Cross My Heart Ministry

“Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live….
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.”
Proverbs 4:4, 13

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to hold on for dear life? An inner tube, a hand railing, a safety harness, and a guardrail are a few items that come to mind. Laying hold conveys intention and intensity: if you find yourself struggling in deep water and someone throws you a life preserver, you don’t grab it with one finger. You wrap both arms around and lay hold with all you’ve got!

What if we began to see God’s Word as our life preserver in the troubled waters of this world? What would change if we intentionally chose to lay hold of God’s Word every morning—if our preeminent, first-and-foremost desire was that daily time with Jesus?

Making that the priority is not just a “have to” … it’s also a “need to” that will transform to a “want to” and even a “delight to” as the habit is practiced.

I’m convinced there can be no real, lasting transformation apart from laying hold of the Word of God.

It can be easy to lay hold first thing in the morning, then let go as the storms (or even the squalls) of the day come crashing in. Even the daily rhythm of full-but-not-stressful days can carry us away in the tide, and lead us to let go of what we laid hold of that morning.

It’s imperative that we not just lay hold, but intentionally hold on throughout our daily journey.

The writer of Proverbs warns and challenges:

• Do not let it go.
• Guard it well.
• It is your life.

We hold tight and guard that which is precious, treasured, essential. Is that your attitude towards the Word of God? Would you like it to be? Could you ask God to stir up your heart, helping you to see the Word of God as vital to your survival?

Are you holding on through the course of the day?

I don’t think any of us intentionally choose to let it go or lay it down. There are just so many other things to grab onto … good things, necessary things, fun things. They don’t seem evil or bad or even inherently sinful, but we must realize: anything else we grab hold of will replace God on the throne of our lives. Whatever we grasp, and let go of the Word to do so, becomes an idol.

Whether you have chosen to intentionally let go, or whether your grip has just loosened a bit, you are vulnerable.

Ready for lay hold and hold on check-up?

• Are you laying hold of God’s Word every day?
• Do you pray God’s Word back to Him, or ask Him how to apply what you have read?
• Later in the day, do you think about the words you read in the morning?
• Do you share the insights you’ve gleaned during conversations with others?
• Are you hungry and thirsty for the Word of God?
• Do you delight in God’s Word?
• Are you ready to ask God for a lay hold and hold on assignment?

I’m convinced it’s much easier to lay hold and hold on when you have surrounded yourself with others who are doing the same. If you are surrounded with floaters, it will be easier to float. But if your tribe—the ones near and dear to you—are all holding on, you will be spurred on to do likewise.

How is God calling you to not just lay hold, but to intentionally hold on all day long?

This week’s video from our Write the WORD journey through Proverbs, Laura shared thoughts on Proverbs 10:11. We invite you to listen, then let us know how you think the words of a woman of God can be a fountain of life!

It’s not too late to join our study of Proverbs during the month of July. Visit our Downloads page to get your own copy of our free bookmark and optional S.O.A.P. study pages.

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The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for attaining wisdom and discipline…
Proverbs 1:1-2a

King Solomon, writing in Proverbs, introduces himself in chapter one, verse one and immediately provides his purpose in writing: He wants to help the reader gain wisdom and discipline. There is more to the list, of course, but this first goal summarizes the overarching theme of his writings very well.

Wisdom and discipline.

Let those two percolate for a bit. Wisdom seems to be the knowledge of what is right, while discipline seems to be actually doing what is right. As women of God, we must endeavor to not only know, but to do.

The knowing part is virtually impossible apart from the Word of God. We may pick up bits of knowledge or sage sayings here and there, but absolute truth that triumphs through time, government regimes, social and political trends, and changing leaders can only be found in God’s Word. How blessed we are to live in a time and place in history that allows us the privilege of owning our very own Bible and having the ability to read it! There are those who long for this gift we often leave unopened.

We choose to starve ourselves spiritually, when a feast is readily available.

The knowing then brings the accountability of doing. Our fleshly nature can be very troublesome on this point. I know I’m prone to laziness, selfishness, pride … and these often interfere with living out the wisdom God provides. But I praise God, as the old country preacher used to say, “I ain’t what I used to be!” I would add, “I’m not yet what I’m gonna be, either!” — or, for those who prefer more sophisticated verbiage, “I’m not what I once was, and not yet what I will become.”

Our transformation as women of God is day-by-day, even moment-by-moment. Growth happens slowly, sometimes painfully, but if the Holy Spirit dwells in us, He will prompt and prod, push and pull to move us forward spiritually. I believe God loves us just as we are, but also loves us too much to leave us this way. And Proverbs can help in this refinement of our souls. It offers timeless truth that, when applied, will change our hearts and minds.

As we read through the book of Proverbs together this month, will you ask God to open your eyes to see truth — to see and take hold of wisdom, and then give you the courage to walk it out through disciplined living?

Are you ready to be transformed by attaining wisdom and discipline?

If you are a believer, saved by grace, does keeping God’s commands really matter? In this week’s Friday devotional video, Laura shares insights from Proverbs 7:1-3.

 Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10

Depending on who does the counting and which ones are included, there are at least 59 one anothers in Scripture.

We are to forgive one another, care for one another, serve one another, and be patient with one another. In the passage above, Paul adds two more to the long list:

• Be devoted to one another.
• Honor one another.

Both these fall under the over-arching umbrella of love. The message is clear: if we really and truly love one another, then we live that out by extending devotion and honor. Paul even adds a qualifier lest we try to shirk: above yourselves.

Read the passage again and allow it to marinate in your heart and mind.

Have you ever had a conversation with the Holy Spirit? You may have thought it was an over-active conscience, but nope … it’s the Spirit of God. He shows up in our thought life.

The one another conversation often surfaces when I’m reading Scripture. The Spirit of God delights in taking the Word of God and making it clear where my “Laura” is showing. As a follower of Christ, I want the Spirit in me to lead out. I want Him to be showing in my attitudes and behaviors.

We may extend an elementary-level attempt at honor—and might even feel pretty good about the effort put forth—when the Spirit of God shows up in a holy conversation:

Holy Spirit: Laura, I want you to honor her.

Laura: I did, Lord.

Holy Spirit: But did you honor her above yourself?

Busted.

I think those of us living in the Western World of freedom, fast food, and frenzied schedules enjoy our lives of grace. We love our liberty in Christ. What we don’t like is to be inconvenienced. So long as I can squeeze in my one anothers at a good time for me, I’m okay. But please, don’t ask me to reschedule my hair appointment, or my dental cleaning. And I always do laundry on Tuesday. Don’t call on Tuesday.

And for those of us with children still at home … is this such a high and holy calling that we get a pass on all the one anothers in Scripture? It may not be a conscious decision, but perhaps there’s an underlying attitude that effectively says, “I cannot accept that love assignment, Jesus. I am too busy with parental responsibilities.”

Ouch.

Sister Friend, I’ve been there. I’ve walked through the days of circling the wagons and tending to my home fire. Days of taking care of my own home and leaving everyone else to do the same.

I’ve also thrown myself all-in on the opposite end, behaving as if everyone’s need is my call.

May I very politely—but very pointedly—look you in the proverbial eye now, and tell you that both can be sinful and both can be rooted in pride?

We are to love one another, to honor one another above ourselves. And that might mean a cup of coffee with a hurting woman will trump my laundry-done-on-Tuesday regimen.

But I also want to tell you that teaching and training the children God entrusted to you is not something we are to “fit in” while dashing off to be everybody else’s everything. There are a few one anothers living under your own roof.

But how do I know which one another to love on today? How do I know if my honoring others is enough to satisfy the “above yourselves” criteria?

I’m glad you’re asking the question, but you’re asking the wrong person. It’s our Lord you need to ask.

Check in with Jesus.

Listen for the voice of His Spirit dwelling in you.

He loves holy conversations … and I’m convinced He especially loves it when we ask the opening question.

Laura introduces our July Write the WORD topic, in Friday’s devotional video:

Download your copy of July’s free bookmark HERE, and find the optional S.O.A.P. Bible study pages HERE.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
‘Honor your father and mother’
—which is the first commandment with a promise—
so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
Ephesians 6:1-3

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians quotes the fifth commandment. Originally recorded in Exodus 20:12 and etched on tablets given to Moses hundreds of years before Paul’s day, it continues to bring timeless truth to a modern-day audience many years later.

Paul makes his case for choosing to honor parents, giving two specific reasons:

1. It is right to do so.
2. It comes with a promise.

Doing What Is Right
For the follower of God, doing what is right is not up for a vote. We don’t weigh the options and reach a consensus after collaboration and discussion.

Choosing to do what is right is a daily act of conscious obedience. It acknowledges God’s authority in our lives. We choose to obey Him because He is our Savior and our Lord.

How do you know what is right? You seek and search the Scriptures. You cannot do what is right until you know what is right. Abiding in His Word daily keeps us immersed in the truth and knowing the path God has laid out for us.

Obedience Brings Blessing
I believe God always blesses us when we obey Him. The blessing may be the peace and joy that comes from abiding in Him – the contentment that resonates in our spirit by fulfilling our call to bring Him glory. There is a deep sense of satisfaction that comes when I’m walking in the Spirit. Nothing else in this world brings that sense of peace and joy.

But the blessing for this particular commandment is specific … we get a so that.

I love finding a so that in Scripture. I love it when God provides a specific why for the what He calls us to do.

The promise here is this: life will go well and we will get long life. I’m not sure exactly how that all plays out in my specific circumstance or yours, but I do know that I don’t want to miss any blessing that God offers.

Choosing to Honor
When it comes to our relationship with our parents, Paul makes it clear that honor should lead out. Here are a few questions to consider as you do your own honor-your-father assessment:

1. Do I listen patiently – even to stories I’ve heard before?
2. Do I make calling my parents a regular (weekly?) priority?
3. Do I speak kindly about them to my children?
4. Do I make decisions about their care based on what is best for them … even if it’s inconvenient for me?
5. Do I spend my greatest resource for them: my time? (And do I choose to eliminate distractions – like my phone – when I’m with them?)
6. Do I acknowledge the values or skills learned from them?
7. Have I thanked them for teaching me to ride a bike, cook, fish, or work hard?
8. Have I chosen to forgive (and let go of) things they may have done wrong?
9. Have a chosen to be grateful for what they did right?
10. Do I pray for my parents?

I hope this list convicts you as it does me. It offers yet another opportunity to receive God’s grace and forgiveness for our past faults and failings. It is also a chance for the Holy Spirit to spur us on to walk in obedience, in our present and our future.

Today is Father’s Day. What a great time to begin to choose honor – to hear and obey Paul’s Ephesians 6 challenge. Perhaps the best way to honor our heavenly Father today is to honor the earthly father He gave us.

How will YOU choose to honor your father today?

This month, our Write the WORD focus has been the word HONOR. We’ve already been reminded of how we release honor to God and others. But in this week’s Friday devotional video, Laura shares thoughts on how God honors us, as well! Listen to her message now to hear more:

Would you like to join us for the remaining days of our study on honor? Visit our Downloads page today for your free Write the WORD bookmark and optional S.O.A.P. study pages!

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,
be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
I Timothy 1:17 (NIV)

Paul’s words to Timothy in verses 15-17 sum up the Gospel beautifully. He essentially says:

• I am the worst of all sinners,
• Jesus has extended unlimited patience to me,
• If God would save me, He would save anybody,
• God is owed glory and honor.

The way we live our lives ascribes glory and honor to God. Altering our behavior to make much of God should be prompted by love and gratefulness. The motivation behind these course corrections matters. It matters a lot. Living honorably is not a have to, but a want to – a delight to.

We don’t walk honorably to become saved or even to prove we are saved, but simply because it’s who we are.

Living honorably means we live not to indulge ourselves but to please and magnify God – or in Paul’s words, to give Him glory and honor.

But a caution is in order: fulfilling that purpose can (and often does) spiral downward to legalism, rule-keeping, and self-righteousness when we believe we’re doing it well, and to self-condemnation and shame when we know we’ve failed.

Living honorably is not about keeping rules or checking off a list. It means allowing love to lead out. If I truly love God, I long for my life to honor and please Him. If that is my goal, I am free to “live loved” – free from the consequences of failing, and from the pride of succeeding. I love Him and all glory goes to Him.

Let’s allow Scripture to teach us what walking honorably looks like when it’s lived out:

• “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of your crops…” Proverbs 3:9

The “firstfruits” principle can be applied to our time, our treasure, and our talent. Do I give to God first – or give from what’s left? It takes a much greater step of faith to give to God first, trusting there will be enough left at end of winter, end of month, or end of day. Whether our crops, our paycheck, or our 24 hours per day, giving to God first honors Him and bolsters our faith.

• “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3

Walking honorably might require some walking away. Sometimes that feels decidedly unnatural and certainly un-American! We are conditioned by the world to stand up and speak up – to stick up for ourselves and demand our rights. I don’t think God wants us to be a doormat, but I do think wisdom should prompt some prayer before responding. How many family rifts, broken relationships, and hurt feelings could be avoided if we intentionally, deliberately avoided strife?

• “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19b-20

I’m taking the log out of my eye, as I reflect on this one. When it comes to honoring God with our bodies, I’ll borrow words from Paul and just say that “I’m chief among sinners.” I’m convicted (yet again) that running to chocolate instead of God when I’m hurting (or happy) is idolatry. Many of us may congratulate ourselves that we don’t smoke, do drugs, or get drunk, but isn’t that a pretty low standard if the goal is to honor God with our bodies? I want to live a long life so I can serve my Lord. I’m asking Him to allow me to continue teaching Bible study into my nineties. But I’m also certain that I must do my part to cooperate with God by choosing to make healthier choices, and to exercise and remain active to keep my body running effectively for that long.

Walking honorably is a day-by-day and even a moment-by-moment process. It’s a choice on our part, but also possible only because of the Holy Spirit who indwells us.

What “walking honorably” choice is God calling you to make?

In this week’s video devotional, Laura shared thoughts about honoring the Sabbath. Does that sound legalistic to you? Watch the video for a new perspective!

“…humility comes before honor.”
Proverbs 15:33b

Honor can easily lead to pride.

It’s a blessing to receive encouragement and gratitude. We are all thankful when others acknowledge and appreciate our efforts. Many Scripture passages encourage us to release gratitude and encouragement, to spur one another on, and to be thankful: Paul encourages us to “honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10), and the writer of Hebrews instructs, “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). But as we receive it, we must simultaneously release it.

Receiving honor should prompt us to immediately deflect the glory to God.

Like the multiplication of the little boy’s lunch, we must acknowledge that while we may pitch in a couple of loaves and a few fish, it’s God Almighty who makes the banquet happen. On Feed-the-5000 day, the focus wasn’t on the kid who remembered to pack a lunch (in all probability, his mama should get credit for it anyway!) or even his willingness to offer it up. The spotlight shone clearly on Jesus, the miracle maker—or, in this case, the meal creator. He did that day what He also does for us on this day: He takes our little—our lacking, our paltry, our meager—and makes it not just enough, but more than enough. (Mark 6:43 reveals there were 12 basketfuls left over that day, enough for each disciple to have a carry-out.)

The little boy may be honored for sharing, but Jesus is glorified for the miracle. The same is true for us. We are honored for sharing, giving, and loving on others, but the ultimate glory goes to our Lord. God may honor us by using us, but we must first humble ourselves by yielding to his teaching and saying “Yes, Sir” when He calls.

We keep ourselves usable, pliable, teachable, and humble by abiding in Him … coming to Him in prayer, yielding to His Spirit, and acknowledging His authority to lead us. As we bow down and pray—perhaps physically, but most assuredly in our hearts and minds—we adopt a spirit of humility. I believe God delights in answering prayers that spring from a humble heart.

Jesus Himself modeled humility before honor as He humbled Himself to leave His throne in heaven, don his robe of flesh, and become obedient to death for us. Paul’s letter to the Philippians beautifully describes the humility of Jesus. These phrases describe our Lord in Philippians 2:6-11:

• made himself nothing
• taking the very nature of a servant
• humbled himself
• obedient to death—even death on a cross

Jesus first humbled Himself and His obedience was followed by honor: “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name …” Philippians 2:9

The humility of Jesus—His willingness to be shamed and ridiculed, His obedience to endure a criminal’s death—led to the highest honor, that of bringing glory to God, as He provided salvation for us. Jesus is unquestionably the greatest example of humility before honor.

Humility before honor typifies what I like to call the “upside-down logic” of Scripture: you have to lose your life to gain it, the first will be last, and the greatest will be the servant.

I’m grateful the ways of God are different from the ways of the world.

How do we respond when life seems unfair, when the unexpected happens, when what we hoped for doesn’t happen, when happiness eludes us? It’s all too easy to sigh, slump our shoulders, and drag our feet. Sometimes the dreaded “D’s” follow: devastation, discouragement, depression. But it’s in those moments we can remind ourselves of what C.S. Lewis said so well,

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy,
the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

Thankfully, heaven’s rules don’t always apply on Earth.

Humility before honor may not win the election. It may not secure the promotion, bring a dinner invitation, or influence the masses of this world … but God sees. God knows. And, in our hearts, you and I experience peace and joy that bears witness to the honor of God’s blessing.

When we look at our commitments and responsibilities to our families, churches, and those we care about, it’s so easy to wonder, Am I doing enough? Should I be giving more of my time, treasure, and energy?

Please know that you are not alone. I ask myself these same questions, as does every other woman I know. And I’m convinced the questions keep us humble—and, therefore, keep us praying and wholly dependent upon God for guidance, wisdom, and strength. There is NO WAY we could fulfill God’s high and holy calling on our lives apart from Him. We can thank Him for the assignments that feel too big for us, the tasks that seem impossible to accomplish on our own, because it ensures we need Him and stay close to Him. And a heart that is dependent upon God is a heart that honors God.

When we are dependent upon Him, we are humbled. And it is from that place of humility that we are finally in a position to receive honor. Humility is a prerequisite to honor. In God’s upside down economy, the way up is often down.

In Friday’s devotional video, we unpack thoughts on David’s prayer in I Chronicles 29:10-13, and are reminded that true honor and wealth come from God:

Visit our Downloads page today to find your copy of this month’s Write the WORD bookmark and S.O.A.P. study pages!

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed….
John 17:1

John 17 captures the night before for Jesus.

The next day would bring his arrest and subsequent crucifixion. Because He was fully divine and fully human, He knew what He was facing:  harsh judgment, abuse, condemnation, and horrifically painful death.

When you and I have a challenge coming, how do we prepare? Reward ourselves with a good meal or a pedicure? Maybe some shopping therapy? Indulge in a chick flick with a big bowl of popcorn?

Jesus could have hung with his friends … perhaps gone fishing or reminisced around the campfire, “Remember that time we fed 5000 with a kid’s lunch? … Dude, how about that blind Bart that got to see?”

Jesus did not spend His night before relaxing, hanging with his buddies, or pampering Himself. He spent the night before doing the very best thing to prepare for the next day: He prayed.

Unlike Jesus, you and I are not divine, so we never know when today will be our own night before. We never know when our challenge will come, but we know it will.  We know trouble will find us. Jesus gave us this heads up:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.”
John 16:33a (NIV)

Note that Jesus doesn’t say we might have trouble. He doesn’t say trouble is a possibility. He says, “You will have trouble.” So if it’s coming, we are wise to prepare.

When the tornado sirens go off, we head to the basement.

We make freezer meals before the baby (and sleepless nights) arrive.

When the road sign pictures a sharp curve ahead, we slow down.

We nail up the shutters if the weather man says a hurricane is rolling in.

When the property tax bill comes, we start setting money aside to pay it.

Trouble will come, but we can have peace in the midst of it. It almost sounds – and feels – like an oxymoron, but it is true. It is possible. It comes by being “prayed up.”

We prepare for the unidentified-trouble-we-know-is-coming by PRAYING.

Take some time to read John 17. These 26 verses record the prayer of our Lord to His heavenly father. His prayer was for Himself, His disciples, and for all believers – that includes you and me! How extraordinary to know our Lord prayed for us the night before He sacrificed Himself for us.

Look closely at the prayer for Himself. He prayed for God to be glorified through the difficulty. He didn’t ask God to make it bearable or for death to come quickly. He leaned into the suffering because He wanted to fulfill His divine calling to glorify God.

You and I were created for the same purpose: to glorify God. And perhaps our suffering offers the greatest opportunity to fulfill that purpose.

The world shrugs with indifference when the healthy, wealthy, seemingly-blessed believer praises God. But when we praise Him in the pain – during serious illness, loss of a loved one, a prodigal child, divorce, a layoff, bankruptcy, or any other hard thing – the world takes note. They are curious, intrigued, and perhaps amazed enough to ask, Why? – and that is our opportunity to share a gospel story. An opportunity to bring glory to our great God who can use all things for our good and FOR HIS GLORY.

The last part of John 16:33 encourages us:

But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b (NIV)

Bottom line:

1. Trouble will come.
2. Peace is possible even in times of trouble.
3. We get ready for trouble by being “prayed up.”
4. We can overcome because He overcame!

Women of God, are you ready
to start taking prayer seriously?
Are you ready to woman up
and get down on your knees?

In this week’s devotional video, Laura introduces our June Write the WORD topic, HONOR … and shares thoughts on how we can live honorably and respond with HONOR to the upcoming Supreme Court decision that may overturn Roe v. Wade. We hope her thoughts will prompt prayer and self-examination, and inspire us to be godly, wise, and honorable in our interactions with those who may disagree with our convictions.

Find this month’s free Write the WORD and ‘Do It!’ List downloads HERE, and plan to join us in June as we read, write, and study Bible verses that include the word HONOR.