Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

June 10, 2011

Slow It Down
T. Suzanne Eller


"God called the light 'day' and the darkness he called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning..." Genesis 1:5 (NIV)

I was reading my Bible one day and noticed a huge "mistake" in scripture. Everyone knows that morning comes first, and then evening follows. Right? But there it was in black and white. Genesis 1:5 read "and there was evening, and there was morning."

Of course, it was no mistake. God started with evening — a time of rest — and a day's productivity resulted.

We live in a culture where rest is often viewed in a negative light. When we work, we work hard. When we play, we play hard. We know how to fill our time with e-mail, activities, carpool, cleaning, aerobics, and our list of tasks. But do we know how to rest?

Nineteen years ago at the ripe age of 32 I was diagnosed with cancer. When I found out, I blurted, "I don't have time for cancer!" But cancer didn't consult my schedule. My life changed as I put aside a lot of things I once thought were absolutely vital as I went through chemo, surgery, and radiation.

One beautiful result that emerged from that difficult time was a new list of priorities. I learned how to climb between the sheets and put aside my worries. To rest my body and my mind. To slow down when life became crazy and to weigh what was important, and what was not. Before long I began to see evening as the first part of my day. From rest, sprang morning; I had earned a good day's work.

It's a concept that changed my life. Not just physically, but also spiritually. Recently I had two speaking events sandwiched together. As the date approached, my time with my Heavenly Father became "evening." I prepared, but spiritually rested as I communed with God. Once I arrived in the city where I was to speak, I closed the door of my hotel room and listened to the heart of my Father instead of going over my notes. Out of rest, sprang true ministry. I was refreshed and filled by His presence, instead of my efforts.

How often do we run out of steam because we are out of balance? I wish I could say I was forever cured. But I'm not. There are times that I have to slow it down and reconsider my priorities all over again. And if physical rest or spiritual rest has been pushed to last place, I have to put it all on the table and let The Boss help me sort through it so I can put "evening" back where it belongs.

Dear Lord, when I push You to last place, I miss out on hearing Your voice. When I keep going until I drop, I get all tangled up in my to-do list. I know that life is busy, but help me to discern between what is important, and what is not. Reorganize my life, and reveal true rest that only comes from You. In Jesus' Name,, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie's blog where she shares a quiz to help you decide if you are too busy and enter to win her great give-away!

If today's topic struck a chord, you'll want to read the chapter "Turn the Beat Around" in Rachel Olsen's book It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

The Woman I Am Becoming by T. Suzanne Eller

The Yes, No, and Maybe to a Balanced Life (CD) by Wendy Pope

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Write down all the to-do's that consume your time.

Are there any that aren't absolutely necessary?

Do you need to say "no" to one or two so that you can say "yes" to a more restful family and a more rested you?

Reflections:
As women, we often take care of the needs of our children, our community, our church, our spouses, our jobs, our homes, but we leave ourselves out of the nurturing process. Am I willing to nurture myself in one way today spiritually or physically?

Power Verses:
Mark 6:30-31, "Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, 'Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.' For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." (NKJ)

© 2011 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

 

[Judy Harder]

 June 13, 2011

Daddy Envy
Marybeth Whalen


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

In high school I had three best friends. We did everything together. But there was one difference between me and them. They had dads who lived in their homes and clearly loved them. I did not. I remember envying them and the daddies they had when mine was not interested. For a long time I let this void in my life define me.

Fast forward twenty years. The four of us decided to have a girls' weekend away and reunite in the mountains of North Carolina. I was excited to see them again and looked forward to catching up. As the weekend unfolded the talk turned to family, as it usually does. Amazingly, all of their parents are still married and they still have involved, loving, present dads in their lives. They are blessed. My dad is still not in my life, but over the course of that weekend I realized I didn't feel any less blessed. I realized, to my surprise, that my case of daddy envy was gone.

What had changed?

In the twenty years between then and now I had taken off that mantle of unloved, fatherless daughter and put on a new identity.

I had discovered that I was the daughter of the Most High King. I had felt the love of a Father that was perfect and constant and amazing. I had let His love envelop me in a way that filled my lack. That love had changed me from the inside out.

I had found a satisfying wholeness in the process. I was settled and peaceful, no longer the uncertain, anxious girl who used to look at my friends' fathers with longing. I even felt a bit sorry for them that weekend, knowing that they didn't have a dad as good as mine.

In my novel She Makes It Look Easy, both of the main characters have grown up without fathers. They have experienced the profound loss a father's absence can cause and the rejection that can damage a woman for the rest of her life. For these women, this loss manifests in different ways and ultimately affects decisions they make in their lives.

Their stories are like mine and maybe yours too. So many of us grew up with a case of daddy envy; their departures rippling through our lives in ways we could've never envisioned.

And yet, it doesn't have to stay that way. God promises to be the Father to the fatherless. He promises to give His perfect love (I John 4:18) that will work within our lives to heal us, if we will let Him (Matthew 9:22). He will not barge into our lives and insist. Instead He waits like the perfect gentleman to be invited in (Revelation 3:20). When we open the door to Him, we're opening the door to a new life—one that will end our pain and bring us peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Do you have a case of daddy envy like I once had? You don't have to be fatherless anymore. Let God be the Father you've longed for and let Him show you the love you've imagined.

There's something special about having the Daddy who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), never tires (Isaiah 40:28-29), heals the sick (Matthew 4:23), knows all your needs before you even can voice them (Matthew 6:, and loves with lavish abandon (I John 3:1). You can discover what it means to be the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10).

Dear Lord, I have felt the loss of my earthly father so profoundly. I know that You can fill my need and I want to let You into my life to do that. Come into my life, heal me and give me a new identity — from rejected to embraced, from abandoned to welcomed. I want to be Your girl and let Your love change me forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

Marybeth's new novel, She Makes It Look Easy, is the She Reads selected book for June. Please click here to stop by to learn more about this novel, and to leave a comment for Marybeth.

She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman's life and said, "I want what she has." She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.

Daddy Do You Love Me? by Ariel Allison and Shelby Rowan

Visit Marybeth's blog

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Look up the verses that were referenced in today's devotion and write down some in your journal that especially speak to you. Why do these verses speak to you?

Reflections:
If you've lost your earthly father to divorce, death or simply disinterest, how has his absence in your life defined you?

Power Verses:
Psalm 17:8, "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings." (NIV)

Isaiah 58:11, "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (NIV)

© 2011 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 June 14, 2011

Faith that Moves God's Heart
Glynnis Whitwer


"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless..." 2 Samuel 22:26 (NIV 2011)

"Are you scared?" my daughter asked. Nibbling on fingernails, she glanced at the harnesses hung on pegs, then to the mountain and finally to my face to assess my take on the situation.

Shading my eyes, I looked up the same mountain to the highest landing, barely visible between branches. Within a few minutes we'd be there, strapped into harnesses and hooked onto a thin wire. Her apprehension was clear.

"No, I'm not scared," I answered honestly. I trusted the harness and wires to keep me safe. I trusted the staff who'd done this with thousands of other people. Beyond explanation, I (the person who avoids wasting any adrenalin) had faith I'd be safe zipping through the canopy.

As I waited my turn to get trussed up, God whispered in my heart, "That's the kind of faith I'd like you to have all the time — only in Me."

That thought settled in my heart and begged me to explore it. My initial response was a tad bit defensive. Sometimes my faith is strong. Haven't I leapt into situations trusting You to make a way, I asked God. Before I could start reminding Him of specific instances, the Holy Spirit nudged me to go deeper. So I did.

In the most honest places in my heart, I had to admit that often — even those areas I almost bragged about — my trust was in God and my exit strategy.

I trusted God, but I also trusted the strength of my arm or my ability to negotiate a positive outcome. It was like I said, "I trust You but just let me get this harness strapped on and hooked to the wire."

I knew God was speaking about faith with no backup plan. Faith that really gets His attention — where there's no harness or wire. No experienced staff. No net. There's just God. I've tasted that faith, but not often enough.

God is calling me to a higher place of faith. It's a place where I believe God can and will provide for me. And therein lies the hard place. I've anchored my life in the belief that God can do anything, but somehow feel presumptuous believing He will for me.

That's doubt masquerading as false humility. And that, my friends, saddens God and limits His work in my life.

Scripture shows us God is moved by followers with faith. There's not enough space in this devotion to list the miracles God performed when people had faith. Nor is there space to list those times when doubt made a difference.

God's whisper challenged me to submit my unbelief to Him once again in my pursuit to become a woman of faith. My heart longs to be completely sold-out for Jesus, following Him without doubt. I want the same faith in God I had when I jumped off a platform 100 feet above the jungle floor and laughed with the sheer joy of soaring. Yes, that's the type of faith I want in God. All the time.

Dear Lord, I declare today that You are faithful and worthy of all my faith. You never lie, will never leave and never break Your promises. Help me to be a woman who follows You with complete trust. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
P31 Woman magazine

Visit Glynnis' blog for more on how to overcome doubt.

Worship: Nearing the Heart of God by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

Pre-order your copy of A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God's Promises by Renee Swope

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Using a concordance, or www.Biblegateway.com, do a search in the New Testament for the word "faith." Make a list of what happened when people had faith.

Reflections:
Why is it easy to trust God in some areas of my life, but not others?

What areas do I wish my faith was stronger? What is the common denominator in those areas?

Power Verses:
Matthew 14:31, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'" (NIV 2011)

James 1:5-7, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord." (NIV 2011)

© 2011 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 15, 2011

Sharing Grace
LeAnn Rice


"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Five years ago I took a spiritual gifts test and failed! Well, in my mind, I failed.

I had high hopes that the test would confirm that I have the spiritual gift of wisdom, discernment, evangelism or mercy. You know...a good, useful gift. A change-the-world kind of gift. I was crushed to discover that I do not possess any of what I perceived as "good" gifts.

Since I was sure I knew myself better than this silly test, I took it again. I ended up taking the spiritual gifts test five times! Sadly, each one confirmed that I was stuck with the frivolous gift of hospitality. Seriously? I wanted to be a wise sage and soul-winning evangelist, not a hostess!

Shortly after my testing marathon I read today's key verse. Reading it a second time, my eyes lingered over the words "whatever gift." It doesn't say, "Only those with the gift of leadership or evangelism go and serve." As I pondered this verse I realized that as a body of Christians we could not accomplish nearly as much if we all had the same gifts. I embraced my gift of hospitality and God showed me He could use my ability to create a fancy meal or decorate a beautiful table to make others feel special. I can administer God's grace through what I thought was fluff!

What gift(s) has God given you? If you haven't yet determined your spiritual gift(s), spend some time thinking about what you do well, what hidden talent you may have, and what you have a passion for. Ask your friends what they think your talents are.

Then ask God how you can use these gifts to share His grace with others. If you are a musician, consider playing at a local retirement center or soup kitchen. If you love to scrapbook, consider organizing memories for someone who is unable to do so. If you have great computer skills, consider helping women at a shelter put together resumes or teach computer skills to help them secure a job.

I have learned that my "frivolous" gift of hospitality is not so frivolous after all. Extending hospitality, simple or extravagant, is a tangible way to share God's love and His grace with family, friends, co-workers, and strangers. My prayer is that every day God will provide me with new opportunities to use the gifts He has bestowed upon me for His kingdom and for His glory.

Dear Lord, thank You that You have gifted each of us differently. Help me discover the gifts You have given me so I may use them to administer Your grace to everyone around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit LeAnn's amazing She Cooks site today for an awesome giveaway and to see how LeAnn is using her gift of hospitality to reach others with the grace of God. Come for recipes, menus, and special event planning, and stay for much more! LeAnn is looking forward to spending time cooking together.

Do You Know Jesus?

Sharing Grace: Recipes - Family Traditions - Gift Ideas (e-book) by LeAnn Rice

Shaped with Purpose Workbook and CD: Discovering Your God-given Gifts, Passions, Personality and Abilities by Renee Swope

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

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
How can I purposefully use my spiritual gifts to share God's love and grace with those around me?

Reflections:
Reflect on 1 Peter 4:9-11a, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." (NIV)

Am I truly being a good steward of the gifts entrusted to me by the Holy Spirit, using them to serve others and to glorify Christ and not merely for my own personal gain or enjoyment?

Power Verses:
Romans 12:4-6a, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:4-6, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." (NIV)

© 2011 by LeAnn Rice. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 June 16, 2011

Before We Respond
Lysa TerKeurst


"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV)

Sweet friend, let's chat. About "those" emails. "Those" comments. "Those" words from another that make our heart beat, our throat tighten, and our smile fall.

Yes, "those."

Harsh comments seem so unnecessary to me. I honestly can't find any sort of justification in Scripture to hurl insults and ugliness at another person. But, these are a reality in my world. A small reality, thank heavens, but a reality none the less. Sadly, I bet you can relate.

And I'll be honest; I'm just as prone as the next person to feel like putting an ugly worded person in their place. Hurt when I've been hurt. Invent a slap button for my computer. Not so nice, huh?

That's why I don't react out of my feelings. This will only cause the conflict to escalate rather than dissipate.

I wait to respond until the hurt can be processed with more than my feelings. For me, hurtful things are first processed through the emotional part of my brain before the logical part of my brain. Honestly, I need both emotion and logic to be involved in my response, so I wait. And I need some Scripture to get involved before responding.

In 1 Peter chapter 2 we find a treasure trove of verses that relate to this issue.

So, here are three things I keep in mind before I reply:

Is a reply even necessary?
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." (1 Peter 2:15)

Sometimes the delete button is a lovely feature. Not every email needs a reply. Not every critic should be given an answer. Especially if someone's comments are sent to us anonymously. Don't let their comments derail you. Instead let it be a reminder of how more effectively your time could be spent doing something good. Invest in that good and let your actions reveal your heart.

A reaction and a reply are vastly different.
"When they hurled their insults at him (Jesus), he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:23)

It's hard to resist retaliation. It can feel quite justifiable to hurt the one who hurt us. But just because it feels right doesn't mean it is right.

We can turn our initial harsh reaction into a gentle response by pausing. Take some time to let our emotions cool off. Seek to see things from the other person's perspective. Realize there is probably a lot more hurt going on in their heart than what we'll ever know — and chances are it has very little to do with us. Wrap our response in kindness and truth. Leave the judging up to God. God knows. God sees. God honors those who honor Him.

Humility is a beautiful diffuser.
"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25).

Sometimes a harsh comment from another is a reason to step back and honestly assess if some of what's being criticized is our fault. Ask for forgiveness. Seek to bring truth to light in a gentle and loving way. And offer grace. Giving grace doesn't make them right. It simply and humbly acknowledges we both need it, so I chose to freely give it.

Oh sweet friend...I hope you don't need this advice today. But, if and when you do, I pray it helps.

Dear Lord, show me how to seek You like never before. Please help me to see this hurt as an opportunity today. And opportunity to seek grace, model love, and expand past my initial flesh reactions. I want to make right choices that honor You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa's blog by clicking here for three great tips on writing email responses that help diffuse hurtful situations.

Looking for a summer Bible study to do individually or with some friends? Don't miss Lysa's new 6 week DVD teaching set, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. For more information, click here.

The accompanying Yes to God Bible Study workbook can be found by clicking here.

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year, and she'd love to meet you! To check for a city near you, click here.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
We need both emotion and logic to be involved in our responses. And we also need Scripture to refer to ponder, and pray through. Write a verse from this devotion that most resonated with your heart and post it next to your computer.

Reflections:
Giving grace doesn't make the other person right. It simply and humbly acknowledges we both need it, so I chose to freely give it. How will this thought help my with my responses going forward? Remember, God knows, God sees, God honors those who honor Him.

Power Verses:
1 Peter 2:22, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." (NIV)

Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 June 17, 2011

Mean Girls
Lynn Cowell


"You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless." Song of Solomon 4:7b (MSG)

The words on Facebook glared back at her. "You are so ugly! You are fat, annoying and I hate you!"

Lindsay just sat there, staring at the screen, baffled. "What did I say? What did I do?"

Maybe this has happened to one of your children, or in some way they've faced this same type of painful rejection. Maybe you have felt it yourself. I recently spotted a t-shirt at the mall that read "You're no one until someone talks about you." What a sad state of affairs.

Growing up in a world where "Mean Girls" and "Gossip Girl" are movie and TV titles, it comes as no surprise that "mean" defines many females today. How can we guard our hearts against this? As a mom, what can we do when our children's hearts are crushed by meanness?

Feeling unaccepted is nothing new. In Song of Solomon 1:5a, we are introduced to a young girl who felt this way: "Don't look down on me because I am dark..." (MSG). She felt rejected. Those feelings are so opposite of what we and our children want to feel. We long to be accepted.

Matthew Henry concludes about this passage in Song of Solomon that we, as represented by the young girl, are "often base and contemptible in the esteem of others, but excellent in the sight of God." [1]

We can counteract the poison of meanness by remembering who we are in God's eyes. I am excellent in the sight of God and so are you. Song of Solomon 1:5b reveals the tanned girl's acceptance of this truth; she knows full well that her Lord finds her lovely. When I know that I am accepted by the Lord, it puts me exactly where I need to be to slough off insults and to help my child do the same.

When my daughter was in sixth grade, she was 5'10". One day as she got off the school bus, I noticed she was holding back a flood of tears. Once again she had been made fun of for her height.

On that day, her youth pastor wasn't there. Her teacher, counselor and small group leaders weren't there either. But her mom was. I began telling her how her Father saw her. Sharing truths like these:

• "My beloved is mine, and I am His..." (Song of Solomon 2:16a, NKJV).

• "You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless" (Song of Solomon 4:7b, MSG).

• "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord" (Psalm 45:11, NIV).

I poured these truths and others into my daughter that day and continue to remind her of them still. I put them everywhere so that together we can read them over and over again. When we feel rejected, these words remind us that we are, in fact, accepted! I pray they will be a sweet reminder for you, and perhaps your daughter, today.

Dear Lord, help me to be purposeful in putting Your truth about who I am into my heart and mind so that am not swayed by the opinions of others. And when the time is right, I can pour Your truth into the hearts and minds of my children and friends. When my child feels rejected, help me remind them that in You they are accepted. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Do you have a young woman in your life that you want to know this truth? His Revolutionary Love by Lynn Cowell empowers young women to discover God's love in a way that builds confidence, enabling them to make wise choices.

His Revolutionary Love DVD and CD

Stop by Lynn's blog today where you can find out more about the online study she is currently doing for mom's and daughter's this summer. Also, enter to win a signed copy of His Revolutionary Love, along with her Revolutionary Love DVD that she's giving away.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Create a list of verses such as the ones above and below to have on hand to review or to share with your child when they are hurting. To read Lynn's favorite list click here!

Choose one verse per week and memorize it with your child. You can speak it to them as they are eating their breakfast in the morning, when they come home from school, and before they go to bed.

If you have your own set of "mean girl" stories, share them with your children so they can know you understand and have been there too. When we're vulnerable with our children, we create an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to open up.

Reflections:
Do I have a strong understanding of how Jesus sees me? How can I pursue learning more about His heart toward me?

Are there young girls or young moms in my life who need me to come along beside them and help them see the truth in this devotion?

Power Verses:
Zechariah 2:8, "For this is what the Lord Almighty says, '...for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye...'" (NIV)

Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." (NLT)

[1] http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/

© 2011 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 June 20, 2011

Word That Heal
T. Suzanne Eller


"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

I was searching in my husband's sock drawer when I found a familiar thick white envelope. I put on my glasses, sat at my vanity and started reading.

Tears followed.

"Dad, you are my hero." Ryan penned these words the day my husband, Richard, finished graduate school. The words in the three pages revealed a young man who was not afraid to open his heart and let his dad see inside.

Reading the letter once again made me want to write a letter to my son. I wanted to tell him that I remembered when he was a little boy and he offered drive-by kisses as he ran past. I desired to tell him that when I was an exhausted mother to three toddlers his lopsided smile and Kermit the Frog belly laugh made me happy to be a mom.

I longed to tell him that I remembered when he walked behind me, trying to gain my attention with "Mom, Mom, Mama!" I wanted to share that I was sorry when I wasn't as patient as I should have been.

Most of all I wanted to let him know how proud I was of him as a man and how I saw many of the same beautiful traits of his father emerging in him.

Why do we leave such precious words unsaid? Words that heal. Words that share the way we feel. Words that become treasures one day when words are all that remain.

Today's key verse from Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the power isn't in the tongue as a muscle, but in the words that fall from the tongue. We often talk about the negative words we should hold back, but what about the words that we can freely offer to those we care about?

Those are powerful words, indeed.

Dear Lord, scripture is filled with words that remind me of Your love. May my tongue be used to affirm, to encourage, to lift up, and to share simple words that say "I love you" to the treasured people You put in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie's blog for a giveaway. Are you a mom and need a thriving community? Join Suzie's Moms Together Facebook group.

The Mom I want to be: Rising above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future by T. Suzanne Eller

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Maybe you are unsure of how spoken words might be received, especially if they are rare. Share those words in a letter. Write a note to your loved one. Share one thing that you love that they do, or about who they are to you. Share a treasured memory, or a moment when they brightened your day.

Leave it somewhere unexpected — in a lunchbox, on a pillow, taped to a steering wheel.

Reflections:
Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is. — Blaise Pascal

Power Verses:
Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (NIV)

Matthew 12:37, "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (NIV)

© 2011 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 June 21, 2011

I Don't Read Owner's Manuals
Glynnis Whitwer


"The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." Psalm 119:160 (NAS)

I don't read owner's manuals. Never have. Perhaps I should clarify that statement and say I don't read owner's manuals... until I have a problem. By then, I'm usually in trouble.

A perfect example is a new vacuum/steam cleaner combo I just purchased. It promised to do away with messy buckets, chemicals and mops when cleaning tile floors. That promise appealed to me because with three dogs and five children at home, my floors need lots of cleaning and sanitation.

The first time I used the steam-cleaning component it worked great. The second time it worked ok. The third time it barely worked. And the fourth time I just dragged a dry machine around the tile. Then I read the owner's manual. Seems I should have used distilled water to protect from clogging.

I don't know too many people who make a habit of reading owner's manuals before they need them. In fact, the most popular time to read the owner's manual of a car is when there's a flat tire or a weird light pops up on the dashboard.

There was a time when I treated my Bible like the owner's manual of my car and steam cleaner: only read when necessary. My reading of it was limited to a few verses printed in my church bulletin, or an occasional flurry of interest. That approach proved ineffective when faced with the challenges of college and early-married life.

I wasn't equipped to deal with the self-sacrifice needed in marriage, or the allure of finding my identity in work. I frantically juggled all the demands on my time before I read that God had good advice on how to order my priorities.

By the time I looked in the Bible for answers, something in my life needed repair. Some days it was a broken relationship; other days it was a bitter attitude or bad decision I had made. Eventually I realized I had to stop using my Bible like a reference book and start using it like a life manual.

I started reading the Bible to prepare me for life, rather than rescue me from it.

I joined small groups to study with others what God's Word said. What a difference that approach made! I discovered God really does know how to navigate this thing called life.

Bit by bit, God's guidelines for living have become a part of my everyday thinking. While I may not become an expert in repairing steam cleaners, I'm trying to be a life-long student of God's Word. My floors aren't any cleaner, but my life makes a lot more sense following the ultimate "owner's manual."

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us comprehensive and helpful owner's manual. Help develop in me a hunger for Your Word. I ask for wisdom to understand the hard things, and strength to live out Your commands. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you know the One who wrote our life's manual?

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

One Year Chronological Bible Also, you can join Proverbs 31 Ministries' speaker Wendy Pope as she leads women through the Chronological Bible this year.

Visit Glynnis' blog to read a list of her favorite, life-changing Scripture verses.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Set aside time each morning to read God's word and ask Him to use what you read to prepare you for that day. Consider joining Wendy Pope as she leads women through the One Year Chronological Bible. Visit her blog to join in. It's never too late.

Reflections:
What has been the biggest benefit to me personally when reading the Bible?

What is my biggest challenge in reading the Bible?

Power Verses:
2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (NAS)

John 8:31-32, "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (NIV 2011)

© 2011 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

 June 22, 2011

A Ready Answer
Holly Good, Assistant to Lysa TerKeurst


"'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" Matthew 16:15 (NIV)

Have you ever met someone who left a lasting impression you'll never forget? Is there a memory of them permanently engraved in your mind or on your heart?

I will never forget a gal I once knew named Stephanie. Many years ago we attended the same college. We were very different, yet we enjoyed each other's company. We shared a conversation one evening which still rings in my mind today.

We were taking a walk through campus when she matter-of-factly informed me that she was an atheist and did not believe in God. Without hesitation and a calm assurance, she simply shared her beliefs with me. She then paused, and graciously proceeded to ask me what I believed.

More than 20 years later, I can so vividly remember my answer as if it were yesterday. I was able to tell her that I had faith in Jesus, but I was not able to tell her about my faith in Jesus.

I am still convicted by how I felt then, even now. Do I have a ready answer for the very next person I meet?

When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter was prepared with a ready answer and responded, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16 NIV)

But what about me? Who is my Jesus? What has He done in my life? Why do I follow Him?

Today I have a ready answer in four simple words — He is my Hope.

When we are in the midst of a catastrophic situation, we find ourselves clinging to hope. The smallest glimmer of hope keeps our eyes open and our heads held up.

When we are in the midst of a frustrating situation, we find ourselves clinging to hope. The smallest glimmer of hope keeps us looking beyond the disturbance.

When we are in the midst of our daily routines, we find ourselves clinging to hope. The smallest glimmer of hope keeps us believing for something more.

That glimmer of hope is assurance in the One who did not stay in His grave. The One who saves, forgives, loves and carries us through it all. This hope is all we need. This glimmer of hope is Jesus.

It is my heart's desire to be ready at a moment's notice to explain my faith to anyone who asks. My faith is in a God who offers hope beyond our circumstances. Beyond reason, beyond logic, and beyond the ordinary things we can see.

It is a hope worth clinging to.

I am now able to tell those I meet not only that I have faith in Jesus, but also about my faith in Jesus.

If asked today, what would you say you believe? Is Jesus your Lord? If so, what does that look like in your life? Do you have a ready answer?

Dear Lord, You are my hope every day. Thank You for loving me and guiding me. Help me to see You in my circumstances — all of them. You are that glimmer of hope that keeps me hanging on. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Connect with Holly on our P31 Devotions blog today.

If this devotion resonated with you, don't miss Lysa's book, Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl.

Also, you'll want to consider doing the 6 week Bible study using this DVD set: Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst, along with accompanying workbook:Participant's Guide.

Do You Know Him?

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
If someone were to randomly walk up to you today and ask you about your faith, what would you say? Do you have a ready answer?

Reflections:
Are you sure of what you hope for?

Are you certain of what you do not see?

How can you use these answers to lead others to Jesus?

Power Verses:
Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (NIV)

Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)

© 2011 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 23, 2011

Because I am Loved
Lysa TerKeurst


"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5: 6-7 (NIV)

My friend, Kathrine Lee, once challenged me with this question: Are you doing this because you are loved or so that you'll be loved?

Her question is a great one.

Doing something "so that we'll be loved" is a trap many of us can get caught in. When I do something because I'm trying to get someone else to notice me, appreciate me, say something to build me up, or respect me more, my motives get skewed.

I become very "me" focused. I put unrealistic expectations on myself and the other person. And I can get stinkin' angry when I don't feel more noticed, appreciated, or respected.

I can get all twisted up and take my frustration out on myself and that person in an unfair way. I typically sabotage my own efforts and bend to discouragement and defeat.

But, doing something because I am loved is incredibly freeing.

I don't view the relationship from the vantage point of what I stand to gain. Instead, I look at what I have the opportunity to give. I am "God focused" and love directed. I keep my expectations in check. And I am able to lavish the grace I know I so desperately need. I live free from regret with clarity of heart, mind, and soul.

So, how do I know if I'm doing things because I'm loved or so that I will be loved? See how easy or hard it is to apply this Scripture:

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5: 6-10 NIV)

Because I am loved, I can humble myself.
When I'm trying to be loved, I must build myself up to look better.

Because I am loved, I can cast all my anxiety on Him.
When I'm trying to be loved, I cast all my anxiety on my performance.

Because I am loved, I can resist Satan and stand firm in my faith.
When I'm trying to be loved, I listen to Satan and stand uncertain trying to rely on my feelings.

Because I am loved, I know God will use this to make me stronger - and I want that.
When I'm trying to be loved, I don't want to be made stronger - I want life to be easier.

Indeed, I want to pursue life, relationships, and the goals I set from a healthy and free vantage point — because I am loved.

Dear Lord, I don't want my motives to get skewed today. Help me to not be so 'me' focused. I want to live each day knowing that I am loved. Living because I am loved is freeing. I long to stop trying so hard. I know You love me, Lord and that You are making me stronger. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Tired of people pleasing? Read this article on Lysa's blog today. She's also giving away several helpful resources as well.

If this devotion resonated with you, don't miss Lysa's book: Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl.

Also, you'll want to consider doing the 6 week Bible study using this DVD set.

Come see the downloadable Freebies on Lysa's website! Encouraging articles for lots of situations to print and share with a friend! www.LysaTerKeurst.com

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Isn't it interesting how much easier it is to apply scripture when we're doing it because we're loved? As you read your Bible this week filter each word, teaching, and story through this perspective. Record the difference between reading God's truths because you are loved vs. trying to be loved.

Reflections:
Doing something "so that we'll be loved" is a trap many of us can get caught in...but, doing something because I am loved is incredibly freeing.

Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (NIV)

John 8:12b, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk In darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org