Getting to the Heart of God’s Word

 

Getting to the Heart of God's Word by Elizabeth George

My girls are 13 months apart, which means that during their early years, I often felt like I had twins. I had to really be on my toes-there was little-or-no catching of mistakes I made on the older child so that they wouldn’t be repeated with the younger one. What I was—or wasn’t—doing to love and raise my children was being done to both of them at the same time.

I quickly realized the importance of getting God’s Word into my heart each day. I tasted the power­ful effect it had, both on my parenting and on the atmosphere in our home. The same can be true for you. When I didn’t take the time to nurture my heart in the Word, I found myself - 

1. Running on empty. When we spiritually run on empty, our hearts become hol­low and numb. Without spiritual refueling, our parenting is empty, too. Life becomes dull and devoid of spiritual energy, purpose, motivation, and accomplishment for both parent and child.

2. Heartless. If we are heartless, our parenting becomes heartless and rote. We put ourselves and our child-raising on autopilot.

3. Worldly. We become preoccupied with the things of this world and enamored by earthly pursuits and rewards, and this affects our parenting. Instead of following God’s ways, we’ll be walking and parenting in the ways of the world, allowing the things of this world will creep into our homes and into our children’s hearts.

These are all serious concerns, all brought about through missing out on the daily goodness of God’s Word. The solution? Pick up the Bible and read it. God will touch and transform our hearts through His Word.

Spend time each day reading the Bible. Share its life-giving truth with your children. It requires the sacrifice of time and energy, but the years you have with your children fly by so quickly. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart.”

What will happen if our hearts are dedicated to God and His Word, and filled with love for the Lord? By God’s grace, we will be godly mothers. And then we can successfully teach God’s Word to our children.

Your time in God’s Word is time God will use to make you a mom after His own heart. It is time well invested.

RESPOND

Lord, help me choose You and Your Word as my source of strength and refreshment each day. I want to deepen my understanding of Your love and Your will so that I become a mother who invests in her faith and family with everything she has and is.

RENEWING RESOURCES

The encouragement for today is an excerpt from my book, A Mom After God’s Own Heart. There is so much more to consider in this vital role. Please consider a copy for yourself or someone you love as you continue on the adventure of raising children after God’s own heart.

REFLECT

How can I make daily time in God’s Word a habit? How can I share a love of God’s Word with my children?

REMEMBER

Spend time each day reading the Bible. Share its life-giving truth with your children. It requires the sacrifice of time and energy, but the years you have with your children fly by so quickly. Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart.”

 


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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