Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

June 1, 2010

Even This

Marybeth Whalen

  "So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." Genesis 50:21 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

I hung up the phone, still not believing what I had just heard. My husband, our main income earner, the provider for our family of eight, had just lost his job. I felt numb. I felt sad. I felt angry at his employer.

But by later that afternoon, all of those feelings were melting away and being replaced by one feeling: peace.

In the months that have followed, we have seen God at work. We have felt His presence. We have learned to trust more and pray harder. And we have felt that abiding peace in the midst of uncertain circumstances. We have practiced true childlike faith in that we don't know what's coming next, and yet, we simply trust. Our faith has been shaken but not broken. We have come to a new level in our marriage and in our own individual walks.

As we have faced this trial of being jobless in a bad economy with six little faces looking at us for provision, we have learned what it means to not worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). We have learned to say "We have everything we need for today" and leave it at that. We can't predict or control the future, yet we know with certainty that God has already been there, reaching where we can not go and making the rough places smooth, just like He promises in His word (Isaiah 42:16). God has used this job loss to make Himself more real and reachable to us than He was before.

Is it odd to say that this job loss has been a blessing? A pathway to a new place we could never have reached if things had stayed the way they were? God uses everything in our lives to draw us closer to Him. Even the bad stuff. Even the stuff we never would choose. Even the trials that shake us, that leave us different than before.

In my novel, The Mailbox, the main character Lindsey finds that God used some unexpected circumstances in her life to bring her to a place she would never have imagined. She learns that she can even be grateful for the heartache and welcome the paths that looked like wandering. These paths weren't on her map, but they were on God's. She can see His fingerprints on every wrong turn, every tear, every setback. And in the center of all of that, she can see the grace and mercy that were extended to her time after time. She sees a loving Father who can take our scraps and make a beautiful garment.

Throughout this trial, my prayer has been for God to take even this and use it for His glory. As I write, I do not know what will happen with my husband's job. I do not know what direction He will take our family in. But this I know: I can trust wherever He leads. And I can know that He does use everything—even job loss, even the hard things of life. In the end we will find Him faithful. In the end we will find Him true. In the end we will see what He has done and marvel at His ability to use everything and waste nothing. Even this.
                                                                                                                                                                         
Dear Lord, I know that You will use even this in my life to radiate Your glory. Help me to worry less and trust more. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You even as the waves crash around me, for I know that You are there in the midst of this storm in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

Visit She Reads for an exciting giveaway today!

For more encouragement, check out Jobless - Hopeful
You are My Hiding Place, Lord: Finding Peace in God's Presence by Emilie Barnes
Application Steps: 

Spend time journaling about something that are hard in your life right now. Do you believe God can use even this? Write down what you are feeling and thinking and then copy today's verses in your journal.

Reflections: 

Is worry or anxiety or fear gripping you? How can you stop hanging onto those feelings and let God's peace replace them?

Power Verses:

Hebrews 12:11, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (NIV)

Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)

© 2010 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 2, 2010

No More Backbiting

Susanne Scheppmann

"Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32 (MSG)

Devotion:

We heard a screech from my three year-old granddaughter. Bawling like a newborn calf quickly followed. My daughter-in-law and I rushed to Emily and found a purplish-red oval on her back. Ouch! It seemed her younger sister bit her on her back as they struggled for possession of a toy.

This childish episode caused me to imagine God gazing down on our behavior, shaking His holy head and saying, "Stop talking badly about one another. You're hurting her. Stop backbiting over such silly things."

Unfortunately, backbiting comes easily for us, doesn't it? We become put out over a co-worker, a neighbor, or even a sister in Christ, and begin to spew negative words. Our tongues wag and we injure people—sometimes the ones we love the most.

Remember the childhood rhyme, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? Ha! That is a false statement. Hurtful words can damage and leave bite-marks for a lifetime.

So why do we do this? We backbite because our words are the most difficult thing for us to control. The Bible states in James 3:2, "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way" (NLT). We need to pray that the Holy Spirit will nudge us each time we are ready to fling a few disparaging words.

In addition, if we are the recipient of a bite on the back, we must learn to forgive quickly. Our key verse advises us to, "Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you." This isn't as hard as it may seem. Realize that things are said that may be misspoken and not meant to hurt as much as they do. Understand that if you hold bitterness in your heart about the unkind words, the bitterness affects you, not the other person.

I witnessed this forgiveness in action with my granddaughters. The younger one, the backbiter, looked defiant, then confused, then sad. She said, "Sworry." They hugged.

Later in the day Emily, the granddaughter who had been bitten, said, "It hurt real bad, but now it's not." Yes, there are two lessons to be learned from our key verse and these two toddlers: don't backbite—and forgive.

Dear Holy Spirit, I ask You to nudge me the next time I begin to backbite. Give me the sense and control to shut my mouth before anything hurtful hurls itself off my tongue. Also, help me to forgive those who hurt me with their words. Mold me into Your image of grace and forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Embraced by the Father: Finding Grace in the Names of God by Susanne Scheppmann

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue and accompanying Workbook

Birds in My Mustard Tree: How to Grow Your Faith by Susanne Scheppmann

Visit Susanne's blog

Application Steps: 

Read James 3:1-12. Ponder what James compares the tongue to in these verses. Consider if your tongue is a "restless evil, full of deadly poison." Determine today not to backbite anyone—no matter how aggravating. Decide to use your tongue for the encouragement of others and to praise our God.

Reflections: 

In what situations do I most like to use my tongue in a negative manner?

Why do I backbite? Is it jealousy, bitterness, or a power struggle?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 21:23, "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." (NLT)

1 Peter 3:10, "For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.'" (NIV)

James 3:5, "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (NIV)

© 2010 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 3, 2010

Winning the Lottery...or Not!

Gaining the Things Money Cannot Buy

Wendy Blight

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."  Ephesians 3:17b-18 (NIV)

Devotion:

What do you desire more than anything in your life?  Health?  Happiness?  Comfort?  Success?  Peace?  A good marriage? Obedient children?

In 1997, when I still practiced law, a group of ladies at my Dallas, Texas firm decided to pool money and buy lottery tickets.  They offered me the chance to participate, and I agreed but had no cash in my wallet.  Should I borrow the money to go in on the ticket? I wondered. 

The ladies were planning to do this every week, so they assured me there would be plenty more opportunities.  I didn't participate that day.  They won.  Thirteen women split $33 million dollars!! 

I cannot even explain what it felt like to be so close to winning that much money, or, more accurately, what it felt like to lose that much money.  Day after day I went into the office and the women shared their plans for their winnings.  Jealousy filled my heart.  I longed to have what they had...to feel what they were feeling.  Going to work became more and more difficult. Why didn't I have any cash in my wallet that one day?  Why didn't I simply borrow $5? 

I focused on what I lost and what I could have had.  What I should have had.  Looking back now, it is so clear where the desires of my heart lay. 

Thankfully, the Lord moved us from Dallas to Charlotte, North Carolina. I quit practicing law to stay home with our children.  In those years, He stripped away many of the material things we had in Dallas because we could no longer afford them.  He led me to my first Bible study.  In that study, He ignited a passion in my life to study and teach His Word.  Eventually, He called me into ministry with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My husband Monty and I believe with all our hearts that if we had won the lottery and stayed in Dallas none of this would have ever happened.  I never would have made my heart available to hear the call.  God moved us to redirect the desires of our hearts.

I ask you again.  What is it you desire above all else in your life?

Listen to the words of this worship song:

Give me one pure and holy passion.

Give me one magnificent obsession.

Give me one glorious ambition for my life

To know and follow hard after you.

A few years ago at our She Speaks conference, we sang this song. It was like hearing it for the first time.  Never had I thought about knowing God being something to desire most in life.  Yes, I desired the things of God...but not God Himself.

After the conference, God took me to Ephesians.  Wow!  What a journey He started that day.  Over the next weeks and months, God uncovered amazing riches that I never knew were mine in Christ Jesus.  My heart broke with how long I had lived oblivious to the fabulous wealth that is mine...that is ours...in Christ!

Heavenly Father, God of Heaven's Armies, King of kings and Lord of lords, give me one pure and holy passion, give me one magnificent obsession, give me one glorious ambition for my life...to know and follow hard after You.  Change my heart to desire You above all else in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

God's revelation from Ephesians was the catalyst for Wendy's new Bible study curriculum, All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God's Wisdom to Everyday Life.  If you'd like to discover the riches God has for you, join Wendy's blog series this summer, beginning Monday, June 14, to study the book of Ephesians together.

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

Visit Wendy's Blog, Living Truth to learn more about all that is yours in Christ.

The One Year Chronological Bible (NLT)

i am not, but i know I AM by Louie Giglio

Application Steps: 

Read Ephesians 3:16-20.  Ephesians 3:17 says, "Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust Him" (NLT).

What does Paul mean when he says Christ will make His home in your hearts? 

Is Christ at home in your heart?

According to these verses, what happens when Christ is at home in your heart?

Reflections:

Reflecting on Ephesians 3:17b-18, what is your part in God's process?

Power Verses:

Ephesians 3:16-17a, "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." (NIV)

Ephesians 3:17b-19, "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (NIV)

© 2010 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 4, 2010

Why You Should Hang Up Your Robe

Glynnis Whitwer

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me..." Acts 20:24 (NIV)

Devotion:

My first instinct was to leave the clean, folded clothes on top of the dresser. Granted, my arms were filled with freshly laundered items, so it would have been difficult to open the drawer while balancing the stack.  I had an excuse for leaving them on top. Didn't I?  Instead, I pushed past my instinct, took 30 more seconds, and placed the clothes neatly in the drawer. 

This tendency to not complete a task happens with surprising regularity.  I toss my bathrobe on the bed, drape jeans on the tub, and set the television remote on the nearest counter top.  However, sometimes, when I'm a bit more self-aware, I take the few extra steps needed to actually finish the task.

Years ago, I realized my practice of stopping short of finishing what I started, led to a cluttered home and office.  Back then, I had a multitude of unfinished tasks that I just lived with. It wasn't all simple things like putting away clothes, but included larger tasks like leaving a wall half painted. 

Starting a project is fun, and usually involves a burst of energy.  Then, that energy wanes as I approach the finish line.  Instead of pushing to complete the task, assignment or project with excellence, I lean towards settling for good enough. Unfortunately, when I settle for "good enough" consistently, I learn to live with mediocrity. And accepting mediocrity is far from where God wants me to be.  You see, finishing what we start is more than a good organizational or home management skill.  It's also a spiritual discipline. 

As I identified the tendency to settle, I realized it affected me in a variety of ways throughout my life.  In the past I accepted a distant relationship with God rather than one of intimacy.  I've limited my understanding of Scripture to a surface level.  My relationships with others have gone no deeper than, "Hi, how are you doing?" Instead of pushing to explore the fullness of what God offers in all areas, it is easier to stop short.  Perhaps it's safer.  Simpler.  And with less personal discomfort or inconvenience. 

Interestingly, it's actually been somewhat simple to address this issue.  I admit the tendency within myself to settle, and I get firm with myself about it. Now, when I would prefer to leave the dryer full of clothes, or emails half typed, I say to myself, "Finish what you start." I make a conscientious decision to finish the task at hand before I move on to something new.  Obviously, there are some projects that require more effort, but this works on a lot of my issues.

I'm not sure of all the reasons for stopping short of finishing with excellence, but I do know the results.  I end up with a bunch of unfulfilled commitments, open loops and shallow relationships.  That's a far cry from the life Jesus came to bring, which is full and abundant.  Not a partial life, but one lived with pushing to the limits and exploring the outer reaches. 

Maybe that seems a deep principle to pull from putting clothes in a drawer or a dirty bowl in the dishwasher.  However, the discipline of finishing well is one that is woven through my life ... or it's not.

So I guess I'll take the extra step and actually hang up my robe.  It's one more stitch in this tapestry of finishing well that God is trying to create in my life.

Dear Lord, thank You for demonstrating finishing well through the life of Jesus  I know Jesus could have stopped short of paying the price for my salvation.  But He didn't.  For that I will be eternally grateful.  Please help me push through mediocrity in my life and explore the fullness You long to bring. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

P31 Woman magazine

Visit Glynnis' blog for a list of common unfinished tasks and suggestions for the many things women deal with.

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

The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do by Kathie Reimer & Lisa Whittle
For practical tips on finishing a task, read Make Piles of Paper and Magazines Disappear
Application Steps: 

Identify one home or office task that would take you less than 30 minutes to finish.  Commit to finishing this in the next five days.

Reflections: 

What are some reasons we avoid finishing certain tasks?

Does procrastination reflect a deeper spiritual issue?  Write your thoughts.

Power Verses:

John 19:30, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.'  With that he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (NIV) 

Genesis 2:2, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." (NIV)

© 2010 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

 

[Judy Harder]

 

June 7, 2010

I Got My First Stone

Jennifer Rothschild

She Speaks Keynote Speaker 2009

"Oil and perfume make the heart glad; so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend."

Proverbs 27:9 (NASV)
       
Devotion:

"I got my first stone."

That was my announcement at a luncheon a few months ago with some of my favorite women. Patty has a gathering of her older friends at her home to celebrate various occasions, and this time it was Billie's birthday.

I happened to be the youngest woman at the luncheon, and I love listening to and learning from these seasoned and sage ladies. We discussed spiritual things, home décor, and of course, their grandchildren.

Then came the moment for my big contribution to the conversation: "I got my first stone."

There was an awkward pause.

I couldn't figure out why they were so shy to respond. Maybe they're unfamiliar with stones, I thought, and how much better they are than traditional baking sheets. Or maybe they don't know how much better a pizza crust turns out on a stone.

But my thoughts were interrupted by a brave older woman as she asked, "Honey, what kind of stone, kidney or gall?"

I began to giggle. "I meant the kind you bake with!" They all chuckled, and reminded me that the kinds of stones that came to mind during their stage of life had little to do with baking. Yet these geriatric gals knew their stuff, and quickly began to tutor me on the proper use of stones.

"Don't use soap on it," one instructed.

Oh, and if it breaks in your oven, the sound is awful so don't be alarmed," another advised.

Since I left that luncheon, I have never used or thought of my stone in quite the same way.  But here's what I have thought. "Thank You, Lord, for women who walk together, talk together, do life together, cry together, grow together and laugh together."

Do you have someone in your life who makes your soul blossom? Scripture reminds us that "oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel" (Proverbs 27:9).

Your faith will continue to grow as you fasten yourself to faithful friends who give good counsel.  Whether they instruct you about baking stones or lead you to the "rock that is higher" (Psalm 61:2), they will enrich your life.  And, if you don't feel you have that kind of friend, become one.  Someone needs a charming gardener to bring joy to their life.  You have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, lean on him, he will never leave or forsake you. 

"Keep me safe, O God, I've run for dear life to you. I say to God, "Be my Lord!" Without you, nothing makes sense. And these God-chosen lives all around — what splendid friends they make!" (Psalm 16:1-3, the Message)

Dear Lord, Help me to become the kind of friend to other that I long to have. May my friendship with Jesus make me secure and wise and equip me to receive and be the kind of friend who glorifies You. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Related Resources:

Join Jennifer along with Lysa TerKeurst to upcoming Fresh Grounded Faith women's conferences - one in Washington and one in North Carolina.

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

Self Talk, Soul Talk, by Jennifer Rothschild

Application Steps: 

Find a group of women to hang with who differ from you in age, race and marital status.  The diversity will help you to grow in your faith and as a woman. 

Think about the woman you really want to become.  Hanging with the women who you want to be most like will help you become the woman you want to be! 

It's easy to be too busy to invest in friendships.  Do one thing today to encourage and connect with a friend and see how much richer your life becomes. What actions can I take in response to this message?

Reflections:

Do my friendships bring out my strengths or weaknesses?

Moses talked to God "like a friend."  Do I? If not, how can I become God's friend?

To be like Christ, we must be full of "grace and truth."  Is grace and truth a vital part of my friendships?  If not, how can I change that?

Power Verses:

Psalm 119:63, "I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts." (NASV)

Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." (NASV)

Proverbs 27:17, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (NASV)

© 2010 by Jennifer Rothschild. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

 

[Judy Harder]

June 8, 2010

The Blessings of Forgiveness

Marybeth Whalen

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

Devotion:

I sat listening to my Bible study leader as she took us through our lesson in Genesis. I should have been paying attention but my thoughts kept drifting back to hurtful words and bad memories. It had been weeks since I had spoken to the person who had said those hurtful things, but the pain was still fresh.

I wanted to move on, but I didn't know how. I was caught and I could not get free. The hurt replayed in my mind over and over, a never ending film-loop of words and actions.

That day in Bible study we covered the story of Joseph. I will never forget as we got to the place where his brothers cowered in front of him after realizing who he was...and what they had done (Genesis 50:18). In that moment I will admit that in my humanness, I wanted Joseph to hurt them as much as he had been hurt. At the very least, I wanted him to turn them away as they deserved. Even though I knew the story, I still hoped for a different ending.

And yet, the ending went on just as it had before. Joseph offered his brothers—the brothers that had sold him as a slave—forgiveness. He reached out to them and restored them to a place they didn't deserve. He didn't do it because of them. He did it because of God. He knew what it meant to be forgiven, and he knew the power in extending forgiveness to someone else. I will never forget that moment when God spoke to my heart: "You need to forgive as Joseph forgave."

I will confess I didn't want to offer my forgiveness. God showed me that I was hanging onto my unforgiveness like a burlap security blanket. It was time to offer my forgiveness—not because the person had earned it or deserved it, but because God had asked me to forgive out of simple obedience to Him. Just as He had forgiven me. It was, He reminded me, the least I could do.

In my novel, The Mailbox, the main character Lindsey has several people she must forgive during the course of the story. She learns that there is freedom and peace that is released at the moment we forgive, which makes her eager to forgive even more. This happened to me as well. I heard once that unforgiveness is like eating poison while waiting for the other person to die. Better to walk in the freedom of simply doing what God has asked and let Him take care of the rest. God required me to sacrifice my pride in exchange for the blessing of peace in that relationship. It was definitely worth it and I would do it all over again.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, help me extend forgiveness to those who have hurt me, even when I don't feel that they deserve it. The truth is, I didn't deserve Your forgiveness. Thank You for forgiving me and please help me forgive others as freely as You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit She Reads for an exciting giveaway today - a copy of Marybeth's new novel The Mailbox and an ocean-scented candle.

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

The Friends We Keep: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship by Sarah Zacharias Davis
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Receive more free encouragement with Forgiveness is like Spinach
Application Steps: 

Is there someone you need to forgive? Spend time journaling about what's holding you back, then pray and ask God's help in extending forgiveness to that person.

Reflections: 

Why is unforgiveness like eating poison while waiting for the other person to die? Have you ever experienced this personally or seen it with someone else?

Power Verses:

Luke 11:4a, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." (NIV)

Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (NIV)

© 2010 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 9, 2010

Hold That Thought!

Luann Prater

"Another disciple said to him, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.'"

Matthew 8:21 (NIV)
         
Devotion:

In the movie Bolt, a self-centered Hollywood agent constantly tells his child star, "We'll just stick a pin in that." He holds an imaginary push pin in the air and pretends to shove it into an invisible cork board as he says it. He's claiming he'll save that thought/question/request until later and revisit it. But what he really means is, "Get out of here with that request! Not happening!"

The disciple in today's key verse says basically the same thing to Jesus, "Uh, master, hold that thought.  Love what you're doing here, want to be a part of it, really I do.  Just need to step over here and handle this task first. You understand, right?"  The three telling words in this passage are "first let me..."

We are busy, aren't we?  If I tell you how busy I am maybe you won't ask me to do something else.  Maybe you will think I'm super spiritual because I have so much going on in my life.  Don't.

When I am the busiest I really am the most self-absorbed.  I'm just being honest here.  When there is so much to do often the most important things get shoved to the side or don't make the list at all.

Have you ever said this, "Once I get _____ done, then my life will calm down"?  You are not alone.  It's an easy habit to develop, but a hard one to break!

Hi, my name is Luann and I'm addicted to activity.  Embarrassed to admit it, but got to have a real moment with you.  God makes a simple request in my life and yours: "Follow Me." But all too often those four words, "first let me _______," slip past my lips. You can fill in the blank with whatever you put before what Jesus is calling you to.  Instead of Jesus telling you, 'let the dead bury their own dead,' maybe He's saying:

"Follow Me, and let the kids wait a minute."

"Follow Me, and let the phone ring."

"Follow Me, and let the dishes sit."

"Follow Me, and reschedule the appointment."

"Follow Me, and let the Facebook and Twitter friends wonder where you are."

"Follow Me, and put everything else on your to-do list after Me. Deal?"

It's time to stop putting God on hold.  It's time to stop using everything in our life as an excuse not to do "first things first."

Hold that thought ...first let me drop to my knees and pray that God will give me a yearning to put Him first.
                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, I'm sorry that anything has taken first place in my life besides You.  Forgive me and teach me this day to begin with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

When a Woman Meets Jesus: Finding the Love Every Woman Longs For by Dorothy Valcarcel
His Princess: Prayers to My King by Sheri Rose Shepherd
Spend Saturday afternoons with Luann on Encouragement Café

Intimacy with God: Establishing a Vibrant Quiet Time and Prayer Time by Tara Furman

Application Steps: 

Get in the habit of putting Jesus first by spending quiet time with Him before anything else happens in the morning.  Beginning in John, read one verse a day and ask God to reveal something new to you.  Then write down the first thing that comes to mind. 

Reflections: 

What is the most important thing in my life?

When do I put Jesus on the list?

How can I stop putting Jesus on hold?

Power Verses:

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

Luke 9:62, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (NIV)

© 2010 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 10, 2010

Desperate for Reassurance

Lysa TerKeurst

"Whatever is true...think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
       
Devotion:
For the past couple of months I've needed to sense God's most tender mercies more than ever. It's not that I'm going through any kind of crisis. I just feel completely desperate for Him.

If you've ever heard me give my testimony you know part of what I share is being a little girl twirling around next to my daddy wishing I could know that he loved me. Maybe in his own way, he did love me. But something was broken in our relationship that left me feeling desperate for reassurance.

Over the years, God has healed my heart in miraculous ways. God has whispered all those things I wished my earthly father would have said. I know for sure God's love for me is deep, unwavering, and certain.

But there are still times I catch myself twirling again. Crying out again. Wishing I could feel totally secure. Hating my insecurities. And mad that this struggle I thought was over, surfaces still.

Maybe it always will.

And maybe that's not such a bad thing.

For it keeps me desperate for a reassurance I can't get any other way.  It keeps me desperate for God.

I can hear my husband tell me a hundred times that he loves me and no, my backside isn't big...and still feel my heart desperately twirling.

I can stand in an arena with thousands of people clapping for the message I just gave... and still feel my heart desperately twirling.

I can conquer my food demons and finally fit back into my skinny jeans... and still feel my heart desperately twirling.

The only thing that stops the desperation, the uncertainties, the insecurities, the twirling...is for the Spirit of God to lay across my heart and make it still. The blanket of His presence and His protection is the only perfect fit for the deep creases and crevices carved inside me.

I don't know what tough things you've been through in your life sweet sister, but I do know brokenness is universal. We all have things in life that trigger deep insecurities and our own personal twirling about looking for reassurance.

But here's the amazing thing.

While brokenness is universal-God's redemption is also universal for those who proclaim Christ as Lord. No matter what cracks and crevices we have in our heart, if we seek the truth of God above all else He is enough to fill in those raw places. "Whatever is true...think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9).

Have you caught your heart twirling, desperate for reassurance lately? Today, spend a few minutes letting these truths fill your mind and seep into those desperate places of your heart:

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

I pray that you...may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17-18).

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
           
Dear Lord, may Your spirit fall fresh upon each of us today. Remind us. Reassure us. Rest upon us. Help us to be still and know that You are our loving God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Leave your prayer requests on my blog today.  It would be my complete honor and privilege to pray for you and whatever circumstance you are facing right now. Please leave your prayer request in the comments box on my blog and throughout the day I will personally be lifting you up.

I will be speaking in over 40 cities this year and I'd love to meet you!  To check for a city near you, click here.

And if you identify with tough life circumstances and insecurities, consider getting a copy of my latest book, Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by clicking here.

The accompanying DVD teaching series can be found by clicking here. - Contains 6 sessions lasting 15-20 minutes each on one DVD for only $24.99!  Perfect for your Bible study group or as a neighborhood Book Club.  The Bible Study workbook can be found by clicking here.

Application Steps: 

Print this devotion out and give it to a friend who may find great comfort in these truths.  Spend a few minutes praying with and for each other.

Reflections: 

What things trigger my heart to feel desperate?  How can I keep these truths handy so I can refer to them in those hard moments? 

Power Verses:

Psalm 36:5, "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (NIV) 

Psalm 48:9, "Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love." (NIV)

© 2010 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

 

[Judy Harder]

June 11, 2010

Casting Your Cares

Micca Monda Campbell

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus"

Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

Devotion:

God must have anticipated certain events in the lives of His children that would cause them to become "worry-warts." Even the most mature Christians today are quick to labor under the burden of anxious and excessive care. We worry over personal concerns, family woes, financial woes, cares of the past, and cares for the future.

The Apostle Peter saw this anxious care as a heavy burden and offered us some wise counsel for dealing with it. Peter's advice is to cast all our cares upon God. We are to throw the cares that distract us, wound our bodies and souls, and lay heavy on our hearts, upon the wise and gracious providence of God. You can do that because "he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) Isn't that awesome? You and I don't have to carry the burden of our worries. God is willing to release us from our cares, and take our concerns upon Himself.

That sounds great. I have no problem casting my cares upon God. At first, the weight is lifted. That is, until God doesn't respond to my need like I think He should. Then it becomes hard for me to not retrieve the burden.

After I lost my husband, I suffered with severe stomach pain. It was how my body dealt with the stress. I assumed by casting my situation on God and asking Him to carry the burden, my stomach troubles would go away. I also expected to not have the burden of going to counseling once a week and not paying that extra bill. But none of that ceased. I kept having stomach pain, which meant I still needed counseling for my grief. I had also hoped that the counselor would at least ease my debt, instead, she went up on her prices.

What was the point of giving my burden to God in the first place if he wasn't going to make it all go away? I wondered.

The point is this: when you and I cast our cares on God, we are acknowledging that it's His responsibility to care for us. We often forget that God is painting on a large canvas. He sees the big picture. We only see what's happening to us at the moment. That's why God allows events to come into our lives—good things and bad things; things that make sense and things that don't.

What you and I may think is harmful and destructive God can use for our good—to bring us to completion in godly conduct and character. He will allow nothing to happen to us that isn't first filtered through His screen of protection.

Ultimate harm would be if God left our character in the state that He found us in. During turbulent times, you and I have this promise, "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4: 8, 9; NIV). God will not let our hardships destroy us. Though they may be tragic in and of themselves, He will use them for our good.

You and I can cast our worries on God because it's His responsibility to care for us. As we trust Him with the bigger picture of our lives, the weight is lifted and peace washes over our anxieties.

Dear Lord, When hard times come, I will not be afraid. I trust in Your loving care to provide for my family and me. Take my burden, Lord, and replace my worry with peace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

This devotion was taken from Micca's Book, An Untroubled Heart

Do You Know Him?

Cultivating Contentment message on CD, by Micca Campbell

Visit Micca Campbell's blog

Application Steps: 

Acknowledge God as your Provider. Talk to Him about your burden and place it in His care. When doubt temps you to retrieve it, remember that God is in control; He loves you beyond measure and is working behind the scene on your behalf.

Reflections: 

Why is it hard to let go of your burdens and trust them to God?

What is one way you can wait on God until He shows up with a solution?

Power Verses:

Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

© 2008 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

June 14, 2010

With My Bible Pressed to My Heart

Karen Ehman

"Search me [endif], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24 (Amplified)

Devotion:

It was an ordinary day. My friend Laurel decided, as she often does, to spend some time reading her Bible that afternoon, connecting with God in the midst of her busy day as a wife and mother. As she leaned forward to reach something with one hand, she held her open Bible close to her heart with her other. It was then that it happened. Through the leather-bound book pressed upon her heart, she felt a small lump on her chest.

A physician was summoned; tests were ordered; Laurel's worst fear became reality. She had breast cancer.

The days, weeks and years that followed brought hospital visits and radiation, probing and prodding, uncertainty and discomfort.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Now years removed from those emotionally trying days, my sweet friend's body is free from any traces of that often-deadly disease. She is a healthy high school foreign language teacher who goes about her commonplace days with a deep love for Jesus and eternal gratitude in her heart. Most of all, she is thankful that God arranged circumstances in such a way that her cancer was caught early; all because she held her Bible close to her heart.

I pondered Laurel's experience recently. Imbedded in a touchy relationship issue with a friend, I was angry. It was a situation in which I felt used, violated and unappreciated. I was ready to enter my alone time with God with a whine on my lips and an intense need to vent my mounting frustrations. It was then that He brought today's verses to my mind. I looked them up in the Amplified Version (one which sheds light onto the original Hebrew or Greek meaning of the words) It was then that my eyes fell upon this phrase,

"....see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Instead of complaining about the actions of my friend, I decided to hold God's Word close to my heart; to see if there was any wicked or hurtful way in me, not in her. When I did, He was quick to point out ways I was wrong; deeply rooted attitudes I displayed that rear their ugly heads and manifest themselves in awful, unattractive behaviors; behaviors no Jesus-following girl should exhibit. I saw I was as much to blame in the situation, maybe even more.

With scripture as a scalpel, God performed open heart surgery that day, and many days since. As I now go to the Great Physician for regular check ups, He is faithful to point out the errors of my ways; to nudge me to allow His thoughts to radiate my soul, burning out the nasty disease that tries to root and grow like a cancer, killing friendships and love.

I wonder, just how many relationship diseases could be cured if we were all more intentional to, early on in the situation, press our Bibles close to our hearts, feeling for any festering lumps of sin?

Dear Lord, please help me to love unconditionally and mind my own sin. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

For more on this topic and a chance to win an English Standard Version leather reference Bible, visit Karen's blog

A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

10 Minutes a Day with Jesus: Growing in Your Love for the Savior by Jim Reapsome
Application Steps: 

What attitudes do I sometimes display that are the opposite of what God wants for me?

Instead of patience, annoyance? Instead of kindness, harsh words? Do I more readily display rejection rather than exhibit acceptance?

Reflections: 

Has there ever been a time that someone extended grace to me when I was actually the one in the wrong? What transpired? How could remembering that kindness keep me from pointing fingers in the future?

Power Verses:

Jeremiah 17:9-10, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." (ESV) 

Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (ESV)

© 2010 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org