Is your heart tied to the temporary or are you living for the forever?

read more >

You don't have to chart your own course or manipulate your circumstances to fit your expertly designed "master plan." You can take courage and great comfort in the knowledge that your future has been planned by the One who knows you best, loves you most, and has no problem accomplishing His purposes!

read more >

What if Jesus' presence was the only thing missing from an otherwise perfect world? Could you be content?

read more >

Struggling against God's design will leave you wounded and confused, wondering what went wrong. God had something much better in mind for women when He gave them life. 

read more >

When we face difficult circumstances, when we feel like the whole world is against us, or when we've lost the desire to go on, sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is get some sleep.

read more >

If you've grown dull in your approach to the Almighty, today you can begin cultivating a fresh hunger for Him!

read more >

Rodents in various sizes and stages of life, holes in the walls, the ceiling, and floors—all convinced me this was more than I could bear. But in the days to come I began to say, "Yes, Lord. I surrender to Your will."

read more >

This morning I've been contemplating another aspect of Jesus' adult life that I don't often hear mentioned—the fact that He remained single. Through all the challenges of work and ministry, through all His testings and trials, He never knew the comfort, encouragement, and support that a mate might have provided. 

read more >

Are you struggling in your Christian walk? Have you become discouraged by your lack of endurance? How much joy are you experiencing? Consider whether you've tasted deeply of Christ.

read more >

Taking out the trash has never been so complicated ever since the suburban municipality I live in instituted a new garbage collection system last year. I am so grateful that the Lord has such an uncomplicated, effective system for us to get rid of the garbage in our lives!

read more >

"As Jonathan's plans advanced and marriage seemed like the greatest possibility, I found myself asking, 'How can this be? I am so young and unprepared.'"

read more >

I had the privilege of "meeting" Laura G De Chavez's only daughter, Sarah, while I was in the Dominican Republic, and I couldn't resist sharing her story with you.

read more >

In the movie Return to Me (one of my favorites), a main character is asked by his granddaughter if he needs some help with cleaning up. His response, "No, no. I've been blessed with work." I don't know about you, but I don't always feel that way . . .

read more >

Besides the expected beer commercials (getting the girl), and annoying chicken commercials (getting the food), and voice-over babies trading stocks (getting the money), there were a few commercials during this year's Super Bowl that illustrated men were getting frustrated.

read more >

When I consider these men and women who smiled at a death that held no power over them, who longed for the Messiah from afar, who welcomed the opportunity to die as martyrs and lived as though this world had no grip on them—it humbles me. 

read more >

According to a recent article I read, feminism allows individuals to redefine feminism and construct a personal feminist philosophy. So, for those who care to see it, here is my "personal feminist philosophy."

read more >

Being good is bad. Being bad is good. That's the message communicated in Rachel Simmons' book The Curse of the Good Girl: Raising Authentic Girls with Courage and Confidence.

read more >

Our Creator delights in making things according to His unique design. That's why snowflakes are different. That's why male and female are different. That's why each individual is different.

read more >

For years, I was the "queen of bad" at hiding God's Word in my heart. I had great intentions and periodically even managed to memorize a verse or two. The problem was those verses never seemed to stick in my mind for very long. In the area of Scripture memorization, I felt like a total failure.

read more >

The Christmas rush is over, the holiday meal is behind, and you “go-getters” have probably already relegated the lights and decorations to storage. Things should be slowing down a bit, so now is the perfect time to evaluate and plan.

read more >

It's easy to be afraid today, hearing news reports of wars and bombings, listening to dire financial predictions, and seeing corruption all around us. But God does not want His children to struggle with fear. His message throughout Scripture is “fear not.”

read more >

It’s not that I’m surprised by my “little strength and ability.” In fact, daily those truths flash like a neon sign in my mind. What’s surprising is that the Lord doesn’t see them as hindrances.

read more >

For months the Lord had been speaking to me about an area of surrender. It began initially as a simple question from my husband, “Would you be willing …?”  I laughed at the ridiculousness of the thought. Surely he wasn’t serious.

read more >

"I think that all of us--to one degree or another--are feminists." Learn what Mary Kassian means, and just how feminism affects your life.

read more >

Carolyn McCulley and Mary Kassian talk with me about an important career decision.

read more >

While the progressive instrumental version of "Joy to the World" blasted overhead, I observed grumbling store clerks, worn out children screaming with gusto, couples arguing, and pushy shoppers shoving. No, it was not Black Friday; this was just a typical shopping day during the holiday season. "Joy to the World" was lost in the Christmas crush. Out of desperation to bring Christ into the picture, a few years ago I started my own shopping tradition.

read more >

Amidst the busyness of Christmas, I want to pause and reflect more deeply upon the Christmas story. And this year God has brought to mind two women who played a major role—two women who I think are true examples of biblical womanhood.

read more >

I have an oak wall clock from Germany which chimes every fifteen minutes between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. As I heard it chime recently, I was reminded of how quickly time is passing.

read more >

So many times I’ve thought “I don’t want to ever forget this moment.” The look in my son’s eyes as his bride walked down the aisle; my husband’s “welcome home” embrace as I returned from a third-world country; the joy of freedom after years of spiritual bondage; the night I first realized I was loved by the King of kings.

read more >

I’ve battled a fair amount of weeds in my flower garden this year, but the greater battle by far has been with the weeds I’m discovering in my own heart.

read more >

"Suddenly an idea hit. I had two goals: I wanted to read the Bible, and I wanted my children to know God’s Word. Why not do both at the same time? Why not read the entire Bible together?"

read more >

Seven practical tips on creating space to hear from the Lord during the hectic years as a mom . . .

read more >

It's easy to develop an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality toward those who are truly in need. But in the last few years I've been asking God to broaden my vision beyond those who are in my immediate periphery and allow me to have His perspective on the world's helpless.

read more >

The reality of the gospel compels us to tackle mercy ministries, but we must never replace sharing the gospel of the kingdom with the kingdom service of the gospel.  

read more >

"As Christians, we have an opportunity to help families around the world by both standing against incredible injustice against women and by preaching the gospel of reconciliation. Let's not lose any ground to lesser solutions."

read more >

People who argue against the existence of God need to be pointed to the evidence that supports His reality.

read more >

Where is God calling you? Maybe the people you’re called to are nothing like you. Maybe they disturb your peace by playing their music a few decibels too high and a few hours too long. Maybe they’re antagonistic toward your faith. Maybe they have a different skin color. Political party. Income level. Maybe they just let their grass grow too long. 

read more >

Please don’t assume there’s only one way to present the gospel. The room for creativity in the way you present this timeless message is unending! 

read more >

Americans are now living in the third largest mission field in the world. Current statistics indicate that less than twenty percent of Americans attend church on any given Sunday.

read more >

What are you asking/believing God for? According to Pastor Tom Elliff, this says more about you than almost anything else.

read more >

If we are praying for revival, while failing to deal with those things in our hearts, lives, and relationships that are standing between us and the Lord, then we are wasting our breath.

read more >

You may not be familiar with Life Action Ministries (the parent ministry of Revive Our Hearts) or even the term "revival," so today I'd like to share a little about both.

read more >

As we dive in, would you describe yourself as a super-missional machine, a wannabe missional momma, or a self-absorbed sister?

read more >

The women loved them so much, they asked me to bring them the following week.

read more >

My friend and co-worker Rene is a wiz at working magic without spending lots of money doing it, and the following are just a few of her great ideas.

read more >

Beautifying our homes conveys some of the more creative qualities of the God we serve. If we want homes that display His glory by reflecting His character, then it helps to become students of beauty and creativity.

read more >

One of the most precious things you can do for your family is to establish family traditions–routines that become familiar, repeated, and cherished, and that identify you as a family unit.

read more >

What are you to do when you’ve been taking an aerobics class with this woman for two years, or you’ve been sitting by this person at softball games for an entire season, or you’ve known that family for decades . . . and you can’t remember their names?

read more >

Conversation is often an easy, pleasurable experience—with those you connect with—but when conversation doesn’t come naturally, are you prepared to work at it? 

read more >

Your floors can be sparkling, the windows shining, the aromas wafting, but if you don’t know how to connect with your guest . . . well, it’s a flop! Here are a few simple do’s and dont’s I’ve learned along the way.

read more >

Ephesians 2:14 states that Jesus Christ Himself is our peace. If this is true, why are so many homes brimming over with stress-filled activity, busy schedules without margins, chaotic bustle, and conflict? 

read more >

I estimate that this has cut my cleaning time in half!

read more >

I brought these brownies to a beach party last week, and my friends raved about them!

read more >

Two errors wives can believe about home making: One, we expect our husband to be our helper, and two, we resent our husband when he doesn’t help us at all.

read more >

Oakley concluded that women needed to be educated about how bitter and demeaning housework and caring for children really was, and to be convinced to reject this traditional woman’s role . . .

read more >

With the lowered expectation of socialization in society, hospitality becomes an even more effective manner for reflecting Christ in our culture.

 

read more >

Just as Jesus' promise of preparing a home conveys loving care to us, so will our earthly "home preparation" communicate love to our families.

read more >

As promised, your second recipe from the elegant Lodge . . . with commentary and pictures this time!

read more >

What I saw stopped me dead in my tracks. The aisle had been transformed. From top to bottom, beginning to end, it was stocked full of colorful balls of yarn. I stood there gawking in amazement.

read more >

Hospitality doesn't have to be hard! Here are six tips--along with one recipe--I've learned that have made things much easier.

read more >

Some women have a natural bent toward hospitality. Others don't. But that doesn't mean we should just leave it up to those who like to do it.

read more >

Perhaps "domesticity" sounds to you like a dreary home economics term from the ‘50s. Sorry, that perspective is entirely too narrow.

read more >

You probably already have your Fourth of July menu planned, but just in case you don’t—here’s a great recipe for a crowd.

read more >

I actually found it to be packed with intriguing questions that made me realize how much I still have to learn! (And by the way, do you think you could set up a household overseas?) 

read more >

From meat and potatoes to strawberry lemonade . . . you won't want to miss this!

read more >

As you read today's post, I just ask that you prayerfully consider what I've presented with a gracious heart ... AND please don't throw any tomatoes (or messy verbal jabs)!

read more >

Without hesitation, I would say Priscilla was a gifted, strong, and intelligent woman. But I want us to observe a few things as we consider this True Woman.

read more >

One of the most debated church issues is "women's roles." At the risk of invading seemingly "shark-infested waters," I'm going to wade in today to discuss women's role in the church. And let me say from the outset, I am NOT opposed to strong women.

read more >

Is the church accomplishing its mission of making disciples? Equipping believers? Evangelizing the lost? It seems we can't even keep our own kids.

read more >

In our fluid society, I realize that you may have to choose a new church several times in your life. What sorts of things should you look for when you’re “church shopping”?

read more >

As you read this post, set aside your preconceived ideas or prejudices about the Church. Ask God to allow you to see the Church from His perspective and fill you with hope for His purpose in this "Great Mystery!"

read more >

I remember when my family got a swimming pool, a trampoline, and a ping-pong table. We splashed and jumped and volleyed for days, but soon, we lost the wonder . . .

read more >

I’m going to take you back to English class, but just for a quick visit. I promise we’ll be in and out in no time . . .

read more >

For some odd reason, I feel like a waitress at a fine dining restaurant—“Our special this evening is a hearty cut of True Woman Sirloin, followed by mouth-watering True Woman Tiramisu . . .”

read more >

There is much debate in the Christian community over the touchy subject of role distinctions. One camp argues that the wife's role of submission was the result of the fall. If this were the case, I would have an even greater struggle with submitting!

read more >

It’s a common perception that women who believe in submission are either doormats or stupid. But I’ve believed in submission for a very long time, and I am neither.

read more >

Do you cringe when you hear the "S" word? Do thoughts of wimpy women held captive under a domineering husband's authoritarian rule come to mind? Sadly, submission is greatly misunderstood and often misapplied.

read more >

True love is not an emotion, although true love carries with it the wonder and delight of pleasurable emotions. True love is not something we "fall in" and "out of." True love is simply the demonstration of God's character.

read more >

Just a couple days ago, I was wounded by someone’s words. As I wiped my tears away, I picked up Nancy DeMoss’ four-week devotional booklet titled The Power of Words, and found my perspective changing as I read this . . .

read more >

In modern English, "meekness" carries the stigma of cowardly acquiescence. But the meekness of the Bible—the meekness manifested by God and given to the saints—is a strong, active, volitional, courageous attitude.

read more >

I had always confused the idea of meekness with weakness. I pictured a fragile-hearted, mouse-like woman when I heard this term—not appealing in the least! Then I came across 1 Peter 3:1-6 . . .

read more >

Nancy Leigh DeMoss explains why Carrie Prejan's story is symptomatic of deeper root issues in the evangelical world. 

read more >

We’ve received a number of emails at Revive Our Hearts over the past couple of days from women who are confused by Christian media’s seemingly wholehearted embrace of Carrie Prejean as a Christian role model.

read more >

If your finery were taken away, and the hidden, inner parts of your heart exposed, would you look more or less beautiful? How much beauty is in your heart?

read more >

We can be performing some pretty spectacular looking, super-duper, spiritually impressive activities . . . but if our motives are impure, these activities are worthless.

 

read more >

In what “little” ways are you welcoming the Enemy into your life?

read more >

What do all these have in common? None of these objects are fulfilling their designed purpose.

read more >

I’m excited because these very virtues are the ones that please God—the ones He finds beautiful, according to His Word. That’s enough to motivate me to tackle these all-too-often foreign virtues!

read more >

I find it helps me to think and process this dilemma logically . . .

read more >

We tried. We really did. We embraced education, careers, prominence. We despised all relationships and responsibilities that would hold us back. We moved marriage, mothering, and homemaking from the top of our lists to the bottom–or crossed them off altogether. After all, we were so much more enlightened than our fore sisters were. The world had revolved around men, but it was our turn now.

read more >

I asked Barbara Rainey—painter extroardinarre and True Woman ’08 speaker—“If you painted a picture of biblical womanhood, what would it look like?”

read more >

Whether you work in an office or at home, how do you see selfish ambition playing itself out in your life?

read more >

As we sang we'd glare at the boys, while digging our heels into the ground, giving the impression of grinding them into powder. I doubt we understood the song's content, and although our little game may have been innocent, in actuality, we girls loved the feeling of power brought on by this early form of ‘male bashing.’

read more >

Until we present our young women with a new and beautiful vision of womanhood–a biblical vision . . . a high and noble vision that speaks to their true identity and purpose–they will continue to pursue the modern sexualized ideal, and slither further down the slippery slope.

read more >

Embracing our role and calling as women does not include placing our trust in our husbands, but in our God.

read more >

There’s one Southern phrase that I’m quite drawn to: “Steel Magnolia.” I love the phrase, because to me it speaks to the essence of womanhood. The image melds beauty with perseverance, softness with backbone, delicacy with durability, sweetness with stamina.

read more >

I’m pushing a lawn mower, biceps flexed, wearing a t-shirt I’ve earned by waking up before dawn to detassle in the cornfields. Yes, I feel good about myself and my strength.

read more >

Today, let's consider how we express our femininity in more substantive ways than time spent in malls, dressing up for dates, collecting hundreds of lipstick colors, or the love of “Southern Living” décor. 

read more >

With her beauty, clothes, cars, houses, careers, and independence, Ms. Roberts is the epitome of fulfilled womanhood.

read more >

Why not dress him in some of my old dresses, complete with a purse? We could let his hair grow long; no one would ever know the difference. We could call him . . . Erica!

read more >

It reminds me of sitting at the supper table as a little girl, shoveling the last bite of food into my mouth, and saying to Mom in one fast, slurred syllable, “ThankyouforthegoodmealmayIbeexcused?” I always said it. Every night . . .

read more >

Tomorrow, I promise, I’ll be less mysterious and explain why I asked.

read more >

I still have much to learn in the “school of prayer.” What I've found most helpful is studying the models and prayers of Scripture. When my prayers are shaped by Scripture, I am confident that they are in line with God's purposes and will.

read more >

"Often I attend prayer meetings where various requests for healing, finances, safety in travel, or job promotions are divvied out. Naturally, we desire prayer for such things. But a closer look at God's Word would reveal deeper and more divinely inspired ways to pray for friends and family."

read more >

"Not long after the honeymoon was over, I learned that my new husband preferred to spend Monday nights in front of the TV with chips, salsa, and the NFL rather than being my hands to write out my Bible study for me. Horrors, I thought, he's not a man of the Word!"  

 

read more >

Do you ever get “stuck in a rut” in your prayer life? Praying Scripture will help!

read more >

I have a loose-leaf binder where I log dates of prayer requests and answers received . . .  

read more >

"He answers in ways that literally take my breath away . . . His gracious giving of power to do what feels impossible to do, the perfect timing in which He answers, and the way He answers–revealing complete knowledge and understanding beyond human wisdom or even comprehension." 

read more >

Every once in awhile, I meet someone whose life nearly takes my breath away with its beauty. My friend, Debra Fehsenfeld, is a passionate follower of Jesus, a wife and mother of four, a lover of all people, and a praying woman. (She’s cool, too!) I asked if she’d answer my questions about prayer . . .

read more >

Years ago, I asked God what it meant to worship Him in spirit and in truth . . .

read more >

Last summer, my son, Matt, who had just moved back home after being away for eight months, came into the kitchen, gave me a huge hug, and exclaimed, “Mom, thank you SO much for folding my laundry!” My first thought was to check his forehead to see if he was running a temperature . . .

read more >

Did you know that the book of Psalms—found in the middle of your Bible—is one of the most practical, helpful prayer tools available to you?

read more >

Last season, TV viewers cast nearly 500 million votes in support of their favorite contestants on American Idol. It’s natural to express praise for that which we enjoy . . .

read more >

The equation is simple really: Unconfessed sin equals no audience with God; Confessed sin means God is “all ears”!

read more >

Are you ready to give up on prayer? Does it seem like God doesn’t hear, anyway?

read more >

Here are three simple steps to help strengthen your prayer heartbeat!

read more >

A few years ago, in front of a packed coliseum of hockey fans, a young hockey player skated off the ice, collapsed beside the player’s bench, and went into violent convulsions . . .

read more >

The light bulb came on! I began to understand that my approach to prayer was far too mechanical.

read more >

Will you join me on this month’s adventure? Whether you’re a seasoned pray-er, or a wannabe, let’s learn together!

read more >

We think that we’ll get more out of life and relationships if we demand our rights and maintain control. But the Bible teaches that we get a lot more blessing when we trust God and do things his way. 

read more >

Through painful experience, I've learned this principle of yielding control: whoever or whatever I most frequently yield to becomes my master.

 

read more >

I don’t know about you, but the one thing that consistently holds me back from all-out surrender to God is fear. Fear that He won’t give me what I desire most.

read more >

My “act of surrender” was more like a little boy whose mother keeps insisting he sit down in his highchair. When he finally unlocks his knees and plops into the seat, his glare tells the real story, “I may be sitting down on the outside–but I'm still standing up on the inside!”

read more >

On this most bitter of nights, we watch Christ struggle . . . Three times He lifts the same request, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me." His agony is evident . . .

read more >

Ironically, the woman who digs in her heels often surrenders more than the one who bows her knee . . .

read more >

I, too, have experienced the heartache that can come from choosing to love. Yesterday I wrestled with this question: Where’s the joy in this whole thing? Shouldn’t there be joy?

read more >

Jesus’ answer just raised more questions for me. Why did He include the second commandment when the man just asked for the greatest commandment? And most of all, what does it mean that all the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments?

read more >

How's your "love life"? 

read more >

It all happened one day when Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus to a dinner party at his house. Jesus came, but from the moment he stepped in the door, it was obvious how “welcome” he really was . . .

read more >

Who or what is competing with God for first place in your life? Dr. David Powlison’s questions will help you find the answer—if you’re brave and committed enough to probe the depths of your heart for the answers.

read more >

I instructed him to get up off the floor. He looked at me in wide-eyed amazement, and with total sincerity replied, “I'm not on the floor!”

read more >

"Do I have desires? Yes. Do I have God-given abilities? Yes. Has God provided opportunity to use them right now? No. So, I wait on the Lord, rejoice, pray, and give thanks . . . and actually mean it now."

read more >

"I'd been involved in some capacity of 'formal' ministry since 1980. And then, it all stopped. At first I was excited to see what was 'next.' . . . Then, nothing, except the same everydayness of life: walk the dog, feed the cat, count the new blooms on the geranium plant . . . you get the picture. I felt very useless, and worst of all, very alone."

read more >

Do you find it curious—as I do—that we have to be instructed to love God?

read more >

This month, we will be focusing on . . .

read more >

Use these tools only after you have searched the Scripture carefully for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the Truth in His Word, and work hard! Then—and only then—crack open these books, and learn from what God has spoken to others. If you are unfamiliar with how to use these tools, ask a pastor or another experienced student of the Word for help.

read more >

My husband, a pastor, eventually reached a crisis of faith brought on by his inability to reconcile the question of God’s power to transform. You see, he watched me begin every day on my knees in prayer and in diligent study of the Word, and yet I was a terror to live with.

read more >

Have you noticed how some people cringe when they hear the word “doctrine?” Recently, while sitting in a waiting room, an older gentlemen struck up a conversation with me about the book I was reading. After informing me that he was the pastor of a small country church, he boasted “I don't preach doctrine—I just preach Jesus!”

read more >

"There is no other worldview that gives the respect to womanhood that Jesus does.” Watch this short video by Dr. Ravi Zacharias and tell me if you agree.

read more >

Have you ever seen a sponge fall into a sink full of water? Immediately it absorbs as much water as it can hold. Think of your mind as a dry sponge, and devise a plan for absorbing as much of the Word as it will hold!

read more >

Here's a tool that can transform your Scripture memorization!

read more >

I was riding in the car with my dad one day as a little girl, encouraging him to, “Go faster, Daddy, faster!” His response was puzzling, “I can't go faster, Kimmy, this car has a governor on it.”

read more >

. . . Kay Arthur likens it to reading a book about frogs instead of traipsing through the marsh looking for a real frog. It would be easier to read the book about frogs, but you’d only end up with secondhand knowledge. You’d never have a personal encounter with a frog.

read more >

Being “women of the Word” begins with a heart that receives God's Word with eagerness. Do you desire to hear what God wants to tell you?

read more >

I’ll be honest with you—I failed in prioritizing time with Jesus the first few days of this month. And I struggled intensely with guilt as a result.

read more >

Spend some time alone with the Lord every day in His Word and in prayer . . . accept this challenge, and we’ll send two of you the new ESV Study Bible!

read more >

How do you want to live in 2009?

read more >

What if I told you that you do have enough time? 

read more >

I’ve pretty much nailed down the menu, but I’m stuck on this. How can I point my family to Christ without being preachy?

read more >

"We laughed this weekend that our net worth seems to get smaller all the time, yet I don't know if I've ever felt more blessed with what I have."

read more >

Nancy just wrote something in a letter about the Revive Our Hearts Matching Challenge that really spoke to me. She said, “God doesn’t care so much who you give to, but that you do give.”

read more >

Ask God what He is trying to say through these circumstances; let Him search your heart, and then respond in humility and obedience . . .

read more >

Last year, I smuggled Bibles into a closed country . . .

read more >

This morning I heard a 13-year-old boy who had just returned from a missions trip to El Salvador say, “I’m convinced that the more you have . . . the more you want . . . and the more discontent you become.” Smart kid, eh? 

read more >

Isn’t it funny how we can overlook the most basic things sometimes? Like last week—when I washed a load of laundry—and forgot to add the soap! Or, like forgetting to . . . tell God your needs.

read more >

Looking up—fixing my eyes on my Provider God—is something I tend to hurry right past . . .

read more >

Whether you are currently feeling strapped for cash, or those around you are, you won’t want to miss this!

read more >

Dr. Helen Roseveare told of the release and peace that came when she sensed God asking her, “Helen, are you willing to give me thanks for that which I may never give you the privilege of understanding?”

read more >

“If tomorrow’s supply depended on today’s thanksgiving, how much would I have tomorrow?”

read more >

Today's thanksgiving exercise showed me that it’s a whole lot easier for me to take inventory of my closet and to keep track of the state of my bank account than to know the privileges and position that belong to me in Christ. Isn’t that crazy?! . . .  

read more >

It’s been a few days since I drove to the nearest polling place, cast my vote, and then claimed my free coffee at Starbucks. It’s also been a few days since I kneeled and prayed as fervently as I prayed in the days leading up to the elections. 

read more >