"For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

"Look, Miss Karen! When you click here you can change the color of her fingernail polish just like that!" I was watching my friend's pre-teen daughter for the weekend. She was parked on the couch playing around on a nail art website on my computer. Each time she clicked on a different color nail polish bottle the color instantly changed on the model's hands.

Clicking a mouse to change things on our computer screen is so simple. If only real life were the same!

Many times I look at my circumstances and wish I had a special mouse so I could click and change everything I don't like. But life's not like that. While there's much I can change, there's much more I can't.

And when I focus on all I can't revise, my heart can feel defeated. There are people I can't change, finances I can't control, and circumstances that leave my heart feeling shattered. If only I could recolor bad attitudes or rewrite difficult experiences, then I'd feel better. Right?

Wrong.

I've discovered that changing other people or circumstances isn't really a fix for my often-troubling situations because it isn't something I can make happen. I can't control other's behavior, only mine. Here is where the solution lies.

Even when circumstances and people stay the same, my attitude towards them and my perspective can change. What can bring about this transformation?

God's Word.

It can snap me back to attention, soften my heart and help me view my life through a different and God-honoring lens. It can align my heart and actions with God's so I don't do or say things today I will regret tomorrow. As Hebrews 4:12 states, it helps to expose, sift, analyze and judge the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

In a very practical way, God's Word makes it all click and that clicking makes me change.

Spending time daily in the Bible is imperative to bringing about this change, and we at Proverbs 31 Ministries have committed to help women around the world interact with God's Word daily through our many ministry avenues. Just this past year God impacted the lives of over 600,000 women daily through our free Encouragement for Today devotions. We celebrated with over 4,000 women who made first time decisions for Christ, and our team responded to over 10,000 prayer requests.

It isn't just the volunteers and staff who get to be a part of helping bring God's transforming work. So does everyone who gives a financial gift — no matter the size — to Proverbs 31 Ministries.

We value every gift and giver. The ones who give hundreds ... the ones who go without lattes each month and share their saved $25 ... the ones who donate $5.

Yes, $5 makes a big impact.

Together, we offer perspective-changing truth that can renew a woman's heart and mind no matter what age or stage of life she's in.

Together, we point women to the Healer, made known on the pages of Scripture, who can make their spirits whole.

Together we can teach women how to study the Bible, forgive and mend a friendship, strengthen a marriage, or effectively parent children.

Do you want to change the world by offering hope, help, and even life from behind your computer screen? We'd love for you to join us. When we give our collective "littles," God transforms them into a big movement that can alter lives both now and for eternity.

With a click of your mouse, you help change the world.

We'd be honored if you would join us.

Dear Lord, thank You for the life-altering and perspective-changing power of Your holy Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources

Will you partner with us to reach women for Christ? If so, click to change a life today with a year-end gift. You can help us go into all the world with the truth of God's Word.

Need a resource that can help you shift your perspective aligning it with God's Word? Check out Karen Ehman's latest book and Bible study curriculum LET. IT.GO. How to Stop Running the Show & Start Walking in Faith.

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Reflect and Respond:

When is a time that God's Word helped to change your bad attitude or wrong perspective?

Will you forward this email to a friend who needs to receive encouragement from God's Word?

Power Verse:

Psalm 119:11 "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (ESV)

© 2013 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.