Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 November 9, 2012

An Unaccepting Heart
Wendy Pope


"Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:2 (NIV 1984)

I spent many years regretting sins from my past; sins that had hurt others and myself. Day after day I would replay my decisions. Two decades later, the sting of past sin still had a hold on me.

Yet I knew God had forgiven me; I'd asked Him to. So why couldn't I accept the freedom of His forgiveness?

I wanted so badly to believe I was the person David mentions in Psalm 32:2, "Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit."Yet I struggled with accepting that God's grace could erase my sin, wiping it away as if it never happened.

I think for many of us, this is hard to do. It sounds all well and good, but in reality we are still carrying the weight of sin we can't seem to forget or forgive ourselves for.

Yet, His Word assures us that God does not count our sin against us. So how can we live in this truth?

I've discovered through our key verse that the first step is acknowledging our sins: to ourselves and to God. Confession reconciles our heart with God's heart.

The next thing is to begin filling our heart and mind with truth. Throughout the Bible, God teaches how an unaccepting heart can be changed and softened to accept His forgiveness. The following verses are truths from a loving God who longs to transform our lives through the grace of His forgiveness.

My God doesn't condemn.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)

My master is grace not sin.
"For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Romans 6:14 (NIV 1984)

My Savior Jesus has set me free, therefore I am free.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 (NIV)

My old is gone; because of Jesus Christ I am new.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV 1984)

Are you lugging a load of sin that God has already forgiven and forgotten? Are you ready to stop living in shame, shackled by regret? Life is too short to exchange the freedom of grace for the bondage of our unbelief.

Today, let's allow God to wash the hurt and regret from past sins away with the transforming power of His truth. And let's pray for an accepting heart that lives in the freedom of God's grace and forgiveness.

Dear Lord, by faith I accept Your forgiveness and refuse to be a slave to forgiven sin any longer. Today, I confess and move on! I commit to believing Your transforming truths to live fully and freely in Your grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Wendy's website to hear a video message about living out the transforming truths shared in today's devotion. Is it easy? No. Is it possible? Yes. Through God all things are possible. Let's talk about it.

Living Free in Christ — a 50 minute audio teaching of Wendy's testimony taught from the book of Joel.

Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman by Lyndell Hetrick Holtz

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:
Have you been unaccepting of God's forgiveness? Spend time talking with God and allowing yourself to accept and live in the freedom of forgiveness.

Use index cards to make several copies of the transforming truths above. Place a copy in your purse, car, Bible, desk, and other places you often go. Read them as long as it takes to experience the blessed life David speaks of in Psalm 32:2.

Power Verses:
Isaiah 1:18. "'Come now, let us reason together,' says the LORD. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" (NIV 1984)

Isaiah 43:25, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (NIV 1984)

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

© 2012 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 12, 2012

Turning Bad Days into Good Days
LeAnn Rice


"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night..." Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV)

As a widow with a child, I have experienced many "bad days" in the last fifteen years.

Some days, I thought I wouldn't make it another 24 hours without some help. Other times, all I could find to be grateful for was that I actually got myself out of bed.

The sadness loomed over me and cast a dark shadow over my attitude and mood. I knew I didn't want to, or couldn't, live like that forever. Something had to change.

Scripture has the best remedy for us to help overcome the dark days. Psalm 92:1-2 tells us that "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night..." (NIV)

Over the years I took this verse to heart and made an effort to praise the Lord for the blessings each day held. Moment by moment I forced myself to count the big and small gifts I had and eventually, I started to see them all around me.

Do you need to see some "good" right now because you're going through a challenging time? Or do you also struggle to notice the simple blessings in the midst of your hectic days?

Here are some tangible ways to purposefully see God's blessings, His goodness and His steadfast love - even on those "bad" days.

Keep a Blessings Journal
If it's a rough day, I read my Blessings Journal. Each night before I go to bed, I record several ways I noticed God's love and faithfulness to me that day. Rereading the journal refocuses my thoughts toward God, instead of my hard situation.

Make a Good Night Blessings Journal
When it's time to tuck your kids in at night, ask them to tell you one good thing about their day and write it in their journals. This ends their day on a positive note and gets them in the habit of praising the Lord too.

Create a Blessings Chain
Cut up strips of construction paper, write down your blessings and praises on the strips and staple them together to form a chain. Place your Blessings Chain somewhere in your home you'll see it often. It's a great conversation piece, and provides the opportunity to share God's goodness with company.

Design a Blessings Box
I keep a Blessing Box in the middle of my kitchen table. Inside are strips of colored paper and a pen. Throughout the year, my son and I write down things we're grateful for and place them inside the box. Together, we read the strips in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Give a Treasury of God's Promises
If you know someone who's going through a difficult time, create a gift box filled with God's promises personalized for them. Imagine them opening the box and reading this note, "My plan for your future, Gabriel, is filled with hope" or "Give thanks to the LORD, Jackie, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Raising a child as a single parent hasn't always been easy. There have been weeks and even months that have been "bad." But as I've chosen to praise God for the good, the bad days turn around. Today, let's begin to look for the blessings He's given us and praise Him for them.

Dear Lord, please turn our "bad" days into praise. And help us notice Your blessings all around us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know the Greatest Blessing?

LeAnn Rice is the co-author of Untangling Christmas, an eBook filled with recipes, organization and gift ideas, tangible outreach projects and ways to seek our Savior during the holiday.

For a free template with 100 of God's Promises ready for you to customize into a one-of-a-kind treasury as the perfect gift for a friend or family member, go to www.SheCooks.organd click on "Resources."

For more encouragement from LeAnn Rice and her team of friends, stop by A Widow's Might.

Reflect and Respond:
Notice three blessings today that yesterday you would've missed.

Do you know someone who is going through a rough time and needs some encouragement? Right now, decide to do one practical thing to support them.

Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 2:12, "But God has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think. That's also why we can recognize the blessings that God has given us." (CEV)

Proverbs 10:22, "The LORD's blessing enriches, and struggle adds nothing to it." (HCSB)

© 2012 by LeAnn Rice. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 13, 2012

Find and Replace
Karen Ehman


"... throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT)

There's a nifty editing tool on my computer called "find and replace." It allows me to locate an existing word and exchange it for one more suited to the meaning of my sentence.

At times I wish I had such a feature on my brain; a "find and replace" option that would help me keep my thoughts in a healthy place and in line with God's Word. Especially when it comes to setting my own agenda and getting my own way. (Better known as selfishness.)

Even though I can't press a button and instantly swap out my old thoughts for new ones, I can still apply this "find and replace" process to my sometimes-selfish line of thinking.

When tempted to throw a pity party with only ourselves on the guest list—because let's face it, no one fancies the company of a whiner—let's replace our negative notions with insight from God's Word.

Here are some "find and replace" examples to help pull a selfishness switch-a-roo. When we find ourselves thinking one of the thoughts listed in bold, let's replace it with what God says in the verse that directly follows it.

"If I don't look out for myself, who will?"
"What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." (Luke 12:6-7 NLT)

"What about my rights?"
"You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being." (Philippians 2:5-7a NLT)

"I'm entitled to my opinion."
"Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, 'If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.'" (1 Peter 3:9-11 NLT)

"I gotta look out for number one."
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:3-5 ESV)

"Who cares about them? It's all about me."
"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God." (Philippians 1:9-11 NLT)

"But what about what I want?"
"Carefully determine what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

How about it? Could your thought patterns benefit from some "find and replace" therapy? It is sure to center our minds on God and, as a result, make our relationship with Him—as well as with others—healthier, happier and whole. Let's pursue an unselfish and God-pleasing attitude. Find and replace.

Dear Lord, at those times I'm tempted by selfishness, may I align my thinking with Your will and Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
We're celebrating the release of Karen Ehman's new book LET. IT. GO. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith. It will empower and equip you to control what you should and trust God with what you can't. Click here for more information.

Visit Karen's blog for more encouragement on this topic and to enter to win a signed copy of LET. IT. GO. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith.

Would you like to bring a life-changing message to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Karen Ehman as your next retreat or keynote speaker.

Reflect and Respond:
Why is it so easy to let our thoughts and resulting actions be selfish in nature?

Was there a time when you intentionally chose to not be selfish even though you wanted to be? What happened?

Power Verse:
James 3:16: "For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. (HCSB)

© 2012 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

November 14, 2012

Sometimes I Have to Boss My Heart Around
Renee Swope


"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—" Psalm 103:1-2 (NIV)

I caught my heart heading to a pit of discouragement for spring break. It was supposed to go to the beach with my family and me, but it was not cooperating.

We had been hit by one emotional and financial crisis after another. A close friend learned that, after a year's worth of abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, and an undiagnosed illness, she had a large tumor that appeared to be ovarian cancer.

Then our upstairs air conditioner broke, again. And that same week, we found out our international adoption expenses would not apply as a deduction that year, which meant we owed significantly more on taxes than we anticipated. Yet our savings had been poured into our adoption and our air conditioning systems.

My mind was divided. My spirit was depleted. And my body was exhausted.

I couldn't stop worrying about my friend. I couldn't stop thinking about our finances. How was I supposed to rest and relax with all we had going on?

Although I had packed my bags for the beach, my heart had decided it wasn't in the mood for vacation. It was marching straight toward the pit.

But as much as I didn't want to go on vacation, I knew I didn't want to dwell in a place of despair or pull my family in with me. It wasn't part of God's plans—nor mine.

Eventually I realized I was going to have to boss my heart around!

King David was really good at telling his heart and soul what to do. In Psalm 103 he said: "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name" (vs. 1). I decided to follow his example. In the midst of my turmoil and troubles, I told my soul to praise the Lord.

Now this wasn't a superficial "say your bedtime prayers" talk to my soul. No, this was a deep-down, preach it to my inmost being, "GOD IS GOOD no matter what your feelings are telling you" sermon. I bossed my heart with Truth and pulled it away from the pit by telling myself to "forget not ALL his benefits" (Ps. 103:2).

Then I walked my heart down memory lane, reminding it of the One who:
Forgives all [my] sins and heals all [my] diseases,
who redeems [my] life from the pit
and crowns [me] with love and compassion,
who satisfies [my] desires with good things
so that [my] youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Ps. 103:3-5 NIV)

No matter what the answer was to my friend's diagnosis, or how costly our air conditioner was going to be, or how much we owed on taxes—my soul needed to praise the Lord. My heart needed me to ...
Remember Who He is.
Thank Him for what He had done in the past.
Trust Him for what He would do in the future.

My circumstances didn't change but my perspective did. By re-directing my thoughts and my focus, I was able to re-direct my emotions. And our spring break wasn't ruined after all.

Every time I was tempted to start worrying about what might be, I used King David's prayer to focus on what was, is, and will forever be-God's faithfulness to walk by my side and navigate my heart through the valleys of life.

Are there circumstances that have pulled you into a place of discouragement? Do you have concerns that are causing your thoughts to head down a path of despair? I pray you won't go there.

Today you can be the boss of your emotions by telling your heart what to do-and if you have to get a little bossy, that's okay too!

Dear Lord, please help me trust You and empower me through Your Spirit to stop my emotions from bossing me around. I want to quit worrying about what might happen and focus on what has already happened by remembering and praising You for Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
This devotion was taken in part from Renee's Swope's best-selling book, A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises.

LET. IT. GO. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith, by Karen Ehman, will empower and equip you to control what you should and trust God with what you can't.

Click here to visit Renee's website where she's interviewing Karen Ehman about her new book, LET. IT. GO. and enter to win one of three copies she's giving away!

Reflect and Respond:
Are there concerns that are causing your thoughts to head down a path of despair?

Every time you're tempted to worry about what might be, use King David's prayer to focus on what was, is, and will forever be-God's faithfulness to walk by your side and navigate your heart through the valleys of life.

Power Verse:
Psalm 43:5, "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!" (NLT)

© 2012 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 15, 2012

The Place Where Disappointment Grows
Lysa TerKeurst


"They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed." Psalm 22:5 (NIV 1984)

The space between our expectations and our reality is a fertile field. And often it's a place where disappointment grows.

When I was in high school, I had a friend whose sister had the coolest hairdo. It was cropped short with straight bangs that fell messy over one eye. She was that older sister who just seemed to have a handle on how to do everything with style.

I somehow decided all of her coolness traced back to her hairdo. Like that was the budding spot from which the life I wanted could sprout.

Yes, that hairdo.

Never mind the fact her hair was thin and obedient. And mine was thick and rebellious.

Never mind that her hair was sleek and straight. And mine was curly at best and frizzy at worst.

Never mind that her bangs fell nicely over her forehead. And mine had a crazy cowlick causing them to grow up, not down.

Yes, never mind reality.

I set my expectation on the highest bar and willed my hair to fall in line.

The hair dresser chopped. And chopped. And chopped. And tried to assure me I now looked JUST like the picture of the older sister.

But that was a lie. I knew it. She knew it.

And oh how the space between my expectation and my new reality grew some serious disappointment. I still have nightmares of that disastrous hairdo where I wake up desperately grabbing at my head to make sure my hair is still there.

But hair grows back. Bad cuts can be fixed in time. That disappointment can be remedied.

Other situations aren't so easy. Maybe you have some space between a current reality and an unfulfilled expectation. If so, I imagine disappointment can be found growing there.

Psalm 23:1 says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (ESV) The Hebrew word for "want" is chacer meaning, "to lack, be without, become empty." So, if the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not become empty. I shall not live in a constant state of disappointment where circumstances leak me dry.

But ... I still do sometimes. And not just with my hair. It's other stuff as well. Important stuff.

So, how do I let the Lord shepherd me so that the gap between my expectations and reality closes? I ask myself these questions when faced with disappointment:

What do I need to learn? Maybe God has an appointment for me in the midst of this disappointment. If God wants me to see, learn, know, or grow in some way while I work through this unmet expectation, I have to be open to hear this from Him.

Many times God shows me a flaw of mine that needs to be addressed. When I am willing to listen to Him, I can more easily adjust my expectations.

Could it be that I'm so concerned with what I don't have, I've forgotten to be thankful for what I do have? Sometimes, it's not that my reality is bad. It's that I created too much space for disappointment to grow by placing my expectations too high.

Is there something I can do to change this situation? If so, I need to ask God for the courage to make changes. If I keep hoping things will get better but don't make any adjustments, that's foolish. The space between my reality and my expectations will only change if I do.

Now back to my high school hair situation. If I ever start flashing pictures of cute pixie hair cuts I'm considering getting, somebody remind me of my high school hair debacle. Please. Pretty please. With a dollop of hair gel on top.

Dear Lord, thank You for turning my disappointments into opportunities for growth and learning. I know that only You can close the gap between my expectations and reality. Guide me in trusting You through every situation, even if I can't understand why it's happening at the time. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Is there fertile ground for disappointment between your reality and expectations? If you're not quite sure how to tighten the gap, Lysa TerKeurst's book Unglued will help.

Take it a step further by having a few friends hold you accountable through a small group study of Unglued! Pick up a copy of the DVD and accompanying Participant's Guide.

Read the first chapter of Unglued by clicking here. And watch the first small group session by clicking here and scrolling down to DVD Curriculum.

Reflect and Respond:
How do you typically handle disappointment?

Reflect on the three questions above and write down your answers. This will give you the opportunity to get a better perspective on your own particular situation and the way you handle disappointments.

Power Verses:
Romans 5:2b-5, "... and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

November 16, 2012

If I Love God, Do I Have to Love People Too?
Glynnis Whitwer


"'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV)

Have you ever thought it would be easier to serve God if weren't for people? I mean, people can be so annoying at times.

I wonder if Jesus knew we'd get frustrated with each other. Perhaps that's why He answered the Pharisees' question the way He did.

In Matthew chapter 22:37-40 the Pharisees, religious leaders of that day, asked Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Jesus answered a question the Pharisees didn't ask. They only asked for the greatest commandment, not the second. But Jesus knew one couldn't be done without the other. Obviously He wanted His listeners to consider loving God and loving people as inseparable. But why? Perhaps Jesus knew we would tend toward one or the other.

The truth is, we can love God and neglect loving people. Of course, none of us would admit to that. But I've been guilty of serving God through my commitments at church and then getting annoyed with people, and not showing compassion or kindness towards them.

When I was the director of the children's ministry 20 years ago, I loved the kids, but the volunteers sometimes got on my nerves. Especially when they decided to not show up based on what seemed like a flimsy excuse to me. After all, I was there in spite of being tired, having a headache, etc.

Judgment and a critical spirit crowded out love.

I've also been so busy serving God that I haven't shown sacrificial love towards my family. One of the first signs of being too busy is my diminished capacity to be kind and loving toward them. It happened a lot when my three boys were little and I was trying to keep the same pre-children schedule. I was constantly frustrated and my children did not always experience a patient and loving mother.

On the other hand, we can also love people and neglect our love for God.

We can lower God's standards, minimize His commands, and twist Scripture so as not to offend others. We can ignore how Jesus is the only way to God, because that would exclude so many "good" people from heaven. Yes, it's possible to love people more than we love God.

So what is Jesus saying here? I believe He's saying we must figure out how to do both. First, we must love God through trusting Him, believing in the goodness of His character and obeying His Word-even when we don't understand things.

In doing so, we must be honest about the condition of our hearts and ask God to help us love others well.

I'll be honest, this is hard for me. It is only through daily prayer, dependence on God, and Him working in my heart that I can even attempt to live out what Jesus called the two most important commandments. Even then, on my best day, I feel inadequate.

Thankfully, God never asks me to do anything without offering to help.

His Word sustains and encourages me. The Holy Spirit guides me. And God's love and mercy for me, a most unlovable girl at times, helps keep me mindful of why I love Him so much, and why I should let Him show others that same love through me.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me. You have shown me more love than I deserve. Help me to love You more and love those You've placed in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis Whitwer's blog for more of how God has spoken to her through this passage of Scripture.

Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst will help you choose a more loving response to others.

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:
Why is it important to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds? Does this make a difference in how we love people?

Do you find yourself leaning towards loving God more than people? Or people more than God? If so, what changes might you need to make in your life?

Power Verse:
Romans 13:8, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 19, 2012

Multi-tasking Mayhem
Karen Ehman


"But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, 'You are my God!' My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly." Psalm 31:14-15 (NLT)

"Mom, quick...look at that lady!" My fourteen-year-old son shouted as we were headed down the interstate on an errand-running Thursday afternoon. "She should not be doing that," he added for emphasis.

I glanced over at the car next to us, expecting to see someone without her hands at the ten and two o'clock positions like my by-the-rulebook-boy does when training behind the wheel. Instead, I nearly ran off the road while gawking at what my Driver's Ed patrolman had spotted.

Next to us was a woman cradling her cell phone on her right shoulder; holding an open fast-food salad container in her left hand; ripping open a salad dressing packet with her teeth and her right hand...all while steering her car with her knees!

What in the world!? My boys and I thought surely, if she kept up this multi-tasking method of driving, she was going to cause a crash.

"I would NEVER attempt to do all of that when I drive," I smugly thought to myself. "Entirely too dangerous and probably against the law." Yep, when it comes to being a safe-driving expert, the apple doesn't fall far from the "Honey-you-didn't-use-your-blinker-back-there" maternal tree.

It wasn't until later that night it hit me. Yes, I may not dangerously multi-task when driving, thereby risking collision. But in my day-to-day life? In my schedule? In my "sure-I-can-take-on-one-more-responsibility-so-everyone-will-like-me" way? I sometimes dangerously multi-task to the point I am headed for a crash.

Taking on too many responsibilities, no matter how "good" they may be, can often render us ineffective for service to God. Yet, He knows our limits. He understands are capacities. He is willing, if we will ask Him, to help us navigate the busyness and activity that often trips us up.

On one of my so-busy-I-couldn't-breathe days, I read today's key verse. While I'm sure the author David was talking about actual physical enemies — men who could chase, catch and ultimately hurt you — I realized that day my enemy was busyness. Too many activities and responsibilities outside my four walls were about to do me in. They chased me, cornered me and worst of all, were about to go in for the kill.

Thankfully, God can rescue us from the barren life of busyness. He invites us to hold our too-full plates up to Him, allowing Him to scrape off all the activities and responsibilities. Then, place back on our plates only the items HE longs for us to possess.

When this happens, we can create space in our calendar to retreat, places of sweet respite in our days where we connect with God. Times when we slow down and sit still to listen and learn from the Creator of time itself.

So, how about it friend? Let's both start scraping before we crash and burn!

Dear Lord, forgive me for allowing busyness to overtake my life, crowding out others and worst of all You. Help me as I purpose to place only those items on my plate that You long for me to have. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Discover tips for overcoming busyness during the holidays and a give-away package that includes Karen's new e-book Untangling Christmas at Karen's blog today.

The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized by Karen Ehman

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!

Application Steps:
List on paper all the commitments you have said yes to outside your job or home responsibilities. Catalog approximately how much time you devote to them each week. Pray about what you discover.

Reflections:
What activities and responsibilities have I said "Yes" to that I know in my heart I shouldn't have?

How can I thin out my optional tasks and duties, freeing up more time for the places where God wants me to focus my efforts?

Power Verses:
Matthew 6:33-34, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (ESV)

Genesis 2:2, "And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done." (ESV)

© 2011 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 20, 2012

Christians Acting Ugly
Lysa TerKeurst


"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

Recently I was skimming some comments left on a social media outlet. Most were encouraging and kind. Some people had a different opinion but stayed civil in their expressions.

Then there was a third group. A much smaller but a very loud group.

Their opinions dripped with judgment, harshness, and condemnation. And the saddest thing of all? These were Christians attacking another Christian.

Honestly, I don't get it.

I just don't. As I read their comments it seemed as if they felt compelled to rip this person to shreds in order to prove their view. To show how knowledgeable they were and how off-base this other Christian was. Most disturbing of all, they felt it their duty to "protect God."

But God doesn't call man to protect Him. He calls us to love Him. And love others. Christians acting ugly and justifying it under the guise of holding another person in check isn't loving.

Matthew 22:36 says, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matt. 22:37-39 NIV)

Yes, there is a place to make sure others aren't misaligning Truth. But we must do this carefully and first make sure we aren't misaligning the Truth in our approach.

Our response must contain these three things: justice, mercy, and humility. "The LORD has told you, human, what is good; he has told you what he wants from you: to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God." (Micah 6:8 NCV)

I read this quote recently that reminded me of this powerful verse in Micah. "It is right to see justice prevail. But it is wrong when my ego gets in the way — when I retaliate to prove that I am strong, that I am superior to the other person, that I am the almighty righteous cop for God." (Bible commentary writer Michael J. Wilkins)

I guess I can feel a little sensitive about this subject because I've had some personal ministry friends attacked and accused in the most vicious of ways. And a little of this yuck has slipped into my world as well.

Maybe this third group sees these growing ministries and assumes their words won't affect their leaders. Or worse yet, because these ministries are growing maybe they hope their words will affect them. Either way, it hurts.

I know this isn't just an experience exclusive to leaders in ministry though. This can happen to any of us—in any walk of life. Whether you are hyper-critical of those around you, or you have experienced this hurtful criticism from a friend, family member, or co-worker, these words hurt everyone involved.

There isn't an easy solution to this problem. But if this devotion makes a few people stop and think before blasting someone, whether a ministry leader, a family leader, or friend — then it's good. And most of all, if it reminds me to do what is right to other people ... to love being kind to others ... and to live a little more humbly — it's really good.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace and patience everyday. Help me recognize when I become critical of those around me. I want to show Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
For more on learning to tame your words with grace and honesty, check out Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued. Click here for more information.

We can be examples of Christians coming together to act kindly. One way is by doing a small group Bible Study of Unglued with the accompanying DVD and Participant's Guidetogether.

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, when you are tempted to speak harsh or critical words to or about someone in your sphere of influence, or about a leader in your life, think about the 'greatest commandment.'

Are you loving your neighbor as you would like to be loved? If your answer is no, or contains a 'but,' try holding your tongue and remember, only the Lord can judge the heart of another man. And thank goodness, for He is just and loving.

Power Verses:
Jeremiah 17:10, "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." (NIV)

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)

James 1:26, "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 21, 2012

What Makes a Family?
LeAnn Rice


"But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus." 2 Corinthians 7:6 (NIV)

Fifteen years ago I watched an empty hospital bed roll into my living room. What an unlikely place for a bed. What an even more unlikely place for my husband, Ron, to be dying-in our living room.

How could this be? Ron was young, athletic, my best friend, the love of my life and the absolute joy of our three-year-old son, Nick.

Soon, fragile days filled with Ron's raspy breathing became what I called my "in between." During that in-between time — the space separating life and death — I wanted to savor the richness of last conversations, last kisses, and last memories.

But Ron's condition deteriorated quickly. He slipped away much too soon. In an instant, I became both a widow and a single parent. I felt completely alone.

Most people have a close support network, a soft place to land. Not me. Physical distance separated me from my mother and in-laws, and differences in viewpoints created emotional distances with other family members.

As a result, my "soft" landing place often felt like shards of glass slashing at my heart. Everything cut deeply. Everything hurt.

It was my love for our son, Nick, which helped me survive the painful emptiness and move on.

But I grieved when thinking about spending our future holidays alone. No boisterous birthday celebrations for Nick. No traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We needed a bigger family to do life with.

When you experience a tragic loss due to death or betrayal, it's hard to trust anyone again. At least it was for me.

Yet, a little brown-haired boy needed godly male influences, and a loving family with whom to celebrate. I also needed to stop being filled with conflicting emotions about being afraid to trust.

In 2 Corinthians 7:6, Paul didn't have any extended family present during a time of conflicting emotions and fear either. Yet, God saw Paul's need for a family-like companionship so He sent Titus to encourage and take care of the apostle. Titus was a problem-solver who had a heart for God and a heart for God's people in Corinth.

God also saw our need for a new, bigger family. With ample love, He sent Nick and me some "Titus" people who have a heart for God and a heart for His people. They helped to transform our downcast souls with His all-encompassing comfort.

Slowly, I cracked open my heart's door just an inch or two allowing these amazing people into our lives. Over time, God knit all of us together creating a "Titus family" related by our hearts, not our heritage.

My "Titus family" consists of people who love each other unconditionally, support and encourage each other, sit beside one another's hospital beds, hold each other accountable and share in every achievement, failure and pain.

Do we look alike? Not so much. But do we share the same heart and many happy holiday celebrations? Definitely!

The most valuable lesson I've learned since my husband died is that marriage certificates and blood relationships are not the only way to make a family.

God makes a family.

Dear Lord, You promised to be a father to the fatherless and to even bring joy to widows during festivals. The holidays are often a hard time for people in a season of suffering. Please open my eyes to see anyone who needs a soft place to land or a safe place to share. And then, give me the resolve I need to respond with the same incredible love You've shown me — no matter how busy I am. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know the Greatest Comforter?

Words of Comfort for Times of Loss by Cecil Murphy and Liz Allison

For more encouragement from LeAnn, stop by She Cooks or visit her and her team at A Widow's Might.

Reflect and Respond:
How do you most often close your heart to shield yourself from being hurt again? Withdrawing? Being angry? Holding on to bitterness?

Who might you turn to to help you move past your pain, trusting that God can redirect it into a new purpose in your life?

Take time today to contact someone who needs companionship.

Power Verses:
Lamentations 3:32, "Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, "Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God's family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more." (NIV)

© 2012 by LeAnn Rice. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 November 26, 2012

I Can't Find the Words
Suzie Eller


"Moses was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was powerful in both speech and action." - Acts 7:22 (NLT)

Have you ever tried to hide from God's call on your life?

Moses did. He fled to the wilderness to get away. The hillside was a comfortable place; one that allowed him to live in obscurity. But God approached Moses as he tended sheep.

When God asked Moses to speak to Pharaoh on His behalf, Moses balked. He felt inadequate. He lifted up his weakness to God and submitted it as an excuse not to do as God asked. "My words get tangled," he said. (Exodus 4:10b NLT)

Yet years later in Acts 7:22, we find that Stephen described Moses as powerful in both speech and action.

How could this be? Did he truly struggle with his words, or was it an excuse?

As an Egyptian citizen and adopted member of the royal family, Moses had access to the finest education. As a young man he rose to the rank of prime minister, a task that required him to communicate with others. But Moses is believed to have had a true speech impediment.

He struggled to get the words out.

So when God approached Moses to join in an adventure to free His people from slavery, all Moses could think about was his weakness.

When Stephen described Moses, hundreds of years later, he had the advantage of seeing Moses' life span. He had heard of every act of courage and victory. Even in death, the name of Moses was revered among the nation of Israel.

Stephen knew when Moses spoke, though he may have stammered, his words carried weight.

The words Moses spoke were described as "life giving." (Acts 7:38 NLT) Moses' words mended arguments, offered justice, negotiated freedom and dispensed wisdom.

Only in hindsight do we see what Moses could not see in the beginning. God wasn't worried about Moses' lack of eloquence, vocabulary or skill, but whether or not Moses trusted God enough to obey.

Where Moses was deficient, God would be sufficient.

Where Moses struggled, God would succeed.

Where Moses was weak, God would be strong.

How many times does God invite us to follow Him into an adventure? Whether it is to be a great mom, or to lead a Bible study, or do anything outside our comfort zone, do we hold up our weaknesses and say, "Sorry, God, I can't," and then point out our weaknesses to Him.

In these instances, "My words get tangled" translates to:

I'm not patient, God, so don't ask me to be a good mom.

I don't like to be in the spotlight, God, so let someone else lead that study.

I'm afraid, God, so don't ask me to [fill in the blank].

When we look past our "tangled words" to His equipping, we find our answer.

What is God asking you to do? Have you been responding with your own version of, "My words get tangled"?

Are you willing to step out in obedience today?

Like Moses, only with hindsight will you one day see how your obedience shaped a child, or a neighbor or a nation.

Or you.

What do you stand to gain as you take the focus off your deficiency to trust in His sufficiency?

Dear Lord, You know my very real weakness. But I am excited to respond to Your voice today. With You all things are possible, so I step out in faith beginning today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie's blog to discover five ways to overcome fear when you obey God's call.

Join Suzie on her Facebook Live Free page for a daily scripture, to-do, and encouragement tip to help you live free.

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises by Renee Swope

Bring a message of hope to the women of your church. Click here to find out how to book Suzie Eller as your next event speaker.

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:
Abraham was old; Timothy was timid; Jacob was insecure; Peter was impulsive; and Moses had a speech impediment, yet God used each of these people in such a way that their names are etched in history.

Add your name to the list above: I am _______________, but with God all things are possible (Mark 10:27).

Power Verses:
Exodus 4:10, "Moses said to the Lord, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'" (NIV)

Exodus 4:11-12, "The Lord said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'" (NIV)

© 2012 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.