Cross My Heart Ministry

If you are writing along with us monthly, welcome to Part II of our journey through Psalm 119.  With 150 verses to choose from, there were too many for only one monthly bookmark! Whether you’ve been journaling along with us since May 1 or are just now joining, I pray you will be blessed by these words on the WORD of God.

Inevitably, when I’m challenging others to incorporate God’s Word into their daily lives, I will land in Psalm 119. I can think of no better passage to extol the benefits and blessings of reading and studying Scripture. When I launch a new Bible study or begin mentoring a young woman, it begins with a challenge to be a woman of the Word. Psalm 119, perhaps more than any other chapter in the Bible, pushes and prods us toward the Word.

As we write the WORD, it will stir up our hearts to live the WORD, memorize the WORD, love the WORD, know the WORD, and also pray the WORD.

The thoughts I’m sharing today concern praying the WORD for our children and grandchildren. When my heart is full, but I have no words of my own, I’ve found it a blessing to just pray God’s words back to Him. Join me in doing that for your precious ones today.

Below are ten verses from Psalm 119, along with ten prayers inspired by these verses. Pray them for your children, for your grandchildren, for yourself, or someone else you love or care about.

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Lord God, I thank you that through Jesus we can be declared blameless. I pray that my loved ones would be convicted of their sin and call on Jesus for salvation at an early age.
Psalm 119:2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
O Lord, I pray my children would be ALL IN—fill each with a desire to serve you and live for you always and in all ways.
Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
Jesus, I pray my children and grandchildren would remain pure until marriage. I ask that you protect each from evil, and give them self-control and self-restraint to wait for the good things you provide.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Lord, give my children and grandchildren an aptitude for Scripture memory. I pray memorization would come easy and each would soak up the Word during these young years.
Psalm 119:13 With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
Father, I pray Your Word would be on their tongues, prompting each to speak, teach, and declare Your truth.
Psalm 119:14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
Holy Spirit, let nothing in this world—not money, possessions, or position—bring greater delight to my loved ones than knowing and following You.
Psalm 119:15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
God Almighty, I pray Your Word and Your ways would consume the thought life of my precious ones.
Psalm 119:16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Jesus, I pray my children and grandchildren would commit to reading Your Word daily—that it would be a priority in each season of their lives.
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Holy Spirit, bring illumination and understanding to my dear ones as they open the Word. Give them fresh and new insight to even familiar passages.
Psalm 119:20 My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.
Father God, I pray the souls of my kids and grandkids would be consumed with an insatiable hunger and thirst for Your Word.

Visit our Downloads page for our June bookmark with the second part of the Write the WORD for Psalm 119. If you’re just joining us, we’ve provided a downloadable bookmark to print both last month’s and this month’s verses from Psalm 119, for your convenience.

In this week’s devotional video, Laura picks up right where we left off in Psalm 119. This psalm has 176 verses. Our May bookmark wrapped up with verse 89 and today we pick up at verse 90. We invite you to watch Laura’s thoughts on one passage: Psalm 119:92-94.

Then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Psalm 119:42

Oh, to have a ready answer when taunted!

Life for a mother will certainly bring a bit of taunting. Two-year-olds and 12-year-olds, toddlers and adolescents, boys and girls. No matter their ages, stages, or genders, let’s face it:  children can bring challenges.

Being a mother has brought me indescribable joy. I’ve learned – really learned – about unconditional love. Until becoming a mom, I did not completely understand God’s sacrificial love in sending His own Son for me. But nothing has brought sanctification to this mama’s life quite like parenting. God has used my children to humble me, quiet me, and teach me much about Himself.

They were amazing children, have grown to be incredible adults, and I’m a better person for having learned from each of them.

But there were days….

Anyone who does not believe in original sin clearly has not raised children through preschool and adolescence.  Being the mom means you get the joys and blessings right along with the wrinkles and challenges that come with raising them up.

They will try you, taunt you, defy and disobey you. They will push your buttons, spill milk on your floor, and break your favorite vase. As preschoolers, they get up before you want them to.  As teenagers, they won’t get up when you want them to.

A mother doesn’t need to read A Tale of Two Cities to experience “the best of times…and the worst of times…” Her life is defined by those two extremes – often in the same afternoon!

As I raised my children, I learned from my mess-ups. I got better. I extended grace to myself and was grateful for God’s never-ending flow of it. With His help, I apologized to my kids when I lost my temper, when I disciplined in anger, and when I was not kind. I wasn’t perfect – far from it! – but I owned it when I messed up.

As I look back, I sometimes lament to God, “Oh…to live my life over again knowing what I know now!” Yet I hear His voice in my heart: Laura, even if I would turn back the hands of time for you, you wouldn’t do it any differently. It’s the living that brings the learning.

And, yes, life has indeed brought lots of learning.

So here I am sharing that life with you, kind readers. Humbling myself to let my messes become my message, and passing on a bit of what I learned through my mothering years.

1. Don’t jump in the ring.
   Just because a 2-year-old or a 12-year-old (or even a 22-year-old) wants to fight, it doesn’t mean you have to go twelve rounds with them. Remain calm. Be the adult. Just like a boxing match, you let your opponent wear himself out and then proceed.

2. Understand that your anger is counterproductive.
   James 1:19-20 reminds us:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
   If mommy becomes angry when a child sins, and must later apologize, the focus has shifted. Instead of the child’s sin being the issue, we’re now dealing with mommy’s sin. Not helpful.

3. Expect them to taunt you.
   Ever play the game Worse Case Scenario? Anticipating bad situations can help us prepare an appropriate response. As mommies, we haven’t achieved perfection; isn’t it foolish, then, to expect it from our children? Instead, anticipate that your child will fail, and be sure you are ready with a response. This transforms a sinful situation into an opportunity to teach.

4. Sharpen your sword.
   From II Timothy 3:16 we know:  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness … Whatever the behavior, find a passage to explain it – to teach, rebuke, correct, and train. Here are some examples:

   LYING                       
   The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. 
   Proverbs 12:22

   SELFISHNESS         
   Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  
   Philippians 2:3-4

   LAZINESS                
   “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 
   II Thessalonians 3:10b

   Whether lying, selfishness, laziness, or something else, you can find a verse that ties the behavior back to the Word of God.

5. Recognize the difference between willful disobedience and childish irresponsibility.
   Don’t expect your children to demonstrate the level of maturity you’ve taken 30, 40, or even 50 years to achieve. They are children. They are growing and learning. Give them grace when they mess up.  When you sit down to dinner, just expect someone to knock over their milk. If it doesn’t happen, celebrate!

   But, likewise, when they willfully and intentionally disobey and defy you, deal with it. Don’t be a wimp, don’t ignore it, and don’t agonize over whether they like you in that moment. Too many parents worry about being their child’s friend. Be the parent now, and you’ll be their respected friend in 15-20 years.

6. Pray.
   Day-to-day life is lived in real time. We don’t get to write our script, pencil it out, edit the words, and memorize our lines. But we can pray; we can ask the Holy Spirit to put His thoughts in our minds, His Words on our tongue, and His love in our hearts.

7. Trust in His Word.
   The Psalmist is right:  if we immerse ourselves in His Word, transformation will come. Day by day, we will be changed. Our desire to live for Jesus will transform all relationships. Being in the Word brings change … to our thoughts, attitudes, words, actions, and choices. And, yes, even to our parenting.

If you want to have a ready answer, don’t neglect the Word.

In this week’s devotional video, Laura is joined by her friend, Gail Stice, as they discuss that God’s Word is eternal, stands firm, is settled in heaven. We can wholeheartedly follow His decrees, statutes, laws, commands….HIS WORD! We invite you to take a few minutes from your day to watch their conversation!

Visit our Downloads page today for your own copy of our monthly Write the WORD bookmark and optional S.O.A.P. Bible study pages.

Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Psalm 119:24

Where do you go for help and for answers to life’s difficult questions?

Many might post an open question on Facebook, phone friends to take an informal poll, or visit the self-help section at Barnes and Noble.  But why get friend-help or self-help—oh, the irony of the latter!—when God-help is available?

The Psalmist describes God’s Word as delight. Interesting. Imagine you’re watching The $100,000 Pyramid and the category is “The Bible.” It’s easy to imagine these clues being given:

• Straitjacket
• List of rules
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Legalism
• Judgment

What clues would you give? What words pop into your head when you think of the Bible? Where do you fall on the duty/delight continuum?

Attitudes aren’t transformed by our will alone, but desiring change is the start. Choosing to place yourself in the Word on a daily basis is the first step on the pathway to making God’s Word your delight.

My journey began decades ago, and it began as duty. A have-to. But as my great God began to reveal Himself to me through His Word, my have-to was transformed to want-to, which in turn became delight-to. Today, I’m in a place I call need-to:  without the counsel and conviction of God’s Word, I’m a mess.  My “Laura” (my flesh) leads out.

I want less of Laura and more of Jesus. For this girl, that’s impossible apart from abiding in His Word.

God’s Word is a glorious, good-for-you addiction: the more you have, the more you want. As you keep your daily appointment, you will naturally move from duty to delight.

Why seek advice and counsel from any other source, when the One who knows you best and loves you most is available?

Is God’s Word your first reach or your last resort when trouble comes?

In this week’s devotional video, Laura is joined by her friend, Mary Boxx, as they unpack these questions: Is there such a thing as good affliction? And, how can David use “good” and “affliction” in the same sentence? We invite you to watch as they explore these questions.

You can find your copy of our bookmark highlighting Psalm 119 on our Downloads page.

Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
Psalm 119:18

Do you find the Bible boring?

Have you tried reading it, but either it doesn’t make sense, doesn’t seem to apply to your life, or you just don’t seem to get it?

Perhaps the problem lies in not preparing to read it. Just as we must shop before we cook or pack before we travel, savoring the journey in God’s Word also requires some preparation.

How do you get ready to read the Bible?

I’m glad you asked!

The answer: You pray! If you have no words of your own, simply use the words from the Psalmist above and pray them back to God.

Asking, in itself, places us in a posture of humility. When we ask God to reveal truth – to open our eyes – we acknowledge that we are unable to get it on our own, to see what is there, or to understand what we read.

Humility fosters a teachable spirit. Pride, on the other hand, bristles up — refusing to ask and, therefore, struggling to learn. James puts it bluntly, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” (James 4:2) Admitting how much we don’t know and understand allows us to learn new things.

Asking to see “wonderful things in your law” is a declaration of faith: I know it’s there, God … help me see it!

Will you commit today to preparing to read God’s Word before you open your Bible? Will you ask God to give you both faith that there is something there for you and focus so you don’t miss it?

I’d like to invite you to open your heart and eyes to God’s Word as we study Psalm 119 during May and June!

This week Laura is joined by her friend Alice Menks as they discuss the importance of God’s Word and the need to set our heart on seeking the Lord and His help in our lives in all circumstances.

You can download your copy of our bookmark highlighting Psalm 119 here: https://2ly.link/216Qc

I seek you with all my heart,
do not let me stray from your commands.
Psalm 119:10

These words are both a declaration and a plea.

The Psalmist boldly declares with confidence:

I seek you with all my heart…

And then immediately follows with a plea for protection from wandering:

Do not let me stray from your commands.

Centuries later, time and circumstances have changed but the human heart is the same. Our desire to know and follow God is still great. Those of us who follow Him still have the longing to be “all in” — to embrace an all-my-heart conviction.

Both Biblical truth and modern-day colloquialism use “heart” to capture our overriding beliefs and desires. From our hearts spring our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions. Phrases like these flow in our modern-day conversations:

• Put your heart into it…
• I have my heart set on it…
• My heart tells me…

Then and now, what is in our heart on the inside will eventually be revealed on the outside. Those who follow Christ have the desire to be consumed by God. To be all in. We say, “Amen,” as we link arms across the centuries with the Psalmist and agree with the all-my-heart commitment.

But as we all know, declaring it is one thing. Living it is quite another.

Embracing an all-my-heart commitment means to reject the divided or lukewarm heart. It means we allow God to be God — not just in our morning devotions, but in our afternoon conversations. He is ruler over not only our beliefs but our behaviors. We yield to Him in our purchasing, viewing, and eating habits. We allow Him to lead out in our relationships, work ethic, and responses to hard things and hard people.

Too often, our afternoon choices fall short of our morning declaration. In my life, God’s way can easily be pushed aside for Laura’s way.

Sometimes I drift. Other times I run.

But I’m always grateful for His love, grace, and mercy that both draw me and welcome me back.

As I have lived out this cycle repeatedly, I’ve learned that choosing to seek God with all my heart is not only a morning declaration — it must be an all-day-long abiding. Continually walking with God keeps me consciously aware of His presence, protection, and power. That awareness brings sweet peace.

It’s not frightening, but freeing. It’s not scary, but sweet. While He is God of the universe, He is my Father, as well. He loves me. I can trust Him.

The continual, throughout-the-day seeking and abiding reassures me that I am safe and loved. It makes “all-my-heart” a transforming lifestyle that fulfills the request in the second part of the verse:

Do not let me stray from your commands.

Truth unfolds. Realization dawns. The connection between seeking the Lord and obeying Him is revealed: they are the same. If I love Him, I will want to respect the healthy boundaries of His Word.

Jesus Himself said,

Whoever has my commands and obeys them,
he is the one who loves me…
John 14:21

My love for God prompts me to trust Him. My obedience flows from a heart of love, not guilt or legalism. I can obey Him because I love Him and know that He loves me and knows what is best for me. He knows what I do not. He sees all, while I see only in part. I do not have to know everything — I just need to know Him. He is enough.

The principles of God’s Word are not there to rob us of joy, but to give us joy. A focus on rule-keeping makes His Word a burden to carry. But when we focus on loving and pleasing God, His precepts become an easy burden.

Because He is ever faithful, because He is good, and because He is loving, I declare (and I pray) I will seek, serve, and abide with all my heart!

In this week’s devotional video, Laura is joined by her friend, Connie Matchell, as they discuss learning to delight in God’s decrees. By hiding God’s word in our hearts, and beginning to look at things through God’s eyes, we can truly learn to delight in God’s decrees.

You can download your copy of our bookmark highlighting Psalm 119 from our Downloads page!

But these are written that
you may believe
that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:31

The reason John wrote his gospel is the same reason many of us talk to our families, friends, and loved ones about Jesus: we want them to have eternal life!

A few years ago, on Easter Sunday morning, we watched as a little girl in our church was baptized. The children’s pastor commented that when he asked her about coming to know Jesus she responded, “My family talks to me about Jesus all the time!”

Let’s pray our children (and our grands and greats!) grow up saying the same thing about us!

We teach and train our children. We go to their soccer and baseball games (or at least we used to – and we will again!). We chase their bent by investing in music lessons, sports camps, and science kits. We love them. We take them on vacation, teach them to cook, and caution them about stranger danger. We teach them about money, relationships, forgiveness, generosity, and how to change a flat tire.

But as followers of Christ, what we want most is for them to come to know our Jesus!

God has no grandchildren. Our faith is not inherited by our children, but it is seen and heard by them.

Other than our living testimony, they also get to know Jesus through His WORD.

As women, many of us are mothers and grandmothers who are anticipating the summer … planning vacations, outdoor activities, sports, and other opportunities for your children or grandchildren to enjoy the warmer months. But whatever your plans, be sure you also talk to them about Jesus.

I’d like to personally invite to you commit to writing God’s WORD with us this summer –  taking advantage of days that may be a bit less busy, and developing (or continuing) the habit of spending time reading, writing, and studying the Bible each day. My prayer is that as you write each verse, you renew your belief in Jesus and your faith is strengthened by His WORD.

Do you believe in my Jesus? Have you placed your faith in Him? Do you understand – and know in your heart – that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life? It’s simple, but changes everything:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)

If you are ready to commit your life to Jesus, here’s a simple prayer prompt:

God, I’ve made a mess and I am a mess. I am a sinner. I cannot fix or change myself. I need You. This day I give my life to You, Jesus. Thank you for taking the punishment on the Cross that I deserved. Come into my life. Take over. Take charge. From this day forward, I will follow You. You are my Savior and my Lord. Amen. 

Whether you prayed that prayer or something like it (and whether you prayed it today or many years ago), your life in Christ will be transformed by His WORD. Why not commit to writing the Bible daily – and then pray it, speak it, and live it?

Our free monthly Write The Word bookmark is a tool to encourage you to abide in His Word. Be sure to visit our Downloads page for our upcoming May bookmark, S.O.A.P. study pages, Do It! List, and other free resources to help you balance your heart for God with the demands of a busy life and home.

If you need inspiration for abiding in the WORD, Psalm 119 is a great place to begin. Not only is it the longest Psalm, with 176 verses, it is also the longest chapter in the entire Bible.

Most scholars believe it was written post-exile and possible authors may be Ezra or Jeremiah. Even if we don’t know who wrote it down, we know that Psalm 119 (like all Scripture) is prompted by the Holy Spirit. We can celebrate God’s gift of His Word and we can embrace the benefits and blessing that come from knowing and following it. We will devote two full months to writing out this powerful chapter!

Listen as Laura introduces Psalm 119 and then visit our Downloads page to get your own copy of our May bookmark. Let’s Write the WORD together in May!