Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

August 14, 2009

Bringing Out the Best in Our Children

Glynnis Whitwer

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

I threw up my hands in despair, and sighed with a dramatic and disgusted exhale of breath.  At that moment, all five of my children were the focus of my frustration.   I was tired of correcting the same behaviors, the same tones of voices, and the same irresponsibility from the same children.  It had not been a good day, and I told them so --individually and collectively -- in not-so-nice terms.

The lecture ended and they all went their own way, as upset and annoyed as me.  Instead of changing their behaviors and attitudes, the negativity went underground.  We were like a simmering pot, ready to blow its lid.  My angry response only exacerbated the problem, not helped it.  What I wanted was for them to get along, speak kindly to each other and do their chores respectfully.  What I got was more of the same.

As I returned to my own chores, I realized how ineffective my tirade had been in achieving my true goals.  While I got them to stop bickering momentarily, I hadn't really made an impact on their hearts.  In fact, I'd done more harm than good by not modeling gentle and respectful words.  The rest of the day confirmed the truth: I'd not brought out the best in my children. I just stamped down the bad for a while. 
                                                                                                                                                                       
My children are not so different from me.  I know how I feel when someone speaks in an angry tone to me.  It certainly doesn't spur me on to show kindness to them.  In fact, I tend to take my frustration out on someone else.  That's just what happened in my family that day.  We had a domino effect of irritation. 

In Hebrews 10, verse 24, the Bible encourages us to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds."  In my experience personally and with my children, showing love and good deeds spurs others on to show more love and good deeds.  The Bible also tells us that we reap in greater measure than what we sow (Hosea 8:7).  Which means love multiplies more love, and kindness multiplies more kindness.

As a mom, I have an opportunity to bring out the best in my children.  But it consistently means I have to bring out the best in me.  I can't model impatient behavior and expect my kids to learn patience.  I can't model a self-focused lifestyle and expect my kids to learn how to serve others. Nor can I model an ultra-busy schedule and expect my kids to find time for God in theirs. Spurring my children on to greater love and good deeds means they need to learn it by watching and listening to me. 

Dear Lord, thank You for calling me to be the mother of my children.  I confess that at times I fall far short of where I want to be in this area of my life.  I know I can't do this high calling of motherhood without Your Spirit within me.  Help me to submit my selfish will to Your perfect way.  Thank You for loving me and seeing my potential to grow and change. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Glynnis's blog

She's Gonna Blow! Real Help For Dealing With Mom Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement

Application Steps: 

Identify one area of your personality that hinders you from spurring others on to love and/or good deeds.  Commit to submitting that area of your life to God for the next seven days. 

Reflections: 

Think about how someone has spurred you on to love in greater measure.  How did they do that?

What are some ways your family can do "good deeds" for those around you?  Make a list together and commit to doing one or two a month.

Power Verses:

Romans 12:10, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." (TNIV)

Galatians 6:8, "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."  (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 17, 2009

Getting Ready for Tomorrow

Wendy Pope

"Then Joshua told the people, "Purify yourselves for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you," Joshua 3:5 (NLT)

Devotion:

Last year the Lord whispered to my heart to stop watching a certain television show.  This show came on once week in the evening.  It was not anti-God, but let's just say it did not promote healthy family and personal values, nor did its' writers use the Word of God as a basis for the show's content. 

I would love to say I obeyed the Lord with a glad heart and immediately did as He asked, fully confident that He had my best interest in mind.  I wish I could say that but I can't. I believed I had the right to challenge the Lord on His request.  Can you imagine my nerve? 

I remember huffing and puffing like the wolf when he tried to blow down the little pigs' house.  I wanted to watch my show and could not understand what I was doing wrong for the Lord to discipline me in such a way.  I argued, "My watching this show is not causing anyone to stumble in their walk with the Lord."  I was not influencing anyone else to watch, in fact my family was all in bed.  It was my time.  Time set aside each week for just me.  What possible reason could the Lord have for asking to do this? 

Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I realized the audacity of my attitude and understood my egoistical reasoning.  I thought since I had been obeying the Lord in other areas of life I had the "right" to negotiate His other instructions. I finally saw the fallacy of my arguments to the Lord but up until that point, I'd failed to see that I was the person I was causing to stumble and being wrongly influenced.

Shortly after my tantrum was over and I obeyed God, He introduced me to today's key verse.  He also used an incredible book to hammer in His point. His point being: God has something planned for tomorrow and He wants me to be ready for it.  In his book i am not but i know I AM, Louie Giglio suggests that we are "i am nots" playing supporting roles beside the star of the story, the great I AM.

Joshua told the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. God was going to do something amazing in His story the next day and He wanted them to be a part of it. But they needed to prepare for that. They needed to purify themselves.  Purify, or sanctify as it is written in the NKJ version, means to wash, to deal with your sin, and perhaps even make a sacrifice so that heart, body, mind, and soul are ready for the day.  I was not preparing for my role in God's Story by continuing to watch the TV show God asked me not watch.  I was ending my day in disobedience and separation from the Lord.  How could I be ready to take my supporting role beside Him the next day if I was not purified before Him?

Do you realize God wants to do amazing things among you each day?  Are we ready each morning to wake up and join the story of God?  In order to prepare ourselves for our supporting role in God's story we need follow His instructions -- meditate on the "book of instruction day and night" (Joshua 1:. Be ready my friend! He has a role only you can fulfill.   
                                                                                                                                                                     
Dear Lord, help me to know what I should and should not do as Your child.  Will You give me a desire to mediate on Your Word day and night?  I want to see You at work and join You, fulfilling the role You have for me.  Thank You for wanting me to participate in Your story. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

i am not but I know I AM: Welcome to the Story of God, by Louie Giglio

The Yes, No and Maybe of a Balanced Life -- audio CD by Wendy Pope

Visit Wendy's blog and view her other resources here

Application Steps: 

Personalize today's key verse and pray each night:  "Dear Lord, help me to be ready for tomorrow.  Show me the ways I need to purify and prepare myself for my role in Your story."  Read a few verses of Psalm 119 each night and listen to what He has to say.

Reflections: 

What if anything is the Lord asking me to do to purify myself for Him?

Do I mediate on the Word of God day and night?  If not, why?  If yes, how?

Power Verses:

Psalm 147:15, "He sends His command to the earth; His Word runs swiftly." (NIV)

Psalm 119:1, "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord." (NIV)

Psalm 119:11," I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." (NIV)

© 2009 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

August 28, 2009

Let the Rope Come to You

Pat Layton, She Speaks! Graduate

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

When I was very young, my dad taught my three sisters and me how to water-ski. You might imagine the amount of patience that took! We would go out in our family boat into the middle of the lake where one of us girls would jump into the water. Then we would each take our turn around the lake as many times as we could go without falling.

Once you fell, another sister was waiting to jump in and take your place. If I fell too soon, before I was ready to give my turn up, I would struggle with all of my might to grab the ski rope back and try getting up again before another sister jumped into the water to take my spot.

I remember gathering up all the 8-year-old strength I could muster to get to that rope back into my hands. I floundered and struggled in the water with all that gear attached to me - a life jacket that seemed the size of a small car and water skis that seemed a mile long. I would get exhausted trying to get to that rope in time not to lose my turn.

One day I remember my dad calling out, "Pat, just relax, lay back on your life jacket and I will bring the rope to you!" And he did. I would rest in the water and my dad would drive the boat slowly and carefully around me until the ski rope would just float right into my hands. No struggle, no fear of missing it, no one jumping in and taking my place.

After 22 years of women's ministry, I have often found myself or watched a sister in her struggle to grab something she was afraid she might loose. A ministry spot, a child, a husband, a friend.

Sometimes, we feel that if we don't struggle and strive, we will lose our "turn." That somehow, what God has called us to do, have or be, will be missed or that another "sister" might jump in and take our spot. When those times come in my life, I try to remember the words of my dad, "Pat, just let the rope come to you."

Maybe you can relate. Have you been struggling to make something happen in your life or to protect a position or opportunity that you are afraid you will miss if you don't strive for it?

Let's listen to the words of our Abba Father, let's just relax in the moment and trust God to "bring the rope to us." If it's His best for us, He will do just that.
                                                                                                                                                                   
Abba Father, thank You for reminding me that You have control of the boat in my life.  You will not let me miss my turn, Lord, when I'm following You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Jesus?

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: A 90-day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life by Donna Partow

A Love Worth Giving: Living in the Overflow of God's Love by Max Lucado
Application Steps: 

Write down each thing that is going on in your life that feels like a struggle to you. List the things you want to do that seem to be slipping away. List relationships not going the way you wanted. List dreams not coming to fruition. Write anything that creates a feeling of stress or struggle in your heart. Then read Jeremiah 29:11 and pray it over those situations.   

Reflections: 

Consider the things that you have written and ask yourself: Have I been in this spot before? How and when has God shown Himself faithful to complete something in my life without my having to do a single thing but reach out and take hold of it?

Power Verses:

Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV) 

© 2009 Pat Layton. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

August 31, 2009

Birds in My Mustard Tree

Susanne Scheppmann

  "He said to them, 'Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.'" Matthew 17:20 (AMP)

Devotion:

What are birds in a mustard tree? Let me see if I can explain.

My pomegranate bush resembles a Christmas tree decorated by the hand of God. Its branches hang heavy with crimson bulbs of fruit. It sways in the wind and I catch a whiff of the overripe fruit. Various sparrows and robins sit on the branches like "twelve partridges in a pear tree." I hear the high-pitched music of finches and hummingbirds beyond the lush fruit, deep within the branches. The birds on the outer limbs dance while the hidden birds sing a bird medley.

To me this pomegranate bush reflects in the physical world what happens in the spiritual world of faith. Our faith may be small and sometimes hidden, but it can make our souls sing. We find Jesus speaking about faith in our key verse, "He said to them, 'Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you'" Matthew 17:20 (AMP). He taught that even small faith could move a mountain.

But what are birds in a mustard tree? It's my phrase for recognizing God's response to my smallest faith and most doubt-filled prayers. The birds in my mustard tree are proof to me that God works as long as I have the tiniest bit of faith in His almighty power.

Author David Jeremiah wrote in My Heart's Desire:

"You may sometimes feel awkward and uncomfortable, and find yourself saying, 'Is this really true? I don't see anything in it. I don't hear God's voice. I don't feel His presence.' There are days like that for all of us. The pursuit of God has no shortcuts. You simply must keep walking, keep seeking, and keep yearning. Keep at it, and you won't be disappointed."

One example of mustard seed faith comes to mind as I think back to when my two sons were little boys. I began to pray for their future wives. So, I made a "shopping list" of prayers for daughters-in-law. My list included: godly, kind, sense of humor, good cooks, and fun families. Those prayers have been answered completely. I consider my "daughters-in-love" to be two of the most evident birds to result from my faith.

What would you list as evidences of your faith? 

If we combined our lists, we would be amazed at the variety of "birds" we would see. In the days and years ahead, we will see many more birds come to roost in our mustard trees of faith.

Even if my faith is as tiny as a mustard seed, God can bring about miraculous results. He can grow my faith so large that it can host a multitude of His wonderful deeds. I call these the "birds in my mustard tree."
                                                                                                                                                                   
Dear Lord, show me the variety of truths about faith. I ask today for You to reveal to me the unseen aspects of my faith. Grant me the knowledge, wisdom, and revelation to perceive the birds that rest in my mustard tree of faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement

Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

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

Visit Susanne's Blog and find other books by her here.

Application Steps: 

What actions can I take in response to this message?

Reflections: 

Do I consider my faith to be weak or strong or somewhere in between?

What would I declare as the fruit of my faith--the birds in my mustard tree?

Power Verses:

Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)

Romans 10:17, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (NIV)

Acts 3:16, "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." (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]

September 1, 2009

He Speaks - Part I

Amy Carroll

"She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 

'...only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" Luke 10:39, 42 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

I remember driving down the road with my verbose 3-year-old son riding in the back seat.  He had been talking for quite some time, and this listener was getting tired.  I broke into his monologue with a suggestion.  "Anson, sweetheart, why don't you take a breath and rest a while?"  With only a pause for my words, he blurted out, "But Mommy, I don't like to breathe.  I like to talk..." and he continued his stream of speech.  I sighed, chuckled and resumed listening.

Years later, that scene came back to my mind after a dinner with my friend Maggie.  I had been listening to Maggie talk excitedly about the work God was doing in her life.  She was a new believer, and she was experiencing the transformation of her life with wide-eyed wonder.  Everything about her new relationship with God was fascinating and fresh.  She emanated joy.

Although I was enjoying Maggie's passion, I started to wonder, "Where did my joy go?"  I too could think of times when I had been consumed by watching and participating in the awesome work of God.  I remembered mountain top experiences when I felt full of passion, fire and overwhelming joy.  Yet here I was in the midst of one of the greatest times of kingdom building that I had ever experienced, and I felt empty, depleted and downright exhausted.  "How did I get to this place?"  I wondered to myself.  I was teaching Sunday school, speaking and writing with regularity.  God had opened doors wide for ministry, but my batteries were running low.

At the end of dinner, Maggie and I exchanged prayer requests.  She gave me a few, and then it was my turn.  I struggled internally with how real I could be.  Maggie was a new Christian.  Surely I would discourage her if I confessed a lack of joy and passion.  God's still voice urged me to be transparent, though, and I found myself pouring out my heart in frustration.  "I'm in God's Word every day as I prepare to teach," I explained to Maggie.  "I'm always praying for the events and women where I'm going, but I feel wrung out and joyless.  Please pray for me."

My sweet, wise friend looked compassionately at me for a minute before she asked an essential question, "When was the last time that you spent time reading the Bible and praying when you weren't preparing for something?  How long has it been since you just spent time with God to enjoy Him?"

She had seen through all the spiritual rhetoric right to the source of the problem.  Like my young son, I had been so busy talking to God--preparing, studying, delving, interceding, teaching, speaking--that I hadn't taken time to breathe in a deep breath of His Spirit.  I hadn't taken time to worship God for who He is, to meditate on a juicy piece of His Word or to bask in His presence.  In my drive to do all for an audience of One, I had forgotten to slow down and take time with the One I love.

Every day God reaches out to us with an incredible offer to spend time with our Creator and the Lover of our soul.  Through prayer, Bible study and silence He faithfully fills us with His riches.  We can walk away from time with Him full instead of empty; hopeful instead of despairing; peaceful instead of tumultuous. 

After my discussion with Maggie, I chose to set time aside to just commune with God.  Preparation time was separate.  God is faithful!  Joy returned and my passion was stoked.  Join me now...one...two...three...breathe deep!
                                                                                                                                                                         
Dear Lord, still my heart. Silence my voice.  Open my ears and eyes.  Help me to breathe in a deep breath of your Spirit.  Only You are sufficient to fill me, and I long to find fullness in You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Come Along: The Journey into a More Intimate Faith by Jane Rubietta

10 Minutes a Day with Jesus: Growing in Your Love for the Savior by Jim Reapsome
Visit Amy's blog

Application Steps: 

Make a daily appointment with God. He will meet you there!

Reflections: 

Do I see my time with God as one thing on my checklist or a pleasure?

How can I use time with God to know Him better?

Power Verses:

Psalm 84 1-2, 10, "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.  My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." (NIV) 

© 2009 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

September 2, 2009

He Speaks--Part II

Amy Carroll

"I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."

Psalm 119: 16 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

In the Westminster Shorter Catechism, this life defining question is asked, "What is the chief end of man?"  The answer is simple yet profound.  It says, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever."  One way we can bring Him great glory is by using our gifts and fulfilling our calling - by serving. It's too easy to fall short, though, by forgetting the second part of our chief duty.  We are called not only to work for Him, but to enjoy Him.

John Piper takes this thought a step further in his philosophy of "Christian hedonism."  Piper summarizes the idea this way, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  Christians aren't to pursue pleasure as its own end, but we are to pursue with all our might the pleasure of knowing God.  When our need for pleasure is satisfied by Him, only then are we able to bring God the glory He deserves.

One way God has been developing my ability to know and enjoy Him lately is through deeper Bible study.  Too many years I'd race through passages without taking time to reflect and digest.  I'd like to share a method that has helped me gain greater understanding and has given me more personal application than my past methods of study. I picked up this tool at an Anne Graham Lotz crusade, but it is also used by Bible Study Fellowship. It's very simple and contains just three questions that I write at the top of three columns on a page.

What does it say?

The rule of thumb is to begin by looking at exactly what God says in the passage without our own interpretation. Act like a reporter in this section, and just write the facts and major details.  This includes answers to the "w"s (who, what, when, where).  Write each fact in a brief summary sentence. Do not paraphrase, but use significant words straight from scripture. (i.e. holiness, redeemed).  Underline repeated words or phrases.  Important things start to jump out.

What does it mean?

The next step is to find the lesson in the passage. Ask yourself the question, "What are the spiritual truths or principles in this verse?"  The Bible is meant to be interpreted as a whole, so sometimes single verses are confusing or seem contradictory. If that happens, look at the verse in the context of the whole chapter or entire book.   If I'm still unsure, I also read several commentaries to make sure I'm avoiding error.


This is a great acronym to look for spiritual truths:
S--Is there a sin to confess?
P--Is there a promise to keep?
A--Is there an action to take?
C--Is there a command I need to heed?
E--Is there an example to follow or to avoid?

How do I apply this?

The final step is applying God's Word to your own life. This is where something very exciting happens. If you are studying with a group, the group's first column would be very close to identical. The second column might vary a little, but many would come to the same conclusions. On the application column, though, every member of the group might have a different application. That's God speaking directly and personally to you!

Ask yourself, "How will I act on this lesson?"  Create open-ended questions for yourself.  For example, "How can I become a man or woman after God's own heart like David?"  or "In what area do I need to cry out to You like Hannah?"  Finally, take time to pray and listen. Write a response to each question that is an action to take in your own life.

My notebooks with 3 handwritten columns headed by these questions may look messy and elementary to others, but they have led me to a deeper knowledge and more joyous walk with God.  He still speaks, and He is just waiting for you and me to listen.
                                                                                                                                                                     
Dear Lord, Your Word is a lamp to my feet. Please place within my heart a deep desire to know Your Word and the self-discipline to carry through.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Pierced By the Word: 31 Meditations for Your Soul by John Piper

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Visit Amy's blog

Application Steps: 

Pray about what scripture with which to practice this method and try it.

Reflections: 

How do my perceptions of God's Word change when I start with His words and thoughts instead of my own?

How might my life change as I start to apply His Word in my everyday life?

Power Verses:

Psalm 119 12-15, "Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.  With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.  I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways."  (NIV) 

© 2009 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

September 3, 2009

Great Sermons are Not Preached, They're Lived

Lysa TerKeurst

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13 (NIV)
         
Devotion:

What if someone followed me around with a video camera all day documenting my every move?  Catching on camera all of my words, facial expressions, actions, and reactions.  And then what if someone packaged it all together and played it on some sort of reality TV show for all the world to see?  What would be the glaring message of my life? 

I am convicted thinking about this.

You see, if someone were to ask me, what are you all about? I would have some nice sounding answers.  But what actually happens during the strains of everyday life can sometimes betray my best intentions.

I want to be a loving wife.  Yet I can sometimes be found in a grumpy, selfish mood and view my husband as a business partner that better hold up his end of helping out.

I want to be a wise and patient mom.  But my kids know the exact buttons to push that send me into a tailspin of emotion and exhaustion.

I want to be a strong witness for Christ.  So why is it that I can read my Bible first thing in the morning and then find myself honking at the person that cuts me off in traffic just an hour later?

I realize there is a place for God's tender mercies for me in all this.  But I also know that while no TV cameras are following me around, my life is speaking a message about what I really believe and I want that message to honor Jesus.  I once heard, "Great sermons are not preached, they are lived."  Oh how I long to live a message that speaks loud and clear, "Jesus is true and the principles found in His teachings work!"

Let's just be honest, it's tough being a sold out soul for Christ stuck in a body that is so tempted to sin.  That's why it's essential I view my time with God each morning as a preparation and an invitation. 

Preparation:  Every verse, devotion and prayer is all part of God's preparation for me that day.  Instead of just rushing to check off my to do list that I spent a few minutes with God, I must allow His teachings to seep into my heart and mind.  Then I must ask God to interrupt my natural flesh response and remind me throughout the day the truths He taught me that morning.  That's the preparation part.

Invitation:  The next essential view of my quiet time each morning is recognizing I've just invited Jesus to do life with me today, so I need to look for His activity throughout my day.  My minute by minute theme then becomes, "Not my will God, but Yours be done."  So if my husband forgets to do something he promised, or my kids push my buttons, or a person cuts me off in traffic, or one of the other one million things happens that causes my flesh to want to rear up and act ugly... I can say, "Not my will God, but Yours be done."  This slight pause and acknowledgement of God redirects my frustration and replaces it with grace.  And most wonderful of all, it helps me connect my time with Jesus to everyday life choices.  Making that connection is how we personally hear from and experience God!

I know, sometimes it's hard to spend time with Jesus first thing in the morning.  And I'm certainly not trying to make this just another demand on our time.  But, why not spend just a few minutes... even if it is just a few... letting Jesus prepare us for whatever we'll be facing that day and invite Him to intervene before our natural reactions to things betray our best intentions.  Then and only then will my life speak to the fact that I have spent time with Jesus... and without saying a word, my imperfect life will be a God-honoring sermon.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, please teach me how to reveal more and more of You through the way I live my life.  I want to tell the whole world about You using words only when necessary. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to register to win a free CD of Lysa's new message, "The Most Powerful 2 Word Prayer."

This devotion was taken in part from Lysa's new book, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl." Order your copy today, by clicking here.

Do You Know Jesus?

Application Steps: 

Are you having a daily quiet time first thing in the morning?  Even if it is just for a few minutes, invest this time and you will see what a difference it can make.

If you need help getting started or you want fresh life breathed into your devotion time, Lysa's new book, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl" is the resource you've been looking for.  Click here to order your copy today.  Your order will help support Proverbs 31 Ministries in our efforts to keep sending out our free daily devotions.  Thank you!

Reflections: 

Who is someone today that might have the propensity to push your buttons?  What are some Bible verses that you could think on and pray through today to prepare your heart to respond with grace?

What is your typical response when something in life happens that frustrates you?  What is a more God honoring response?

Power Verses:

Hebrews 6:1, 3, "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity... and God permitting, we will do so."  (NIV) 

Romans 7:21-25a, "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!"  (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]

September 4, 2009
The Bigger Picture

T. Suzanne Eller

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."

James 5:7 (NIV)

Devotion:

I overheard a conversation while in an airport. I wanted to jump into the dialogue, but I had a plane to catch and more importantly, I would have to admit that I was eavesdropping, so I moved on. "He's just in it for the money," the man said while we waited in line at security. He named the author of a best-selling Christian book. "It's simplistic. Over-hyped. I can't believe it's sold so many copies." This conversation made me think about my daughter's best friend, Emily.

When I first met Emily she was a new believer. Occasionally our pastor would ask families to pray together. On those Sundays we opened our arms and Emily joined us. But as much as she loved the Ellers, it wasn't her family.

Her parents didn't understand her faith. Her older brother mocked her faith.

Emily went on mission trips. She was involved in youth group. She left for college and organized campus ministries, and even traveled to Africa to minister to children with AIDS. The longing for her family to love Jesus intensified, but from the outside looking in it appeared that her prayers were hitting the ceiling.

What Emily didn't know is that her brother was watching closely. His little sister's faith had grown and now she was a woman of faith.

One day he bought a book and read it straight through the night. Somewhere between dark and dawn Emily's Savior became his. In the next few months he led his fiancé to Christ. He shared his faith with his parents, and now that both of their children's lives had been changed, they too became believers.

That was four years ago. Recently Emily came home to visit her family, and they all came to church. I couldn't help but look back with excitement when I heard these words, "Could families gather together and pray?" Emily walked down the aisle. Her family wrapped her in their arms. It was a beautiful sight.

And the book that the man in the airport said was simplistic and overhyped? That was the very book that Emily's brother read that changed his life. It was an answer to a faithful girl's prayers.

What does this have to do with you and me? As a writer, every day I'm in my home-office wearing jeans and a T-shirt writing on a laptop, hoping that someone might actually hear the message. But I can't see the bigger picture. I don't know if the words are making a difference or not. All I know is that God called me to communicate a message and to be faithful to that call.

Maybe there are days that you struggle, too. Maybe all you hear are the negative comments like those of the man in the airport. But does that mean that nothing good is happening? Absolutely not!

When I think of Emily, I am encouraged to place my ministry in God's hands and allow Him to do the miracles while I type one word at a time.

Will you trust Him to do miracles with your faith and your work as well?

Dear Father, I don't always see the bigger picture, but You do. Today I place my discouragement and comments of others in Your hands. Thank You for wisdom, encouragement, and renewed joy as I trust You with the bigger picture. Amen.

Related Resources:

The Woman I'm Becoming: Embrace the Chase for Destiny, Faith, and Identity
by T. Suzanne Eller

Has God called you to speak or write for Him?  Find wisdom and encouragement in The Reason We Speak and For the Write Reason, Gen. Ed. Marybeth Whalen

Visit Suzie's blog where she interviews Emily and shares a giveaway of one of her books.  Also, check out her other resources here!

Application Steps: 

What is one act that someone did for you that changed your life?

Encourage them today by writing them a note or e-mail thanking them.

Reflections: 

When people encounter Jesus, no matter how they find Him, it changes their lives. Stay faithful as you spread the Word.

Power Verses:

Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 2:13, "And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers." (ESV)

© 2009 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org
`

[Judy Harder]

September 7, 2009

When Your Child is Afraid

Glynnis Whitwer

"'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.'"

Psalm 91:14 (NIV)

Devotion:

When I was a child, my sister and I would set out on our bikes early Saturday morning.  No helmet, cell phone, sunscreen or water bottle accompanied us.  We might be gone for hours without communicating with our mother.  Now as an adult, I wonder how I survived my childhood.

Those days are long gone for most children.  The carefree days of yesterday have been replaced by vigilant protection and numerous warnings.  Sadly, it seems our children have more to fear than we did 20 years ago.  If not more to fear, then at least we are more aware of the dangers facing children.   Consequently, many kids struggle with anxiety and fear.

There was a time when my youngest son Robbie struggled with fear.  Nothing traumatic happened to him as a young child.  It's just he has always been more sensitive than his siblings.  Perhaps having two older brothers, Robbie was incorporated into games or television shows slightly above his maturity level.  It's hard to pinpoint the reason for the fear, but when he was younger it manifested itself mostly at night.  Robbie consistently had trouble falling asleep, and then would awake with bad dreams.  It was a difficult cycle. 
         
Being a fear-inclined person myself, I knew no amount of my reassurances would really help Robbie.  And as he got older, Robbie knew my ability to protect him was limited.  So night after night, I was startled awake by a shake on the shoulder and whisper in my ear, "Mommy, I can't sleep."  I knew I had to do something to help Robbie rest easy, and for me to get some sleep. 

We did two things to help Robbie deal with the night fears.  The first was to personalize Psalm 91:14-16:

"'Because (Robbie) loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect (Robbie), for he acknowledges my name.  (Robbie) will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with (Robbie) in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy (Robbie) and show him my salvation.'"

I wrote it on a 3"x5" note card, which he kept by his bed.  Reading that Scripture at night reminded Robbie to place his trust in the One who could protect him in times of trouble. 

Second, we specifically prayed for God to protect Robbie from bad dreams.  This is a nightly habit we developed over 10 years ago, and continue to this day.  Every night I hold the hand of my now 14-year-old son, and pray the prayer I started praying so many years before.  We can both testify to God's amazing faithfulness to protect Robbie even in his dreams. 

The times I have struggled most with fear are the times I have placed my trust in someone or something other than God.  It is my prayer as a mother, that my children will learn at an early age there is One in whom they can trust, and who is ready and able at the breath of a prayer to intercede on their behalf.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness to answer my prayers.  I know only you are powerful enough to protect me and my children in every circumstance.  Please guide me and give me wisdom as I deal with fear in my own life, and in the lives of those I love.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

To learn more about how to help your children when they are hurting, check out Glynnis' newest book When Your Child is Hurting

Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppmann

Visit Glynnis' blog and other resources

Application Steps: 

Identify one thing you (or your child) are afraid of.   Can you identify in what or whom you have placed your trust, other than God?

Reflections: 

List some of the attributes of God that remind you of how powerful God is in the face of your fears (unchanging, all-knowing, etc.).

Why do we choose to trust in things other than God? 

When have you seen God's protection in a fearful situation?  How have you seen Him provide for your basic needs? 

Power Verses:

Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)

Psalm 34:4, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (KJB)

© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org`

[Judy Harder]

September 8, 2009

Invisible Miracles

Tracie Miles

"And my God will meet all of your needs

according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19 (NIV)

Devotion:

Recently, I "tempted fate."

I teetered on the brink of death, gazed at hundreds of feet upside down, and heard blood piercing screams from all sides. There were tears and fear in people's eyes, including my own.  I took a ride on a rollercoaster!

I was a good sport during our family outing at the theme park and rode several rollercoasters. But there was one in particular that made me think. It was called The Ricochet: an erratic ride where one would practically fall off the edge of the track just before abruptly (and painfully I might add) jerking back to safety.

Each time we neared the edge of the track my stomach sunk and quick thoughts popcorned: what if a chain broke? A gear jammed? A mechanism failed? And how close would I be to my demise if these happened?!

Teetering on the brink of death, praying nothing would break and I would be jerked back to safety even if it hurt, I wondered how many times God has protected me from danger, whether I realized it or not.

I thought back on my college years and question how I ever made it out alive. God was surely there protecting me when I made bad decisions and gave little thought to the consequences of some of my actions.

I thought about how fearful I was that I would never be able to have a baby, but remembered how my heart was overwhelmed as I drank in the glow of Christ's forgiveness and mercy shining through the big blue eyes of my first little girl.

I thought about my son who was born with premature lungs and could not draw his first breath, and how God protected him and helped him grow into an active little boy.

I thought about when my 18 month-old daughter fell through an attic in a two-story home, landing on the hard garage floor, miraculously escaping injury without even one broken bone in her tiny little body.

I thought about how each of my children are healthy and happy, and how God has protected us from illness or harm.

I thought about how my marriage is still thriving, despite the trend of divorce that plagues couples today.

I thought about the day I miraculously averted a major collision, a seemingly near-death tragic experience. A deep gash in the bumper of my car reminds me of how close death was, but how God pushed that truck away just far enough to miss us. A millimeter of movement, in a millisecond of time.

I cannot help but wonder... how many other times has God protected us when we were not aware? How many times have an army of angels surrounded me and my family with a cushion of protection? How often has God stepped in between me and danger and I didn't even know it?

A close call with death is a stark reminder of God's protection. When I see the gash in my bumper, I am reminded how He stood in the gap for us.  When I look at the precious faces of my children, I am reminded of God's mercy to allow me to have them; of the angels that caught my baby when she fell from the roof; and how God breathed breath into my son's newborn lungs when he couldn't take one on his own.

I am reminded to thank Him for His goodness and protection, even during times I didn't realize His presence. I am reminded to consider the invisible Savior that is always walking closely beside me.

Be on the lookout for the invisible activity of God in your life, and don't take anything for granted. 

Dear Lord, thank You for who You are, and for protecting me and loving me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

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

Visit Tracie's blog and resource page

Application Steps: 

Think back on the little miracles God has done in your life and thank Him.

Reflections: 

In what ways has God provided for and protected me and my family?

Have I given Him credit for all He has done for me?

Power Verses:

Psalm 32:7, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." (NIV)

Psalm 40:11, "Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me." (NIV)

© 2009 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
`