Girls To Grow

Thanks for coming back to Girls to Grow today! I’m enjoying getting to touch base with you each day this week as we talk about some of the basic fundamental practices of our Christian faith.

I probably should have said this earlier on in our series, but please don’t think that doing the things we’ve talked about – reading your Bible, praying, being grateful – get you into Heaven or earn you more of God’s love or favor. God’s love for us is constant, and our only way to Heaven is through trusting Jesus’ work of redemption on the cross. However, if we want to grow in our faith and seek to become more like Christ, these are practical ways we can do that.

Today we’re going to look at five reasons why we should serve other people. They could be family or friends, coworkers or neighbors, or complete strangers.

1. To follow Christ’s example.

“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” ~John 13:14-15

One of the last things Jesus did for His disciples before going to the cross was an act of service. He even washed the feet of Judas Iscariot who would betray Him. As we find ways to serve others, we’re following the example Jesus set for us.

2. To obey God’s command.

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” ~Galatians 5:13

We know that God tells us to love one another – it’s the second greatest commandment (Mark 12:31). Loving others will naturally flow into serving them as we seek to meet their needs.

3. Because serving others brings joy.

I hope you’ve already learned this one by experience. Just as Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35), so we get more joy from serving than from being served.

4. To show others the love of God.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” ~John 13:35

As we love and serve others, people will see the love of God reflected in us.

5. To humble ourselves.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” ~Philippians 2:3

Jesus was willing to humble Himself, to become a servant, made in our likeness, so that He might save us from our sin (Philippians 2:7-8). Serving others reminds us that we are all created and equally loved by God.

Have you had an opportunity to serve someone lately? May we all look for ways that we can meet the needs of the people around us.

Related posts:

• 5 Ways to Serve Others as a Family
• Lessons on Humility from a Person Who Battles Pride
• What’s the Key to Serving Others the Way Jesus Did?

Welcome to the next post in our series this week! We’re asking the question, “Why should I…” as it relates to different areas in our spiritual lives. So far, we’ve talked about why we should read our Bible daily and why we should pray.

Today we’re asking, “Why should I be grateful?” I don’t know that thankfulness technically qualifies as a spiritual discipline. But I do know that it has an incredible impact on our attitude and how we live each day.

So let’s look at five reasons why we should be grateful.

1. Because it’s God’s will for us.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

Maybe we sometimes question what God’s will is for us. In this case, we don’t have to wonder. We’re told that it’s God’s will for us to give thanks in everything.

2. To bring glory to God.

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” ~Psalm 69:30

Everything we have comes from Him. When we recognize that and praise Him for it, we bring Him glory, both personally and when we share that with others.

3. To keep us keenly aware of our blessings.

Isn’t it easy to focus on what’s hard in our lives? Yet we have abundant blessings. Purposely looking for things to be thankful for helps us keep a right perspective. And hopefully, as we recognize our own blessings, we’ll want to be a blessing to others.

4. To cultivate contentment.

It’s hard to be grateful and discontent at the same time! As we take time to be thankful for what we have, we’ll be more satisfied and less tempted to want what we don’t have.

5. To remind us that God is good.

If we’re counting our blessings, as the old hymn says, then we really have no choice but to recognize that God is good.

“The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” ~Psalm 145:9

Reading Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts {Amazon affiliate link} a number of years ago really challenged me in this area of being grateful. I’ve read it through several times since and add to my own written list of gifts nearly every day.

May each one of us live with grateful hearts and thankful spirits today!

• When You Don’t Feel Like Giving Thanks
• Giving Thanks on the Normal Days
• Living Grateful: Making a Daily Choice to Give Thanks

Hello and thanks for stopping by the blog today! I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. Ours was nice and relaxing. It’s the second week of having both of our daughters off at college, so I think we’ll find ourselves developing a rhythm that’s all our own.

Today’s the second day in our brief series asking “Why Should I…” do certain things in our walk with God. Today we’re asking, “Why should I pray?”

Here are five reasons.

1. To communicate with God.

Prayer is how we talk to God. If we’re reading His Word regularly, like we talked about yesterday, then we’re hearing what He says to us. Prayer is our opportunity to talk to Him.

2. To have peace instead of worry.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

Most of us are tempted (maybe often) to be anxious or worry about something. It could be finances, work, family, health, the future – there are plenty of things that could go on the list. But the verses above tell us to take our concerns about those things to God in prayer. In return, He will give us His peace.

3. Because we’re commanded to pray.

“Pray without ceasing.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:17

That’s a fairly simple instruction. We can’t always be in a quiet place talking to God. But we can maintain a spirit of prayer in our hearts so that whenever something comes to mind, we can pray about it.

4. To keep our hearts humble.

It’s too easy to think we can handle life on our own. Prayer shows that we recognize that we need God. Remember 2 Chronicles 7:14?

 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.“

Humbling ourselves enough to go to God and ask for His help is where prayer begins.

5. Because we can trust God to answer our prayers according to His will.

Prayer would be a futile act if we didn’t believe that God hears and answers our requests.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” ~1 John 5:14

As we pray and see God answer those prayers, our faith grows. We learn to trust Him. Answered prayer also gives us the opportunity to glorify Him as we share our experience with others.

Let’s set aside time each day to talk to our Heavenly Father. And as we go about our daily tasks, let’s be reminded that there’s nothing too small – or to big – to take to Him in prayer.

Related posts:

• 5 Bible Verses to Encourage You in Your Prayer Life
• Does My Prayer Request Pass These Tests?
• What Hannah Teaches Me About Prayer

Good morning! I hope you’re enjoying this Monday so far. My husband is off work today, and I think we’re just going to enjoy some time together at home.

I decided to mix things up a bit with a different posting schedule this week. Rather than put up one longer blog post on Wednesday, I’m going to do one shorter post each weekday. It’ll be a brief series, and each post will focus on one of the basic disciplines of our Christian faith. Each day’s blog post title will start with, “Why Should I…”

So today’s post asks the question, “Why should I read my Bible daily?” It’s something we’re taught that we should do even as a brand new Christian. But why is it important?

Here are five reasons.

1. To learn about God.

The Bible is God’s Word. It’s a written document, inspired by the Holy Spirit, that is the best tool we have to learn about the God we want to love and serve. Whether it’s through verses that tell us directly about Him or through the stories that reveal how He interacts with people, we begin to grasp His character as we read and study the Bible

2. To know how to live.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” ~2 Timothy 3:16-17

From the Bible, we can learn what pleases God and what doesn’t. He gives clear direction, beginning with the ten commandments in Exodus and going through the gospels and epistles in the New Testament.

3. To be encouraged.

Going to God’s Word for encouragement is a precious gift. How many of us run to the Psalms when we’re deep in our feelings! We can identify with David’s writings when he’s struggling and can find hope through the same God that he followed.

4. To renew your mind.

We live in a world that is full of sin and corruption. We can easily get caught up in the temporary pleasures and pains of now and lose sight of living with eternal values. Spending time each day in the Bible gets our focus back where it needs to be – on growing to be more like Christ and sharing our faith with others.

5. To find God’s promises.

I want to know what God has promised me! Therefore I need to be in His Word so that I can find His promises and claim them for my own.

Reading the Bible daily is definitely a discipline! We have to plan for it or it won’t happen. It’s easiest for me to do it first thing in the morning. But regardless of the time of day we choose, let’s prioritize reading God’s Word.

Related posts:

• 5 Powerful Promises from God’s Word for You
• 7 Truths About Finding Joy in God’s Word
• 10 Things We Can Know About God’s Goodness

Welcome to Girls to Grow today! It’s the last Wednesday in August…which means I want to believe that when September arrives, fall weather will come with it. However, I’ve lived here in South Carolina long enough to know better! 🙂

I did buy a new sweater last week, but it will likely be November before it actually gets worn. I’ve noticed, though, that the days are starting to get shorter, so I plan to enjoy the rest of summer while it lasts.

We all have dark days, whether they’re for a brief time or through a longer season.  Financial difficulties, illness, death of a friend or family member, career struggles – no matter what form they take, these trials can make us feel as if the darkness is surrounding us.

If you’re in one of those times today, here’s a verse that I hope will encourage you.

“For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”  ~ II Samuel 22:29

When the darkness comes, we’re not alone.  No matter how dark it seems, God is with us. Just knowing that He walks with us through our troubles can make the darkness feel less overwhelming.

What else does light bring us?  Here are five ideas.

• Light illuminates the path. Once we have light, we can see which way to go.  Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”  Letting God’s light shine into our situation can help us know how to proceed. Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Reading and studying our Bible will help us see the way to go.
• Light removes the fear of the unknown.  When you can see what’s around you, you’re not as scared.  A verse that comforts me in times of uncertainty is Psalm 112:7, which says of the righteous, “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.”  I don’t have to be afraid of the unknown if I’m trusting God to take care of me.
• Light brings comfort.  If you’ve ever had a child (or been one!) who’s afraid of the dark, you know how comforting it can be to see a little night light shining in the darkness.  God is called “the God of all comfort” in II Corinthians 1:3 and He is able to comfort us at every step. 
• Light reveals imperfections.  When the light of the Lord shines on us, we can see how much we need Him.  Through His Word and His Holy Spirit, He reveals our sin and our weakness. As we acknowledge them, God can show us Himself and His ability to meet our every need.
• Light leads us to our ultimate desination. I think of being lost outside on a cold, dark, wintry night. Just when I feel like giving up, I see a light in the distance. That light gives me hope to keep going, trusting that there’s warmth and something hot to eat and drink where I’m headed! In the same way, we may struggle along here in the darkness of the world, but as Christians, we have a home in Heaven where the light of our Savior always shines!

If you’re going through a dark day, I pray that you will let the Lord shine into your darkness!

Related posts:

• 5 Powerful Promises from God’s Word for You
• How to Praise God When Life Is Difficult
• 10 Things We Can Know About God’s Goodness

Welcome to Girls to Grow today! I took a bit of a blog break over the last couple of weeks, but I’m happy to be back.

Last week my husband and I were able to join a group of people from his company on a cruise in the Caribbean. We had a nice, relaxing time and especially enjoyed visiting Puerto Rico for the first time.

Now we’re on the countdown to college for our girls! I’m slowly but surely marking things off the list with our freshman. She’s been able to connect with two girls who will be her roommates, so that’s been fun.

Recently I’ve been reading in the book of Matthew during my morning Bible time. It struck me one day how often Jesus comments on a person’s faith.

Here are several examples.

“When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” [8:10]

“And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” [8:26]

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” [9:2]

“But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” [9:22]

“Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” [9:29]

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” [14:31]

“Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” [15:28]

Many of these people had great faith for healing, either theirs or someone else’s. The disciples, though, had little faith when the storm came and rocked their boat. Peter needed faith to walk on the water.

Fatih sounds like such a big, important word..and it is. According to Hebrews 11:6, we can’t please God without it. Maybe, like me, you’re in the midst of a transition or facing a situation with an uncertain outcome and you need faith.

Let’s look at some truths about faith.

Faith is complete confidence and trust in God.

Do you see that word “complete?” That means totally and fully putting our trust in God. It’s not, “Yeah, I believe God is going to meet my need/answer my prayer, but I’m also trying to work it out on my own over here just in case He doesn’t.” Anyone but me ever been there?

I don’t think the blind men who come to Jesus for healing in Matthew 9 had a backup plan. Their faith was in His power to give them sight. And He did.

It’s not “blind” faith when we put our trust in God.

There are several things we can base our faith on. The first is what we know about God from His Word. Deuteronomy 7:9 says that He is the faithful God. Faithfulness is part of His character.

Not only does the Bible tell us that our God is faithful, but it shows us through the stories we find there. Hebrews 11 is full of them!

Our faith is also based on previous experiences in our lives. You don’t have to be a Christian for long before you’ll go through a trial and you will find that God is faithful. What we’re facing today may be a different circumstance than in the past, but we know God will be faithful again.

Faith will drive out fear.

Notice in Matthew 8:26 above that Jesus asks the disciples why they’re afraid. It’s because their faith was so small. I’m not judging them – I wouldn’t have been calm tossing up and down in a boat during a storm! But they had Jesus right there with them. And He’s also with us in whatever our storm is, wanting us to demonstrate our faith in His ability to keep us safe.

It’s in seasons of waiting that our faith grows.

My flesh doesn’t like this one. Waiting is hard, y’all. Yet in the seasons of waiting, we can cling to God’s promises.

It’s so easy to want to run ahead of God. Remember Abraham and Hagar? God had promised Abraham a great seed. But instead of waiting on God’s timing, Abraham and Sarah took the matter into their own hands. What a mess that was! But what a wonderful day when all the waiting was over and God blessed them with Isaac just as He had promised.

Don’t you want to be one of those that Jesus commended for having great faith?! With God’s help, we can be.

A prayer for today: Dear God, give us faith that we might please You. Help us to fully and completely put our trust in You. We have seen your faithfulness in the past and claim the promises we find in Your Word. Drive out the fear that threatens our peace. You have everything under control, whether we feel like it or not. And when you ask us to wait, may we do so with complete confidence that You know best and are always working for Your glory and our good.

Related posts:

• What Sarah Teaches Me About Faith
• How to Keep on Going When Your Faith Is Weak
• 5 Bible Promises to Pray Over Your Life Today

A lot of times I write about women in the Bible and how we can learn from or be inspired by them. But today I want to talk about Joseph. Not the Joseph of the Old Testament, though he’s a great guy. No, I mean the Joseph of the New Testament. The one who served as an earthly father to Jesus.

As I read about him in Matthew chapters 1 and 2, I find that his life is marked by one word. It’s not flashy or spectacular or radical. It’s a very simple word.

Obedience.

Four times God came to Joseph in a dream. He is given four different, direct commands. And Joseph has the same response every time.

Let’s look quickly at these four passages.

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost…Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:” ~Matthew 1:19-20, 24

Joseph is already classified as a “just man.” Yet surely this command from God was unexpected. I feel like I’d have wanted something more than just one dream to confirm that I needed to make such a life-changing decision. Remember Gideon and the fleece?? Maybe something like that. But Joesph woke up from his dream and did exactly – and, as far as we can tell, without question – what God told him to do.

He obeyed.

Here’s the second dream.

“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:” ~Matthew 2:13-14

The wise men have just left Bethlehem. Joseph has a dream and is told to take Mary and Jesus out of the country. Not just to another village, but to a totally unfamiliar place. And traveling then wasn’t like it is today, with GPS and car rental and hotel reservations along the way. I don’t know if Joseph had planner tendencies like I do, but it probably would have been nice to have a little more notice before taking off on this big trip.

How did Joseph respond? When he got up out of bed, he took Jesus and Mary at night and left for Egypt.

He obeyed.

And here’s the third dream.

“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.” ~Matthew 2:19-21

Another dream, another trip. We don’t know exactly how long the little family had been in Egypt. But now God tells Joseph it’s time to return to Israel. Perhaps this was a welcome command. Certainly, there must have been relief in knowing that those who’d wanted to kill the young Jesus were dead. Once again, Joseph does what he’s done before.

He obeyed.

And finally, just a short time later, we find the last recorded dream of Joseph.

“But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” ~Matthew 2:22-23

And here’s the fourth dream, the fourth time God tells Joseph what he should do. This time, God’s direction leads Joseph to Nazareth, the town that Jesus would be associated with when He grew to be a man. [Matthew 21:11; Mark 1:24] Joseph responds to this directive just as he has all the times before.

He obeyed.

We may not speak or sing on a stage or be recognized for our large charitable contributions. We may not feel like we have any great talent that God can use. But you and I, we can be like Joseph.

We can obey.

We can look to God’s Word for instruction and follow it. When the Holy Spirit impresses a particular action on our heart, we can follow through. We can pray for discernment to know God’s will and do it to the best of our ability.

I believe that whether it was here or in heaven or both, God honored Joseph for his obedience. And I believe that’s why he was chosen to have such a close, earthly relationship with God’s Son. May we, like Joseph, be obedient to what we know God would have us to do today.

Related posts:

• 5 Tips to Keep You from Getting Your Own Way
• 10 Key Lessons the Israelites Can Teach Us Abouth the Christian Life
• God Will Prepare the Way