Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 July 8, 2011

It's Not What You Think
Micca Monda Campbell


"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD.'" Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

When the phone rang in the middle of the night, I couldn't help but wonder if one of my greatest fears had become a reality. It was the police. They were calling to tell us my 21-year-old son had fallen asleep at the wheel while driving home from a friend's house.

Mitch was only four months old when his biological father died. Since then, I've have had two fears; that my son's life would be greatly affected by the loss of his father and that he would die young, too.

When Mitch was four, one of those fears was relieved. God brought Pat into our lives, filling the role of both father and husband.

Like any good father, Pat is a wonderful man who supports his family in the good times and bad. This night things were bad. When Pat arrived at the scene, he found our son's demolished car hugging the mangled 50 foot guardrail that had kept him from crossing the highway into oncoming traffic.

Mitch, however, didn't suffer a single scratch, bruise, or broken bone — not one. His dad was stunned, but the police officer was astonished even more. In fact, the officer had this to say to our son.

"If I were you, I wouldn't go home and go to bed. I'd go to the nearest church and thank God for saving your life because He obviously has a purpose for it." It was as if God was speaking directly through the officer. Pat drove Mitch home in silence. The police officer had said it all. What more could he add?

Sunday afternoon, we drove to the junkyard to retrieve Mitch's personal belongings from the car. The first thing I noticed about the damaged vehicle was the date, 9-9, painted in large orange numbers across the windshield of the mangled car.

That's when it hit me. Mitch's accident occurred on the anniversary of his biological father's death. Stranger still, they were exactly the same age. As my eyes fixed on the date, I realized it was a message from God — an undeniable clear sign from above. Mitch was in the hands of God.

That truth pierced my mind and Satan's lie was broken. I was no longer afraid of losing my son to death.

God has a different plan for Mitch than he had for his dad. I always knew that truth intellectually but, that day in the junkyard, it became a reality. How could I doubt God anymore when my son walked away from a near death experience on the anniversary of his father's death? I couldn't.

Regardless of my doubts and fears, God has a plan. Usually it doesn't look like mine. This experience reminded me that my thoughts are not the same as God's thoughts. He sees the bigger picture. He knows His plans. It also taught me to fall on my knees and relinquish all my fears to God while trusting in His good and perfect will for my children.

You see, the only power and control you and I have over any fearful thought is to place it in the hands of God. Doing so keeps us from being taunted day and night by "what if?" Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God's thoughts, ways and plans are more marvelous than anything we can imagine ourselves.

Dear Lord, help me to see my circumstances through your eyes and not mine. Teach me that your ways are good and marvelous and they can be trusted. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than All Your Fears by Micca Campbell

Visit Micca's blog for more encouragement

Cultivating a Heart of Contentment (CD) by Micca Campbell

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:
Trade your thoughts for God's thoughts. Say something like, "God, here is what I think will happen. Yet, I know Your ways and Your thoughts are bigger because You see the bigger picture. So I chose to trade my understanding for Yours."

Reflections:
Do I anxiously worry about something out of my control?

Do I find myself taunted by "what ifs?"

God's thoughts and plans toward me are good. How does this calm my fear and increase my faith?

Power Verses:
Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." (NIV)

Proverbs 3:6, "...in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)

© 2011 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

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

 

[Judy Harder]

July 11, 2011

More for My Girl
Lynn Cowell


"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe..." Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV)

More. More than the empty promises from boys. More than the masked protection of makeup. More than the false assurance of outfits.

More. It's what she wants for her daughter. She wants her girl to grow up with courageous confidence and without raw regret.

Even though my friend practically grew up under a steeple, during her teen years the truth that Jesus was crazy about her slipped through the cracks of her low self-worth. She turned to easy choices laid out by friends and gave away so much of herself in hopes of finding love.

But the more my friend gave, the emptier she felt. Eventually she lost hope and wondered, "Is there such a thing as lasting love?"

This is the opposite of what she wants for her own daughter. Yet, she sees things in her girl's life similar to her own teen years. Chasing after attention. Wearing layers of makeup. Flirtatious outfits that draw others' eyes. Her daughter is turning to everything and everyone to fill the hole that only God's love can.

I want God's best for my girl, too. And if you have a daughter, I bet you do as well.

The question is: how do we give our girl the assurance she needs? How can we help her find the confidence to make wise choices that lead to God's best for her?

I've found that it's important to start by praying verses like today's key verse, asking God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. Then we will see the hope Jesus calls us to and we can share it with our daughter.

You see, as we possess the confidence that comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by the Lord, our daughter will take notice. When she sees her mom live out of the hope and love of Jesus, our girl will discover that she too can make choices based on His love for her and seek the hope only He can give.

When we need to make hard decisions, we can turn to Jesus for understanding and courage, modeling an example of confidence for our daughters. As moms, we can take them further on this journey of growth by asking them to pray with us, read His Word with us and speak hope to others with us. They will see how to transition from simply reading the Word of God to applying it and living out its truths. They'll witness firsthand what it means to view this world, themselves and others from His perspective.

When our girl sees His incomparably great power working in us, filling our hearts, it makes God's promises believable. As we find our fulfillment in God's love for us, instead of looking to someone or something else to fill us, our daughter will see a life that blossoms with purpose.

It may not be immediate. In fact, it could possibly take years for her to want what we have. But we can trust in the goodness of our God. He wants more for our girl, too!

Dear Jesus, I am desperate to see my girl walk in the freedom that comes when her heart is filled by You. Fill my heart, Lord, so I can model this fulfillment. Help me turn to You. May my daughter see me run to You first and may she run to You too! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

His Revolutionary Love Bundle by Lynn Cowell — Purchase this phenomenal bundle (t-shirt, book and CD) today! You may also like the DVD!

Visit Lynn's blog to hear some of the ways that she fills her own heart with truth each day. She's also giving away a signed copy of His Revolutionary Love for you to give to the teen girl in your life and offering something special for you too!

A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

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

Application Steps:
Take an inventory in your own life today. What things do you run to instead of Jesus? Husband, food, best friend, FaceBook? Tomorrow, when you see this same pattern, make a deliberate choice to pray. Invite Jesus to fill that spot instead.

Reflections:
What would my daughter say she sees me run to when I feel anxious, fearful or rejected?

What changes would have to take place in my life for me to find my confidence and hope in Jesus instead?

Power Verses:
Ephesians 3:17a, 18-19, "And I pray that you...may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (NIV)

© 2011 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

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

 

[Judy Harder]

July 12, 2011

Laying Me Down to Sleep
Rachel Olsen


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

What time did your day begin today?

Did it begin as the sun poked through the window urging you to wake? Or, did the alarm buzz at 5:30 AM? Or maybe at 6:45? Perhaps you slept until 8:00?

What if I told you your day began last night as the sun set — would you disagree?

In the modern, westernized world we think of our days as sun rise to sun rise. In other words, we rise, we work, and then we end the day in rest. We rest to recover from our work ... with whatever time is left over after the work is done.

However, in the ancient Jewish tradition the day runs from sundown to sundown. That's quite a different concept. In other words, we rest, then we rise and do our work. Rest becomes the source and fuel for the work rather than merely recovery from it.

Where did the Hebrews get this seemingly backwards notion of the day beginning in the evening? From the God who never sleeps, in the Bible. Notice in today's key verse — in fact, in multiple verses throughout the Genesis creation account — there was evening, and then morning and that was counted as a day.

A secular rhythm of life makes work primary. We work first, then go from work to vacation. In contrast, a sacred rhythm makes rest primary, moving us from God-ordained rest into our vocation. The sacred rhythm is rest, rise, work rather than rise, work, rest. Let that difference sink in and sway the seat of your soul.

Internalizing this difference is the basis for connecting with God through rest. Pastor and author Eugene Peterson describes this ancient rest-first rhythm:

"This Hebrew evening/morning sequence conditions us to the rhythms of grace. We go to sleep, and God begins his work. As we sleep he develops his covenant. We wake and are called to participate in God's creative action. We respond in faith, in work. But always grace is previous. Grace is primary. We wake into a world we didn't make, into a salvation we didn't earn.

Evening: God begins, without our help, his creative day. Morning: God calls us to enjoy and share and develop the work he initiated. Creation and covenant are sheer grace and there to greet us every morning."

I don't know why God's Word marks out time in this way in Genesis, but I am discovering I think and live differently when I adopt this view of my days. I see each night's rest as something important, something to prepare for — and something important that prepares me. I've long known that rest prepares me physically to rise and work again, and now I'm finding it prepares me spiritually to rise walk in grace and faith.

As I lie down, close my eyes, pray, and slip from consciousness, I do so with the understanding that it is God who holds everything together during my temporary absence from the world. And it's Him who will continue to hold everything together when I rise and work in the coming daylight. At no point — day or night — am I independent of Him. He even has the power to direct my dreams should He desire.

So I've developed a theology of sleep that punctuates my days. It helps me see my nights and my rest as set apart and holy. It helps me to see God as I lay myself down to sleep. In fact, it helps me see that it is He who lays me down for the gracious gift of rest.

What about you? How do you think about rest? How do you treat it? How might God be calling you to look at it differently?

Dear Lord, thank You for rest. Thank You that I can rest while You continue to hold everything together. Help me rest well and worship You through rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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

Visit Rachel's blog for six tips on resting well.

Jesus says, "Come to Me, and I will give you rest." 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:
Make intentional plans for how you will end this day in a way that is peaceful, restful and connects your heart with God. Head over to Rachel's blog for some ideas on this.

Reflections:
Do I make time for rest, or treat it as an afterthought?

Can I worship God through rest?

Power Verses:
Genesis 1:7-8, "So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. God called the expanse 'sky.' And there was evening, and there was morning — the second day." (NIV)

Psalm 3:5, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." (NIV)

Colossians 1:17, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (NIV)

© 2011 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

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

[Judy Harder]

July 13, 2011

When Worry Makes Me Wonder
Renee Swope


"She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'" Luke 10:40b (NIV)

When life gets overwhelming, do you ever wonder if God notices everything you have going on — like how you're trying so hard to take care of everyone and everything? Staying up late to pay the bills, and feeling stretched between relationships at home and in ministry while caring for aging parents, commuting to work and carpooling kids?

Several years ago, I couldn't keep up with all of the commitments I'd made. I felt like I was suffocating under everything I needed to do. Slowly, I let worry weave it's way into my thoughts, making me wonder how I was going to do it all. I knew I should trust God more, but I was concerned that if I stopped worrying about everything and everybody He would too.

Eventually, I came to a point where I was exhausted and ready to resign from just about everything. I ran out of fuel. I didn't have enough energy to handle all of my roles, relationships and responsibilities.

I also ran out of faith. I started doubting my ability to manage my life, to hear God clearly and to do all I assumed He wanted me to do.

And all those worries that made me weary, also made me wonder. I wondered why God wasn't doing something to make life easier. I wondered if God noticed and cared about all I was doing for Him, and others.

One day I was reading my Bible and noticed how Martha's worries were making her weary, and making her wonder if Jesus cared that her sister left her in the kitchen to do all that work, all by herself.

And listen to how He responded: "'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" (NIV)

So, how do we choose what is better? How do we let go of our worries and take hold of confident peace that assures us God notices and God cares?

First Peter 5:7 tells us: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (NLT)

The apostle Paul tells us the same and he tells us how: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)

It sounds so doable, but why is it so hard? I think it's because Satan whispers the opposite. He tells us, "Don't be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do. Then take control if He doesn't listen. And concerns that consume you will become like acid in your heart, eroding your confidence with worry and doubt!"

Instead of giving into the whispers of worry, spoken by the enemy, let's listen to God's promise for peace. When we feel overwhelmed by life this week, let's commit to ...

• Stop worrying — Press the pause button on our consuming concerns.

• Start praying — Talk to God about all we're doing. Ask if there's anything we need to cut back so we can seek Him as much as we serve Him, and others.

• Keep thanking God — Thank God for what He's done in the past and will do in the future. This helps us remember how good He is at being God.

Lord, when my concerns consume me, help me remember that You are with me, holding me by the hand and guiding me. I want to seek You as much as I serve You and others. Help me balance my life and give my worries to You, knowing with confidence that You care about me and are good at taking care of me! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
This devotion is taken in part from chapter 9 of Renee Swope's upcoming book: A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises. To order your copy, click here.

Join over 5,000 women who have signed up for Renee's "7-day DOUBT Diet" — you'll receive a week's worth of FREE devotions from her new book, A Confident Heart. To find out more, click here.

Visit Renee's new website where she's offering a free download of her favorite peace-giving promises and giving away two copies of her new book, A Confident Heart.

Application Steps:
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you," 1 Peter 5:7.

Write your concerns on an index card and physically give them to Jesus. I have a table-top cross by my bedside where I lay my "concerns card." Maybe you could get one, too. Then, when you start worrying, go back and write more on your card and commit once again to cast your cares upon the Lord.

Reflections:
Are there concerns that are consuming me? Have my worries made me wonder if God notices and cares about the details in my life?

Power Verses:
Psalm 138:7. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me." (NIV)

© 2011 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

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

 

[Judy Harder]

July 14, 2011

Just a Little Sin?
Lysa TerKeurst


"Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him." Genesis 37:17b-18 (NIV)

Today, there will be a moment. No one will snap a picture of it. It probably won't make it into the journals of those who journal. Or linger in the thoughts we carry with us to sleep tonight.

It will come.

It will go.

It will slip by seemingly unnoticed. But its affects won't slip. They'll stay. And if fostered, grow to epic proportions.

This moment where something creeps into our heart and pulls our focus from right to wrong. It will be just a hint of distortion. The smallest amount. But a slight and seemingly insignificant amount of skewed thought will take root.

And grow.

Beyond what you can even imagine.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is where Moses goes to Pharaoh and sings that song, "Oh Pharaoh, Pharaoh, woah ohhh, gotta let my people go. Huawh! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah."

Totally a loose translation, but you know what I'm talking about.

But here's an astounding chain of events to trace and consider. Why was the nation of Israel in captivity? Why was the entire nation of Israelites — all God's people — all twelve tribes — enslaved in Egypt?

As I trace this story backwards I find it's because of one seemingly insignificant moment.

The course of history was changed because a few family members got a little cranky and a little jealous of their brother Joseph. Envy and anger slipped in. Just a hint. But just enough.

It doesn't take much.

Joseph was thrown in a pit and eventually sold as a slave.

Years went by.

Years of heartbreak and confusion passed.

Eventually, Joseph landed in a position of great power in Egypt and had authority to provide food for his family. So, all 11 of his brothers and their families moved to Egypt. Joseph and his 11 brothers make up what became the 12 tribes of Israel. As these tribes multiplied they became the nation of Israel.

What the brothers meant for evil, God used for good. He saved the Israelites from the famine. But there were still lasting effects of the brothers' choices that came out years later.

After Joseph died, "Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. 'Look,' he said to his people, 'the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.' So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor, and they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. (Exodus 1:8-11)

So, the entire nation of Israel suffered oppression and slavery. Why?

Because a few brothers on an ordinary day got a little jealous and allowed anger and envy to slip in.

And the moment it slipped in, the course of history changed.

In a moment.

May we never assume our moments don't matter. The decisions we make every second of every day matter.

There are no little moments or little sins.

There is a domino affect to it all.

So, I fall hard upon soft grace. I thank God for this realization. I ask Him to make my soul even more sensitive, more aware, more in tune to my constant need for forgiveness.

Though I am weak, I walk in the strength of utter dependence.

And I refuse to beat myself up for mistakes made yesterday. Today is a new day. A new chance to set things going in a different direction.

Joseph's brothers had years to try and rescue Joseph — find out where he was — help him — set their past mistakes right.

Years. They had years. But they never did set about to turn things around.

Oh sweet sister don't let today slip by.

Moments matter.

Watch for a moment today where you are given the choice to let anger, envy or something else negative slip in. Recognize it. Refute it. And replace it with God's spirit of love.

Dear Lord, You made me. You know me. I need Your help where I am weak. Make me aware of any place where I'm off course today. Give me the desire to do what pleases You. I want to do your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Click here to read about the cure for jealousy on Lysa's blog.

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.

If today's devotion touched your heart, consider reading Chapter 8, "But I Want What She Has" in Lysa's book, Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl.

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:
When you are facing a situation where jealousy is involved, take a step back and examine your heart. Ask God to show you what His desire is for you and use His power to help you overcome this debilitating emotion. Submit to God's control and let Him work through you.

Reflections:
I refuse to beat myself up for mistakes made yesterday. Today is a new day. A new chance to set things going in a different direction.

Power Verses:
James 3:16, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (NIV) Proverbs 27:4, "Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" (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]

July 15, 2011

Gathering Peace
T. Suzanne Eller


"Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

We were on a road trip and my husband started it. He sang the chorus to an old hymn, one I hadn't heard in years.

"Peace, peace, wonderful peace. Coming down from the Father above...."

The words came back and we started singing together. Sounds beautiful, doesn't it? It wasn't. Neither of us are singers, but we belted out the old tune as we drove down the road. It was a silly moment, and one I wouldn't want anyone to see (or hear!), but when I think about it, those words are powerful.

The chorus about peace was more than words. There was a time when I had no answers; yet peace pervaded and showed us how to hold tight to His promise that He was enough. When I was diagnosed with cancer, peace wrapped us close as we wept and prayed together.

Peace. Peace. Wonderful peace. Doesn't that sound inviting in a chaotic world? What would happen if peace, peace, wonderful peace covered my marriage, my relationships with my children, or my thought life?

Where is that peace found?

Just as we stopped on that road trip several times for necessary food or a bottle of cold water, God designed us to continually need Him. We gather peace throughout the day. We can ask for His peace to show us which way to turn when our instinct is to go down a dark road of sadness. We can seek His peace to cover our thought life when we want to get even or when unhealthy emotions try to take root.

His peace creates stability even if everything around us is topsy-turvey.

He's the Source of peace. There will be times when your peace quota is low. Maybe today is one of those days. Rather than worry, what might happen if you went to the Source instead? Tell Him what you need rather than carry it alone.

Thank Him for all He has done so that you can see the blessings as well as the challenges. Ask Him to give you sufficient peace for the moment. Just to carry you through the feelings to the Truth.

He offers peace, peace, wonderful peace without ever exhausting His resources at all. There is enough peace for you today, and you can find more in Him tomorrow.

Dear Lord, thank You that I don't have to live on a drop of peace, or make a cup of peace last through tomorrow. You offer me a river of peace today, and tomorrow, and continually. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Suzie's blog for a giveaway!

It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olsen

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

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:
Have you ever lost weight and was surprised at how you carried those extra pounds around? Often we do the same thing with worry. As we fill up with God's peace, the burdens were never meant to weigh us down are set aside. Write down the burden you have been carrying. Ask God to take it from you, then give it to Him.

Reflections:
"When God created us he put a vacuum in our hearts which can only be filled by himself." Helen Kooiman

Power Verses:
Philippians 4:19, "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." (NLT)

Isaiah 53:5b, "He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." (NLT)

© 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]

July 18, 2011

Do I Have Anything to Offer?
Glynnis Whitwer


"Moses said to the LORD, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'" Exodus 4:10 (NIV 2011)

When a move took my family from one side of the country to the other, insecurity surprised me. Despite being a confident woman in most areas of my life, I suddenly felt out of place and questioned my abilities.

Don't get me wrong. The people were delightful and welcoming. It's just that I felt so different. It seemed all the women I met were smartly dressed and spoke with charming accents. I, on the other hand, wore casual clothes and spoke in what suddenly seemed like a boring monotone.

But that wasn't all. God placed me in a work situation with women who had impressive resumes and accomplishments compared to me. These women had also been working together for years. They knew their purpose and seemed self-assured. As a newcomer, my confidence was shaky as I compared my experience and talent to theirs.

Over time, the differences magnified as my friends achieved more success. My gifts and talents seemed insignificant. I wondered how or why God would use someone like me, a somewhat simple and straightforward woman, when there were so many beautiful and charming ones nearby.

Although my head spoke words of doubt, God was strengthening my heart with His truth. He was teaching me that His love for me and my potential weren't tied to performance. It didn't matter what my "resume" looked like, or what level of "success" I achieved.

He wanted me to accept His love...just as I was. This truth shouted freedom to an achievement-based woman like me.

It didn't happen overnight, but as I learned that my value was found in being a beloved daughter of God, I realized God had never compared me to anyone. He wasn't counting accomplishments or gauging my impact. He was simply interested in what I did with what He entrusted to me.

After years of disqualifying myself, I finally accepted that God created me unique for a reason. The way I think, my personality and talents are all tools to accomplish God's plan for me. What I saw as flaws, He saw as potential. And the more I invested in how God made me, the greater He was glorified, and the more impactful I was at work and in ministry.

The same is true for every woman. God's design of you is intentional. You aren't like your mother, sister or friend for a reason. Your life and ministry will never look like the manager you admire, the women's ministry director at your church, or the woman who lives next door.

And that's a good thing, because God doesn't want you to be like them. He wants you to be YOU.

The challenge today is to release the expectations you've placed on yourself and explore God's amazing plan for you. You'll discover what I did: Everyone has something to offer.

Dear Lord, thank You for placing potential within me. Forgive me for neglecting the gifts and talents You've given me, or for wishing I had someone else's abilities and experiences. Help me to embrace Your design of me, and to explore the incredible plan You have for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis' blog where she shares more about how God took her on a journey to where she is now.

The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for Us by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & 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:
Take some time this week to do a personal assessment of your unique talents and personality. List ways God made you unique.

Reflections:
Why are many women dissatisfied with how God made them? Dig deeper than the obvious answers.

Have I ever derived self-worth from an accomplishment or a responsibility and then lost the ability to continue that responsibility: Perhaps from a move, having children or losing health? What did God teach me because of that pain?

Power Verses:
Exodus 4:11-12, "The LORD said to him, 'Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'" (NIV 2011)

1 Corinthians 2:4-5, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power." (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]

 July 19, 2011

Following God's Blueprints
Tracie Miles


"The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul." 2 Kings 23:3a (NLT)

Dozens of long sheets draped across the desk, falling over the side like a cascading waterfall of paper and ink. My general contractor husband was working diligently on another project bid, combing over every detail on each page.

I am always amazed by the size of a roll of blueprints. There are so many layers of papers, and countless instructions on every facet of constructing a building, from the underground foundation to the last shingle on the roof. If even one aspect of the blueprint is overlooked, tweaked, or ignored, the entire structure of the building is compromised.

Today I was thinking about the blueprints we've been given in God's Word. Every word of wisdom is meant to build us up to avoid sin and be rooted firmly in Christ.

The story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 21-23 shows the importance of this. King Josiah loved the Lord and desired to follow His plans; however, he strayed from God's blueprints and allowed sin in his kingdom.

One day, Josiah sent his secretary, Shaphan, to speak to the high priest about the restoration of the Temple. There, Shaphan learned the Book of Law, thought to be the original writings of Moses, now known as Deuteronomy, had been discovered in the Temple (22:. This may have been hidden for its protection during the prior reigns of evil kings.

This book contained dire warnings of what would happen if God's people did not obey His law. Since the last documented reading of God's Word was 250 years earlier, it is possible that neither King Josiah, nor his people, had ever seen the Book of Law. But now Josiah had paper-and-ink proof that his people were doing things God instructed them not to do.

As Shaphan read God's "blueprints" outloud, Josiah became acutely aware the foundation of his nation was sinful. The king set out to rebuild a healthy spiritual foundation for himself and his kingdom by relying on God's blueprints found in His Word. He immediately removed and burned items and shrines from the Temple used to worship idols. He did away with idolatrous priests. He destroyed the living quarters of the prostitutes. And much more!

Like Josiah, I sometimes find myself following my own blueprints not based on God's instructions. Sin weakens my spiritual foundation and my ability to stand strong against things I know are not pleasing to God.

Perhaps sin has caused you to stray from God's blueprints for your life. Maybe a harmless flirtation turns into dinner that turns into an extramarital affair and the foundation of your marriage crumbles. Or maybe a word of gossip turns into slandering a friend's character and years of a solid friendship crumble. Or maybe...

It can be easy to conform to this world and ignore or forget God's instructions for daily living. I am thankful God shows through His Word how to build ourselves up to guard against sin. Reading my Bible each day helps me follow His blueprints and build a godly life.

God calls us to have tender and humble hearts toward His instructions, just like Josiah. When we do, our spiritual foundations are stronger, built on the Rock and His paper-and-ink truth.

Dear Lord, forgive me for trying to live by my own agenda, and forgetting to follow Your guidelines set forth for me in Your Word. Help me to hunger for Your instruction and to have the desire to live a life that glorifies You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Tracie's blog for more encouragement on how to stand strong in your faith even if when it feels like you are standing alone.

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

All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God's Wisdom in Everyday Life (E-Book) by Wendy Blight

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:
Recommit your life to Christ and ask God to give you a spiritual revelation for living.

If you want to know Jesus, click here.

Reflections:
Have I inadvertently, or purposefully, been ignoring God's blueprints for living?

Do my daily actions portray a life built on a strong foundation of faith?

Do I need to do any "house" cleaning?

Power Verses:
2 Kings 23:25, "Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since." (NLT)

© 2011 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

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

[Judy Harder]

 July 20, 2011

Trigger Points
Renee Swope


"'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.'" Judges 6:15 (NIV)

Wouldn't it be great if becoming a Christian meant that all of our doubts and fears went away? Have you ever wondered why you struggle with insecurities and self-doubts even though you know you are a child of God?

Maybe God is leading you to join or lead a ministry, but doubt has convinced you that you're not smart enough or gifted enough. Perhaps you wanted kids and now you have a family, but question if you have what it takes to be a good mom. Or maybe you've wanted to change jobs and have the opportunity, but you don't want to go because you doubt you'd succeed at something new.

I remember feeling a sense of paralyzing self-doubt about a ministry commitment I'd made. I had begged God to zap me with confidence, but eventually realized it wasn't going to happen. So, I asked Him to show me what caused me to feel so insecure and give me His perspective instead.

I thought of Gideon, a man who was called by God but paralyzed by feelings of inadequacy. From reading his story in Judges 6, I knew Gideon overcame his doubts and fears by focusing on what God thought about him, instead of what he thought about himself.

But first, he processed his doubts with God in a very honest way. Recent conflicts and defeats caused Gideon to doubt God's presence and promises. And when the angel of the Lord called him a warrior and told him to go and defeat the Midianites, Gideon turned to the angel and asked, "'How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest...and I am the least in my family.'" (Judg. 6:15)

His perception of himself made him feel completely inadequate. Damaged emotions and insecurities from our past have a powerful influence over how we see ourselves today.

I knew it was time for me to get honest with God, too. I needed more than a quick fix. I wanted to figure out what triggered my self-doubts and led me into such a yucky place of uncertainty.

A conflict with a friend that week made doubt I should even be in ministry. After all, self-doubt whispered, if I can't maintain healthy relationships at all times in all areas, how can I help others?

I also received feedback on a project that week. One harsh criticism overshadowed several positive comments and consumed my focus. I'd also been comparing my abilities to speakers who'd been booked for an upcoming event with me. Self-doubt convinced me I wasn't as gifted as they were.

What about you? When conflict arises at work or at home, do you ever assume it disqualifies you from other ministries or callings? Does criticism ever paralyze you from believing you can do certain things? Or, has comparison ever convinced you that someone else can do it (whatever "it" is) better than you can?

I used to think insecurity was simply a negative emotion, a lapse of faith, a dip in self-confidence. I wanted God to take it away, but instead He used it to lead me to a place of deeper dependence on Him.

Over time, I've learned to rely on God's power to defeat my insecurities which has empowered me to fulfill His calling on my life. And so can you. When you start feeling uncertain or insecure, try to identify what triggered your thoughts and emotions. Then process that trigger point through the filter of God's perspective and promises.

Ask Him to show you what you can learn from it, and if there are any lies that need to be replaced with His truth. Then ask Him to change the way you think by focusing on His thoughts towards you, instead of your thoughts about yourself.

When we change the way we think, it will change how we feel and eventually transform the way we live.

One thing I know for sure: God wants us to live beyond the shadows our doubts! But it is not always so much what He wants us to do — as much as what He wants to do in us as we learn to completely depend on Him!

Lord, I'm tired of doubting myself and feeling paralyzed by insecurity and uncertainty. Show me what triggers my self-doubt and then help me focus on Your thoughts about me instead of my thoughts about myself. I want to rely on and live in the power of Your promises. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
This devotion is from Renee's new book: A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises. Renee has a page on her new website where you can download and read Chapter One for free.

Renee recently had a wonderful conversation with Ann Voskamp, New York Time's best-selling author of One Thousand Gifts, about her doubts and fears and how God helped Ann name them so she could then seek His help to overcome them. Visit Renee's website today where she's sharing their conversation via video and giving away 3 signed copies of Ann's book!

Application Steps:
Ask God to show you your most common triggers and help you process them through the filter of His truth.

Take Renee's Doubt Index Analysis. It's a free short quiz to help you identify your most common self-doubts, find out what triggers them and how they may be affecting you.

Reflections:
What triggers my doubts? What negative thoughts paralyze me as a result of them?

How does self-doubt affect my relationships?

Power Verses:
Judges 6:14, 16, "The LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?'...The LORD answered, 'I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.'" (NIV, 1984)

© 2011 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 21, 2011

Why I Want to be More Leaky
Lysa TerKeurst


"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater." Isaiah 55:10 (NIV)

On my back deck I have two identical flower pots. They were planted at the same time. They contain the same variety of flowers and the same soil. They both get the same amount of water, shade, and sun. They are similar in every way but they look vastly different.

One is thriving.

The other is not.

One is full of flowers cascading down its sides. It is lush, full of blooms, and an absolute delight to look at.

The other has a few flowers among the greenish brownish leaves. It is sparse with a few gangly sprigs — not exactly a gardener's delight.

So, I asked my husband the other night why he thought the two containers were turning out so differently. "Simple," he said, "one's got holes so excess water can leak out and the other doesn't."

Interesting.

The one that has the ability to leak out excess water is the one that's thriving.

The one keeping all the water in its container is the one that's not such a beautiful display.

This morning I was reading Isaiah 55:10-13 and it made me think of my flower pot situation.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

Water is supposed to be poured out, create growth, and leak out so it can evaporate, having accomplished what it was created to do.

It was never supposed to be poured out, sit stagnate, hoarded by the container thus stunting the growth of life within.

So like God's Word.

God's Word should be poured out into our lives, creating growth, and leak out through the way we live our lives. People should notice we've spent time in God's Word. They should see our joy and peace.

We should be a little less prickly like the thorn bush and briers. We should be a little more fragrant and lovely like the juniper and myrtle.

We should leak God's Word.

Which got me thinking about how I respond to criticism and harsh emails. And I am challenged.

It's not enough for me to just respond properly when I am criticized. I should use those criticisms to remind me how much the world is desperate for encouragement.

I should be a little more leaky with positive emails or notes or thank yous to the businesses and ministries and staff members of my church who bless me week after week after week.

I'm not one to criticize. But I also shouldn't be one to stay neutral and stagnant either.

In order to be the grand display of God I should be, I need to be, more holy...or holey as this case may be.

Be a little leaky this week sweet friends. The one that leaks is the one that thrives.

Dear Lord, forgive me for the time I've been stagnate. I want Your Word to leak out of me so others see peace and joy. Use me today Lord as I seek to respond to others in a way that always pleases You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
If you enjoy Lysa's devotions, be sure to sign up for notes of encouragement she sends out from her blog by clicking here. They are free and great for passing along to friends.

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

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.

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:
Where can you be a little more leaky this week? Are your daily responses pleasing to God? Or are there areas in your heart that may have grown complacent or despondent?

Reflections:
The one that has the ability to leak out excess water is the one that's thriving. The one keeping all the water in its container is the one that's not such a beautiful display.

Which am I right now?

Power Verses:
Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." (NIV)

Psalm 63:1, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.