christianity

September 27, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

When Saying No is the Best Thing For Your Faith

I’ve discovered that when I’m too busy with too many things, I turn to God for strength. He is faithful to provide it, but there is so much more of God that I’m missing out on. There is a relationship that only comes when I am still with Him, when I dig deep into His presence. I love this quote by Henri Nouwen:

“So we try to do more while our energies ebb away and we become like uprooted trees with our roots wildly groping for the sky. Thus we anxiously throw our arms toward heaven, praying for extra grace and special enabling, when instead we should be planted again in nourishing soil. That soil is not meant to make us do less, but to change our priorities so that we take time to be still. And in the stillness, find new strength and hope.”

When we say “no” to busy things, we say “yes” to the best thing—time with God.

And when we have time with God, He is able to direct our priorities. He will show us what is vital, what is important, and what can be cut. God will guide our answers to the requests that come our way. He sees things with an eternal perspective and can help us do the same. Sure, we may get kudos from others when we work our tails off, but wouldn’t you rather get kudos from God?

When we first adopted, our family’s only weekly commitments were work, school, and Sunday church. It was a good feeling. The kids went to bed early, and John and I had time to connect. We were still in the “adjustment” time with the new kids. Everyone needed this time to adjust to being a family without the busy-ness of life getting in the way.

Have faith that God will direct you toward the priorities that align with His.

During that first year, I was asked if I would serve in the toddler Sunday school class over the summer. I quickly answered no. I knew for that season, I had my priorities of our adopted kids and our vacation travel. It wasn’t until an hour later that I asked my husband if I had answered too quickly.

“No, I’m proud of you,” he told me. “You know what’s important, and you told her you could help in the fall.” Because I’d spent time with God, He directed my priorities. I’d answered—not out of selfishness, but out of an understanding of what He’d called me to; bringing children into our home and helping them heal.

I used to be the worst at saying “no” until I realized the greatest “yes”—Jesus.

I no longer feel I have to be the person everyone else can count on. Instead, I strive to be still before Jesus and make sure He can count on me as I count on Him.

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April 7, 2014 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

The True Story of Noah (And 4 Ways it Applies to You)

I’ve yet to see the Noah movie with Russell Crowe. Some of family saw it, and I like my oldest son’s quote, “I liked the book better.”

The book?! Yes, the book. If you haven’t read it, here is the true story of Noah from Genesis 6:

The Story of Noah

9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. 10 Noah was the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 Now God saw that the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. 12 God observed all this corruption in the world, for everyone on earth was corrupt. 13 So God said to Noah, “I have decided to destroy all living creatures, for they have filled the earth with violence. Yes, I will wipe them all out along with the earth!

14 “Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior. 15 Make the boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 16 Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat—lower, middle, and upper.

17 “Look! I am about to cover the earth with a flood that will destroy every living thing that breathes. Everything on earth will die. 18 But I will confirm my covenant with you. So enter the boat—you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 19 Bring a pair of every kind of animal—a male and a female—into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood.

20 Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. 21 And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals.”
22 So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.

You can read the rest of the story here.

What is the true story of Noah and how does it apply to us? Here are four ways:

Noah walked in close fellowship with God. Noah wasn’t just a righteous man, he was the only righteous man! Too often we want the approval of others, and so we follow them. We allow others to pull us down to their level. Noah stood alone, and he still stood for God.
Sinful people will pay the price for their sin. We like to think we’re getting away with something, but sin grieves God. He wants to wipe it out.
Sometimes God requires hard work from us. We like to think that if we follow God, things will be easy. Things weren’t easy for Noah. He worked hard for 100 years. Being a follower of God doesn’t mean that your life will be easy. It does mean that God’s plan is best—for you and your family.
Even righteous men mess up. In a later chapter, it says that Noah got drunk on wine, making him an embarrassment to his sons. No one is perfect. We’ll all mess up at one time or another. And while God hates sin, His heart is tender to a person who is repentant.

Back to the movie . . . God was not surprised that this movie was made this time in history. Whether you love it or hate it there are a lot more people reading their Bibles than before. No matter the pros and cons of movies inspired by the Bible, the most important part is the Bible itself—God’s true story.

What is the true story of #Noah and how does it apply to us? #faith @TriciaGoyer

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When we read God’s story we have the chance to consider our hearts and our lives. Sure you can watch the movie, and you can talk about it. You can even use it as a launching point to talk to your unchurched neighbors about the Bible. But if you want to make a real difference, than take time to read Noah’s story and consider your own heart.

I have a few books on sale right now! The Swiss Courier and Chasing Mona Lisa are only $1.99! The Promise Box is only $3.99! And Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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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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October 7, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Meet Courtney Joseph of Women Living Well

I’m happy to introduce you to Courtney Joseph, founder of Women Living Well! I’ll be chatting with Courtney this week on Living Inspired (Thursday at 3 PM CDT). Stop by this page for all the details about how to listen AND to enter to win her book! Welcome Courtney to my blog today!

Meet Courtney Joseph

Tell me about this important event in your life and how did it affect you?

Women Living Well—the blog—began five years ago. After receiving my Bible degree from the Moody Bible Institute and then a decade of doing women’s ministry in my church, I decided to take my ministry online. Never in my wildest dreams did I think anyone would ever read my blog or someday I’d write a book. But here we are.

The first turning point for my online ministry was being contacted by a producer of the Rachael Ray Show. Their invitation for me to share about my marriage was a huge blessing and started my blog’s growth. I now can clearly see God’s hand in that event.

What was the saddest moment?

I have found the message of finding your joy in God, your man, your kids, and your home is not always well received in our culture. There are many people who are angry with the roles God has laid out for men and women in His word. And so I’ve felt some opposition to this message.

Many women despise the Proverbs 31 woman. I have a free Proverbs 31 ebook available at womenlivingwell.org and have done a YouTube video series on the Proverbs 31 woman and the response has been astounding. Rather than the Proverbs 31 woman being intimidating, women are finding she is an inspiration. And that is the beauty of God’s word.

My heart is to journey alongside women in their walk with the King. To lead them to the living well—the living waters—and show them that they can live well. That we don’t have to be women on the go go go seeking for joy—out there—but rather we can experience God’s joy right where God has planted us when we learn to slow down and listen. Listen to His voice.

Meet Courtney @WomenLivingWell! Her passion for women and God is inspiring. @TriciaGoyer

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What was the happiest moment?

I am excited about the release of my book but I am even more excited about the webcasts we have running at http://www.womenlivingwell.tv every Thursday evening through November 7. On these webcasts, I’ve invited eight other fabulous bloggers to join me on a couch and chat—chat about marriage, parenting, homemaking, our health, and ministry. Rather than just being talking heads, I wanted to show that God did not create us all the same; we are not to be cookie cutters of each other. A godly home and family can look a thousand different ways, so my point in inviting women to the couch is so we can say, “Hey, your husband is different than my husband, so our homes look different. But you know what? Our principles are the same. They are Biblically based. And that is what matters.” We had a GREAT time on those couches; we laughed, we cried, and we went deep.

Or what was the most difficult decision you have ever had to make? Why? How did you make it and what happened?

Some difficult decisions I’ve made are to submit to my husband, homeschool my children, seek joy in my homemaking, and rise early every morning to meet with God.

How did you experience God during this event?

The first part of my book entails my journey in my walk with the King. I refer to Enoch and how he walked so closely with God that God took him up literally to heaven to be with him—WOW!—I want to walk with God like that! My mother played a huge role in teaching me how to daily study my Bible. The method she taught me, we now use on a website I co-founded over at GoodMorningGirls.org where thousands of women around the world are daily reading the Bible together. It has been amazing to see how God took one mom’s two fish and five loaves and has multiplied her efforts. She was faithful to teach her little girl to study God’s word and now her little girl is teaching thousands. Only God can do this. And it also reminds us that God uses moms everywhere to make a difference. Moms matter!

What hope or encouragement do you have for others who may be facing the same situation?

There are many voices clamoring for our attention in this world. It is important that we learn how to tune into the most important one; it’s not the iPad, iPod, or iPhone but the great I AM. It is when we listen closely to His word and obey it that we will experience the joy that only he can give us through his precious son Jesus, the living well.

More about Courtney: Courtney Joseph has been married to her high school sweetheart for 16 years and classically educates her son and daughter at home. Courtney is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship. After over a decade of leading women’s Bible studies, mentorships and workshops in her local church, she decided to move her ministry on-line at WomenLivingWell.org and WomenLivingWell.tv. Courtney’s passion to see women living well through discipleship in God’s Word, led her to co-found the rapidly growing, online Bible study community at GoodMorningGirls.org. There thousands of women globally, join together daily, to dig into their Bibles through on-line devotionals, videos, free Bible reading plans and tech-based accountability groups. Courtney’s first book titled Women Living Well: Finding Your Joy in God, Your Man, Your Kids and Your Home is available now in bookstores or amazon.com.

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September 26, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 3 Comments

When to Share Your Faith

When to Share Your Faith . . . And When To Seal Your Lips

I remember the first time a college professor made fun of my faith. I was taking a history class at a small community college, but the professor spent more time talking about his atheistic beliefs than world civilizations. He would work jabs against Christianity into every lecture. I’d sit there and squirm. I wanted to say something, anything, to make him see the error in his ways.

Finally, halfway through the semester I got up the nerve to say something to the professor. I raised my hand and made a comment about evidence of God’s hand in history. The professor listened for ten seconds, laughed, and then he continued on with his comments. I was embarrassed, and I never spoke up again. Looking back, that incident impacted me. It made me fearful of sharing my faith. I didn’t want to be embarrassed, and I got used to keeping my thoughts to myself.

It was only years later that I realized Jesus understood and dealt with the same thing.

In Luke chapter 20, we see incident after incident of those who were trying to trap Jesus, to discredit him, and to make Jesus look bad in the eyes of the people. Jesus didn’t spout off volumes of truth, proving them wrong. Verse 8 says, “And Jesus responded, ‘Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things’” (NLT).

Scared of reaching out to others and sharing Jesus with them? Try out these tips @TriciaGoyer:

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Jesus knew what I learned—there are some people whose minds will not be changed no matter what we say. They have hard hearts. They listen only to come up with a rebuttal.

As Proverbs 26:4 says, “Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are” (NLT).

Jesus talks about this again in Matthew 7:6: “”Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you” (NLT).

If you come up against someone like my professor, you may want to share your faith, but if that doesn’t work out, don’t let it stop you from reaching out to others who have softer hearts.

When to Share

As a mom of 10 children, one of my greatest desires has been to raise kids who can share their faith. John and I have taken our kids on mission trips. We’ve encouraged them to be shining beacons wherever they are. We’ve taught them how to share their faith by knowing what to look for.

How can they do that? By going through these steps when reaching out to others:

Get them to trust you as a Christian.
Get them curious about Jesus.
Get them to ask questions.
Get them to consider making changes in their own lives.
Invite them to have a personal relationship with Jesus.*

Jesus knew that there were some people who wanted to hurt him, to kill him. Yet He was always on the lookout for those with seeking hearts.

In your own life, know that there will be times when sharing your faith will not be easy or fruitful. There will be times when your words will bounce off hard hearts.

Instead of being discouraged, like Jesus, look for those who trust you, are curious and ask questions. Those are the people worth spending time with. The time you spend with soft-hearted people will hopefully reap eternal rewards!

*These principles are taken from the book I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus by Don Everts and Doug Schnapps

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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.”

August 21, 2013 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

God Doesn’t Expect You to Be Mother Teresa

I’ll admit it: I’m not a very compassionate mom. My kids have to beg for a band-aid, and most of the time when they get hurt my response is, “Come here, give me a hug. See? All better!” (As if those words would make it so.)

Of course there are times when a band-aid wasn’t enough. Like the time my son needed stitches on the back of his head after slipping in a parking lot, or the time my daughter broke one elbow and sprained the other on a trampoline. I was no Mother Teresa then, either, but I did get my kids to the ER without too much panic so others could bandage them up.

Compassion isn’t something that comes natural to me. It’s something I’ve asked God to help me with. How?

I pray for compassion. I’ve asked God to give me a tender heart.
I seek to be empathic. I try to see the world through my kids’ eyes and pray for their unique needs. Even though their needs may seem small to me, I pray God will help me imagine being in the other person’s shoes
I look to the “deeper” need. My child may not really need a band-aid, but he or she does need to be cuddled, cooed over, and cared for with tenderness.

Lacking compassion? Sometimes I do as a mom. I’ve asked God to help, and here’s how:

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Read the rest of my tips on Hope for the Weary Mom!

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Wondering what’s up next for me? My book A Christmas Gift for Rose releases soon. You can pre-order it here!

July 23, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 3 Comments

What An Unexpected Flower Pot Taught Me About Hope | Guest Post by Eva Piper

Hope can be a verb or a noun. Used as a verb it means we want something to happen. We hear stories of tragic events and hope everything and everyone will be safe. We may hear from a friend or loved one who shares a need. We end the conversation with “I hope everything works out.” Newly expecting parents may say, “I hope it’s a girl,” or, “I hope it’s a boy.” Students walking down school hallways utter, “I hope I get an A in this class.” “I hope I make the team.” When we are going through difficult time hope becomes a noun <click to tweet>. HOPE is something we long for. We long for a particular thing to happen to lift our spirits and bring peace. It is our hope that a loved one recovers from an illness or accident. It is our hope that a relationship can be saved. It is our hope that a new job can be found to replace the one we lost.

It has been my experience to find hope when others put actions to their words. In December of 1988 the youth of South Park Baptist Church gathered for a Happy Birthday Jesus party. I attended the party since Don was serving as youth minister. I taught a youth Sunday School class and helped out on retreats.

There were a few of the youth who had babysat for us since our arrival in Alvin a year earlier. That evening following the games, singing Happy Birthday, and eating cake one of the youth leaders got up and began to speak. He called Don and I to the front and began to thank us for all we had done to help guide our young people to a better understanding of Christ. He then presented us with a gift. In those days it was popular to give a money tree. The tree was actually a branch that was spray painted white and decorated with small ornaments. The tree was then placed into a decorated flower pot.

While the adults had pinned bills to the branch, the youth had placed their loose change into the pot to hold the tree upright. I’m sure none of them thought of anything big coming from their nickels, dimes, and quarters. Yet they put them in anyway, hoping it would help tell us how much they loved us.

On that dismal, damp, chilly January afternoon as I raced through our home trying to pick up what I would need to be at the hospital with Don, my eyes fell onto that flower pot sitting on the kitchen counter. I would need to notify people of Don’s condition. I hadn’t even talked to his or my parents about the accident.

Those were the days before cell phones and I knew my only source of communication would be pay phones. I grabbed the flower pot, dumped the change into a lunch bag and put it in my purse. Later I was able to use those nickels, dimes, and quarters to call family and friends asking them to pray. My hope for his survival was made possible because some teenagers put their ‘hope’ into action and God answered the prayer, the hope of those I was able to call by healing Don.

Now Don is often called the ‘minister of hope.’ He speaks to people all over the world telling them that God is a God who listens, who loves, and who cares for His people. What a wonderful gift of HOPE that little flower pot became!

About Eva Piper:
Eva Piper is a speaker and author with a unique insight into the trials of heartache and the triumph of overcoming. The wife of best-selling author Don Piper, Eva was the glue that held her broken husband and her family together. Don’s story, recounted in the New York Times bestseller, 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Life and Death, is Eva’s story too. A teacher of 34 years, she and Don now live in Pasadena, Texas. Visit her website to reserve your copy today or to read a free chapter. You can also connect with Eva on Facebook and Twitter.

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