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Kingdom Man WomanCopyright 2013 Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans HurstA Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188Focus on the Family and the accompanying logo and design are federally registered trademarks of Focus on theFamily, Colorado Springs, CO 80995.TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated are taken from the New American Standard Bible .Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org). All italics in the Bible texts were added by the author for emphasis.All Scripture quotations marked (niv), are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version . niv .Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reservedworldwide (www.zondervan.com).Scripture quotations marked (kjv) are taken from the King James Version.Scripture quotations marked (msg) are taken from THE MESSAGE [paraphrase]. Copyright by Eugene H.Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.Scripture quotations marked (esv) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version , (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.The use of material from or references to various websites does not imply endorsement of those sites in theirentirety. Availability of websites and pages is subject to change without notice.No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or byany means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission ofFocus on the Family.Editor: Marianne HeringCover design byCover photograph copyright by , date. All rights reserved.Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataISBN: 978-1-58997-743-3Printed in the United States of America1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 / 17 16 15 14 13Kingdom Woman.indd 61/30/13 4:09 PM

There are four living generations of women in our family.This book is dedicated to the three youngest of them:KarissJessicaKelseykingdom women in the makingKingdom Woman.indd 71/30/13 4:09 PM

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CONTENTSAcknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiForeword: Priscilla Shirer and Lois Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiiiIntroduction: The Significance of a Kingdom Woman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1PA R T I : T H E F O U N D AT I O N O F A K I N G D O M W O M A N PURPOSE 1234A Woman of Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17A Woman of Hope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31A Woman of Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45A Woman of Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57PA R T I I : T H E FA I T H O F A K I N G D O M W O M A N POWER 5678The Power of a Kingdom Woman’s Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73The Pursuit of a Kingdom Woman’s Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89The Possibilities of a Kingdom Woman’s Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101The Prayer of a Kingdom Woman’s Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115PA R T I I I : T H E F R U I T O F A K I N G D O M W O M A N POSSIBILITIES 9101112A Kingdom Woman and Her Personal Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135A Kingdom Woman and Her Family Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153A Kingdom Woman and Her Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167A Kingdom Woman and Her Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185Appendix: The Urban Alternative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201Kingdom Woman.indd 91/30/13 4:09 PM

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ACKNOWLED GMENT SI never imagined this life, one bursting at the seams with more goodness thanany man could manage alone. Yet it has somehow been balanced with gracebecause of you, Lois. The greatest story in all the books of the world could neverdescribe the affection and appreciation I have for you. Anything good I haveever accomplished has been because of you. What can I say, except, thank you.Chrystal, I was a twenty-two-year-old young man, steeped in inexperience,the very first time I laid eyes on you. The doctor came through the doubledoors into the waiting room where I’d been frantically pacing, and he told meyou were here. And when I saw you, I knew I would never be the same again.I could never have imagined that forty years later you and I would sit downtogether, pens in hand, to write a book that would impact women everywhere.What a gift you have been to this project. What a gift you have been to me.Tyndale and Focus on the Family: Finding publishers who carefully walkthe fine line of ministry and business with grace and integrity can be a challenge. I’ve found that in you. Partnering with you on this book has been a joy.I can’t wait to do it again soon.— To n y E va n sDaddy, thanks for the loving nudge in the direction of God’s call on my life.You always see more in me than I do.Mommy, I have had no better example than the one you have lived beforemy eyes, day in and day out, through the best and worst of times. So much ofwhat I have learned about living as a kingdom woman, I have learned fromwatching you.Kariss and Jessica, if you hadn’t been willing to help me make dinner, cleanup the kitchen, and watch your brothers, I wouldn’t have had time to write.You are not just my daughters; you are my friends.Silla, not a day goes by that I’m not grateful that you are my one and onlyKingdom Woman.indd 111/30/13 4:09 PM

xiiACKNOWLED GMENT Ssissy. I know I don’t always act like it, but I’m glad when you walk over to myhouse and come in the back door without knocking. You are wonderful withwords both spoken and written. Thanks for letting me learn from you.Many thanks to Kanika, Michelle, and Wynter who let me borrow theirbrains on a regular basis and granted me access to their insights and creativity.I appreciate every reply to my incessant e-mails, texts, and calls.Sallie Clarkson and Zan Tyler, your words of encouragement echo in mymind on a regular basis. Your words of affirmation watered dormant seeds andreminded me of who I am.Andrea, you understand my life—homeschooling, housework, and hungryboys—so your reflections have meant so much. We will eventually make moretime to hang out with our crew!Focus on the Family and Tyndale Publishers, thanks for the opportunity towork on a project with my dad.And last but certainly not least, to my husband, Jessie, my kingdom man,you are the reason I have the freedom to find my path and try new things.Your deep and consistent love for this crazy wife God gave you makes my heartmelt—over and over.— C h r y s ta l E va n s Hu r s tKingdom Woman.indd 121/30/13 4:09 PM

F OR EWOR DA few women sighed in hesitation when we told them about this book. Thethought of another manual to tell them what they aren’t doing well and to givethem instructions on how to change didn’t sound appealing. The mere mentionof a kingdom woman conjured up an idealistic image, one that instantly becamea burden. Maybe, honestly, you feel the same way—a bit weary of having afinger waving in your face demanding that you do better—especially when youare already doing your absolute best.We understand. Trust us, we understand—which is why we’re glad you’veopened this book.This book, much like it’s companion Kingdom Man, will be unlike othersyou’ve read. It won’t inform you and then leave you hanging to deal with a senseof condemnation and guilt. Every chapter will encourage and applaud you, andthen show you theologically and practically how to have the kind of faith thatwill usher in the miracle you’ve been looking for—the one you’ve been longingto see unfold in your family, church, or community. It will hand you a swordand then inspire you to draw it in the face of adversity instead of shrinking backinto complacency or even into despair. After you take in these pages, you willbe encouraged and you will also be empowered for the journey ahead.Merging two unique messages into a succinct and singular package wouldrequire a pair of people who have walked through the annals of experiencetogether. Our husband/father and daughter/sister are just the duo to makeit happen. With Chrystal’s frank, authentic, real-life perspective punctuatingTony’s biblically inspired teaching, you will find this read an eye-opening andenlightening adventure through Scripture and then into your own heart.Chrystal’s a bit new on the publishing scene, but she shines in the women’sministry at our church and in our lives personally. For many years now, she hasled the ladies of our local congregation, training them to be women of purposewho are equipped to reach their full potential. In a Christian world filled withfolks striving for the limelight and a microphone, she has esteemed and placedvalue on her place within the local church. That’s something worth talkingKingdom Woman.indd 131/30/13 4:09 PM

xivF OR EWOR Dabout. Her ability to engage and inspire an audience is compelling, but herfaithfulness to disciple women one on one is admirable and has inspired othersto do the same.Even more impactful than that, Chrystal has managed to keep her priorities in place, structuring her time and efforts to focus primarily on her family.Honestly, we don’t know how she does it, and we stand in awe of her every day.As a homeschool mother of five children, she knows the juggling act performedby millions of women the world over and has demonstrated what it means tohonor God as a wife and mother. To top it off, she makes a loaf of homemadepumpkin bread that will make your mouth water.In between washing dinner dishes, creating lesson plans, and taking theoccasional field trip, Chrystal has managed to find time to blog her thoughtsand life happenings in a way that has captured the attention of women. Thetreasure you will uncover in this manuscript will come not only from Tony’steaching, but also from the story of Chrystal’s life. Her deep, thriving relationship with Jesus is seen in every word, and her vulnerability and quick wit willdraw you in and then cause you to see yourself in her life. You’ll laugh at herstories and see the biblical truth she intended to share. Chrystal is great butrefreshingly unassuming. Not perfect but purposeful. You won’t feel pressuredto emulate her, but you will want to walk alongside her.Tony probably doesn’t need any introduction. He has written over sixtybooks, so the one you are holding in your hands is a continuation of a long lineof fantastic titles. His contribution in publishing has blessed millions of peoplethe world over and made an indelible mark on the health of the global church.His desire to uncover and then relay theological truths in a practical, relevantway has been the mark of his ministry—a ministry in which He has served hisentire adult life. He is a faithful man who has dedicated himself to the Lord,his family, and the local church.For over three decades, he has pastored the same flock.For over four decades, he has loved the same wife.For nearly five decades, he has taught the same, unadulterated gospel ofJesus Christ. The depth of his integrity and character match the widespreadreach of his ministry.We wish we could have pulled you around our kitchen table to experienceKingdom Woman.indd 141/30/13 4:09 PM

F OR EWOR Dxvthe after-dinner devotions that happened most nights in our home. Or invitedyou along for our yearly month-long road trip through the States that he courageously took us on each August. Or had you join us for Sunday-morningservice where we’ve sat under his inspired teaching for thirty-seven years. Thenyou’d see the real man behind the larger-than-life persona—the introspectiveand loving pastor, father, and friend who has a heart that will resonate withyours through every portion of this book.So, here’s the deal, this book is like a train track headed to a destination thatis worth every ounce of energy spent making the trip. And, like any track, thisone has two rails bound together by the rungs of wisdom and experience. Atdifferent points in your reading, you’ll need to be willing to hop on each oneof these rails in order to get the most out of your reading. Each will allow you adifferent vantage point that will enhance the other. One side is Tony’s—biblical, thought-provoking, and appropriately intense. It will require you to lookinto your Bible and then into your own soul as you learn lessons from ancientwomen that you may never have gathered before. Then Chrystal will beckonyou over to her side of the track. You’ll grab her hand, steady yourself on herrail, and begin a personal journey that will allow you to apply the truths you’vebeen reading about.We’ll be honest and tell you that the ride won’t always be easy and seamless.There might be some turns on a few steep spiritual cliffs that might make youfeel like you won’t make it to the other side in tact—but you will.You will.Tony and Chrystal.Father and Daughter.The perfect combination to bring you this incredible manuscript that willmark you forever. You’ll emerge richer, wiser, and more motivated to becomethe kingdom woman you were created to be.Be blessed as you read.— L o i s E va n s a n d Pr i s c i l l a S h i r e rKingdom Woman.indd 151/30/13 4:09 PM

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INTRODUCTIONTHE SIGNIFICANCE OFA KINGDOM WOMANWhen a kingdom woman’s alarm sounds each morning, the devil tries to hither snooze button. He’ll do whatever he can to try to stop her from taking on anew day with the mind of God. But a kingdom woman won’t stop doing all shecan for God’s kingdom until she makes the devil regret ever messing with her.As the strong and eloquent Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like ateabag. You never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water.”1 When the hotwater comes, we often witness the explosion of strength and inner resolve thatwould put many men to shame. In childbirth alone, women frequently endureand experience more anguish and pain than scores of men sent out to war.Women are often the unsung heroes behind any major victory, discovery,or moral campaign. Throughout history, when the men were away at battle,women have held down the fort, assisted in creating and sending the supplies,run the businesses, maintained the economy and community, farmed—allwhile still managing the homes.Women have always held a place of influence in culture, even if it hasn’tbeen recognized publicly—or legally allowed. The nineteenth-century authorVirginia Woolf wrote succinctly, “I would venture to guess that Anon, whowrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.”2 In fact,women have been equipped with such an innate capacity for influence that theycan change the world for good or, unfortunately, for bad.We are all too familiar with the negative influences. For example, Samsoncould defeat an entire army with the jaw of a donkey, but he became weak inthe arms of one woman. Solomon had wisdom, riches, and power, but he stillKingdom Woman.indd 11/30/13 4:09 PM

2K I NG D OM WOM A Nbowed to the ungodly influence of his many wives. David killed a giant with allthe bravery and bravado of a gladiator—with only one stone and a slingshot.Yet King David was taken down by just one look at a bathing lady.Feminine influence doesn’t solely come tied to sexuality, nor is it only usedto gain a negative outcome. In fact, many women use their innate power tobring about good on behalf of those aroundthem. Women in general mature faster thanmen, giving women an opportunity to makeWomen have beendecisions in their earlier years that positionequipped with such them more securely in life and in the workplace. More women than men are graduatingan innate capacity at all levels of college. And women’s earningsfor influence thathave increased fifty-six percent on average sinceare earning lessthey can change the 1963, but their male coworkers3than working men in 1970.world for good.Not only are women influencing the workplace more than ever, but women are also oftenthe impetus behind social change and transformation. The Center on Philanthropy foundthat women of the Baby Boomer generation and older, across nearly every economic bracket, give more—up to 89 percent more—to charity than men, thusraising the volume of their voices with regard to strategy, vision, and approach.4Beyond that, women are gifted with a winsome ability to be disarminglycharming, even without using additional physical appeal. This alone can guideconversations their way, or influence major decisions in many realms, evenunknowingly to those involved in it. Women also often embody additionalspiritual depth and insight that captivate men because those qualities reflectsomething that men crave for themselves.Our culture often displays a mirage that shows men having all the power,control, and influence. And men, in their most raw form, do seek to create,explore, build, exploit, achieve, and conquer, then grab the glory for doing itall themselves. What is frequently missed: examining the motivation behind aman’s ambitions, which is often the influence of women.From early on, a man depends upon a woman in many ways—from thehhKingdom Woman.indd 21/30/13 4:09 PM

T H E SIG N I F IC A NC E OF A K I NG D OM WOM A N3womb to early childhood, to teachers and the influence of media that createsan ideal image of a woman. A man doesn’t buy a car just because he wants thatfast-looking car. He will often buy a car to impress a woman, even if he won’tadmit that’s why he did it.Men often learn as early as juniorhigh that the guys who play sportsget the girls. The guys who drive nice Our culture often displayscars, have money, or ooze charm geta mirage that shows menthe girls. As they grow into men, thosehaving all the power,lessons stick with them as they aim forcontrol, and influence.good jobs, a certain reputation, or success. All you have to do is listen to asong sung by a man to discover oneof the biggest driving forces behindmuch of what men do. Here’s an example you can find playing on today’sradio stations, “ ’Cause what you don’t understand is I’d catch a grenade for ya.”5Or from the soundtrack of the popular 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince ofThieves, a character of great gusto, power, and strength battles enemies in difficult and dangerous scenarios while the lyrics point to a woman being behindall his forays: “Everything I do, I do it for you.” 6Or take it back to my generation with lyrics from the hit song “When aMan Loves a Woman” by the one and only Percy Sledge: “He’ll trade the worldfor the good thing he has found.”Rarely does an epic movie ever finish without somehow uniting or reuniting a man with a woman. Battles have been fought over women, history hasbeen shaped by women, policy has been influenced or decided by women,nations have been run by women. Even in athletics women have power andinfluence. As recently as the London Olympics in 2012, American womenwon more gold medals not just over the American men, but over most nations’total medal counts as well (China won thirty-eight and Great Britain tied theAmerican women with twenty-nine). In fact, the United States women won atotal of fifty-eight medals, which is more than sixty-four countries’ total medalcounts combined, not including China, Russia, and Great Britain.8Sojourner Truth, one powerful woman said, “If the first wo

sissy. I know I don’t always act like it, but I’m glad when you walk over to my house and come in the back door without knocking. You are wonderful with words both spoken and written. Thanks for letting me learn from you. Many thanks to Kanika, Michelle, and Wynter who let me borrow their

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Kingdom 2016.1 is only backward-compatible with Kingdom 2016 and Kingdom 2015 Service Pack 4. it is not compatible with earlier versions of Kingdom, which will affect your ability to work in and share projects still in versions earlier than Kingdom 2015 Service Pack 4. Installation checklist

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