discourage me or bring me harm.

Thank You, Jesus, for your sacrifice and for the gift of eternal life. Amen.

July 30, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Mission Trip Goal List

I’m off to the Czech Republic! This is my third mission trip there, and I’m over-the-moon excited. How amazing that God would send me to the most beautiful country in the world (in my humble opinion) to share the good news of Jesus!

While we’re there we’ll be speaking connecting with a Czech church, speaking to a woman’s group, doing a kids’ outreach, and (our main focus) teaching English at a teen camp for five days. I’ve been thinking about my goals for the trip, and I thought I’d write them down.

Take a photo of Alyssa on the Charles Bridge.
Try a traditional food that seems odd to me.
Have a conversation with the most unsure teen in the room and listen to his or her heart.
Share my favorite Scripture verse (Zephaniah 3:17) and why it means so much that God sings over me.
Play a crazy game, knowing I’ll fail at it miserably.
Hike to the top of a tall hill.
Teach Alyssa ten Czech words.
Encourage another mom.
Share Jesus and what a relationship with Him means, as many times as the Spirit prompts.
Give away a copy of one of my books to a random stranger.
Jot down my experiences every day in my mini journal.
Listen.
Pray as I walk the Prague streets—that hearts as hard as cobblestone with be softened and that a great revival will come.

Won’t you pray about these with me? Also pray for our team . . . that we will be a light shining in a dark place and exhibit a joy that comes from God alone!

July 20, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Get to Know Tricia

Other than Jesus, who are your favorite disciples or New Testament figures? Is there one you’ve particularly identified with?

The more I read Scripture that Paul wrote and learn more about him, the more he amazes me! He loved the Lord and the people of God so much. His letters always inspire me, and I go back to them again and again.

Is there a Scripture you’ve read lately that has come to mean something new to you?

I love Ephesians 6:15 in God’s Word translation: “Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace.” I’d never thought much about this verse before. It gets lost in the rest of the verses about the armor of God, but when you think about it, what good is a soldier without shoes? The prickly obstacles in his path would slow him down, even if he is suited up. Ephesians 6:15 reminds me to “put my shoes on” spiritually and be prepared to go out and spread the good news of Jesus wherever He calls!

What have you done lately that Jesus would be proud of?

I think that what makes him most proud is thinking of others before ourselves. I have some big things coming up, including writing projects, speaking events, and a missions trip, but the little acts of obedience are sometimes the hardest.

What have you done lately that Jesus would be disappointed with?

Fear and worry. We’re going on a missions trip to the Czech Republic, and we missed the opportunity to buy sale plane tickets because we didn’t have the money at the time. Now we have the money, but the tickets are much more expensive. I worry about the cost, but deep down I know God can be trusted and He has a perfect plan!

What’s one special thing about your relationship with Jesus?

He’s always with me, and knowledge of His presence is only a whispered prayer away. Some moments I feel as thought I’m carrying the weight of my family and work on my own, but it’s in those moments when I feel a stirring in my heart and remember that it’s not all up to me (thank goodness)! That’s amazing!

I’ll be answering YOUR questions every Friday! If you’ve had a question burning on your mind to ask me, click on the picture below and use the contact form to shoot me an e-mail with your question. Then check back next Friday for a “Get to Know Tricia” post and see if I answered your question!

~~~

P.S. My literary garage sale has been extended to Monday, and all book prices have been reduced! Be sure to get your signed copies before they’re sold out. All proceeds go to fund my upcoming mission trip to the Czech Republic. Visit my store here, and find out more information about the literary garage sale here!

July 19, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 9 Comments

The Truth about Writing Someone Else’s Story | One Author’s Opinion

If you’ve had any amount of success in writing, then you’ve most likely been approached to help someone write his or her book. Or to write someone’s story for that person.

I get asked all the time, but I almost always say no. Why?

1. I usually have two or three contracts in the works on my own projects.

2. Not every good story will make a good book. Yes, God may have done something amazing in your life, but what benefit will the reader get from hearing your story? Why would they pick up your book?

3. People are picky about their own stories (which they should be), and it’s hard to get the words just right.

Yet, there was a time I said yes. . . .

I was blessed to co-write Kristen Anderson’s book, Life in Spite of Me. I was introduced to Kristen through a mutual friend, Margaret McSweeny. Within five minutes of meeting Margaret, she grabbed my arm and said, “I feel Holy Spirit butterflies, and you’re supposed to write a book for this young woman I know who tried to commit suicide.” I smiled and nodded like I always do when people say, “I have a book for you to write.”

Margaret would not give up until Kristen and I talked on the phone. She even scheduled the phone meeting for us! Yet when I talked to Kristen and listened to her story, I was amazed. God did SO many amazing things with her! I didn’t get any money up front, and we settled on a very small percentage for my work. But I set it in my heart ahead of time that this book was a tithe of sorts. (And, yes, my name is on the cover.)

There were two challenging things:

1. Kristen had shared her story hundreds of times (including on Oprah [watch the video here]), so she had her script down. The harder part was talking through all the details, facts, and moments she hadn’t thought about in a while.

2. It was hard for Kristen to relive many moments. Really hard. She had to revisit places she hadn’t in a while. I felt like a counselor at times—asking questions that would spur memories.

There were more amazing things:

1. Kristen is amazing! She is a friend for life!

2. I was able to see connections in her story she wasn’t able to see. For example, Kristen’s childhood nickname was Speedy Two-Shoes . . . and in her accident, Kristen lost her legs. Because of that, no one used her nickname again, which was just another small thing but another layer of loss.

3. Thousands of people have written Kristen about the book, and many, many have decided not to commit suicide after reading it! This is payment that monetary compensation doesn’t touch.

All that to say, sometimes you just have to do what you feel God is calling you to do.

Also, I hope you understand why authors have to say no. Writing our own books is easier. We have messages we feel God is asking us to share, too.

Finally, the right stories will be written at the right time with the right people. Trust God in that! And if you really feel your story needs to get down on paper, I encourage you to write it! God may be leading you in a direction of publication that fills you with fear, but if He’s asking you to write your story, He’ll help you with that!

July 16, 2012 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Being Available to God | Part 6

Today’s post is the last post in my “Being Available to God” series. If you missed any of the previous posts, check out one, two, three, four, and five!

I’m sure that being one of Jesus’ disciples would have been amazing. But it also would have been very difficult because they had to let Him go.

When Jesus left this earth, His disciples didn’t want to lose Him. Yet He said that if He didn’t go, they could have something better. What could be better than walking side by side with Jesus?

In John 16:5-7 (ESV), Jesus says, “But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

Jesus had to leave, so He could send something better: the Holy Spirit.

The disciples walked side-by-side with Jesus. Now our Teacher comes by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks, and our ears are opened to the voice of heaven.

Romans 8:9 and 11 (NIV) says, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you . . . And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”

To be available to God, we must be available to Jesus’ spirit living in us. The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in us! Can you grasp that?

We so often walk around without knowing what to do, where to go, what to say. We worry about our future and cry over our past. We don’t feel connected to God, and we struggle to make ourselves available. But we’re missing out. We simply need to tap in to what He’s already giving us. The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is alive in us. And His job is to give life to our bodies—abundant, beautiful life that’s in step with him—moment-by-moment, one step at a time!

In fact, in Mark 16:19-20 (The Message), which talks about Jesus’ decent into heaven, says, “Then the Master Jesus, after briefing them, was taken up to heaven, and he sat down beside God in the place of honor. And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.”

Let me read that again:

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.”

Let me make that applicable to us: And Tricia, and Joanna, and Erica, and Dolores went everywhere preaching, and sharing, and loving, and giving, and helping, and crying and rejoicing . . . the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.

We are available God, when we trust He is:

A BIG God with BIG dreams.

A God who has made an agreement with you that is eternal, final, and sealed.

A God who will constantly look after your safety and success.

A God who will be strong in your weakness.

A God who is IN YOU, working through His Holy Spirit.

A God who will guide You, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”

A God who will accomplish great things as you focus on THE ONE THING He desires for you to do for that moment.

A God who knows the pain of your past, knows the hope of the future and will combine them into a beautiful present as you walk moment by moment with Him.

To be available to God is moment by moment being aware that He isat work around you, and He desires you to join Him in His work. It’s not blazing ahead in the direction you feel would be good, but instead saying, “What now, Lord?” and walking forward in His strength when you are weak.

Finally, 2 Corinthians 2:14 in The Message says, “In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.”

This is what being available is all about: joining God’s parade, IN CHRIST, being led from place to place and finding victory THROUGH His Spirit that is in YOU.

As Samuel Rutherford said, “I will charge my soul to believe and wait for Him, and will follow His providence, and not go before it, nor stay behind it.”

Being available to God sometimes means packing up and leaving the status quo.

Being available to God other times means embarking on a ministry you feel ill-equipped for and basically do not want to do.

But being available to God also means stopping throughout your day and saying, “What now, Lord?” “What’s next?” “Not my desire, but yours.”

To quote the words of our Lord and Master in John 5:19 (NIV): “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

If the Son can do nothing by Himself but only what He sees His Father doing, how can we do anything different?

Jesus was our perfect example of availability, and we do good when we follow His example.

After all, if following Him can transform a scared, pregnant teen into a minister of His good news . . . God can do anything for anyone when they make themselves available to Him.

Let us pray:

Lord, I pray that out of Your glorious riches, You may strengthen each of these women with power through Your Spirit in their inner being, so that You may dwell in their hearts through faith—faith in who You are and what You can do.

And I pray that each of these readers, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that each of these women may be filled to the measure of allfullness of God.

Now to You, Lord, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within us, to You be glory through all generations, forever and ever. Amen!

P.S. My store is live until Wednesday! Be sure to get your signed copies of donated books before they’re sold out. All proceeds go to fund my upcoming mission trip to the Czech Republic. Visit my store here, and find out more information about the literary garage sale here!

July 14, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

It’s Real Life Photo Assignment | God’s Creation

Photo by Julie Nease

A big thank-you to everyone who participated in this week’s photo assignment! God’s creation is truly amazing. Sometimes we take it for granted, so seeing our Creator’s creation from a different point of view was refreshing. You can check out the other photos, including the ones for the past photo assignments, here.

This week’s assignment is Vacation! You have until Friday, July 20, at noon PDT to submit your photos to the group pool (and don’t forget to join the group, too!). Next Saturday, I’ll feature my favorites here!

Photo by my intern, Caitlin

Photo by Mary in Missouri