Encouragement for Today

Judy Harder · July 03, 2009, 06:33:04 AM

July 3, 2009

Sweet Smell of PineSol

T. Suzanne Eller

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Devotion:

I admit it. I'm the world's worst when it comes to preserving photos. I have boxes of photos stacked in various cubbyholes. I tried to organize the pictures once. I divided them and placed them in large envelopes. My next step was to put them in albums. They are still in the envelopes--stacked in a box.

Melissa, Ryan, and Leslie are now in their 20's and newly married. The chances of me ever getting these precious memories organized are slim to none, but I'm realizing something powerful. Memories aren't limited to pictures.

Remember when, Mom..? is a common phrase in my house now. We have become the hub, a privilege once reserved for my husband's parents. At holidays and special weekends, they drive up, unload luggage and pile into the guest rooms. We laugh and reminisce a lot around the table. Remember when we went on treasure hunts in the pasture? Remember when you jumped on the bed and popped Ryan up in the air so high it scared you? Remember that yellow Slip N' Slide?

I do remember. But I also remember a young mom who worried that her house wasn't spotless when an unexpected guest showed up. I remember the angst of trying to do everything and the fatigue when my day ended before my chores did.

But there were days that I threw caution to the wind and jumped on the bed, even though it might make others frown. I grabbed a shovel and gave the kids plastic buckets and we looked for old bottles and trinkets at the abandoned homestead nearby. We mixed Dawn dishwashing liquid and water and I laughed out loud as the kids flew like greased lightening across the yellow slippery slide. Some of those memories were captured in that pre-digital age, but most were not, but they are etched on the heart of my young adult children.

They reminisce about what we did together. They don't reminisce about the smell of PineSol. Whether my house was perfect or how it compared to others' isn't even on their radar. It makes me wonder why I worried about it. Is it good to have order and structure? Sure. But don't allow the pressure to be the perfect mom keep you from the beauty of simply playing with your children. The unmade bed will still be there, but I promise that a child will grow quickly and leave the nest.

Take a moment today and look past the clutter and the to-do list and play like a child again. It might not be a picture-perfect moment, but it will be a memory.

Dear Lord, time passes so fast. Slow me down, God. Let me enjoy the smallest pleasures around me. Let me play with my child instead of knocking down a to-do list. Let me laugh with my teen instead of fussing at him. Thank You for the sweet memories of today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement

Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know by T. Suzanne Eller

Go to Suzie's blog where she shares "Are You in Your Teen's Cluster?" (Chapter Three of Real Issues, Real Teens) and check out her other books here.

Application Steps

Carve out time today to play. Turn off the TV. Put down the schedule. It doesn't have to be an event. Just play.

Are you better suited to a schedule? Mark a day for play. Protect it. Give it the importance it is due.

Reflections

Is life too busy? What is one nonessential task or activity that you can eliminate?

Does play seem foreign to you? Jump on the bed. I know. It's crazy, but do it anyway. Break the seriousness cycle.

Will we really care that much about what others might say?

Power Verses

2 Samuel 6:14, "David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might..." (NIV)

© 2009 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

Judy Harder · July 06, 2009, 06:46:14 AM

July 6, 2009

A Graceful Pillar

Lynn Cowell

"May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace." Psalm 144:12 (NLT)

Devotion:

Where did the time go? I remember like it was only yesterday...the dark-haired little princess dancing on top of the coffee table, star-studded sunglasses gracing her face, singing as though she was the next "American Idol."

Now, she's a beautiful young lady in the making, grinning at me from the dressing room. Her smile still says, Look at me, Mommy, don't I look pretty? And she does, in so many ways. Her beauty is more than just physical. I see a tender heart that is learning who she is and becoming who the Lord made her to be.

Vickey Courtney says, "Girls who are 'sugar and spice and everything nice' are made, not born." This is so true. Girls today have so much pressure on them to be this and do that; attempting to please the ever-changing culture around them. They often find themselves caught between the daytime world of school and evening world of family. Their desire to be accepted is deep and very real. They want to know that they are valuable; that they have worth.

Maybe that is why God created mothers - to be the conduit for the power of God's truth to be given to the next generation. It is our place to teach our daughters exactly how He sees them. To be the voice that says, "All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you." (Song of Solomon 4:7, NIV). When they are looking in the mirror picking themselves apart, we can pour into them God's Word. Psalm 45:11 "The King is enthralled by your beauty..." (NIV). "Enthralled" means captivated. They are desperate to have someone say, "You make my head spin" and who better to say it than their Creator who is flipped-out over them!

As I think about today's key verse, "May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace," I am reminded that pillars are not found in the wild. Pillars are not born. Pillars are formed. Carefully, an artesian chisels away at the stone little by little, creating a masterpiece. You can be the artesian in the life of your daughter. Don't be afraid. The Master Artesian is your teacher. You can be the one that the Lord has appointed to take the rough piece of stone and carve it into the graceful pillar, fit for a palace.

Dear Lord, this task seems too big for me. Raising a daughter that glorifies You could not possibly be more contrary to our culture. I do want my daughter to be like a graceful pillar; a graceful pillar that brings You honor. Show me opportunities today where I can lovingly speak that Truth into her life. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Resources:

Secret Keeper Girl: 8 Great Dates for You and Your Daughter by Dannah Gresh

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

Visit Lynn's blog

Application Steps:

One way that I pour into my daughters is to have special days with them. On these dates, we do fun things: at-home facials, day at a tea room, a special shopping trip. During these dates, I incorporate a lesson that teaches them one of God's truths. Secret Keeper Girl is filled with these types of dates. It is a perfect way to build memories and relationships too!

Learn who you are in Christ. Study scriptures that teach these truths. As you learn them for yourself, it will give you a fresh revelation to share with your daughter.

Begin a Gather & Grow group with Proverbs 31 Ministries for teen girls. Be a part of forming not only your own daughter, but the many girls today who do not have a godly woman in their life.

Reflections:

Do you feel comfortable having conversations with your daughter about the Lord, or do you need a little help with some conversation starters?

Find another woman who has a raised a godly daughter and ask her for wisdom on this.

Power Verses:

Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (NIV)

Song of Solomon 4:7, "All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you." (NIV)

Song of Solomon 2:16a, "My lover is mine and I am His." (NIV)

© 2009 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 07, 2009, 07:17:25 AM

July 7, 2009

Exposed

Micca Monda Campbell

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 (NIV)

Devotion:

I have a talent for embarrassing myself. A few years ago, at one of our Proverbs 31 Ministries' Conferences, I was alone in the elevator on my way to a meeting, when I noticed that my panty hose were sagging. I had been running non-stop since the conference began, so naturally I needed to freshen up. I figured since I was the only one in the elevator, it was safe to lift up my skirt, bend over, and pull up my hose. I'm sure you have done something similar.

There was only one problem. When I entered the elevator at the bottom floor, it had a back wall. As I rode the elevator from one floor to the next, I noticed something had changed. The back wall had magically transformed into a glass wall! Ingeniously, the hotel was built in a circle with a large floor-to-roof atrium. This design meant that all of the glass elevators overlooked the center of the hotel as they moved up and down. What was in the center of the atrium with the translucent elevators? The hotel restaurant. What time of day was it? You guessed it - dinnertime. The room was packed with people unaware that they were getting both dinner and a show!

I was horrified! Aren't we all when a side of us is exposed that we would rather keep covered? I think sin is like that. We try to hide it, but at some point it reveals itself, leaving us embarrassed, sorrowful, and ashamed. Not all sins are exposed; there are some that we manage to keep concealed. In doing so, it gives us the false illusion that no one can see them. While others may not, we forget that God can see all. And He doesn't need a glass wall to see what is hidden.

What does our sin do to the heart of God? The Bible says that our sin grieves the Holy Spirit within us (Ephesians 4:30, paraphrased). I don't know about you, but knowing that I can break the heart of God does something to my own heart. Not only am I ashamed, but a deep sense of separation from God comes over me. The good news is God doesn't keep a record of our sin. What He keeps a record of is when we believe Him.

The Apostle Paul tells us, "Consider Abraham: 'He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'" (Galatians 3:6, NIV).Therefore, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). That's a promise. There is no need to hide our sin or defend our wrong actions when we can simply have God's forgiveness.

In the historical event found in Matthew chapter 26, Jesus sat down with His twelve disciples to prepare for the Passover. During this time, Jesus reveled to His followers something only He could see. "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." (Matthew 26:21, NIV). I love the disciples' reaction. They didn't become defensive at Christ's words.

When I know that one of my three children have disobeyed in some way, but I don't know who, I say to them, "One of you has broken a rule." They usually respond by blaming one another or defending themselves. The disciples did not. They didn't try to play cover up or debate the matter. They didn't even point fingers at one another. Instead, each one examined themselves. Even Judas asked Jesus, "Surely not I, Rabbi?" Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you." (Matthew 26:25, NIV).

Once Judas' eyes were open to his sin, he had a choice to make. He could either fess up and be done with it or he could carry out his betrayal. He chose the latter. That choice determined his tragic destiny. Yet, Judas' fate didn't have to end that way. If Judas had responded to his conviction before he betrayed Christ with repentance, someone else would have had to fill his role in history. Why? Because Christ our Lord was sent to free us from sin and restore us back into fellowship with God.

You and I need to understand that Jesus doesn't expose our sin to embarrass us or condemn us. God didn't send Christ into the world to condemn but to save. When you and I sin, God is simply waiting for us to look inward and say, "Lord, it is I?" In the instant we confess with faith, Christ is ready and willing to make all things new.

Dear Lord, I confess to you my sin of _________. I'm sorry that my sin breaks Your heart. Cleans me and restore my relationship with You. Fill me once more with Your peace and presence, In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: The Secrets Women Keep and the Grace that Saves Them by Tammy Maltby

An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell

For more from Micca visit her blog and check out her additional resources .

Application Steps:

When you know that you have sinned against God, confess it immediately. Don't wait.

Reflections:

Do you often try to hide your sin or are you quick to confess it?

How are you betraying yourself by not confessing your sin?

Power Verses:

Romans 10:9, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (NIV)

Ephesians 1:7, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (NIV)

© 2009 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 08, 2009, 08:28:16 AM

July 8, 2009

Faith Book

Susanne Scheppmann

"They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:3 (NIV)

Devotion:

A new addiction slipped into my life recently - Facebook. Internet social networking slid in quietly and unobtrusively. Each day I found myself reading and posting a bit more. I learned how to create my visual bookshelf, so my "friends" could check out what I was reading. I linked my blog. My time seeped into Facebook like grains of sand slide through the hourglass.

My addiction soon took a turn for the worst. I began to put off my personal quiet time with God until after I had Facebooked. Sadly, scripture seemed boring next to my friends' postings. Strangely, the mundane posts intrigued me. I had fallen under the spell of social networking.

Then one day, I dragged myself away from my laptop. I had Bible study that night and needed to finish my lesson. The lesson pointed us to the book of Nehemiah. I read, "They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." (Nehemiah 9:3, NIV).

Yikes! They read God's Word for a quarter of the day, then spent another quarter of the day in confession and worshiping? These words haunted me the rest of the afternoon. When was the last time I spent that much time with God? How much time did I spend on the Internet? I felt a deep conviction about my Facebook addiction.

I determined that day to read my Bible, my FaithBook, before I turned on my computer each day. I would network with God, before networking with my friends. When I made this decision, I saw scripture jump back to life. God's Word spoke to me with a freshness that seemed as if He had just posted it Himself.

The addiction stopped. Oh, I still enjoy Facebook and other social networks, but I have learned to keep them in proper perspective. Psalm 119:59-60 sums up my new intent: "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands" (NLT).

Will you join me in the commitment to spending time in God's Word before time spent on Facebook?

Dear Lord, I recognize that I spend too much time on the computer. Forgive my inattention to Your Word. Help me each day to place You first in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Listen to Today's Radio Show for more about spending time with God.

Pierced by the Word by John Piper

Birds in My Mustard Tree: How to Grow Your Faith by Susanne Scheppmann

For more from Susanne, visit her blog as well as her resource page

Application Steps:

Today, take notice of how much time you spend on the computer for personal enjoyment. Decide to make your quiet time with God a priority. Read Psalm 119 and then ponder the benefits of time spent in God's Word.

Reflections:

Do I put off my quiet time with God in lieu of "social networking?"

Am I willing to commit more time to reading the Bible?

How can I begin to keep my life in a healthy balance?

Power Verses:

Exodus 24:7, "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, 'We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.'" (NIV)

Romans 10:17, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (NIV)

Joshua 1:8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 09, 2009, 07:14:47 AM

July 9, 2009

My Great Brownie Debacle

Lysa TerKeurst

"For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)

Devotion:

Rewarding. That's what this particular day was supposed to be, my shining-star day at my kids' school. Finally, I was going to get the "Really Good Mommy Award."

Not that this is an official award on a frame-worthy piece of fine linen paper. It is not. It's just a feeling--that feeling of getting a thumbs-up and acceptance nod that you are in fact doing an okay job as a mom.

I had volunteered to make 100 individually wrapped homemade brownies. And I was going to be completely fancy and use the turtle brownie mix that comes in a box. That's as close to homemade as I get.

After baking all those brownies and allowing them to cool, I cut and lifted each one into the safety of its own little baggie and recruited my daughters to help me finish up. We bagged up brownies 95, 96, 97, and then a disaster of epic proportions occurred.

Nuts.

These turtle brownies had nuts in them. Lots of nuts. And there I was standing over individually wrapped brownie number 97 listening to my daughter's reminder that our school is, in fact, a peanut-free school.

My arms started flailing about as if to gather the pieces of my scattered brain and tuck everything back into place. I sent the kids out of the room and ate brownies 98, 99, and 100.

No shining star. No Really Good Mommy Award. No happy, proud kids elated with their mom's efforts.

I spent the rest of the day trying to process this great brownie failure. I saw it as a debacle that defined my motherhood journey. Grand visions that led to big messes that led to unmet expectations that heaped more and more guilt on my already slightly fragile motherhood psyche.

And that's exactly where Satan would have loved for me to stay. That's his daily goal, actually. If Satan can use our everyday experiences, both big and small, to cripple our true identity, then he renders God's people totally ineffective for the kingdom of Christ.

These were brownies for a school bake sale. And these brownies had somehow knocked me to the ground. I didn't want to smile. I didn't want to be kind. I didn't want to be a disciple for Christ that day. Ever been there?

Satan wants us to entertain a very dangerous thought: "Why doesn't Jesus work for me?" This is never the right question. Instead, when circumstances shift and we feel like we fall short, we should ask, "How can I see Jesus even in this?"

The only way I can ask myself this question is when I pull back from whatever situation I'm facing and separate my circumstance from my identity.

Now let's state what is true. Despite my feelings, my identity stayed the same. I am a loving mom. I am a giving person. I am a woman who takes her responsibilities seriously. I am a daughter of the King.

All of this is true despite my failures. So, though I have a whole mess of extra brownies with nuts laying around and the school won't have any brownies for the bake sale today, this mishap doesn't define me. The only thing this means is I need to read the bake sale instruction sheet a little more closely next time.

That's it. It's simply a call to action not a call to condemnation. And did you notice the response of the righteous man in the key verse above? Though he fell time and again, he kept getting up. May we do the very same thing.

Dear Lord, help me separate my circumstances from my identity. Help me only determine my worth by Your truth and not my performance in any situation. Thank You for looking at me not as I am, but how Jesus has enabled me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to register to win 4 copies of her new book "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl" which will help you apply God's truths to your everyday situations.

This devotion was excerpted from Lysa's soon to be released book, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl." To pre-order your copy, click here.

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:

Write down a failure you've experienced lately. What is a truth from God's Word that can help you? Write down 2-3 verses you find particularly encouraging in your area of struggle.

Reflections:

Have I let a failure define my worth lately? How might I separate my identity from my circumstance?

Power Verses:

Romans 9:15-16, "'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." (NIV)

Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (NIV)

© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 10, 2009, 08:14:15 AM

July 10, 2009

Bring It To Me

Marybeth Whalen

"Bring them here to me."

Matthew 14:18 (NIV)

Devotion:

"Mo-om," my six-year-old son calls from the den where he is working on math, "I can't do this!"

I am in the kitchen washing dishes. "If you can't do it," I call back, "Just bring it to me."

And in a whoosh, I hear God's still small voice, coming in on the heels of what I have just spoken aloud. "Isn't that what I say to you?" He reminds me.

When I am overwhelmed: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

When I am angry: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

When I am hurting: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

When I am confused: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."

Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced a situation they couldn't do. They couldn't feed 5000 men and their families lunch even though the people were hungry. They knew that allowing them to leave would mean missing a great ministry opportunity... but their resources were sorely lacking. And then one little boy stood up and offered his lunch. Jesus responded, "Bring them here to me." He took that meager offering--the tiniest bit offered in faith--and multiplied it beyond anyone's expectations.

I need God to do that for me every day. When I think that I can't do something, I need to faithfully take what little I can do and place it in His hands. And then I need to stand back and watch Him multiply my humble offering into something amazing.

What are you feeling like you can't do today?

Take on a challenge God is calling you to?

Respond to a ministry opportunity even though it is scary?

Stay in a marriage that looks over from where you're standing?

Persevere in your efforts to pay off debt?

Offer forgiveness to someone who hurt you?

Whatever it is, know this: You are right. You can't do it. So bring whatever it is to Him. Picture yourself offering it up, just like that little boy's lunch. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.

Dear Lord, I praise You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for always taking my "I can'ts" and transforming them through Your power and Your blessings. Help me to remember not to be anxious or worried when I face difficulties, but to simply bring my issues to You again and again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Read other real-life stories each month with our P31 Woman magazine

Learning to Live Financially Free Marybeth and Curt Whalen

For more from Marybeth, visit her blog as well as her resource page.

Application Steps:

In your journal, list all the reasons why you can't do some aspect of your life--paying off debt, staying in your marriage, homeschooling, getting a job, etc. After you list all those reasons, take a red magic marker and write over top of the list the words "Bring it to Me." Rejoice that these are Jesus' words personally to you today!

Reflections:

Is there something you are telling God that you can't do? Spend some time today telling Him to take your pitiful efforts and multiply them as only He can. Every time you start to worry, go back and bring it to Him.

Power Verses:

Psalm 115:11, "You who fear him, trust in the Lord--he is their help and shield." (NIV)

Psalm 116:7, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." (NIV)

© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 13, 2009, 07:12:23 AM

July 13, 2009

SHINE

Van Walton

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3 (NIV)

Devotion:

"If I only knew God's will for my life, I could plan my future."

Have you ever made that statement?
I think we all do some time in our lives. I know I do.
I have heard teens say so as they peer into the future. I've known young adults who say so while choosing a career. I've had this discussion with friends when they realized a little time management allows for a few extra hours in each week. Other mothers and I have wondered the same when we became empty nesters. I know those about to retire search for "God's plan for this phase of my life."
So what is God's plan for our lives? If you are like me, you want particulars. Only I am not sure God always gives us the step-by-step instructions we desire.
I remember a time in my life when I asked God to give me direction. I asked that He tell me where to move. My husband and I had a choice, but had to give an answer quickly. "Tonight," my husband said, "I have to respond to the offer this evening." He suggested I spend the day in prayer and give him the verdict by dinnertime.
I sat down at my dining room table to pray. I explained to God what He already knew: "We have these opportunities. Do we go here or there?"
Silence.
"We want to go where You lead us. Where would that be?"
Silence.
"We want to honor You."
Silence.
"Do You know that we have to give an answer today? I'm waiting to hear from You." I sat as still as possible, trying to be patient.
God never told me where to go that day, but He did remind me that His plan for each one of us is universal and at the same time unique.
As I considered my two alternatives, my mind traveled back in time to the many moves my husband and I had made. Wherever we had lived, God had laid out unique opportunities for us to serve Him and each chance to minister appeared under one universal command, "Let your light shine. Love one another."
He had never specifically told us to start a bus ministry, serve as youth leaders, host a neighborhood Bible study, or mentor teens in a youth home.
I began to realize that God was not going to tell me where to move. He had a message for me. I remember it to this day, twenty-two years later.
"It really doesn't matter where you are. You are in me and I am in you. Wherever you live, wherever you go, wherever you work, you will find people who need Me. Introduce them to your heavenly Father. Live a life that encourages others to seek Me. Love all people. Teach them how to live. Use your life, your actions, and My Word. This is what you can do whether you live here or there. Remember, wherever You go, I am with you. Wherever you go take me with you and let your light shine."
As I said, God never told me where we should move. We made our choice to take God with us asking Him to use our lives to bring His Light into others' lives.
Ever wonder what God's will is for your life? Simple ... shine!
Dear Lord, Your Word clearly details Your plan for my life. Forgive me for wanting all the specific details before I step out to reflect Your glory. I want to spend my days shining as a light in the darkness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Van Walton's blog for more thoughts on how to know God's will for your life.

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton

What Happens When Women Say "Yes" to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:

Take an inventory of your actions and attitude. How can you arrange your life to reflect God's glory, shining so others might find their way to the Father?

Reflections:

Do I use the excuse that "God has not told me His will for my life" to keep me from serving Him and others?

Have I taken time to understand my spiritual giftedness to better understand God's will for my life?

Am I well enough acquainted with God's Word so I can confidently live a life that is pleasing to God?

Power Verses:

Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (NIV)

Philippians 2:14-16, "...go out into the world... Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night..." (MSG)
© 2009 by Van Walton. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 14, 2009, 07:15:55 AM

July 14, 2009

The Humanity of the Cross
Whitney Capps

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Devotion:

Several years ago our church showed Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" to commemorate the Easter season. I will never forget feeling physically sick watching the scene at Golgotha. What I remember is pieced together from a few fleeting, tear-blurred glances at the screen.

Crucifixion was one of the most brutal and inhumane forms of torture ever conceived. I'll admit that I have been guilty of trying to move quickly over the carnage it portrays. When in moments of worship or reflection, the Holy Spirit has led me to consider the Cross, I try to soften its jagged, bloody edges by reminding myself that Christ was God, trinitarily divine.

I want to protect Jesus (and myself) by pretending that He didn't need to feel every bone-crushing blow that nailed Him to that beam for my sin. It seems to make it just a little easier to think of Jesus on the cross not as man, but as God. That Jesus is God is a certain and theological truth, but I must not diminish the act of His suffering by thinking He would abuse His divinity.

Jesus didn't recoil into His divine nature to escape the pain of death on the Cross. He didn't sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane simply to prove a point or for dramatic effect. Jesus agonized over the pain He knew He would endure.

In Matthew 27, Scripture tells us that Jesus cried out from the Cross on two separate occasions. The first cry in verse 45 reflects Jesus' torment over His alienation from the Father. The second cry in verse 50 reveals His body's physical release from the pain of death as "he gave up his spirit." I believe Scripture records both of these cries to indicate that each outburst represents a distinct reaction - one spiritual, one physical.

I wonder if we aren't meant to relate to the Cross in similar fashion: spiritual and physical. I also wonder if we aren't guilty of reserving our concentration on the Cross for the yearly Easter celebrations. After Easter, is the reality of the Cross still poignantly fresh? In his book "Outrageous Mercy: Rediscovering the Radical Nature of the Cross," William Farley says of the Cross, "There is nothing deeper. It is a bottomless well, a fountain of vibrant truth, a pinnacle of wisdom and knowledge. In it lie the depths of the mysteries of God. The first sign of spiritual maturity is when one increasingly thinks about, ponders, marvels, and wonders at the mystery of the cross."

One of my ambitions is to think regularly about the Cross. I want to see the whole picture of the Cross. I want to experience it eyes wide open in painstaking reality. I don't want to deceive my heart in thinking it was less than horrific. My sin demanded such horror. I hope that in enduring the Cross with Jesus, I'll worship more deeply, weep more sincerely and rejoice more abundantly at His Resurrection.

Dear Lord, thank You for the grace of the cross. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Jesus?

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Sanctuary: A Devotional Bible for Woman in the New Living Translation

Whitney Capps's blog

Application Steps:

Reread each gospel's account of Jesus' crucifixion. Try to read them as though you've never heard the story.

What sights would you see? What sounds would you hear? What emotions are particularly real to you?

Reflections:

Do you believe that Jesus really endured such torture for you? How does that affect your confidence in today's Power Verses?

Power Verses:

Hebrews 2:14-18, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (NIV)

© 2009 by Whitney Capps. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 15, 2009, 06:45:12 AM

July 15, 2009

Be Big!

By Renee Myers, She Speaks! Graduate

"Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." Galatians 6:4 (NLT)

Devotion:

My son had a great experience playing on a Christian competitive basketball league last year. He was asked to play in their "select" division. It was limited to a specific number of players. Each player brought his own skills, talents, and gifts to the league. Some were quick. Others had great agility, or good instincts for handling the ball. One of my son's gifts was that he was taller and bigger than most of the players.

His coach was excellent. He knew how to maximize each player's performance by being positive and motivating. He also recognized each player's strengths and helped them make the most of what they had to offer.

My son is a "gentle giant", so often the coach would encourage him to be more aggressive and remind him to use his size to his advantage. "Be big!" His coach would often yell. "Be big!" This meant he wanted my son to raise his hands higher, reach wider, and make the most of his gift of size. My son quickly caught on and began using the "be big" approach to do his best and improve as a player.

All of the boys did an outstanding job of bringing their gifts and talents to each game, recognizing the offerings they could give that made them unique. The players played with confidence, not comparing themselves or trying to be like the others. The coach was wise to make the most of each player. Together they were an incredible team!

I think God wants us to "be big" too. He has given each of us our own set of gifts, talents, and abilities that make us uniquely qualified to do the things He wills for us to do. He wants us to make the most of these things so that we can improve as His players and work together to form an incredible team for Him.

The next time you want to shrink away from something God puts before you or feel that you're not up for the task at hand, imagine God coaching you from the sidelines, calling your name and yelling, "Be big!" Then reach higher and wider to make the most of the gifts, talents, and attributes He gave you to use, and feel confident knowing you've done your best for Him, and the team.

Dear Lord, Thank you for creating each of us with Your plans in mind, and for making each of us is special with our own unique ways to be part of Your team. Help us all to be winning players for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

God's Purpose for Every Woman by various P31 authors. Gen Editors Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

Application Steps:

Recognize your importance to God despite challenges or circumstances you might face. Know that He has a place for each of us on His team -- no try-outs required! Accept everything about you that is God-given as your personal gift set from Him and find ways to make the most of those things.

Reflections:

What things make me unique?

What do I do best? What do I enjoy?

What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses?

What weaknesses can I give to God to use for His glory?

Power Verses:

Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (NIV)

2 Corinthians 12:9, "He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (KJV)

Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)

© 2009 by Renee Myers. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org
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Judy Harder · July 16, 2009, 06:56:17 AM

July 16, 2009

The Real Me
By Renee Swope

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together
in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

Devotion:

I sat in the circle dreading my turn to talk. The facilitator of our team-building activity had asked our group of eight to answer these questions: What do you love to do? If finances were unlimited and failure was unlikely, what would be your dream?

I started praying we'd run out of time before it got to me. But just in case I had to answer, I listened to everyone else describe their dreams, hoping to get ideas. One wanted to be the first female president of the United States. Another friend said she'd always wanted to sing in a Christian rock band. I knew I was in trouble.

Here I was 32-years-old at the time, and I didn't know who I was or what my dreams were. Eventually everyone looked at me for a response. I stumbled over my words but finally admitted that I didn't really know what I loved to do. I didn't have a dream. I felt like a third-grader living in a grown woman's body. Did I want to be a nurse, a schoolteacher or a movie star?

Who was I and what did I like to do?

Unfortunately, I'd never taken time to think about or answer that questions. Instead, I had tried to be who others wanted or needed me to be. But honestly, I wasn't very good at it. I often had this uneasy feeling in my heart and a sense of just not being happy. I was also a constant candidate for burn out.

Later the group facilitator encouraged me to ask God what His dreams were for my life and to spend time getting to know myself better. She also suggested I read some books on personalities. I took her advice and began a process of getting to know the "real me" who had gotten buried in the busyness of life and people pleasing.

As I read books about different temperaments and personality traits, I started to recognize what I liked, strengths that came natural for me, and what I needed emotionally to encourage my heart. Instead of wanting to be like women I knew and admired, I realized there was a reason I was who I was -- with my passionate preferences and mixed bag of emotions. For the first time I felt like someone (the author of those books) understood me. I also sensed that God wanted to use the unique way He made me to shape my heart for ministry.

Isn't it easy to completely neglect ourselves to meet the needs of everyone around us, and call it self-sacrifice? It sounds godly, but in doing so we risk shutting down a place in our soul where God's dreams and gifts are waiting to be revealed. It's not self-seeking but God-seeking to intentionally get to know and become the woman He created you to be.

So, how well do you know the real you? Have you ever taken time to think about what you like to do? How would you fill your free time if you had no fears, no insecurities and no doubts? (You probably have no free time, but what if you did?) What are your dreams?

I hope you'll take time to get to know the woman God created you to be. In doing so, I discovered the life I was meant to live, the dreams I was meant to dream.

Remember, God made you. He knows you and He loves you just the way you are. The only change He desires is that you become more like Him, as you become more like you!

Lord, I want to know the woman You had in mind when You created me. I don't want to grow old and never know Your purpose for my life. Show me your dreams for my life so I can offer what You want to give to those around me through my unique desires, personality strengths, spiritual gifts, abilities and experiences. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Uniquely You! Read more about getting to know the real you, and share your thoughts/questions on Renee's Blog.

Shaped with Purpose Workbook and CD: A Practical Guide for Discovering Who You Are, by Renee Swope

Personality Plus by Florence Littauer

Click here for more of Renee's Resources.

Application Steps:

In her book, Personality Plus, Florence Littauer describes four personality types. See if you can relate to the desires and emotional needs of one or two of these:

Phlegmatic: Desires PEACE
Needs times of quiet, reduced stress, feeling of worth, relaxation

Choleric: Desires CONTROL
Needs appreciation for achievements, opportunity for leadership, and participation in decisions

Sanguine: Desires FUN

Needs attention, affection, approval, activity with people

Melancholy: Desires PERFECTION

Needs sensitivity, stability, support, space, silence

Reflections:
Reflect on today's verse, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

Do I believe God created me with unique traits and dreams? Do I know what they are?
Do I like who God created me to be? Why or why not?

Power Verses:

Psalm 139:13, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth," (NIV)

Psalm 139:1, "Lord, you have searched me and you know me." (NIV)

© 2009 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org
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