Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

December 1, 2009

The Just-Right Present

Melanie Chitwood


"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger,harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31,32 (NLT)



Devotion:

Remember as a child how you hoped for that one special Christmas present?  Maybe after opening some great presents, but not the just-right one, you felt a little tug on your heart as you wondered if you were going to get that present. 

Me too. Just as it seemed all the presents had been opened, my parents brought out one final box.  I grabbed it with eagerness.  The lavish wrapping and the sounds I heard while shaking the box confirmed this had to be the one.  I ripped off the paper, dug into the box, and pulled out...a very nice sweater, not the just-right Christmas gift.  I smiled and said thank you, but could barely hide my disappointment.



I've noticed how my expectations of my husband can often be like my expectations over the just-right Christmas present. I think that's true for a lot of us. Just like we admired the beautiful holiday wrapping, we admire our husband's handsome exterior.  We've checked him out enough to be sure that he'll be the one to make us happy.  Certainly he's the just-righ thusband!   When the gift of our husband turns out to be not just-right, not just what we expected, we can barely hide our disappointment.  We turn to unhelpful coping mechanisms to deal with our disappointment.

We might try to control and manipulate our husband to become the just-right gift we hoped for.  Maybe we become critical and judgmental.  Or maybe we just give up, withdraw, and settle for an empty marriage.  Worse yet, perhaps we grow convinced we married the wrong person.

These ways of coping will not give us the marriage God longs for us to have, a marriage of intimacy, partnership and closeness like no other.  In fact, they do just the opposite. Bitterness, frustration and anger take root in our heart.  Consequently, instead of feeling united and close to our husband, we experience distance and disconnection. 

So what's a girl to do when she's feeling like she got the not-just-right husband?  How can she handle expectations and disappointments in marriage?

We lay them down.  We open our hands and release our husband from the tight grip of our expectations.  We pray with honesty, "Lord, I am feeling disappointed by my husband.  Help me handle this in a way that will be best for our marriage and in way that will please You."

As we seek the Lord with an open heart, He'll show us when to talk to our husband about a disappointing situation, or when to be quiet.  He'll mold our heart, so we can pour out His love and acceptance to our husband. 

Now, if you're like me, sometimes you think, But wait a minute! My husband really does need to change...he should be more attentive, he should help outmore, he should have remembered my birthday.  I don't want to live with these disappointments!

Maybe our husband should change, and maybe he will. I can promise you, however, that the Holy Spirit can do a greater work of transformation in our husband than we ever could as his wife.

ThisChristmas give your husband the gift of releasing him from your expectations.  Give yourself the gift of a contented heart in your marriage.  And give God thanks for your husband ... His just-right Christmas present to you.

Dear Lord, I release my husband and my marriage from all of my expectations.  As I pray with an open heart and open hands, Lord, I thank You for the gift of my husband.  Help me to view him as You do, as the just-right husband for me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Melanie's blog - What Matters Most for more marriage encouragement!

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

For more marriage tips read Attack of the Killer Weeds.

Application Steps:

AskGod in prayer to reveal all the expectations you have of your husband. Ask Him to reveal any disappointments you have in your marriage.

Whenyou pray today's prayer, open your hands and imagine offering your expectations and/or disappointments to the Lord.

Take a step in love toward your husband: embrace him with a big hug or kiss when he comes home.  Tell him you're so glad you married him.  Many husbands will agree that the most loving thing you can do is spend a romantic evening inthe bedroom.

Reflections: 

What expectations do you have of your husband? Your marriage?

How do you handle your disappointments in marriage?

Power Verses:

1Corinthians 13:5, Love "does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered." (NASB)

Philippians4:11, "...I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances." (NASB)

© 2009 by Melanie Chitwood. Allrights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-MintHill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 2, 2009

Invisible Woman

Shari Braendel

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Devotion:

Margaret was new to the area and decided to visit a few local churches and Bible studies before she chose where to attend regularly. Unfortunately, it turned out the same everywhere she went: no one acknowledged her.

They didn't even seem to see her.  She was left feeling like a small fish in a big sea. "How am I ever going to meet anyone, let alone make a friend?" she thought to herself, as she uncomfortably poured herself a cup of coffee in the foyer of a church.

Recently, I had a conversation with Margaret and she reminisced with me about the time she felt so alone in that foyer full of women. She made me giggle when she revealed how she entertained herself during those lonely times by wearing the same outfit on purpose for weeks in a row.  She was convinced that it just didn't matter because no one would remember her anyway. 

Although Margaret felt alone and invisible, she was not. Jesus said, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Luke 12:6-7, NIV). Not only did God see her that day, but He knew what kind of hair day she was having!

I know how Margaret felt. My son started a new school this year and I found myself in a similar situation. As I attended my first PTA meeting, I looked around the room and didn't know a soul. I noticed I wasn't the only one by myself. There were other women who appeared not to know anyone either. Many were sitting alone, pretending to be at ease, yet not looking upward or outward; just awkwardly tending to their refreshments. Everyone else was talking and laughing in groups of two's and three's, unaware that there were isolated women in the room.

How do we become so involved with ourselves that we forget about others who might be new or lonely? I think about Margaret's story and I wonder, "Am I so caught up with what's going on with me that I forget it's not all about me?"  Perhaps meetings, Bible studies or holiday parties aren't all about the girlfriends I already know, but about reaching out to someone who is searching for a welcoming friend.

I've been challenging myself to look beyond my familiar circle, and I want to invite you to do the same. Wherever you go, look around the room and find someone who is by herself. Walk up to her and say hello. Ask some questions about how long she's been coming and how you might help her feel connected and welcomed in that particular situation. You may just be the one that helps her realize she's not invisible - she's noticed - by God and by you.

Dear Lord, I pray as I go about my business that you will help me to become more aware of others. I pray that I seek out those who feel uncomfortable or who might be new.  Help me step outside myself and approach someone who needs to be noticed. I pray I realize it's not all about me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

A Life That Says Welcome, Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others by Karen Ehman

Visit Shari's blog - A Beautiful Place

Connecting Women: A Relationship Guide for Leaders in Women's Ministry by Linda Lesniewski

Application Steps: 

As you prepare to leave your home today, tell God you are willing to be used for His purposes. Tell Him you are ready for an assignment to welcome someone.

Ask your women's ministry leader or PTA advisor (or whatever group you're involved in) if there is a welcoming committee. Offer to help or head this up so no one has to feel like  Margaret did.  As a matter of fact, that's exactly what my friend Margaret did!

Reflections: 

Do I feel like Margaret sometimes?  Remember whose you are. The Lord says in Isaiah 49:16, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (NIV).

Is there a holiday party coming up that you would rather avoid?  Go to it looking for the plans and the new friend God has for you there.

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)

Acts 17:28, "In Him we live and move and have our being." (NIV)

© 2009 by Shari Braendel. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 3, 2009

365 Days of Prayer

by Holly Good, assistant to Lysa TerKeurst

and She Speaks! Graduate

"He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." Colossians 4:12b (NIV)

Devotion:

It will never be topped; that I know for sure. Inconspicuously wrapped in a handwritten envelope sealed with love was my most memorable Christmas present ever. In all of my 42 Christmases, I had never received such a treasure as I did last year. It was a gift that provided comfort, peace and joy for 365 days. And as 2009 comes to a close, I woefully watch my special gift coming to an end.

I attended a white elephant gift exchange with the Proverbs 31 Ministries' office staff last December. As I opened the gift I had chosen from Melissa Taylor, I read my card out loud: "Last night as I was wrapping your gift, God put an idea in my heart and I wholeheartedly agreed with Him. If you are the recipient of this gift, not only are you holding a new ornament, but also a promise from me. It will be my privilege and honor to pray for you every day in 2009. On your good days and bad days, you can rest assured that you are being prayed for by name by me. I love you. Merry Christmas."

Tears threatened to spill down my cheeks as I silently got up and hugged my friend. Her written words were an immediate healing balm to my soul. My mouth could not produce the thoughts I was longing to say aloud. I calmly folded my sweet letter and replaced it neatly in the envelope. And smiled.

Someone would be praying for me every day! Without fail. What a gift.

This was something I had never been promised before. Sure, friends will tell me that they will pray for me when I voice a struggle to them. Or someone will call me and tell me that I came to mind that day and they prayed for me. And still others will mention that I am in their prayers. But to have the comfort of a loyal daily prayer warrior was beyond my realm of thinking.

I suddenly felt inspired that day.

I felt encouraged, confident, and optimistic.

But mostly, I felt loved.

You see, I know the power of prayer. I have experienced healing, growth, miracles and peace through personal prayer, prayer with my family and corporate prayer. I have humbly come to a place where I recognize that I must completely depend on Him daily, and it all begins with prayer.

A prayer filled life is not necessarily a belief that God will do exactly what we ask for, but a trust that He will hear our desires and know what's best for us. A trust that He will lead, guide and direct us as we seek His will. I wholeheartedly rely on this assurance.

I went home from our party that day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my yearlong gift of prayer. In turn, I committed to also pray for Melissa each day. What a challenging year this has been for her personally - she has needed my daily prayers.

As I think of her with a humble and thankful heart, I can't help but recall the beautiful words in 1 Corinthians 1:4, "I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus." Thank you for praying for me Melissa. What a comfort. What a commitment. What a rare gift indeed!
                                                                                                                                                                     
Dear Lord, thank You for friends who love us with Your love. Thank You for faithfully listening to our requests and responding as You see fit. We trust You and love You and honor Your Holy name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to post a prayer request for Holly and Lysa so they can pray for you during their early morning run this week.

Visit Melissa Taylor's blog to find out what inspired her unique Christmas gift.

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

Read Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus gave this prayer to His disciples as a model for them. How can you use this prayer, often referred to as the Lord's Prayer, as a model for your daily prayers?

Reflections: 

As you spend time with friends and family, look for opportunities to ask, "How can I pray for you?' 

Look intentionally for others you come across today that you can ask, "How can I pray for you today?"

Journal your requests and look for God to do a great work.

Power Verses:

Psalm 5:3, "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." (NIV) 

Psalm 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (NIV)

Romans 8:26, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (NIV)

© 2009 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 4, 2009

For His Name's Sake

Marybeth Whalen

"He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Psalm 23:3b (NIV)

Devotion:

Dear Lord, please show me Your will for my life.

Dear Lord, please let me know what direction I should go.

Dear Lord, I only want what You want. I just wish I knew what that is.

Have you ever prayed a prayer that sounded something like these?  If you are like me, the answer is yes. Today's verse offers powerful truth that I had missed in spite of reading it many times. How often I had prayed for God's guidance and direction—yet still wanted my own way. I broke the verse down into three parts to better grasp the wisdom it contained:

He guides me: As followers of God, we want Him to guide us. We only have to do it on our own for a little while to realize that we are inept in finding the right way. Many of us have come to God after making an unholy mess of our lives. We have fallen before Him and asked Him to show us a way out of the mess. We are grateful for His promises to be our Shepherd who lovingly guides His sheep. We begin to follow Him, grateful that someone else is lighting our way.

In paths of righteousness: If God is leading us, we can trust that He will only direct us in paths that are right in His eyes. If we are tempted to walk down a path that we don't have peace about or is contrary to His character and Word, then that is a red flag that the path is not the right one. We can trust that He won't lead us down the wrong path. We just have to keep seeking His direction through prayer, godly counsel and His Word.

For His name's sake: To me, the crux of this verse is contained in this phrase. Why does God guide us in paths of righteousness? For His name's sake. He wants the way we take to directly reflect on Him. To bring Him, not us, glory. To make His name famous. To make our lives a living witness of His goodness, so that others are brought to Him. For that reason, He will always direct us to make holy choices—not necessarily the easy choices or the fast choices. If we submit to Him, we will find that He guides us to make the best choices. Not because we are the best, but because He is.

This simple verse served as a huge wakeup call for me. As I sought God's will for some decisions I was making, I had made the answer all about me. I needed to be reminded that, always, always, always, it needs to be about Him. My prayers were changed from "What should I do?" (a very me-centered prayer) to "What will bring You glory?" I had to shift my perspective from my humanness to His holiness. He will certainly direct me where I need to go. But I need to remember the reason as I seek that direction.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, my prayer today is reflected in this verse from Your Word: Please guide me in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake. I want my life to reflect Your glory. I trust You to make that happen as you guide me in ways that are right in Your eyes. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Becoming a Woman of Influence by Marybeth Whalen
The Reason We Speak, General Editor Marybeth Whalen
Come Along: The Journey into a More Intimate Faith by Jane Rubietta
Visit Marybeth's blog - Cheaper by the Half Dozen

Application Steps: 

Journal about a time when God directed you to do something that was not what you expected, but that ultimately brought His glory to the situation. How can you trust this example in future situations when you seek His will?

Do you know the One Who promises to lead you?

Reflections: 

Is there a situation that you are seeking God's direction for right now? Have you considered that His direction is about His name and not yours? How could that change the way you seek Him and the way you approach the situation?

Power Verses:

Psalm 31:3, "Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." (NIV) 

Psalm 115:1, "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." (NIV)

© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 7, 2009

Christmas Treasures

Rachel Olsen

"For where your treasure is, there your heart is also." Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Devotion:

It was 38 degrees when I woke the day after Thanksgiving. Yet, willing to brave chilly temps and frenzied crowds in search of crazy deals, I headed out shopping.

As I walked the aisles past slick gadgets, plush robes, and animated toys, one thought kept coming to my mind: The gifts we long for—the ones we ask for, save for, shop for, and wrap up in shiny paper with bows—will disappoint, eventually. They will age, wear, scratch, stain, fade or break. They may even get lost or stolen.  Not long after the shiny newness wears off, the realization sets in that these objects don't provide the lasting happiness we'd hoped they would.

Am I a Christmas scrooge? Not at all!  Beneath my tree sits several lovely gifts I look forward to giving my family. And I'm hoping one will appear there for me before Christmas Eve. But this thought, this realistic view of the contents of those packages, helps me keep the material aspects of this holiday in perspective — n eternal perspective.

It's so easy to get caught up in the commercial fervor that is Christmas. It's easy to think we must show our love through bought gifts. But often a warm hug and some relaxed hospitality, time spent together on a hobby, or a letter detailing your appreciation would mean so much more than another coffee mug or gift basket. And for those of us facing hard financial times this year, that's welcome news.

If I could give you one fantastic gift today, I'd take your hand and cause us both to travel back in time some 33 years after the birth of Christ. We'd sit together on the hillside and listen to Jesus teach the Sermon on the Mount. We would hear our Savior say, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV).

Perhaps hearing it from the Savior's lips would help us believe that it's important what we treasure. It's important where our heart is. And to remember that the objects we ask for, give, and receive are temporary, just like the pleasure they bring.

God, however, gives gifts that are eternal. They never age, fade, deteriorate or fail to delight. He gave the gift of love with a baby in a manger. He gave the gift of truth through the teaching of Rabbi Jesus. And He gave the gift of eternal life in the form of the crucified and risen Christ. God gives the best gifts!

I found a few good deals at the mall that early Friday morning, but nothing like the deal I found at a little church almost two decades ago when I met this risen Lord and exchanged my sins for His grace. 

In the days of the Bible, times of great joy were frequently accompanied by the giving of gifts (e.g. Nehemiah 8:10; Esther 9:22; Revelation 11:10). This ancient custom, practiced in all nations throughout history, finds its greatest expression today at Christmas. As we participate in gift-giving this year, let's follow God's lead and look for ways to also share love, truth and the path to eternal life with those we care about. Perhaps we can help another to find the greatest gift of all, or to treasure it rightly.

Dear God, thank You for the treasures of Christ, the gift of grace, and the blessings of eternal light and life. Show me opportunities to share them with those around me this month. Help me keep my heart set on You as the only lasting source of delight. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

A Family Advent: Keeping the Savior in the Season

Click here to find the greatest gift - forgiveness and eternal life

For more on this topic, visit Rachel's blog today

God's Purpose for Every Woman: A Compilation of Favorite P31 Devotions  by various P31 Encouragement for Today authors

Application Steps: 

Reflect on this devotion. Then look over your Christmas lists or plans and consider where your heart and treasure is.

Is there something you should mark off your list?  Is there something you should add to it?

Reflections: 

Where is my treasure?  Where is my heart today?

Power Verses:

James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (NIV)

Romans 6:23b, "... the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NASB)

© 2009 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 8, 2009

What Hope Looks Like

T. Suzanne Eller

"Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them." Mark 10:16 (NLT)

Devotion:

I love visiting other countries to serve in missions work. But there are many times I've left a beautiful country overwhelmed by the needs of its people. People standing in line for medical care. Or children on a street corner selling candy, or worse - their bodies --so they could eat a meal. I've wept on the plane home, hiding my tears from other passengers behind the thin airline blanket.

Recently, however, I returned from a missions trip to Ecuador with Compassion International.  Our travels to this country left me filled with hope! There are 52,000 children that are ministered to in 200 Compassion International projects across Ecuador.

I met Eric, a little guy who is 13, but looks seven. He was born with a syndrome that affects his motor skills, as well as his ability to communicate. Eric wasn't given a lot of hope. His mother has two other little guys, ten and six. Their home is nestled in a concrete cave honed out of rock and cinder block. I had to bend to enter the dark two-room habitat. Along one wall there is a small refrigerator, rusted by the years. A couple of cook pots sit by an open fireplace darkened by soot. Eric proudly showed me how he washes his clothes, beating his red shirt with a brush and suds.

Little Eric has had surgeries that allow him to run in his own makeshift fashion. His inability to communicate with words would lead you to believe he's not educated, but he is very intelligent. He and his brothers eat nutritious meals and receive schooling. And it's all because of Compassion International.

Later I met Jonathon, who became a Compassion International child at the age of five. He remembers proudly showing his first letter from his sponsor to his classroom. He held it high for the other children to see. "Jesus sent me someone who loves me," he said.

Next July, Jonathon will graduate from a university with a degree in physics. He wept as he tried to explain what Compassion International, and his sponsor, have done for him.  A person he has never met gave him health, hope, and the opportunity to change the lives of many children. He plans to go back to his former project area as a teacher. 

I often pray and ask Jesus how to spend my time, my finances, and my talents.  But the funny thing is, I don't pray over the everyday expenditures that have very little lasting impact. I weigh them. I think about them. But pray about it? I don't. I believe I will start praying about my everyday expenditures, and asking God to reveal to me opportunities to invest in the things that really matter.

As I boarded the plane for home, I declined the offered blanket. I didn't need to hide my tears - not this time. Instead I praised God for a renewed vision of hope: a child who wasn't supposed to live who can now run and read; a little girl waving her hand in the air to be called upon in class to quote a scripture; a young man wiping away tears as he expressed his desire to educate little ones facing the odds he once faced and overcame. I settled back in my seat and smiled, reveling in the beautiful pictures of God's hope in action. 
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear God, You love the hungry, the poor, the hurting. Thank You for the opportunity to be Your hands and feet, whether in my own community, or around the world. I pray that I will invest my heart and life in those things that burn on Your heart.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Learn about sponsoring a child through Compassion International

Visit Suzie's blog where she shares pictures of her trip to Ecuador and answers your questions about Compassion International and missions.

Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most by Dr. Wess Stafford,

God sees you too!  Find hope with the free devotion When Self-Rescue is Not an Option

Application Steps: 

Pray: Ask God to reveal a need.

Prepare: How can you respond with one tangible action, small or large? Is it your time? Your talents? Your finances?

Proceed: Take action today!

Reflections: 

Childhood—we get only one pass at it, and yet it dictates the quality of the rest of our lives. Dr. Wess Stafford, President of Compassion International 

Power Verses:

Deuteronomy 15:10, "Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do." (NLT)

Matthew 25:37b-40, "'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" (ESV)

© 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]

December 9, 2009

Divine Delays

Zoe Elmore

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
     
Devotion:

My schedule was tight and I was out of make-up, so I planned to pick up my favorite foundation at the local mall, leaving room to still arrive on time for my friend's annual Christmas tea. As I prepared to leave, the Lord whispered to my heart, Don't go to the mall; go to the make-up store near your home.

But Lord, I argued, I have my friend's Christmas tea and the mall is on the way. What You're asking me to do isn't convenient. I will have to go out of my way and I will be late for the tea. And You know how important punctuality is to me!

After more mental arguing, I reluctantly obeyed and went into the corner make-up store.

I knew the young woman working. She's not only pleasant, but quick and efficient with her customers. Lord, maybe this inconvenience won't interrupt my schedule too much after all.

As I entered the store, the familiar woman greeted me and offered to help with my purchase. I told her what I needed and added that I was in quite a hurry to be on time for my Christmas tea. Quickly and efficiently she found the needed product and walked me to the register to check out.

This was easier than I thought, I said to myself as she handed me my purchase. Then it happened ... the reason I had been led to go out of my way.

"I know you're in a hurry, and I will only keep you one more moment." The young woman shared. "I'd like to ask that you pray for me and my struggling marriage as you drive to your Christmas tea. I don't think my marriage can be saved."

In that moment I sensed the Lord, This is why I wanted to interrupt your busy schedule.

I placed my purchase on the counter, held her hands and prayed. As the Lord guided my words, the young woman began to sob, her tears landing softly on my hands. When I said "Amen," she hugged me tightly and whispered, "Of all the people I've asked to pray for me, you're the first one to stop and do so. Thank you. I've been very discouraged, and had thought no one would ever respond to my request. In fact, I had given up all hope that God even heard my cries for help."

I reminded her of Psalm 145:18-19, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them" (NIV).

She thanked me for my time, adding that she would begin to dig into God's Word for more strength and encouragement. The store began to fill with customers. There was one more hug and an exchange of phone numbers as I left for the tea.

Since that day we have talked and prayed together on several occasions and we plan to continue into the New Year. Each time she and I talk, it's a reminder that when I listen and obey the Lord's promptings, I experience the joy of His presence in a powerful way.

God's divine delay taught me that being used by the Lord for His glory in the life of others far outweighs arriving on time.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me enough to use me for Your purposes and glory. Teach me to listen and obey without reservation or hesitation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Apples of Gold: A Six-Week Nurturing Program for Women by Betty Huizenga
Visit Zoe's blog - Called by a New Name

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan

Desperate Prayers, Divine Answers, a free online article from P31 Woman magazine

Application Steps: 

Examine your relationship with the Lord; are you allowing the business of this season to crowd out His small quiet voice?

Reflections: 

Are you listening to and obeying the Lord's promptings in your life?

Are you refusing to listen and obey because it might inconvenience you?

Power Verses:

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)

Luke 12:6-7, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (ESV)

© 2009 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 10, 2009

Where was God?

Lysa TerKeurst

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,'  he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'"

Acts 7:55-56 (NIV)

Devotion:

Sometimes things happen in life that are so horrible our minds have a hard time processing them. Even our souls don't know quite where to place the horrific. So, we pull out our trite Christian answers and hope they are good enough to keep the honest questions at bay.

But somewhere deep inside us a question bumps around our heart. A question so honest we Christians feel we couldn't ever possibly ask it. Where was God?

Where was God when the students were shot?

Where was God when my sister's 18 year-old friend had a headache one day and died suddenly the next?

Where was God when my friend's baby wrapped the umbilical cord about his leg and he died days before he would have otherwise been delivered perfectly healthy?

Where was God when that precious girl was taken, and found a few days later in the trash dump?

Like I said, things so hard we can hardly process them. Sometimes we'd rather make an excuse for God than be brave enough to actually go to God and ask. I've been guilty of this. I've tried to make excuses for God. And I hated the feeling of faking my way through with plastic answers just to gloss over something my God is certainly big enough to answer Himself.

For years, I asked God to help me wrestle with this hard question. And finally an answer came tucked away in Acts 7:54-60, the stoning of Stephen.

It's easy to read the words of the story and miss the reality of what's really happening. Stephen is being brutally murdered. Stephen is living the horrific we can't process. Yet, in the midst of his most desperate moment, Stephen is absolutely not alone.

While I hate - absolutely hate - what is being done to Stephen's body, his soul is experiencing something completely separate. And what I discovered when I dared peak inside the horrific was a miracle that makes me weep with relief.

God was there. Jesus was there. And my Jesus wasn't just sitting by observing. No, He was standing. And please forgive me for daring to make an assumption here but because I know Jesus, I have a picture in my mind of what He must have looked like in this moment. With tears streaming down His face, full of the purest compassion ever known, Jesus makes sure Stephen sees Him. Locks His eyes on his.

And from what I can tell, Stephen never took his eyes off of Jesus.

In the midst of chaos and screaming and the most vicious of acts, Stephen's soul talks with Jesus. His body falls as Stephen cries out forgiveness for all who dare to hear. And with that, a merciful sleep takes Stephen away.

I know this is hard to process.

I know just reading these passages doesn't answer every question.

And might I encourage you to wrestle with this and pray about this and ask God the bold questions that knock around your soul? I'll be posting a little more on this topic on my blog today and I'd love to process this with you further.  But, let me assure you I won't be offering cookie cutter answers.  These are hard questions with no easy answers.

I don't understand why Stephen had to die this way.

I am still horrified by all of the events I listed above.

And while I don't have all the answers, there is one thing I know for certain.  I do know where God was. He wasn't too busy. He wasn't cold and heartless. He wasn't caught off guard.

He was there. And I'm convinced with holy tears dripping in the midst, He is grieved over how sin has broken this world. And He walks to the edge of eternity and reminds us He will avenge, He will redeem, He will make all things right.

Especially those we can't possibly understand right now.

Dear Lord, it is so hard to understand the horrific events that happen.  Thank You for this reminder in Stephen's story.  Even though we may never have answers on this side of eternity we can still stand on the truth that You are good even when life isn't.  But Lord Jesus, please pour out Your loving comfort and reassurances.  Our hearts need Your touch in those deep hurting places. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's blog for more on this tough topic

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst.  Lysa wrote a chapter in this book called "Deep Grief" which equips women to process the harder issues in life for themselves and to better understand how to help a friend through tough times as well. 

And, releasing this month is Lysa's 6 week DVD teaching series that is perfect for personal or group studies.  Each session is 15- 20 minutes in length.  Participant's guides are also available.  You can order yours today by clicking here.

Application Steps: 

Read a couple of chapters in Psalms today and ask God to tenderly speak through His Word.  Write down each description of God.  Then pray a prayer inserting your name and what God promises to be for you personally.   

Reflections: 

Is there a person in your sphere of influence who has been wrestling with some tough questions?  Why not forward this devotion to them and take time to talk and pray about it together? 

Power Verses:

John 11:32-33, "When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." (NIV)

John 11:35, "Jesus wept." (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]

December 11, 2009

Re-gifting Christmas

Susanne Scheppmann

    "Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2:10-11(NKJ) 

Devotion:

My extended family no longer buys presents for each individual person. At our large family gathering, we have a "white elephant" gift exchange. Instead of a separate gift for each person, we just bring one present each, usually something from around our house that is no longer wanted or needed. Many times a white elephant gift turns out to be a re-gift. The idea of re-gifting appeals to me, especially when sanctioned by the family!

This year I have pondered how to re-gift the joy found in the Christmas story that Jesus gives - "a great joy which will be to all people." I believe the best way is to display our joy in all circumstances, good and bad. We may not enjoy the situations we find ourselves in, but we can have joy. Our joy can issue forth from the fact that Jesus came to earth as an infant, ministered, died on the cross and resurrected from the grave. He did this as a gift for all of us.

Will you decide with me to re-gift the promise of Christmas joy when days become stressful because of holiday schedules? Let's give joy when we can't purchase the "perfect" gift because of budget restraints. Let's share Jesus' joy and offer to help our neighbors, our churches, and our communities.

The wonderful thing about re-gifting the joy of the season is that you still get to keep your joy! Let the world know the truth about Christmas. It's not about the Christmas tree, the food, the festivities or the gifts - it's about Jesus being born as the world's Savior. It's about what the angels declared over 2000 years ago, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11, NKJ). 

It's a gift we should give year round to everyone in this stress-filled world, because, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8, NIV).

Will you re-gift the joy found in the true meaning of Christmas both now and throughout this coming year?

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of joy this Christmas season. Teach me to re-gift this joy to the people who You bring across my path. Also, remind me to re-gift Your joy every day, not only at the Christmas season. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know This Joy?

Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

A Recipe for Christmas Joy (E-Book) by Marybeth Whalen

Read about sharing Jesus' joy with The Blessing of Christmas in our Everyday Life encouragement

Application Steps: 

Leave the Christmas nativity set in a prominent place in your home all year. Doubtless, people will mention it.  Share the meaning of Christmas, Jesus the Savior of the World.

Reflections: 

Do I display the joy of Jesus?

Why do I hesitate to share my faith in Jesus?

How can I "re-gift" Christmas each day?

Power Verses:

Philemon 1:6, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (NIV)

Isaiah 49:13, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 2:8, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." (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]

December 14, 2009

Christmas Excuses
Karen Ehman

"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..."  Psalm 68:5-6a (NIV)

Devotion:

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" The loudspeaker blared out the joyful lyrics of the familiar holiday song that snowy afternoon on Christmas Eve. Everywhere I glanced, people were searching for last-minute gift purchases, holiday baking ingredients or that one final string of twinkle lights that would make their Christmas Martha Stewart'ish, HGTV approved, and downright Norman Rockwell perfect.

However, as I stood in line paying for the ingredients for my assigned Cheesy Potato side dish for our extended family gathering, a lump formed in my throat. Soon the lump made its way north as my lips quivered and hot tears fell onto my wind-chapped cheeks.

How can everyone be so happy? Why is the world going on as if nothing happened? My friend Julie died last night leaving behind a husband and eight children who need her. Doesn't anyone care? I wanted to scream. And I wanted Christmas to be promptly cancelled that year. I had no holiday cheer in me and I thought the rest of the world should follow suit and just 'humbug' the whole celebration.

Our family made it through that holiday. My young children, although sad about their friends' mother's death, perked up Christmas morning, eager to open their gifts. My husband and I carried on with our normal life and, over the next few months, tried to help lighten the load of our now widower friend. Several in our circle of friends made meals on a weekly basis. A college girl offered to clean their home. One of Julie's sons joined our homeschool for kindergarten a few days each week. Although we still experienced great heartache knowing our friend wasn't coming back, helping to lighten her husband's load and cheer the children made us feel useful and as if we were fulfilling the mission God had for us.

Ever since that year, our family has become even more aware of the fact that for many, Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year. It is downright painful. Loneliness looms. Depressions darken.  Even suicides soar.  While scores of us delight in the yuletide season, drinking in deep the sights, sounds and smells, others meander about, numb from pain, despising the season.

A sweet neighbor of mine once told me, "Christmas is an excuse for making someone's life better." She was so right! Right in our midst, there are souls waiting to be encouraged and included at the holidays. If only we would cease our own sometimes self-centered hustle and bustle long enough to see!

After that sad season, we have made it our mission to reach out at the holidays more than we play the commercialized "gimmee game." Christmas is so not about getting. Its very essence is giving.

When our family has been intentional about being Jesus' hands and feet at the holidays, He has allowed us to brighten the lives of many and, in return, make our own season even sweeter. We've Christmas caroled to shut-ins, decorated homes and addressed Christmas cards for widows, shopped for the needy, baked for the brokenhearted, taken in foreign exchange students with no where to spend the day and often included the lonely in our normal Christmas activities as if they were part of our family....

Because really, they are.  Maybe it is your family God wants to set a lonely soul in this year.

Vow this Christmas to use the season as an excuse to make someone's life better.

As a result, your life too will be immeasurably blessed.
                                                                                                                                                                 
Dear Lord, at this time when You sent Christ to earth, may I too reach out to make someone's life richer, fuller and far less lonely. I want to be Your hands and feet. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

For a chance to win a Christmas goodie basket-in-a-box giveaway for you and a copy of P31 She Speaks' grad Jennifer Silvera's book "Believe: A Young Widow's Journey Through Brokenness and Back" for a grieving friend visit Karen's blog

A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

Homespun Gifts from the Heart by Karen Ehman

Application Steps: 

Gather the family.  Solicit responses to the following questions, "Who do you know that might be lonely at Christmas this year? Now, what creative way could we help to combat their loneliness and make them feel loved?"

List the action steps you will take to make the idea a reality. Mark the calendar to ensure it happens.

Reflections: 

Has there ever been a holiday season where you were gloomy or feeling alone? Did anyone do something to make you feel loved and included?

How can reaching out to the lonely be a reflection of God reaching down from heaven to us on that very first Christmas?

Power Verses:

Matthew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (NIV) 

© 2009 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org