Friday, December 30, 2011

A Woman After God's Own Heart ~ Chapter 5

A Heart That Serves

Genesis 2:18 ~ And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

"To begin our discussion we must realize that a woman after God's own heart is a woman who carefully cultivates a servant spirit, whether she is married or not.  She desires to follow in the steps of Jesus, who 'did not come to be served, but to serve' (Matthew 20:28). Such following calls for lifelong attention to the heart attitude of serving."

"And if you are a married woman, that attitude and service starts at home with your family.  And more specifically, with your husband.  God has designed the wife to be her husband's helper."

"a helper is one who shares man's responsibilities, responds to his nature with understanding and love, and wholeheartedly cooperates with him in working out the plan of God."

"Realizing I am on assignment from God to help my husband opened my eyes."

"I am to be solidly behind him and supportive of him--helping him."

"This mind-set, this servant spirit, helps me be more like Christ as I esteem others--especially my husband--as better than myself (Philippians 2:3) and commit myself to service."

How?

"How can we develop a heart committed to service, a heart intent on emulating Christ in service to another person?"
  • Make a commitment to help your husband
"Let your words reflect your decision to help your husband, to be a team with him, and to make helping him the priority focus of your every day."
  • Focus on your husband
"What can I do for you today?  What can I do to help you make better use of your time today?"

"Whether you are married or not, serving the people in your life is part of God's will for you.  It pleases Him when you follow His will, benefits the lives of those you serve, and shows Christ to the world."
  • Ask of your actions, Will this help or hinder my husband?
"Is yours a heart committed to service, specifically to serving and helping your husband?  What an abundance of blessings God has waiting for you when yours is such a heart!"

"As you and I promote the well being of our husbands--and of the multitude of other people God has placed in our lives--our service glorifies God."
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Dear Lord,
I don't know your plans for my future, whether or not you have a man for me to marry or if you will have me be single and focus on you.  I ask that you would show me how I can serve others.  Use me in this season of my life.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

1 comment:

Lhoyt said...

Lizzie, it is clear that God is shaping you into Christ's image, and Mom and I are so thankful to see it. We love you and pray for you.

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