Beauty: a quality that pleases the senses or agreeably engages the mind or spirit
What do you imagine when you hear the word beauty? Do you think of the colors of a midsummer sunset? the fragrance of a rose? the roar of ocean waves crashing on a cliff?
Often we apply the term only in describing physical attractiveness. But there’s so much more to genuine beauty than that. Mothers have told daughters for multiple generations, “Beauty is only skin deep,” and “Pretty is as pretty does.” Nearly 1,000 years before Jesus was born, Scripture taught all who would listen, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
The cosmetic and clothing industries spend billions of dollars each year in the futile attempt to disprove it. Still, those of us whose photograph will never grace the cover of a glamour magazine can find joy in knowing that true beauty doesn’t come from a jar. It can’t be painted on, powdered up, nipped, or tucked. Mama’s wise words to me were, “It’s what’s on the inside that really counts.”
Beauty that exalts the mind and spirit comes from God. We are made beautiful by Christ’s perfect love for us, love made visible in the beauty of his cross. As we consider that love, the Holy Spirit shapes and transforms our hearts so that, little by little, we become more like Jesus in love and service.
How do you visualize the beauty of Christ? That beauty derives from his infinite love. His tender voice is soft and gentle. His name is above all names. The psalmist prayed, “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).
Yes, we all have bad-hair days, days we don’t feel “pretty.” Our mirrors reveal flaws and imperfections. But scars, crow’s-feet, cellulite, wrinkles, and warts do not define us. Knowing, trusting, loving, and living for Jesus makes us beautiful. I pray that his loveliness will be reflected in me.
Your beauty . . . should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:3–4
Editor’s note: This month’s devotion is drawn from CTA’s new devotion book, Woman of God: Moments of Grace, by Julie Norris and Diane Graham. This product line offers many free resources you can use to make the Mother’s Day celebration at your church a blessing for all the women in attendance.
You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.
Used with permission grant #031610. © 2010 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Hello-
Is there a possiblility of getting the Woman of God Moments of Grace-A Cup of Solitude-It’s time for me.And a cup of tea!
I am co-hosting a table at a Church’s “Friendship Tea”. This copy would be the
perfect favor for our gals.
It is going to be on May 22 in Sterling Hts., MI I know this is short notice, but I just found out about this lovely book. I would need 8 copies.
Thank you for your help.
You have a beautiful website! Thank you! It must be very comforting for so many! God Bless You!
Barbara,
Thank you for your kind words.
You can purchase copies of this book on our main website.
Blessings,
CTA
Woman of God Moments of Grace, is the most lovely devotional book i have come across.
I would love to use your devotional as a tool when i witness to my mother.
I love my mom so much and i know that God has such great plans for life.
Thank you for sharing this lovely devotional.
Teresa Jo Lewis
Thank you Teresa Jo — blessings on your efforts!
I so enjoyed your devotional book Woman of God, Moments of Grace. The concept was wonderful and have passed the book on to my daughters, sisters, and friends. Thanks so much for making my day better.
I carry this little devotional book in my purse. Is beginning to look a little worn
It has made a tremendous difference and I use it to sustain me through difficult times as well as to give thanks…
Wonderful little book that nourishes faith and uplifts the spirit!
We’re pleased our Woman of God devotional is an inspiration and help to you!
Thank you for the feedback and encouragement.
I received a hardback copy of the devotional Woman of God “Moments of Grace” for Mother’s Day from our church. I didn’t get to read it right away. Then in June a friend gave me one that was paperback and in a little plastic bag with an ink pen colored like the book (purple). I loved it so promptly gave the hardback one to a friend and then began to read the paperback one. It is very wonderful and as I am a “tea” person the pictures of tea cups and pots were delightful. I would very much like to buy some of the ones in the little bag with the pen to give as gifts. I am going to try to find them. Thanks again for this little book.
Cheryl,
Thank you so much for the comments! CTA offers two versions of the devotion book/pen set in the Woman of God line — one using NIV bible version verses (WOGXDGS) and one using KJV (WOGXDGSKJ). Visit http://www.ctainc.com/WOG and scroll to the 2nd or 3rd row to find the appropriate version.
Blessings!