Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

August 17, 2012

When People Drive You Crazy
Susanne Scheppmann


"My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." Psalms 119:28 (NIV 1984)

Thud! I heard my son's feet hit the dirt outside his bedroom window. My heart sank. I had been right when I told my husband, "He's going to run away. Watch."

The whole afternoon and evening had spun into a disaster. My adolescent son had gotten into trouble. We were in the middle of discussing it with him when the phone rang. My husband listened as his ex-wife told him that their daughter had run away that afternoon. I watched the panic cross my husband's face as he dug for more details about what had happened.

In addition, I spied my son's alert face and witnessed a light bulb go off in his adolescent brain. I could tell he thought, "I'm going to run away too!" We sent my son to his room while we managed the bigger problem of the moment-my stepdaughter.

Sure enough, he went on the run. My thoughts raced. Should I go after him? Or should I wait and search for him later? I felt emotionally and physically exhausted.

Both my husband and I were stricken with confusion and sadness as we battled through all the drama and trauma in our family. That evening we despaired. How could this have happened? We tried to be good parents. It seemed that with three teenagers, life was a never-ending crisis.

Things did turn out okay. My stepdaughter returned home to her mother. We found my son, and my husband coaxed him home. Everyone went to bed, and two exhausted parents desperately prayed for a better tomorrow.

That was several years ago. Children matured. Time healed. And God was faithful to the prayers of those two despairing parents.

He feels our heartaches. He sees our tears. He grants us the courage and guts to keep on parenting.

Our key verse today acknowledges the pain we may experience, but it also points the way to gaining strength—God's Word. If you are a despairing parent, seek the Lord's comfort, wisdom and strength by reading and praying Scripture each day. It sustained my husband and me through many trials and tears.

God is our source of strength when we're weary with sorrow and come to our wit's end in the life-long career of parenting.

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my children. I am honored You set me apart to be their mom. Yet, at times parenting is hard! I ask You for guidance and strength. Remind me of the joys of parenting when I despair. Help me keep a balanced outlook. I ask You to provide me with special Scripture that I can pray for my children. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppman

Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit our Everyday Life web page for encouragement on parenting and so much more!

Reflect and Respond:
Where do you place your trust and hope when it comes to your child? Do you recognize that Jesus loves them more than you?

Read and memorize Psalm 4:3 and 5:3. Then pray for your children, and know that the Lord hears you call to Him. Wait in expectation for His guidance.

Power Verses:
Psalms 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (NIV 1984)

Isaiah 49:25, "But this is what the Lord says: 'Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.'" (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 20, 2012

Finish What You Start
Glynnis Whitwer


"'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.'" John 4:34 (NIV)

I excel at starting projects. Especially those that include a trip to the office supply store, where I can stock up on new notebooks, file folders and pens. Optimism abounds at the beginning of something new. Then reality hits.

What seemed fun at first is actually hard work. Discouragement sets in. Perfectionist tendencies stifle moving forward. And it's easy to give up rather than finish what I start.

One of my problems is a lack of focus. There's so much I want to do that my thoughts are often scattered. I allow myself to be pulled in multiple directions, intrigued by the possibilities of a new and exciting project. Plus, sometimes I do things just because I can. This approach often leaves me with a to-do list that's seriously un-doable.

Finishing well requires discipline that doesn't come naturally. But it's key to living a life that's manageable and reflects God's priorities for me. So while my shelves include books on time management and productivity, the best role model of finishing well is Jesus.

Jesus is the picture of focus and discipline, especially in the midst of many people demanding His attention. In the book of John we read a story about Jesus sitting by a well while His disciples went for food. As He waited, a solitary woman came to draw water and Jesus engaged her in a life-changing conversation-not only for her but for her entire village.

On this day, Jesus could have pleaded exhaustion or frustration. He'd been traveling, it was warm, and He was hungry. One of those challenges would have been enough to derail me. Instead Jesus narrowed His focus on one woman and finished the assignment God gave Him.

After reuniting with His disciples, they tried to get Jesus to eat. He responded: "'My food,' said Jesus, 'is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.'" (John 4:34 NIV)

Jesus knew what His Father had asked Him to do and was committed to "finish" this work. In this passage, Jesus models clarity of purpose, perseverance and compassion; all characteristics I want.

If you feel like you are always starting things and never finishing, perhaps it would help to focus on only one or two things God is calling you to today. Don't try and tackle everything at once. Ask God for His priorities for your life, and concentrate on doing your best in those areas.

Changing life-long patterns of not finishing things will take time. I've learned when I submit my overwhelmed feelings to God, He gives me strength to persevere.

Dear Lord, thank You for forgiving me when I fall short. Help me be like Jesus and be focused on Your will and work. Show me Your priorities for my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis' blog for simple habits you can practice that will help you finish well.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians, six-week Bible study by Glynnis Whitwer and Brian T. Anderson

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Is there something you know God wants you to do, but you haven't done it? What is it?

Identify one or two areas that you believe God wants you to focus on this year. Ask God to help you align all areas of your life with His priorities for you.

Power Verses:
Hebrews 10:35-36, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (NIV)

James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (NAS)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 August 21, 2012

Ruined for Good
Lysa TerKeurst


"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Have you ever felt the frustration of having something ruined? Maybe you've experienced grape juice on the carpet, scratches on hardwood floors, permanent ink on your favorite shirt, or something similar.

My daughter Ashley once went up our stairway with a crayon putting tick marks on our freshly painted walls with each step she took. Then she dragged the crayon all the way down the hall to her room. Did I mention the freshly painted walls?

I wanted to pull my hair out by the roots!

I'd like to be a mom who handles mishaps and messes with a graceful, "That's okay, Dear." But I was born with firecrackers in my blood. So when things like the crayon incident happen, I have to make the choice to let the Holy Spirit reign me in.

This means me getting into God's Word every day and praying for Him to give me grace, patience and self-control. I have to make the choice every day to invite God's spirit to interrupt my fleshly tendencies so I can have gentle answers that turn away wrath as today's key verse encourages me to offer.

God helps me with perspective changers. He shows me a different way to look at and process things that trigger my emotions. In response to my frustration with my kids ruining things, He gave me a sweet change of perspective that improved my outlook and diffused my anger.

While visiting my husband Art's parents, I took a liking to a writing desk in their home. I mentioned to my mother-in-law that I'd love to have it if she ever decided to get rid of it. But she was quick to tell me that she would never get rid of it because it was priceless. She unlatched the fold-down lid to reveal what made this desk so priceless.

In a little boy's handwriting the letters A-R-T were scratched onto the surface. She admitted to being angry with my husband when this happened, but now the scratches that seemed to have ruined her desk are priceless treasures to her. Her little boy's handwriting is saved for her to cherish and remember.

The desk had been ruined...for good.

Dear Lord, thank You for perspective changes that help me to see past the here and now so that I can see Your truth which sets me free. Set me free today from anger, firecracker emotions, short fuses and explosive tempers... so that I can be free to reveal the YOU in me! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Sometimes it's really hard to keep our emotions in control when things feel out of control. In Lysa's new book, Unglued, she shares personal experiences, scriptural wisdom and powerful perspective changes. Order your copy today!

Ready to start learning how to make wise choices in the midst of raw emotions but don't want to start it alone? On August 23rd we'll be hosting a FREE Unglued Webcast with a powerful message from Lysa TerKeurst to get you going. We'll also be featuring the radio personalities from K-Love! Please join us at www.klove.com. No makeup, shoes, or preparation required. Sign up for an email reminder here.

The accompanying Unglued Bible Study will help you understand what the Bible says about better ways to react. To order your copy, click here.

Reflect and Respond:
In your journal, write about a frustrating experience that you've recently had with a loved one and how God might want you to change your perspective.

How might our actions change when our perspectives change?

Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (NIV)

Ephesians 4:31-32, "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (ESV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 August 22, 2012

Mama Birds
T. Suzanne Eller


"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" Matthew 25:40 (NLT)

They were nestled together, a fluff of feathers and yellow beaks. I parted the rose bushes to take a closer look. Suddenly something swooped by my ear. I leaped back and put my arms up, and then it came at me again.

Squawking. Pecking. The angry mama bird chased me away from her nest.

I'm a hundred times larger than that bird, but she didn't care. She sensed danger and put herself at risk to protect her little ones.

I sometimes identify with that mama bird.

Like the time my son hopped up and took a sneak peek at the world's largest alligator at the fair. I called Ryan over immediately, expecting him to apologize and pay the man the dollar he owed. As he removed the dollar from his pocket, I looked up to see the man racing toward my five-year-old son, threats coming from his lips, fists waving in the air.

I whisked my son into my arms, and met the man square on with my angry momma glare.

The man backed down, accepted my son's apology and took the dollar from his little outstretched hand. He slipped back to his booth.

I wish every child had a mama bird watching over them, but right now:

A child is exposed to the elements.

A child is hungry.

A child doesn't have access to education.

A child needs medical care and can't afford it.

Perhaps there is a mama in the picture, one who is doing all that she can, but that only makes it harder for her.

When the mama bird was attacking me I noticed a second bird hovering nearby, squawking just as loudly.

In bird speak, it might have been, "I got your back. Just give me the word!"

We have a word from the Father. One that says little ones matter to Him. What might happen if we listened to that word and all the mama birds came together?

What if a beautiful single mom suddenly felt another woman hovering nearby, saying, "I'm with you. You aren't alone."

What if a child whose worldview gained through poverty started being fed every day?

What if a child could wrap in a warm blanket in the cold night? Receive dental care? Have a chance to excel in school?

C.S. Lewis one said, "Nothing that you have not given away will ever truly be yours."

When we give away our time, come alongside a child or a family in poverty, give away our resources to feed or educate a child, it simply bounces back into the hands of the one who gave it all to us in the first place.

Is there a child that you know who needs a mama bird in his corner?

What is God calling you to do for the "least of these"?

Dear Father, help me be a blessing to a little one praying for food, or shelter, or asking for needs to be met. Thank you that I can love others in Your name, In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Change the life of a child through Compassion International.

A Cup of Cold Water in His Name by Lorie Newman

Join Suzie at Moms Together where thousands of moms are encouraged five days a week.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
This week, give up one week of a luxury item like coffee or junk food and share what you save with a child in need. Invite your family to join in the "fast."

Invest what you save in a program, such as Compassion International Survival Program which helps save the lives of babies and mothers in poverty. Even the smallest donations help supply:

• Prenatal care
• Nutritious food and supplements
• Ongoing health care
• Infant survival training for mothers

Power Verses:
Proverbs 14:31, "Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." (NIV 1984)

Matthew 18:5, "And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." (NIV)

© 2012 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 23, 2012

The Good Side of Conflict
Lysa TerKeurst


"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." Ephesians 4:26 (ESV)

When I was in my early twenties, there was nothing I disliked more than conflict. I won't use the tired cliché that I avoided it like the plague. But, since I just mentioned it, I'll admit I tried to navigate around conflict at any cost.

I was a "stuff it and smile" kind of girl.

The problem with pretending to be fine when we're really not, is all that pent up steam will eventually come out. And if you've ever held your hand too close to steam, you know how it can burn.

I've learned that a much healthier approach to inevitable conflicts we all deal with is to face the issue head on with grace and humility and ask ourselves one very crucial question. This question is so crucial that might I dare say not asking it could lead to extreme conflict escalation rather than relationship restoration.

So, what's this crucial question?

Am I trying to prove or improve? In other words, is my desire in this conflict to prove that I am right or to improve the relationship at hand?

When I try to prove I'm right, I use the circumstances of the conflict as an arsenal to attack the other person. I come armed with past hurts and offenses ready to state my case. I'm tempted to tear down the other person. I react from a place of hurt and anger and can often say things I later regret.

On the other hand, when my desire is to improve the relationship, I seek to understand where the other person is coming from and I care enough about the relationship to fight for it rather than against it. Instead of reacting out of anger, I try to pause and let the Holy Spirit interrupt my first impulses. I focus on tackling the issues, not the person.

Here are some great questions to ask when we're dealing with conflict out of a desire to improve a relationship:

• Can you help me understand why you feel this way?
• Why don't we both agree to stick to the issue at hand and not pull in past issues?
• What is your desired outcome in this situation?
• How can we meet in the middle on this issue?

My husband I have renamed what we used to call "fights." We now call them "growth opportunities." And the more we've practiced these principles, the less conflicts we've had.

But I won't tie this devotion up in a neat bow and end all "cheerio." While Art and I are doing great right now, and have had very few "growth opportunities" lately, conflicts with others seem to always be around the corner.

So please hear my heart, I'm not saying all of this is easy. Just this week I've had to process some growth opportunities that left me feeling like I had firecrackers burning in my veins. Maybe you can relate.

What I will say is that it's possible to let those conflicts lead us to better places in our relationships. Improved places. And that is the good side of conflict.

Dear Lord, help me to realize that with each conflict I face I can make the choice to improve the relationship rather than try and prove I'm right. This is hard, Lord, really hard. But, I want to grow in this area and I know this is a good place to start. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Join us for a FREE Unglued Webcast TONIGHT with a powerful message from Lysa TerKeurst to help you process your raw emotions and make wise choices in the midst of them! We'll also be featuring the radio personalities from K-Love! Please join us at www.klove.com. No makeup, shoes, or preparation required. Sign up here for an email reminder!

In Lysa's new book, Unglued, she shares personal experiences and scriptural wisdom to help us improve our relationships and make healthy, Godly decisions with our reactions.Click here to order your copy today!

The accompanying Unglued Bible Study will help you understand what the Bible says about your emotions and better ways to use them for good in all of your relationships! To order your copy, click here.

Reflect and Respond:
Take time to pause before jumping into any conflict resolution. Sometimes a simple pause is all that's needed to remember to attack the problem and not the person. Keep in mind it's more important to improve the relationship than prove we are right.

How might it help your next conflict resolution attempt to use these questions?

• Can you help me understand why you feel this way?
• Why don't we both agree to stick to the issue at hand and not pull in past issues?
• What is your desired outcome in this situation?
• How can we meet in the middle on this issue?

Power Verse:
Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 24, 2012

We Can't Do It Alone
Tracie Miles


"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 (NIV)

When my son Michael was learning to tie his shoes, he could not master the task. But, each time I offered my assistance, he would yell, "I can do it all by myself!"

Yet he couldn't. He didn't have the skills or knowledge necessary for tying shoes. I'd offer for him to sit on my lap and I'd teach him, but he would just run away and continue trying—unsuccessfully—on his own. Eventually I'd have to scoop him up against his will as he writhed his skinny body into an unbendable stick, wailing and flailing around.

Michael was frustrated and out of sorts simply because he wanted to tie his shoes by himself. In his mind he was capable. As his parent, I knew he simply could not do it alone.

I understood his frustration because even as an adult, I often do not want to admit my need for help. We are taught from a young age that we should be independent, and sometimes even groomed to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness or failure. We struggle with pride and want to prove our ability in the eyes of the world.

While this may be our mindset, it is not the mindset of Jesus.

In today's key verse Jesus told His disciples that apart from Him, they could do nothing. Although they had devoted their lives to following and serving Him, Jesus wanted them to understand they needed an intimate and interdependent relationship with Him.

Jesus was not commanding, but rather inviting His disciples to abide in Him. He promised blessings and that they'd bear much 'fruit.'

Just as an apple can only be produced if it stays connected to the tree branch for nourishment and life, Jesus was telling them and us that we must stay connected to Him. Without the vital life-giving union with Christ, we can bear no fruit in our lives.

What does that look like? It happens when we try tirelessly to extend forgiveness, change a person's heart, overcome a personal struggle, transform a situation or accomplish a goal. All too often we do things in our own strength and wisdom, rather than realizing or relenting to our need for God's help. But when nothing, or very little happens, we get frustrated and stressed, just like a child incapable of tying his shoes.

Our tendency to rely on our own knowledge, skills or experience can actually become a stumbling block. We may eventually find ourselves defeated and discouraged, secretly longing to throw ourselves on the floor and pitch a grown-up tantrum.

The word "abide" means to "dwell in, reside in, or continue in a particular condition or relationship." Upon accepting Jesus as our Savior, we are invited to abide in Him, and this verse encourages us as to why staying connected in a relationship is important to our faith. As we learn to dwell in Christ daily, we are better equipped to handle stress and adversities, and better prepared to avoid meltdowns altogether.

Just like I knew my son's limitations, God understands we need His help as we wade through life. He understands our desire for independence and our struggle with pride, yet if we abide in Him and accept His help, we will be better equipped to deal with the stress and challenges of life.

Dear Lord, I never realized the stress that I was bringing upon myself by assuming that I was capable of handling problems on my own. Forgive me for trying to do things apart from You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Would the women of your church benefit from learning more about abiding in Christ and managing their everyday stress through a deeper relationship with Him? Click here to find out how to bring Tracie's "Stressed-Less Conference" to your church.

Visit Tracie's blog for 5 tips on abiding in Christ, and sign up for her free 10 Day Stress Detox beginning September 4th. A copy of Tracie's new book will be given away each of the 10 days!

Pre-order Tracie's new book, Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
What situation has been causing you great stress and frustration? Instead of tackling it on your own, spend time in prayer.

What stumbling blocks have you encountered lately? Doubt? Fear? Worry? Marriage problems? Parenting challenges? Financial worries? Humble yourself before God and ask Him for help.

Power Verses:
1 Chronicles 16:11, "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." (NIV)

Philippians 4:13, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

© 2012 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 27, 2012

A Mom's Back-to-School Blues
Glynnis Whitwer


"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)

The first day of school has always been difficult for me. Even as a child I cried every first day until I was really too old to cry. I thought I was past the first-day-of-school blues once I became a mother. But, I was wrong. It got worse.

Kindergarten, first grade, junior high and high school beginnings usually left me standing on the street, holding back tears and waving with a pasted on smile - all while someone I loved ran off happily - without looking back.

But nothing prepared me for last year ... when my son Dylan started college. He's the first one to leave the nest and I was feeling shaky about the whole thing all summer. Oh I put on a good face and celebrated every moment with him. But when I got alone, the mascara started running.

The day we moved him in to the dorm was the worst. Every time we carried a load of clothes or supplies into his room I could feel my eyes stinging with unshed tears. I blinked furiously and thought of cute kittens playing with string ... anything to stop me from embarrassing both of us.

Thankfully I held it together in front of him. But when I got in the car to head home, I sobbed.

I decided I needed a really big, sweet coffee drink and pulled into a drive through. Only once I heard the girl's voice through the little speaker, I pictured her as a cute college student and started crying harder. She repeated her question about my drink and I just hung my head, unable to speak through my tears.

My younger son Robbie was with me, and thankfully he took over. He leaned around me and explained in a loud voice: "We just dropped my brother off at college and my mom is crying too hard to order. But she'd like an iced venti caramel macchiato."

For months I had stuffed down my emotions trying to get them under control. But I knew I needed to explore why I was so sad. Once I allowed myself to go there, it didn't take long to realize I was grieving the changes in my relationships with my children. Every year they need me a little less. Every year I have to release some measure of control. And their everyday lives don't revolve around me quite as much. That's a very good and healthy thing. But it's still hard.

There is so much I have to be thankful for, but I can't deny the grief of moving past a stage of parenting that was precious to me, and realizing my children don't need me as much. So I've spent many hours going to God with my sadness. And He has not disappointed me with His response.

He hears my cries and He reminds me of an important truth: My identity is not found in being a mother, but in being a daughter of the King – and that relationship will never change. God never needs to pull away from me to become independent, rather He prefers that I become more dependent.

So as I learn to accept the natural way of raising a child and the inherent healthy separation, that concept does not apply to God and me. God wants more of my time, He wants me to come to Him for advice, and He wants to talk with me. This is a relationship that will never change, except to become stronger.

God is using these separation moments to grow my children and me. They are learning to stand on their own, and I'm learning to become more dependent on God. I'm not saying I've got this thing whipped. I've got a few more first days to go. But I do know where to go for reassurance.

Dear Lord, thank You for never changing, never pulling away and never needing to be independent from me. Help me to accept this natural way of things in my children's lives and to turn to You for support when I'm feeling alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Glynnis' blog if you need more back-to-school encouragement.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Many people have trouble believing that God loves them. What can happen in the life of a Christian who doesn't know and experience God's love personally?

If you need a reminder of your value and worth, spend some time reading Psalm 139.

Power Verses:
1 John 3:1a, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (NIV)

1 John 4:10, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 28, 2012

My Heavenly Referee
Micca Monda Campbell


"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 (NIV 1984)

Have you ever experienced a lack of peace that kept you from moving forward? I have. My husband and I were about to purchase our first home. After viewing several houses, we finally found a perfect fit. Or so we thought.

When closing day came, I couldn't bring myself to sign the papers. Although it was natural for us to be both excited and nervous about becoming new homeowners, I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness. I asked to speak to my husband alone for a moment and discovered he had the same sick feeling in his stomach as I had in mine. We decided not to move forward.

This was a wise decision. A few short months later, my husband died from a tragic accident. Had we bought the home, I wouldn't have been able to pay the mortgage, plus support a new baby and myself on one income. That's when it dawned on me. Our lack of peace on closing day was the Holy Spirit guiding us toward the right decision.

You and I may not know our future, but God does. Through the Holy Spirit, God directs our steps by the presence of peace or lack of it.

Our heavenly helper works in our lives much like a referee does in a basketball game. As long as the players stay within the boundaries of the court, they are free to move about. But when there is trouble on the court or the ball goes out of bounds, the referee blows his whistle. The sound of the whistle stops the game until the referee restores order and puts the ball back into play.

Likewise, you and I have a heavenly referee—the Holy Spirit. When there is a lack of peace in your life, that's your signal to stop moving ahead. The Holy Spirit has blown the whistle and called for a time out to redirect your path.

Sometimes your ball gets kicked out of bounds by unexpected adversity. Other times, you can step out of bounds by giving into temptation and sin. In each of these circumstances, the Holy Spirit will blow the whistle to gain your attention.

If you and I are wise, we'll wait on our heavenly referee to restore our peace and put the "ball" back into play. That happens as we confess our sin, seek His face, and follow His instruction.

However the Spirit leads, it's important to note that stepping out of bounds doesn't mean God will call "game over." Our heavenly referee is always working to restore your life and mine.

I'm thankful my husband and I heeded the warning of the Holy Spirit and didn't purchase the house. In doing so, my son and I were spared undue stress and pain. I'm learning that the right path is always marked by peace.

Dear Lord, make my path clear and give me the courage to follow it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Micca's blog for more about the role of the Holy Spirit in your life.

In Micca Campbell's book, An Untroubled Heart, you'll discover God's remedy for freedom from fear.

Looking for a faith stronger than all your fear? It's not too late to join Micca's online bible study based on her book, A Untroubled Heart.

Is your life entangled with fear? Take Micca's free "Fear Factor" test to find out and also get her first chapter for FREE!

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Is the heavenly referee trying to get your attention by a lack of peace? Or is He giving you a green light through a calm sense of rightness?

Power Verses:
Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight." (NIV)

Psalm 25:12, "Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him."

© 2012 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 29, 2012

Did She Just Say That?
Lynn Cowell


"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)

"God wouldn't send anyone to hell; He's loving. That's what my friends say."

I was saddened by what had just spilled out of my daughter's mouth. Outside opinions were influencing her and one of my biggest fears was being realized. She didn't know enough of what was true to combat what was false.

She didn't know what the Bible says when it comes to salvation. Instead she was operating on what others were telling her. I realized that day that my girl needed to learn more of God's Word and, as her parent, it was my job to teach her.

Those born between 1982 and 2002 make up what's called the Mosaic generation. Taking bits and pieces from friends, media and their own opinions, they create their own religion of sorts. As a mom, this terrifies me. I see through my own children that an hour-long sermon once a week is not enough to fight hours of media and social networking.

I have to do something.

I've made it a point, as we're told in Deuteronomy chapter 6, to look for any opportunity to share Scripture with my kids. On the way home from practice, while making dinner, and even waiting in line at the store. Any time can be a good time to talk about Jesus.

While those spontaneous times are great, I've learned that structured time to read God's Word with my kids is important too.

Yet a look at our family's schedule makes it appear impossible. Life is busy!

However, I knew if I was going to teach my children Scripture, it meant something had to change. The morning is one of the rare open spaces in our days so I announced to my kids we would begin eating breakfast together so we could read the Bible.

To be honest, that didn't go over well with them! Their most popular rebuttal was, "I don't want to get up earlier!" But with a little compromise here and a tweaking of the alarm clock there, we found a small window of time to read together.

Pouring small amounts of truth into my daughters before they hit their school halls has become a big priority. I've had to choose to care more about the commands of the Lord than the demands of my kids for more sleep. "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut. 6:6-7 NIV)

Am I fitting in a chapter of the Bible each day? No. But speaking even just a portion of God's unfailing love helps prepare my daughters for the trials and temptations they face each day. My girls can't quote large chunks of Scripture but, little by little, truth is sinking in; their lives are reflecting change. And God's truth is sinking into my heart too!

You can teach a young person in your life God's Word, too. It's doesn't take half an hour a day, but just a few minutes. You don't need to know the Bible inside and out. Maybe one of your children could read out loud on the way to school. Or right before going to bed. The time of the day isn't important. What is important is finding time and making it a priority.

Dear Lord, help me be intentional today to share Your Truth. I choose to pass Your Word on to the next generation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Sign up for Lynn's FREE "7-day Faith Builder" - a week's worth of free devotions to share with your daughter, or another girl you know, to help build her faith and confidence.

Pre-order your copy of Lynn's newest book, Devotions for a Revolutionary Year - 365 Days of Jesus' Radical Pursuit of You. This is a great resource for investing God's love, God's word and God's wisdom into your kids to help them make wise choices!

Visit Lynn's website to find out how you can be intentional about sharing God's truths with your child. She's giving away a "Faith Builder" gift pack too!

Reflect and Respond:
In the next 24 hours, look over your schedule. Prayerfully ask the Lord when you can be intentional about sharing God's Word with a child in your life.

Speaking a small portion of His unfailing love fills our spirit, preparing us for the trials and temptations that we are sure to face in a day.

Power Verse:
Psalm 90:14, "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

August 30, 2012

Move Over, Mean Girl
Lysa TerKeurst


"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" - Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Last year, we logged over twenty hours in the car during the joy-filled excursion called family vacation. It was family bonding at its finest. Here's a little glimpse of the sweet conversations heard coming from the backseat.

Ashley: "Mom, Brooke just licked my hash brown! Ewwwwww!"
Me: "Brooke, why would you lick your sister's hash brown, for heaven's sake?"
Brooke: "Because my arm hurts."
Me: "Oh. Well, that just makes complete sense."

And that's just one little exchange. There may have been 127 other instances when the soundtrack of my car-traveling life was, "Mom ... she poked me, and she is on my side, and she just spilled her drink, and she took my iPod."

And, on occasion, I may have wanted to jump in the backseat and remove every shred of candy from my little tweenager's hands and dump it out the window. But I really didn't want my mean girl or my mean mommy to come out on the family vacation.

Have you been there? Honestly, the last thing that pops into my mind in those frustrating moments is: What does Jesus say about this?

I wish it did. So I'm trying to think about this now, in a non-heated moment. That way I can be better prepared for the next time my mean girl tendencies surface.

According to our key verse today, Jesus says we must do three things. But these aren't three easy steps. They are three shifts of the heart: we have to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Deny myself ... I have to deny myself the momentary satisfaction of the quick comeback, the rude response, and the full-out yelling. Over-sugared children can elicit craziness in a mama. Not that I have any personal experience with such things. No, not at all. And if you believe that, I've got some Easter candy off on the side of the road somewhere I could sell you.

Deny myself. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

Then I must take up my cross ... My cross. Stop the blaming and finger-pointing and wishing everyone else would change and see my sinful reaction as a contribution to the problem at hand. I must take my issues to His cross and see my sin for what it is—sin. And I must be disgusted enough by my sin to truly want to do something about it.

Take up my cross. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

Finally, I must follow Him ... Really follow Him. Follow who He is and how He is. I must close my mouth, pause long enough to let Him interrupt my eruption, and let His Spirit redirect me.

Yes, my children need to be corrected, but I can let the consequences scream so I don't have to. Only a calm mama can think of rational, reasonable consequences that instruct.

Follow who He is and how He is. It's hard. But it is the way with Jesus.

It's amazing how quickly my mean girl vanishes when I deny myself, admit my sin, and choose to let Jesus interrupt me.

Just don't be licking my hash brown if your arm starts hurting, okay? I have to draw the line somewhere.

Dear Lord, I don't want my mean girl to come out when I'm angered or aggravated. Give me the self-control to deny myself, stop blaming others, and choose to follow You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
In Lysa's new book, Unglued, she shares personal and scriptural wisdom to help us respond with no regrets even in those moments when we want to explode, bitterly stuff our emotions, or react somewhere in between. Click here to order your copy today!

Are you ready to start learning to make wise choices in the midst of raw emotions but don't want to start it alone? On August 30th (TONIGHT) we'll be hosting a FREE UngluedWebcast at 8pm EST. Simply click on www.LysaTerKeurst.com to hear a powerful message. Sign up to get an email reminder about this FREE webcast and how to watch the replay if you miss it tonight by clicking here.

Join the Proverbs 31 Ministries' Unglued Online Bible Study! This Unglued study, hosted by Melissa Taylor and Lysa TerKeurst, starts Sunday, September 23rd. You won't have to leave your house, change out of your pajamas, or even put on makeup. Click here to find out more and sign up!

Reflect and Respond:
Have you lost your cool this week?

Take a minute to write out the situation and your response. Ask God to help you with this. Only He can change your heart.

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (NIV)

Galatians 5:16-17, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.