Before we move forward with today’s three things…
let’s review where we’ve been already!
- If you haven’t already, be sure and post a comment to THIS POST. Be sure to include first name, city, state, (and country if not the USA), whether you are going solo or participating in a small group. THEN respond to the reflection questions. Here’a a sample comment to give you a visual: Chrystal, Dallas, Texas, Solo, Answer #1, #2, etc…That will let me know you are HERE!
- If you haven’t already, make sure I can “see” you! Go to Gravatar.com so I can see your face in the comments! (It’s easy! Just click on the green button labeled “Get your gravatar today” )
- Remember, feel free to reply to any comment that you see in the thread. Let’s encourage each other!
- While, Wednesdays are our BIG #KingdomWoman days and will be the main place for your assignments for “R&R” (reading and reflection) I’ll post here and there on the blog to keep us on track for the journey!
Here are THREE THINGS for you to think about today!
I’ve been mulling over what I could state concisely about how we can practically put feet to our faith. The Lord gave me this! Jesus was Son of God right? Well, in Luke 2:52 the Word says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Jesus, the perfect lamb, had to grow up! He had to mature. He had to develop. And he had to do it in a balanced way. If Jesus, himself, had to develop and had to have balance between his mind (wisdom), body (stature), and his spirit (in favor with God and man), then WE DO TOO!
What does the Word say about these areas of our lives?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Just like Jesus was already the Son of God yet still had to go through a process to full maturity, as Kingdom women we have to spend time living, learning and growing up! We have to learn how to love, worship, and appreciate God through each one of these practical areas.
Jesus had the knowledge of God and he himself was the Word but during his time on this earth, he practiced using the Word. He quoted scripture when tempted by Satan and taught the disciples by quoting from the Old Testament. Jesus got to practice worshipping the Lord with his body because he fasted, he was hungry, he had to endure the pain of the cross when he could have gotten himself down. Jesus got to practice.
It’s OK if we need time to practice too.
People are people, even when they have to grow up to be adult people. And You can BE a #KingdomWoman and still have a road ahead of you to develop into a spiritually mature woman of God! And it’s O.K.!
Our three things will be centered around the same three areas as Jesus’ own development. I’ll be making up practical ways that we can address these things based on the areas I need to work on! If you have mastered a particular area or do not need my suggestions, come up with your own! Then keep your Kingdom Kindreds posted by sharing your journey in the comments!
O.K. Kingdom Kindreds. Here we go!
1) The Mind… Memorize Scripture
As I mentioned in yesterday’s video, Psalm 139 is a great scripture to read and reflect on how God views us as his creations. Wash your mind with the this scripture until the next Wednesday when I share with you again. Psalm 139 is also a also a great passage to memorize. If you think you can handle a couple of verses, try these:
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV) Psalm 139:23-24
If you don’t think you are good at memorizing scripture, check out these Ten Tips for Memorizing Bible Verses. If this chapter in scripture doesn’t fit your fancy for reading or these couple of verses make you happy to memorize, feel free to choose your own! Bottom line. Wash your mind and think HIS thoughts toward you!
2) The Body… Drink More Water
Again… as I mentioned in yesterday’s video, I’ve been on a terror, trying to get in shape and lose some weight. I’m happy to report that the weight is coming off S-L-O-W-L-Y. I’ve also noticed something. I can work out all I want and burn a ton of calories and be dripping sweat at the end of a workout, but if I’m not conscious and proactive about what I’m putting in my mouth. I’m in trouble. I’ll either be sabotaging my own efforts OR I’ll continue bad habits that will pack the pounds back on after I reach my goal (probably starting with that restaurant I go to when I “celebrate” my accomplishments).
We can’t tackle everything at once, but we can start with something, right? When Jesus met the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4, He didn’t offer her food. He didn’t offer her bread. He offered her water.
He started with water.
Why? Well, think about it. We can live for about 8 to 14 weeks without food. But we can only live for seven or eight days without water. Depending on who you ask those numbers may change a bit, but the message is still the same. We need water.
So ladies, let’s start with water. According to the Mayo Clinic, we need at least 8 glasses a day. And more won’t hurt you either. Do whatever you have to to get it in! Add lemon, ice, but no sugar and tea bags! LOL! That’s what I’d want to to so I’m really talking to myself!
3) The Spirit… REST
I am so busy. I think ya’ll know that. And the last thing that I want to do is to stop to spend some time by myself. Why on earth would I choose to sit, minus my computer, the T.V. or a friend, to be alone with my thoughts when I could be getting something DONE! Why would I choose to get 9 hours of sleep when I can function on 6 hours? Why would I choose to be slow down when I see stacks of things to do piling up?
Why? Because Jesus rested. In history, he had the most important to job to do, and he was going to die at age 33. He still made time to rest. He still pulled away from the crowd. He still went to sleep on a boat in a storm. He valued rest.
He valued time away from people to spend time with God alone or with a few friends in prayer. He valued having margin in his life to stop and talk to one. He was a busy man with important people vying for his attention but he still stooped down to spend time with little children. He had Sabbath rest built in to his life.
So my goal this week is to make more time to rest. Make more space to sit and do nothing. Sleep a little longer and have a clear mind and an able body to do God’s work. Is this a goal that works for you? GREAT! If not, what goal can you set that will feed your spirit.
Recap of the Three Things…
Memorize Scripture
(Psalm 139:23-24)
Drink Water
@ least 8 glasses a day
Rest
More sleep, more time for yourself, or more time for others.
Remember…
The Blog – The main source of information for the journey is on the blog. Be sure and subscribe so that posts from the blog will go straight to your email box and you won’t miss anything. While you can find me blabbing away on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, those are optional places to find me or other info, graphics, or FUN on the Kingdom Woman One Month Journey.
The Comments – Your responses in the comments are your way to make sure that I see your thoughts. Please pour your heart out there. I read every single one. Each week you will be invited to share your journey in the comment section. I hope you do!
Social Media – Make it easy for me to find you! As you share quotes from the book on Facebook or Twitter or maybe even take, make, and share graphic images on Pinterest or Instagram, be sure and use the hashtag #KingdomWoman. This way, we can find each other as we share!
The Book – We are reading and reflecting on Kingdom Woman. It’s not too late to download an Ebook or pick one up at your local bookstore and join the journey!
Q & A – Submit questions on biblical womanhood for myself or my dad, Tony Evans, to answer! Just click on the “Ask Chrystal” button on the menu bar (under “Chrystal”). Each week on Wednesday via video blog, one (or both) of us will answer some of the questions we receive!
Feel free to use the graphic below to share the One Month Journey with others!
So awesome because those three things have been my God smack down this year. I call it BE SEATED. Go is teaching me Ephesians 2:4-6 to REST in HIM as I REIGN from my place of authority. When Royalty is speaking and decreeing they are SEATED. So, I’ve been resting in the finished work of the Cross and speaking the Word of God…LIFE CHANGING! Enjoying this journey!
Shantae
Love the “when Royalty is speaking they are seated!!”awesome outlook and perspective I never recognized. We will all remain much better off when we learn how and when to rest in Him! Glad you shared!
Thank you for the 3 things segment. This is journey is enriching and much needed. Being a single mom of two small children it is very hard to carve out sometime for myself. But I am determined. Amen.
Kimberly, you have your plate full. Tell the LORD of your struggles – he already knows but he likes to hear us speak to him. I have crawled up in my LORD’s lap so many times throughout the years and just cried – he loves to sit with me and run his fingers through my hair. He loves you Kimberly – cling to Him. You are in my prayers.
I have been working on these 3 for a couple of years. I don’t struggle with the mind and Scriptures – I have such a desire to know my LORD more – and I have the time in my place in life to do so. I struggle with drinking water – so I put out a reminder to drink water to make sure that I have done so. I am resting more. What I struggle with is with others who feel like if they can get by on 6 hours of sleep than I should be able to do so – I am getting stronger in that area by speaking up for myself. I encourage others to find their path with God and what He desires of them. Just like for me – I encourage others to encourage me to be what God has created me to be at this point in my life. Most people are beginning to accept that I am an earlier riser but I need to get bed on time. I do believe as I make these choices (with time) I discover it gives others the courage to start taking better care of theirselves too. As women we think we have to do it all and we need to let go of that. Let’s encourage one another to do what God is calling them to do.
I woke up today and the devil was busy! This is refreshing. I actually had to take a few moments before work and write in my notepad on my phone.. My husband upset me today and in turn I fueld it toward my son who happens to be only 5. It was only his 2nd flag football practice and we have been eager to get started because he has a game Saturday. This may be minor to some but my son gets fussed at for playing with girl toys and walking on his tip toes and talking like a baby so football is a way to get him around boys seeing as how he has 4 sisters in all and only 1 brother.. My husband had arrangements to attend a dinner related to the church so I was disappointed but understand his commitments to the church so if my son had to miss I could accept it.. Well he decided not to commit to either engagement and talked my son out of going to practice.. I didn’t flip out but I did share with my son that it was disappointing and that I had gotten ready early for work so I could go watch him practice.. So basically since he Isnt going to go to practices he has been encouraged to quit football altogether. I know we can’t force our kids or impose our will on children but prior to today it was something he looked forward to, I’m asking for prayer and advice on how to further handle the situation once I go home tomorrow morning dealing with my son & husband.. My son isn’t his biological child and there is already a strain in relationship because of that.
Praying for you here. I bet all of us have been in situations similar ( in one way or another) to yours with our spouses.
The fruits of the Spirit always convict me of I read it with my name inserted as a question .
For instance, is Jennifer being patient? Is Jennifer being kind? And so on. Usually I can answer no to several things and then I feel convicted to act more like Jesus . Not that there isn’t a problem or a very just cause for my feelings, it’s just a list of ” rules” I like to play by when I’m upset.
Just know you have fellow sisters praying for you.
Jennifer,
I will defiantly use the fruit of the Spirit idea.. Oh how often I want to grit my teeth and tell the Holy Spirit to let me have just 5 minutes (haha) but I am aware at the hard truth that me by myself can’t get me where God wants me.. I usually ask God “what are you trying to teach me today? how can I make this situation better? Is there something I did to create this problem?” And yeah when I look at the situation I may try to find fault in someone else rather than accept my part… But once I accept my part I realize if they are in Christ, they will soon see theirs too and that way it will make it easier to come together in some type of agreement. I am usually pretty good about biting my tongue. My husband is a preacher so when it comes to talking he rarely has a quiet moment.. I just try to be the Kingdom Woman and continue to “embrace growing pains.” Thank you for your kind words.. After a few long sighs and about an hour conversation with God.. I have let the situation rest and won’t let the devil use it to keep me bound in anger or frustration. Oh how easy those words are to say… Haha but doing them is another story!
Thank you Stephanie for that response. You are so sweet and funny. I also have times I would like to just have 5 minutes of “freedom” .
Also, a huge thank you for being the wife of a paster. I have always admired and prayed often for the wives of preachers. What a calling that is on your life. Thank you for all that you do to suuport and sacrifice for hubby’s calling. I’ll continue to lift y’all up in prayer.
Stephanie, you are in my prayers. I understand the need to vent. It’s okay and it will be okay. God equipped you for this from the beginning. Your sincerity is a blesaing to someone that isn’t at a place to open about what they feel and need. You helped me move my feet and post instead of sitting on the sidelines.
Shundea,
So glad God can use me despite my failures and mishaps. It’s definitely been a season of learning for me.. I will pray for you also.. With the memorization and anything else God is trying to show you. I believe that the hardest thing sometimes is looking in the mirror and digging deeper than the surface in order to begin discovering who we are in Christ. Blessings to you. We seem to have a lot in common when it comes to resting! — I have prayed about it and going to start with an index card.. It’s not about memorizing all at once but memorizing scriptures that relate to us in our current season. We need to be ready to stop the devil in his tracks when he tries to show up and make us believe we weren’t wonderfully and fearfully made… And laugh in his face saying we have proof otherwise.. Don’t give up. We are on this walk together.
Thank you for these 3. I happen to working on each one of them already and appreciate the encouragement.
I recently started hungering for God’s word and desire to know it backwards and forwards so a few weeks ago I started memorizing scripture again like I did as a proud Sunday School student.
I’ve been trying to move my body as much as possible during the day. Got my Fitbit to track my steps and my sleep. Making time to exercise is still a challenge, but I got this water thing down. I mean it’s never ending summer in Texas, I have to drink lots of water.
And REST, boy has The Lord been teaching me about rest. I learned a few weekends ago how much we push ourselves to do even when we are exhausted. Our bodies and brains have this incredible way of adapting to our demands and particularly the demands we put on ourselves. A few weekends ago I made a considerable effort to rest for an entire Sunday and actually took a really big nap and read and just spent the day alone and it wasn’t until I was calmed down and resting that I realized just how tired I was. The Lord showed me that even though I can push through when I need to, it doesn’t mean that I should. He showed me that his commandments were for my own good and that’s why he made REST one of them. My body was created with a day of rest as part of the maintenance plan. I am more in tune with that now and I look forward to and encourage the women in my life to make rest a priority. It’s important for them AND all the people they minister to on a daily basis (husbands, children, clients, employees).
Hi Raquel! Thanks for sharing. As I read through the 3 things for this week, Rest is definitely the one that I’m looking at saying ‘I don’t see how that’s going to happen’. But you are so right, God commanded rest for a reason. He gives us the strength to be able to push through when that is what is required of us, but He did not design us to be in go-mode 24/7. So my prayer this week is that the Holy Spirit will guide me to use His time in a way that brings Him glory and that I will be obedient to His command for rest.
Sorry I vented… Lol 3 things Thursday – memorization – defiantly need to implement. I will be studying Psalm 139 daily. Water — I only drink water so I can put a check on that one… And rest.. Whew.. This is one I wish to get as close to perfection as possible! I work nights so as soon as I wake up, it’s get kids from school, cook dinner, pack lunch, come to work, work, go home, 5:45 am is supposed to be my meditation time which here lately I usually crash.. Then get kids up, cook breakfast, get kids ready for school, pack their lunch, walk them to school and by the time all that is complete I have time to crash for maybe 5 or 6 hours only to repeat the process the next day.. In not a control freak per say but my 7 year old daughter and I are the main 2 that clean up.. Then I have grocery shopping on Fridays Saturdays we are usually booked with events planned months in advance.. And I have church from 8:30am until roughly 6:00pm rest is not & has not been anywhere in my vocabulary!!! I need it but I can’t fully “rest” until my tasks are done because then I don’t completely focus on resting but making a list of things in my head that needs to get done.. But my husband however can just lay and not do absolutely nothing for days at a time and be unconcerned with what did or didn’t get done!!
I just wanted to add on to my earlier post , I’m very happy that you shared. My husband and I had just had a similar situation tonight and I was responding to your post from my own experience . It’s so comforting to know , as sisters in Christ , we all go through very similar things and we can pray for each other.
I’m learning more issues come up with my family (blended family) so I feel in my spirit that God is going to use this for His glory and the devil is doing all he can to prevent progress.. It’s like I take 3 steps forward and 4 step backwards. I don’t like getting emotional or complaining. I try to remain positive the majority of the time.. But it’s hard to wear a mask when something is bothering me so to prevent discussing it I just remove myself from the situation. Today I left 30 mins early for work and haven’t texted my husband the entire night which is extremely rare for either of us. Praying that tomorrow when I go home that the tension be removed If God leads us to discuss it..
Thank you once again Jennifer
I’ve been thinking about drinking more water, so this post was confirmation that I need to do just that. I’m guilty of adding the tea bags and sugar when it’s been a “long day” (and every day tends to be a “long day”). Thanks for mentioning these 3 areas, and focusing on 1 thing in each area. Very encouraging 🙂
Shundea, Houston, TX, solo
#1-Memorizing scripture is my ultimate struggle. I feel incomplete because I can reference a scripture on some subjects but I cannot have a conversation without my Bible at hand. My scripture rattling husband does not help the situation. This also feeds my battle with personal completion.
#2-I have a food addiction. I love to cook and I love to feed people. I’m obsessed with runny egg yolks. Yes, you read that right. I drink water. I burn off 1400 – 1600 calories a week but doing things like eating a whole coconut cake in 4 days negates the effort. So I pray for God to feed my passion and keep me from feeding me.
#3- Guilty. I get home at 6pm and attempt to cook, help a 6yr old with an hour’s worth of homework, play with an 18 month old, get them both in the tub and ready for bed by 8:30pm. Then pack my husband’s lunch for the next day, pick up enough to say that I cleaned up, try to write or read. 11pm is going to bed early and I get up at 5am to try to workout. Then I wonder why I’m sick or falling asleep standing at the sink.
Jeanette
Midland, MI
Group
1. Blessings by Laura Story
2. Prayer Warrior
3. Not sure…working on finding a mentor
4. …I learn to fully trust God!!
Michelle, Cheraw, SC, Group
Three things, wow! Water & rest are two things that I have been focused on for the last two or three months. Being a fitness enthusiast, I’ve taken part in several challenges, from running so many miles per day for 30 days to completing a Beachbody challenge. Getting proper rest is also part of living an active life. However, memorizing scripture is a weak area for me, and I have always wanted to do better. It’s an area that makes me feel less of a Kingdom Woman. This journey is just what I need!
Peggy, StnFrancisville, Louisiana ,solo
Hello,
My name is Latrice and I am from San Antonio, Tx. I will be reading solo.
Blessings.
Tonya, Washington, DC, Solo
OMG!! That was so AWESOME!! The two verses you suggested are the two that jumped off the page for me for the last two days. Thank You Lord for Chrystal!!! I have done so much junk in my life and have so much to thank God for (I know we all do) that those Psalm 139:23-24 are exactly what I feel. I want God to search me and remove anything that does not bring Him glory. I want to see myself through His eyes so that I can see the things that make Him sad, that disappoint Him. I want to be the Kingdom Woman that He has purposed for me to be. As I type this I am in tears because through this blog and this study God is showing His love for so many woman and showing His desire for us. Chrystal, I cannot thank you enough for being a yielded vessel. I am so happy to be on this journey with so many. I so need this right now!!!
Water? What’s that?? Oh yeah, it’s that stuff inside my 44 oz fountain sized Coke Zero….
oh..wait….that’s not what you meant?? you mean plain water??? Like with no Coke Zero added??? uh ohhh…….
In that case I will stand on 2 Cor 12:9-11 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness….For when I am weak (insert Coke Zero here), then I am strong!!”
That is hilarious! Try 1 cup! Just 8 ozs!!!
On a more serious note….
Can I be honest for a second and just say that memorizing Psalm 139 23-24 is tough for me because if I memorize it, and make it my SINCERE prayer, I am afraid that God will actually answer it! Have you ever really THOUGHT about what you were praying?? Do I REALLY want God to test me??? Do I really want Him searching my heart??? While I know the correct “christian” answer would be to say yes, if I am gut honest with myself, I don’t know that I want God seaching my heart….for I know He will be disappointed in some of the things He will find there…sometimes it easier and safer to live in my dream world where I can keep things hidden (for me it’s a food addiction that I am in constant struggle with).
Yes, I know that He already knows what is hidden in my hear…..however…….It’s not always EASY to pray the scriptures. I remember my grandma’s wise words: “Be careful what you pray for…you might just get it!”
Thanks Cheryl for being so honest! You are right. Sometimes we get what we pray for and we are surprised!
I struggle with food too my dear so you are not alone in that.
Do I really want God to convict me? Definitely a question to be considered…
There I a good question in there! I know I want the blessing I being a kingdom woman. Do I really want the work! Ouch!
Wow Cheryl – you really got me thinking about that.
Just for grins – I decided to look up those verses in The Message to see how it is said there- even a bit more….thought provoking?
“Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine me and test me,
get a clear picture of what I’m about;
See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong –
then guide me on the road to eternal life.”
Sorta a bit…scary.
But oh…so worth it I think!
Whoa! I don’t know why but I have the hardest time with 2 and 3!! I love sprite and Pepsi and I’m like a little kid when it comes time to go to sleep, thinking I’m going to miss something and I have a hard time turning in before hubby. He’s a night owl, too! But I’m going to work on these because I need to. I want to live to see all my kids married with kids and fulfill whatever purpose Gid has for me!
This was so inspirational. Often times unfortunatley people will tell you that because you serve in the body of Christ that you are never supposed to rest that you are to always be working. Always staying busy leads to burn outs and a bad spirit over time because the heart and mind of a person has never had a chance to rest. I am looking forward to my days of rest and having my soul ministered to. Yay for me!
1. I can memorize almost any scripture that is set to music. We have cds with scripture from Homestead Heritage. The first one, Teach Me your Ways, was the first time in my adult life I actually memorized about 10 scriptures. And, they have never been forgotten.
2.I am a crazy water drinker. I drink about 5 or 6 sodas a year so that is not a problem. ( I am a trained health care minister through Hallelujah Acres so I am pretty determined about healthy food and drink) I also try to not do caffeine and only have coffee, as a treat, on weekends with hubby.
3.Sleep is my problem area ( on this list anyway) I have a teen daughter who likes to stay up late and really, i need to just say that we can’t have company after 10. Or really 9 probably. I need to be more disciplined in this area.
I have the book now and will be reading it in about an hour! I can’t wait to start. I have my highlighter ready to go.
Hello,
I am Doris Britton and I am from Monroe, LA. Sorry for the late post. I have started to read the book and I am enjoying it. Going this journey alone.
#1. Tried to memorize versus and I do know a few.
#2. Being obese and I have tried for sometime to get rid of the weight. So now I am drinking more water and cutting back instead of trying to follow a certain diet plan.
#3. Sleeping is not the best. I am a student working on my Master’s degree so homework has to be done. Also, I have a full time job.
Lisa, Upper Marlboro, MD, SOLO!
This was right on time! I have been relaxing more and feeling guilty about it, but it was feeling so good too and I started feeling conflicted. I will be working on all 3, minus the guilt (smile). Yay!!! Thank God for you Chrystal
Hello:
Roz, – Eugene, OR, Solo
I got the book several weeks before this journey and I love it. So, I have to stop myself from continuing on but back up and follow along with this journey.
1. I’m so glad you started with Psalm 139 because verse 14 is special to me. I never took the time to memorize it so I’ve been working on that this week.
2. I seem to get to 3 maybe 4 glasses of water each day but I need to push myself to do more.
3. Ah, I get plenty of rest – thank you Lord! I love Saturdays and spending time in the Word & with God!
I took the challenge yesterday and it was really refreshing. I was happy to get some rest and much needed reading of scripture but boy was it tough not to get on the laptop which I did later but the morning and afternoon was really good. I have challenged myself to do this every weekend.
I don’t have the book yet….. but am following along here because everything I read totally speaks to me. I hope to get the book soon – when I get some money 🙂 I am in Worcester, MA and will be going solo.
For the 3 things…… I absolutely want to memorize more scripture. You know how when God is telling you something, you see or hear it everywhere? well that is true of this one for me!! I struggle with a terrible memory – but am asking for God’s help with that!! I recently heard this helpful advice – to 1-recognize the enemies lies and the negative things we tell ourselves, 2- refuse them – don’t listen to or keep repeating them and 3- replace them with God’s truth – which is why the memorizing is important!! Gotta get God’s truth in my heart and mind!
the water i am getting better at since learning to “flavor” it with fruit. i used to do just lemons – but have started experimenting with other combos – strawberries and lemons is my fave 🙂 and rest i’m working on too! it helps that my hubby is an early guy – but my 5 kids (4 of them teenagers) not so much….. lol!!
Thanks, Chrystal, for your words here that I just found today. I’ve been seeking ways to celebrate Sabbath as rest and here I have found encouragement…and am reminded to review you and your dad’s teaching on rightnowmedia and in your book Kingdom Woman. I’m praying for your Mom, you and your family, too, that you may know the love and peace of Jesus these days. Thank you for sharing the wisdom of God and His Word that you have learned. Even “older” entries are very helpful to the Christian walk of others. They have been to me today. May you enjoy walking with Jesus today, Chrystal.