Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 February 10, 2012

Retreat with Jesus
Amy Carroll


"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:8-9 (NIV 1984)

When a new neighbor moved in next door, Caroline rallied the troops in her neighborhood to prepare a warm greeting. She and her friend planned a feast to take over to welcome the newcomer to their community. Caroline called her neighbor and was surprised when her hospitality was met with suspicion.

"Why did you say you wanted to bring me dinner?" she questioned. Caroline explained that it was a tradition in their area and that they'd like to deliver dinner to welcome her personally. The neighbor responded, "I tell you what. I'll give you a call when I'm hungry." Click.

Caroline reflected on how many times we treat God the same way that her new neighbor treated her. Each day God lays out a feast and invites every believer to come eat our fill. I had to ask myself an important question: How many days do I rush by God's table and throw an "I'll come when I'm hungry!" back over my shoulder?

I think I'm full, but God knows that I'm simply ignoring my hunger. I need to sit down daily to eat and be filled from God's table. Luke 1:53 says, "He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (NIV 1984).

I long to have a heart to approach Him daily just as I am—poor and hungry. He invites me to come to Him so that I can leave rich and full. What a glorious exchange! What a divine pleasure!

Daily time enjoying God is essential, but sometimes God gives us an invitation to a private, extended feast. I am envious of one of my pastors. He takes a week each year for a spiritual retreat to a monastery. He goes where it's quiet and simple and spends a week with Jesus.

Maybe someday when my children are older and I'm caught up on laundry I'll be able to do that, but recently God led me to do something equally wonderful on a smaller scale. I took a spiritual retreat during the school day in a room at my church.

As I walked up the stairs to the empty room, I felt nervous. I had spent hours in prayer with others, but I had never spent this long alone with God. Would I have enough to say to Him? Would He speak to me in the silence? Would the minutes drag by? Would I walk out unchanged or disappointed?

At the end of the day, my questions were answered. God met me there. We filled our time together with prayer, Bible reading and worship. God spoke words of direction to me in the silence. I came in knowing that I was hungry, and He was faithful to fill me.

Having mini-retreats with Jesus is something that I plan to do now at least twice a year. In the midst of a full life, it's necessary to intentionally set extended time aside to seek His face and worship Him. I'll still look forward to a week in an abbey, but in the meantime I'll bask in a school day retreat as I renew my relationship with God and feast on His goodness!

Dear Lord, help me know You are good. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

Visit Amy's blog

Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman

Reflect and Respond:
Have I ignored my spiritual hunger and run by God's feast?

Today I'll pray for a desire for extended time with Him and mark a day on my calendar for a retreat with Jesus.

Power Verses:
Mark 6:31, "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" (NIV 1984)

Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

February 13, 2012

Let's Make Time
Lynn Cowell


"...for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed." Ecclesiastes 3:17b (NIV 1984)

I didn't want to...yet I did.

Hungry, cold and dirty, my daughter walked through the door, home from softball practice. She wanted a snack, to talk and a hot shower, in that order. I wanted to keep working. I was on a roll; walking away from my computer was going to stop my progress.

But, I did. Putting my computer aside, I popped her favorite treat in the microwave and sat down to hear about my daughter's day.

That's not so easy for me to do. Like many women, deadlines loom over my mind. Work deadlines, volunteer deadlines, dinner and dirty clothes deadlines all call me to make them my first priority. Sometimes I do, but this day I didn't.

See, the day before, while in the process of making another time management decision, I remembered something really important. And that "something" brought tears to my eyes: my daughters will be gone all too soon.

These years they're in school will be mere memories before I know it. I want me listening to them, giving them my full attention, to be a part of these memories.

Ecclesiastes reminds me to keep a check on how my time is spent. "...for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed" (vs. 3:17b). The days of softball stories and tales of German class will not wait. I have to strike a balance in how I use my time, not neglecting people for tasks.

I want to conquer the temptation to let what seems urgent overtake what truly matters to me every day. Most of us have to work, pay bills, answer emails and do chores. But it's so important we also take time for talking, listening and parenting well.

Investing in children, whether they are our own, nieces and nephews, grandsons or granddaughters, neighborhood or church kids, is a privilege. Whether they admit it or not, they want us to hear their stories and learn about their days.

Will you join me today? Let's walk away from the computer. Set aside our phones. Turn off the televisions. And let's make time to talk with and listen to our children. One day, we'll look back and be glad we did.

Dear Lord, today I need to set aside what appears to be so important to give to those around me what they need: affirmation, attention and affection. Pour through me to love on them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Click here to have Lynn speak on this subject at your next church event. She'd be honored to share about "Mom and Me" time!

Visit Lynn's blog for unique ways to give your child affirmation, attention and affection. She's giving away two signed copies of her book His Revolutionary Love and her CD messageBuilding a Bridge to Your Child's Heart.

His Revolutionary Love by Lynn Cowell is a great resource for teen girls to find the One who will fill the love gap in her heart!

How about spending a night learning about God's crazy love for the two of you together? Just pop in Lynn's DVD His Revolutionary Love and enjoy!

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

Reflect and Respond:
What takes me away from the ones I love? Cell phone? Computer? Laundry? How can I set healthy boundaries on the time I spend with these things so I can communicate to others they are more important than tasks?

Pray for peace and strength to conquer the temptation to let the urgent overtake what's truly important.

Power Verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

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

[Judy Harder]

 February 14, 2012

Because You are His
Renee Swope


"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Startled by the silence, I shot up in bed so I could see the neon red lights that told me it was three in the morning, time to feed the baby. But Andrew hadn't made a sound. Was something wrong? Or was he sleeping through the night?

Wavering between panic and joy, I felt my way down the hall to the nursery and leaned over Andrew's crib. I listened for the sound of his breathing and carefully rested my hand on his tiny chest to feel the gentle rhythm of its rising and falling.

Moonlight slipped through the blinds helping me see he was perfectly fine. Most sane mothers would have gone back to bed, but not me. I stood there for a while just delighting in my child.

The love and joy I felt at that moment was almost overwhelming. How could I love someone so much? My heart longed just to be with this little guy who set my days in motion with his cries and smiles.

Andrew developed a routine of sleeping through the night soon after, yet I would listen for him, hoping for a good excuse to see if he was okay. While he was sleeping, I'd sneak into his room just because I wanted to be with him. Then I'd tiptoe into my older son Joshua's room, and watch him slumber.

Looking at their faces, I'd imagine the boys God was shaping them into. I'd whisper prayers for them to know Jesus and love Him with all their hearts. I'd ask God to calm their fears, fulfill their dreams and establish their steps to follow His ways.

My sons are teenagers now, but sometimes I still sneak into their rooms to pray over them and watch them. They aren't doing anything to make me feel proud or happy. In fact, they may have even driven me to my wit's end that day, but I delight in them because they are mine.

You know, God feels the exact same way about you and me. He loves to be with us and watch over us. And it's not because we are doing anything for Him, but simply because we are His. We might have even disappointed Him that day, but it doesn't change how He feels about us.

I sense God wants you to know that He delights greatly in you. And with His love, He is there today to quiet your fears, insecurities and doubts. I have a feeling the joy-filled songs He sings over you are written just for you, describing the beautiful woman He's created you to be, while gently leading your heart to know and rely on His love more and more each day.

What a great reminder for times when nothing's going right; when we feel like the whole world is against us and nobody understands what we're going through. I hope the next time you have one of those days you'll imagine the love of a mother watching her child sleeping. And remember that your Heavenly Father loves and delights in you even more than that — because you belong to Him.

Dear Lord, thank You for the reminder that You are always with me and that You love to watch over me, every minute of every day - even while I am sleeping! Help me to completely believe the truth about Your love towards me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Rest Assured: How to Rest, Be Renewed & Remain in God's Promises and Plans — a message on CD by Renee Swope

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Living in the Security of God's Promises by Renee Swope

Visit Renee's website/blog for a list of Bible promises and prayers to help you live in God's love today!

Reflect and Respond:
Do I believe God is watching over me, smiling and delighting in the fact that I am HIS?

As I close my eyes, I'll picture God watching over me at this moment. No matter what I've done or what has been done to me, God's love reaches down to hold me in His arms. Bowing my head and tilting my heart, I'll listen to Him whisper, "You are precious in my sight and I love you" (Is. 43:4 NIV). I'll rest in the promise that He loves me, He knows my needs, and He's constantly by my side, watching over me.

Power Verses:
Psalm 34:15, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry." (NIV 1984)

Psalm 139:1-3, "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." (NIV 1984)

Psalm 33:18, "But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love..." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 February 15, 2012

Even in the Darkness
Wendy Blight


"...all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it to dry land." Exodus 14:21 (NIV)

Does God feel far away? Do you feel alone and afraid? Does life seem dark?

At one point I answered "yes" to each of these questions. Following a tragic incident in my life, fear filled my heart. God seemed so distant and I felt completely alone.

During that very dark time, God lead me to the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. Initially, Pharaoh agreed to let God's people go, but soon after they left, he changed his mind. He began to pursue them with 600 of his best chariots. The approaching army terrified the Israelites. They cried out to their leader, Moses.

Moses reminded the people of God's promise that He would deliver them. But circumstances barreling toward them said otherwise. The Israelites heard the rumbling of the chariots charging at them. They saw a huge body of water blocking their only escape.

Can you imagine their fear? The reality they knew was that Pharaoh's finest soldiers were pursuing them, and there was a colossal obstacle, the Red Sea, preventing their escape. God's people had no idea the miracle awaiting them.

When Moses stretched out his hand over the water, Scripture says, "...all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it to dry land" (Exodus 14:21b NIV). Because it was dark, the Israelites couldn't quite see what God was doing.

In the black of night, the Lord tirelessly worked on behalf of His children to deliver them, just as He had promised.

It's as if the words of this story leapt off the pages of Scripture and into my desolate heart. Although the Israelites could not see or hear God, He was moving in the midst of their darkness. I too could not "see" or "feel" God, but He was at work around me in invisible ways - present and active on my behalf to carry me through my bleak place.

In the dark, we have two choices. We can take matters into our own hands, turning to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain, seeking advice or reading the latest self-help book, never knowing if any of them is the way to healing and wholeness. Or we can look to God. We can open His Word, knowing He guarantees healing and wholeness.

Would you like the truth of God's Word to come alive for you? Would you like Him to come alongside you? You need only ask. The Lord promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV). Like He was for the Israelites, He is there for us. And He is always working on our behalf, even when we can't see or feel Him.

Today, if you are in the darkness; if your circumstances are threatening to consume you; if you feel utterly defeated... seek the Lord. Ask Him to rescue you and remember this, He is there... parting your "Red Sea" even now.

Dear Heavenly Father, it is so difficult to walk through darkness. You feel so far away. I feel so alone. Thank You for the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me, and that there is nothing in all creation that will ever separate me from the love I have in You and in Your Son. Walk ever so closely with me during this darkness, Lord. Speak to me. Give me hope. Show me the treasures in my darkness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight

For more of Wendy's story, visit her blog.

Join our Proverbs 31 Ministries Facebook community for daily truth and hope!

Reflect and Respond:
Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to...bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoners..." (NIV) God the Healer, Jesus the Redeemer, binds up my brokenness, shows me the way to freedom, and releases me from the darkness. He is waiting for me.

Sometimes God allows difficult circumstances to do a mighty transformational work in our lives. Are my difficult circumstances part of His refining process to help me trust Him and make me more like Him?

Power Verses:
1 John 1:5b, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." (NIV)

Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

© 2012 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.

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

[Judy Harder]

 February 16, 2012

The Courageous Choice
Lysa TerKeurst


"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20 (NIV)

I had the most interesting conversation with a friend who lives in Hollywood. Although her family lives in the midst of glitz, glamour and extreme excess, she said they are determined to teach their kids something rare... the courageous choice.

You see, there are two kinds of courage. There's the courageous act that makes our heart beat fast when the knight fights the dragon or the firefighter rushes into the burning building. These are extreme events most of us won't ever face. And because most of us aren't put in positions to participate in a courageous act, we don't necessarily think of ourselves as courageous.

But there's a second kind of courage that, dare I might say, is widely available but not widely embraced. It's the courageous choice. This is the decision to do the right thing even when it's unpopular, uncelebrated and probably even unnoticed.

Have you been faced with one of these kinds lately? Probably one of my toughest courageous choices has been in the area of my food choices. It was my hidden struggle. The one I didn't want to deal with or talk about. Not with my friends and certainly not with God.

But then I started coming across verse after verse in the Bible that spoke directly to my issue. Though I didn't want to talk to God about it, God certainly seemed to want to speak to me. Verses like Philippians 1:20 as well as many more:

Deuteronomy 2:3, "You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north..." (NASB)

Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (NIV)

2 Corinthians 7:1, "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (NIV 1984)

God assured me He loved me exactly how I was, but He loved me too much to leave me in a state of defeat.

I made a courageous choice to read the Bible looking for God to speak to me about my struggle. I made the courageous choice to walk willingly on the path of discipline. I made the courageous choice to pick something healthy even in the quietness of my pantry when no one else was looking.

I made the courageous choice to put a stake in the ground and say, I'm more than the sum total of my screaming taste buds. My heart doesn't want that junk food. My arms don't want that junk food. My legs don't want that junk food. And my soul certainly doesn't want that junk food.

It is possible to layer one courageous choice upon another and find victory in your area of struggle. No matter what your struggle is, are you willing to make one courageous choice today?

Make that choice.

And then make it again.

And then make it again.

You are a courageous woman. Now, go out and prove it to yourself.

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I need Your divine help with each choice I make every day. I don't ever want to step outside Your will and direction for my life. I am courageous only with You, in You and through You. Please help me embrace Your courageous choices for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
If this devotion resonated with you, Lysa's book Made to Crave is just what you need. Click here to order your copy! And if you already have the Made to Crave book, check out the just released 60 day Made to Crave Devotional.

This book can be a group Bible Study by using these life-changing resources: Made to Crave Participant's Guide and Made to Crave DVD teaching series, also by Lysa.

Join us next Monday, February 20th, on Lysa's next FREE Webcast "How Big is Your BUT?" We all face obstacles too big to overcome yet some find victory while others live in defeat. Could the difference be our buts? Learn how to turn your "but I..."excuses into "but God..." exclamations with every obstacle you face! If you've ever struggled to overcome an area of defeat in your life, this 30 minute Biblical teaching will give you an amazing fresh start. Sign up here today!

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

Reflect and Respond:
"It is possible to consume only that which will add to your health and not take away from it. It is possible." Do I believe this choice is possible for me right now?

Remember, it's coming to the realization that changes need to be made and making those changes when no one else is looking is courageous. How can I begin to make these deliberate steps of change and courageous choices?

Power Verses:
2 Chronicles 19:11b, "Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well." (NIV)

Deuteronomy 31:6a, "Be strong and courageous..." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

February 17, 2012

Making the Most of Loneliness
Glynnis Whitwer


"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)

My little boy sat facing the back of the couch. His head resting on his crossed arms. He stared out the window. His little head moved from left to right as he watched two neighbor boys race past on bikes, laughing at a shared joke.

I watched my second-grade-son from the kitchen door, drying my hands with a dishtowel. My shoulders drooped as Josh took a deep breath and let it out in a despairing sigh. Mirroring his sadness, my throat tightened and hot tears burned my eyes. Throwing the dishtowel into the sink, I quietly stepped to the couch and slipped down next to him. Without saying a word, I scooped him into my lap and enveloped his little frame with my arms.

His face nuzzled mine and our tears mixed together. I could almost feel the wishing and hoping pulse through his small body: Will they stop by my house? Will they invite me to play?A smothered sob escaped from my little boy who was trying valiantly to be "big."

Ever since our move to North Carolina earlier in the year, Joshua had trouble making friends. The playgroups were established, and my shy son was painfully on the outside. His little brothers were good companions at home, but that didn't replace friendships at school or in the neighborhood.

The loneliness was oppressive, and I felt it too. In fact, that period of my life was one of my darkest times. We all left life-long friends when we moved. Those friendships had been born of common experiences, and years spent together. They were effortless.

Now we faced unknown territory, not just geographically, but culturally and socially. This was a new world to us, and Josh felt it as painfully as I did. And yet, during that time, we all learned some things about God and ourselves that we wouldn't have learned had we stayed in Phoenix.

Although loneliness is painful, it isn't always a bad place to be for a time. C.S. Lewis said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

God definitely spoke to us in our loneliness. And I started wondering if perhaps there are times when God allows loneliness into our lives as an invitation to pursue Him as our closest friend. When our friends have left us, or we have left them, God reveals His presence in new ways. Tim Hansel, author of Through the Wilderness of Loneliness writes, "Loneliness is not a time of abandonment...it just feels that way. It's actually a time of encounter at new levels with the only One who can fill that empty place in our hearts."

God longs to fill our hearts with Himself. Yet we often try to fill the desires of our hearts with the things of this world. Yet those attempts to find replacements for God are fleeting and insubstantial, leaving us even lonelier than before.

As you or your child face a time of loneliness, take this opportunity to look to Jesus as a best friend. Jesus Himself calls us friends in John 15:15, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (NIV).

Even though we were designed for community, God has a purpose for loneliness. If we can learn from it, rather than resent it, I believe we'll find a life-long Friend who'll never leave us lonely.

Dear Lord, thank You being a friend who will never leave me. Sometimes the loneliness is overwhelming. Please be real to me today. I want to learn from this time of loneliness rather than resent it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
When Your Child is Hurting by Glynnis Whitwer

Visit Glynnis' blog for more encouragement!

Are you lonely today? Click here to meet a Friend who will never leave you.

Reflect and Respond:
What characteristics does God display when He reveals Himself to us as a friend? What can I do to be a better friend to God?

I'll spend some time today sitting in the presence of Jesus, inviting Him to be real to me, and listen for His voice.

Power Verses:
Psalm 37:7a, "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him...." (NIV)

Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 February 20, 2012

God, Could You Please Hurry?
Amy Carroll


"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV 1984)

I completely lost my patience and started yelling, "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!"

Those of us who have lived in rural areas know that tractors on the road are a fact of life. However, just because they're the norm doesn't make them any less irritating if you're in a rush! I followed a tractor down one of our narrow two-lane roads recently. I could only take the snail's pace for so long before blowing up. But all that yelling, "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" didn't speed up the tractor.

How often have I approached God's timing the same way? And it never hurries Him up either.

When God doesn't operate at a pace that pleases me, and I want Him to hurry, I'm reminded of Sarah, Abraham's wife. I have feeling she felt the same way. After waiting ten years for a baby that God had promised (read Genesis 12-21 for the complete story), Sarah decided to "help" God.

Surely ten years was too long for anybody to wait. So Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to her husband, and the two of them had a child. Soon the two women were at odds. Talk about a soap opera!

Finally, fifteen years later, the child promised by God to Abraham and Sarah was born. God was not late. His timing was perfect. It was Sarah who was in a hurry and rushing things, but she found out there was a price to pay for manipulating her circumstances.

I know Sarah and I are not alone in our desire for God to hurry up. I once heard it said that we are people with gods on our wrists.

In Isaiah 55:9 God says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (NIV). God's timing is part of His ways. I may be tapping my watch, but He is never late. He may seem slow, but He is always right on time.

Has God made a promise to you that seems sluggish in coming? Has He planted a dream in your heart that has yet to come to fruition?

Don't give up hope! God is faithful, and you can rely on His perfect timing. Fix your eyes on Him and enjoy the journey to your destination. There are things to be learned along the way that will enhance the joy of a promise fulfilled.

Dear Lord, sometimes I don't understand Your timing. It's often very hard to wait, but I trust You. I want to rely on Your ways and Your timing. Help me to learn what I need to learn as I wait. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Amy's blog for more encouragement.

What to do in the W.A.I.T., message on CD by Wendy Pope

Reflect and Respond:
What are some of the plans or dreams you believe God has placed in your heart?

Have you manipulated circumstances to try to see those dreams come true, or are you focused and committed to waiting for God's timing?

What does God want you to learn in times of waiting?

Power Verses:
Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." (NIV 1984)

2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 February 21, 2012

I Need Her
T. Suzanne Eller


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 (NIV)

The text message read: I don't care how busy you are, Suzie. Put me on your calendar. You need me.

Sometimes friendship gets last place in my life. My parents need me more than they once did. I have children and grandchildren in three states. I juggle ministry, relationships, and real life.

But my friend is right. I need her.

I love it when we get together over lunch. We laugh. We catch up with each other's life. Often, we find ourselves talking about God. We dig deep, asking questions, praying and encouraging each other.

So why do I let this really great friendship slide to last place?

In John 13, Jesus commands the disciples to love each other. Jesus didn't drop commandments lightly. There are only a few, rare instances in Scripture, but you see, He knew something they did not. They needed each other. One day soon He would return to Heaven. Though His love would always be with them, His physical presence would not. And hard times were ahead.

Persecution.

Suffering.

Mistreatment.

But it went even deeper than that. "As I have loved you, so you must love one another," He said.

What did that look like?

When Peter denied he ever knew Jesus as his beloved Savior, he stumbled from the scene weeping. Can you imagine how he felt?

To love Peter "as Jesus did" meant that his friends wouldn't give up on him. They would remind him of Jesus' love and forgiveness. They would point him toward redemption and grace.

C. S. Lewis, author and professor, said, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

We were never intended to live our faith in isolation. God and girlfriends are not just fun. They are needed. In good times. In hard times. When we are living with purpose. When we falter.

You may be reading this and thinking, I don't have a friend who texts or calls me. I wish I had a friend like that. If so, why not pray and ask God for one person you know who needs someone to reach out to them. Sometimes we have to be the friend we wish we had; taking the first steps toward the friendships we need.

I have made myself a promise today. I will work on this gift called friendship. I won't allow a week or a month to go by without a lunch date, or at the minimum a conversation. In fact, I just texted my friend: I don't care how busy I am, friend. Let's make a date. I need you.

Dear Lord, thank You for my friend. I get so busy that I put her last. Give me wisdom to know how to nurture this part of my life. Help me to love my friend the way You love me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Suzie Eller as your next retreat / key note speaker.

Visit Suzie's blog to discover three things that get in the way of God and Girlfriend relationships.

God, Grace and Girlfriends by Mary Snyder

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

Reflect and Respond:
"One thing I know for sure: We were never created to go it alone...If we attempt to face life's complexities alone, our heart and hope will shrivel. God has created us for community—for belonging." Julie Barnhill, Exquisite Hope

Have you lost contact with a friend? Why not send her a note or call her? Set a date and a time to get together.

Power Verse:
Philippians 2:4, "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." (NLT)

© 2012 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 February 22, 2012

Please Don't Judge Me
Samantha Reed


"You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Mark 10:21 (ESV)

I had some priorities misplaced. Suppose I'd known for some time, but didn't fully recognize them until a trip to El Salvador with Compassion International.

I met two children on a home visit. They lifted their tarp door and invited me in. Into mud puddles and dirt walls with just one bed where five rested their heads at night. One bed for dreaming dreams of being a doctor and police officer.

They filled my hands not with silver or gold, but with selfless love. Love shared in stories and smiles and what few tangible gifts they owned.

I'd come to extend gifts myself; gifts of detergent and food. But they exceeded anything I had to give. A tiny beaded bracelet smudged with dirt, drenched in love. They wanted it to be mine.

Feeling too shy to hand it to me herself, she nudged her brother. He presented it to me as if it were a royal crown and gently slid it on my wrist.

I declare, diamonds couldn't match the worth of their hearts, their gift in that moment.

The next morning as I was getting ready I felt a nudge. Give your bracelet away like those children gave theirs to you.

You see, I had another precious bracelet with me. One my dad had given me over twenty years ago. Just a simple wooden bracelet from South Africa, but it meant the world to me.

How could I part with it? I wrestled with indecision. My heart soared, anticipating the moment I'd spot a little girl or mama to give my bracelet. But then my heart sank, anxious at the thought of giving up one of my most precious treasures.

And there lay the problem. My misplaced treasure.

Please, don't judge me.

I'm embarrassed... more than that. Heartbroken. I'm sick to say I couldn't give it away. Couldn't? No; more like I wouldn't. Both bracelets journeyed back to the United States.

One bearing selflessness; the other, selfishness.

I thought I was really something, bringing gifts to those kids in the form of beans and rice, soap and smiles. Little did I know, I was the one in need.

I needed God's mercy {and I'm so glad it's available}. I needed new perspective. I don't want possessions if I'm not willing to use them to love others.

More than anything though, I needed the one thing I lacked... more love for the Lord than for my belongings. My heart held tighter to my bracelet than to what God had asked me to do. He beckoned, "give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven." A seemingly simple request, yet so difficult for me to follow.

You know what the crazy thing is? I've since lost my dad's bracelet. Isn't that the way it is with earthly treasures? They're meant to easily slip through open hands and giving hearts.

I've decided I don't want to be lacking in love for the Lord or those He cares for. Next time I'm giving it all. I'm starting by opening my hands and heart and looking for opportunities today. Are you with me?

Dear Lord, You are the perfect example of giving. You gave Your Son, and He gave His very life on the cross. Thank You for giving new mercies, second chances and hearts that respond to Your prompting. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Might you open your hands and heart with a sponsorship of a Compassion International child, like the two who blessed Samantha?

Click here to visit Samantha's blog for pictures of these two generous children and enter to win a special bracelet.

Reflect and Respond:
"Sometimes love requires the sacrifice of your possessions, your time, or some other precious commodity." ~John MacArthur

How can you respond to this beckoning by Jesus, "...give to the poor"?

Power Verses:
Matthew 6:20, "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (NIV 1984)

Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Samantha Reed. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 February 23, 2012

Seeing Beyond the Dent
Glynnis Whitwer


"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

A close call with a truck on the freeway left rubbery black smears on my oldest son's car. Unfortunately, Josh's younger brother had borrowed it and caused the accident. Relief and annoyance mixed together in Josh's heart.

Even though apologies and assurances to pay were offered, Josh knew his brother didn't have the money to repair the damage. And since the cost of the repair was probably less than the insurance deductible, Josh decided to barter babysitting services for a friend's detailing services. It was a smart and gracious solution.

His friend worked for eight hours painstakingly removing the black streaks, and we all thought the car looked great. Josh was proud of his decision to not charge his brother and find a creative way to repair the car.

At least, until he showed his car to some friends. Rather than see the good, all one person said was: "You can still see the dent!"

Later that day, Josh complained in private, "All that work, and she only saw the dent!"

I reaffirmed his generous choices and tried to bring back his joy in the repair. But the damage was done. My son left me standing in the kitchen pondering the careless comment. And wondering how many times I've only seen the dents.

There was a time when I could have made that comment. Too often I had neglected the efforts my children made and only seen the negative. Too often I had failed to acknowledge progress in others and only seen what remained to be done. Even in my own life I tend to focus on what isn't instead of celebrating what is.

The critical spirit displayed in a careless comment flourished in me at one time. Yet I knew that disapproving attitude wasn't compatible with the Jesus-follower I wanted to be. It was opposite to scriptures I'd read, like today's verse in 1 Thessalonians which tells us to encourage and build each other up.

So years ago I asked God to remove any remnant of unhealthy pride from my heart. I begged His forgiveness for judgmental, critical thoughts and words, and asked for His spirit of love and mercy to fill all those unkind places. I wanted to stop looking at the "dents" and instead see the beauty of effort.

It took lots of honesty and confession to deal with my ingrained habit of seeing the problem. Even after I reined in my words, my heart still needed attention. Yet each time I faced the ugly truth about what was going on inside, criticism loosened its grip, allowing me to celebrate imperfect progress – in others and myself.

Do those critical thoughts still pop up? Yes they do. I'll be honest, I saw the dent that remained on my son's car too. But I immediately redirected my thoughts towards the generosity of a brother who forgave. I chose to focus on his creative solution and the kindness of his friend. And I thanked God my response that time had been to see the positive and to celebrate with my son.

Repairs are happening all around me. God is working in the lives of those I love; He is working in mine too. My prayer is to get to the place where I don't even see the dents. Instead, I want eyes and a heart that rejoice with the smallest improvement, that praise potential and acknowledge effort. As I seek to live out Jesus' request to love others, a critical spirit needs to die, and a loving one needs to take its place.

Dear Lord, thank You for seeing the good in me. Your thoughts are not critical and condemning, instead You celebrate every little bit of progress I make. Your belief in me makes me want to do better. Help me to give that gift to others and myself. In Jesus name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis' blog for more on changing a critical spirit into a gracious and loving one.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

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

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

Reflect and Respond:
A critical spirit is often rooted in underlying emotions. What are some of the reasons women are critical of others?

To start to change a critical spirit, commit to identifying and affirming verbally or in writing, positive progress in three people you know.

Power Verses:
Hebrews 3:13, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (NIV)

Colossians 3:16, "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

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