Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

January 10, 2013

From Overpowered to Empowered
Lysa TerKeurst


"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

It was one of those days. I was driving to the airport in the pouring rain. The skies were grey. The day felt a bit gloomy. And honestly, so did I.

There were just a lot of little things swarming my thoughts. Feelings of inadequacy stinging. "There are so many things I'm responsible for and never enough hours in the day. I do enough to keep things from sinking. But I just wonder if I'm doing anything well. I don't think I am ... doing anything well."

The more I focused on these thoughts, the more overpowered I became. The more overpowered I became, the more withdrawn I felt.

I pulled into the parking space and started the fight with my luggage. My suitcase has two wheels missing. And of course I keep intending to do something about this. But I don't have time. So I make do with a crazy suitcase and a crazy life and a crazy sense I should just pack my family up and move out west somewhere. Live on a ranch where we grow our own food and I cook beans in a black pot over an open flame.

Surely that would fix everything.

Except that I know it wouldn't.

Because the chaos isn't from my circumstances. It's inside me.

I boarded the plane. I stared out the window. I watched the grey clouds envelop us.

And then the grey broke.

Suddenly, we rose above the clouds and the sun was shining brightly. The sky was fabulously clear.

The clouds were just a temporary covering. They didn't stop the sun from shining. They just prevented my eyes from seeing the sun. And it wasn't just the sky that appeared a little brighter. My mood did as well.

I started to shift from feeling overpowered to empowered as I realized three things:

Just because I feel it doesn't make it real.

Just like I felt the sun was gone but it wasn't, I might feel like I'm not doing anything well, but it doesn't make it true. The fact that I have weaknesses doesn't make everything about me weak. I have plenty of strengths.

All I have to do is ask a couple of my friends or my family members to help me see what I do well. I can celebrate those, and then get a plan for bettering things that need improvement. I can start by identifying one thing to improve on this month. And do a little toward making that one thing better.

There are a lot of people who would trade their best day for my worst day.

Yes, I have a lot to manage. And yes, sometimes things get a little foggy. But that doesn't mean I have to stay swallowed up in the grey. That means I need to get my head above the clouds and see all the many places where the sun is shining brightly in my life. So, I can start making a list of things for which I need to be thankful.

My mind needs some space to think.

If I always run at a breakneck pace, I'm eventually going to break. My mind is a powerful tool, capable of seeing things that can be done more efficiently and effectively if I give myself time to think. When is the last time I just sat quietly with a pen and paper and asked the Lord to help me think?

As 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches, God's power is made perfect in weakness. When I'm sinking in thoughts of inadequacy and plans to relocate out west, I remember that my ability is not based on what I can do. My ability and strength come from the One who can do all things. With the Lord working in me and through my weaknesses, I can feel the transformation from being overpowered to empowered taking place.

If the clouds have been looming close lately, maybe it's time to stop. Pause. Lift your eyes to an altitude that can rearrange your attitude.

Dear Lord, only You can provide all I need to stay the course. Please replenish me with a new attitude as I try to see above my grey clouds today. Help me to refocus my attention to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
God gave us feelings to experience life, not destroy it! If you're feeling overpowered by your emotions, add Lysa TerKeurst's Unglued to your reading list.

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

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:
1. Identify one thing to improve on this month.
2. Make a list of five things you are thankful for.
3. Commit 5-10 minutes today to sit quietly with a pen and paper and ask the Lord to help you think.

Power Verses:
Psalm 34:17-18, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (NIV)

© 2013 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 11, 2013

A Comfy Girl on Adventure
Suzie Eller


"They asked him to stay longer, but he declined." Acts 18:20 (NLT)

I have a comfy throw I snuggle in when watching my favorite TV program.

I wear faded and worn jeans at home.

I have a pair of shoes needing to be retired, but they fit in all the right places, so I keep them handy. Just in case.

I love comfort; yet following Christ means that God often leads me out of my comfort zone.

Paul the apostle modeled a life far from comfort. When he wasn't in prison for preaching about Jesus, he had a packed travel schedule. He preached in Thessalonica, traveled to Berea, spoke in the synagogue in Athens, made his way to Corinth, set sail for Syria, and made a brief stop in Ephesus. At Ephesus the crowd was eager for him to stay.

After all that travel, can you imagine how tempting that invitation must have been? It would be so easy to settle in with new friends to enjoy a respite from the unfriendly religious leaders, accusations, and fatigue of ministry.

Instead, Paul said a simple goodbye with a promise to return one day, God willing.

Five years ago I was invited to speak in Europe. Sounds amazing, right? It was, except for the fear that lodged right in the center of my chest as God called me away from my cozy throw and faded jeans. We were traveling to three countries and six cities in 10 days. There were language barriers to overcome. The speaking schedule was intense. And massive cultural differences had to be hurdled, especially in the area of faith.

There were times I was far outside my comfort zone on that journey. But I also had a front row seat to watch God work.

We witnessed the faith of moms whose families and neighbors weren't Christians light up with encouragement as we shared the Word of God. We drank thick Turkish coffee with immigrants in a refugee camp, praising and worshiping God together.

God was powerful in our own lives as we traveled by train, plane, and car—filled to overflowing in spite of the demanding schedule as we led Bible studies in homes, spoke at conferences, and ministered one-on-one.

Paul surely experienced this spiritual excitement on his journeys. Maybe he didn't linger in comfortable places because he had discovered the joy of walking straight into the lives of those who needed a Savior.

Since my first trip I've returned twice more with the team. Different countries. New challenges. Each time I was reminded that faith is an adventure and God sometimes calls comfy girls away from their safe places.

Maybe like me, you love to get comfy. It feels good to be settled. It's nice to know what to expect. But if you sense God inviting you out of your comfort zone, are you willing to go?

When God leads us out of our comfort zones, we experience uncharted territory. We might even come to the end of ourselves.

But we also have the privilege of being a small part of a big plan, offering our willing hearts and seeing the work only God can do.

Dear Lord, I'm willing to step outside my comfort zone to discover Your plan, not just for me, but for those You love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie's blog to discuss three ways God calls us out of our comfort zones, and how to respond.

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

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:
"A characteristic of our comfort zones is that they have restraints. We will only go: so far in loving; so far in serving; so far in forgiving; so far in ministering; so far in witnessing; so far in giving; so far in sacrificing; so far in supporting and encouraging each other; so far in submissiveness; so far in our struggles against the spiritual forces of wickedness." ~Mark King

Sometimes when we read the words "go" (Mark 16:15) or "follow Me" (Mark 1:17), we might put restraints on those words, but what might happen if we begin to take those words to heart?

Read the scriptures above today with an open heart to God's leading. What is God speaking to you?

Power Verse:
Luke 9:23, "Then he said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (NIV 1984)

© 2013 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 14, 2013

New Dreams for a New Year
Amy Carroll


"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Adulthood often seems like the place where dreams go to die. As a little girl my heart brimmed over with dreams. My parents' and teachers' encouragement convinced me anything was possible, so my prospects increased by the day.

I pictured myself traveling the countryside curing animals like James Herriott in All Creatures Great and Small. I envisioned myself as nanny-extraordinaire like Mary Poppins or an exquisite singer like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music.

The advent of middle school challenged my girlish dreams. Not-so-encouraging peers, realizations of my limitations, and a few failures and hard knocks made me more cautious about my future. Although some dreams remained, others died along the way.

Sitting in a room of friends recently, I listened attentively as they shared a graveyard of dreams. Some dreams were killed by belittling from people who should have been supporters. Other dreams died a slow death when the realities of rent and grocery bills took precedence. Still others had been set on a shelf under a dusty dome of "some day." They wondered if God had forgotten the dreams in their hearts.

They aren't alone. The Bible records story after story of dreamers who had to wait for the fulfillment of their dreams.

Abraham dreamt of a promised nation.

Isaac dreamt of a beautiful woman in a strange land.

Hannah dreamt of a child.

Samuel dreamt of a godly king.

God is not only the weaver of dreams, but He answers them as well. God has limitless creativity, and His creation longs for the opportunity to create and build and produce things of value. He is the one who plants dreams in our heart to be held until the time is right to bring them to life.

I encourage you today to take out your dreams, resuscitate them if necessary and examine them. There may be childhood dreams that need to be allowed to slip away, like balloons gently released into the sky. But what about the others?

Are there any buried dreams that need to be dusted off, held in your hands and offered back to God? He's the one who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine with the ideas He's given. Offer those dreams a new start in this New Year.

Dear Lord, I embrace the dreams You've given me. Help me resist discouragement and hold on to them until I see Your power bring them to reality. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Amy's blog to hear more about stoking your dreams.

Do you ever feel like you're not good enough, smart enough, or valuable enough? If you struggle with self-doubt, pick up a copy of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope for biblical truth and encouragement!

Is your dream and calling to be a speaker? Subscribe to Next Step Speaker Services' weekly free speaker's tip or invest in your dream with individual coaching.

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 a dream you've let die and need to bring back to life?

Start a journal and write down your dreams. Read them aloud to God and ask Him to show you the ones that He's placed in your heart to hold.

Power Verses:
Psalm 37:4-6, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." (NIV 1984)

Psalm 20:4, "May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!" (ESV)

© 2013 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 15, 2013

When I Stray
Lynn Cowell


"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them." Hosea 11:4 (NIV)

How could I have messed up, falling for that same old trap? I didn't mean to. It wasn't like I purposefully tried to make her look bad. Yet, once again, I didn't think before I spoke about a mutual friend during lunch. My careless words cast my friend in a negative light.

I felt awful and questioned if I'd ever be who I wanted to be: a woman who guards her words wisely. Though I purpose each day to live in a way that brings honor to God, some times I stray from His ways. And that was one of those times.

Later that day I threw myself into busyness to push down the shame of my conversation. But no matter how much I vacuumed, carpooled or read, the only relief I could find came through prayer.

Prayer should have been the first place I turned. It's in conversation with Jesus that He leads me away from my unwise choices and whispers, "I forgive you." He invites me to accept His forgiveness. When I mess up, Jesus' tenderness and love draws me back to Him and His ways. As Hosea 11:4 says, love is the "cord" He uses to bring us again into fellowship with Him.

God has a lot of experience when it comes to drawing back runaways. In fact, God's people, the Israelites, strayed from Him by choosing sin and walking apart from His commands. Time after time they left their Lord and time after time He pursued them ... with love, as seen in Hosea 11:4. "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them" (NIV).

God contrasts His gentle guidance with that of a farmer bringing back a runaway animal. The farmer, frustrated with the heifer's action, might drag the animal back to the pen with a heavy rope. Unlike the firm hand the farmer may have to use to lead the cattle, the Lord tells us that when we run from His best, His hand leading us home is tender and kind.

After asking for forgiveness of the friend I'd spoken with, I was glad when I discovered my words hadn't altered our relationship. The grace I received from my friend, and God, has caused me to be more careful. God's kindness makes me want to be like Him, extending that same gentleness in my words and relationships.

Some days, our sin weighs us down and leads us far from the Lord. Yet, God is there, waiting to lead us back, with love, to Him. Today, instead of being stubborn or unresponsive, let's follow God's gentle pull back to His heart and His ways.

Dear Lord, thank You that YOU don't throw me in the pit of my own mistakes. I love You for the way You love me ... so perfectly! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Help a teen girl in your life learn Jesus' perfect love and forgiveness every day of the year! Lynn's new book Devotions for a Revolutionary Year - 365 Days of Jesus' Radical Love for You is a great resource!

Sign up for Lynn's FREE "7-day Faith Builder" - a week's worth of free devotions from her new book, "Devotions for a Revolutionary Year." These are perfect to share with your daughter, or another girl you know, to help build her faith and confidence.

Visit Lynn's website to find additional ways to overcome fear and worry. She's giving away a "Faith Builder" gift pack too!

Reflect and Respond:
Write Hosea 11:4 and have it in a handy place to remind you of the care and tenderness of your Father.

Do you resist following the Lord's lead of love? Sit in prayer today, asking Him to give you a heart of obedience.

Power Verses:
Leviticus 26:13, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high." (NIV 1984)

Jeremiah 31:3 "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.'" (NIV 1984)

© 2013 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 16, 2013

Daddy's Girl
Suzie Eller


"He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17b (NLT)

When my son-in-law walks through his front door, he throws his arms wide open and calls out, "Elle!"

Two-year-old Elle races toward him in her awkward toddler run and throws herself into his embrace. He tosses her high in the air, then pulls her close, saying, "Elle, do you know how much Daddy loves you?"

When I have the privilege of watching this scene, I always think the same thing: My beautiful granddaughter will always know she's her daddy's girl.

A daddy's girl is loved even when she throws a tantrum and has to go to time out.

A daddy's girl feels beautiful even when she's in need of a tissue and has spaghetti stains on her shirt.

A daddy's girl doesn't need to search for love anywhere else, because her daddy has provided a safe and loving place in his heart.

Maybe as you read this, you think of your own dad. Perhaps he was absent, destructive, or failed to provide a safe shelter for his girl.

I understand that feeling.

I met my biological dad briefly at the age of 13, again at 17, and at 40 years of age I stood beside his casket to say goodbye to a man I really didn't know.

I will never be a daddy's girl in the sense that my granddaughter has experienced, but it doesn't mean I am exempt from a Father's love.

In the New Testament, Abba is mentioned only three times—and is closest to our word "daddy." When Jesus used it to describe His—and our—intimate relationship with God, it offended those within earshot. They questioned how He could use a term so familiar to describe God.

But I understand it perfectly. You see, regardless of an earthly father's love or absence, I'm still a Daddy's girl.

And so are you.

Our Abba Father delights and sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17). He adopts us as His own and offers a rich inheritance (Galatians 4:6-7). We walk into His waiting arms daily, and when we need correction, His love does not ebb. When we stand in front of Him with our sin-stained heart, or hold up tears for Him to dry, He remains our Abba Father.

Maybe you've been longing to fill that empty place left by an earthly father. As a Daddy's girl, you don't have to search for love anymore, because your Abba Father has provided a safe and loving place in his heart.

In fact, He's waiting with open arms.

Dear Abba, I hold up the gaps left by an earthly parent, and thank You for pouring into those places until I overflow with confidence in Whose I am. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie's blog where she shares how she discovered a Father's love for the first time.

His Revolutionary Love by Lynn Cowell

A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

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:
How we identify ourselves is key to moving past a gap caused by an earthly father's lack.

Are you willing to redefine yourself as a Daddy's girl—completely, totally, thoroughly? He's already called you His own. Today, run into your Abba's waiting arms.

Power Verses:
Romans 8:16, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (ESV)

Galatians 4:6-7, "You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, 'Papa! Father!' Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance." (MSG)

© 2013 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 17, 2013

5 Things to Help You Stop Thinking and Start Doing
Lysa TerKeurst


"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

My husband Art asked if I would do a 21-day cleanse with him. I wasn't excited.

I thought, I already eat pretty healthy. And 21 days is a really long time to eat like a rabbit. Plus, I don't want to make a commitment I won't keep.

So, I gave him a safe answer: "I'll think about it."

And honestly, that's all I would have done had he not asked me 217 more times.

Have you ever said "I'll think about it" and still found yourself "thinking about it" months later? Me too. But I didn't want this to be another challenge where I just thought about it, I wanted it to be able to say, "I did it! I finally did it!" I knew I needed to place my trust in the Lord to help me accomplish this - and He was faithful.

As we start a new year, I wonder if you are tired of just thinking, and are ready to accomplish some things you've been putting off. If so, I'd love to share what I learned.

Here are 5 crucial things you can do to stop thinking and start doing:

1. Success breeds success.

Get around others who are doing that thing you need to do. Hearing Art talk about and prepare for the cleanse made it more front and center in my life. Being around people who are doing what you need to do makes the first move less scary. And they can help you push through the not-so-fun times.

Remember to pray and connect with God daily. This is key to developing a healthy attitude. Taking challenges head-on won't always be pretty, but going to the Lord for comfort and motivation is what kept me going.

2. Stock up for success.

Art and I went to grocery stores that carry healthy foods to stock our refrigerator with everything we'd need to be successful. Now, I wish I could say this trip was without conflict. It was not. He wanted to spend what seemed like hours making out a list. I'm emotionally allergic to spending hours making out a list. Just take the list provided in the instruction book and get what you need for heaven's sake.

Ahem.

Anyhow, no matter what your new thing is, chances are you'll need supplies to invest in your success.

3. Schedule for your success.

Before we started this cleanse, we found a 21-day time period several of our kids were away during a school break (which meant I didn't have to prepare food for others!) You better believe I did a happy dance over that.

It's important to schedule whatever you're tackling and keep this appointment. Be diligent about not letting life crowd out this important commitment.

Set a start date. Track your progress with mini-goals. Set a completion date with a reward built in to keep you motivated.

4. Share your success.

As you have successes, share them with your friends. They may get excited and join in too! During the 21-day process, I told a friend that I drank both my cleanse smoothies with only one dramatic gag. This was a big accomplishment! At the end of our conversation, she said she'd like to join me.

How cool! I went from being a moper to a motivator. And that propelled me to keep going that much more.

5. Build on your success.

Once you've accomplished your one thing, you'll have GREAT momentum. Use this to help you tackle something else you've been putting off.

While it might feel like you can't face this big challenge, I want to encourage you. Ephesians 3:20 teaches that God's mighty power is at work within us. Many times we try to do things alone and work solely within our limitations as humans.

The Lord wants us to lean on Him. To ask for help to do the impossible. I know it might be hard, but we need to bravely claim God's promise to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

And with God's Spirit in us, I think 2013 just might be the year we say, "I did it! I finally did it!"

Dear Lord, I'm grateful for another year and another chance to lean on You. Equip me with Your strength as I face my biggest challenges. All things are possible with Your Spirit in me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

If you're committing to a healthier lifestyle in 2013, let Lysa TerKeurst show you how to crave God more than unhealthy food in her New York Times bestselling book, Made to Crave.

The Made to Crave Devotional has amazing daily encouragement as you tackle your greatest challenges. Click here to order.

Reflect and Respond:
Is God calling you to face a challenge in your life?

1) Write down one challenge you'd like to tackle.
2) Make an action plan. Use the 5 tips above to formulate the steps you'll take to create motivation.

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

© 2013 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 18, 2013

Believing Is Seeing
Micca Campbell


"O, LORD, open his eyes so he may see." 2 Kings 6:17a (NIV 1984)

When I became a single mom after the death of my first husband, I found my world turned upside down. My life was a balancing act of finances, home and being a stabilizing factor in my son's life.

Decisions that needed to be made closed in on me, but there was no one to consider them with. Which bills had to be paid first? Should I work outside the home? What's the best school for my son?

The more I tried to figure it out, the more afraid I became. Most of the time I avoided the pressing worry and doubt by curling up and sleeping. The burden was huge and the enemy of fear surrounded me.

I felt backed into a corner, tired, worn out and alone.

The truth is, I may have felt alone, but I wasn't. God was there. I knew I had to turn my attention on Him instead of my circumstances. I knew God wouldn't let me fall. I knew He was aware and cared about my worries. So I called on Him for help and asked Him to open my eyes so I might see His provision. I prayed:

"Lord, I trust You are with me. I know You will never leave me nor forsake me. I am not alone. You care for me. You are my provider and You have a perfect plan for me. I do not have to be afraid, for You are faithful."

My prayer ended by asking God to open my eyes so I could see what I had prayed for and professed with my mouth.

He did that for Elisha and his friend in 2 Kings 6:17. King Aram was at war with Israel. During this time, the prophet Elisha and another man of God continuously spied on King Aram and reported his strategy to the king of Israel. When King Aram found out Elisha was the one blowing his cover to Israel, he sent horsemen and chariots by night to surround Elisha's camp and capture him.

When Elisha and the man of God woke up and saw they were encircled by the enemy, the man of God cried out in terror, "What shall we do?" (2 Kings 6:15 NIV 1984) Elisha responded, "Do not be afraid. For those who are with us are more than them." (2 Kings 6:16 NIV 1984)

Then Elisha called to the Lord, "Open his eyes so he may see" (2 Kings 6:17a). Suddenly, the man of God saw chariots of fire from God all around. What do you think that did to his fear to know that God was fighting the battle for them?

Do doubt, fear, worry and discouragement surround you? Do you fear they will conquer you? Are you crying out like Elisha's friend, "What am I going to do?" Day-by-day I committed to face my fears by focusing on God and His power. He guided me with each decision I had to make.

Perhaps it's time to ask God to open your eyes to see His power and love working together to fight your battle. Seeing the truth will help you take a step toward freedom and away from fear. He is in the midst of your circumstances.

Dear Lord, it's hard to trust when I'm afraid. But I choose to look to You and believe You are working on my behalf. Help me to see You in the midst of my cares. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Micca Campbell's blog for Single Mom Survival Tips. Also, enter to win a set of Scripture Cards that will help you know truth.

Discover a faith stronger than all your fears in Micca's book, An Untroubled Heart.

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:
Begin to face your fears and take action. Set aside time to pray, asking the Lord to show you His power in the challenges you're facing.

As you watch Him work on your behalf, mark each challenge off one at a time. You'll discover that with God's help you're more courageous than you imagined.

Power Verses:
2 Chronicles 20:17, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (NIV 1984)

© 2013 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 21, 2013

Who Controls What?
Glynnis Whitwer


"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Ask me why my attempts at losing weight haven't been successful and I can give you a list of reasons: It was a stressful summer, I hit a "golden" number on my birthday, how could I say no to the scrumptious food on vacation? And the "best" one (the one that garnered the most sympathy) - I couldn't exercise due to a minor medical procedure on my legs.

But the bottom line is this: I lack self-control in this area of my life.

I know what I should do. Or more accurately, I know what I should NOT do. And yet when faced with a temptation, I give in. Rather than choose a modest portion size, I justify a second helping. Or I set myself up by not anticipating my weakness and buying Little Debbie Swiss Rolls thinking I'll only eat half of one. Oh, how I deceive myself.

The ability to control my own choices is a God-given gift. And yet it's one I misuse some times. Sadly rather than controlling myself, I choose to try to control other things. And end up losing control of myself.

Here was God's original plan: He controls the world. We control ourselves.

That's a great plan when you think it through objectively. God's got unlimited resources, unlimited wisdom, and unlimited power. He should be in charge of the world with that resume.

That's not what happened though. Many generations ago, in a garden with some fruit that was off-limits, we decided we didn't like that plan. In fact, we decided it was our job to control the world. After all, we have to live in it, right? Shouldn't we make the rules? Plus, we really should make sure others stay in line too. My what a big job we have trying to corral everyone! It's exhausting.

So the more we focus on God's job (controlling the world and other people) the less we do our job (controlling ourselves).

I love today's Scripture verse from Proverbs 25:28, "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control." (NIV) This gives me a mental image of an unprotected treasure. So when an enemy tries to attack, there is no defense.

As I apply that to my life, I can see where the enemy sneaks in through my lack of self-control. Especially when I start my excuses. Whether it's excuses for over-eating, not managing my home well or over-committing myself, without self-control I'm like a bombarded city. The more I focus on what I can't control, the less I'm able to manage what I can control.

Thankfully, God has a plan in place to help us with this issue. He sent His Holy Spirit to live in us. Galatians 5:22-24 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (NIV)

As we start a new year, I'm taking a fresh look at what I can control and what I can't. I'm acknowledging my need of God's help, but I'm also acknowledging my responsibility. Thankfully I can release the load of trying to control others, because on most days, I'm as much as I can handle.

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of free-will and self control. Forgive me when I misuse those gifts. Help me to seek Your Spirit for more self control in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis Whitwer's blog for the launch of her free 15-Day Clutter Free Challenge.

Does your life feel out of control? I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer can help bring order to your schedule and home.

Let.It.Go. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith by Karen Ehman

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:
In what areas of your life do you have the least amount of self-control?

Think through one of those areas and consider how you have misplaced your ability to control yourself with trying to control something or someone else.

Power Verses:
Titus 2:4-5, "Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (NIV)

Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (NIV)

© 2013 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 22, 2013

A Fresh Start
Suzie Eller


"So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view." 2 Corinthians 5:16a (NLT)

She worries when I don't wear a coat.

She washes her dishes before she puts them in the dishwasher.

I never know what she's going to say, and her honesty can make me blush, laugh until I cry, or just cry.

She's my mom, and I love her.

Growing up, things were very different. My mom was beautiful on the outside, but broken on the inside. That brokenness made our home life chaotic and unstable with out of control rages and suicidal threats. As a child I felt unsafe. As a teen I struggled between loving her and hating her.

When I became a believer I understood love for the first time, but it was easier to accept than to give.

By the time I was an adult my mom had made significant changes, but the effects of a childhood laced with instability and chaos still marked my heart. I asked God for a fresh start, not just for her sake, but for my own.

As I pored over the Scriptures, the word forgive continually leapt off the pages. God was speaking to me through His Word and giving me direction. I wasn't sure I could do it, but somehow knew freedom was on the other side.

The word forgive has different meanings in Scripture, and one of them is kaphar. That's a Greek word meaning to purge or pitch. It originates from the Hebrew word for atonement, which means to cleanse or cover.

Why is this meaning so important?

By beginning the process of forgiving, I was purging or pitching the entanglements of the past in order to begin anew. This could happen regardless of whether my mom completely changed or not.

This also allowed me to begin to see myself as a woman, rather than the child I once was. That changed my perspective from a limited view to one that included the chapters that God had always seen.

I saw the chapters in my mom's life. She was a girl who had a baby too young, married to a man who abused her. She had always desired to be a good mom, but no one had shown her how.

My new perspective allowed me to see the changes she was trying to make, and those already in place. This allowed me to accept the things that might never change.

It also created new chapters in our relationship as we began to connect without the filter of the past.

Kaphar forgiveness is a gift. It allows you to pitch the past and its entanglements, and it covers the new relationship with God's grace.

It also helps me to appreciate the small things, like the fact that my mom will always tell me to wear a coat. She will continue to wash the dishes before she places them in the dishwasher.

And we will continue to grow as mother and daughter.

The kaphar gift of forgiveness offers the opportunity for new chapters in a relationship . . . and a fresh slate upon which the words can be penned.

Dear Lord, will you help me begin the journey of forgiveness, pitching out the past to accept all that You have for me. . . and perhaps, even us, as we start fresh? In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie Eller's blog where she shares how to kaphar forgive when a person refuses to change, or the person is no longer in the picture. She will give away two copies of her new book, The Unburdened Heart: Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness.

The Unburdened Heart: Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness by Suzie Eller

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

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:
"In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feels like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another." Andy Stanley, Enemies of the Heart

Do you need to forgive someone? Here are two tips to help you reframe your relationship:

Practice the pause. Sometimes we offer a knee-jerk reaction based on the hurts of the past. Pausing allows you to think before you speak, to pray, and see the real issue instead of filtering the moment through old feelings.

Give it time. Transformation is a process, one that unfolds layers of hurt to reveal new skin underneath. It won't always be easy, and working through that pain just might be an answer to prayer.

Power Verse:
Psalm 103:12, "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." (NLT)

© 2013 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 23, 2013

Learning to Live Stressed-Less
Tracie Miles


"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

Does Jesus really understand what it means to be stressed?

I used to wonder ... until I got desperate enough to ask Him.

For years, I was under the impression the Bible was not a resource for handling stress, much less a place to look for stress management tips.

However, although the word "stress" is not a commonly used biblical term, Jesus referred to stress consistently by using words such as anxiety, worry, trouble, fear, burdens, anguish, dismay, trials, and adversity, just to name a few.

He spoke of the heartache of worries, frustrations and betrayals; the sadness of deceit, the pull of temptation, and the devastation of sin. He addressed difficult circumstances taking place in politics, churches, marriages, families, parenthood, communities and the world as a whole.

Despite the differences between biblical times and the 21st century, the presence of stress and our need for Jesus is the same. He understood what we would face and promised the peace we would need in our busy and chaotic world.

Throughout the Bible we're shown how to celebrate and enjoy life, despite stressful situations. How to find joy, despite circumstances. How to overcome stress, despite constant balancing acts. How to not only survive the storms of life, but stay afloat in the midst of them. From Genesis to Revelation, we can discover infinite suggestions for biblical stress relief.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 encourages us that Jesus Himself provided a solution to stress. Peace is only available in and through Him.

Stress is not a sign of the times; it's a sign of living. Always has been, and always will be. Our stressors may be different today than when Jesus walked the earth, but the overwhelming power stress holds over our hearts is the same.

Maybe you have tried massages, vacations, relaxation techniques, shopping, and soft music or bubble baths to help you manage stress. Or maybe you've coped with stress through drugs or alcohol. Perhaps you've tried every stress relief tactic known, to no avail.

All the stress management tactics in the world cannot hold a candle to the very real stress relief Jesus offers. His methods have withstood the test of time, used by generation after generation for thousands of years.

If you have been searching for a peace and serenity that seems completely out of reach, might I encourage you try a few other things? Sneak away for a few minutes and simply rest in His presence. Invite the Lord into your stressful situation and seek His perspective in Scripture. Before we turn to anything the world has to offer, let's turn to Jesus. Our number one stress solution.

Dear Lord, I am drowning in stress and I have tried everything to relieve it — except for You. Forgive me not trusting You enough to believe that You offer the peace I am searching for. Today, I invite You into my circumstances, and into my life, and ask You to open my eyes to see the real truth and stress relief that my heart is aching for. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Tracie Miles as your next retreat / keynote speaker.

Tracie's new book Stressed Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World can help you have a less stressed year in 2013.

Visit Tracie's Blog to sign up for her FREE 10-day Stress Detox, and enter to win a free signed copy of Stressed-Less Living.

Reflect and Respond:
Are you trying every stress relief tactic available, except for Jesus?

Have you asked Jesus to help alleviate your stress, and fill you with His peace?

Commit to turn your stress and doubts over to Jesus today, moment-by-moment.

Power Verse:
Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NIV)

© 2013 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.