Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

January 26, 2009

Good Choice

Rachel Olsen

"If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you."

James 1:5a (NLT)
         
Devotion:

I have a tween-age daughter. She told me the other day she wants to begin babysitting for others. She is quite good with young kids, and a natural born leader, but I'm not certain she is ready for this. It's a lot of responsibility to be totally in charge, even if only for a few hours.

Solomon was the son of King David. Born nearly a thousand years before Christ, Solomon was installed as king just before his father's death. He was a tween-ager at the time. Only twelve years-old and now in charge of an entire nation – can you imagine? Makes babysitting for a few hours sound simple.

A while after Solomon's ordination, God appeared to the young king in a dream and invited him to make any request. "God said, 'What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!'" (1 Kings 3:5b NLT). Imagine your tween-aged or even teen-aged self from years ago. Now imagine God – in almost genie-like fashion, though God is most certainly not a genie – asking you to make a request. What would you ask for? My young self might have asked for a pony, new roller skates, a little sister, a car, or maybe a date with singer Shawn Cassidy.

However, none of this is what Solomon asked for. He replied:

"Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people; a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" (2 Kings 3:7-9, NLT)

Good choice! Feeling the weight of his responsibilities, Solomon asked God for the knowledge he would need to fulfill his purpose – to lead the people and judge fairly between them. Approving of Solomon's request, God answered:

"Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies — I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for — riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:11-14, NLT)

Solomon was granted wisdom from God, and as he followed it, all God promised came true. In short order, Solomon's wealth grew tremendously. In today's market, he would be a multi-millionaire, or even a trillionarie. He owned property, livestock, and mines. He had 12,000 horsemen alone on his payroll, to drive his 4,000 chariots.

His reputation was renowned. Kings from all over the world came to listen and learn from Solomon. Indeed Solomon still holds the title of the wisest man that ever lived. (Jesus not included in a list of mere men.)

Solomon's wisdom – flowing from the throne of God – brought the nation peace and prosperity like it had never known before. The forty years that Solomon sat as king were the best years in all of Israel's Old Testament history. All because he asked God for the wisdom he would need to fulfill his purpose, and then he followed that wisdom.

My purpose on this earth isn't to lead my nation like Solomon, but nonetheless I have a purpose. And I have people I'll lead. And responsibilities. And you do too! So, we need to make good choices. Let's take our cue from the wisest man to ever live and ask God today for the knowledge we'll need to fulfill our purposes well.

Dear Lord, today I eagerly ask You for wisdom for my life. Please give me knowledge, understanding, discernment, and the heart-set needed to follow it. May I rightly fulfill Your purposes for me today, and each day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Eds. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

Perplexing Proverbs for Women by Susanne Scheppmann

Visit Rachel's blog

Application Steps: 

Choose any chapter of Proverbs (written by Solomon) and read it. Take notes on the wisdom for living recorded there.

Then choose a different chapter tomorrow and do likewise.

Reflections: 

Do I seek the wisdom of God? Do I believe He will grant it to me?

Do I follow the God-given wisdom I have gained? How might my life look different if I answered that differently?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 2:2-3, "Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding." (NLT) 

© 2009 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 27, 2009

A Silent Intruder

Susanne Scheppmann

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Devotion:

The box was out of place. I held my breath in frightened suspense. I sensed someone or something had been in my home while I was away for the weekend. My eyes darted around the family room looking for signs of intrusion. Everything appeared to be in order. However, I spied a small box of dog biscuits in the middle of the kitchen floor. The biscuits were scattered and broken into small pieces. Only the box confirmed my suspicion -- everything else seemed to be in order.

My husband and I decided it must have been a mouse which found its way into the house through the garage and munched on the doggie treats. There was no trace of it now and our dogs were calm and indifferent. So, we cleaned up the crumbly mess and went about the evening.

Much later that night we snuggled on the couch watching the "Deadliest Catch." (It's a full-of-testosterone reality show -- a man's version of a soap opera.) We concentrated on the drama in the high seas when suddenly we were jolted by a screeching "Meoooooow!" We jerked our heads to see a giant black cat with an arched back perching on our kitchen counter. Its yellow-green eyes stared like illuminated orbs. With another cry, the intruder darted down the hallway and out the doggy door. So . . . that was the mysterious intruder. Evidently the feline had been lurking silently about in the house all afternoon with neither the dogs' nor our awareness.

Like the black cat slipped into our home unannounced, sin can slink into our hearts. Sinful thoughts slip into our mind and we ignore them, believing them to be harmless. But sin is an intruder intent on damage. Sin-filled thoughts can burgeon into sinful behaviors. Our key verse today states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." It is our responsibility to keep watch for the silent intruders in our thought life. We must analyze, for instance, what we watch and listen to each day.

Let's block our hearts' doors from sin, because once allowed in, it can do harm. It can also be hard to get rid of -- just like that sneaky cat. Our feline friend continued to return night after night through our doggy door. Finally, we found the stray cat a home.

We need not, however, find sin a home. There is no room for sin in our life as Christians. Let's block the entry and be vigilant against the silent intrusion of sin by guarding our eyes, ears and hearts in Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord, Help me guard my heart against evil. Make me aware of holes in my life where sin can sneak in and make itself comfortable. Holy Spirit, teach me to live a holy life devoted to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman: Lies that Got Me There, Truths that Brought Me Back by Lyndell Hetrick Holtz

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

Visit Susanne's blog

Application Steps: 

Mentally walk through your day's activities. Ask yourself if there is an activity that could easily turn into sin. Example: Could chatting with a girlfriend spin out of control into gossip? Walk through your home. Is there anything in your home you would not invite the Lord Jesus to participate in with you? Example: Are there DVDs that promote ungodly behavior?

Reflections: 

Do I care if my life is holy and honoring to the Lord Jesus?

How can I be more vigilant in guarding my heart this year?

When am I most vulnerable to sin sneaking into my life?

Power Verses:

2 Timothy 1:14, "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." (NIV)

John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 28, 2009

Finding God's Treasures
Renee Swope

  "Your word I have treasured in my heart..."
Psalm 119:11a (NAS)

Devotion:
A few years ago, my husband planned a father-son camping trip with a group of friends that included a Friday night treasure hunt. The week before, I found my sons mysteriously searching our house for cardstock paper. The next morning I discovered a few soaking wet pieces hanging to dry in the shower. After further questioning, they told me they were making secret treasure maps.

Of course, the treasure hunt wouldn't be complete without the reward of what they'd find. Two days before departure, my husband took our boys on a preliminary treasure hunt to the Dollar Store to buy water guns and other trinkets for eleven little pirates. That Friday, my husband took half a day off work so they could get to the campsite early and bury the treasure box. I'm convinced they spent more time planning and anticipating the treasure hunt than they did the camping trip.

I loved seeing how excited my boys were, and I couldn't help but wonder how I might tap into that excitement. As a mom, I'm always looking for ways to weave spiritual lessons into everyday life experiences. I want my kids to see the Bible, not as a book of rules to follow, but like a map that leads us on God's great adventure.

I started praying about ways to get creative and connect my kid's interest in treasure hunts to my desire for them to treasure God's Word in their hearts, like King David describes in today's key verse.

King David was a man who searched God's Word for wisdom and treasured it in his heart like gold! He depended on God's promises and was personally guided by God's precepts. Although David had countless worldly riches, God's Word was his greatest treasure, so much that he would meditate on it and write it deeply into the fibers of his thoughts.

I don't know about you, but I want to have the passion David describes and the anticipation my kids displayed when planning that treasure hunt. I want to be so convinced that if I make plans and set aside time to read God's Word, I will be rewarded with promises and insights I can depend on. Instead of reading my Bible because I should, I want to search through it each day like someone looking in a field for a treasure.

As a mom, I want to instill that same desire and confidence in my kids. I want them to see me anticipating all that God has for us, and then follow my lead as we begin each day in His Word on our own treasure hunt for Truth!

Lord, You are my greatest treasure! Your words are more precious than gold. I come to You with a renewed desire to search the scriptures for nuggets of truth, and apply Your wisdom in my daily life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Chart and CD: Wisdom and tools to help parents search for and store up treasures of Truth in their children's hearts. By Renee Swope

Visit Renee's Blog for practical ways to connect spiritual truths to your everyday life, for you and your kids. And sign up to win some great give-aways for moms.

A Walk to Remember: Living and Leaving a Legacy -- 2 Session DVD taught by Renee Swope

The D6 Conference -- helping parents and churches raise spiritual champions!

Application Steps:

·        Buy or make a treasure box to hold index cards. If you have children, they'll love decorating it.

·        Write Bible verses and promises on index cards and put them inside.

·        Choose a treasure of Truth to read, reflect on and hide in your heart daily or weekly.

·        Carry your treasure with you. Write it on sticky notes and put them on mirrors, in lunch boxes, on the fridge, etc.

·        At mealtimes, share how the treasure of truth applied to life that day.

Reflections: 

Do I read God's Word like I am looking for treasure, or do I skim over it to fulfill an obligation?

Do I believe there are rewards in seeking God, or do I fear He'll just give me more rules to follow?

How does my mindset influence my children's perspective of God's Word?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 2:1-6, "My child, listen to Me and treasure My instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. "(NLT)

Psalm 19:9-11, "The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." (NIV)

© 2009 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 29, 2009

Unsettled

Lysa TerKeurst

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.." Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

It's been almost a month since many of us resolved to do some things differently this year. So, how is it going? I only had a couple of resolutions this year. But the one closest to my heart and most deserving of my attention is the prayer I scribbled out on New Year's Day.

Unsettle me.

These are the two words rattling about in my brain today. I almost wish it was a more glamorous prayer. Surely more eloquent words could be found for what I'm feeling led to pursue during this new year. But these are the words - this is the prayer for my 2009.

The funny thing is I've spent my whole existence trying to find a place to settle down, people to settle down with, and a spirit about me worthy of all this settled down-ness. All of this is good. A contented heart, thankful for its blessings is a good way to settle.

But there are areas of my life that have also settled that mock my desires to be godly woman - compromises if you will. Attitudes that I've wrapped in the lie, "Well, that's just how I am. And if that's all the bad that's in me, I'm doing pretty good."

I dare you, dear soul of mine, to notice the stark evidence of a spirit that is tainted and a heart that must be placed under the microscope of God's Word. Yes, indeed, unsettle me Lord.

Unearth that remnant of unforgiveness.

Shake loose that justification for harshness.

Reveal that broken shard of pride.

Expose that tendency to distrust.

Unsettle me in the best kind of way. For when I allow Your touch to reach the deepest parts of me - dark and dingy and hidden away too long - suddenly, a fresh wind of life twists and twirls and dances through my soul.

I can delight in forgiveness and love more deeply.

I can discover my gentle responses and find softer ways for my words to land.

I can recognize the beauty of humility and crave the intimacy with God it unleashes.

I can rest assured though harsh winds blow, I will be held.

Goodbye to my remnants, my justifications, shards, and tendencies. This is not who I am, nor who I was created to be.

Goodbye shallow love, sharp words, self-focus, and suspicious fears. I am an unsettled woman who no longer wishes to take part in your distractions or destructions.

Welcome deeper love, softer words, unleashed intimacy, and the certainty I am held.

Welcome my unsettled heart.

Welcome 2009.

Dear Lord, Make me a courageous woman who isn't afraid to pray this prayer over and over this year. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to read about prayers that move the heart of God.

Do You Know Jesus?

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

Spend the next couple of weeks reading through the book of Hebrews in the Bible. Write on 3x5 cards every verse that speaks to you personally. I've included some of my favorites in the Power Verses below. Hebrews is such an amazing book full of truths about who Jesus is and how powerfully He can help us in our pursuit of becoming unsettled in the best kind of way.

Reflections: 

What are some things in my life that could stand to be unsettled a bit?

Is there someone who I could extend some forgiveness to?

What part of my life do I have the hardest time trusting God?

How might I make progress this year in those areas of struggle?

Power Verses:

Hebrews 1:3, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (NIV)

Hebrews 2:18, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (NIV) 

Hebrews 5:13-14, "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (NIV)

© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

January 30, 2009

Run Another Load

By Gina Parcells, She Speaks Conference Graduate

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NASB)

Devotion:
Laundry ... I'm running another load right now. It seems like once I have washed, dried, folded, and put away the clothes, I discover someone has slipped yet another dirty item into the hamper. The thing about laundry is, its just never-ending.

I've considered taking a sabbatical from the never-ending task, but I'm certain it would accumulate into a heap causing a pervasive stench in my house. Then, I'd hear grumbling from the masses about how they have nothing to wear and, of course, I would cave. My sabbatical would ultimately lead to my own panic as I surveyed the overflowing hampers.

So, no laundry sabbatical for me. Instead, I accept the need to wash clothes regularly. And I do it. It's better for everyone that way.

You know, God has that constant laundering thing going on too, except He's cleansing our hearts instead of our clothes. I'm sure He would rather we not dirty our hearts with sin, but He knows we do and He is always willing, day or night, to cleanse us.

The problem is sometimes I'm unwilling to put my stinky garments in His hamper to be washed. I have favorite sins, like favorite shirts, that I'm resistant to take off. Sometimes, I just wear my sin day in and day out, and the idea of confessing it and asking for grace doesn't even cross my mind. It's like He has a pile of clean clothes ready to go, but I walk right past them.

Fortunately for us, God never takes a cleaning sabbatical, and He doesn't get overwhelmed when our sin hampers seem filled to capacity. In fact, you can dump ten loads of sin in front of Him and He'll wash them all. He's a pro with the delicate cycle. If we can mess it up, He can clean it up ... we just have to ask. As our key verse states, if we confess, He will faithfully forgive.

Dear Lord, I confess to You _________. Thank You for Your faithfulness to cleanse me now, and every single time I come to You. Please help me to recognize my sin and to remember to seek Your forgiveness daily. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

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

Daily Prayer Journal

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps: 

Read Psalm 32 as if you wrote it to God.

Spend time asking the Lord to search your heart and reveal if there is any offensive way in your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Use these times of listening and confession as a regular part of your prayer time each morning.

Reflections: 

What keeps me from regularly confessing my sin?

What can I use as a trigger to remind me to spend time confessing my sin everyday?

Power Verses:

Psalm 51:2-4, "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight." (NIV)

Psalm 51:10, 12, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (NIV) 

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

February 2, 2009

Noble Plans, Noble Deeds

Marybeth Whalen

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Matthew 6:27 (NIV)
Devotion:

Recent spikes in gas prices. A collapsing housing market. A stock market that fluctuates dramatically. Record foreclosures. Inflation. Bank bailouts and eleventh hour negotiations. It's hard not to notice the economic turmoil our nation has been facing in the last several months. It's also hard not to feel anxiety when we see the latest news reports. When will we come out of this? How far will things go? And yet, Jesus told us not to worry about anything. Right now we might be asking ourselves: How can we not?

Isaiah 32:8 says, "But the noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands." One part of learning to live without worry as Jesus commands is to begin making wise plans for our financial future. God doesn't want us to leave things to chance or foolishly count on things to never change. Noble plans will bear up in the most shaky environment. Noble deeds will stand even when everything else is crumbling.

About five years ago, my husband and I made the decision to do whatever it took to eliminate our debt and live financially free. When we did, we began living a life that was drastically different from the status quo. I can't say it was easy. But we set our sights on our plan and, with God's help, worked towards the future. Today we are breathing a sigh of relief that we aren't where we once were. There is no doubt in my mind that, had we not made the changes we made five years ago, we would be in serious financial trouble right now. Our monthly debt payments would have been too much on top of the significant increase in the cost of living.

Even though we are out of debt now, we still have to keep working our plan lest we fall back into old habits and rack up new debt. When we sold our home this past summer, some lenders told us we could afford a lot more home than we were anticipating. I will admit that it was tempting to buy the big "dream home" and throw caution to the wind, hoping that my husband would always make his commission and we would "get by." As we prayed about our decision, we knew that wasn't what God wanted us to do. We bought a house that was a much smarter choice financially. It wasn't the "fun" solution and the house we bought wasn't fancy or impressive. And yet, as we have watched the continually declining financial picture of our nation, we know with certainty that we made the right choice. By following God's guidelines and seeking His will, we have experienced the freedom of being able to stand on solid financial ground. Left to our own devices, we would be in a big mess.

This time in our nation can be viewed as either devastating or as a needed wake-up call. Has it got your attention? Are you searching for solutions for your money issues? We can either let it shake us or let it serve as an impetus to make noble plans--plans that line up with God's design for our spending, saving and tithing. We can sign up for a class at church or purchase resources to help us finally create that budget or assess our spending habits. We can talk to our children about scaling back our lifestyle. We can draw closer to our spouse and pray together for God's guidance as we navigate these uncertain times. Most of all, we can discover a new reliance on God as our Provider, our Protector and the source of our peace, no matter what the financial reports say.

Dear Lord, I want to live a financially responsible life. I want to honor You with my financial choices and make plans that reflect Your purpose in my life. Help me to seek You in my finances just like in the rest of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen
Total Money Make-Over by Dave Ramsey
Today's P31 Radio Show
Visit Marybeth Whalen's blog

Application Steps: 
Marybeth will be discussing ways to plan for your financial future on her blog today. Head on over there to join in the discussion.
Reflections: 
What is one step you can take today that will help you plan for your financial future?
Is God nudging you to make changes in your spending habits or the way you view money?
Do you have a noble plan for your finances that can serve as a comfort in these uncertain times?

Power Verses:

I Timothy 6:5, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." (NIV) 
Proverbs 20:18a, "Make plans by seeking advice." (NIV)

© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

February 3, 2009

You Are Not Alone

Wendy Blight

"All that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it to dry land." Exodus 14:21 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

Do you feel alone?

Does God feel far away?

Does life seem dark - are you afraid?

At one point in my life, I answered "yes" to each of these questions. Following a tragic incident in my life, fear filled my heart. God seemed so distant. I felt completely alone.

It was then that God placed a familiar story before me from Exodus chapter 14. It tells the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. Initially, Pharaoh agreed to let God's people go, but soon after they left, he changed his mind. He began to pursue them with 600 of his best chariots. The approaching army terrified the Israelites. They cried out to Moses. Moses reminded the people of God's promise that He would deliver them. But their circumstances told them otherwise. They heard the rumbling of the chariots charging toward them. They saw the huge body of water blocking their only escape.

Can you imagine their fear? The reality they knew was that Pharaoh's finest soldiers were pursuing them, and there was a huge obstacle, the Red Sea, preventing their escape. God's people had no idea the miracle awaiting them.

When Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, Scripture says, "All that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it to dry land" (Exodus 14:21). Because it was dark, the Israelites could not quite see what God was doing. In the dark of night, God tirelessly worked on behalf of His children to deliver them, just as He had promised.

It's as if the words of this story leapt off the pages of Scripture and into my dark, desolate heart. Although the Israelites could not see or hear God, He was working in the midst of their darkness. I too could not "see" or "feel" God, but He was at work around me in invisible ways -- present and active, working on my behalf to carry me through my dark place.

In the dark, we have two choices. We can take matters into our own hands, turning to drugs or alcohol to numb our pain, seeking out friends' advice, or the latest self-help book, never really knowing if any of them is the way to healing and wholeness. Or we can look to God. We can open His Word and know that He guarantees healing and wholeness.

Would you like the Truth of God's Word to come alive for you? Would you like Him to come along side of you? You need only ask. The Lord promises, "When you seek me with all your heart, you will find me." (Jeremiah 29:13). You don't have to feel alone - seek God today!

Dear Heavenly Father, it is so difficult to walk through darkness. You feel so far away. I feel so alone. Thank You for the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me, and that there is nothing in all creation that will ever separate me from the love I have in You and in Your Son. Walk ever so closely with me during this darkness, Lord. Speak to me. Give me hope. Show me the treasures in my darkness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight

For more on Wendy's story, visit her blog

Sanctuary Devotional Bible

Application Steps: 

Sometimes God allows difficult circumstances to do a mighty transformational work in our lives. Will you examine your heart and honestly ask the Lord whether your difficult circumstances might not be a part of His refining process for your life...to make you more like Him? Journal what you discover.

Reflections: 

Reflect on this verse from Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has appointed me to...bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners..." Allow God the Healer, Jesus the Redeemer to come bind up your brokenness, show you the way to freedom, and release you from the darkness. He is waiting.

Power Verses:

1 John 1:5b, "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." (NIV)

Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any power, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

© 2009 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

February 4, 2009

Rest

Zoe Elmore

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5 (NIV)

Devotion:

Who knew that rest was something to seek after like one would pursue a virtuous quality? After all, aren't virtues supposed to be difficult and even require heroic action? I consider rest to be passive, a do-nothing kind of thing. What is the value of that in our daily lives, especially in the life of a busy woman?

Rest, like all things, is only good if it is taken in the right measure and at the right time. When I was a singer (in my former years), I learned that a properly placed rest is as effective as any note. By putting rest into practice in our lives, we reap the benefit and value it brings. As women, many of us have forgotten the importance of rest and how to employ the proper placing of the pause.

When people ask how things are going, more often than not the response is, "Busy as usual," or "There aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done."

Why are we so busy and why do many of us feel this way?

I think one reason may be that our society has sold women a false sense of self-worth by connecting our value to our level of busyness. We should ask ourselves the important question found in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or God?  Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Now please don't think I am suggesting all women go on permanent rest and take to our beds leaving our responsibilities and families to suffer. Heaven forbid! What I am suggesting is this. When faced with another opportunity to "do" one more thing, "go" to one more event or "host" one more party, resist the urge to immediately throw up your hand and volunteer. Pause and pray, asking the Lord's direction regarding each matter. Perhaps the Lord has someone else in mind to "fill" the position.

Some women have discovered the secret to living a full yet balanced life. Their busy life is punctuated with periods of rest, and that rest consists of a time of prayer. When I see women who rest in the midst of their busy lives I do not see them frantic and harried like myself. Their spiritual balance allows them to accomplish more with less stress.

Perhaps they have learned to employ the truths found in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (NIV). Just like farmers hand-crafted a yoke for every work-animal to help and assist them in their work, these women have learned that the Lord's yoke is perfectly fitted to us in order to assist us in the work He has ordained. And resting is one component of that work. When we are obedient to do the work God has called us to we can experience the joy and benefit of a balanced spiritual life as we utilize the proper place of rest.

Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding me that rest is an important part of spiritual balance. Teach me to seek Your direction as I prioritize my life's busyness. I want to experience and enjoy the balance of work and rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life by Keri Wyatt Kent

Do You Know Him?

Visit Zoe Elmore's blog

God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Editors. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

Application Steps: 

The next time your life becomes frantic and harried, pause for a time of restful prayer. Memorize the power verses below and learn the benefits of rest; it will help you achieve balance in your spiritual life.

Reflections: 

What can you do to ensure proper rest is a part of your life?

What is the Lord calling you to "give up" as a way of making room for proper rest?

Power Verses:

Genesis 2:3, "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (NIV)

Exodus 33:14 "The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (NIV)

Hebrews 4:10, "For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." (NIV)

© 2008 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

February 5, 2009



Orange and White Barrels

Van Walton



"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths... I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

Last spring I monotonously approached my neighborhood exit where a newly posted sign announced that I could not make my normal left turn. Lined up on the road as far as I could see around the bend was a neatly laid row of orange and white barrels. Road construction had interrupted my usual routine.

My daily plans would now be detoured due to the construction. Faced with this disruption that would surely put a kink in my life, I felt agitated and even hit the steering wheel with my fist. I would have to design new ways to reach my destinations and I wasn't happy about it.

One day when construction was completed enough to allow some through traffic, I turned left and surveyed the sights. I couldn't believe what I saw. No more lovely forest. Gone were the inviting trails into the woods. Decades-old wooden fences and bridges had disappeared. Honestly, the place resembled the combined affects of earthquake and fire. That whole summer I rolled up to the intersection with its orange and white barrels, and it triggered in me negative thoughts and feelings.

Soon after, my life was more seriously interrupted. A disturbing phone call forced me to drop everything. The bad news exploded like a bomb - my heart and mind quaked with emotion. Spiritual frustration filled my soul in the following months. I can't remember how many times my fist hit hard places. I screamed at God when life carried me away from the direction I wanted to take.

"How long will You take me out of my way?" I questioned God. I longed for my life before the interruption. Managing my days on autopilot was no longer an option as I faced my new circumstances. Slowly I began to see that this spiritual reconstruction paralleled the roadwork outside my neighborhood.

Once all the orange and white barrels were gone and I was free to turn left at that intersection, I appreciated the results. Smooth asphalt spread out before me. Two lanes of traffic moved steadily. The "earthquake zone" had been transformed into a park-like setting. A tree-lined sidewalk encouraged pedestrians to walk toward the ballpark and the neighborhood church. Admiring the new landscape, I realized I'd been inconvenienced, but now I could see that the long delays were worthwhile.

Today, although my life continues to zigzag through various "construction sites," I realize God allowed me to experience the orange and white-barreled roads to illustrate a truth. He is at work up ahead rearranging the landscape of my life. Psalm 37:34 says, "Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land." (NLT)

I may not be able to see what that land looks like, but I believe His Word. So, with His help, I put my hope in Him, traveling the paths He lays out for me, even though they are not the familiar roads I would normally take.

Father God, You know how difficult life is right now. My interrupted life and the difficult roads You have me traveling feel like they'll break me. Give me the capacity to graciously travel the paths You lay out before me. Help me trust You, In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Van Walton's blog

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton

Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner by Wendy Blight

Application Steps: 

Memorize one of the referenced Bible verses. Pray it out loud when disruptions threaten to interrupt your life.

Reflections: 

How has my life been interrupted recently?

How would God have me respond to this most recent disturbance?

Power Verses:

Psalm 25:4, "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow." (NLT)

© 2009 by Van Walton. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

February 6, 2009

Risky Behavior (The Good Kind!)

By T. Suzanne Eller

Peter said to Jesus, "If it is You, Lord, tell me to come to You on the water.

Jesus said, "Come!" Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.'"

Matthew 14:28-29 (New Life Bible)
Devotion: 

A long time ago I took a risk with God. Opening my heart to Him meant that I would be vulnerable. I had learned that if I stepped outside my carefully constructed walls, I could be hurt. Was I willing to let God past those barriers? Letting Him in became a first step in a life of risky behavior - the good kind! My mantra -- the beat to which I marched -- became "do it afraid."

God had plans for me that I could never imagine. If I could go back in time, I would find a young girl sitting outside on a curb, afraid to go back into her home because of the chaos. She was hurting. She was angry. She wanted to run away and never come back. I'd wrap my arms around her and tell her that God loves her. That He had plans for her life that she couldn't even imagine. I'd tell her to take risks.

It was a risk to become an author. It was a risk to become a speaker. But there were other, more personal, risks that came first. It was a risk to believe that I could have a loving, safe and fun family. It was a risk to break free from the entanglements of my past and embrace who God intended me to be. It was a risk to take the mask off and be myself with others.

Every time I took a step outside my comfort zone, I grew spiritually. I discovered God's destiny rather than operating within the limitations of my own experiences. I discovered a powerful truth along the way: When we take calculated risks, we discover talents and facets of our personality waiting to be developed.

But Suzie, what if I put myself out there, make myself vulnerable, and wind up getting hurt? Fear can be our largest obstacle to stepping out in courage. A step of faith might not look like success to others, but every risk can ignite more courage. But still, what if I fail? Take time to consider the other "what if's?" ...

¨      What if you live in authenticity and discover new and lasting relationships (even with those in your own home)?

¨      What if you face your fears and overcome them?

¨      What if you unmask your emotions and actually deal with them?

¨      What if you tell your secrets and they no longer suffocate you in the hidden places of your heart?

Step out of your boat, as Peter did, and discover who you are and what you can do as a child of an amazing God. It's a calculated risk, and it's worth it.

Dear Father, I am climbing out of the boat today just like Peter. I hear Your truth instead of the voice of doubt and fear. I trust that You know me as my Creator. Help me to take a baby step today toward You and my destiny. Thank You for reaching out and helping me walk on unfamiliar and exciting waters. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future by T. Suzanne Eller

Visit Suzie's blog.

Application Steps: 

Write down this word in five places where you can see it throughout the day: ANTICIPATE

(Begin to anticipate what God can do in your life.)

Reflections: 

It is important to differentiate between a calculated risk and risky behavior. Risky behavior--the bad kind--is anything that goes against Scripture or that has the potential to physically or emotionally harm you or your loved ones.

A calculated risk:

o       Is planned and has a specific goal in mind. (I want to be a speaker, so I will go to a training conference, take a course, connect with others with the same passion.)

o       May cost you something (thus the word "risk"), but you've weighed the cost vs. the benefits and the possible advantages are worth it.

o       Is trying new things, exploring talents that lie dormant, and reaching out to new friends.

o       Is believing that you can be accepted and valued for who you are.

Power Verses:

Ephesians 1:19-20 "I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe in Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms." (NLT)

© 2009 By T. Suzanne Eller. All Rights Reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org