Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

July 31, 2009

The Bohemian Skirt

Susanne Scheppmann

"Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin."  Psalm 19:13 (NLT)

Devotion:

I knew the world was seeing a flash of white thighs and cellulite. Somehow in the gust of a whirlwind, my long gypsy-like skirt flew straight up and over my head. I tried to bat in down, but it stood stubbornly straight up like a corn stalk.  It seemed the garment had a mind of its own.  The more I struggled to keep it down, the higher it flew.  (At least my face was covered and no one would know who owned those stocky dimpled legs.)

The skirt was my favorite attire. I adored the fabric. The colors displayed were bright and varied.  Dark rusts, velvet black, and fireman red circled around the turquoise satin.  Golden metallic threads highlighted the colors like trees on an autumn day.  The skirt's bohemian qualities tickled my eccentric personality.  That is until the day of the whirlwind, because the skirt continued to behave badly.

Later the same day, I was attempting to go through security at McCarran International Airport.  For some reason, I set off the metal detector--twice.  The security personnel sent me to the "wand and pat down area."  The wand floated across the lower part of my body.  Beep, beep, and beep--it warned.   I was completely flummoxed.  Why was I setting off these metal detectors?

After much wand waving, hand patting, and scrutinizing it was determined that the metal threads in my skirt were the cause of the security breach. What? My unruly skirt seemed intent on deliberately ruining my day.  The security guards suggested I not wear the flagrant fabric again to the airport. I agreed whole-heartedly.

These two episodes caused me to reflect about sin--especially deliberate sin.  There are certain sins that I don't want to give up because I like them.  They are comfortable.  They might even appear "cute" to my friends. However, as a follower of Christ, I must not allow sin to control me--even when others approve. 

Sin doesn't fit a follower of Christ. We have to put on love, put on righteousness, and put on grace.

Later in the evening, I made the decision to part with my beloved bohemian skirt. I did not want a repeat of the airport episode.  I also chose to part with one of my deliberate sins--laughing at others when they are caught off guard in a ridiculous situation like I was in.  Yes, I used to laugh at others and think to myself, "So, how did that work out for you?" 

Not now! Because I flashed the world with my thunder thighs and set off the airport alarms all because of one strong-willed, metallic-thread skirt, I don't snicker anymore.  I quickly pray, "Mercy, Lord. Help her!"
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, set off an alarm in my head when I contemplate committing a deliberate sin.  I ask for the Holy Spirit to strengthen me in my resolve.  Keep me free of sin and guilt. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Jesus?

Perplexing Proverbs for Women Bible study by Susanne Scheppmann

Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman: Lies that Got Me There, Truths that Brought Me Back by Lyndell Hetrick Holtz

Visit Susanne's blog as well as her resource page

Application Steps: 

Take a spiritual inventory of known sins in your life.  Ask a friend to hold you accountable for ridding yourself of particular sins that have a hold on you. Decide today that you will not allow sin to control you any longer.

Reflections: 

Do I have a favorite sin in my life?

Why does it have a foothold in my life?  What benefit does it seem bring?

How can I eliminate it?

Power Verses:

Psalm 119:133, "Establish my steps and direct them by [means of] Your word; let not any iniquity have dominion over me." (AMP) (emphasis added)

Psalm 18:32, "Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction?" (MSG)

Romans 6:11-12, "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." (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]

August 3, 2009

What if No One Knew?

Glynnis Whitwer

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 13:35 (NIV)

Devotion:

This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to chaperone my son's high school trip to Europe.  Although my purpose in going was to invest in my son and be with him before time forever changes our life together, God had a few lessons tucked in surprising places for me.

One such place was Germany.  In our short time there, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by painting a section of wall that will be ceremoniously knocked down in November.  We were thrilled to help remember the freedom of so many. 

In spite of all the freedom enjoyed in the last 20 years by Berliners, our tour guide told us that Germany school children are not allowed to wear or bring to school any "religious" symbols. For Christians, that means no jewelry, clothing or books that would reveal their faith. 

Upon returning home, I tried to confirm his statement.  Although I couldn't, it challenged me to think how I would share my faith if I couldn't tell anyone through words or symbols.  My thoughts immediately turned to all the followers of Jesus throughout the ages who couldn't share their faith openly.   Although we might believe we need political freedom to share our faith, history shows us we don't. 

In many instances, Christianity thrives under persecution because God's freedom shines even brighter in comparison.  Believers don't need symbols to share their faith, they do so with their lives.  Imagine living or working in a place where you couldn't say the name of Jesus out loud?  How would people know?

As I read the New Testament, I see pictures of Christians who lived in such a way that their lives drew people to them and reflected the loving God they served.  Here are just a few of the ways early Christians shared their faith without words:

·        Going where others would not go. 

·        Giving generously to those in need.

·        Taking care of each other.

·        Forgiving great wrongs done to them.

·        Showing hospitality to strangers.

This is just a short list of the many ways Christians "witnessed" to others. The Bible is full of examples of how God-followers told the story of their faith without using symbols or words. World history tells the same story. And I know there are believers in the world today facing life-threatening persecution. 

It's prompted me to really consider what "rights" I need in order to spread the Good News of our Savior.  Do I really need a government that guarantees my religious freedom?  I like that, and want that, but is it needed?  Based on the stories of the heroes of our faith - yesterday and today - maybe what I really need is a life that tells about my God louder than any words.

Whether or not you live in a country that affords religious freedom, what are you doing to share your faith with others?
                                                                                                                                                                         
Dear Lord, today I pray for my brothers and sisters who are living under persecution for their faith today.  Lord, be their peace, hope and freedom.  Please help me to live a life that reflects who You really are.  I long for others to know You and love You.  Thank You for Your faithfulness to me in all things.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Susie Larson

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

Visit Glynnis' blog and resource page

Application Steps: 

Take some time today to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution today.  If God prompts you to do more, please visit Voice of the Martyrs website for some options on how you can help. 

Reflections: 

How would others know you are a Christian if you couldn't say a word?

Are there areas of your life that need to change in order to live more like the believers in the New Testament? 

Identify some of those areas. 

Power Verses:

2 Timothy 3:12, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted ..." (NASB)

Psalm 34:19, "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all ..." (NIV)

Acts 4:34-35, "There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." (NIV)

© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

August 4, 2009

I Choose NOT to be Offended

Wendy Blight

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." 

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

What did she mean by that?

Why does she always hurt my feelings?

Why does she treat me that way?

Do any of these phrases sound familiar to you? It took my 15-year old daughter to show me that these words played through my head on a continual basis.  She ended many of our conversations over the last few years with, "Why do you get your feelings hurt so easily?" or "Gosh, Mom, we are always hurting your feelings." Or, "Mom, you're so sensitive."  At first, her words angered me. 

Over time, I finally began to hear what she was saying.  God used my daughter to teach a powerful truth to me.  For years, I allowed people's words to hurt my feelings.  In turn, I harbored anger for those words.  The anger took root.  Satan fed the words to me over and over again.  I replayed them in my mind.  Each time I replayed them, the anger grew deeper roots. 

I would find myself sitting in church listening to a sermon and saying, "I wish ______ was here.  They really need to hear this sermon."  I never heard the sermons for myself because the words of others consumed by thoughts and stole my time.

About this time, God called me to teach a Bible study on the book of Proverbs.  I spent days and weeks absorbed in this amazing book of Wisdom.  One afternoon, God brought this verse across my path, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 18:11). Wow!  It leapt off the page and into my heart.

I had a choice here.  Up until now, I received people's words, jumped to a conclusion, and chose to be offended.  God's Word spoke and said, "Wendy, you have another choice...choose to look past their words and not receive them with an offended heart."  I discovered that I needed to LISTEN objectively and ask:  What is driving their words?  Do they have a valid point? Do they have a deep hurt?  Do they need something I am not giving?  Are they someone who is just plain mean and negative?

The responsibility was on me to stop the words from entering my heart and taking root. 

I discovered in this process that I NEEDED the approval of others.  Yet, God's Word clearly says that He is the only One whose approval I need.  When I accepted this, my heart changed.

Yes, it took time, and I am a work in progress.  But, now when someone speaks a hurtful word, I check it at the door of my heart.  I hear the words, I recognize my issue, and I speak Truth over my heart.  I literally say, "It is to my glory to not receive this as an offense."  God is pleased because I honor Him with this choice.  It is a win-win for everyone because I do not ruin the rest of the day by pouting and making it all about me.  I do not soak in self-pity.  I let the words go.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am created in Your image.  Thank You that in You I find my identity.  Thank You that it is only Your Words and Your opinion that matters.  Lord, give me Your ears to hear.  Help me not to be easily offended and easily angered.  Help me lay down any offenses to which I am currently holding.  Let me live in the freedom of Your love and forgiveness.  Help me live not in my flesh, but supernaturally in the fullness and freshness of Your Spirit.  I ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, My Lord, Amen.

Related Resources:

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement

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

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue plus workbook by Deborah Smith Pegues

Visit Wendy's blog Living Truth

Application Steps: 

Over the next week, listen to your conversations. I encourage you to journal what you hear and what you learn. 

After a week, ask yourself if God has God placed people in your life as He did in mine to point out a spiritual Truth.  With a humble and contrite heart, invite God to help you be free from being easily offended and angered by the words of others.

Reflections: 

Read 1 John 1:8-10 and meditate and reflect on its meaning in relation to what you have learned through this devotion. 

Power Verses:

Ephesians 4: 26-27, "In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (NIV)

Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (NIV)

© 2009 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

August 5, 2009

Genuine Faith

Micca Monda Campbell

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit"        Titus 3:5 (NKJV)

Devotion:

Today if you were to ask someone what a genuine Christian is, you might hear something like this: "They are someone who is at church every time the doors open. They serve on committees, teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, feed the hungry and pray for the needy. They never get discouraged, never doubt, but have little time for fun. They're too busy working for the Lord."

I think Satan has deceived us with the illusion that a busy Christian is a genuine Christian. It's just not true.

Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying these are not good things to do, but I fear we've turned our walk with God into a frenzied pace by adding to our faith a lot of extra baggage that we don't need. We need to get back to real, genuine faith.

The trouble is we are no different than the Galatians. They started with faith, but then added works as well. In Galatians 3:3, Paul asks the people this question: "Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" (NLT)

Good question. I can't tell you how long I lived doing that same thing. I tried to live for God by my own efforts instead of allowing Him to live in and through me by faith.

Genuine faith is not about doing. It's about believing God. It's a relationship between us and God that begins by faith, is lived by faith, and ends in faith. It's that simple. Everything else - such as good works - flows from the source of this relationship.

However, some Christians fall into the trap of organized religion instead of practicing simple, genuine faith. This kind of oppression is growing in our world today because nothing is simple anymore, especially our faith. We do a lot of extra stuff for all the wrong reasons, such as impressing others or trying to win God's approval. It's not that we shouldn't do good deeds, but we need to ask ourselves, "Why am I doing what I'm doing, and who am I doing it for?" We just might surprise ourselves with the answer.

Life is heavy enough with the responsibilities God has given us. I'm finding that women today are burned out from trying to do it all and then feeling guilty because they can't. I know. I was a lot like the The Little Engine That Could. Do you remember that children's story? At some point in my life, I adopted the engine's motto as my life's purpose. "I think I can, I think I can..." Whenever someone asked me to do something - especially at church - I quickly responded, "I think I can!"  Only to discover, I can't do it all.

I had the same problem that plagued the Galatians. I was practicing religion instead of relationship.

Genuine faith is not a long list of performances we do to impress others. It's about maintaining our relationship with God. This is the secret to the Christian life.

Perhaps you've been trying to do all the work yourself. If you and I will daily stay connected to our source, then the natural outcome will be a simple life of genuine faith.

Dear Lord, I humbly lay all my works, efforts, and life before You today. I long to pursue You. Draw me closer to You, Lord. Teach me to live by simple, genuine faith in You alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

Piecing It All Together CD by Micca Campbell

Pre-Order your copy of Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl
by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Micca's blog for step by steps instructions on how to maintain your relationship with God.  Make sure to check out her other resources here!

Application Steps: 

Cultivate your relationship with God through daily prayer; join a Bible Study; fellowship with other believers; walk in obedience to God's Word. Finally, trust God to produce in you the fruit of His character found in Galatians 5:22.

Reflections: 

Ask yourself, "Why am I doing what I'm doing and who am I doing it for?"

Are you trying to win God's approval or impress others with your works?

Power Verses: 

1 Timothy 1:19, "Holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." (NIV)

Jeremiah 17:7, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." (NIV)

2009 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

August 6, 2009

Still a Pretty Good Day

Lysa TerKeurst

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Devotion:

Several months back, my daughter Ashley had a gymnastics meet that didn't go so well.  She fell on almost every event.  She scored well below her expectations and I thought there would be lots of tears at the awards ceremony.  But, much to my surprise, she bounced up to me and exclaimed, "Mom, did you see I landed my vault on my feet.  That's a good thing about today." 

She then flitted off with her teammates to get ice cream.  One of the other moms grabbed my arm and complimented Ashley's good attitude.  Though I did feel sad for Ashley - after all she had worked so hard to prepare for this meet, my heart still swelled with joy.  That compliment meant more than seeing my daughter with a neck full of gold medals.  Do I want Ashley to win?  Yes, of course.  But seeing a good attitude displayed in the face of adversity - well that's simply priceless.                                                                 

Ashley's outlook challenged me.  How many times do I have something bad happen in my day and it just seems to turn my whole attitude south?  Instead of just resigning myself to being emotional or sensitive, I've decided to see this as a call to action.  I've started making the choice to say a simple statement that often diverts a bad attitude.  And the statement is this, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it's still a pretty good day."

Boy does this statement put things into perspective.  I guess it's an everyday way to do a little heart check up.  The Bible tells us that we should intentionally make our minds think of things that are good, true, excellent, and praiseworthy.  The more I think about things like these, the more my perspective seems to stay in check.  In Colossians 3:15 we are instructed to, "Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts... and be thankful."  Verse 16 goes on to say that we should also, "Let the word of God dwell in us richly..."  Finally, verse 17 says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."

Letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and letting the Word of God dwell in us richly doesn't just happen naturally.  We have to intentionally make those choices.  And we have to challenge ourselves to deal with the bad while focusing on all the good that is there as well.

So, what aggravation or disappointment are you facing today?  If that's the worst thing that happens - I bet you could say it's still a pretty good day too.

Dear Lord, help me to put daily aggravations into proper perspective. Give me the wisdom to choose to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart.  And give me a hunger to get into Your word and let Your word get into me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

*Be one of the first to receive Lysa's new book! Pre-order her newest release: Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl.

Visit Lysa on her blog and click here for more of her resources.

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps: 

Click over to Lysa's blog  to post a comment about how you will choose to see the good rather than focus on the bad in your day today.  Each time something aggravates you, make the choice to say, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it's still a pretty good day."

Reflections: 

Are there some areas that are consistently tripping up your attitude?  Find some verses that you can memorize to help redirect your outlook when negativity starts to creep into your heart.  Intentionally recall things you are thankful for and focus on praising God for those circumstances.

Power Verses:

Philippians 4:4-5, "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all..." (NIV)

Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV)

Colossians 3:15-17, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (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]

August 7, 2009

Learning to Give

Curt and Marybeth Whalen

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

Marybeth and I are going to admit something that you don't usually hear in Christian circles.  For most of our marriage, we haven't tithed regularly.  Even though we both grew up in church, heard all the sermons about tithing, and knew what the Bible had to say about money. We had all the head knowledge any one person would need.

We just never participated.

When we decided to become debt free, part of our process was to recognize our need to surrender. We surrendered our mistakes, our marriage, and our money to God. We humbled ourselves, confessed our pride, and asked Him for help. Surrendering control of our money was a hard but important step to take, and we knew that regularly giving an offering to God was part of the equation.

During this time, Marybeth and I finally admitted out loud what we had always been convicted of in our hearts. When it came down to it, we didn't trust that our Heavenly Father was really going to take care of us. Giving, we've learned, is an expression of love and worship, but our fear outweighed our love.

Even so, we were determined to start.  It wasn't easy. We argued with God about giving Him money that He didn't really need when we could have used that money to pay off our creditors. Little by little, we began giving to our church.  At the time, it wasn't a full 10% of my paycheck, but it was something, and we began to develop the habit of giving on a regular basis.  We began to understand that giving God 10% of our income, or tithing, has nothing to do with whether we need the money to pay bills, whether it's an old covenant command that Jesus changed (as some suggest), something we do out of guilt, or something that will bring us unlimited financial blessings.

It's much simpler then any of those things. 

Giving God our tithe is an expression of love. We give God the first of what shows up in our checking account to acknowledge that He loved us first. We worship Him with our gift because God gave us the ultimate gift: His life, dying a brutal death on a cross to save us from the horrors and consequences of sin.   We, like God who sacrificed His Son, give to demonstrate love. 

When we began consistently giving it was hard, painful, and even scary to develop the habit. But year after year, month after month, we stayed committed. And now, I can tell you that nothing is more meaningful to us than to write God that tithe check.   

My encouragement to you if you don't currently give is to simply begin. Don't be overwhelmed with what you don't do, should do, or have to do.  Just start small. Take something to church this Sunday and experience the joy of worshiping God with your money. Challenge yourself to be consistent and to increase what you give. Ask God for help and share the joy of giving with your children. Pray over your gift before you leave for church, sharing with your kids your "thanks" for the many blessings that God has filled your life with -- the roof over your head, the clothes on your back, the food on your table, and His love in your hearts.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, I pray that You would transform me into someone who demonstrates love with the gift of my money, my time, and my talents. Please teach me what it means to be a cheerful giver.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

A Life That Says Welcome, Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others by Karen Ehman
Learning to Live Financially Free Marybeth and Curt Whalen

Visit the Whalens' financial blog and click here for more resources by the Whalens

Application Steps: 

Determine to give this Sunday at church or write a check to an organization you have been blessed by. Don't get hung up on the amount. Just give in response to what God has given to you. Then build from there. Pray that God would unleash a spirit of giving within your family.

Reflections: 

Do you trust God to provide for you and your family, even when you give money that you feel you should keep "just in case"? How has this viewpoint affected your ability to give with joy in the past? How can you begin to give out of joy instead of guilt and obligation?

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 8:7, "But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving." (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]

August 10, 2009

One Good Reason

Lisa Whittle, She Seeks Coordinator

"Live well, live wisely, live humbly.  It's the way you live,

not the way you talk, that counts." James 3:13 (MSG)

Devotion:           `

It all started with a girl named Debbie.

Debbie was about 18 when she attended my family's local Baptist church.  I was 8 and entering an awkward stage.  She was brunette and beautiful.  All the boys wanted to date her, and all the girls wanted to be her.  I just wanted her hair.

Debbie successfully got her hair to form glorious, sweeping cowlicks in the front, with perfection matched only by 70's singers on album covers.   I admired it from afar, coveting its style.   I bugged my mom so bad about wanting it, she finally decided to pick up the phone and ask Debbie how she did it.  Seems a little Aqua Net and the blast of a hairdryer did the trick.  At least for Debbie.

You may be interested to know that I never did achieve the style of my hair-icon Debbie.  Apparently Debbie did not have fine hair such as mine.  But boy did she give me a good reason to spray, tease and blow-dry my little heart out trying.  She wore her hair so beautifully that I believed I would look just as beautiful if I had her style.

This silly childhood example reminds me of the very real influence we have on each other.  Even as adults we see another woman's fashion style and we try to copy it.  We watch another woman's success, and we try to match it.  We want what others have...try to be what others are...and believe that we will be more and live better if we can only become like someone else.

The truth is, even though I want to be a trendsetter, an individualist, a unique woman with a mind of my own, I have to admit I am just as impressionable as the next person.  Let's face it, no matter our age, we influence and are influenced by each other.

As ironic as this may sound, the thought of how impressionable we are gives me great hope as to how we can help other women find Jesus.  I Corinthians 11:1 talks about the type of influence we can have on one another -- a way of living that comes from within and attracts those around us to want what we have. "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ," speaks directly to this type of Godly influence. 

It's about wearing Christ with the authentic beauty of a heart that's been changed, giving other women a reason to want what we have.  To look like we look.  To live like we live.  To be what we are.  Make no mistake, our hurting girlfriends are looking for one good reason to change their lives.  The reality is that our lives may be the only reason they find to seek out something different than what they have known.  It's a beautiful, important responsibility.

May we always remember that our mission in life is not one of perfect hair or worldly achievement, but of living and breathing the message of Jesus Christ by our words, our actions, and most importantly, our life.  May we embrace the privilege of imitating Christ, so that our girlfriends and others we have influence over will see something in us that they want desperately to have.   May we wear Him well so His beauty is fully and completely represented.  For the influence we have through Him will last much longer than a fashion fad...a social trend...or even, a coveted hairstyle like Debbie's. 

Let's have what they want, and show them how to get it. 

Jesus, You are the reason to love, to live and to breathe. You alone make the journey possible.  May we remember that we represent You always, and help us understand how to do that in such a way that it will lead others to a saving relationship with You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit our new She Seeks site, P31's exciting new ministry for women 18-29!

Behind Those Eyes: What's Really Going on Inside the Souls of Women by Lisa Whittle

Finding a Mentor, Being a Mentor by Donna Otto

Becoming a Woman of Influence Message on CD by Marybeth Whalen

Application Steps: 

Remember - why your life with Jesus is better than your life was without Him.

Pray - for a passion to represent Christ and draw others to Him.

Live - authentically, genuinely, and purposefully.   

Reflections: 

How often do you think about how you represent Christ in daily living? 

Do you care enough about the hurts and needs of others to offer them a solution through a relationship with Jesus Christ?

Is something hindering your ability to be the influence for Christ you want and need to be?  If so, why and how can you change that?

Power Verse:

Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your good deed shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (NLT)

© 2009 by Lisa Whittle . All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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[Judy Harder]

August 11, 2009

Choosing God's Plans

Tracie Miles

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)   

Devotion:

Several years ago, I was sitting in a management meeting, when my manager suggested we kick off the meeting by allowing each person the opportunity to say what they felt was their most important contribution to the company.   

One by one, each person spoke, stating things like, "to decrease overall expenses"; "to lower headcount"; etc.  When my turn came, my heart fluttered, and I felt compelled to share that I felt my primary purpose was to counsel employees, encourage them, and help them work through personal or work related issues.  You could have heard a pin drop in that room, as everyone stared at me with blank faces.

You see, the months leading up to this meeting, there had been a lot of issues going on in the company.  There were office politics, power struggles, lofty egos, and people had been hurt. 

As a result of my position, people would often come to me for guidance. God had been leading unexpected people into my office for weeks and opened the door for me to minister to believers and non-believers with the love of Christ. He'd also given me the desire and courage to be a light for Him, in an environment that didn't operate under Christian principles.  He had ordained opportunities for me to share how Jesus gives true peace and acceptance, even when people and politics cause pain and disappointment.

My supervisor was not a believer, so he didn't appreciate my answer to his question.  He wanted to hear how I was going to streamline procedures and improve his department, not what was on my heart, and as a result, our relationship went downhill from there.

A year or so later, I resigned from that position.  The atmosphere had simply become too difficult, but more importantly, I knew God had been nudging me to make a change. I felt called to serve in ministry and to be a stay at home mom. All that time, I had been walking in disobedience. 

When I resigned, it felt like a sacrifice. However, I quickly discovered that God's plan was so much better than mine.  I realized that I had been unable to understand His plan, until I was willing to lay aside my own, and that I had to choose Him, before He could show me His will for my life. Had I simply said what I knew my boss wanted to hear in that meeting, I might still be working there, climbing the corporate ladder, and striving to reach my career goals.

But God had been working on my heart for years, preparing me for that moment.  He had gradually shifted my desires to building His kingdom, more so than building my resume.  He had inspired me to see the hearts of the people in my office, not just the problems in the people.  And He had helped me to see that lasting success and happiness could be found in Him alone, not through my own accomplishments.

Was making that change easy? Or course not. Did I have to make difficult sacrifices? Most definitely.  But was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! 

Regardless of where you work, you can make a spiritual difference in people's lives. Whether you work in corporate offices or a Christian ministry, when facing a difficult choice, you can trust that God has prepared and equipped you for such a time as this. 

Pray for strength to stand up for God's truth, even against all odds, and ask Him to lead you in your decisions.

Choosing Christ's plans, over our own plans, will always result in more peace or blessing than we could never imagine.

Dear Lord, it is not always easy to stand up for you in the face of opposition, or to make choices that seem outside of our understanding.  I seek your guidance, and your divine wisdom and discernment regarding the decisions in my life. I do desire to do your will.  Thank you for never leaving me. Please help me to be strong in You, and for you.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Tracie Miles' blog

Reinventing Your Rainbow by Tracie Miles

What Happens When Woman Walk in Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

Consider a hard decision that God has been calling you to make, and pray for His wisdom.

Write down the steps you can take to begin working towards a goal that God has placed in your heart.

Reflections: 

Is God calling me to make a change or a decision that requires sacrifice? 

Do I trust that God ordains all things?

Power Verses:

1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." (NIV)

© 2008 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]

August 12, 2009

I Picked Up a Runaway

Holly Good, She Speaks! Graduate

"My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place." Jeremiah 50:6 (NIV)

Devotion:

I picked up a young runaway a few months ago.

She was dirty, wore baggy sweat pants and a yellow sweatshirt, and had muddy feet. I was stopped at an intersection when she sauntered across the street right in front of my car.

I continued on when the light turned green.

But I could not get those bare feet out of my mind. Those muddy, bare feet.

Why was this young girl walking across a busy intersection with no shoes on in the middle of a school day? About a mile down the road I felt the Lord encouraging me to turn around and go find that girl with the bare feet.

It was a gentle, but direct nudge I could not refuse.

I found her several minutes later outside a convenience store with a cup of water in her hand. I pulled up, rolled down my window and said, "Hey, what's going on with you?"

With little emotion she replied, "Oh nothing."

"Well...what are you doing? Can I take you home?" I offered.

"You can take me to my friend's house," she answered.

"I'd rather take you home," I said. "Where do you live?"

"Well, I'm running away from home, so you can't take me there," she said.

"Oh. Well, I would like to. Where do you live?" I asked again.

She eventually complied and trustingly got in my car. (And, oh how my heart was pounding!)

My new friend Sarah was only in 8th grade, skipping school and leaving home because she got into an argument about friends with her parents. She had been gone for two days. The previous night she had slept outside.

I prayed for just the right words to come from my mouth with my fragile but captive audience of one, on that short 18-minute ride to her house.

As I dropped Sarah off at her home, I prayed that the Lord would take over from there. I drove off and felt a peace in what He had led me to do that day.

It just so happened that a minor traffic accident had occurred around the corner as I was leaving. So I pulled over and told one of the officer's about Sarah, hoping they could also help her in some way.

Find her. Stop her. Detain her. Guide her. Protect her. Save her.

As I pray for my runaway friend each day, I realize that she is not much different from you and me. From a place we have journeyed or perhaps a place we are in right now.

Most of us have found ourselves running away at some point in our lives. Running from someone or something. Looking to escape.

Running, yet desperately hoping to be found.

She is lonely. She is angry. She feels betrayed. She feels misunderstood. She feels unloved. She is searching. She is confused. She is bitter. She wants to rest.

Oh my friend, I pray that you will have eyes to see, ears to hear and a place to finally find rest. For you are loved.

You are loved indeed.

Seek Him right now.
           
Dear Lord, thank You for loving me today and every day. I am grateful that You bigger than all of my problems. Give me the courage and the wisdom to seek You today, regardless of my circumstances. I want to be found by You Lord. And give me a heart to be able to see and help others near me in need. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog today to hear more from Holly.

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

The Wonder of His Love: A Journey into the Heart of God by Nancy Stafford

Application Steps: 

Please read Luke 15:11-32. Focus on the father's actions and reactions and journal your thoughts. What does this story teach you about God's love for you?

Pray that you will have eyes to see that God's love is constant, patient and welcoming.

Reflections: 

Am I running from something today? Spiritually, physically or emotionally?

How can I seek Him more today?

Read Psalm 71:20-21. Record these verses on a 3x5 card. Do you know someone you could give these verses to as an encouragement?

Power Verses:

Jeremiah 29:14, "'I will be found by you,' declares the Lord, 'and will bring you back from captivity...'" (NIV) 

Luke 15:32, "But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and his found." (NIV)

Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (NIV)

© 2009 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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[Judy Harder]

August 13, 2009

Distorted Vision

By T. Suzanne Eller

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

Devotion:

My husband went back to school three years ago. It's been an adventure! We sold our home to lessen our debt load. We moved to a new city, buying a smaller home closer to the university. I worked full-time as a freelance writer the first two years while he attended school full time. Our budget was minimized to the essentials, like food and shelter and tuition! There were many times I was reminded of what we could or could not have, like when I was shopping with a friend who dropped cold hard cash on a purse or shoes, or was invited to join friends at a special restaurant. The money for those things was not in the budget--or the bank!

Have you ever wished for something you couldn't have? We all have at one time or another, but what happens when it's something you really can't have. Like being model tall instead of average height, or a different nose or longer legs, or the pounds to be distributed differently (a little more in the bust and little less in the stomach, please!). Maybe it's not your body, but your house, your wardrobe, or the car you drive. If only you had ten times more money, then you'd have all you want!

What's wrong with wishing for what you can't have?

It can distort your vision as you become fixated on what you don't have, and fail to see what you do have. It can get scary and mess with your health or your relationships as you pursue quick fixes. At some point it can even become an obsession.

Right now Richard and I can't jet to Hawaii (or even New Jersey), but watching my husband walk across the stage to receive his degree was priceless. Out of the view of the public he did a dance and his joy was contagious. The sacrifices haven't ended for us. He's started over in his career at an age most are settling into success. He's pursuing his Master's degree at night. We continue to pay tuition and live on a tight budget. And yet I feel rich with contentment. 

How do you avoid distorted vision? The first step is to change your focus. You may not be model tall, but are you healthy? Do you have a circle of friends, or a caring church? Did your child wrap her arms around your neck this morning? Has a friend walked with you through a difficult time? Has the presence of God wrapped around you in your quiet time? 

The next step is to focus on others. Something happens when you take the time and energy and thought life previously devoted to your thighs or that beautiful house on the other side of town. You begin to see the needs of others. You find joy in generosity to others. You become others-centered.

Contentment becomes like a new set of contacts or binoculars. Our world expands as we see beyond ourselves and invite God into the picture. It becomes a spiritual act of grace, a work of God in our hearts as we give it all to Him.

Dear Father, Today I will not grumble. I will not compare myself to others. I will praise You for the blessings all around me, and Your song of praise will be the words of my mouth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Woman I Am Becoming: Embracing the Chase for Identity, Faith, and Destiny by T. Suzanne Eller

God's Purpose for Every Woman by various P31 authors, Gen Editors: Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olson

Visit Suzie's blog

Application Steps: 

Define what contentment is not:

It is not complacency -- it's not saying "that's all I'll ever do or be"
It is not self-righteousness -- it doesn't come from your own efforts
It is not repression -- it is not staying in abuse, hunger, or harm's way

Define what it is:

It is sufficient -- pray that God will give you joy to fill the empty places
It is enough -- it is a work within that opens your heart and eyes
It is to be full -- it reveals your true blessings

Reflections: 

Are you willing to trade discontentment for contentment?

Start today by making a list of what truly makes you "rich" in Christ.

Power Verses:

Psalm 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
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