Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 July 5, 2012

My Name is on God's Hand
Shaunti Feldhahn


"See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:16 (NLT)

How can we know for sure God is thinking about us today? There are so many people in this world, why would He be personally interested in us?

Not so long ago I was affected by something a pastor and his wife shared with me as we drove through the neighborhoods where they do inner-city missions work. Old cars littered the streets; warehouses with windows broken out were slashed by obscene graffiti, while unemployed men and women sat around lifelessly. The air was heavy with a lack of hope.

The pastor told me stories of his ministry in this area, working with the homeless and those with mental illness. One day, after he had preached a short sermon in a park about God's great love, a woman named Mae came up to him with drug-deadened eyes that couldn't hide her anguish. From Mae's story, it was clear she had been looking for love her whole life and had never found it.

She was abandoned by her father, had lived in poverty, been surrounded by drugs and alcohol from the earliest age, dropped out of school when she had several children by different fathers, and was now probably in her thirties with no life or hope.

She told the pastor, "I just don't know how God can love me." She felt small, lost in a sea of despair. How could God ever see her, know her, love her?

The pastor noticed she had written many notes to herself on the palm of her left hand and asked, "Why do you do that?"

"So I can remember things. I have such a hard time remembering things."

"Does that help?"

"Yes. If I have it on a piece of paper, I'll probably forget to look at it. But with the really important things, when it's written there, it's right in front of me so I see it and remember. I can't lose it or forget it."

The pastor looked at her with compassion. "Sister, that is what God says about you in the Bible. 'See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.' Mae, that means He's written your name on His hands. You are the really important thing to Him."

He took her hand and pointed to line after line of notes on her palm. "Just like these notes are right in front of you, God has your name always in front of Him. He is always thinking about you. Mae, an image of you is always on His mind. He loves you that much."

Mae burst into tears; great sobs released as she grasped the concept of how much God adored her. Not because she had done anything good, and in spite of everything she had done wrong. God had written her name on His hand.

We can hold onto that promise too.

Isn't it an amazing, glorious, freeing thing to realize God has our name engraved on His hand? He really sees us, cares about us, and knows us by name!

Dear Lord, I am constantly amazed at how great You are and yet still You remember me. It is amazing that You not only remember me, but You have engraved me on Your hand. Thank You for that assurance. Help me remember this truth on the days where I feel forgotten and unloved. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Shaunti Feldhahn and Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Made to Crave for Young Women, shows us how to go to God to have our deep needs met. Full of gut-honest personal stories, insightful teaching, and groundbreaking research, this is a wonderful resource for the young woman in your life.

Shaunti has an insightful guest post at Lysa TerKeurst's blog today that reveals some research you'll want to read! Click here to read more.

Reflect and Respond:
Memorize Isaiah 49:16a: "See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." Then draw a simple picture of God's hands, palms up, outstretched. On one of the palms, write your name and a description that applies to you even though you may not always feel like it. For example: "Emily—daughter of the King," or "Keisha—beloved of God."

Keep that paper where you can see it, and whenever you look at it, thank God for His great love and ask Him to help you understand this truth.

Power Verses:
Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that's what I had in mind for you." (MSG)

Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)

© 2012 by Shaunti Feldhahn. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

July 6, 2012

Under My Skin
Lynn Cowell


"...and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair..." Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)

Like the sting of sunburn after a long day at the beach, the heat on my hands stayed for hours. As a treat for my family, I had made Aunt Carol's jalapeno peppers. With the sharp knife and chopping block, I transformed eighteen forest-green peppers into little boats of tasty fun. What I hadn't counted on was that ten minutes of exposure to the pepper's oil on my dry skin produced a burning that lasted hours.

As I looked at my red, cracked hands, I was reminded of another part of me that seemed dry and under-nourished a few months earlier.

My heart had been in bad shape. It had felt like a stone. When I would go to church, I sang the songs but I was just going through the motions. My heart was not truly singing praise to Jesus.

I assumed it was the church. Surely, something had changed. We needed new music; something fresh. But it turned out it wasn't the worship that needed to change; it was me.

I knew I couldn't do this on my own though. I needed to re-discover the oil of gladness mentioned in today's key verse. I decided to get intentional about personally coming into the Lord's presence daily, asking Him to replace my mourning with His gladness and my despair with His garment of praise.

Although I had never stopped reading my Bible and praying, I hadn't really been taking time in God's presence and asking Him to renew my heart.

So I began starting my time with the Lord each day by praising Him. A prayer journal I used gave me several helpful suggestions: repeating His attributes (faithful, loving, kind, etc.), calling out His names (Healer, Provider, Sustainer, etc.), singing hymns or worship songs, and my favorite: reading the Psalms out loud.

Opening my day with praises to my King transformed my heart. Each morning I would start by singing a song; one that turned my thoughts away from me and on to Him. Then I would focus on Jesus' character. Just saying out loud who He was - my hope, stability, and strength - filled my heart with joy. Afterwards, my heart would be reminded that although life can be filled with trials, even monotonous, He was always at work in and through me. Each day He would replace my wearisome heart with His fresh perspective.

After weeks of this new way of experiencing and worshipping Jesus, I found that my outlook through the day was different. Like the oil from the peppers, the lasting effect of His presence is felt in my heart many hours after the exposure.

Dear Lord, help me to enter into Your gates with thanksgiving each day and come into the courts of Your presence with praise. You are good and You deserve my heartfelt worship each day. I love You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Click here to order the prayer journal that Lynn used, Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman

His Princess: Prayers to My King by Sherri Rose Shepherd

Visit Lynn's blog for more encouragement.

Reflect and Respond:
Put your favorite worship music on and find a place alone. Spend time worshipping Jesus. Ask a friend what her favorite worship music is and swap for a week.

What holds you back from worship?

Does your heart feel dry and cracked, like it needs some ointment? Ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart.

Power Verses:
Ezekiel 11:19, "I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh." (NIV)

Psalm 103:1-2, "Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (NIV)

Psalm 9:1-2, "I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

July 9, 2012

Breakfast Buddies
Tracie Miles


"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you." Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

His morning murmurs of "I hate school," "School is boring," and "I don't feel like getting dressed" were starting to get old.

One morning as I trudged into my seven-year-old's bedroom prepared for our normal routine, I had an idea. I told Michael if he got dressed quickly, we could eat breakfast together and be breakfast buddies, as opposed to grabbing Pop-Tarts on the way out the door.

To my surprise, his face lit up with excitement! He jumped out of bed with newfound motivation to prepare for the day, and we enjoyed a leisurely bowl of cereal together. From that day forward Michael arose each day without a fuss.

In fact, many mornings I'd open my eyes to find him standing at the edge of my bed looking into my face and whispering, "Get up breakfast buddy, I'm hungry."

Even though it took extra effort to get up earlier, this new plan made our mornings much less stressful. We both looked forward to peaceful moments of talking and eating breakfast together. I sensed it also made Michael feel valued and prepared him to face his day at school.

Psalm 143 is a prayer of David, during a time when he is obviously under a great deal of stress, possibly written while Saul is persecuting him.

In this Psalm, David asks God to speak to his heart first thing in the morning and give him reassurance. He pours out his heart to God, expressing his fears and even his weaknesses. He admits his feelings of hopelessness and his fear of crumbling under the weight of his stress. "I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear." (vs. 4 NLT)

David prays for God to lavish His favor upon him. He lifts his hands in prayer, asks for mercy, and pleads for guidance and deliverance from his troubles. David calls for wisdom and seeks rescue from his distress—and he does all of this each morning while spending time with the Lord.

In some ways, God was David's breakfast buddy. Their time together prepared him to handle the stress each day held.

The importance of breakfast with my son, and how essential David's time with God each morning was, reminds me how much I need time with Him in the early part of my busy days.

I admit there have been mornings Jesus just might have stood at the edge of my bed and summoned me to be His breakfast buddy. But instead I simply rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.

Yet on mornings when I do get up early and start my day with Jesus, He always speaks to my heart and is faithful to prepare me for stressful situations that usually come.

Five years later, I still eat breakfast with my little man every day. And I try to make Jesus my breakfast buddy too. Even if only two bowls of cereal are on the table I always know that three chairs are filled.

Dear Lord, help me remember what a difference it makes when I make time with You a priority in my morning. Awaken me in body and spirit each day with a desire to meet with You and to hear You speak words of affirmation, assurance and wisdom over my heart as I prepare to go into my day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Tracie's blog for more encouragement on how having breakfast with Jesus can help you manage your stress.

Tracie's new book, Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World, will be releasing soon! Visit her blog to find out when it will be available and how to sign up for her upcoming 10 Day Stress Detox.

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

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:
Do you believe your day will be different if God is your breakfast buddy?

Have you felt God calling you to spend time with Him in the morning but chose to stay in bed, or busy yourself with morning duties, instead? Set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier tomorrow, and fix breakfast and lunch tonight to save time in the morning.

Power Verse:
Psalm 88:13, "But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you." (NIV)

© 2012 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 10, 2012

Pretending I'm Fine or Proving I'm Right
Lysa TerKeurst


"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17 (NIV)

If someone says something or does something that hurts me, what is the godly response? Is it to pretend like everything is fine so I can keep the peace? Or is it in confronting the person to prove how wrong they are?

Neither.

If ever I catch myself pretending or proving, I know I'm processing my hurt the wrong way.

The godly way is approaching this situation with soul integrity—responding in a way that's honest but also peacemaking. James 3:17 says, "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure (honest); then peace-loving ..." Yes, I want this kind of wisdom—this soul integrity. I want to be honest and peacemaking at the same time. But how?

I must remember I need real honesty combined with real peacemaking.

Real Honesty

Not all honest expressions of my feelings are real honesty. You see, my honest feelings may not be truthful assessments of the situation. I can be honest with how I feel and still exaggerate or misinterpret what is factually true. I can feel justified in being blatant about my feelings—not hiding a thing—and prideful for being so real, all under the guise of being honest enough not to stuff.

But in reality, honesty that isn't true isn't honesty at all. It may just be emotional spewing. That's why we need peacemaking honesty—honesty reined in by the Holy Spirit—if we're going to have authentic soul integrity.

So, if I want real honesty, I have to ask the Holy Spirit to show me real truth. I need to see things from the other person's perspective. I need to ask questions of them with the desire to better understand instead of throwing out statements of accusation. Ultimately my goal should be to add peacemaking to my honesty.

Real Peacemaking

It must grieve God to see plastic versions of peacemaking that aren't reined in by honesty. That's what we do when we stuff and pretend everything is okay. The upside to stuffing is that we have the semblance of peacemakers. But when we do this at the expense of honesty, we harbor a corrosive bitterness that will eventually emerge. Either it will erode our health and later present itself in a host of emotional and physical anxiety-induced illnesses, or it will accumulate over time and surprise everyone when the peacemaker eventually erupts. Saying "I'm fine" to keep the peace, when we're really not fine, isn't honest.

Sometimes dishonesty comes in the form of saying things that aren't true. But it's also dishonest when we don't say things that are true.

It may seem godly in the moment, but it's false godliness. Truth and godliness always walk hand-in-hand. The minute we divorce one from the other, we stray from soul integrity and give a foothold to the instability that inevitably leads to coming unglued.

Yes, we're after soul integrity—honesty that is also peacemaking that leads to godliness. This soul integrity brings balance to unglued reactions. It makes us true peacemakers—people who aren't proving or pretending but rather honestly demonstrating what they are experiencing in a godly manner.

And being a true peacemaker reaps a harvest of great qualities in our lives: right things, godly things, healthy things.

Dear Lord, through You I am able to bring all my exploding and stuffing under Your authority and truth. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who gives me the wisdom to move beyond my reactions. Help me lean on You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you find yourself stuck in the same reactions? Your feelings are hurt, but you stuff them to keep the peace. Or maybe you explode and yell, instead of calmly talking it out? We'd love you to join us for "Better Reactions in 5 Days." Click here to sign up for this relationship-changing challenge!

Sometimes we need a friend to encourage us as we make right, godly, healthy changes. Lysa TerKeurst does just this in her new book Unglued. Click here to pre-order your copy, releasing August 7.

The accompanying Unglued Bible Study takes you deeper into the Word and further into lasting peace. To pre-order your copy, click here.

Reflect and Respond:
Is the Lord moving you towards real honesty, real peacemaking or a combination today?

Thinking about your current relationships, what are some practical applications you can make as you pursue soul integrity?

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 13:11, "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (ESV)

James 3:18, "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (ESV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

July 11, 2012

What Frustrated Jesus
Lysa TerKeurst


"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago." - Psalm 77:11 (NIV)

If I lived in the days of Jesus, I like to think I'd have been moved by His miracles. Changed by His miracles. Repentant and willing to live differently because of what His actions proved. He is the Son of God—the miracle worker.

But would I really?

After all, sometimes I act as though Jesus can work miracles for other people, but not for me. Not in my issues.

Last year, I started to see that one of my issues was my short and snippy reactions to my family. I felt like I was constantly coming unglued and getting all tangled in my raw emotions. I chalked it up to stress, being overly tired, and monthly hormonal fluxes. I kept making excuses and promises to do better tomorrow. But then tomorrow would bring with it more challenges and conflicts where I'd react again and then regret it.

I was quick to applaud when other people repented and positioned their hearts to see Jesus work a miracle in their life. But I lived as if that same kind of miraculous work wasn't possible with me.

And that kind of unrepentant attitude frustrates Jesus. He said in Matthew 11:20, "Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent." (NIV 1984)

Sometimes I have to get out of my normal surroundings to become more aware of things that need to change in me. So, last year I spent a week at a homeless shelter called The Dream Center. Pastor Matthew Barnett and his church run The Dream Center in Los Angeles, which is a ministry hub of 120 programs that serve more than 40,000 people every month. Housed in a converted hospital building, the 700-bed facility includes a transitional shelter for homeless families, a drug rehab center, and a shelter for victims of sex trafficking.

I went to help meet needs. But I quickly realized I was there as a woman in need. A woman who needed God's reality to fall fresh and heavy and close and real and too in my face to deny.

I saw God's miraculous healing power woven into so many lives at The Dream Center. I saw it. And wanted it.

God's miraculous power is what transformed the gang member with eight bullet-hole scars into a Jesus-loving servant. So gentle.

It's what changed the former prostitute into a counselor for other girls rescued from life on the streets. So pure.

It's what changed the drug addict into a loving father, teaching his son how to be a godly leader. So integrity-filled.

What prevented me from realizing that God's power could change me too?

Somewhere along the line I stopped expecting God to work miraculously in me.

Inspired by the changed lives at the homeless shelter, my soul quickened to the bold reality that I could be different. I really could have different reactions to my raw emotions. I knew my progress would be imperfect, but it could still be miraculous. And I felt a new hope rush through me.

I'm not gentle by nature, but I can be gentle by obedience. I'm not patient by nature, but I can be patient by obedience. I'm not peaceful by nature, but I can be peaceful by obedience.

I can. And I will.

I can be the unglued woman made gentle, patient, and peaceful. God, help me. God, forgive me. And in the shadow of that realization and repentance, the miracle begins.

Dear Lord, please open my eyes to see the places I need You to change in me. I know I have wrapped my identity in so many things other than You. I want You to change those rough, imperfect places in me. Help me become the woman You created me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you want to be more gentle, patient and peaceful? Lysa TerKeurst's new book Unglued, shares wonderful wisdom to lead you in making those changes. Click here to pre-order your copy, releasing August 7.

Nothing changes us like Scripture. The accompanying Unglued Bible Study is a great resource to get us into the Word of God, and let the Word of God get into us. To pre-order your copy, click here.

We'd love to share a chapter of Unglued with you! Click here to read a section of this life-changing book and hop over to the Unglued website. It's a great resource to help equip you in making lasting changes.

Reflect and Respond:
Are you sometimes afraid of committing yourself fully and trusting God with the small and big changes that need to take place in your life?

In what areas do you need the Lord to do some major changing?

Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:18-19, "But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." (NLT)

1 Peter 3:10-11, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 12, 2012

When Doubt Won't Go Away
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 1984)

Wouldn't it be great if becoming a Christian meant that all of our doubts and fears went away?

A few years ago I felt paralyzed with self-doubt about a big commitment I had made to do something I'd never done before. After begging God to zap me with confidence, and realizing it wasn't going to happen, I asked Him to show me what made me feel so insecure and uncertain.

Immediately I remembered Gideon, a man who was called by God yet 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. When an angel of the Lord told him to go defeat the Midianites, Gideon 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 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 needed to figure out what triggered my self-doubts and led me into such a yucky place of uncertainty.

I remembered how a conflict with a friend that week made me 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. And, I had 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.

Conflict, criticism and comparison had sent me into the shadows of doubt.

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?

In my book, A Confident Heart, I share how we can allow God to change the way we think, which will change the way we feel, and eventually transform the way we live!

It's not a quick fix but a powerful process of naming our doubts, identifying what triggers them and then learning to rely on God's power to lead us into a place of living confidently in the security of His promises.

The next time you start feeling insecure, ask God what triggered your doubts. Then process the trigger point through God's perspective. Ask Him to show you lies you're believing and truths to replace them. Then let Him change your thought process by focusing on His thoughts towards you instead of your thoughts about yourself. For instance:

• When doubt tells you that you can't do something because it's too hard, remember God says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

• When doubt tells you you're not good enough, focus on the truth that God says you're fearfully and wonderfully made; all of His works are wonderful and you are one of them (Psalm 139:14).

One thing I know for sure, Jesus wants you to live with a confident heart! Some days it will be about what He's calling you to do but — even more than that — it will be about what He wants to do in you as you learn to completely depend on Him!

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

Related Resources:
Renee has a list of triggers and truths she'd love to share with you and a practical way to replace your doubts with God's promises. Also, she's giving away a "Confidence Boost" gift pack! Click here to find out more.

Ready to lose the weight of discouragement and doubt? Join over 40,000 others who have signed up for Renee Swope's FREE 7-Day Doubt Diet. Filled with daily insights, powerful promises and scripture-based prayers, you will receive a week's worth of life-changing Confident Heart devotions. Find out more here.

If today's devotion resonated with you, don't miss Renee Swope's bestselling book: A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises. Order your copy here.

Reflect and Respond:
What triggers your doubts? How do they affect your life and relationships?

Take Renee's Doubt Index Analysis: a free mini-quiz to help you identify your most common self-doubts, find out what triggers them and how they affect you.

Power Verse:
Judges 6:14, "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?'" (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

July 13, 2012

Clean Hearts
Luann Prater


"It is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" Mark 7:15 (NIV 1984)

When I was little, if I talked disrespectfully to my parents, they would wash my mouth out with soap. It tasted awful! But one thing it didn't do was wash away the attitude in my heart that caused sassy words to spew from my lips.

Jesus told the people, "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean'" (Mark 7:15b, 21-23 NIV 1984).

Whew, that is some list! But why did Jesus take the time to name each one of those evils? We know that not one word in the Bible is wasted, so there is purpose behind Him listing each one to the crowd. Maybe there were folks there who looked good on the outside, but their hearts were unclean.

Perhaps, like me, they were not surprised when He mentioned murder, adultery, or theft. But I wonder what the reaction was when Jesus included more hidden sins like arrogance, envy and greed too.

The dictionary describes arrogance as "an offensive display of superiority or self-importance; or overbearing pride."

At first glance, we may think that doesn't apply to us. But if we let the Holy Spirit shine His search light on our heart, we may find times when we have thought, "Well, at least I'm not THAT bad," or "It's amazing her kids turned out as good as they did."

Envy is pretty sly at hiding in our hearts as well. It is the feeling of discontent with regards to other's success or belongings. Does your friend have a new car, a great body or a nice home? If so, do you ever look at her with jealousy and long for what she has? If so, that's envy. Ouch!

Then there is greed, the excessive desire for wealth or possessions. Maybe we don't think we are excessive in our want for more, but how much time do we spend trying to make more money or get more stuff? And how stingy are we with what we have?

What would it look like to take those three definitions and clean them up?
• Un-arrogance: a gracious display of selflessness • Un-envy: being completely content with all of our blessings • Un-greed: a desire to share what God has given us

That sounds like a clean heart to me!

Today I challenge myself with the words Jesus spoke, "It is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" Today, I will set my mind to being un-arrogant, un-envious and un-greedy. Yes, today I want to live with a clean heart.

Dear Lord, thank You for shining Your light on my heart so I can see where it is unclean. Illuminate those sins that I dirty myself with and cleanse me from the inside out. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

God's Purpose for Every Woman by P31 devotion authors

Will you pray about sharing your heart with a Compassion International child?

Visit Luann's blog and listen to her Encouragement Café radio show for loads of fun and spiritual application for real life!

Reflect and Respond:
Make a list of the things that occupy your mind. Do any fall in the categories Jesus mentioned as evidence of an unclean heart?

Ask Jesus to replace those desires with His.

Power Verses:
Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (NIV)

Matthew 15:8, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (NIV)

© 2012 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 16, 2012

Do I Have Father Issues?
Glynnis Whitwer


"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care." - Matthew 10:29 (NIV)

A girlfriend's father abandoned her family when she was young. As a result, she struggled with relating to God as her Father. Another friend's dad was harsh and critical. It took years for her to feel unconditionally loved by God.

As a young believer, I didn't think I had issues with my father. Although my dad wasn't a Christian, he allowed my mom to take me and my little sister to church. And though he never said, "I love you," nor attended any of my school performances, I knew he loved me in his own way. My father was a good man, hard working and faithful to his family. However, he was an uninvolved presence in my life.

If I had a problem, I went to my mother. If I got into trouble, I called my mother. When I wanted advice, well, you can guess who I approached. This didn't seem odd to me.

For years I congratulated myself for navigating my father's distant personality with minimal negative impact. I was deeply aware that it could have been worse, and thanked God for a happy childhood. It wasn't until 10 years ago that I pushed a little deeper into this topic of relating to God as my Heavenly Father based on my earthly experience.

Back then I heard that everyone (even those with great dads) has some kind of "father issue" with God because of his or her human (and inherently sinful) earthly fathers. While I wanted to dismiss it, I decided to revisit the topic. Could it be true for me? Was there something missing in my relationship with God?

As I dug deep, I discovered that although I was confident of God's love, I didn't really trust Him to be there in times of trouble. Would He step in if I had a problem? Did He even care?

Every question revealed the same disturbing truth: I didn't really, truly, deep in my heart, trust God. Believe in? Yes. Love? Yes. But trust? The words were easy to mouth, but my heart wasn't singing the same tune.

This realization shed light on so many issues that hadn't seemed troublesome enough to address. Like why I had trouble praying for myself. And why I had so much fear for my children and for myself, and neglected to seek God's wisdom in decision-making.

Seems I really did have "father issues" that were affecting my intimacy with God. I didn't know what it was like to have a father to turn to in good or bad times. But I wanted to learn. I desperately wanted to know God as a perfect Father.

So as awkward as it felt, I made some changes. I intentionally got more personal in prayer, even addressing God as "Daddy" (Mark 14:36). Faced with decisions, even small ones, I asked God for advice (James 1:5). And when fear started to well up, like when I was dealing with a fear of flying, I declared, "I don't trust the pilot, I don't trust the mechanic who tightened the bolts, I don't trust the weather, I trust YOU!" (Psalm 91).

Little by little my faith and trust grew. I took doubtful thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and intentionally exchanged them with thoughts that affirmed God's trustworthiness to help in times of trouble. It took years to rewire my thinking with the truth about God's ability and willingness to be my Heavenly Father. And honestly, I'm still a work in progress.

When I slip back into my independent ways, I choose to believe what I know to be true: I have a Heavenly Daddy who wants to be my hero, champion, protector and confidant - if I'll only let Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are perfect in all Your ways. Your Word says You are a loving Father, and I long to know You in that way. Only You know the gaps in our relationship based on my imperfect understanding of You. Please reveal them to me and help me work through them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you long for a loving Heavenly Father?

Visit Glynnis' blog for more encouragement in knowing God as our Father.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

Embraced by the Father by Susanne Scheppmann

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:
How does your relationship with your earthly father impact your relationship with your Heavenly Father?

What one step can you make today to close the gap between you and your Heavenly Father?

Power Verses:
Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (NIV)

Psalm 91:14-15, "'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.'" (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 17, 2012

When You Don't Know What to Say
Lysa TerKeurst


"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Nahum 1:7 (NIV 1984)

Recently a moving truck pulled up to my friend's house. Sometimes moving signifies something exciting and new. Sometimes it doesn't.

This move signified an end. A few hours into the process of emptying her home, the movers carried out her wedding portrait and asked, "Are you taking the photographs separately?"

"Yes," she said, the irony not escaping her. Separately. That was how she'd be living now. Separate from their neighborhood. Separate from her husband. Separate from the way she thought life would be.

She took the wedding portrait and a feeling of confusion washed over her. Through her tears she called me and said, "I don't know what to do with this portrait. What do you do with things that have no place anymore? We built a life together and now there's no more together."

I knew better than to throw out a quippy bit of Christianese. Someone once told me as I stood over my dying sister's bedside, "You just have to let go and let God." They meant well. But it infuriated me. No, I wouldn't throw out something just to fill the uncomfortable silence. Trite sayings weren't going to curl up in bed with her and hold her unglued heart.

Maybe you've been there. Whether you were the one sitting in the midst of confusion or the one trying desperately to know what to say, I understand. Sometimes we just have to acknowledge that good feelings won't be there for a while. And when there's no way to feel better in the moment, we have to place our feet on the only solid ground there is—God's truth.

His truth won't shift with feelings.

His truth won't drown in a sea of tears.

His truth won't leave you even when your gut honest cries don't sound so Christian.

I finally said, "I don't have answers, but I do have prayers. And I'm going to write out conversations I have with God so you'll know He's not being silent right now. He sees you. He hears you. And through His truth He will comfort you."

I pulled out my Bible and poured out the hurt and sadness. "God show me the right truths. Use my hand to write out some comfort from Your Word for my friend."

Me: Lord, it's hard to watch my friend hurt so much. She begged You to help save her marriage and honestly we're confused why it still fell apart.

The Lord: Does Job 17:11 express the way you're feeling? "My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart." (NIV 1984)

Me: Lord, don't You see her tears? If seeing her sadness breaks my heart, it must break Yours too.

The Lord: Recall the beauty of trusting the only One who can see what is and what is to come. Nahum 1:7... "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." (NIV 1984)

Me: I do trust You. But for everything to end like this is so hard. It just seems pointless.

The Lord: Nothing I allow you to go through is pointless. Even in the midst of hurt I will work good for her: now and in the future. I still have a grand plan for her. Proverbs 19:20-21..."Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (NIV 1984)

Me: I just need to know why she has to go through this.

The Lord: You don't have to have answers. You just need to trust. Isaiah 55:9b ... "My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (NIV 1984)

Me: But what about the desires of her heart Lord?

The Lord: I am the only one who knows the full scope of those desires. I'll give her new desires and help her so those desires come to pass. Just encourage her to trust Me and make wise choices. Psalm 37:3-4 ... "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (NIV 1984)

I sent this written out conversation with God to my friend. My note didn't fix her hurt or answer her questions. It didn't give her a place to put those things that seemed to have no place right now. But it did get her to open up God's Word and start having conversations with Him for herself. And as she moves on, this is a good first step to take.

Dear Lord, I lift my hurting friend to You. For You are the only One who can ultimately lift her up. Through all the ups and downs in life, may she trust You in a very personal way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
It can be hard and let's be honest, a little awkward, to know how to respond when your friend shares her pain. Lysa TerKeurst has been on the receiving and giving end, and shares her wisdom in "Better Reactions in 5 Days." This free online challenge will help equip you. Click here to sign up.

We all react differently to life's circumstances. Sometimes in good ways . . . sometimes, not so much. Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Unglued, shares wisdom in responding with truth and grace for the highs and lows that comes our way. Click here to pre-order your copy, releasing August 7.

The accompanying Unglued Bible Study is the perfect tool to take you further into God's heart. To pre-order your copy, click here.

Reflect and Respond:
Trust meets every circumstance with the assurance of God's promises.

What is a disappointment you've walked through lately? Write the verses above on index cards to carry with you and write the words "I believe" after each one.

Power Verses:
Psalm 37:3-4, "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 18, 2012

Coming Unglued Isn't All Bad
Lysa TerKeurst


"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." - Romans 6:12-13 (NIV)

I always thought me coming unglued emotionally was a bad thing. And certainly if I cause hurt to others it is. But, I learned something recently about an upside to my raw emotions. I saw pictures of a stunning home that had been reduced to rubble because of a fire caused by faulty wiring. And something about those pictures helped me understand a crucial truth.

A well-decorated home isn't a sign of a well-built house. It may seem impressive temporarily, but in the long run if the foundation crumbles or faulty wiring makes it catch on fire, it won't matter how many pretty pictures are on the walls. The whole house will fall.

The same is true about a well-decorated life. I can fake a smile, but if I'm falling apart underneath, eventually I will crumble.

My crumbling comes in the form of feeling short-tempered, on edge emotionally, and incapable of explaining exactly what's wrong. In those times where I come unglued, feelings festering underneath bubble to the surface. I see raw emotions I need to address.

This is why coming unglued isn't all bad.

Just like a light that fails to come on when the switch is flipped may indicate a wiring problem, coming unglued may indicate a problem with our internal wiring.

Outward expressions are internal indications.

If our outward expression is unglued, there's some brokenness going on internally. Broken places we won't address unless we are forced to acknowledge their existence. As painful as it might be to name these broken places, seeing ourselves—really seeing, deeply and honestly—is a very good thing.

When I look through the window of my unglued reactions, I may find pride I don't want to acknowledge. Longstanding unforgiveness. Deep-seated bitterness. Simmering anger. Joy-stealing jealousy. Condemning shame. Haunting regrets. Entangling rejection. Or I might see a schedule crammed too full. Or the feeling that I'm taken for granted and unappreciated.

We have to see what's there. Romans 6:12 reminds us not to let sin reign in us —therefore we have to become aware of the sin inside. If things are ever going to get better, we have to acknowledge things under the surface that fuel our unglued reactions.

We may not like what we see, but at least we'll know what we're dealing with. We can call it what it is and ask God to help us.

I'm reacting in angry ways, God. What do I do?
I'm feeling bitter towards them, God. What do I do?
I'm having a hard time forgiving, God. What do I do?
I'm using words that are harsh, God. What do I do?

Honestly, I don't take time to ask God what to do often enough. What about you? Maybe having a clear-eyed view of my underneath will help me go to God more — more frequently, more authentically, more humbly.

Therefore, might we agree that coming unglued isn't all bad if it brings us to God? And brings to the light what is eating away at us — chipping away at our foundation? Coming unglued is glorious if the end result of that brokenness leads us to a more healthy wholeness.

Dear Lord, please open my heart and my eyes to see the places that are broken and allow Your healing and truth in. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Sometimes we need a friend to walk alongside us as we come unglued. Lysa TerKeurst does just this in her gut-honest new book Unglued. Click here to pre-order your copy, releasing August 7.

Go deeper with the accompanying Unglued Bible Study. To pre-order your copy, click here.

We're sharing a chapter of Unglued with you! Click here to read how to make imperfect progress with your raw emotions today.

Reflect and Respond:
We all have unglued moments. What raw emotions are being brought to light through your brokenness?

After identifying the underlying raw emotions, ask God to show you what to do with those emotions.

Power Verses:
2 Timothy 2:19, "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away form wickedness.'" (NIV)

Romans 14:19, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
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