I started reading a book called A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. I picked up three books by this author, actually. Now I typically don't pick up books like this. I'm more of a non-fiction resource kinda gal with the occassional Christian fiction thrown in and some classics now and then. So this was a new genre for me. I have the desire to go through this book with you and I will be utilizing what the author has said, but I won't copy. I promise.
As I started to read, I wasn't sure I was going to get into what the author was trying to say. Was I going to turn into this super woman of God by reading this book? Was this going to make me feel guilty if I don't have my schedule filled to overflowing with "good works"? Not sure yet, so I kept reading.
The first four chapters are talking about what our hearts should be devoted to. God, His Word, obedience and prayer. I agree. I want more. I've been in the desert for a small bit lately, so I'm kinda parched for His Word and better/more prayer time with Him. Chapter One simply states that if you are a woman of God's, you are to love Him fervently with a whole heart and that it's our sole desire. wow. Examples are the Mary and Martha story. Mary discerned the one thing needed and then she chose it. It's not that she was lazy and didn't want to help her sister, but at that moment, the Lord was in her home and she chose to sit at His feet and listen to what He had to say. It's not like it was a daily thing that he entered their home. Good choice on Mary's part. So how do we become a woman of God? Start first by choosing God's ways at every opportunity. This includes your decisions, words, thoughts and responses. We should want to reflect that God is our ultimate priority. This is in Proverbs 3:6. We need to recommit ourselves to Him each new day. Then we need to check the temperature of our heart. Are you hot or cold. Please don't say lukewarm! (Revelation 3:15-16) God wants our hearts to be on fire!!
Chapter 2 describes the Word as being like a vine. Abide in the Word and you will be fed. A broken branch can't get nourishment from the vine. Also roots are unseen, they are for taking in nourishment and they are for storage. The roots are developed by being in the Word and gaining strength from it. What people see in you on the outside will reflect what you have stored up for yourself on the inside by spending time with the Lord in prayer and study. If our roots are collecting the life giving water, we will not be afraid and we will bear fruit faithfully. Our roots are also for support. We need strong roots to stand solid for the Lord!
Chapter 3 tells us how to have a heart for prayer. These are listed as blessings. Blessing #1 is a depper relationship with God. We get that through prayer. Prayer increases our faith by us seeing prayers being answered. It gives us a time to unload our burdens on Him and lets us know He is near. Prayer teaches us not to panic for God is in control of all things and we should not faint under troubles. Finally, prayer changes lives. Not just other people's lives, but yours. Blessing #2 tells us about prayer giving us great purity. This is when we repent of our sins to Him who forgives and loves us anyway. His grace is poured out on us when we repent. Blessing #3 prayer gives us confidence in making decisions. Go to the Lord in prayer for all decisions. He will not steer you wrong. Take the time to listen for His voice. Blessing #4 Prayer improves relationships. This was a short piece but very effective. So how does prayer improve our relationships? You cannot think about others and yourself at the same time. You can't hate the person you are praying for and you can't neglect the person you are praying for. All these ideas of the author's were wonderful. I never thought of it like this before. And what's more, it's true! Blessing #5 is contentment. Give it all to God and be happy with what He gives you. Blessing #6 God-confidence. You get God-confidence as the Holy Spirit works inside of you. When we pray and honor God the Holy Spirit fills us to the brim and gives us the power to ministry. And finally, Blessing #7 The ministry of prayer. Intersession prayer is powerful. don't overlook its power to change lives.
Chapter 4 describes a heart that obeys. There are two kinds of hearts that obey. The first is a heart like Saul. He thought only of himself. He thought he was good to go for doing what was prescribed by God for worship. Something was missing. He didn't have a heart for God and God dealt with him. Next up is David. Now David was a sinner, but the difference was he saw his sin and repented his whole heart back to God. He was a man after God's own heart. I want to be like that. I want my heart wholly for God. So how do we do this? Start by concentrating on what is right and cease doing what is wrong. Confess your wrongs in prayer and clear things up with other people. Confession cleans the soul. Finally, continue on as soon as possible. Satan loves when we stumble and then wallow in our mistakes. We need to repent, pray adn get back on our feet and continue on in God's ways.
This is my summary of the first four chapters of this book. I hope you enjoyed it for I will return to continue on in the book. It gets better. Stay tuned.
Great job! I need to read this book again.
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