Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

July 28, 2010

When Persistence Pays Off

Marybeth Whalen

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV)
       
Devotion:

I almost walked by her. As she looked over, our eyes met and recognition flashed between us. We crossed the room and hugged like the old friends we were. The usual conversation followed with a few minutes of catching up and then my tentative question: "Are you still going to church?"

My mind flashed back to years ago when we first met. I invited her to church and reached out to her about my faith but she wanted nothing to do with it. The look in her eyes told me that my efforts were hitting a brick wall she had carefully constructed around her heart. And yet, I still asked her to church, shared my own faith journey with her, and persisted in letting her know that God loved her.

This went on for years. Then one day she finally agreed to go with me. She visited with my family a few times, then told us that she was going to start attending another service that was better suited to her schedule. To be honest, I figured it was just a polite way to stop coming without telling me. You can imagine my trepidation as I asked if she was still going to church.

I couldn't believe it as she nodded in affirmation. A radiant smile filled her face. "Remember last week when the pastor asked people to raise their hands if they had prayed the prayer of salvation?"

I remembered the service clearly and smiled back as I nodded.

"Well," she said. "I was one of the ones who raised my hand!"

We hugged and laughed and promised to get together soon before parting to join the people we were with. I spent the rest of the night with a goofy grin on my face. I never thought I would stand across from her in a restaurant and hear that she had accepted Christ as her Savior! I had begun to believe that we would spend the rest of our lives with me pursuing and her running. I was glad I had persisted.

In my novel, The Mailbox, the main character Lindsey is a lot like my friend. She struggles with God and resists Him for years. Her best friend Holly is a Christian and continues to present God to her, giving her a Bible and praying for her, encouraging Lindsey to seek God when life delivers hard blows. Holly doesn't give up and even takes some rejection and ribbing from Lindsey through the years of their friendship. Holly has her eye on the prize and is undeterred by Lindsey's resistance. There might be someone in your life that God has given you a heart for—to reach out to, to invite to church, to pray for, to love, to be God with skin on. You look at their life and the deep need they have for Him and you simply can't turn away. You know you can offer the key to unlock the source of their fulfillment. This treasure is too important to give up on.

On my refrigerator hangs a magnet which says simply, "Never, never, never give up." This is true in sharing Christ with our friends and loved ones. Even when they turn away, we can persevere. I am glad I did.
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, You know the person I am burdened for. You see their need for You. Help me to not give up in sharing You. Give me creative and non-threatening ways to make You real to them. And soften their hearts to receive what You are offering. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

When a Woman Meets Jesus: Finding the Love Every Woman Longs For by Dorothy Valcarcel
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

Visit Marybeth's blog

Application Steps: 

If there is someone on your mind after reading this devotion, do not wait to reach out to them today. Continue to build a relationship with them and pray for them even if they seem resistant to hearing what you want to share about Jesus.

Reflections: 

Is there someone you have given up on? If so, why? Do you need to begin reaching out to them or praying for them again?

Power Verses:

Hebrews 11:27, "By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's wrath because he saw him who was invisible." (NIV) 

I Corinthians 3:6, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." (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]

July 29, 2010

Becoming a Patient Woman

Rachel Olsen

"We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need." Colossians 1:11 (NLT)

Devotion:

In a heart that values instant gratification like mine does, patience seems hard to come by. 

In the last several weeks I've raced through a yellow light because I didn't want to wait at a red light - that's dangerous!  I've looked up my symptoms on the internet because I didn't want to sit in a doctor's waiting room - that can be dangerous too. I've paid extra for an item off the internet because I didn't want to stand in line at the store - that's wasteful.  I've also eaten dessert first, because I didn't want to wait until it was "time" for dessert - well, that's just called for sometimes!  Though I can't recall a specific instance, odds are high that I lost my patience at some point and fussed at my kids.

We want stuff and we want it now.  We want results and we want them now.  Yet the Bible repeatedly says that patience should be a way of life for followers of Christ. 

God is love and patience is part of His character. For you and I to love like God loves, patience will be required (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Loving as God loves is the ultimate goal as we walk through this life seeking to please God and become like Him.

I define patience as the ability to endure graciously. We all have to deal at times with people or circumstances that try our composure - an ungrateful child, an inattentive waitress, a slow moving line at the cash register, a spouse or friend taking our efforts for granted.  How graciously do we behave in these circumstances?

The Bible says God will be faithful to complete the good works He began in us (Philippians 1:6).  That implies there's going to be some "in the meantime" when we're all less than perfect and less than easy to love.  This is where patience comes in. The apostle Paul instructs us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph.4:1-3).

We also have to exercise patience with God as we wait for His full plan to unfold.  At times we must wait for answers to prayers, for deliverance, for provision, or for Him to dispense justice or reveal His will.  We really have no choice but to wait in these circumstances, but a woman developing patience will endure the wait graciously. It helps to remember how very patient God has to be with us on a daily basis!

Exercising patience isn't just an exercise of the human will. The kind of patience Paul is talking about is a fruit of the Spirit developed in a woman's soul in tandem with God. It's a virtue that grows from her confidence in the sovereignty of God and His ability to bring all things to completion, in His timing, in a way that benefits His children and glorifies Him. 

This patience-thing may take some time to develop, but I've decided to graciously endure the process.  I started today by stopping and waiting at a yellow light.  As I sat at the intersection, I thought about God and about developing patience.  The light turned green a mere minute later, and I went on my way with a smile on my face, happy to be a woman who is embracing patience ... even if in a very small way.

Dear Lord, thank You for being so very patient with me. Help me to develop patience, and display that quality for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Related Resources:

30 Days to Taming your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues

Visit Rachel's blog - and be patient if it takes a moment to load!

God's Purpose for Every Woman: P31 Devotional Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen General Editors

Application Steps: 

Pray for patience - daily.

Keep the word "patience" in the forefront of your mind today and look for opportunities to be more patient.

Reflections: 

Who in my life can benefit from me extending them more patience?

How would becoming more patient change my day, my outlook, my health, or my relationships?

Is my patience stronger than my temper?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 25:15, "Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition." (NLT)

Ecclesiastes 7:8, "Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride." (NLT)

Romans 15:15, "May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other - each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other." (NLT) 

© 2010 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

July 30, 2010

The Source of Our Strength

Tracie Miles

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

Devotion:

When we arrived at her hospital room she was in the bed, looking very weak and frail. I fought back the tears as I watched her lie there, helpless to beat the disease that had waged war on her body. I found myself wanting to do something for her, but there was nothing I could do except wish to the depths of my heart that I could infuse her with the strength she needed to carry on.

But my strength held no power for her.

Later that day, I looked to God's Word for comfort. I came across some verses that seeped into the little cracks in my heart that so needed to be filled with something sweet of God. Those verses were Deuteronomy 11:8-9, "Therefore, be careful to obey every command I am giving you today, so you may have strength to go in and take over the land you are about to enter. If you obey, you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors and to you, their descendants..." (NLT).

In this passage, through the mouth of Moses, the Lord instructs the Israelites about their soon-to-be entrance into the Promised Land. He reminds them of all the miracles and amazing things that happened during their journey.  Based on their history of disobedient actions, God knew they were easily tempted and distracted - which caused them to lose spiritual strength.

Here in Deuteronomy, we find the Lord warning the Israelites about losing sight of their priorities. He reminds them that the only place they will find the strength to enter into what He had promised was through obedience to Him. The Lord also wanted them to understand that their strength could not come from merely desiring to be good, simply believing He exists, or by carrying out rituals or sacrifices in His honor. It would result from obedience to Him and His words. In fact, in verse 18 the Lord says, "So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine" (NLT). They drew their strength from full and wholehearted obedience to the Lord's commands.

God also wants us to understand the importance of obediently walking with Him every day. He desires that we obey Him in the big things, but also in the small daily things.  In doing so, He infuses us with spiritual strength.  That strength equips us to handle the tough situations which we feel are far beyond our human level of strength, regardless of whether we are in a hospital bed or standing beside one. 

This daily obedience is where we find emotional strength to walk in His peace when we face doubts and fears; strength to walk in His joy when we cannot find any reason to be joyful; strength to stand firm in our faith when things seem hopeless; and strength to be strong when the painful things of life take their toll.

Whether we need strength to comfort a loved one who is hurting or strength to overcome an adversity of our own, a life focused on obedience to God taps into the strength we need to carry on.

Each time we get out of bed we have a choice to make - where will our strength come from to face the day ahead?  Will we rely on ourselves or will we rely on God?

Even if our physical weakness is a reality, we can be spiritually strong by keeping our hearts focused on the only true source of unending strength.

Dear Lord, please hold me up today. Give me strength. Help me to lean on You. I am tired and weak and need Your strength today to face these hard situations and the pain in my heart. Draw me closer to You in the midst of this.  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
31 Days of Power: Learning to Live in Spiritual Victory by Ruth and Warren Myers
Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear by Max Lucado
Application Steps: 

If you have been trying to walk through your life in your own strength, confess this to God and ask Him for His strength. Admit that you cannot carry life's burden on your own and lay those things at the foot of the cross.

Reflections: 

Have I been trying to live life in my own strength?

Are there days when I am focused on what I cannot do, instead of focused on what God can do?

Power Verses:

Matthew 11:30, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)

1 Chronicles 16:11, 18, "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always...So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine." (NIV)

©Tracie Miles. All Rights Reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

August 2, 2010

Wild God, Extravagant Love

Tosca Lee, She Reads Featured Author

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)

Devotion:

A few years ago, I faced one of the hardest, toughest decisions of my life. I wondered, "What if I make a mistake? What if I am wrong or choose the wrong thing? What if God cannot forgive me if I do?"

It was then that a wise counselor said to me, "God's grace is either enough for you, or it isn't."

I was stunned.

A believer in the redeeming work of Christ since the age of 11, I had grown up in the church. I had sung that Jesus loved me. I had witnessed that Christ was the Lamb of God, and that His gift was free. But in that moment, I was faced with the inescapable truth that I had been leaning for years on my own goodness to be enough.

I had always been a good girl, growing up. I had tried, all my life, to do the right thing. Perhaps not out of love as much as fear—I feared the displeasure of God. A perfectionist, I feared making mistakes. I was a pleaser, but regardless of the reasons, I was good. Not perfect, but good. And perhaps I had needed just a little less grace because of it. Yes, yes, I was still saved by faith. Yes, salvation was the free gift of God. But in that moment I realized that I had never entrusted the full weight of my most terrible mistakes, my most heinous self, and most sinful potential to God fully.

In the darkest moments of error, it was fear, not relief or gratitude that flooded me. Having grown up in the church and heard the message of grace for years, it had become a well-worn rut in my mind. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, we are saved by grace. But I was operating by fear rather than in freedom, because I was leaning on myself.

But this time I had no choice but to trust in God's wild, extravagant grace. To remember what an extravagant gift grace is. It is far too much. It is incomprehensible, because it cannot be earned or reciprocated. It is wild love from a wild God. I could not earn it with my goodness, with my right choices, or a lifetime of church attendance. I simply had to receive it.

God's grace is something more than the feeble songs we sing about it. It is enough to cover our greatest shortfalls and rebellion, to forgive what we fear to be unforgiveable. It is enough to set us free from the burden of our own righteousness.

What are you facing or fearing today? God's grace is enough for it—and you.
                                                                                                                                                                     
Holy God, let us know You for the extravagant God You are. Let us embrace Your grace fully and lean not at all on our own acts and righteousness. Let us conduct ourselves in the gratitude and freedom of Your outrageous love, rather than in fear of not being good enough. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit the She Reads blog where we are giving away copies of both Tosca's novels and a reading gift basket complete with book light, Starbucks gift card, coffee mug, and water bottle.

Havah: The Story of Eve by Tosca Lee

Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Messy Faith: Daring to Live By Grace by A.J. Gregory
Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: The Secrets Women Keep and the Grace that Saves Them by Tammy Maltby
Application Steps: 

Meditate on the wild extravagance of God. Consider creation. The expanding cosmos. The ultimate variety of life.

Consider what it means to be made of dust and clay...and yet to bear the image of God, and to be filled with the breath of life. To be forgiven and bought by the blood of God. What does it tell us about the dichotomy of what we are and what He is?

Read the story of the woman with the nard from Mark 14. What can this story teach us about extravagant gifts, and about forgiveness?

Reflections: 

Where have you leaned on your own goodness? Are there actions or beliefs in your life that have become your righteousness? How can you surrender those acts or ways of thinking to God's grace?

Power Verses:

Zechariah 4:6b, "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." (NIV) 

Psalms 46:10a, "Be still and know that I am God." (NIV)

© 2010 by Tosca Lee. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

August 3, 2010

Does God Still Speak to Ordinary People?

Glynnis Whitwer

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things

and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:25-26 (NIV)

Devotion:

The Bible tells amazing stories of God speaking directly to humans.  God walked and talked with Adam. He spoke through a burning bush to Moses, and God had direct messages for His people after speaking with the prophets of old.  Growing up, I wondered if God had stopped speaking to normal people after Bible times.  After all, I never heard Him speak.

Years went by, I matured in my faith, got married, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and loved God and His people.  But I never heard Him speak to me.  Honestly, it didn't bother me much, because I figured God had said all He needed to say, and it was in the Bible.  What more did I need to hear?   

Apparently, God had something more to say. It wasn't until we moved across country that I discovered He longed to communicate personally with me.

Twelve years ago, my family moved from Phoenix to Charlotte.  It wasn't a move I wanted, but I begrudgingly acquiesced to support my husband's dream of living somewhere else.  Instead of embracing the adventure, all I saw was loss: my career, church, friends and extended family.  I was heartbroken.

It was in that condition I started hearing God "speak" to me.  It wasn't in an audible voice, or in any unusual way, just a clear voice in my spirit.  One that hadn't been there before.  God put Scriptures in my mind I didn't know I had memorized.  He spoke words of encouragement specifically for me.  He gave me direction to do things I never would have done on my own.  Here's an example.

We had been church searching for a few weeks when God directed us to a small congregation meeting in a grade school.  One week, a lovely young woman gave her testimony.  My heart was moved.  That very same week, I heard a radio spot by the woman who had spoken at the church. God spoke to me in a way I'd never before experienced and He clearly told me to call her and offer my services as a volunteer. 

I was startled, but obeyed. It took a few phone calls, but I finally reached Lysa TerKeurst, the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries.

"Hi Lysa," I said.   The next words came tumbling out of my mouth as I blurted, "I've just moved to Charlotte, I saw you at church, then heard you on the radio.  I've got a degree in Journalism and I'm wondering if you need any volunteers."

There was a pause on the other end of the phone before Lysa answered, "We've been praying for someone with a degree in Journalism."

It was exciting to hear God speak to me, and I began to understand what Jesus meant when He said God the Father would send His Holy Spirit to communicate with us.  I saw how God was orchestrating events when I listened to and obeyed His Spirit within me.  In a conversation with a friend from home, I told her about this new experience. She said that perhaps my life had been too full to hear God before my move. 

She was right, but there was more.  I was very independent and made decisions without consulting God.  In truth, I hadn't needed Him or His counsel, very much. Or so I thought. It wasn't until everything I depended on was removed, that I became empty and desperate for God to fill me. From my place of need, God's Spirit became my counselor, comforter and guider. 

Years ago, I asked God for help in this area.  I knew I had the potential to slip back into my independent ways, and I wanted to keep hearing His voice.  I asked Him to always keep me humble and in need of Him.  Although that was a hard prayer to pray, it's even harder to live out because God answered it.  If that's the price of hearing God, I'll gladly pay it.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to ordinary people through Your Holy Spirit.  Forgive me for the times I get busy and independent.  I want to hear Your voice above all else. Help me to trim things from my life so there is room for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Glynnis' blog for more on hearing God speak, and enter to win Lysa's book "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God."

God took Glynnis from volunteer to Senior Editor of our P31 Woman magazine!

He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer
Find more encouragement with our free Everyday Life article Hearing God
Application Steps: 

Spend a few moments in prayer and ask God to speak directly to you.  You might ask Him to answer a question or give you direction.  When you get an answer, write down this experience and share it with someone else.

Reflections: 

When do you know the thoughts you have are NOT from God? 

How can you open yourself up more to hear God speak?

Power Verses:

John 14:16-17, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (NIV)

Acts 16:9-10, "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." (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]

August 4, 2010

If Only

Zoe Elmore

"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 (NIV)

Devotion:

Growing up, my cousin Thea was the epitome of everything I thought a young woman should be. She was tall and slender, wore the latest fashion trends and her hair was always perfectly coifed. I can't remember ever seeing even one hair out of place. She always made good grades and kept her room clean and organized. She was so graceful, seeming to float on air as she walked. I thought she surely must be a princess, royal and worthy of her beauty and grace.

I, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. I grew up on the short side of tall and the round side of slender.  My family didn't have the finances to dress me in the latest fashion trends and my hair was a wild mess of frizzy curls, hardly ever combed and never perfectly coifed. My grades were average and I hated cleaning my room. I didn't float on air; I fumbled and tripped my way through life. Growing up I considered myself to be the farthest thing from royal or worthy and I was convinced I was an embarrassment and disappointment to my parents.

I use to daydream of being just like Thea. Sometimes I would imitate her behavior and gracious character in an effort to please my parents, hoping one day I would be worthy of their love and no longer an embarrassing disappointment.

Sadly, it took many years for me to see myself as a beautiful princess and it took even longer for me to stop living my life through the eyes of "if only." In all honesty, I had to come to the realization that it's not about changing my clothes or hairstyle to become beautiful; it's about having a beautiful heart that has been changed.

It is a daily process to lay aside the "if only's," but that's achievable when we follow the exhortation in Ephesians 5:1. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" (NIV).

Do you see it? I had been imitating the wrong person. My focus and attention needed to be on imitating the character traits of my heavenly Father, not another person.  Focusing on and striving to imitate our heavenly Father is an important responsibility every believer in Christ has been given.

It's easy to look at other women and fashion our ideas of success and worth. We see the lovely and gracious exterior, we take note of another woman's success, and we fall into the trap of wanting what she has, wanting to be just like her. We delude ourselves into thinking that life would be better "if only..." The truth is, we will become beautiful women of godly influence when we put 1 Corinthians 11:1 into practice. "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (NIV).

As difficult as it may be to swallow, we were not created to have the perfect exterior appearance or gain the world's attention; we were created to live a life worthy of our calling and to reflect the beauty of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we do that our lives will draw others to the saving knowledge of Christ. And that far outlasts any temporary "if only" condition.

So Thea is no longer my role model - Jesus is. Who are you trying to conform to?

Dear Lord, please forgive my patterns of "if only." I want to find my satisfaction and completeness in You.  Help me to focus on reflecting You with my life. You are my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Zoe's blog

Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Jennifer Rothchild
Behind Those Eyes: What's Really Going on Inside the Souls of Women by Lisa Whittle

Find hope and healing with our free resource, God Does Not Make Mistakes

Application Steps: 

Looking back with the wisdom of years, what would you tell your younger self is beautiful and worthy of love? What would you tell her is beautiful about her?

When tempted to compare yourself to another woman, instead of listing her "perfections," pray for her and then for yourself.

Reflections: 

What "if only's" do I need to confess and lay at the foot of the cross?

What Scripture can I memorize to combat the "if only's?"

Power Verses:

Hebrews 12:28, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." (NIV)

Psalm 36:7, "How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings." (NIV)

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


© 2010 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

August 5, 2010

Being Thankful Changes Everything

Lysa TerKeurst

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

I sat on the bed, tears streaming down my face, negative thoughts racing through my mind ...  Why does marriage have to be so hard sometimes?  Why can't he see my side of things?  Why won't he change?  Maybe I married the wrong man.

This was a scene repeated over and over the first five years of my marriage.  I was discouraged, overwhelmed and so tempted to give up.  But here I am about to celebrate my 18th wedding anniversary so thankful I didn't walk away. 

Ephesians 6:12 was a great reminder to me over the years that my husband isn't my enemy.  Art may feel like my enemy but the truth is Satan is the real enemy who hates marriage and schemes against my husband and me.  One thing we must always remember is Satan's goal to be one who casts something between two to cause a separation. 

Satan wants to separate us in every way.  He wants to separate us with conflict, hurt feelings, misunderstanding, and frustrations of all kinds.  He wants to separate us from our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers, our parents, our spouses, our kids.  He wants to separate us from God's best.  He wants to separate us from God.

One of the best ways for Satan to start these separations is by luring us into a place of grumbling and complaining.  If he can get us to focus only on what is aggravating and negative in life, then little cracks of distance start forming in our relationships.  The grass starts looking greener everywhere else except where we are standing.

I can see this so clearly when I look back on the first five years of my marriage.  Somehow, I became so hyper focused on all I felt was wrong with my husband, I became blinded to all that was good.  I grumbled and complained and nagged and set out to change him.  And I almost destroyed my marriage in the process.  Satan had a field day as the separation between Art and I kept ever widening.

Then one day as I was in a fit of tears asking God to make things better, I felt challenged to start listing out things about Art for which I was thankful. 

It was hard at first.  I had bought Satan's whispers that there was only negative there with very little positive to find.  But, with each positive quality I listed, it slowly changed everything.  It was as if the clouds of negativity lifted and I could once again see his good qualities.  There were so many good qualities; I was shocked how I'd gotten so blinded.

How sad I spent five years thinking the grass would be greener with someone else.  Not true.  The grass is always greener where you water and fertilize it.  And being thankful --really intentionally listing out things for which we are thankful-- is a great way to start watering and fertilizing and changing everything.

Dear Lord, thank You for helping me see how beneficial it is to be aware and appreciative of the good qualities in those I love.  Lord, help me to recognize Satan's schemes and combat them with the power of having a truly thankful heart.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

What are you thankful for today?  I am inviting each person who reads this to stop and take time to list just a few things for which you are thankful by hopping over to my website. Each person that leaves a comment on my website today will be entered for a chance to win a copy of my book "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl."

Be sure to check out Lysa's book and Bible study Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl. This is the perfect 6 week summer study or one to consider doing with your women's group this fall.

To order your copy of the book, click here. To order your Bible study workbook and DVD study click here and here.

Application Steps: 

Every time a negative, separating thought comes into your mind today, intentionally combat it with something for which you are thankful about that person.

Reflections: 

How does it make you feel to dwell on what you wish was different about another person?

Could this devotion showing up in your inbox today be a reminder from God that there are positive things for which you can be thankful?

How does having a thankful heart change things?

Power Verses:

Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (NIV) 

2 Corinthians 4:15, "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (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]

August 6, 2010

Come and Listen

Marybeth Whalen

"Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me." Psalm 66:16 (NIV)

Devotion:

Kids are fighting, complaining, whining.

To-do list is calling.

Emails are begging to be responded to.

Packing for a trip needs to be done.

Instead I sit with my journal and my Bible and drink Him in. I land in Psalm 66. What do you have for me today, Father?

Psalm 66:5, "Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf." (NIV)

Psalm 66:16, "Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me." (NIV)

I begin to list the things in my journal, taking time to write out what He has done. My joy swells. The noise diminishes. My life is good, rich, full. He has brought me out to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:12, NIV).

I need this reminder, to come and see what God has done; to take notes on His goodness to me. I am so forgetful. I want to remember more than I forget. To record what He has done before I move on and leave the past in the past, as I am apt to do. Before I extend my hand, saying like a petulant child, "What have You done for me lately?" It is good to stop and remember instead of rushing into my list of needs.

This day, I will notice the abundance instead of the lack. I will see the fullness instead of the decrease. I will run my fingers across words that mark His goodness to me and whisper the most important prayer I can offer: "Thank You."
                                                                                                                                                                       
Dear Lord, let my mouth and my heart praise You. Help me to remember Your goodness, the awesome things You have done for me. I confess that I am forgetful but I don't want to be. Help me see You at work and take the time to remember. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
Visit Marybeth's blog

The Mailbox Marybeth Whalen

Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman
Application Steps: 

Take time today to write down the things God has done for you. Spend time today praising Him for His goodness and remembering what He has done on your behalf. 

Reflections: 

Do you have a tool (such as a journal) to record what He has done and how He has moved on your behalf? If not, how would that add to your time with God and help you remember?

Power Verses:

Psalm 106:21, "They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt." (NIV) 

Psalm 71:15, "My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure." (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]

 

August 9, 2010

Stinkin' Thinkin'

Melanie Chitwood

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NAS)
       
Devotion:

It's 6:00 and you've got a delicious dinner ready for your family.  Your husband calls at 6:30 to explain he's running late - he's going to have to grab a quick sandwich, change into his softball clothes and rush to the softball game starting at 7:00.

Softball game? you think to yourself.  What softball game?

Before you can even hang up the phone, you find your mind filled with some "stinkin' thinkin'" about your husband and marriage. I am so sick of cooking dinners that he never even eats. I know he probably told me about that softball game, but I forgot and besides, he should be home. Great, I'll be home alone cleaning up the kitchen and putting the kids to bed, same old, same old. I think I'll just make plans for one night this week and "forget" to tell him about them.

Maybe this scenario has played out in your marriage. Maybe the situation is somewhat different but the stinkin' thinkin' sure rings true.  You find yourself dwelling on and repeating to yourself destructive thoughts such as:

"He's so selfish.  He never thinks about what's best for me, just for himself." 

"He should know what I need by now.  After all, we've been married five years."

"This marriage is not working out.  I was crazy to marry him in the first place." 

Stinkin' thinkin' in marriage will allow the dangerous weeds of bitterness and resentment to take root.  These weeds will choke out intimacy, peace, and closeness in our marriages.  We may find ourselves being irritable, harsh, distant, angry or unforgiving toward our spouse.  We may even find ourselves thinking about or moving toward divorce.

If we're battling stinkin' thinkin', God provides strategies to combat these thoughts.  First, we need to ask God to make us aware of any stinkin' thinkin' that might harm our marriage.   Secondly, we need to confess these destructive thoughts to the Lord.  Third, we need to ask God to take our thoughts captive to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5). Fourth, we need to replace the lies with God's truth. 

Following this strategy in the above situation might lead to these improved thoughts: 

"I'm mad and I want to lash out at him. Lord, help me be patient and not provoked."

"I know he needs some time to relax by doing something he loves."

"Give us a time later to talk, Lord, so I can explain to him in a calm way that I need some time for refreshment too.  Maybe we can make plans for a date night next week."

Awareness of our thoughts about our husband and marriage is so important because our thoughts lead to our attitudes in marriage, and our attitudes lead to actions.  When our thoughts are submitted to the lordship of Christ, we'll react in ways that build closeness with our husbands rather than destroy oneness.

Dear Lord, Your Word says that as a believer I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).  Make me aware of any thoughts that do not reflect Your truth.  Help me not to dwell on stinkin' thinkin' about my husband.  Give me Your thoughts toward my husband and marriage, thoughts that help our closeness and oneness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

This devotions was adapted from What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

What a Wife Needs from Her Husband by Melanie Chitwood

Visit Melanie's blog What Matters Most for more strategies to combat stinkin' thinkin'.

How is Your Marriage? offers more free encouragement!

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps: 

What pushes your buttons causing you to feel hurt, angry, or resentful?  Do these situations lead to stinkin' thinkin' about your husband?  Plan now to respond in a different way the next time this situation occurs. 

Write down the four steps mentioned in the devotion as your action plan. Pray and ask God to give you His strength to think and to respond differently. 

Reflections: 

In our minds strongholds are developed by repetition. What strongholds have developed in your mind about your husband or marriage?  Be especially aware of times you think or say "he always" or "he never."  For example, God might reveal to you that one of the lies you repeat about your husband is: "He never listens to my opinion." 

Our thoughts can be easily influenced by those around us and key people in our lives growing up.  What messages about men or marriage did you hear growing up? What thoughts do other women in your life express about their husbands?  Is their stinkin' thinkin' rubbing off on you?

Power Verses:

1 Corinthians 2:16, "...but we have the mind of Christ." (NAS)

2 Corinthians 10:5, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." (NAS)

Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)
                                               
© 2010 by Melanie Chitwood. All rights reserved.


Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

August 10, 2010

Faith-Full

Wendy Pope

"Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil."

2 Kings4:2b (NLT)

Devotion:

It had been almost one year since my husband began having serious health problems. We followed the correct protocol in regards to doctors.  First we went to see his general physician, followed all his instructions but nothing changed.  The general physician sent us to a specialist.  We followed his instructions.  Nothing changed.  For months we rode the roller coaster of uncertainty, hoping each new physician and medication would give us answers.  All efforts were to no avail. My husband continued to have problems without solutions.  My faith wavered. I believed God for a miracle, but doubted one would ever come.

The process wore us down physically, mentally, and spiritually.  There were people literally all over world praying for us.  Why didn't God, the Great Physician, hear the cries of His people and answer them?  Why couldn't my husband have a miracle?  In a last ditch effort for answers...for a miracle...my husband prayerfully went to a specialist in another city. I was unable to make the trip with him.  Little did I know God had a miracle for me right here at home.

That week, I read in the Bible of a woman who was long on sorrows and short on faith.  She was desperate. I saw my own story between the lines of hers.  This widow's husband had accrued a debt the widow was unable to pay; authorities were coming to take her sons as slaves in order to satisfy the debt.  She exercised what little faith she had by bringing her sorrows to the one person she believed could help, the prophet Elisha.  Elisha instructed the woman to have her sons collect empty jars from her neighbors and, from the one flask of olive oil she had left, fill the jars then sell the oil to pay the debt.  The women obeyed.  Miraculously there were enough full jars of oil to pay her husband's creditors.

As I pondered on this widow's desperate plight, God instructed me to follow her example.  He asked me to bring my empty jars (figuratively) to the altar at the close of the church service the following Sunday morning.  I did not understand nor did I want to obey.  I was long on sorrows and short on faith.  Throughout the week I felt His nearness and His prompting to bring my empty jars to Him.  Throughout the week I continued to tell Him no.  I was scared.  I did not want others to make a fuss over me at the altar.  I did not want to be disappointed again.

Sunday morning came, I was still arguing with the Lord. Imagine my surprise as I heard the pastor say, "Open your Bibles to 2 Kings 4:38-44."  God had arranged a miracle for me.  The miracle wasn't to heal my husband, but to heal my faith, to fill my emptiness with a new faith that I would carry throughout the journey of my husband's uncertain future. At the close of the sermon, with fear and trembling I took my empty jars to the altar.  The moment was personal and precious.  It was as if I was the only one in the sanctuary with the Lord.  He met me there and made me faith-full.

Do you desire to be faith-full today?  Are you long on sorrows and short on faith?  Gather your empty jars and take them to the only One who can help you.  The Lord will meet you there.  It will be personal and precious.  He will fill your jars with enough faith to get you through the known and the unknown.  Only God can make you faith-full.

Dear Lord, sweet Jesus.  I believe in You.  Today, help me believe You.  I bring You my empty jars of faith asking You to make me faith-full.  I don't want to be a woman long on sorrows, short on faith any more.  I know You are the only One who can help me.  Help me know You are good. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Click here for a variety of teachings on CD by Wendy Pope

Visit Wendy's blog to hear the rest of the story.

When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference by Carolyn Custis James
A Woman Who Fears the Lord - T-Shirt
Application Steps: 

Gather your empty jars and take them to the only One who can help you.  Go to "the altar" in your kitchen, beside your desk, in the park, or wherever you are.  Give Him your uncertain future, your desperate present, and the failures of your past. 

Reflections: 

What fear are you struggling with today?

Why is it difficult for you to bring your emptiness to God?

Do you believe God can make you faith-full?

Power Verses:

Genesis 15:6, "And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. (NIV)

Hebrews 11:6, "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." (NIV) 

James 2:14, "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions?" (NIV)

© 2010 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org