Bible Verse

November 8, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

What Miriam in the Bible Can Teach Us About Positivity

Miriam in the Bible can teach us a lot About Positivity. She faced painful situations with grace and faith and her story shows how God honors those things. Let’s look at how we can do the same.

What Miriam in the Bible Can Teach Us About Positivity

A few weeks ago I was talking with my friend, Joanna, sharing about some of my recent struggles, especially with my attitude.

“I’ve always known you to be a positive person,” Joanna told me.

I chuckled, “That’s because most of the time we spent together was before John and I adopted seven more kids!”

When Joanna and I met, I only had three children. In that season of life, I was busy raising kids, volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center, and writing.

I was busy, yes, but when John and I started adopting kids from hard places we transitioned from “busy” into survival mode.

Overwhelmed with the added chaos and mess (not to mention kids’ outbursts and anger), I found myself complaining a lot. So much so that I knew things needed to change.

That’s when my family and I took drastic measures and attempted to go a year without grumbling—and I wrote about our year in a book, The Grumble Free Year.

It wasn’t an easy year, and our attitude-adjusting journey has made me sympathetic to women in the Bible who’ve faced challenging circumstances and didn’t handle them well. Women like Miriam in the Bible.

Who was Miriam in the Bible?

Miriam in the Bible may best be known as the big sister who helped save her baby brother from certain death. Daughter to Amram and Jochebe, and sister to Moses and Aaron, we first meet Miriam as a young girl who watches her baby brother being placed in the Nile in an effort to save his life (Exodus 2:4).

The next time we see Miriam in the Bible, she is a leader along with her brothers, taking the Israelites across the Red Sea into freedom. Exodus 15:20 says, “Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced” (NLT).

She led the now-freed nation to sing before the Lord, exclaiming his triumph over the Egyptian horses and riders hurled into the sea.

We know nothing of her life between Miriam the child and Miriam the prophetess in the Bible, but while Moses was a desert shepherd, she lived with her people in Egypt. And to be labeled a prophet, God must have used her greatly there.

If I were to guess, those around Miriam no doubt witness her strength and godliness during their captivity. And in their moment of freedom, Miriam might have believed that the hardest portion of her life was behind her.

Yet, as I’ve also discovered, while it’s easy to trust God for big miracles, harder is walking through the daily grind of life.

I tell my kids often that we are prone to complain when have unrealistic expectations and are hungry or tired. And even though the Israelites were now free from Egyptian rule, they still had a desert before them.

In the book of Numbers, we see the Israelites complaining a lot. They complained about the hardships, and they longed for the food from Egypt.

Miriam, still a leader, complained too. She and Aaron criticized Moses because he’d married a Cushite woman. Miriam also felt overlooked and unappreciated.

Along with Aaron, she complained, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us too?” (Numbers 12:2).

In the verses to follow, God put brother and sister in their place. God clarified his special relationship with Moses (baby brother), and after God’s presence departed, Miriam looked down to see her skin as white as snow from leprosy. This is a long way to fall from the revered prophet who’d led the people in worship at the sea’s shore.

Thankfully, God’s punishment lasted for only seven days, but I imagine Miriam had a better understanding of God—and her position as a servant-leader—after that.

Fun fact: Miriam’s name meaning is highly debated, even today. Possibilities include: “wished-for child,” “rebellious,” and “beloved.” That’s quite a difference!

Guess what! This post is part of a series on Great Women of the Bible.

Be sure to check out all of the other posts in this series here: 15 Great Women of the Bible Every Christian Woman Should Study.

We are studying great women of the Bible including Leah and Mary Magdalene, so you’ll definitely want to check them out!

4 Things We Can Learn from Miriam in the Bible

1. God Can Use Us in the Midst of Hardship

As a child, Miriam in the Bible was a key factor in Moses’ rescue. Her quick thinking allowed Moses to be raised within their family home by offering their mother as the baby’s nursemaid.

Later, after she saw God triumph over the Egyptians, Miriam led the people in worship. Her praise exalted God and put to words the gratitude of the people.

If it hadn’t been for these impossible odds, the Israelites wouldn’t have understood the power of their God. And Miriam’s song still
reverberates through history.

2. Just As Our Praise Elevates Our Spirit, Our Pride Can Bring Us Down

Miriam in the Bible got into trouble when she stopped pointing out all the good God had done and instead pointed toward the (perceived) faults of others. As an older sister, Miriam wasn’t happy in her brother’s choice of wife. And she didn’t appreciate how baby brother Moses was getting all of the attention.

Comparing ourselves to others and wanting more of the glory never leads to anything good.

3. Our Complaining Hurts People, Especially Us

I’d like to hope that Moses’ and Miriam’s relationship was mended after that, but the Bible doesn’t say. We do know that Miriam had to live
outside the camp with a dreadful disease for seven days. She also had to live the rest of her days knowing how much she’d displeased God with her complaints.

Miriam’s attempt to put Moses in his place brought on God’s punishment externally, but we mustn’t ignore what it had already done to her internally. It’s not fun trudging around with a grumbling heart.

And it wasn’t just Miriam with the problem. God’s Word says, “All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness!” (Numbers 14:2, NIV).

As hard as the desert was, the complaining brought everyone down. Numbers 14:29-30 says, “In this wilderness, your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun” (NIV).

Their grumbling not only cost them their joy, but it also cost them the Promised Land

This post originally appeared here: https://equippinggodlywomen.com/faith/miriam-in-the-bible-teach-positivity/

What Miriam in the Bible Can Teach Us About Positivity

My new book, The Elder Sister is Miriam’s story.

When Miriam’s mother gives birth to a perfect baby boy, her family feels something other than the usual joy that comes with new life—they feel dread. Egypt’s pharaoh has decreed that every boy born to a Hebrew woman is to be cast into the Nile and drowned. But through the wisdom of El Shaddai within her, Miriam and her mother know that to save this baby they must let him go.

Now, decades later, Miriam learns her brother has returned to demand that Pharaoh let the Hebrew people go free. But as supportive of Moses as Miriam desires to be, something other than the Voice stirs within her. After her years spent as a leader and prophetess among the Hebrews, can Miriam set aside her pride and accept the calling God has given her—and her baby brother?

Order The Elder Sister here: The Elder Sister

November 6, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

I Am Grateful For You

Hi Friend,

There are so many things I could share right now.

1. Why our large family took on the challenge of going grumble-free for a year. (We were pretty tired of all the grumbling in our home.)

2. How I drove by myself with five kids for six hours yesterday, and we had a peaceful, joyful ride. (Our year of focusing on gratitude vs. grumbling has made a HUGE difference.)

3. How I’ve been honored by all the AWESOME reviews from pre-readers who are encouraged and inspired! (This book has been an amazing wake up call for me. I have been struggling to find solutions to our crazy life with four kids and a dog! I can find myself spiraling down a path of discontentment and complaining without even knowing it. This book has been a wonderful and life changing. -Liza)

But more than anything, I want to share this: I am grateful for you.

You received this email because we’ve connected at one time or another.

-at an event

-online

-through a friend

-at church or the grocery store

Maybe we’ve known each other for YEARS. Or maybe we’ve just recently met. Either way you’ve made the decision to stay connected and to lean in when I have something to share. That’s amazing! I’m honored.

You see, the benefits of The Grumble Free Year aren’t simply centered on getting my kids to complain less (although that has been an awesome result). Instead, as I focused on grumbling less, my heart began to swell with gratitude more for all God’s given me.

It’s easy for writers to think in terms of numbers:

– Number of subscribers

– Number of followers

– Number of sales

But as I write this, I’m reminded again why I started writing in the first place. To offer HOPE to “one person out there.” To make a difference. To share how God can change things for good. To remind people that they don’t have to do the hard stuff of life alone, because God is there to help.

He wants to help.

When I was at my darkest place, God met me. I was seventeen, pregnant and abandoned by my boyfriend and friends. In that moment when I came to the end of myself I prayed, “God, I’ve screwed up this time. If you can do anything with my life please do.”

Now, here’s the amazing part. When God saw me there, He also saw YOU. He saw this moment. He knew I’d been writing these words and you’d be reading them.

When I was stuck with fear about an uncertain future, God looked ahead to when I’d have a huge family and take on this challenge of going Grumble Free. When God chose to “do something” with my life, your story became part of mine as we navigate through this Christian walk together.

Still with me?

Okay, so that just got really deep and mushy, especially with a book launch announcement. But my gratitude–and my connection with you–is honestly what is forefront in my heart.

I Am Grateful For You!

Growing in gratitude is looking beyond ourselves–our wants, our needs–and it’s looking to God instead. It’s also looking around us, not to focus on what we’re LACKING, but rather with what we HAVE.

As Philippians 1:4-6 says:

I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy.I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now.I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus. (CEB)

Just as God has been working in me, I know He’s been working in you. My hope is that The Grumble Free Year will be part of the good work God wants to do. If you think it might be, check out all the details at:www.TheGrumbleFreeYear.com

You also might want to check out these:

My interview on the Mom Struggling Well podcast.

My interview on Happy, Healthy Christian Kids (This interview expires in a few days!)

My article on Growing Gratitude Over the Holidays

These are just a few of the MANY interviews/articles I’ve done. I’m so thankful that so many people care about this message.

Join Me!

Every time I share this message, I love to give practical ideas. Still, I often get the question: “But where do I start? Can you give me step-by-step guidance for going Grumble Free?” The answer is YES!

Starting November 28, I’m starting a 30-Day Grumble Free Challenge (via email) to give you advice and steps for going Grumble Free.

Yes, I want tips, ideas, and inspiration for going Grumble-Free!

Sign me up for the challenge starting Nov 28!

I hope you’ll join me on this 30-Day Challenge! Thank you again for opening your heart to me and the messages God has given me. I Am Grateful For You and I’m so thankful for the “good work” that God started in us. I’m especially thankful that He’s allowed me and you to do it together!

October 15, 2019 by Pamela Black Leave a Comment

Don’t Despise The Wait

In my life, I don’t have any real enemies, but if there is one intangible thing that I always seem to be fighting against, it’s TIME. It robs me when I need him most. It turns little cares into big concerns when it hurries on and I still have no answer. Every tick-tick it takes me one step closer to “never getting all this done.”

I remember a time in my life when TIME was particularly frustrating. TIME ticked away on a house that we really needed to sell. TIME meant money, as we paid a house payment for an empty house. It meant being unsettled because over half of our stuff was in storage as we rented in our new location.

Don’t Despise The Wait

Of course, even though I’d like to place a dark cape and a mask on TIME, that’s not where the problem is. TIME … and the ticking down of it … isn’t something I need to fight against. Instead, as God’s been revealing to me lately, TIME is a tool in His hand that is used to reveal what is really in my heart. Mostly, misplaced security.

Time is a tool in His hand that is used to reveal what is really in my heart @TriciaGoyer

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I remember being frustrated because our house hadn’t sold in the TIME I wanted it to, and God showed me my lack of trust in Him … and my dependance on things of this world. He showed me that I look to homeownership as success and security. He pointed out my false heart-belief that when we bought a new home in our new location, only then we’d “arrived.”

God opened my eyes to this by leading me to Psalm 30:15. “My times are in your hands,” David said. God is in control of TIME. Of all the events that seem to take way too long. I needed to hear that.

Some lessons can only be learned over time … and discovering the truth that is in my heart is one of them. If our house had sold right away, and we’d moved into a nice place in our new city, I never would have realized how much trust I’m placing in things more than God.

God has also reminded me lately that He lives outside of TIME. What seems to take forever in my eyes is just a blink of an eye to Him. TIME may feel like it’s throwing me punches, but instead, it’s a tool that God’s using to mold and shape me.

So even though the clock is still ticking, I’m realizing more and more that God can be trusted all TIMES. He’s my security. And TIME isn’t an enemy when its in God’s hands. TIME is a tool.

Lord, mold me through the tick, tick, tock.

Time is not the enemy. God uses it to mold and shape us! @TriciaGoyer

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Don’t Despise The Wait

Steps You Can Take

When you catch yourself getting impatient, ask yourself “Why?”
Pinpoint what is at the root of your frustration with time. Is it money, the unknown, insecurity, lack of faith?
Surrender your requests to God, knowing he is in control of time.
Wait patiently for God’s time, remembering to look for what God is teaching you.

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I like to be in control and know what is going to happen next. Help me release that control to you and trust your perfect timing. May I catch myself in those moments when I start whining and complaining when it comes to waiting. Instead, help me take a deeper look at what you are teaching me. Continue to mold me and shape me into the person you made me to be … no matter how long that takes!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Don’t Despise (Or Grumble during) The Wait

One thing I found when we decided to go grumble free for a whole year ( I know!) was that I hate waiting. It makes me grumbly and discontent when I have to wait for my kids to obey or my husband to attend to my needs.

But what I’m really saying in my heart to God when I grumble is, “Lord I don’t trust you to provide for my needs in your timing.”

OUCH!

As hard as that is to say, it’s the truth. An ungrateful spirit is really just revealing the condition of our hearts and it’s a lightbulb moment that can alert us to some real discrepancies between what say we believe and what we are doing. Facing this reality can be hard. But only when we see ourselves as we truly are will we be motivated to change. And changing for the better is what we want, after all.

The Word says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

Lets not just be hearers of the word, let’s be doers. And we can learn to do it with a grateful and thankful heart! That’s exactly what we learned during our Grumble Free Year. A year that wasn’t always easy…but it stretched us and grew us as a family and healed us in a million ways.

Are you ready to go Grumble Free? Join us on the journey we took through our Grumble Free Year here:

www.thegrumblefreeyear.com

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

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

June 25, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

How to Transform your Life in 5 Minutes a Day

It may sound impossible, but I can tell you how to transform your life in 5 minutes a day. I know because it worked for me.

What has completely changed my life? God’s Word! All I am and all I’ve done are a result of spending time reading God’s truth.

It’s easy, simple and it works. To help you I’ve put together my top three tips for Meditating in God’s Word:

Start Small

If you are just starting out and you are not used to reading God’s Word, you can set your timer for at 5 mins a day. Pray beforehand and ask God for understanding and wisdom for His Word. Pray afterward that God will help you to retain His Word in your heart and correctly apply it and learn from it throughout your day. Create time for His Word, either in the morning or in the evening, just make sure that you are consistently reading God’s Word every day.

Go Slowly

The worst thing you can do is speed read through the Word of God. You want to meditate, capture and ponder on the thoughts and Words of our Almighty Creator. After a verse or two, stop and ask yourself: “What did I read? Did I understand what I read?” I suggest getting a notepad to write down some questions you would like God to answer.

Stay Committed.

The fact is that we are all super busy most of the time. We are drained from many areas of our life, but the commitment we make when we spend time in the Word of God is a life changer. The Word of God is a life sustainer. When you are feeling discouraged or frustrated, write it out or talk it out with God. We need Him! When we stopping eating God’s Word, that meal gets replaced with something else that is not beneficial to our Christian growth. Nothing can replace the Word of God!

Reading the Bible is one of the things God wants each of us to do. It’s not enough to hear the Word from others–we must read it for ourselves. That’s how to transform your life.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

When we read the Bible, we learn more about God and His ways. We learn how to live life more effectively. When you sit down to read the Bible pray, “Lord, help me to understand.” Also, ask someone who has been reading the Bible for a while to help you to understand better.

The more you read, the more you will understand God’s will and see His leading in your life. As you grow to understand His will better, you will thirst for His word even more!

Of course, the best part of knowing God’s Word is the transformation that will happen in you. As Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) says, “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”

Isn’t that amazing that God will accomplish all He wants to do in you as you dig into His Word?!

Praying Through the Bible in One Year

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. I understand. For years I felt frustrated that I couldn’t stick to my commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when I found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. My heart changed. My 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.

Purchase a copy of Praying Through the Bible in One Year HERE.

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June 22, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

These 7 prayers to say for your children can help be a springboard for your prayer life. Do you need new words to guide your heart as you seek God for your family? Let these prayers guide you.

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

I often pray for my children…

That they are healthy.

That they are safe.

Oh, that they are obedient.

The other day I was reading the Bible, and I came upon Philippians 1:9-11:

I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
For I want you to understand what really matters,
so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—
the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—
for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (NLT)

As I read it I thought: This is a perfect Scripture to pray for my kids. And they are perfect prayers to say for your children.

I’ve broken this prayer into seven days, and I found other Scriptures to pray too. Won’t you join me?

Sunday: Pray for love that overflows

Lord, may the love of _______ increase and overflow for those in our family and for everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Monday: Pray for growth in knowledge

Lord, may _______ grow to love your Word. May the heart of _______ trust your commands. May _______ seek good judgment. Fill _______ with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Psalm 119:66, Colossians 1:9)

Tuesday: Pray for understanding of what really matters

Lord, may _______ know your will and understand what is right because of your law. May _______ not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be transformed into a new person through changed thoughts and through knowing your perfect and pleasing will. (Romans 2:18, Romans 12:2)

Wednesday: Pray for a pure and blameless life

Lord, may _______ keep firm in faith, staying pure and blameless, until the end. May the good work you started in _______ carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. May _______ hold firmly to the word of life, so life’s labor will not be in vain. (1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:6)

Thursday: Pray for the fruit of salvation

Lord, may _______ be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. May _______ delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. And because of your word planted deep, may whatever _______ do prosper. (Psalm 1:2-3)

Friday: Pray for righteous character and for a life in Jesus

Lord, may _____ be a peacemaker who sows in peace and reaps a harvest of righteousness. Lord, may your name be honored because of the life of _______. I know this is only possible because of your grace. May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control flow out of the life of _______ because of your spirit within. (James 3:18 2 Thessalonians 1:12, Galatians 5:22-23)

Saturday: Pray for glory and praise to God

Lord, may _______ produce much fruit so that you may be glorified. May the life of _______ be for your praise and glory, because of hope put in you. (John 15:8, Ephesians 1:14)

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

As parents, it’s important to pray for our kids, and I’m so thankful that God has given us His Word as a foundation to do just that! He has given you prayers to say for your children!

TriciaGoyer breaks down Philippians 1 into 7 prayers to say for your kids!

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Enjoy this free printable 7 Prayers to Say for Your Children:

I hope these prayers to say for your children are as helpful to you as they have been for me! Do you have any that you would like to add? Let me know!

~Tricia

More Resources from Tricia Goyer:

Prayers the Changed History (pre-order today!)

Praying for Your Future Husband (for teens girls)

Whit’s End Mealtime Devotions (for families)

Balanced (for busy moms)

May 14, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Praying God’s Word For Yourself and Your Child

Praying God’s Word

Through the years I’ve seen how important it is to pray God’s word over and for my children. I’ve also watched how God moved in my kid’s hearts and lives when I shared the scriptures with them. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His word.

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Lord, I am so thankful that you always watch over my child, even when she lies down in sleep. May my child always sleep peacefully with knowledge of your care.

Is it your goal to read through the Bible in 2019? More than that, do you want to apply God’s will to your life and the life of your child? I’ve created some resources for that!

Daily Bread

First, my book Praying Through The Bible in One Year allows you to do both!

Praying Through the Bible in One Year is a Scripture Reading Plan and Guided Journal to help you read and apply God’s Word to your life.

My desire is for this journal to guide you as you seek God and His truth. It’s divided into three parts.

*Praying Through the Bible in One Year* interior pages.

1. A Scripture Reading Plan. This plan takes you from Genesis to Revelation. Reading four or five chapters a day, you’ll read through the whole Bible in one year! Each week has five days of reading, leaving the weekends for catch-up.

2. A Daily Scripture. Pause on these verses, read them closely, and consider how they can impact your prayers for your kids.

3. A Prayer Prompt. Through these prompts, you’ll focus on ways you can pray for your kids. Blank space is provided for you to continue the prayer or to write down other meaningful Scriptures that you read during the day’s reading.

Leave a Legacy

Second, I created a free course to help you master the skill of journaling through the Bible to create a Legacy Bible for your own children.

Join me as I guide you in sharing God’s Word with your children or grandchildren through the pages of your own journaling Bible. Through this free, 6-week course you’ll discover how to share your own personal reflections through the pages of God’s Word.

It’s such a meaningful way to pass on heartfelt prayers alongside your favorite Scripture passages, leaving a heritage of faith. Each journal entry will be a treasured gift to future generations.

Find Community

There’s no doubt about it, we need each other. God created us for community. That’s why I started a group for us to connect and share how He is moving in our lives through His word. Every morning we post the daily verses (except weekends!) and talk about how the Spirit spoke to us regarding that passage.

Join the Facebook group–and join me–in praying for your child through the year:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/walkitoutscripturejourney/

Worth The Effort

Finally, I want to encourage you not to give up. The journal isn’t dated because I know how much pressure that can bring. Life happens. If you get off track one week, just pick up again the next week. God is more concerned with your desire to read His Word and connect with His heart than He is with your ability to complete a weekly task. This is your journal concerning your prayers for your kids. If it takes you two years to read through the Bible, that will be wonderful! Know your efforts, whether over one year or two or more, will be worth it.

Pick up a copy for yourself and share with friends! May God’s Word transform each of us this year!

Order Praying Through The Bible in a Year here:https://amzn.to/2D6tBm5

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April 2, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Learning to Stand, to Believe, to Overcome … in the midst of life’s pain

For much of my parenting I focused on helping my kids make good decisions, yet as they’ve grown into adults I’ve realized that their decisions are only part of the factor. My kids will also face heartbreak because of hard circumstances and the decisions of others. There are times the darkness will seem to overwhelm our adult kids, and it’s during these times as parents we must pray for our children to stand, to believe, and to overcome, even in the midst of life’s pain.

My oldest son faced some heartbreaking circumstances in the last few years, but I’m proud of how he’s turned to God and sought His help. Below is Cory’s words, and a poem he wrote. I pray it’ll bless you today. Also, how can I pray for you? Are you in the midst of a heartbreaking time? Leave a comment and let me know!

Guest post by Cory Goyer

Life can be hard. Life can be disappointing. There are many ups and just as many downs. I’ve had my share of dark days. Days where I didn’t know how to go on. On one of those days while dealing with some pain I realized that I did not have to do this alone. A phrase came to me “I have my Savior by my side and an army at my back. I will not be overcome.” That phrase became the basis for my poem ‘Stand’ and became an important part of my journey through the darkness. I now have a piece of encouragement forever on my arm as a reminder that through the help of my Savior and those who support me I WILL NOT BE OVERCOME.

Stand

I stand in the arena
The sand beneath my feet
My enemies surround me
They crave for my defeat
In this crucible of courage
My heart has wavered so
But here I stand and here I’ll stay
I will not yield, I will not give way

Their blades of fear and doubt
Clash against my shield of faith
They try to slip past my defense
All hope they would erase
But I am a champion
A son of the king
Here I stand and here I’ll stay
I will not yield to anything

I stand in the arena
A paragon of hope
The spirit of my spear
Strikes against my foe
Time and again they come at me
One by one they fall
They try to overpower me
I endure it all

If I cannot be struck down
They try deceit instead

In the shadows, they whisper
Their words are precise, like a dagger
With my darkest, deepest fears
They try to resonate
My soul wavers
My eyes close
Abyssal blackness around me
Pain begins to surround me
I feel the world slipping
Poison dripping
Heavy breathing
Drowning
Darkness

Like the kings and heroes of old
When darkness overcame them
When the ocean threatened to drown them
When the enemy would tame them
With the last of my breath, I whisper
Save
Me

Light!
Shining bright!
Pierces the night!
Darkness flees
My soul alights!
A hand on my shoulder
Both gentle and strong
My Savior has found me
He was here all along

I am protected by righteousness
I am lifted up by truth
The enemy hisses
Through fang and tooth
I wear salvation like a crown
For I am saved and I am free
I tread upon the peace
That the King has given me

I stand in the arena
But I do not stand alone
Let this be known!
I have my Savior at my side
And an army at my back
I will not be overcome
I will not be overrun

To those who only spectate
I urge you to fight
Join us in the arena
Join us in the light
I invite my brothers
To fight by my side
I invite my sisters
To join me with pride
For we are all children
Of the everlasting King
And of our victories
The very heavens sing

I stand in the arena
I will not kneel I will not bow
I stand in the arena
Here I make this vow
Until the day I rest
When I reach the distant shore
I stand in the arena
To fight forevermore

Please let us know how we can pray for you to STAND.

April 1, 2019 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

How to Teach Your Children to Depend on God

Hi Friend!

Greetings from Nashville! I’m here with the Teach Them Diligently Conference. Yesterday I taught about 40 Ways to Be Present In Your Child’s Day. I also taught with Kristi Clover about Homeschool Basics. I love, love, love meeting up with friends I’ve met at previous conferences and making new ones!

Even as I write this, some of my kids are sitting on our interior balcony at the Opryland Hotel. They love traveling with me and also meeting new friends! I appreciate that my kids get to learn and grow in this environment of being surrounded by other godly families. It’s always my desire that their relationship with God grows … which leads me to the topic of the day, which is teaching our children to depend on God–and God’s peace–more.

This is my prayer today, “Lord, may your peace be a gentle whisper within my child’s soul.”

How to Teach Your Children to Depend on God (by Modeling It First!)

I have a daily habit that I hope makes a difference in the lives of my kids. Every weekday morning, I read four or five chapters of the Bible, and then I choose a Scripture from that day’s passage and pray that verse over my kids.

Today I read 1 Kings 15-19, and this is what stood out to me:

“After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.” 1 Kings 19:12 (CSB)

As I read that passage, I thought about fire … not physical fire, but the fiery trials in my children’s lives. In this world, there are so many things for my kids to worry about. There are child predators and bullies. There are friends who turn out to hurt you. There are broken relationships. There are losses and disappointments.

As I thought about all these things, this became my prayer for my kids:

Lord, I know there will be times when my child will look around and see all the evil in this world, and he will question if you care and if you are there. When my child becomes worried that he will be consumed by trials, I pray you will come to him as a gentle whisper. I pray you will be peace within his soul. Today, may my child turn his eyes away from all that worries him and instead focus on your gentle presence inside him.

Then, I prayed this prayer for each of my ten children (and bonus daughters and grandchildren), putting in their names:

Lord, I know there will be times when __________ will look around and see all the evil in this world, and he/she will question if you care and if you are there. When __________ becomes worried that he/she will be consumed by trials, I pray you will come to him/her as a gentle whisper. I pray you will be peace within his/her soul. Today, may __________ turn his/her eyes away from all that worries him/her and instead focus on your gentle presence inside him/her.

As I prayed for each child and grandchild, I thought about his or her individual needs. I also thought about how I long for my children to depend on God. And I realized that teaching this dependence starts with me.

I need to pray for peace in God and dependence on Him for myself first.

I don’t know about you, friend, but I need to pray this same prayer for myself. It is easy to focus my attention on all my trials, while ignoring God’s gentle whisper. Here’s this same prayer for me (and you!)

Lord, I know there will be times when I will look around and see all the evil in this world, and I will question if you care and if you are there. When I become worried that I will be consumed by trials, I pray you will come to me as a gentle whisper. I pray you will be peace within my soul. Today, may I turn my eyes away from all that worries me and instead focus on your gentle presence inside me.

I need to model dependence on God for my children.

Even as I pray for my children, I need to model what I claim to believe about trusting God. My children have a front row seat to how I act and react. They witness if I allow myself to get worked up and worried. If I’m a frazzled mess it’s hard to encourage them to be calm.

The best way for me to teach my children to depend on God is to depend on him myself. I need to look past the fiery trials around me and focus instead on God’s gentle whisper within.

I need to make time in God’s Word a priority.

I am able to depend on God myself when I spend time in His Word. To keep myself accountable (and bless others!) I lead a Scripture Reading Journey in a private Facebook group. Knowing that others are expecting me to post a prayer every weekday keeps me accountable.

Then, as I spend time reading through the Bible for myself first, my heart becomes settled. As my heart becomes settled, I am able to encourage my kids to turn their worries over to God, too. I also find myself pausing throughout the day to pray with my children and encourage them.

We all need our minds focused on God throughout my day, otherwise our minds fill with worries. Only when we have the peace of God inside us can we pray for our children with conviction.

Whatever our kids need, we need first.

You can join me in praying for your child through the year in my private Facebook group. Each day the Scripture passage we’re reading is posted, and on most days (just being honest!) I post a graphic and a prayer.

Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/walkitoutscripturejourney/

I did this last year—praying for myself—and the result was my new book: Praying Through the Bible in a Year. You can order Praying Through The Bible in a Year here: https://amzn.to/2D6tBm5

Also, just in time for Easter, check out my new prayer books for parents and loved ones to enjoy together! You can purchase them online from Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OsXAZB

Prayer is something important for kids to learn, and I encourage parents and kids to pray together. This prayer journal teaches kids how to pray. Each day in this journal has a place for moms to write their prayers and for kids to write (or draw!) theirs. Scripture passages are also included as prayer prompts.

Finally, have you heard about the Enjoy God’s Word conference? You can find out more details here:

As you can see, it’s my desire to help you to read God’s Word more consistently and pray. I know this practice has helped me to depend on God more. As we seek God together, hopefully we will teach our children to do the same!

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August 4, 2017 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Thirsts for You | Psalm 63:1

Saturday Scripture

Psalm 63:1

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
My soul thirsts for you. My flesh faints for you. Only you can satisfy. Yet how quick I am to look to my family, friends, possessions, or status to fill the longings of my heart. Lord, forgive me for those moments when I turn to anything but you. Help me feed that hunger with things that honor you: through prayer, meditation on your word, and time with you. Thank you for sustaining me and taking care of my needs. I love you and desire to know you more.

Does your soul thirst for more of God! Psalm 63:1 is @TriciaGoyer’s verse of the week

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May 13, 2017 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

A Mother’s Heritage | Psalm 127:3

Saturday Scripture

Psalm 127:3

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father,
I am the woman and mother I am today because of the mothering figures you placed in my life. Thank you for those role models and how they impacted my life. Thank you for the gift of motherhood and the many ways I’ve grown from being a mother. Give me the wisdom to raise my children in line with Your Word. Grow them into adults who make a powerful impact for Your Kingdom and continue a heritage of faith!

Thank all the mothers out there and remember celebrate Psalm 127:3 #mothersday!

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January 7, 2017 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Treasure | Matthew 6:19-21

Saturday Scripture

Matthew 6:19

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You are so good to me and have generously blessed me in the many ways. May I keep those gifts in their proper place and not allow them to become idols. My possessions on earth will break, age, and lose their luster. But my treasure in you and heaven is secure and lasts forever. Rid my heart of the greed and envy that so often creeps in. I have all I need and more in you.

Where is your treasure? Matthew 6:19 is a great reminder of what’s really important. @TriciaGoyer

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