Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

June 19, 2009

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
That is What He Needs from Me

Renee Swope

"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself,
and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)

Devotion:
I have a confession to make: when my husband JJ and I got married over 15 years ago, I took out the words "honor and obey" from my wedding vows. I didn't say I would submit to my husband either. I vowed to "submit my ideas and dreams" to my husband and trust God's leadership in our marriage.

I had some serious issues going into marriage. I was a young Christian, who was afraid of the "S" word, and I wanted to make sure God and my witnesses didn't catch me in a lie. Like many women, I was terrified that if I submitted to my husband I'd become a doormat and lose myself somewhere in the middle of letting my husband lead. I regretfully remember one time JJ told me it was easier to let me lead because it wasn't worth the argument to him.

You'd think that's what I wanted - to get my way - but it wasn't because my husband became apathetic. Soon I realized I was losing respect for my husband and it was mostly my fault. I wanted him to lead, but when he tried I'd often criticize how he led. It was a mess.

One day I was praying God would change JJ and make him more decisive, more confident, more protective and, well, just more what I wanted him to be. God strongly impressed on my heart that my criticism wasn't getting me any closer to my desired result. In fact, my frustration with JJ only contributed to his own doubt as a man trying to follow God and lead His family.

God's also reminded me that I was fueling Satan's flaming darts of condemnation aimed at my husband's heart. I was joining efforts with the one who wanted to take out my husband as the leader of our home. Through prayer, God showed me that my husband needed me to be his greatest cheerleader and his biggest supporter verbally, emotionally and spiritually.

God challenged me to keep my mouth closed when JJ did something I didn't like or led in a way I didn't want to follow. He encouraged me to tell my husband when I saw things I appreciated and use the power of my words to build up and not tear down my man.

I started doing what God showed me. I looked for and found things in my husband that I'd never really noticed before. I got intentional about finding things I respected and letting God take care of things I didn't. I made many choices to honor him in big and small ways. And you know what? I discovered things about my husband that were worthy of respect.

We've been through a lot together. I have followed God as I trusted many of my husband's decisions that scared me: job changes I didn't want him to make; financial investments that seemed too risky; parenting issues that were hard. It hasn't been easy, but I am so thankful that my husband has become the leader of our family. And I'm more comfortable following his leadership than I ever thought I'd be!

Dear Lord, I want to respect my husband and build Him up with my words. Help me to measure my thoughts carefully and come to You with my complaints. I want to become my husband's biggest cheerleader and watch You do Your thing in His life. I know this is possible as I depend on You to live Your life through me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Renee's Blog for powerful scriptures to pray for your husband.

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:

Tell your husband that you believe in him!
Don't point out his mistakes, just fill in the gap.
Ask God to show you ways to serve your husband.
Don't ever say "I told you so."
Say "I'm sorry" and mean it when you dishonor him.
Say "I forgive you" and mean it when he dishonors or hurts you.
Tell your husband that you thank God for giving him to you (and be sure you do).
Let him overhear you telling someone something you appreciate about him.
Support and encourage his decisions.
Praise him when his decisions turn out well and encourage him when they don't.
Tell you husband each day about one thing you are thankful for - about his character, his work ethic, his provision, his humor or something he adds to your family.
* Several of these ideas are from What A Husband Needs from His Wife © 2006 by Melanie Chitwood.

Reflections:

What do I value and respect about my husband?

How often do I criticize or encourage him?

Power Verses:
1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (NIV)

1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (NIV)

Proverbs 17:9,"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." (NIV)

© 2009 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
.

[Judy Harder]

June 22, 2009

Do It

Marybeth Whalen

"But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

Matthew 17:27 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

Sometimes God asks us to do something we don't understand. It might seem unnecessary. It might seem crazy. Or it might seem like something God shouldn't need us to do because He is capable of doing it without our involvement. So why does He require our action?

When Jesus was asked to pay a tax, He told Peter to go catch a fish. Miraculously, the exact amount He needed was found in the mouth of the fish he caught. Peter had a moment where he had to either accept Jesus' methods or question them. In our limited human understanding it's easier to question, "Why didn't He just make that coin appear?" But Peter knew Jesus, and he knew he was better off to just do whatever Jesus had asked of him (Matthew 17:24-27).

Sometimes we have moments like Peter had. We stand there blinking, wondering if we heard Him right. In those moments we have to make a decision to just DO IT:

Deliberate

Obedience

Intentional

Trust

Certainly Jesus could have produced the amount needed in many different ways, but He required Peter to be involved. He required Peter to take action, just as He does with us at times.

When God showed my husband and I that we needed to begin tithing when what we wanted was to get out of debt, it didn't make sense to us at all. We had to simply respond with deliberate obedience and intentional trust.

When God challenged me to stick with my marriage when it seemed over, I wondered if He realized what He was asking. He wanted me to deliberately obey Him and intentionally trust Him. He didn't want me to look for the easy button. He wasn't offering a supernatural rescue. He needed me to walk through the process, learning lessons along the way. Instead of handing me a solution, He allowed me to be involved in it.

Is there something He is asking you to do that doesn't seem right, or normal, or natural from your human perspective? Are you ignoring His still small voice urging you to just trust and obey? Whether it's catching a fish or building an ark, you can rest assured that you are in good company. God has a plan--even when you can't see it. Sometimes you have to DO IT to reveal that plan.
                                                                                                                                                                     
Dear Lord, I want to learn to respond with obedience to Your requests. When I hear Your voice speaking to me, I want to willingly do it--whatever "it" is. Thank You for reminding me that sometimes You require me to be part of my own solution. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement

Learning To Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen

The Power of Prayer to Change Your Marriage by Stormie Omartian

For more from Marybeth, visit her blog as well as her resource page.

Application Steps: 

In your journal, write about a time when God asked you to do something you thought wasn't necessary or was crazy. What was the result?

Reflections: 

What is God asking you to do? How will deliberate obedience and intentional trust figure into your response? 

Power Verses:

Ephesians 5:15, "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (NIV)

© 2009 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
.

[Judy Harder]

June 23, 2009

Power to Overcome

Rachel Olsen

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence."

2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
     
Devotion:

Do you find yourself doing what you know you should not? Do you find it hard to stop? Yeah, I know.

I've had several discussions lately with people stuck in patterns of behavior they want to quit. They're stuck in sin. What's more, they feel completely awful about it. Guilty. Shameful. Some to the point of hating themselves. And yet they feel powerless to stop -- powerless to resist.

The Bible says when we return to our vices again and again, we are like dogs returning to our vomit (Prov. 26:11). 

Ick!

So why do we do this? According to the Bible, Christ has conquered sin on our behalf and we have the capacity to be free from its power. Yet that is far from the reality of many Christians' lives. Why?

Why does sin have any power over us? Why does it have any dominion in our lives?  The answer is the same reason a dog returns to her vomit.  She likes the taste.

Sin has power because we enjoy it. It promises something we want ... pleasure, escape, wealth, etc. Sure it always has consequences we don't want, but in many cases those don't over power its feel-good moments or perceived benefits. In short, sin has power because we love it.

Earlier this year I quit drinking my favorite drink, a particular diet cola. Now, I'm not saying diet cola is evil or sinful - just go with me here. The first time I tasted diet cola I didn't think it was all that yummy.  BUT it promised to save me calories so I decided it was worth the slightly strange chemical taste. In short time, as it grew familiar, I began to like the taste. 

Wasn't long before I was flat out addicted -- wanting, even needing to have my beloved drink every day or I grew headachy and irritable. Sad thing is it didn't help me lose weight at all. But that didn't matter because now I loved diet cola. Furthermore, I was convinced if I gave it up, I'd not only get headaches but I'd gain more weight. I was enslaved in a way.

It was my drink of choice. It made me smile when I had it. It also made me frown if I ran out, or if a restaurant didn't serve it. And I'd get worried anytime a health report questioned the safety of aspartame, a main ingredient in my diet cola. But I loved it, so I returned to it day after day.

What helped me give up diet cola?  I found a different drink I really liked. I developed a taste for it. I was willing to give up that because I now had this. It's the same way with sin.

What can help us overcome the sins that we have love-hate relationships with? A surpassing love. A greater love that carries with it no hate, no guilt, and no shame. A love that actually delivers the many, many benefits it promises. A love that is full of wisdom and compassion, not vomit. A love more attractive and powerful than the allure of sin. It is the love of God displayed in Christ. 

When we catch hold of that love - when we read of it regularly, drink it in, and see it at work in our lives - we cannot help but love Him back with all our heart, soul and mind.  And in that state of all encompassing love, sin pales in comparison. Its power grows feeble. When we immerse ourselves in the everlasting love of God that has chosen us as its object, we're more than willing to walk away from the vomit. We can give up that because we have this.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, forgive me for the sins I return to. Cleanse me with Your majestic love and grace. Reveal to me the depth of Your love, the extent of Your sacrifice, and the beauty of the mercy You grant me daily. Open my eyes to see Your love afresh and may I be empowered to walk away from sin towards Your heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him Who Loves You So?

God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Eds. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

To learn more about how to find God's love and find freedom from sin, head to Rachel's blog and join the discussion.

Application Steps: 

Fill your mind and heart today with the love of God.  Read the power verses below, look up others in your Bible, or visit Rachel's blog for more.

Reflections: 

What sin do I return to?  What is the benefit I feel this sin provides me?

Can I seek that benefit in Christ instead?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 8:17, "I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me." (NLT)

Jeremiah 31:3, "Long ago the Lord said to Israel: 'I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.'" (NLT)

John 3:16, "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (NLT)

© 2009 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 24, 2009

Childlike Wonder

Luann Prater

"Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest." Luke 9:48 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

"Look grandma, this makes super-duper bubbles!" my grandson squealed.  The new bubble gun I bought him at Cracker Barrel was indeed a marvel at propelling hundreds of soapy spheres at the touch of a button.  He entertained himself for hours, shooting bubbles then chasing them across the yard.

At some point he decided catching them in his mouth might be fun, to which I warned it might make him sick.  Grandpa chimed in, "That bubble might go down in your tummy and get bigger and bigger!"  Matt stopped in his tracks, fixated on my husband, and replied, "Is that what happened to you grandpa?"  This four-year old comment made me chuckle and then ponder.

What does God see when He looks at me?  Does He see a wide-eyed child who simply believes Him?  I'm afraid that innocent, uncomplicated girl got lost. And I don't think I'm alone in this.  Simple faith is a rare find. 

In this information age, the journey for knowledge has become the driving force in our society.  As Dragnet's Sgt. Joe Friday always said, "Just the facts, ma'am."  Faith gets pushed aside in exchange for internet wisdom.  If you haven't been bitten by the know-it-all mentality, you simply haven't let your fingers do the walking across your keyboard!  Do you want to find out how to build a house, take apart an engine, or stay up on the latest news?  Google it.  You can instantly become an expert in almost in field!  So if God tells me to, "Go," my first instinct is to research the web for direction, instead of trusting His voice. 

During a concert performance recently, our church choir wore costumes from Bible times.  It struck me as I watched and saw only their faces showing, how each one had a childlike image. No one out-dressed the other.  No one was thinner or heavier.  No hair was perfectly styled. They all had rosy cheeks, bright smiles and joy in their eyes.  The prevailing trait we find in children - innocence - shone through.  I found myself wondering if that is what God sees when He looks at us, simple children.

When we come to Jesus it is critical to come like a child, innocent and amazed.  My grandson simply believed his grandpa.  When was the last time you simply believed God?  No analyzing the situation.  No studying alternative theories.  Plain and simple, childlike trust in the One who created the heavens, the earth and you.

Today, I want to focus on coming to Him as a child.  I want to stop the grown-up worry and gaze lovingly into His Word.  Today, I want to enjoy being "the least among you all" so I can spend time with the greatest, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, You made the heavens and the earth and all that is in it, even the brilliant minds that created computers and the Internet. Yet none can match Your wisdom and splendor!  No one has the knowledge that You possess.  So I lay down my quest for seeking answers from this world and exchange it for Your simple and glorious truth. Impress Your words on my heart today I pray.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Him? 

Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear by Max Lucado

Fresh Grounded Faith: Devotions to Awaken Your Spirit by Jennifer Rothschild

Visit with Luann on her blog

Application Steps: 

Find quiet time today.  Turn off the computer, the radio, and television. Silence your phone and go into a room with no noise at all.  Speak out loud to the Lord.  Then read His Word to hear Him answer.

Reflections: 

What pulls me away from simple faith? 

Will I trust my grown-up life to an Almighty God who loves me as His child?

Power Verses:

Matthew 11:25-26, "At that time Jesus said, 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.'" (NIV)

Isaiah 54:10, "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (NIV) 

© 2009 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
.

[Judy Harder]

June 25, 2009

Disappointment

Lysa TerKeurst

"He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." Ecclesiastes 5:20 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

The other day a friend asked me if I ever get disappointed.

I said "yes" and threw out a spiritually sound answer of how I process disappointment.  It was an answer that would make most preachers proud.

And then the next day happened.

The day where a really big disappointment whacked me upside the head and sent my heart sinking. I'd been asked to speak at a really big event - one of the biggest of my life - and then things fell apart.

Invited- thrilled- excited- honored-included

turned into

Uninvited- bummed- sad- disillusioned- left out.

And while I still have solid spiritual perspectives to hold on to, my flesh just needs a minute to say, "Bummer!"

Sometimes things that come our way are a major bummer.

But right when I wanted say, "bummer" a few more times, I spotted a bowl that's been sitting on my dining room table for weeks now. Brooke found some caterpillars a while back, put them in a bowl, and has been holding them hostage ever since. I mean she's been lovingly admiring them underneath a layer of cellophane.

Wouldn't you know that those caterpillars formed cocoons inside that unlikely environment. And then today, as I was muttering "bummer," I glanced across that bowl and sucked the word back down my throat.

The cocoons were empty.

Expecting glorious butterflies, I had to chuckle when I got right over the bowl and closely examined the product of my little girl's hopes for new life.

Moths.

I just had to chuckle. Yet another thing in my day that wasn't quite right.

Or was it?

When Brooke spotted the moths, she was beyond thrilled. Grabbing my hand, she led me outside, ripped off the plastic barrier, and watched the beauty of tiny wings beating- beating- beating and finally fluttering into flight.

As I watched Brooke's sheer delight with the rich evidence of life before her, she couldn't have cared less if it was a moth or butterfly. A creature that once only knew the dirt of the earth had just been given the gift of flight. Reaching- soaring-up- up- and away.

And with that, this simple creature pulled the corners of my mouth up into a smile.

Disappointment only stings as long as I let it.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, I freely offer up whatever has been a disappointment to me lately as a sacrifice of praise to You.  I know You love me so much, that this disappointment is really Your way of protecting me, providing something better, or just part of the process of growing me more like You.  So, for all three of those I praise You- praise You- and praise You again for the good that is wrapped in this disappointment. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to read more about how God can bring good out of disappointment.

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

Ask God to help you find some Scripture verses to serve as anchors of truth as you process your disappointment.  Write them on note cards and carry them with you.  On the back of each note card start listing the good that is in your life.  Focus on praying prayers of thanksgiving over the good.

Reflections: 

How might God use even this disappoint for good in my life? Instead of asking God, "Why?"  why not ask God, "Since this is my reality, what now?  How can I glorify You through this, Lord?"

Power Verses:

Hebrews 13:15, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name."  (NIV)

Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (NIV) 

Mark 9:35, "...If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (NIV)

© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
.

[Judy Harder]

June 26, 2009

Hidden Treasures

Susanne Scheppmann

"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name."

Isaiah 45:3 (NLT)

Devotion:

Secrets. Riches. Mysteries. Treasures. These words bring spine-tingling excitement. Around the world, Pirates of the Caribbean became an unexpected blockbuster movie. The Indiana Jones DVD series, after over twenty years, sells consistently as a top gift item. Adventure novels prevail in the bestselling book lists. The hope of finding treasure enthralls us. 

This applies to followers of Christ as well. We read in Matthew 13:44, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field" (NLT). When I read this verse, it makes me ponder the last time I felt excitement over the kingdom of God. To be truthful, my excitement is usually based on the "performance" of God in answering my prayers. 

However, the Lord doesn't promise to answer every one of our prayers as we expect. But He does promise to reveal treasures hidden in darkness. Sometimes our seemingly unanswered prayers are the secret riches that God wants to reveal to us. It reminds me of lines from the old Garth Brooks' song, Unanswered Prayers. "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers...Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Instead of acknowledging this truth about prayer, I find myself waiting and watching for the expected results of my prayers. What I should be doing is seeking God for who He is. God told the patriarch Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward" (Genesis 15:1, NIV, emphasis added). So God, Himself, is the great treasure that I need to unearth. He has promised we will find Him when we search for him with an intentional attitude. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).

Today I desire to change my shallow-hearted expectations of God. I want to seek Him and His Kingdom as if I am an explorer on a treasure hunt. Right now, I choose to know God, seek Him, and treasure Him.

Dear Lord, teach me to search for the hidden riches of Your Kingdom. Help me to seek You with an excited heart. Remind me that the answers to my prayers are only the beginning of a relationship with You --You are the treasure! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

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

For more from Susanne, visit her blog as well as her resource page.

Application Steps: 

Today when you pray, intentionally ask God to reveal Himself to you in a new way. Ask Him to reveal to you "treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches." Begin a journal of God's revelations of Himself to you.

Reflections: 

Am I disappointed when my prayers are not answered in the way I expect?

How can I better search for the secrets and treasures of God's Kingdom?

Do I believe that the Lord is the greatest treasure?

Power Verses:

Colossians, 2:2-3, "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (NIV)

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

Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
.

[Judy Harder]

June 29, 2009

A Mom Who Keeps Her Promises

By Glynnis Whitwer

1 Corinthians 13:6-7, "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects,

always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (NIV)
       
Devotion:

One day, just before the start of school, my middle son sat cross-legged on the ground, playing at the foot of my desk while I worked on the computer.  Since he'd been out-thinking me from the time he was two, I shouldn't have been surprised at the conversation that ensued. 

"Mom," he started simply.  "When you were little, did Grandma ever tell you she'd get you a pony and then didn't?"

"No, she didn't," I answered, fully engaged and wondering where this line of thought would go.

"Well, you told us you'd take us to Toy's R Us this summer and you didn't.  That's a true lie," Dylan solidly proclaimed.

I was shocked that he remembered a promise from three months back, but more stunned by his reasoning.  In the midst of being impressed by how his mind worked, I was convicted.  He was right!  Every time we drove past the toy store, my three little boys asked to stop and I'd put them off.  It wasn't that we didn't have the time, but taking three boys into a toy store was pure torture.  Either I should have taken them or I shouldn't have promised we would do it.

I stopped my work, joined him on the floor, and sincerely apologized for not following through on my commitment.  That little 6-year-old taught me a lesson I'm still learning:  I need to keep my promises to my children!

It's tempting to think the kids will understand when my schedule changes and it becomes inconvenient to keep a commitment.  After all, they are "just" kids.  Right?   Wrong!  I've discovered that after God and my husband, my children are the most important people to whom I should honor a promise. 

The truth is while children may say they understand when we don't keep a promise, depending on their ages, it's really hard for them to fully grasp our complicated lives.  All they know is they are eating a cafeteria lunch alone when mom said she'd bring a Happy Meal.  Or they are in front of a TV when mom promised to take them to the park.

We all know life happens and interrupts even the best-laid plans.  That's part of what we need to teach children -- to be flexible.  The problem arises when it becomes a habit.  A mom who consistently backs out of promises will teach her children to do the same, and will leave them insecure and possibly resentful.

To become women who keep their promises, we need to guard our words and follow some daily practices.  Don't make a promise simply to stop a child's repeated requests.   Carefully consider your schedule and commitments before offering to do something.  Start with small promises and build up to larger ones.  If the promise has to do with an outing as a family, work together as a family to get everything done before going.  Look beyond a child's words to her heart.  Does her request have more to do with spending time with you than going to the park?  If so, offer an alternative before you commit to something you probably can't do.

A mother has the high calling of modeling the faithfulness of God to her children.   More than words, children watch actions.  Will they find a mother who keeps her promises?   If so, it will lead them to a God who keeps His promises.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your unchanging nature.  I praise You for Your faithfulness in keeping Your promises throughout the generations.  Please forgive me for the times I haven't kept my promises to the people I Iove.  Help me become a person who keeps her word, even in the hard times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

work@home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work From Home by Glynnis Whitwer

Subscribe to The P31 Woman Magazine edited by Glynnis Whitwer

Visit Glynnis' blog.

Application Steps: 

Think of one promise you can make to your child(ren), or someone you love, this week.  Make that promise and keep it.

Reflections: 

When someone keeps a promise they have made to you, how does it make you feel?

What are some areas in your life where you have trouble keeping promises?

Identify some daily practices that will help you keep your promises.

Power Verses:

2 Peter 3: 8-9, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 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)

Psalm 9:10, "Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:15, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst."  (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org
.

[Judy Harder]

June 30, 2009

Unaware

Tracie Miles

      "And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the

Good News to everyone.'"  Mark 16:15 (NLT) 

Devotion:

I recently heard about a little boy who was involved in a serious accident, and lay in a coma in the hospital with massive internal injuries.  The following day, the little boy's kindergarten teacher was talking to the students about the accident, and asking for suggestions on what they could do for their injured classmate. 

Several children made suggestions such as taking food, writing cards and drawing him pictures.  Then one little girl suggested that the class could pray for him.  A few seconds passed, and then a young boy, who had been intently listening to the discussion, asked quietly, "What is prayer?"  The little girl proceeded to tell him how Christians pray to Jesus.  The boy looked at her inquisitively for a moment, and then said, "Who is Jesus?" 

This little girl, along with a few other classmates, proceeded to witness to this young boy, telling him all about Jesus.  They shared that He is God's Son and was sent to earth to die on the cross for our sins so that we could have eternal life and go to Heaven.  The teacher stood there with tears in her eyes, as these precious little children, barely knowing their ABC's, shared the gospel with intense knowledge, passion and commitment, and without any hesitation or fear.  They were proud of their Jesus, and wanted to share God's love and promises with this little boy, who was completely unaware of Jesus. 

This story touched my heart and I wished I could have been there to see it taking place.  It was then that God pricked my heart, and said, "You can be there too, just in a different circumstance, with different people, and at a different time."  I was reminded that opportunities for sharing the good news of Jesus are everywhere: around every corner, in the next cubicle, in every neighborhood, and in every classroom.  We simply have to grasp the opportunities that are presented.

As a mother of two teen and pre-teen girls, I have the opportunity to interact with a lot of adolescents, many of whom are completely unaware of Jesus, just like that little boy.  Unaware, not because of any fault of their own, but because no one has ever taken time to share Jesus with them.  Unaware, because they were raised by parents who were unaware themselves.  And for some, they have heard of Jesus, but have chosen to reject Him because they are unaware of their need for a Savior. 

They all began just like that little kindergartner who had not heard of Jesus, and have grown into young adults who don't know Him. Completely unaware.

Reaching the teens of today's world can sometimes be intimidating, and at times, out of our comfort zone. But I wonder what the world would be like today if teenagers reached for Jesus for stress relief and comfort, instead of drugs, alcohol or physical intimacy.   What would happen if every teen was impacted by the witness of a Christian?

Scripture tells us that everyone will be accountable to God (Romans 14:12), even if they have not heard of Him, which is the basis for global missions work.  But what about the mission field right in our own back yards? Are we really reaching out to those who are reachable?  As Christians, it is our duty to make sure that people become aware of Jesus, including teens that seem to need nobody but themselves.  The people we encounter can be a divine appointment...even an unaware soul, longing to be rescued.

I heard a statistic once that stated that 80% of people who accept Christ do so by age 18.  We have a window of opportunity to reach young people, and God is calling us now, to make an impact on the future generations of our world, one heart at a time. 

Dear Lord, give me passion and courage to reach out to those who are unaware of Your sovereignty. Impart Your wisdom to me, so that I can be equipped to witness in such a way that peaks their interest and makes them aware of their need for You.   In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Making It Real: Whose Faith is it Anyway? by T. Suzanne Eller

Visit the Next Generation blog for girls 12-17 years old

For information about Next Generation sessions that Tracie offers, visit her blog

Application Steps:

Think of three people you know that are unaware of who Jesus really is.  Pray and ask God to open doors to share your faith with them.

Consider hosting a Next Generation Gather and Grow Group.

Reflections: 

What can I do to reach out to a child or teen that I know? 

Power Verses:

Matthew 28:19a, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations." (NIV)

© 2009 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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[Judy Harder]

July 1, 2009

A Statement of Power

Wendy Pope

""But the LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth."

Psalm 11:4 (NLT)
         
Devotion:

Are you in a season of uncertainty?  Do you find yourself in need of an infusion of power?  Today's key verse holds the key to the infusion you need.  The power is summed up in three simple words: But the Lord.

"But the Lord" is a powerful phrase. The word "but" is a conjunction and used in this sentence it means "contrary to." Contrary to what? In the proceeding verses of Psalm 11, David proclaims how he trusts the Lord for his protection. He followed his proclamation with the details of how the wicked are preparing their weapons for attack against him. Then he belts out the transition statement of power: But the Lord.

Maybe you feel like King David. You have been surrounded by the Lord's protection in the past.  You have marveled at His work in your life, however, in this present season of life you feel as if the enemy is stocking his armory against you.  It seems Satan spends his days sharpening the arrows and stringing his bow.

Regardless of his current circumstances, David could be assured of two certainties: the Lord is in His Holy Temple and the Lord still rules from heaven. Oh, the peace this must have given King David. God is constant.

This statement of power can infuse you and help you look at your life through a different set of lenses.  In the midst of downsizing or divorce, buyouts or payoffs, layoffs or let downs, disappointments and despair, we can count on the same two certainties as the great King David. We can put our faith in the certainty that the Lord is in His Holy Temple and the Lord still rules from heaven.  Oh, the peace this can bring to us.  Rest in the peace this statement of power offers and don't look back.

Dear Lord, Your power is indescribable.  Forgive me for failing to remember the power that is mine as a child of God.  Thank You for remaining constant when life is not.  I rest today in the comfort that You are in Your Holy Temple and You still rule from Heaven. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Walk with Me Today, Lord: Inspiring Devotions for Women by Emilie Barnes

Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life by Jan Eckles

For more from Wendy, visit her blog and resource page.

Application Steps: 

Claim this powerful phrase for yourself. Write down a current circumstance that you feel is uncertain. Copy Psalm 11:4 as your next sentence. Then read the entire passage a prayer.

Reflections: 

What is my usual way of handling life's uncertain circumstances?

Do I truly trust the Lord to change my perspective of life's uncertainties?  If not, why?

Power Verses:

Psalm 14:6, "You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge." (NIV)

Psalm 18:18, "They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support." (NIV)

Psalm 118:13, "I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me." (NIV)

© 2009 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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[Judy Harder]

July 2, 2009

Alive

Rachel Olsen

"Everything that touches the water of this river will live."

Ezekiel 47:9a (NLT)
       
Devotion:

One Sunday I woke up feeling overwhelmed.  Several projects on my plate were consuming my focus, and closure was eluding me. I'd only been awake a few minutes when my family suggested we go to the beach for an hour or two before church.  What?  Go to the beach before church?  Go get all sandy before church?  You want me to body surf before breakfast?

That's exactly what we did.

As soon as my toes hit the sand, I knew this was a good idea. Each shifting step toward the glistening water, brought me closer to refreshment.  As I eased into the surf, slightly chilly water rushed over my ankles.  Catching my breath, I pressed forward, breathing deep as the water reached my knees and waves splashed up to my waist. I kept walking until my chest was submerged under the flowing water, and the tension drained from my body and mind. The only thing I could or cared to do was focus on the beauty of God's creation around me and the nearness of my family. Projects and decisions that had threatened to overtake me, were washed to the backburner of my mind. For the next hour or so, I floated over swells, dove through waves, and surfed on the salty sea foam. I walked out of that water feeling alive again.

A favorite Bible passage of mine is Ezekiel 47 where the prophet experiences a vision of God's temple. He is shown the Temple by a heavenly host -- perhaps an angel, or perhaps even Christ Himself. Out of this Temple, past its altar, flows a stream of water that becomes a massive river. Read for yourself Ezekiel's experience there:

"Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing eastward from beneath the Temple threshold. This stream then passed to the right of the altar on its south side. The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the stream flowing out through the south side of the east gateway.

Measuring as he went, he led me along the stream for 1,750 feet and told me to go across. At that point the water was up to my ankles. He measured off another 1,750 feet and told me to go across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet, it was up to my waist. Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the river was too deep to cross without swimming.

He told me to keep in mind what I had seen; then he led me back along the riverbank. Suddenly, to my surprise, many trees were now growing on both sides of the river! Then he said to me, 'This river flows east through the desert into the Jordan Valley, where it enters the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will heal the salty waters of the Dead Sea and make them fresh and pure. Everything that touches the water of this river will live. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will be healed. Wherever this water flows, everything will live.'" (Ezekiel 47:1-9, NLT)

Are you feeling overwhelmed with problems, projects or decisions today? Are you feeling mentally drained, physically spent, or spiritually numb? Take a dip with me into the river of God, the river of healing, and be awakened to life in God. Let this living water flow over, into, and through you today -- for wherever this water flows, everything will live!

Dear Lord, forgive me of my sins and plunge me deep into Your river. This is where I want to be. Cover me, wash me, cleanse me, heal me, and purify me. Make me spiritually alive and in tune with You today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Stop by Rachel Olsen's blog

God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Eds. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

Application Steps: 

Spend a few minutes in prayer, imagining yourself walking into the river of God. Feel the presence of God wash over you as you turn your heart towards Him and receive cleansing from His living water.

Plan a trip to a local swimming spot and get some exercise as you contemplate living water. Invite a friend to come along, and tell them about the river of God described in Ezekiel 47.

Reflections: 

Have I touched this river of life? Everything that touches it will live!

Have I gone beyond sticking my toes in -- have I submerged myself in my walk with God?

Power Verses:

Revelation 22:1-2, "And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations." (NLT) 

© 2009 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105
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