Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

Then & Now - Week of September 8


"God Is With Him."
1 Samuel 16:18

Call it American Idol, 1,000 BC.

King Saul's people were looking for a new musician for the palace. They scoured the countryside, looking for the right talent. King Saul was very choosy, very irritable. So they couldn't make a mistake.

Their search led them to David, a young man still in his teens. David had all the right qualities.

He was goodlooking.

He had courage.

He was an incredible musician.

He was an eloquent speaker.

But there is one quality David possessed that stood about above the rest. "The Lord is with Him," people said.

Who said teenagers can't be passionate for God? Who says teenagers can't experience God's presence in their lives? Who says teens can't be a light in a dark world?

Let me ask you a question. If a journalist traveled to your school, your home, your sports practice, your iPod, your mySpace, your scrapbook, your journal—would it be said of you, "The Lord is with him," or "The Lord is with Her."?

In other words, do people know you're a Christian? Do they see it in the way you live your life?

I'm not talking about bumper-sticker Christianity. I'm not talking about wearing a WWJD bracelet or sporting a Fish symbol on your car or wearing a loud Christian t-shirt. That works for some people.

But what really shines the light of Christ into a dark world is your transformed life. How you treat people. The way you carry yourself. Integrity in the classroom. Grace toward your parents and siblings. Love for those who treat you wrongly.

That's Christianity in shoe leather. Christianity that makes a difference. Christianity that attracts.

Think:

Do your closest friends even know you're a Christian?
Would people say about you, "Wow, there's something really different and refreshing about him or her."? 
Daniel Darling is an author and pastor with a passion for young people. He is the author of Teen People of the Bible, a 100-day devotional for teens. Visit him at danieldarling.com

[Judy Harder]

September 15, 2008

In Jesus' Name

Micca Monda Campbell

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18 (NIV)

Devotion:

Children learn by copying their parents. They may not always understand their parents' actions or words, still, they often adopt them as their own. The other day, our son offered the mealtime prayer. In usual fashion he finished the prayer by adding the tag line, "in Jesus Name." This time, he questioned the "why" behind the words he had been taught to say.

Looking up from his plate, Parker inquired. "Why do we end our prayers in Jesus' Name?" Great question! I don't know if you've noticed, but we end our daily devotions with the same phrase. Perhaps you've also wondered why.

Growing up, I was taught that praying in the Name of Jesus meant we were in agreement with Him. That sounds good, but what exactly are we agreeing with?

In the book of Luke, we find a woman who knew the importance of agreeing with Christ. During Christ's absence, his beloved friend Lazarus took ill and died. When Jesus eventually returned to town, He found Lazarus' two sisters, Mary and Martha, in deep grief because of their loss. Martha ran out to meet Him. "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you" (11:21-22).

Martha's statement of faith, "I know whatever you ask of God, He will give you" is significant to why we pray in Jesus' Name. Martha understood that God had given Jesus all authority over heaven and earth, and wouldn't deny the requests of His Son. In other words, Martha agreed--by her expression of faith--that Jesus had the authority to change her present situation if He so desired. That's exactly what He did by resurrecting Lazarus from the dead!

Martha may not have been sure of much that dark day, but she was certain of who Jesus was--who God was--and the importance of their relationship with one another. Martha knew there was no higher court to petition than Christ.

In times of helplessness, you and I understand the importance of authority and what it can do for us. It's why we ask to speak to the manager of a store in order to solve a problem the clerk has no authority over. We do so because we know the manager has the power and authority to act on our behalf. In a similar manner, we pray in the Name of Jesus because He has the authority--and the power--to accomplish what we cannot without Him.

When you and I pray in the Name of Jesus, we are exercising the same kind of faith Martha expressed. We are agreeing with and claiming the authority of Christ over our circumstances. And we are praying with power--the same kind of power that raised Lazarus from the dead!

We may not be sure of much. But we can be certain that through the authority given Jesus, you and I can boldly make our requests known to God.

Dear Lord Jesus, I believe that whatever you ask God, according to His will, on my behalf, He will give you--and He will give me. My request is __________. I ask it in the powerful Name of Jesus who has all authority over heaven and earth, Amen.

Related Resources:

My First Story of Jesus by Tim Dowley

Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your in Life by Sarah Young

Do you know Him?

Visit Micca Campbell's blog

Application Steps:

The next time you pray in the Name of Jesus, think about what you are saying. You are confessing and agreeing with Christ's authority given to Him by God. You are praying with power. And you are saying that you believe God will not ignore Christ, or you.

Reflections:

What new insight have you learned about praying in the Name of Jesus?

How does praying with the same kind of power that raised Lazarus from the dead impact your prayer life?

Who gave Christ power and authority?

Will God ever deny Christ's authority--why or why not?

Power Verses:

David 7:14, "He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (NIV)

1 Peter: 1:6-9, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (KJV)

Luke 4:6, "And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to." (NIV)

© 2008 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

September 16, 2008

Poison Ivy

Van Walton

"... watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you.

But you must subdue it and be its master."

Genesis 4:7b" (NLT)         

Devotion:

My friend Wendy brought her children and their friends to my house for several hours of play in the backyard pool. We chatted while they entertained themselves.

I remember observing young Griffin's curious mind as he ventured into the woods. His busy and energetic body refused to adapt to the games the other children wanted to play. Following his heart, he crept out of the pool and found purpose after strolling around the yard. For a few minutes he handed branches to my husband, helping him feed the chipper. Then he picked up a rake. In no time he began to change the landscape. He cleared a path for my dog and piled leaves creating a soft bed. He set stones in place creating a protected space for the food dish and water bowl.

What an industrious boy! He amazed me with his vision, strength, and positive attitude. I wanted him to come live with me - surely his presence would keep the atmosphere in my home lively. I remember thinking, "What a good boy!"

When he completed his project he asked, "Would you like to see what I did?" In single-file we followed him, listening attentively as he pointed out each accomplished task.

Then I spotted it. I never expected to find what I stumbled upon while admiring my newly landscaped yard. My delighted heart turned to dread, for there surrounding all of Griffin's hard work ... was Poison Ivy!

My countenance grimaced and my stomach flip-flopped.

Innocently, without suspecting, Griffin had walked through a bed of nasty plants. Never mind that he was involved in good works or that He had done nothing wrong. He had not purposefully stepped into a bad place. It just so happened that the vine had crawled along the ground, hiding under dead leaves and climbing tree trunks, camouflaged by other clingy vegetation.

We had no idea whether Griffin had come in contact with the evil poison. Regardless, we had to devise a plan to protect him from the outcome: miserable days filled with an itchy rash.

I grabbed Wendy and told her to get Griffin into the tub. Mixing a concoction we hoped would bring relief, we doused that unsuspecting boy. We rid him of any residue that might leave its painful mark.

The encounter with the poison ivy reminded me that not a day goes by that we don't step out into life with a plan to accomplish our goals. We may set out to do good things, to change the world, and to serve others. But what we don't realize is, temptation and sin can be just around the corner looking to grab hold of us and spread its poison all over our best-laid plans.

We need to know and teach our children what poisonous plants look like. But even more, we need to teach them to recognize sin and run from it. Even a minor brush with sin can leave its poisonous mark.

Thankfully, when we get too close to sin, we can rid ourselves of its toxins by confessing to Jesus and asking for His cleansing.

Dear Lord, You have taught me many lessons about sin. I know it's seriousness, and how it prowls around seeking to destroy me. I know first-hand how easily we can fall prey to its creepy deception. Please forgive my sins and give me the wisdom to recognize sin ahead of time and flee. Help me influence the young ones in my life and teach them the truth about sin. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Van's blog

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton 

Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman: Lies that got me there, Truths that brought me back by Lyndell Hetrick Holtz

Little Halos, a teaching tool for parents created by Van Walton

Application Steps: 

Soldiers prepare for the enemy by learning their foes' tactics. Take time to teach your children about the nature of sin.

Reflections: 

Without frightening my children, have I explained sin and its consequences?

What common situations in the daily life of my children can I use to warn them about sin? 

Power Verses:

Matthew 24:22, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect..." (NIV)

2 Corinthians 7:1, "...let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (NASB)

Titus 2:4, "He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."  (NLT)

© 2008 by Van Walton. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

September 17, 2008

Longing To Be a Lily

Luann Prater

"See how the lilies of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin." Matthew 6:27-28 (NIV)

Devotion:

"They are simply stunning," she raved, referring to the massive clump of iris blooms. Two years ago we moved that batch of flowers with us to this house, even though they had never produced one single blossom. We had hopes that given enough sun, space and care, they might just surprise us. And they did -- just like my daughter, Tiffany.

We celebrated our youngest daughter's college graduation recently, followed immediately by her engagement. It was during this gala event that our friend noticed the striking array of blooms leading up to our door. The lilies captured her attention.

The day after my visitors left, I sat at work pondering my daughter's life. I had been thinking that day about how close I came to aborting my Tiffany, how incredibly hopeless I felt 22 years ago. But in the midst of it all, God had sent a 96 year-old angel by the name of Mrs. Metcalf to gently pat my hand and proclaim, "This baby will be a blessing." Soon after, those 6 words echoed in my mind as I sat in the waiting room at Planned Parenthood. When they called my name, I cried and ran for the door. I did not abort my baby.

While I was thanking God for Tiffany's life, the phone rang. It was my counseling minister at church calling to ask for help. He'd just hung up from talking with a distraught mother who discovered she was pregnant...again. Her life was in turmoil and she had an appointment the next day for an abortion. He knew my story and asked if I would consider calling her. Isn't God amazing?

Please know that my life was not without many challenges after I made the decision to have my child. But this particular week I rejoiced that God urged a neighbor to come along side me and whisper words of hope.

So here I was with the opportunity to share my story with someone so close to the same decision. I called her. I didn't preach, but simply told her my story. I told her how much I understood her panic, her fear, and her doubt, and it brought us together. Then I shared that 22 years ago I could never have imagined standing and applauding my daughter at her college graduation. Tiffany in turn has touched many others by her joyful, bubbly life. How could I have known the plans that God had in store for that precious baby in my womb? I didn't, but God did. And He used Mrs. Metcalf to speak to me.

Mrs. Metcalf was my lily -- my attention getter. She didn't toil or spin trying to figure out what to say to me, or force her influence on my decision. Instead, she simply glowed with God's beauty.

Is there a life near you that needs a lily -- a display of God's love, a place to feel His care? Are you willing to just simply be there for someone today and let God love him or her through you?

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us beautiful examples of how we should live our lives, like the lilies; simple, fragrant, outstanding. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

* We praise God for this beautiful story from Luann's life. However, we realize that some of you may have suffered through the pain of an abortion. Therefore, we are running a devotion tomorrow written by Lysa where she'll share her story, and the hope and healing that can be found following an abortion.

Related Resources:

Traveling Together, by Karla Worley

Who Holds the Key To Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst. (Lysa wrote this book and Bible study specifically for people who are suffering in silence due to regrets from their past.)

Do You Know Jesus?

Visit Luann's Blog

Application Steps: 

Live this day as if there was no one to impress. Focus on God. Simply be.

Reflections: 

What do I busy myself with in an effort to please God?

How do I spend my day?

Why do I worry about being useful?

Power Verses:

Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (NIV) 

John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV) 

1 Corinthians 3:7, "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (NIV) 

© 2008 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

September 18, 2008

My Secret

Lysa TerKeurst

"I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant. Their faces are never covered with shame."

Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)

Devotion:

The young teenage girl named Sidney sat across from me with eyes full of emotion. Her voice choked out a whispered, "thank you," as she turned and kissed the chubby-cheeked little boy sitting in the baby carrier beside her. Just one year earlier, I'd sat across from this same precious girl listening to her plans to have an abortion the next day. Panic, confusion and fear consumed her and made her feel as though she had no other choice. As soon as she spoke those words, tears fell from both of our eyes. Hers were tears of relief. Mine were tears of redemption. Both were wrapped in the hope that God truly can take even our worst mistakes and somehow bring good from them.

Yesterday, you read Luann's beautiful devotion about her making the last minute decision to not abort her baby. Sixteen years ago I was also a young woman panicked and sitting in an abortion clinic. Only unlike Luann and Sidney, tragically, I kept my appointment. And I can honestly say, the grief that entered my life that day has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. For years I kept this secret buried deep within my heart. I was so ashamed, so horrified, so convinced that if anyone ever found out I'd had an abortion, I'd be rejected by all my church friends and deemed a woman unfit to serve God.

So I suffered in silence, wrapped in a cloak of shame.

Going to church was incredibly hard during those years. I was convinced I was the only Christian woman who'd ever had an abortion. I'd never heard another Christian woman share this as a part of her testimony. Never did I hear of anyone speak of the hope and grace that Jesus provides to those of us who were suffering from making that decision. I only heard well-meaning Christians debate the issue of abortion with very strong words. Their words stung, made my heart seize and my eyes feel like they'd explode into a flood of a million tears.

Don't get me wrong, the issue of abortion is serious and we should take a strong stand against it. But we must also remember that it's more than a topic of religious and political debate. For one in three women within the church, it is one of the most painful parts of their life story. One for which they want to find forgiveness and healing, but are too afraid of being judged to share their secret with anyone.

So they suffer in silence, wrapped in a cloak of shame.

Sweet friend, is this you? Are you in this place? Can I offer you a lifeline today? There is hope and healing that can be found. It is possible to be forgiven and to let go of the emotional pain. For me, there were three things that helped my healing more than anything. First, I sought help from my local Crisis Pregnancy Center who offered a Post Abortion Bible Study. Secondly, I named my baby and wrote a letter promising to make his life count by sharing our story to help others. And lastly, I kept my promise to my child and asked God to give me the courage to share my story with someone in order to help them.

Remember Sidney ? She was one of the first people I ever told. Seeing God bring good out of what Satan meant for such evil in my life, did more to heal my heart than almost anything else.

Dear Lord, please tenderly give us the courage to face the secrets hidden in our hearts. Lord, we ask for your forgiveness. And we ask for your healing. Please help us see some kind of good come from our past mistakes. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to read the letter she wrote to her child that she referred to in today's devotion.

Who Holds the Key To Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst. This book and Bible study were written specifically for people who are suffering in silence due to shame from their past.

Reflections:
Spend some time asking Jesus how He wants you to respond to today's devotion.

Application:
Take time to pray for women in your community and church who are suffering from the pain of abortion.

Consider giving your time and resources to help your local Pregnancy Care Center minister to women in your community.

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (NIV)

Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (NIV)

© 2008 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.

[Judy Harder]

September 19, 2008

When I'm Not There, God is

Glynnis Whitwer

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

Devotion:

I watched the weather report with heightened concern. A winter snowstorm in the White Mountains was normally great news. It meant the ski lifts would soon be open and that our dry state would benefit from moisture. Today, however, it had a more ominous meaning, for my son Dylan was in the path of the storm.

Dylan and his high school wrestling team had been at a tournament in the mountains for a few days. They were due to be leaving soon, and my concern turned to dread as I pictured those desert dwellers trying to navigate through a snowstorm. My panicked mind reviewed all the horror stories of school sports teams, in vans or buses, going off the road. As I imagined the curving Mogollon Rim road with blinding snow, my heart started to pound.

The ringing of the phone jarred me from my unhealthy thoughts, and I heard my son's voice on the other end. "Mom," he said. "We're leaving right now to try and beat the storm." I breathed a prayer of thanks for those coaches who cared more about the kids' safety than finishing the tournament, but continued my worry.

Never before had I experienced such a longing to have my son safe in my arms. But that wasn't possible. Dylan had to make that journey home in the care of others. Thankfully, in the midst of that worry, God reminded me that Dylan wasn't just in the care of those coaches, but that He was watching over Dylan.

I've struggled with this issue of worry over my children's safety since they were born. Because of my tendency to worry, I have the potential to be over-protective. However, years ago, God revealed to me that my fears were born more out of my lack of trust than a healthy concern. The truth was I believed my children were only safe when they were in my care. The reality of this fallen world is my children are only safe in the care of God.

As school starts, and many children head off to classes, sports and clubs, many of us will deal with anxiety over their safety. Instead of being overcome with worry, I've learned to identify the worries that come when I've misplaced my trust. It prompts me to pray more, trust more, and enjoy more of life with my children. By the way, my son and his wrestling team made it home safely that day. We'll be gearing up for more out of town matches in a month or two, and I'll be increasing my prayers.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for caring for my children even more than I do. Thank You for hearing my prayers, and for protecting my children. Help me to learn to trust You more, and to pray more about even the smallest details of their lives. I want to be a mother who trusts You, the true source of all help. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Jesus?

The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for Us by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Traveling Light by Max Lucado

Visit Glynnis Whitwer's blog

Application Steps: 

Make a list of the times when you are most concerned for your child's safety. Commit to praying every day for a week regarding these specific needs. Hopefully this will jump start a pattern of consistent prayer. If you aren't currently parenting a child at home, identify a child you know and pray for him or her.

Reflections: 

Why is it important for a parent (or any adult) to pray for children?

According to Psalm 91, from what does God protect His people?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (NIV)

Psalm 4:8, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." (NIV)

Matthew 18:10, "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (NIV)

© 2008 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

Who is Jesus

The Prince of Peace... The Word made man... Savior and Lord... The King of Kings... The Lion of Judah... The Lamb of God

When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his followers, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They answered, "Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, and still others say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Then Jesus asked them, "And who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered, "You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because no person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am." (Matthew 16:13-17, NCV)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Christians answer the question "Who Is Jesus?" they build their answer on the Bible – on the things Jesus said about Himself, on the prophecies from the Old Testament that foretold his coming, and the doctrines laid out about Christ through the rest of the New Testament.

There is little historical question that Jesus existed (click here to study the evidence from non-Christian sources, collected by Probe Ministries), but people do often wonder about His divine nature, His miracles, and His offer of eternal salvation through grace "first to the Jew and also to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16)... in other words, to all mankind.

Because the love that Jesus offers comes in the form of a "personal relationship" with Him, many believers have particular definitions about who the Lord is to them. At Crosswalk.com, we want to give you the Biblical basics about this amazing, paradoxical Savior who is simultaneously the Son of God and Son of Man.

The gospel of Jesus is literally "good news," so we hope you enjoy exploring the miracle and wonder of what the God of all creation did for you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Judy Harder]

September 22, 2008

Please Don't Leave!

Marybeth Whalen

"Do not leave here, I pray You, until I return to You and bring my offering and set it before You. And He said, I will wait until you return."

Judges 6:18 (AMP)

Devotion:

My two year-old daughter has learned a new phrase that tugs at my heart. Whether I am going on a date with my husband, or walking out of the room after putting her to bed, or just running quickly to the library to return books, I hear the same thing: "Mommy, don't leave me!" As she has gotten older and more aware of both my presence and my absence, she is much quicker to express the desperate feeling she experiences when I am not with her. She responds with a heartfelt cry--one that is not unique to a two year-old. Whether we are saying it to our spouse, our children, or our friends, we all know that desperate feeling of not wanting to be left.



It is no different in our walk with God. In the story of Gideon, we see him wrestling with many issues that we wrestle with today. Did God really ask me to do that? Am I capable? Am I worthy? Do I have what it takes? And we see him reacting as I think many of us do. We look to God in the midst of our wrestling and say, just like my two year-old, "Don't leave me while I sort this out!"



The more we walk with Him, the more aware we become of the benefits of resting in His presence. We know what we receive from Him and we crave more. We have felt the warmth of His embrace and we want more time in His lap. We know the power only He can infuse us with and we want to stay connected to that. And yet, as we scurry about in our busy lives, we are likely to look over and accuse Him of leaving us--when really it is the other way around.



I love God's response to Gideon as he desperately cries out for Him not to leave. Very lovingly and patiently God replies, "I'll be right here." I see God saying the same thing to all of us today. As you race to pick up your child at school, you call out over your shoulder, "Don't leave me!" As you rush off to work, your mind filled with the things you need to do, you say to Him, "Please don't leave God!" As you carry out the things He has called you to, needing Him more than ever, He lovingly replies, "Go do what you need to do, and I will be right here." The New American Standard version of this verse says, "I will remain until you return." He is a God who remains.

Gideon's story comforts me not because he went on to fight a victorious battle and become a hero in Israel. Gideon's story comforts me because he knew he needed the Lord and he understood his profound need for God's presence. He experienced an abiding relationship with God that became his foundation and his fortress. I love knowing that when I desperately call out, "Don't leave me!" He will lovingly reply, "I'm not going anywhere." Every time.

Dear Lord, I praise You for being the God who remains. Even though I might run off, I know You are always there waiting for me. Thank You for Your patience with me and Your abiding love. Help me to draw close to Your presence no matter what is going on in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Visit Marybeth Whalen's blog

Application Steps: 

Is there someone in your life who needs to know that God has not left them? Find a way today to share with them that God remains. He is Yahweh Shammah, "The Lord is there."

Reflections: 

Do you need to be assured today that God has not left you? Have circumstances in your life overtaken the truth of scripture and convinced you that God is not aware of your situation? How can you reconnect with His presence and experience His abiding, steadfast love today?

If you have some tips to share or would like to learn more about how to remain in God's presence in the midst of the busyness that distracts us, Marybeth will be discussing this on her blog today.

Power Verses:

Joshua 1:5, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (NIV) 

Psalm 146:5-6, "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--the Lord, who remains faithful forever." (NIV)

II Timothy 2:13, "If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (NIV)

© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

September 23, 2008

Do You Want to Get Well?

Wendy Blight

"Pick up your mat and walk."

John 5:11 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

Are you familiar with the story of the man on the mat found in the Gospel of John? As the story opens, we find Jesus entering Jerusalem after a tiring journey. His Father led Him to a dirty, smelly pool of water. Every day the lame, weak, and sick gathered at this pool, believing an angel would come down, touch the water, and fill it with healing powers. Whoever entered the pool first received instant healing. As Jesus wandered through the crowd, God drew his eyes to an invalid lying on a mat.

Jesus looked deep into his soul and asked, "Do you want to get well?"

"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Have you ever felt like this invalid? Are you paralyzed by fear, despair, isolation, or self-pity? Do you believe you are the victim of unfortunate circumstances?

I lived like that invalid for over a decade. In 1986 at age 21, I was raped by a masked stranger hiding in my apartment. Before that day, I loved my life. I had just completed four years of college and graduated with honors. I had dated and become engaged to a wonderful man. I had even been voted a homecoming princess and had an amazing job waiting for me. After that day, worldly praise and blessings meant nothing. My attacker's vile and cruel act shattered my hopes and my dreams.

After that I lived in a prison of fear and despair. Then I encountered Christ in this gospel story. The words Jesus spoke to the crippled man pierced my soul. I realized that I was the man on the mat. I enjoyed being the victim. I had become accustomed to my place of sorrow. Worse, I was comfortable there.

I came to know the truth of Hebrews 4:12: "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." God's Word spoke personally to me. I knew I needed to take a first step.

I surrendered my fear, my pity, and my grief, and opened my heart to God's Word. I learned He had a plan for my life and a purpose for my pain. I knew I would never see it until I had the courage to get up and walk.

If you find yourself on a mat, will you trust me and open God's Word? God will speak into your heart promises of hope and healing. However, before you can take that step off your mat, you must surrender your fear, self-pity, and despair. Sweet friend, God is waiting. Will you take the first step?

Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, My Creator and my Savior. I love You and thank You that You love me with an everlasting and unconditional love. Since You created me and chose me as Your own, Father, I give myself to You now, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I give you permission to come in and wash me clean. Heal me of my hurts. Take away my pain. Remove anything in my life that hinders my relationship with You. Fill me with the fullness of Your Spirit and enable me to take the first step off my mat. Show me the great plans You have for me. I ask this in the powerful name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Jesus?

Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight (To be released February 2009 -- pre order your copy today!)

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

List some practical steps you are going to take to make this happen. Write a prayer asking God to implement your plan.

Reflections: 

Are you stuck on a mat? Do you find yourself giving excuses?

Is there something in your life keeping you from God's plan? Are you willing to trust God with whatever "it" is, get off your mat, open His Word and let Him bring His hope and healing into your life?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 41:17, "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs." (NIV)

Psalm 40:1-2, "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)

© 2008 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

September 24, 2008

One

Wendy Pope

"We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 (NIV)

Devotion:

What difference can one make? In a world of over 6 billion people, what can one do? In Jesus' three years of ministry on this earth, thousands followed Him. Thousands needed Him. Out of the thousands Jesus ministered to, one mattered ...

the one waiting at the pool of Bethesda .

the one leper who was healed.

the one woman at the well.

the one whose son died.

the one who touched the hem of His garment.

the one whose demon was cast out.

the one whose sight was restored.



One matters. One can also make a difference. One has power.

One mattered to us as a ministry when we received a plea through our prayer line. She was about to take her life. She felt she had nothing to live for, no reason, and no hope. We heard her cry, the soul-reaching, heart-breaking cry of one.

At Proverbs 31 Ministries, the cry of one stops our "normal" work day noise and we gather together to pray. As we joined hands and prayed for the cry of this one, the room was filled with God's presence and His love for this one. He answered our prayer for one and, with praise and thanksgiving, she cried out again:

"Lord, Jesus, I give you praise and humble thanks. I was in extreme distress. I screamed out in pain into cyberspace, overwhelmed and gripped in an attack. I was caught in a suicide space falling and planned to die. I was trapped and could not escape this. I was terrified and ashamed, caught in a deep undercurrent of self destructive feelings. There was no way out. The pressures were too much. Then I received an answer to my cries. Help, love and concern flooded into this dark space, people who cared and stayed with me, passing all kinds of lifelines, they prayed for me. Thank you Lord for these dear and true daughters of Yours."

As daughters of Christ, His chosen ones, it is our delightful purpose to reflect Jesus, the One and only, to one at a time.

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to think of Jesus sending us into the world to preach the good news. But it doesn't have to be. When we reach out to just one person in Jesus' name, we change the world.

Did you know that you are one of 250,000 subscribers to our Encouragement for Today devotion? Just think if every one receiving this devotion reached out in Jesus' name today to pray for a hurting soul, help a neighbor, bless a co-worker, encourage a child, mentor a friend, or come alongside a ministry and partner together to reach just one. What a difference we could make!

Dear Lord, In this world one seems insignificant but with You one is very powerful. It is my desire to be one who reflects and pleases You in everything I do, everyday of my life. Forgive me when I fall short. Help me see the world through the lenses of Your eyes and respond to what I see with the actions of Your hands and Your feet, with the words of Your mouth and the thoughts of Your mind. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Click here to find out how you can partner with Proverbs 31 Ministries to make a difference through the power of one.

Do You Know Jesus, the One and only?

Application Steps: 

Become a Proverbs 31 Ministries' prayer partner and join us as we pray for the ones that cry out to us through our prayer line every day.

Pray about partnering with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Later today, our Executive Director will share the financial needs of the ministry and invite you to join us by giving one dollar, for all the ones this ministry reaches with the love of Christ.

Reflections: 

What can I do differently to reflect God more clearly to those around me?

What keeps me from choosing to give to one?

What is God teaching me through today's devotion?

Power Verses:

1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (NIV)

James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does." (NASB)

© 2008 Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org