Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

January 12, 2009

Her Children Arise and Call Her Busy

Sandy Cooper, She Speaks Conference

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

I Thessalonians 4:11&12 (NIV)

Devotion:

"Mom, will you please tell me a story?" my eight-year-old daughter asked me recently. It had been one of those insanely packed days, full of errands, chores and activities... and it wasn't over yet. My mind strained to keep everything in order for the remaining events we had planned for the evening. I was coordinating our homeless outreach followed by plans to attend my husband's softball game. Kids had to be fed, pottied, properly clothed, and in the right places at the right times. I had to remember to bring supplies, snacks, drinks and driving directions to our various destinations. There was no brain reserve left for creative stories.

"I'm sorry, honey. I can't tell you a story right now. I just have too much on my mind."

"That's okay," she said. "I'll tell you a story. Once upon a time," she began, "there was a very busy mom."

Uh oh. This ought to be interesting...

"She woke up every day and she was tired. She made a big pot of coffee and went into her room to pray. She prayed and prayed and prayed...but nothing happened. She did the laundry and went to Target and to the grocery store where she spent lots of money. She made dinner and cleaned the house. She went to help the homeless children. At the end of the day, she was still tired so she went to bed. The end."

Wow. I'm like a twisted version of the Proverbs 31 woman, only much less effective.

I managed to fake a smile and kiss my precious daughter on the head as I blinked back tears. Is that really how she sees me? As a tired woman with a futile prayer life? Overwhelmed and overscheduled? I had always taken pride in the fact that I wasn't busy. Years ago I learned to say "no" to activities that ate into our family time. I value simplicity and solitude. I had even taught Bible studies about it! Yet, somehow in the midst of my un-busy life, I managed to get very busy. And now the children were taking notice. This was something I promised myself would never happen.

That night I couldn't sleep (a very rare thing for me...being as "tired" as I am and all). So at 1:00 am I got up and began journaling. For two hours, I poured out my anxious thoughts to God as I sifted through my schedule to identify where and when things had gone wrong. I listed every activity in which I am currently involved, as well as every household responsibility that was taking up my time. The process was very revealing. I discovered that it wasn't one nasty "culprit" I could quickly cast out of my life, but a series of little culprits to address:

o       Mismanaged time--like checking and responding to e-mails over ten times a day.

o       Commitments which were longer than anticipated--like the freelance job that was supposed to be completed two months ago.

o       Time management systems I previously put in place, but failed to maintain--like my mail filing system and my "write-everything-on-a-master-list" system.

o       Piles of clutter in my home--which often left me feeling exasperated because they represented areas of my life that were out of control.

That night God helped me identify a few key areas I could immediately cut in order to be less busy. He helped me draw up and prioritize a master list of projects to tackle, as well as new chores to delegate to my children. But mostly that night, He reminded me - for what seems like the millionth time - that my children would only be little for a season. And in comparison to the pages of other tasks and responsibilities I had just written in my journal, my commitment to be a Godly wife and mother stood far above them all.

And then He reminded me that He doesn't view me as some kind of "ministry production machine." Nor does He value me because of what I can accomplish in a day. He cherishes me because I am His daughter. When I remember this, I'm much less inclined to add many things to my plate. Instead, I rest in the peace of knowing who I am in Christ and what He has purposed for me to do and be.

Dear Lord, I offer my schedule today to You. Help me remove from my schedule things not in Your perfect will for me. Help me add anything to my schedule that I may have overlooked but is important to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Wendy Pope

Becoming the Mom I Always Wanted to Be, by Renee Swope

A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes

Application Steps:

Prayerfully look over your week's schedule. Decide what can you do to simplify your life.

Reflections:

If time, money or "reputation" were not an issue, what kinds of things would you want to do?

Power Verses:

Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 13, 2009

Returning

Amy Carroll

"Moses returned to the LORD and said, 'O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me?'" Exodus 5:22 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

Tears stung my eyes and my heart ached as I climbed into my car. My emotions swung wildly from assurance that I had said the right things, to doubt in the stance that I had taken. Was I wrong to share with the group that I feel scripturally responsible to teach my sons from II Corinthians 6 to marry a Christ-follower and be "equally yoked" in marriage? I longed to go back to the offended woman and tell her of my great compassion for my fellow sisters who are married to unbelieving husbands. Instead, I pulled out my cell phone to call a friend for some consolation and advice. It was then that the lesson I had learned from the Bible earlier that day pushed its way to the front of my anxious mind.

I'd read in Exodus that morning about Moses in the midst of a very discouraging situation. After years of mistakes, lessons in the desert and insecurity in his speaking skills, he had finally done exactly what the Lord said. He had gone to Pharaoh and said, "Let my people go." Surely now all the pieces would fall into place. He was at the right time and place, and he had obeyed what the Lord had told him. Moses was about to learn a lesson that many of us are facing: The blessings that follow doing God's will are not always the ones we expect.

He may have expected Pharaoh to get a thoughtful look and say, "Of course you can go, Moses. I know that God is leading you, and we just need to do what He says." That's not what happened, though. Not only did Pharaoh mock God, he doled out even harsher treatment to the Israelites by forcing them to continue to make bricks without the provision of straw. The people were outraged, and they turned on Moses. How discouraging! Things weren't going at all the way Moses had imagined. Now that he was on track with God and walking in obedience, life was supposed to get easier. Right?

All the lessons Moses had learned in the desert shepherding for 40 years served him well now. We see that despite his disappointment, he turned to God in prayer. It was a distressed prayer, but it was real and heart-felt. When he faced an indignant Pharaoh and his angry people, Moses returned to God and poured out his heart. Exodus 5:22-23 tells us, "Moses returned to the Lord and said, 'O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.'" (NIV)

When Moses returned to the Lord with the pain that he was feeling, the disappointment in his circumstances, and the confusion about his calling, God met him there. God didn't respond to Moses with anger or rebuke. He answered with a glimpse into future freedom and a rousing message for His people straight from the very heart of God. Moses' struggles didn't end there, but God had given him the encouragement that he needed to forge on toward the calling.

In the car, I set my cell phone down, closed my eyes and bowed my head. I poured out my confusion and disappointment to God, and He met me there. My emotions settled, my mind found rest and God's peace poured over me. He is good! Doing God's will is rarely easy, and the blessings of growth may come wrapped in pain. However, we will find Him to be faithful and His Word sufficient when we return to Him.

Dear Lord, Doing Your will and following You is its own reward. Even though the way may get bumpy as we obey, You are always with us. You are faithful to reassure us and encourage us when we come from the places that our own thoughts take us and return to You. Thank you! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

Developing the Character to Match My Calling message on CD, taught by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Amy's blog for more encouragement today.

Application Steps: 

Are you disappointed in your circumstances despite the fact that you know that you are in God's will? Return to Him in prayer today.

Ask Him to show you verses of encouragement from His Word. Ask Him to strengthen you to complete the task.

Reflections: 

Where do I turn when I'm plagued with fear, doubt, disappointment or anger?

What reminders could I put around me to return to God in prayer during these times?

Power Verses:

John 16:33, "'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'"(NIV) 

I Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad--for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." (NLT)

© 2009 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 14, 2009

Dramatic Sunrise

Van Walton

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete..." James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Devotion:

Have you ever risen early in the morning with one purpose – to watch the sun rise? I especially like to take time for sunrises, so I purposefully chose to rise early each day during my vacation.

One morning I found myself sitting on the dock facing east, looking for the sun to rise up over the lake.

Another morning I sat on the long veranda of a century-old hotel gazing at the Ohio River, waiting for the golden glow that would announce the sun's arrival.

Days later, toward the end of my trip, I wrapped myself in a heavy blanket and curled up in the glider on the front porch of the cabin where I had spent the night. Peering over the Utah landscape, once again I searched the horizon.

Soon a bright orange blaze appeared, forcing me to close my eyes because of its brilliance. In a few seconds, with wide-opened eyes, I continued my search for the morning's drama, only to see a half globe sitting on top of the mountains. I kept watching, not wanting to miss the spectacular sight. Then, in another blink of an eye, the sun lifted itself from the peaks, and hung there in the sky - a perfect golden circle.

That was it. It went so quick. The sun had come up, creeping into the day, and now it simply dangled – a yellow ball in the air, surrounded by blue, looking like a child's simple drawing.

For a few minutes I pondered my disenchantment with this particular sunrise. Is there such a thing as an incomplete, imperfect sunrise? At that moment I believed there was. I had just experienced it. And, I remembered others like it, somewhat lackluster.

Why had the sunrise not impressed me this day? Where was all the drama I had expected? Then I realized there is no drama in a sunrise without clouds.

Clouds - they've been given a bum rap, but all along, these predictors of bad weather, these symbols of negativity, sadness, blues, and gloom really serve to expand light, reflect color, cast dazzling rays, and paint incredible scenes in the sky.

A sunrise without clouds is like a life without trials and hardships. I do all I can to avoid challenges and difficulties, but the fact is the so called "clouds" in my life can cast me in a certain aura of God's splendor. A life free of complications and struggles can resemble a bland sunrise ... little contrast, seemingly dull artistry, and little context in which I can reflect the Son.

Truth is, the people I respect and admire most are those whose lives have been filled with "clouds" but they walk through any weather with God. These people walk in splendor, surrounded with a certain attractive and hard-to-capture beauty. They are people I seek out on a regular basis. I pursue them because I want to bask in their glow and confidence. They leave me in awe.

One thing is sure. I'm never disappointed when I find myself in the company of those who have learned to rise up in the midst of clouds. They don't seek to avoid cloudy days; rather they stand up to walk in dignity, accepting the brilliant contrasts and magical rays God can create despite and through their adversity.

It is in their presence I realize, a life free of clouds holds no attraction. Now I see cloudy days in a positive light. May I never shun them again, for I realize clouds build character, add color, and separate the bland from the brilliant.

Dear Lord, I praise You for the lessons You teach me through nature. Forgive me for choosing to retreat from the clouds You allow to come my way. I know You can use the clouds of adversity in my life to cause me to be more relational and compassionate. I pray the beauty of brokenness will attract others to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Van Walton's blog

Trials of Today Treasures for Tomorrow by Janet Eckles

For more encouragement when days are dark listen to Today's Radio Show

Application Steps: 

Think through or list of some of the "clouds" in your life. How can you reflect the Son in those circumstances?

Reflections: 

Who do I know whose life has been surrounded by clouds, yet who has emerged beautiful?

When was the last time I encouraged someone, explaining what a witness their "cloudy" lives have been to me?

Power Verses:

1 Peter 1:6-8, "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (NASB) 

© 2009 by Van Walton. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 15, 2009

Just Desperate Enough

Glynnis Whitwer

"She came up behind him and touched his cloak and immediately the bleeding stopped." Luke 8:44 (NIV)
             
Devotion:

Having three little boys in five years just about did me in. There was no such thing as a routine, as much as I tried to implement one. Just when I thought I had one behavior issue figured out, another one popped up. Parenting books were somewhat helpful, but they didn't address how to manage three kids, with three unique personalities, at once. What worked for one didn't work for another. I was drowning and desperate.

My husband and I signed up for a parenting class at church, and received a glimpse of hope. We wanted more than one class, but there was no one to head up a parenting ministry. Our pastoral team was overwhelmed with existing responsibilities. Even though their hearts wanted to offer more, their time was limited. So when one of the pastors asked us to help out with the parenting ministry, we were desperate enough to say "yes."

As we stepped into a leadership role, we discovered most people declined to help, saying they didn't feel qualified. "Neither do we," we replied. But we were ready to try anything to get support, even revealing to everyone that we weren't perfect parents. For the few years we led the parenting ministry we had to step far out of our comfort zone and risk much in order to get help. But it worked. As we shared our problems with other parents, we received wise counsel and practical suggestions that made a big difference.

Thousands of years ago there was another woman who was just desperate enough to get help. She had been bleeding for 12 years and no one could help her. But when Jesus came to her neighborhood, she was ready to try anything. I imagine she was embarrassed, and weakened because of her bleeding. She must have gathered every ounce of energy and courage to get to Jesus.

The Bible tells us there were crowds following Jesus that day. Yet somehow, this determined woman navigated her way through the rush of humanity to touch the cloak of Jesus, and the Bible tells us she was healed immediately. In spite of the people pressing around Jesus, He knew someone had touched Him. As He stopped, the people stumbled into each other, turning their heads to determine what happened. In a gentle voice, Jesus asked, "Who touched me?"

After everyone denied they had touched Jesus, the woman came trembling before Him. She told Jesus and the assembled crowd why she had touched Jesus and how He had healed her. Jesus then said to the women, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Desperation causes people to do different things. Some people make wrong choices, believing their backs are against a wall. Some people go into hiding, hoping a problem will go away. Yet others are desperate enough to do something risky and full of humility to get help. Sometimes God uses other people to help us, and sometime He is the only One who has the answers.

In the difficult times we face, many of us have problems that push us to the point of desperation. It is my prayer that instead of desperation defeating you, it motivates you to seek help. Whether God Himself provides your deliverance, or He uses someone else, trust He already has a plan to help.

Dear Heavenly Father, Only You know the desperation I feel right now. Only You see the troubles that weigh me down. I confess that I don't have the strength or wisdom to find an answer. However, I trust that You are already planning my deliverance. I trust in Your perfect timing. Please show me what to do next, and direct me to the source of help. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources

Visit Glynnis's blog

When You are Running on Empty by Cindi McMenamin

Walk with Me Today, Lord: Inspiring Devotions for Women by Emilie Barnes

Feeling desperate as a mom? Click here for more encouragement, and be sure to sign up for some great mom give-aways, too.

Application Steps 

Identify one problem in your life that seems overwhelming. Commit to telling one person about that problem this week, and asking for prayer.

Reflections: 

What happens when we share our weaknesses with other people?

What keeps you from getting help sometimes?

Read James 5:16 below. Why is there healing power in confessing our sins to another person?

Power Verses:

Psalm 142:6, "Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me." (NIV)

James 5:16, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (NIV)

© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 16, 2009

Quirks And All

Marybeth Whalen

"We love because he first loved us."

I John 4:19 (NIV)

Devotion:

We have lived in our house for just a few months, and the quirks are starting to show. One of the burners on the stove doesn't work on the low setting. A piece of tile on the counter top is not glued in all the way. Several of the outlets in the bonus room were wired wrong, which means sometimes the electricity in that room works, and sometimes it doesn't. And sometimes, if someone turns the water on in the upstairs bathroom, there is a high-pitched squealing noise in the pipes of the downstairs bathroom. This has even happened in the middle of the night, jolting me out of a deep sleep.

Before we moved, I was so ready to get out of our old house. I wanted to get into our new one so we could get away from the old house's quirks. The faucet in the kitchen sink that didn't work quite right. The place in the floor where the linoleum had buckled by the back door. The neighbors that were loud. When we first moved into this house, I thought I had escaped all of those annoying traits. And I had. I just hadn't counted on all the new ones that would pop up in the new house! I had counted on perfection on the other side of the fence, forgetting for a moment that we live in an imperfect world--a place where quirks abound.

The thing about quirks is that they usually aren't evident on the surface. You usually have to spend quite a bit of time, digging deeply to unearth the quirkiness of a person, place or thing. I didn't see it in my brief walk-throughs of our house before we signed on the dotted line. It took living here for several weeks before they became evident.

The same is true with people. You usually have to spend day in and day out together before they let their guard down enough to show you their quirks; before they trust you enough to let you see who they really are. The trick is to keep on loving them after you get that glimpse, seeing their faults and failures, their insecurities and idiosyncrasies. Am I sticking a sign in the yard of my new house because I see some problems? Not at all. I realize that my house is bound to have quirks--some I can work through and some I will just have to live with.

The other night I went to the movies with an old friend who knows me, quirks and all. She and I have had moments of struggle as we have learned to accept each other's quirks. Through the years, we have learned to laugh about most of them and talk about the ones that we just don't get. As we sat together in the movies, I thought about how freeing it is to know and be known. To truly love someone is to embrace who they are, quirks and all. As we dig deeper and see what lies beneath the surface, we can choose to walk away or we can choose to stay, no matter what. While this might be hard at times, it is what God requires of us. Why? Because it is the kind of love He has showed each of us. As our verse for today says, we love because He first loved us. If He loves us, quirks and all, then He must want us to do the same, extending love in the same way we have received it.

Dear Lord, Thank You for loving me and all my quirks. Please help me to love others in the same way--extending grace and compassion like You do and seeing past their quirks. Help me to appreciate the people You have put in my life and to not look elsewhere for happiness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Traveling Together: Thoughts on Women, Friendship and the Journey of Faith by Karla Worley

Personality Plus by Florence Littauer

Visit Marybeth's blog

Application Steps: 

If you are struggling with someone in your life, take time today to intentionally lift up that person throughout the day in prayer. Pray blessings over them and ask God to help you see their positive qualities and not just their quirks.

Reflections: 

Are your loved ones' quirks bugging you? Are you letting your irritation affect your relationships? How can you refocus on their good qualities and spend less time focusing on their quirks?

Power Verses:

James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV) 

Psalm 19:12, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults." (NIV)

Psalm 90:8, "You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." (NIV)

© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31

[Judy Harder]

January 19, 2009

A President and a King

Susanne Scheppmann

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Devotion:

I tucked away the last of the Christmas decorations. My house appeared tidy again after the Christmas disarray. I began to dust the furniture and shelves when I came to the Nativity set. I had purposely left it out as a reminder to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus all year long.

I reflected on the recent holidays and sweet joy filled my heart. My thoughts leapt forward, "What is the next celebration coming up?" I realized it is the inauguration of our 44th President.

I gazed at the Nativity scene. Several times during December I heard the familiar verse from Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Then I recalled the next verse that speaks of Jesus' role in government—an eternal government. "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:7, NIV). What joy! What peace to know that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords – that is a cause to celebrate no matter what country we live in.

This month, the United States is inaugurating a new President. It's a time to observe and utilize our religious freedoms. Let's start by praying for our newly elected President and all government officials. Let's honor God's command found in our key verse, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." As followers of Christ who is the Prince of Peace, let's honor, respect and pray for our President.

As I look at the baby in my nativity manger, I remember that He is not only the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Wonderful Counselor who guides Presidents, leaders, and you and I as well. Let's lift them up in prayer.

Dear Lord, I pray for our national leaders. Allow their hearts to be open to Your wisdom and guidance. Remind me to pray for them fervently and frequently. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio

Pierced By the Word: 31 Meditations for Your Soul by John Piper

Visit Susanne's blog

Application Steps: 

Make a note on your calendar, weekly or monthly, to pray for our leaders in government. Pray for them specifically by name. Pray for wise decisions as they work with a myriad of problems including terrorism and the economy.

Reflections: 

Do I complain about our government or pray for it?

In what issues should I pray for our government?

Power Verses:

Romans 13:1, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (NIV)

Daniel 2:19-21, "During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: 'Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.'" (NIV)

Revelation 19:11,16, "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True . . . On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 20, 2009

Let Go of Legalism and Embrace Grace

Wendy Pope

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

New Year's resolutions: we all make them and most of us fail or give up on them, usually by the end of February. I believe the reason we fail or give up on these resolutions is because we don't give ourselves any grace to slip. We set goals with a pass/fail mentality. We become so focused on the goal "I am going to ," determined not to fail, that the obsession sets up the failure. We become so legalistically determined to meet the goal we forget about giving ourselves grace as we strive towards it.

So I say this year let's let go of the old tradition of pass/fail legalistic-minded resolutions, and embrace grace in setting God-driven, Spirit-inspired goals for 2009.

How do we that? First, we need to seek God in setting the goals. Many times we set goals that are not intended for us. We are made in the image of God and the goals we set should be made with the purpose of becoming like Him. Ask God what you can do in 2009 to become more like Him. Perhaps it is spending more time in His Word, or praying for others. Maybe, like me, you forget your body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and you don't treat it as the temple that it is. Perhaps God wants you to be more evangelism or mission minded in 2009.

Second, go to God's Word for support for your goal. Websites like Crosswalk.com and Biblegateway.com are excellent resources for researching scriptures on specific topics. Record the scriptures along with your corresponding goal in a spiral index card notebook. This notebook will be your quick scripture support when you need it, and it is small enough for your purse.

Third, enlist accountability. This doesn't necessarily mean announce your goals to your entire Sunday School class or put them on the class prayer list, unless God tells you to. These goals have been prayed over and inspired by God. Ask God to lead you to those who will pray for you, as well as hold you accountable to your goal. Keep in mind that God might lead you to someone other than your best girlfriends. Allow Him to surprise you and work in new ways in your life.

Fourth, embrace grace. Give yourself a break if you slip back a bit. Keep your eyes on the big picture, the end goal of becoming more like Christ. Remember God inspired your goals. When He calls you to do something, He supplies all you need to accomplish it, even grace. Showing yourself grace does not mean you are giving yourself permission to continue to slip. It means that if you slip, you admit it, step up the prayer, and keep pressing forward.

Lastly, set a monthly or quarterly check point with your accountability partner(s) and allow for the Holy Spirit to work in tweaking the goal. Setting long-term goals is difficult for me. If I tell myself that I only have to make it until next month, I am more likely not to slip.

Sounds so easy doesn't it? Probably not. Obtainable? Most definitely. Ready, get set, pray. Start praying today. He has amazing things waiting ahead in 2009.

Dear Lord, thank you for the hope of a New Year. Will You help me to set the goals that You would have me set? I want to become more like You in 2009. I know this is Your plan for me. Thank You in advance for supplying all my needs to meet the goals You will lead me to accomplish. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Living Free: Experiencing Life as it was Meant to Be message on CD by Wendy Pope

One Year Chronological Bible

Visit Wendy's blog to find out what goals God has inspired her to set.

Application Steps: 

Write down or print out the steps listed in today's devotion. Commit to following the steps. In a journal record the amazing things God does in and through you in 2009.

Reflections: 

Is setting goals hard for me? Why or why not?

What are my thoughts about 2009?

Power Verses:

Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (NIV)

© 2009 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 21, 2009

Knowing Where to Start
Renee Swope

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me;

you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

I was talking with friends who recently read my devotion about helping my son become a can-do-kid. One said she wanted to raise can-do-kids, but she didn't know where to start. Another shared how she wished she enjoyed being a mom as much as I do.

The truth is, I haven't always enjoyed being a mom. I didn't start out as a can-do mom with can-do thoughts and can-do kids. In fact, my son's "I-give-up attitude" that inspired my devotion earlier this month was probably inherited from me. I had stood on the sidelines of motherhood and declared, "I CAN'T" many times.

I would get so discouraged.
Once my kids became toddlers who would not listen to me and obey like little robots, I panicked. I looked at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, "What is wrong with me?" Their children listened when they told them no. Why wouldn't my child keep his hands to himself in the grocery store or the toy isle? Why didn't someone tell me this would be so hard?

I often felt like a failure.
I compared how I felt on the inside to how other moms looked like they had it all together on the outside. My feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of insecurity were held up in comparison to moms who dressed their children in matching outfits and adorned themselves with attitudes of grace and wisdom. I wondered how in the world they pulled it off with a smile? I could barely get a shower, get my kids dressed, or get us out the door before lunch!

I wanted to quit.
One day I came home from running errands with two tired, fussy toddlers. I put them down for a nap and searched for pink construction paper so I could write "I QUIT" on it. I was going to hand my "pink slip" to my husband when he came home from work that day. It was just too hard, and I was tired of feeling like I would never measure up as a mom.

And that's where I started.
I didn't really start being a mom until the day I almost quit. Because that was the day I fell on my knees before God and choked out the words, "I can't do this." And in that place of surrender, it felt like God bent down on His knees before me and spoke to my heart: "You are right, Renee. In your own strength and through your own perspective, you cannot do this. But I am here with you. With my grace, my promises, my mercy, my presence, and my power -- all things are possible. I will help you become a great mom."

That day reminded me of Psalm 19:35, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."

It was a new starting place for me. When I acknowledged that on my own I was a mess, God came to my rescue. He showed me that with His gentleness, grace, wisdom and guidance, I could become the mom He was calling me to be, the mom my kids needed me to be, and the mom I wanted to be!

Dear Lord, I need Your shield of victory to protect me from discouragement. I pray that You would extend Your right hand to sustain me; Your grace to strengthen me; and Your wisdom to lead me. Thank You for Jesus, who stooped down to make me great because of Your great love for me. Today, I find a new starting place with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Click here to find out what God did next to give Renee new direction and purpose to parent her children.

The Mom I Want to Be: Rising above your Past to give your Kids a Great Future
by T.Suzanne Eller
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child: Character Chart and Message on CD Positive and practical ways to connect spiritually with your kids. By Renee Swope
The D6 Conference -- helping parents and churches raise spiritual champions!

Application Steps: 

Write a letter, telling God how you feel. Be honest and open. Sharing your heart and thoughts with Him is the first step toward freedom and hope.

Ask Jesus for His perspective of you as a child of God, so that you can start becoming a Godly mom. We've got to receive His love before we can give it.

Visit Renee's Blog to find out how she did these things, and for a list of practical ways to shape your children's hearts, not just their habits.

Reflections: 

As you read today's devotion, what struggles can you relate to? Have you ever wanted to quit? Start over today by acknowledging that you can't do it on your own but with God's help, nothing is impossible.

Power Verses:

Luke 1:37, "For nothing is impossible with God." (NIV)

Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (NIV)

Psalm 113: 5-7, "Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;" (NIV)

© 2009 Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 22, 2009

Critiquing Criticism

Glynnis Whitwer

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Matthew 5:11 (NIV)
     
Devotion:

When I was a junior in high school, I had a particularly hard teacher. On her first test, I got a C. I was a good student, and went into her classroom after school one day to learn how to do better on the next test. I'll never forget her sarcastically-spoken words "You aren't an A student are you?" Many years later I can think of lots of snappy comebacks, but as a relatively shy 16 year-old, I only remember mumbling something and leaving the room. Her critical comment left no doubt about her purpose -- to put me in my place.

Criticism takes many forms, from "innocent" questions and comments, to direct insults. But the effect of criticism is the same; it can set a woman on the sidelines of life faster than anything. Out of the race...out of God's service. This is especially true in churches, where many women avoid serving in order to avoid criticism.

As a semi-perfectionist and recovering people-pleaser, I'm particularly sensitive to criticism. In the past, I have reacted either defensively, or with tears to unkind comments. By looking at Jesus, however, I'm learning to deal with those who find fault with my decisions, either in ministry or in my personal life. I've learned a few questions that help me critique criticism when it comes my way:

What is the truth? Unfortunately, our response to criticism is muddled by a sinful nature. We aren't always able to see the true motives behind our critics. If we have been deeply hurt in the past, we may see criticism as rejection, when it isn't. So I start by asking if the person speaking has a history of truthfulness. If the answer is yes, then I look for the truth in the message. Sometimes, well-meaning people offer important feedback in an inappropriate way. If the person speaking unkind words has a history of unfounded negative attacks, or has manipulative motives, then I probably won't place as much stock in her comments.

Is it just a matter of opinion? Sometimes people just disagree on the details. For instance, if you are planning an event in May and you decide to use orange napkins. Someone could say that orange is a poor choice for May and that it should only be used with autumn colors. This is just a matter of opinion and shouldn't be taken personally.

Is this a sin issue? This may be harder to identify as we are often blinded to our own sin. The sin of pride is one that many women struggle with and easily overlook. While we may miss it in our own lives, you can be sure others won't miss it. When someone criticizes you, humbly approach the Lord in prayer and ask Him to reveal any sin in your life. The Psalmist offered this approach in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (NIV).

Our lives are too short, and our callings too great, to be sidetracked by critics. When I have whined at God that I can't take the negative opinions of others any more, He gently reminds me that His Son got lots of criticism. Looking at it that way, when I'm criticized for doing God's will and work, it can be taken as a badge of honor and not a reason to quit.

Dear Lord, I long to do Your will, but sometimes my feelings get hurt by the unkind comments of others. Help me to discern the truth in those comments and to seek Your will above all else. Please reveal if there is anything in me that needs to change. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You when the negative words of others make me feel like quitting. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Sandpaper People by Mary Southerland

Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Jennifer Rothschild

Visit Glynnis' blog

Application Steps: 

Consider the most critical person in your life. If you hold a grudge against that person, or have any unforgiveness in your heart, confess that to God so that you may be healed from bitterness.

Reflections: 

What are some reasons people are critical of others?

What can I learn from criticism?

Responding to criticism with kindness is disarming. What are some kind responses you can use when someone criticizes you?

Power Verses:

Philippians 2:14-15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ..." (NIV)

Colossians 4:6, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (NIV)

© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 23, 2009

When Your Worst Fears are Realized

Marybeth Whalen

"You came near when I called you, and you said, 'Do not fear.'"

Lamentations 3:57 (NIV)
         
Devotion:

All my life, I had two very real fears: that I would have a child with a birth defect, and that my marriage would break up. Even before I was married, I worried about how I would handle these things if they happened. Perhaps that seems silly to some, but some of you might know exactly what I am talking about. Your fears are always lurking, taunting you with their possibility.

In Isaiah, God told Hezekiah of the impending exile of his descendants to Babylon, but assured him he would already be dead by the time this happened. In our humanness, we can identify with Hezekiah when he thought with relief, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime" (Isaiah 39:6-8, NLT). That was Hezekiah's fear talking--fear that something terrible like that would happen in his lifetime. And what a loud voice fear can have. Sometimes it can even overpower the voice of God as He lovingly reassures us of His nearness.

As you can probably guess, my two worst fears were realized. My third child was born with a severe birth defect that kept him hospitalized for months, then with full-time nursing care when he was home. He was dependent on a trach and a g-tube just to live. I had entered a world I knew nothing about, the very world I had feared all my life. Later on, in the aftermath of our son's birth, my marriage also fell apart. The years of struggle and financial stress took their toll and left my husband and I virtual strangers. We would have to fight to save our wrecked marriage. I was living my worst nightmare.

But I was living.

I learned in the midst of our struggles that our verse today is so true. God does draw near to us in the midst of our worst fears. Even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death--the death of a loved one, the death of our dreams, the death of a marriage--He is with us, just as He promised. Not only is He near us, He is working things out, growing our faith and our character as we wrestle with our fears and learn to accept His will. While we can't understand why He allows our fears to materialize, we later realize that we have come to know Him in a whole new way through them. He is our reward for persevering.

I know that, for me, I have come to appreciate what I went through and, while I would never choose to go through it again, I also am grateful (yes, grateful) for what God birthed within me as I lived out my worst fears. I learned that in our struggles we will see Him. In our trials we will learn to trust Him. And in our fears we will come to a new level of faith.

Dear Lord, Help me to trust in You even as my fears are realized. Help me to hear Your voice telling me that You are with me, and that I don't need to be afraid. Help me to feel your nearness. Most of all, Lord, help me to see Your purpose for me even as I am walking through trials. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Have you ever trusted Jesus with your fears?

Pre-order your copy of An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears (Release date March 1) by Micca Campbell

Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear by Max Lucado

Visit Marybeth's blog for more encouragement.

Application Steps: 

If you have had to face your greatest fears and learned something from them, venture over to Marybeth's blog today, where she will have a place for you to share what you learned, how you were changed, and how you got to know God in a deeper way. You never know how your story will encourage someone else!

Reflections: 

What are some of your greatest fears? Spend time today contemplating why these fears have taken root in your heart and telling God how you are feeling.

Power Verses:

Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV) 

Isaiah 43:1b, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." (NIV)

Genesis 15:1, "After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (NIV)

© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org