He Sees My Heart

“For the LORD does not see as man sees;

for man looks at the outward appearance,

but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7b

My outward appearance is not what impresses God the most. It’s the condition of my heart that He’s concerned with. God watches and examines my heart.

What are the motives of my heart? Is it pure, holy, and blameless? Because the heart is the center of wisdom and the sole source of what affects my speech,my sight, and my conduct, how am I living out my life? Is it pleasing to God? If not, what needs to change?

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

Put away from your deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.

Let you eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you.

Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

Do not turn to the right or to the left, remove your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:23-27, NKJV

What are my issues? What is springing forth from my heart? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control? Or anger, bitterness, hatred, impatience, selfishness?

When my heart is in tune with God’s, I will follow His path. My desires will be His desires. I will see absolutely nothing but Him and my life will reflect that. My behavior, my thoughts, speech, attitudes, actions, and my vision will be all about Him.

When God looks at your heart, what does He see? Is your heart in a condition to be chosen by God for greatness? Or, is there too much selfish pride and ambition filling your heart not allowing even a small glimmer of God’s glory to shine through? Does He need to open up your heart and do some repair work, clean it out, and fill it up with Himself?

Life is too short and God is too good for us to continue living with a diseased heart. Living our lives in the flesh does not please God (Romans 8:8). We must walk in the path that He has set before us, living life completely filled with the Spirit.

Confess any sin you might have in your heart right now that is rendering you ineffective for Kingdom work. God is faithful and just. He will forgive you and cleanse your heart (1 John 1:9).

Oh, Father I desire to live a life that is totally consumed with You. Right now, fill me up to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit so that I, myself, am not at all visible. Wash me; cleanse me. Forgive me for failing You. Mold me and make me into what You desire me to be. I want to be used for Your glory to make an impact on the lives of my husband, children, family, friends, and the world around me. I am Your servant. Amen.

picture used with permission from Lori at All You Have to Give

God's Strength

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13

Paul, the writer of Philippians, was content with his life because he could see life from God's point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul was grateful for everything God had given him, the good, bad, and the ugly. He had detached himself from the nonessentials in his life so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in our lives. Paul had so allowed God to fill him up that he had strength to withstand anything he came up against, and boy howdy, did he come against some heavy duty stuff; prison, beatings, rejection, aloneness.

I wonder, are there any empty places in your life today? What are you trying to fill that emptiness with, a job, an unhealthy relationship, money, food, drugs or alcohol, the list could go on and on? In Psalm 81:10, the Lord tells us to open up wide and let Him fill us up. Sweet sister, detach yourself from those nonessential things in your life so that you can focus on the eternal, everlasting God and allow Him to fill you until your cup runneth over.

If you are struggling with feeling empty and weak today, I'd love to be able to pray with you and for you. You can contact me personally here.

Much love to you!!

WFW- For the Generation to Come

Susan at Forever His is hosting Word Filled Wednesday today.

Be sure to head on over there and be inspired and encouraged

through the many WFW creations.

Have a wonderfully blessed day in Jesus!!!

In His Word Bible Study

For all of you local ladies out there looking for something to do tonight, I'd like to invite you to In His Word Bible Study. We will continue on in our study of "God...who are You & what can You do for me? Getting to Know the Almighty God".

For meeting times and location (** for those of you who are currently involved in this study, our location has changed for tonight**), please contact me at jenifer@byhisgraceministry.com



Hope to see you all there!!

God...who are You & what can You do for me? Session 3

By His Grace Ministry and At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 are partnering together to offer you an online Bible Study.

I invite you to join us as we open up the pages of Scripture
and unearth new Truths about who God is.

Over At the Well you'll find the

"God...who are You & what can You do for me?

Getting to know the Almighty God" session 3 download,

a video covering material for your third week's homework,

and a few other instructions for Bible study this week.

I do hope you will join us as we dig into God's Word and discover who He is

and what He can do for us.

Think Before You Speak

"The heart of the righteous studies how to answer

but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil."

Proverbs 15:28

How often do you stop and think before you speak? Do you stop, collect your thoughts, and re-group in the midst of a not so pleasant situation? This is something the Lord has really been speaking to me about lately; how everything, both good and bad, affects all those around me.

I want you to do something right now. Get a pen and a piece of paper. Don't have one? Dig through your purse- find an old kleenex and some lipstick. It doesn't matter what it is, just find something to write with and on. **smile**

Now, I want us to think about the people in our lives that we influence. We're going to make three lists.

*First, write down all those, by name, who are closest to you; those you live with- your spouse, children, roomate, other family members- the people who REALLY know you.

*Second, write down those people you see, most likely, everyday- a co-worker, boss, students that you teach, maybe your child's teacher.

*Lastly, write down those people you might see only once or twice a week- the mailman, cashier at the gas station, waitress at the resturant.

Now, look back over your list. How do your thoughts, actions, and reactions affect all those you have influence on? When your child interupts you while you're on the phone, what do you do? When your husband calls, after you've had a not-so-great day with the kids, and says he'll be home late, do you smile and say, "oh honey, that's ok, take all the time you need"? How about when the waitress brings out your meal and nothing is the way you ordered it, what's your reaction?

Solomon tells us in Proverbs that the righteous man (woman, in our case) studies how he is going to answer. He stops and thinks before he speaks. The opposite of that is the wicked, self-seeking man, who responds immediately with hurtful words. Ephesians 4:29 says not to let any harsh words come out of our mouths. Why? Because those words damage. As believers, we are to speak words that encourage and build up. Our words, like those of Jesus, should be full of grace and beauty (Luke 4:22).

How can we put into practice thinking before we speak? I believe it starts in the heart and through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that is built on and in His Word. Several years ago, I learned a very practical help in a Bible Study class I was in. It comes from the writings of the apostle Paul to the Philippian church.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,

whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable-

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy

-think about such things."

Philippians 4:8

Use this verse to PRE-PLANT in your mind only those things that will result in attitudes, actions, and words that will be pleasing to God.

Father, help me to pre-plant in my heart and mind Your Word so that the thoughts I think, the way I act, and the words I speak will pleasing in Your sight (Psalm 19:14).

PRE-PLANT model from Conversation Peace by Mary Kassian

WFW- Faith...gotta have it!

Christy at Critty Joy is hosting Word Filled Wednesday today. Be sure to visit her and all the other beautiful ladies who are sharing their love for God's Word in picture.

God...who are You & what can You do for me? Session 2

By His Grace Ministry and At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 are partnering together to offer you an online Bible Study.

I invite you to join us as we open up the pages of Scripture

and unearth new Truths about who God is.

Over At the Well you'll find the
"God...who are You & what can You do for me?
Getting to know the Almighty God"
session 2 download,
a video covering material for your second week's homework,
and a few other instructions for Bible study this week.

I do hope you will join us as we dig into God's Word and discover who He is
and what He can do for us.

Love & War

When I opened this book and began reading it, my first thoughts were, “Wow! They are writing about my marriage.” Sometimes we feel so alone in our marriages. We look around wondering if we are the only ones who struggle with loving our spouse or even simply liking them. In their book “Love and War” John and Stasi Eldredge, disclose their own struggles in marriage helping their readers realize that marriage is hard, “fabulously hard”, but with God as the foundational center and sole focus, marriage can be done and done well.

Having been in a marriage that was headed for divorce, the thing I appreciate most about this book is the fact that the Elderedge’s reiterate time and time again that one’s happiness is not wrapped up in what their spouse can give them, but rather what God provides for them. God is the only one who can meet every need, fill every hole, and heal every wound. And, God is the only one who can fill our hearts with true love for our spouse.

“We live in a love story, set in the midst of war.” A war that requires us to fight for our marriages and fight hard. A war that requires you and I to step out of the picture and allow God to work; to work in our hearts, so that we are able to love hard.

If you are interested in purchasing Love & War by John and Stasi Eldredge, you can do so HERE.

You can also read other reviews of Love & War HERE.



This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Can I Pour You a Cup?

I stood in front of the mirror and smiled.

It was the first time in my life this had ever happened.

I turned to the left and then to the right. I even did a 360 degree turn just to see the whole picture for myself.

I smiled.

I couldn’t believe it.

For the first time in my life I was wearing “skinny girl” clothes. And, boy was I proud!



To read the rest of today's devotion head on over to the Internet Cafe.

It's Time...for an Online Bible Study!!!

I stand in awe today of God's goodness and grace; truly humbled that He would bless me in the ways that He has. My God is great and greatly to be praised!!!!

By His Grace Ministry and At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 are partnering together to offer you an online Bible Study. I invite you to join us as we open up the pages of Scripture and unearth new Truths about who God is.

Over At the Well you'll find the
"God...who are You & what can You do for me?
Getting to know the Almighty God"
session 1 download,
a video covering material for your first week's homework,
and a few other instructions for Bible study this week.

I do hope you will join us as we dig into God's Word and discover who He is
and what He can do for us.

Blessing and Honour

In great anticipation of our upcoming Bible Study,

"God...who are You and & what can You do for me? Getting to Know the Almighty God",

I leave you with this beautiful song to think over, sing again and again, hum the melody to, or listen to time and time again over the weekend.

See you Monday At the Well as we get to know Who God is and realize what amazing things He can do in our lives.

Have a wonderful weekend!!! All my love!!!

Exemplify Magazine- Feb. 2010 Issue

Hot off the presses is the February issue of Exemplify Magazine. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or hot tea, if that's your preference, and read until your heart's content.

This month's topic...simplicity.

"Exemplify Online & Magazine focuses on bringing relevant, fun, Godly content to women. Whether through a family devotional written by one of our resident mom writers, a bible study for individual study or the newest fashion tips– it is our aim to do this thing called life for the glory of Christ."

And, when you've soaked it all in...come back by...I'd love to hear your thoughts.

You can find my article, "A Simple Marriage" on page 18. **wink** **wink**

Happy reading!!!

Childlike Faith

At the beginning of the year I sat down with my new pink journal, pen in hand, coffee close by and began jotting down some goals for myself, my family, and my ministry. I also wrote down several statements that I was believing God to do during the year. One of those "believing God statements" was for the salvation of my 7 year old son.

Believing God would rain down His grace upon my son but not knowing when this day would come, I began fervently praying that He would bless me to be a small part of this very special day.

My kids and I begin our home school days with devotions. The Princess Momma gathers her Bible and devotional materials, heads to the dining room table and spends her time with the Lord there. Mighty Warrior and I sit down at my desk and read through his devotion, discuss what we've read, and then he usually has some type of craft to do that goes along with the devotion.

As God so sovereignly arranged it, Tuesday, January 26, 2010, my husband had taken off from work for the day and was entertaining the Princess Momma and Wee Princess while Mighty Warrior and I were doing his devotion. I had read through his devotion the night before and knew that the next morning we would be talking about salvation. All night long I prayed that God would draw my son until Himself and that Mighty Warrior's heart would be opened to the things of God.

"God wants me to trust in Him," I began reading to Mighty Warrior. "Our verse for the day is from Hebrews 11:1, 'Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,' " I read to him, pointing to each word on the page as they flowed from my mouth.

I continued reading, "When builders make a house, they use wood to create a frame. This frame goes up first, then everything else is added in around it. Without the frame, the house would fall down. The stronger the frame is, the longer the house will last. Just like that frame supports the house, your faith in God is the frame for your life as a Christian. When you have faith in God, you trust and believe that Jesus died for you. If your faith frame is strong, your Christian life will last and grow. But if your faith frame is weak, you could turn from God and your life will be like a house with a bad frame- it will fall down when bad things happen."

After we read we talked about the fort that he and the Princess Momma were building down in the woods. Because this adventure was fresh on his mind, he understood completely how important it was to have a strong frame. Now, tell me God didn't orchestrate the timing of that fort being built!?!? For about thirty minutes we talked. I would ask questions, he would answer. He would ask questions, I would answer. Back and forth our conversation went.

Finally those big brown eyes of his met mine and he said, "Mom can I just pray already and ask Jesus in my heart?" Tears filled my eyes as I responded, "Yes, son. Yes you can."

The two of us knelt beside my desk chair and he prayed on his own a beautiful faith-filled childlike prayer asking Jesus to forgive him of his sins and be the "builder" of his life.

Childlike faith...it's a beautiful thing. Hearing your own child acknowledge his sin and his need for a Redeemer...something I will NEVER forget and I will be forever grateful to God Almighty for allowing me to be a small part of it.

God is good. He is believable. He is faithful. He is Savior. He is Redeemer. And, I will praise Him all of my days. He is no respector of persons; young and old, rich and poor, red and yellow, black and white, He loves them all.

"Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me.' "

Matthew 19:14, NKJV

Devotional reading from "Gotta Have God 2: Cool Devotions for Boys, Age 6-9" by Diane Cory

Happy Anniversary At the Well!!!!!

I have been so blessed to be apart of an awesome team of godly women over At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2 for the past year. Today, At the Well, is celebrating it's 1 year anniversary.

Happy Anniversary At the Well!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Well is a place you can come to when your cup is empty, and when it “runneth over”; a place you can come to when you hurt or you want to help the hurting; a place you can come to when you need practical advice or have some to give; a place you can come to when you need encouragement or when you can be the encourager; and a place you can come to listen and to talk.

Beginning next Monday, I have the awesome privilege of leading a 10 week Bible Study, "God...who are You & what can You do for me? Getting to know the Almighty God", over At the Well. I am wildly excited about this opportunity!!!! I pray you will join us as we study through some of the Hebrew names of God and discover what God can do for us. It's going to be great!!! You will find everything you need to take part in this study right here at By His Grace Ministry as well as At the Well next Monday, February 8th.

Head on over to The Well today, wish them a "Happy Anniversary" and check out all the new things that are coming your way. I'm sure the entire team would agree with me when I say, "It is our pleasure to serve each and everyone of you and we look forward to seeing God move in mighty ways this year!"