Encouragement for Today 2014

[Judy Harder]

Glynnis Whitwer   
JULY 30, 2014

Saying Goodbye to Something You Love
GLYNNIS WHITWER

"And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, statutes and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided." 1 Chronicles 29:19  (NIV)

Cheri handed my crying baby to me, his little eyes swollen, his sobs subsiding into gulping sighs. Within seconds, Robbie calmed as I nuzzled him and kissed his sweet face.

I hugged my friend and thanked her for trying again to watch Robbie while I went back to work part-time. Again, my son refused a bottle and cried constantly. We both knew this wasn't going to work.

Forcing a smile, I turned quickly so she wouldn't see my tears. By the time I got to the car, I could hold them back no longer. Securing my son, I slipped in the driver's seat, put my head on the steering wheel and wept.

He was my third child, so I thought I had the mommy-thing figured out. Only Robbie didn't have the same personality or needs of his older brothers. They'd taken bottles easily. But this child had a unique bond with me.

Not only that, but we couldn't just sit together; I had to be walking and rocking him. If that boy was awake, he needed to touch me and be moving, or the crying began.

My older sons, ages 2 and 4, weren't the quiet type either. Other children kept occupied with a bag of toys, crayons or paper. Not mine.

My life changed dramatically with the birth of my third son. As a result, I made the difficult decision to quit many things I enjoyed: my part-time job, leading children's ministry and teaching Bible study to name a few. Most days I just felt sad as the world seemed to pass me by.

A highlight was picking up a dozen donuts and a Diet Coke and heading to Cheri's house. She was the only friend who could tolerate my three rowdy children. And she also understood that Diet Coke offsets the calories in the donuts. The perfect friend!

I loved those little boys immensely. And not a day passed that I didn't thank God for them. But I grieved what I'd left behind, and that grieving affected my enjoyment of the present.

I missed having position and authority at work. I longed for the sense of completion. Sadly, I thought my "ministry" was outside my home, and wondered when God would use me again.

Thankfully God intervened in a dramatic way, and I came to understand and appreciate the calling and cost of motherhood. God changed my heart and priorities, and the rewards have far outweighed the sacrifices. But it was still hard.

Recently, God brought those difficult years to mind as I read 1 Chronicles 28 and 29.

These chapters record King David passing his crown and assignment to build God's temple to his son, Solomon. In this decision, David gave up his position, authority, respect and purpose.

Did David mope and moan? Did he grab donuts and diet soda with a friend? No, the Bible tells us David "praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly" (1 Chronicles 29:10).

What follows is one of the most beautiful, humble prayers in the Bible. David's gracious actions and adoration for God inspired and moved hearts in the Jewish people.

After praying, Scripture tells us David invited the people to praise God: "So they all praised the LORD, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the LORD and the king" (1 Chronicles 29:20).

What a vivid contrast between my response and King David's when each of us gave up something we loved. David didn't grip the past tightly; he opened his hands and heart to embrace what God was doing in the present.

I can't go back to those early years, but with God's help and David's example, I can change how I respond in the future.

David had cultivated a life of praise, so when faced with loss, that habit elevated his response. David's trust in God was so great that he joyfully supported others who would build the temple he longed to build.

As I've addressed this personally, I've discovered praising God is at the center of contentment. As we praise Him, we find the assurance that He's got things covered ... even babies who cry inconsolably and our longing for significance.

It's there, in knowing God sees us and hasn't forgotten us, we find peace.

And it's there, in every walking-rocking-sleepless night, we find purpose.

My season of life is different now, but I'm still faced with saying "goodbye" to things I love. That "little" boy moves away to college next month, and I'm praying for an attitude like King David's — full of praise, grace and generosity of heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for seeing me right where I am today. You see what I've given up, and what I long for. Help me have an attitude like David's to impact others for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Glynnis Whitwer tells more of her story in her book I Used to Be So Organized .

Like to win a copy? Glynnis' publisher is giving away five copies! To enter, leave a comment  on our website. We'll select and email the winners.

Wondering how God turned her life upside down? Visit Glynnis' blog .

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Read David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 .

How might praying this prayer change your perspective?

© 2014 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105

[Judy Harder]

 JULY 31, 2014

5 Questions to Ask When Making a Decision
LYSA TERKEURST


"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'?" Luke 14:28-30 (NKJV)

I wasn't in the mood to take on the stress of making another decision. I was just so tired. So spent. Not in the mood to deal with one more thing.

A family friend in her early 20s was looking to move out of her apartment and into a less expensive living situation. We adore this young lady. She's spent a lot of time with our family. She's lovely and no trouble at all.

When she asked to move in with us however, I felt a deep sense of caution. We'd been helping a family member through a difficult situation that required a lot of my time and emotional energy.

But maybe I could do this, too, I thought. My heart was certainly saying yes. But my heart and my reality don't always line up.

So, I knew I needed to take myself through a process of evaluating this decision. And my evaluation would have to include my capacity.

It's good to use wisdom, knowledge and an understanding of your resource capacity to assess your decisions.

In fact, Luke 14:28-30 encourages it: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish'?"

I ran this situation through the filter of 5 questions:

1. Do I have the resources to handle this request along with my current responsibilities?
2. Could this fit physically?
3. Could this fit financially?
4. Could this fit spiritually?
5. Could this fit emotionally?

I dug through my purse to retrieve the only paper I could find — a random receipt. I scrawled out a list of things to consider when making this decision.

Did saying yes to this make sense in each of these areas?

• Physically? We had a spare bedroom.
• Financially? Her small rent payment would cover any additional expenses.
• Spiritually? We are Christians, and we want to love other people. This seemed to fall right in line with our core values.

But there was one more aspect to be considered. Could I handle this emotionally? Did I really have the white space to do this and keep an attitude of love?

This is where I felt the most caution. Remember how I was feeling at the time? So tired. So spent.

I've learned to pay attention to my emotional capacity and be honest with myself when I'm stretched too thin. When I allow myself to get overloaded emotionally, the worst version of me emerges. And that's not good for anyone.

As I continued to count the cost and assess my available resources, I felt I should say no. But I also felt I was expected to say yes. Do I go with what I'm expected to do? Or what I feel I should do?

Whenever there is a conflict between what we feel we're expected to do and what we feel we should do, it's time to step back from the decision. And seek clarity from the only source free from entanglements.

God.

Praying for wisdom and considering these 5 questions gave me a peace that God would be her provider. Therefore, my saying yes when I knew I should say no would prevent her from experiencing His best provision.

Amazingly, when I called her to explain why this wouldn't work, she was giddy with excitement over an apartment she'd found that was right in line with her budget.

God provided. He provided my friend with a great living situation. He provided me with another assurance that not every opportunity was meant to be my assignment.

Dear Lord, thank You for providing wisdom whenever we ask for it. Please guide me in the decisions I need to make today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 24:3-4, "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom-based decision-making process in Lysa's new book, The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. Although it doesn't release until August 12, you can be among the first to pre-order your copy by clicking here!

You're invited to join Lysa for the release of her book, The Best Yes! She's doing a fun, free webcast on August 12 that you don't want to miss. Click here to sign up for the information list.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Think of a decision you need to make in your life right now. Then, run it through the 5-question filter Lysa talked about today. Remember to be honest about your current commitments and resource availability.

© 2014 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 AUGUST 1, 2014

How Do I Let It Go?
SUZIE ELLER


"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV)

Three-year-old Elle arched her arm and pointed her fingers. "You're frozen, Gaga!"

I stopped in place, one arm behind me, the other in the air. She giggled, then quickly unfroze me.

If you are in the vicinity of anyone under the age of 6, you're familiar with the movie, Frozen. In it, two sisters struggle in their relationship with each other and in finding acceptance.

At one point Elsa, the older sister, sings these words:

"Let it go, let it go ...
"And I'll rise like the break of dawn ..."

Let it go.

Those are words I sensed God speaking to me years ago.

Let go of the past that you cannot undo.

Let go of the warped view you have of yourself. It doesn't match the one I have as your Heavenly Father.

Let go of the hurts that hold you too tightly.

Just as I playfully stood frozen while my granddaughter giggled, there was another time when I felt frozen. I couldn't take a step toward healing.

"Let it go, sweet daughter," was a whisper I heard from God to discover the Suzie He saw me to be.

Maybe you've sensed God asking you to let something — or someone — go.

Let go of the mistakes you once made. I've forgiven you.

Let go of the anger that's consuming your thoughts.

Let go of condemnation, so you can live free.

You want that desperately, but it can be hard to let go when you don't know what that means. May I share the definition of letting go with you? It was freeing for me when I finally understood it.

Letting go is giving up what is beyond your control to embrace what you can change.

In Isaiah 43:18-19, God spoke to His people through the prophet Isaiah saying: "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert."

The people held so tightly to the past that they missed the new things God wanted to show them.

God speaks the same warning and truth to us. We can't control the past, but we can focus on the miracles around us today.

We can't control the words that once shaped our hearts, but we can replace them with truth from Scripture.

We can't control negative people, but we can choose joy for ourselves.

Letting go isn't easy in the beginning, because holding on is our natural response. But there's so much hope! Just as the prophet Isaiah describes new roads in the desert and rivers in the wilderness, as we give up what we can't control to embrace what we can change, new ways of thinking, relating and living are carved into our very being.

And the beautiful thing about letting go?

It doesn't just change us.

It has the power to alter the next generation, and the next after that, like the cute little blonde-haired, blue-eyed darling chasing her Gaga through the house, singing, "Let it go!"

Dear Jesus, I've wanted to let go for a long time, but I didn't know how to do that. Now that I do, I'm ready to take that leap of faith. I give up what I cannot control to embrace what I can. Thank You for carving new roads in the desert of my heart and new rivers in the wilderness of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Suzie's newest book, The Mended Heart: God's Healing for Your Broken Places is a powerful resource to help you as you heal from past heartaches.

Would you like to bring Suzie Eller to your church? Click here to learn more about Suzie as your next retreat or keynote speaker. You can also visit Suzie's blog today, where she takes this topic deeper.

You might also enjoy Karen Ehman's book, Let. It. Go.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Write down one thing you've been trying to control. Now, list those things that are within your influence.

Write one way you can give up trying to control what you cannot change to embrace what you can.

© 2014 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 AUGUST 4, 2014

I Need a Delete Button for My Life
LYSA TERKEURST


"I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle." Jeremiah 10:23-24 (NLT)

Recently, I had someone ask me whether or not I like working with editors.

It's a good question, really. The best way to see whether a writer has the reader's best interest at heart or simply a desire to marvel at their own creation, is to ask this question.

I've written 18 books. But, I was just as desperate for my editor's input on book number 18 as book number 1. Why? Because the editor saves me from myself. He sees things I miss. He strengthens me where I'm fragile with my words.

Last summer, I sat in front of book number 18 and realized it was the first time I had written this book. So, in that sense, I was a first-time writer working on assignment number 18. I was desperate for my editor's wisdom. So, yes, I love editors and greatly appreciate their wise use of the delete button.

As a matter of fact, I wish I had an editor and a delete button in daily life. Wouldn't it be great?

Just as I start to get all worked up about something, I would feel this tap, tap, tap on my shoulder. There he would be, my editor, holding out the delete button encouraging me to backspace my words and come at this situation with a truer reflection of who I am. He wouldn't yell or demand I hit the delete button. He would just remind me it's an option.

Sounds a little like the Holy Spirit, doesn't it? He doesn't yell or demand, but I would do well to recognize His tap, tap, tap on my heart. He reminds me of how good it is to claim a do-over and make use of the delete button in life, whether it's with my words or with my decisions.

This subtle tap, tap, tapping makes me think of Jeremiah's prayer in Jeremiah 10:23-24, "I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So correct me, Lord, but please be gentle."

I need to be corrected. And reminded that making new choices that follow His plan are my option.

And a very good option at that. An option a girl should take. Though I've been a Christian for many years, I can't ever coast on my past good choices. I must realize, it's the first time I've ever lived this day.

And today is so very rich with possibilities. So many opportunities to make choices that will take me down one of two paths. Either I will travel the path of becoming more like Christ ... or the one of becoming less like Christ.

We make our choices. And then our choices make us.

So, since it's the first time I've lived this day, I can choose to be the kind of wife and mom I desperately want to be.

Since it's the first time I've lived this day, I can choose to be the kind of friend I desperately want to be.

Since it's the first time I've lived this day, I can choose to ... well, you get the point.

It's at this juncture in my writing, where my editor would surely pop in with his wise use of the delete button and save you from my belaboring.

All that to say, today is not just another part of a long string of days past. Today is a first. A true, true first.

So, how will you make good use of this first day?

Dear Lord, thank You for revealing just how important our choices are. Give me the wisdom to make choices that will follow Your plan, not mine. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 16:9, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Lysa's new book is almost here, ready to equip you with tangible ways to make new, God-honoring choices every day. The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands releases on August 12, but you can pre-order your copy today and take advantage of the additional, free resources Lysa is offering! Click here for more information and to purchase your copy.

Learn how to unrush your life so you can be the God-honoring woman you desperately want to be. Lysa has the encouragement you need in her free, 5-day devotional, the Unrush Me Challenge. Click here to sign up.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What can you choose that will make good use of this first day ... with your spouse? With your children? With your friendships? With your co-workers?

© 2014 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 AUGUST 5, 2014

My Right-Hand Man
CINDI MCMENAMIN


"I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8 (NASB)

I sat on the floor and cried. I felt overwhelmed and so alone.

"Who is going to help me now, Lord?" I whispered.

My assistant and close friend had just informed me she was no longer able to partner with me in my ministry. Circumstances beyond her control made it impossible for her to continue to work alongside me as someone I depended on. No longer there to help me. No longer there to be my sounding board, my prayer support, my "other half" in a very real sense.

I felt like I was losing my right hand.

Have you ever felt that way? As if you are suddenly on your own, without anyone to hold you up?

And yet, God had something He wanted me to learn in that difficult moment.

Just hours earlier, I had spoken to a group of women about the seasons of our lives in which we need to be pruned. I gave the example of how rosebushes need to be pruned. They look choppy after the pruning, but come spring, the roses bloom brighter and more beautifully than ever.

But here I was, being pruned in my own life, and feeling like I was losing my right hand!

God, this doesn't feel like pruning, I prayed. This feels like my right hand is being chopped off! Please God, not her. She's all I have right now. Please don't take my right hand.

Desperate for God's presence and His comfort, I reached for my Bible. Not knowing where else to turn, I opened to the Psalms. Years earlier, my cousin had shared how Psalm 16 comforted her when it came to experiencing loss in her family. I read the Psalm aloud and stopped suddenly after reading verse 8:

I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Lord, I prayed, I'm complaining I've lost my right hand, but You are my right hand. You are the One who helps me, counsels me, encourages me. You are the One who never leaves my side.

Dear God, I'm so sorry I didn't see it before. You truly are my Right-hand Man.

I read through the rest of Psalm 16, and smiled at how it ended:

"You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; In your right hand are pleasures forever," (Psalm 16:11, NASB).

God was telling me, in my moment of fear and anxiety, that not only was I not alone, but I never would be. Even without my friend to help me. With God at my right hand, there is joy in His presence and pleasures forevermore.

I realized that day there is no one else I would rather have at my right hand.

I got up off the floor and walked out of the room with my Bible in my hand, my head held high and my Right-hand Man at my side.

I have never walked alone in this job yet, I thought to myself. And I never will.

Dear Lord, on those days when I feel cut off from help, encouragement, or support, help me to remember You are the One who is at my right hand. Thank You for being the One who helps me, counsels me and encourages me. Because of Your stability I will never be shaken ... and I will never walk alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 41:10, "'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" (NASB)

Psalm 18:35, "You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great." (NASB)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Do you need the assurance that God is always with you? Give yourself the gift of Cindi McMenamin's new devotional, God's Whispers to a Woman's Heart.

Visit Cindi McMenamin's blog for more encouragement.

Enter to WIN a copy of God Whispers to A Woman's Heart by Cindi McMenamin. In celebration of this book, Cindi's publisher is giving away 10 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here, letting us know why you'd like a copy for yourself OR who you would give the book to, if you won. {We'll randomly select 10 winners and email notifications to each one, on Monday, August 11.}

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
In what ways do you feel alone, or without encouragement or support? How could knowing that God is always at your right hand give you the confidence to move forward?

© 2014 by Cindi McMenamin. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

AUGUST 6, 2014

You Are Not a Throwaway Person
TRACIE MILES


"Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, 'Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?' 'No, Lord,' she said. And Jesus said, 'Neither do I. Go and sin no more.'" John 8:10-11 (NLT)

It was just an old broken can opener, but Michael, my young son, saw something of great value.

When he walked into the kitchen, this "treasure" on the cabinet piqued his curiosity. He asked if he could play with it as he ran his little hands over it, checking out all its nifty parts. Better yet, could he keep it?

I didn't really think he could get hurt since it was broken, but I explained why it was not a toy.

Despite my insistence, he proceeded to make his case for gaining possession of the can opener. Finally, growing weary of this discussion, I used my maternal "I mean it" tone and told him to throw the broken can opener away and go play.

Suddenly, little Michael's demeanor changed. His shoulders slumped and his skinny little arms hung limp beside his body, as if all the bones had left them completely.

Then for sentimental effect, he poked out his bottom lip and stared up at me with big, blue, puppy-dog eyes, uttering this question in the sweetest sounding, most pitiful little-boy voice he could muster: "Well Mommy, if I was broken, would you just throw me away?"

Whoa! Didn't see that one coming. Our conversation about a silly can opener just got complicated. I chuckled, gave him a big hug, and reassured him he was too valuable to me to ever be thrown away — even if he were completely broken.

Satisfied with my answer, he skipped off with the can opener, cord flopping behind him. I was left stunned, pondering the weight of his question.

My thoughts went back to years earlier when I felt like that can opener because of mistakes in my past: broken and useless, void of value. But then a smile washed across my face as I remembered the day God told me I was too valuable in His eyes to ever be thrown away, much like He did for the woman found in John chapter 8.

John opens this chapter with Jesus confronting a group of religious leaders who had brought a woman before Him who'd been caught in adultery. They asked Jesus what they should do with her.

Before shaming her before Jesus, the crowd had already decided this woman was a throwaway person. A useless sinner. A woman who had made mistakes and wrong choices and should be held accountable for her actions to the highest degree: death by stoning.

But Jesus saw more when He looked at that woman. He looked past her sin and shame and saw her value — a value she most likely didn't even see in herself.

The leaders asked Jesus what He thought of her sin. They wanted Him to accuse her and affirm her worthlessness so they could begin the stoning, but He did just the opposite. He not only refused to accuse her, but also challenged her accusers: "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" John 8:7b (NLT)

One by one, they dropped their stones, turned and left. Jesus' words proved to the crowd and to this broken woman that, despite her sin and the mistakes she had made, her life mattered.

Certainly this woman knew she'd done wrong. Maybe deep in her heart she felt she deserved her punishment. Maybe she hung her head ready to accept the blows, thinking her life lacked purpose. But Jesus knew her worth. Her value. He knew the purposes for which He'd created her. And He wanted her to know that, too.

None of us is a throwaway person, because no one is ever beyond repair in God's eyes. He is the ultimate restorer of people, hearts and lives. Restoration brings transformation, and the faith to believe our lives truly do matter to God.

Lord, thank You for loving me, despite me. Help me see the value You see in me and to trust You have an amazing plan for my future. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Ephesians 1:7, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace in Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles

Today's devotion was taken from Tracie Miles' new book, Your Life Still Counts, releasing in October 2014. If you believe in this message and want to help spread the word, consider joining Tracie's Your Life Still Counts Launch Team! Click here for all the info.

Get connected with Tracie on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date about the book release and fun giveaways, parties and contests.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
If you have ever felt broken, void of value and purpose, or like a throwaway person, will you embrace who you are in Christ and allow Him to fill you with joy and wholeness?

© 2014 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

AUGUST 7, 2014

Read This Before Making That Decision
LYSA TERKEURST


"He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water." Isaiah 49:10b (NIV)

Do you need to make a decision about something that seems so exciting, but you can't seem to shake the hesitation in your heart?

My husband, Art, and I have a friend named Wes who has been fascinated with pilots and planes since he was a little boy. For years he dreamed of the life he's now living as a flight-school instructor.

It's thrilling. But recently it's all become a bit more complicated. The owner of the flight school decided to offer Wes the opportunity to buy him out. It's an amazing opportunity. But a scary one. One that created a bit of hesitation for Wes.

Art and I both have spent lots of time processing this decision with Wes. I've helped him with assessing the costs to this endeavor: the cost to him personally, the cost to his young wife, and the cost of everyday pressures people who own their own businesses feel.

As we were talking one day, I shared with him a picture I keep in my mind when making decisions.

Imagine this opportunity as an amazingly attractive but fast-moving river. There is so much that looks extremely appealing about this river, that you're going to be tempted to jump right in. But once in the river, you have diminished your ability to make decisions.

That river is moving so fast that it will take you where it is going. And if you haven't carefully determined in advance whether you want to go all the places where the river flows, you'll be in trouble.

College students declaring their majors should trace the places that career will take them. If you think you want to major in chemistry but hate working in a lab or hospital, trace that river's path before jumping in.

Dating couples who are thinking about marriage should trace out what the term "settle down" means to each of them. If one is thinking mission field in a third-world country and the other a townhouse in middle America, trace that river's path before jumping in.

Moms who are thinking about a new business opportunity should trace out all the expenses of getting started, including upfront costs, childcare and inventory. If a mom's desire is to stay at home with the kids but this business will require her to be gone every night of the week, trace that river's path before jumping in.

Before jumping into the river, you have the ability to walk up and down the banks of the river with ease.

You have the ability to stick your toes in and consider what this water will be like.

You can talk to other wise people who know things about this river. And sit quietly listening for God's voice, reading His Word and looking for confirmation on what to do next.

But once you jump in, the current has a way of demanding your full attention. It's not that you can't make adjustments once you're in the river; it's just a lot harder to go a different direction once you're in it.

Several verses describing God's leading, directing and guiding beside the water have been great comfort to me:

• "He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water" (Isaiah 49:10b).
• "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake" (Psalm 23:1-3, NKJV).
• "With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel" (Jeremiah 31:9, ESV).

These are comforting to me because a lot is talked about in the Christian world about stepping out in faith — which I believe in wholeheartedly.

I believe God clearly instructs some to jump right in.

But that doesn't mean God calls everyone to jump right in. Sometimes the greater act of faith is to let God lead us, talk to us and instruct us beside the water.

Dear Lord, I want to really think about this river before jumping in. Reveal anything I might not be seeing right now. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

RELATED RESOURCES:
Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom-based decision-making process in Lysa's new book, The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. It releases August 12, but you can pre-order your copy today and receive free resources valued at $50! Click here to purchase your copy.

Consider taking some quiet time to slow down and assess your situation with Lysa's free, 5-day devotional, the Unrush Me Challenge. Click here to sign up.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What river are you about to jump into? Write down the good and bad places this river could take you to, then pray over these things.

© 2014 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 AUGUST 8, 2014

Finding His Power in the Midst of Our Storms
LIZ CURTIS HIGGS


"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

It was a dark and stormy night. Alone in my writing study, I pounded away on my laptop computer, while the air conditioner hummed in the background, holding the summer heat at bay.

A glance at the clock confirmed the late hour, with many pages yet to be written. After several extensions on my book deadline, the pressure was intense. Like having five college term papers due the same day.

On my calendar I'd circled July 22, the day my family and I would head to Pennsylvania for a reunion my sister had planned for two years. If it meant writing around the clock, I had to finish my manuscript before we left town.

All at once a deafening crack of thunder sounded overhead, and the lights blinked out. After saving my work on the laptop's hard drive, I located a candle and made the most of my waning battery.

Our power returned the next afternoon, but not for long. A second storm left our old farmhouse in the dark — this time for two days. My editor called to check on my progress. "Not good," I confessed. "We've lost power. Again."

Although my laptop was portable, my many bookshelves full of resources were not, which ruled out moving to a hotel room or a friend's kitchen table. When the electricity finally returned, I brushed away tears of relief and fired up my computer.

One week later, a third storm struck.

The blackout was so massive our city made the national news. Five powerless days dragged by. Meals were fast food, showers were cold, and tempers were short. After my husband tracked down an overpriced generator, I had electricity flowing into my laptop. What wasn't flowing were words or ideas, as my stress mounted.

When July 22 dawned, I still had two dozen chapters to go. Genuine panic set in. My siblings and I hadn't gathered in one place for nearly a decade. How could I miss my own family reunion? Yet how could I go, when my publishing contract required a completed manuscript — right away, if not sooner?

I didn't dare phone my editor and ask for more time. Heartsick, I called my sister instead and begged for mercy.

Guilt washed over me as I helped my family pack. My husband promised he would hug all my relatives, especially my understanding sister. But I still felt awful.

With a heavy heart I watched our car disappear down the driveway, then returned to my desk, determined to write nonstop. I'd paid a terrible price for this time, and I wasn't about to waste it.

My fingers flew over the keys. By nightfall, I'd almost completed another chapter. Then the unthinkable happened: the lights blinked out again.

"Nooo!" I shrieked, fumbling for my cell phone. With trembling hands I called the utility company, only to hear, "Could be an hour, ma'am. Could be tomorrow. Sorry."

I sank across my desk, tears flowing in earnest. Sorry? I was the sorry one. Sorry I hadn't started sooner and worked harder. Sorry I'd sent my family off without me. Sorry I'd once again put my work first.

I closed my eyes, afraid of the truth. Are You punishing me, Lord? I didn't really think He was; blackouts from summer thunderstorms are business as usual in Kentucky. But I still felt the weight of regret. Lord, can You help me? Please?

In the silence of my study, I was unprepared for the sudden whir of the air conditioner and the lights blinking back on.

Oh, Father. Thank You.

I could credit Louisville Gas & Electric for prompt service. But the truth is, the Lord alone fully restored my trust in His mighty power. Not only to meet my immediate need, but also to provide the forgiveness I needed even more.

Ten summers have come and gone since that night in my study, and another family reunion is around the corner. Am I facing another book deadline? I am. Will I miss that reunion? Not for one minute.

I have a long way to go, but this I know: we can depend on God's strength, instead of our own, and show His love best by putting others first.

Lord, You know I'm a slow learner. Thank You for Your patience, Your persistence and Your grace. Thank You for allowing me to learn things the hard way, so I'm more likely to remember them. And thank You for choosing provision over punishment. How You do love us, Lord! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 147:5, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." (NIV)

1 Peter 5:10, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Liz Curtis Higgs writes about a gal in Scripture who knew how to stand firm in a storm. Read The Girl's Still Got It for the story of Ruth.

Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace in Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles

Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa TerKeurst

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Have you ever forgotten to call upon God's strength when yours was depleted? What were the results?

Consider posting a reminder, a Scripture verse or a simple drawing of a power cord where you'll see it daily, prompting you to call on God first when the next storm blows in.

© 2014 by Liz Curtis Higgs. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 AUGUST 12, 2014

I Dread Saying Yes But Feel Powerless to Say No
LYSA TERKEURST


"... for at one time you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV)

I have a confession to make: I want people to like me. I want to please people. And sometimes it gets me in trouble.

I dread saying yes, but feel powerless to say no. Life seems to rush at me every day in the form of endless demands. And I just keep saying yes, yes, yes to the requests that come my way.

But then my schedule is so packed it feels like I literally can't think straight. Because I have no margin, everything my kids do feels like an interruption. And anything extra my husband asks of me causes bitter resentment to rise up. Instead of talking calmly to those I love, I snarl, snap and scream.

Saying yes to everything won't make me Wonder Woman. It will make me a worn-out woman.

Can you relate?

I think to some extent we can all be people pleasers at times.

We all want to be liked. There's nothing wrong with that. But as we travel the path toward love and acceptance, let's take a look at two of the possible motivations behind people-pleasing.

One motivation is to give love out of the kindness of our hearts. In giving love, we feel love. That's good.

Another motivation is to give to others out of what we hope to get in return — love. In getting love from what we do, we feel desperate to do more to get more. That's dangerous.

It's this second motivation that gets us into trouble with people-pleasing. It's not wrong to want to make others feel loved, happy and pleased. But if we are doing it with the motivation of getting love and things in return, we set ourselves up for trouble.

Being in a constant state of trying to get love by doing more and more leads to exhaustion.

Exhaustion for the giver. Exhaustion for the taker. Exhaustion for the relationship all together.

Ephesians 5:8-10 says, "... for at one time you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

I like the explanation of what the fruit or evidence is when we walk as children of light — doing what is good, right and true — as we discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

I am challenged to make this a filter for the decisions I'm making today. If I'm seeking to please the Lord, I will ask some questions before agreeing to do something for another person: Am I doing this with good motives, right intentions and true expectations?

Or am I doing this with:

Fearful motives ... They might not like me if I say no.

Skewed intentions ... If I do this for them, will they be more likely to do that for me?

Unrealistic expectations ... I just know if I give a little more, they'll affirm me and I'm desperate for their affirmation.

Wherever we focus our attention the most will become the driving force in our lives.

The more I focus on trying to figure out how to please people, the more of a magnified force people-pleasing will become in my life. The more I focus on trying to figure out how to please God, the more of a magnified force He will become in my life.

My focus. My choice.

Dear Lord, help me break away from my people-pleasing tendencies with wrong motives. Guide me in my daily decisions as I battle fear, skewed intentions and unrealistic expectations. I want to make You the focus, Father, so that You continue to become the magnified force in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Thessalonians 2:4, "On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." (NIV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love in Lysa's new book, The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. It releases TODAY! Click here to purchase your copy.

Overcome your people-pleasing tendencies with friends by your side as you participate in The Best Yes Bible study together! This six-session study includes a DVD with teachings from Lysa, along with an interactive study guide that's helpful for any group. Click here to get started!

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Have you experienced the cycle of doing more to get more?

Search your heart and ask, What are my motives? Am I seeking to please people or honor God in this situation? You may need to place healthy boundaries in your relationships with others so that you can learn when to say yes and when to say no.

© 2014 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.