Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

November 3, 2008

Duty and Privilege

Micca Monda Campbell

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"

Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

Tomorrow, November 4th, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to elect new leaders of government. If you live in the United States , I encourage you to be among them and exercise your right to vote. I encourage you to vote for both your national and your local leaders.

While the Bible does not command us to vote, it does command us to be good citizens wherever we live. One way we can be a good citizen, honor God, and assist in guiding our nation is by voting.

As a woman, I'm honored to take part in determining the direction of our nation. Before the 1900's, women in America were not allowed the privilege to vote, and in some countries they still cannot. I look at voting for our leaders not only as my citizen's duty, but also as a privilege millions of people in the world do not have.

I take my right to vote so seriously that in 1992, while nine months pregnant and restricted to bed rest, I had my mother drive me forty-five minutes to vote in the presidential election. I allowed nothing to stand in my way of exercising my right to vote. Eight days later, I gave birth to a healthy little girl - to whom I hope to pass on my political passion for voting.

There's no doubt about it, voting is both a duty and a privilege. However, I realize that some people won't take the time and trouble to vote because they don't believe their ballot will make much of a difference. That's not true. Statistics show that many elections have come down to only a handful of votes.

What would happen if most people felt that their vote didn't really matter and didn't bother to vote? It would mean that our country's future would be decided by only a few of its citizens-- who perhaps don't hold the same convictions as yours.

Deciding whom to vote for can seem a daunting task. But voting is easier once you and I pray about it, and seek out good information about the candidates and the issues they address. The fact that there is moral haziness in politics these days indicates our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance when examining the issues as well as the candidates.

November 4th is a day of opportunity for America . It's a day to stand up for what we believe in. It's a day to voice those beliefs and be heard. It's a day to take the time to vote as we honor our Christian heritage, and bring glory to God. For "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!"

Dear Lord, in this upcoming election, I pray that You will move in the hearts of Your people in this nation to vote. I pray You will work in and through our leaders to guide and bless this nation -- may it be so in all nations, Lord! Guide us by your Spirit, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Micca Campbell's blog

31 Days of Prayer: Moving God's Mighty Hand by Ruth Myers

Through All Generations Worship CD with Gwen Smith

Application Steps: 

Read I Timothy chapter 3, and compare these traits to those running for leadership in America today (or your country if you do not live in the U.S. )

Reflections: 

What are your main concerns for America and the world today? Economy? Terrorism? Health Care? Energy? Education? Taxes? ...

Inform yourself of the candidates' stances on these issues and then decide which candidate, in your opinion, has the best plan for our nation.

Will you take the time to vote in the upcoming election?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 14:24; 26-27a, "The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand. This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?" (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]

November 4, 2008

Read Through the Word

Wendy Pope

"For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
         
Devotion:

Have you ever set a goal for yourself you truly wanted to accomplish, but in your mind doubted that you would be successful? It seemed every goal I set, I would fail. My failure to meet goals would make me feel less of a person and unworthy. This had happened to me so many times I subconsciously refused to set goals. Then one day, a few years ago, I decided to accept a challenge that was made through the air waves of a local Christian radio station. The challenge was to read the entire Bible in a year. This was something I had longed to do for years but was completely afraid I would fail. Short terms goals were hard enough for me, but more manageable than a long-term goal such as this one. I felt the Lord's encouragement like I never had before. I knew this was something He wanted me to do.

Fear of failure raced through my mind, arguing with the truth that God wanted me to know His Word and use it as a light for my path. I feared that I would not understand His Word, but remembered God had given me an ear to hear and learn His instruction. I feared I would not have the discipline to complete a yearlong goal. I did not want to disappoint my Father. God reminded me that as part of my salvation I received love and self-discipline, not fear. I had almost convinced myself that it was impossible when I heard the words of Jesus saying, "With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible." I begin to feel His confidence building in me. Recounting His truths over and over, combating the lies of the enemy who wanted so desperately for me to give up, I accepted the challenge.

I shared the goal with my husband. He supported my goal by giving me a Bible with daily readings. My bookshelves were full of different Bibles with different translations. Why would I need another Bible to accomplish this goal? I asked myself.

The Bible my husband gave me was unlike any Bible I had ever seen. It was a Chronological Bible written in the New Living Translation. The format fascinated me. The Bible was written in the order in which things happened and in an easy to understand translation with daily readings that were not overwhelming. The goal was beginning to look more attainable than ever. I could not wait for the New Year to start so I could begin the challenge set before me.

With fear and trembling as well as great anticipation, I began reading through the Bible on January 1, 2006. I missed days and many times gave ear to the attempts of the enemy to make me lose sight of my goal. However, I made up the days I missed, overcame the enemy, and finished reading the Bible in 2006 ... then again in 2007 ... and I am on my way to completing the readings again for 2008.

I don't share this with you to receive any "atta girl" or other praise. All praise and glory go to God. I share this with you today to encourage you to read through the story of God's Word. Maybe like me, God has prompted you before, but you have left Him at bay. January 1st is not far away and the Chronological Bible I will read again in 2009 is now available through our resource center at Proverbs 31 Ministries. Will you take the challenge to know the Savior's story like never before and join in me reading through God's Word in 2009?

Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect gift of salvation, love, and self-discipline. I know that all things are possible with You; will You help me believe it? With the help of Your Holy Spirit's guidance, I can make Your Word a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The One Year Chronological Bible

God the Builder-Audio CD by Wendy Pope

Visit Wendy Pope's blog to hear more about reading the Bible in a year.

Application Steps: 

Commit to reading through God's Word in 2009. Through prayer and today's power verse, overcome your doubts and the enemy's attempts to convince you this goal is unattainable.

Purchase the Chronological Bible early, and begin to pray about completing this goal ... become empowered to accomplish the goal in 2009.

Reflections: 

Do I fear setting goals? Why or why not?

Do I truly believe all things are possible through Christ? Explain.

Power Verses:

Isaiah 50:4b, "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught." (NIV)

© 2008 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 5, 2008

Handprints of Love

By Renee Myers, She Speaks Graduate

"Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."

Proverbs 31:31 (NLT)

Devotion:

Oh, the memories of summer days spent with my husband's parents at their cozy lake cottage. My mother-in-law Jeanette was a wonderful hostess who always made us feel welcomed and loved. Their peaceful home sat on a canal that led to the lake. The views from the windows looked across a tree-shaded yard to the canal where their boat was docked. At any time you could look out to see ducks wandering in the yard or floating by, cranes flying overhead, boats motoring along, or fish jumping out of the water. Our young son loved to stand at the windows with his hands pressed against the glass to catch these fascinating sights.

While talking to Jeanette after one of our visits she said, "This might sound funny, but I haven't washed the windows since you were here last. I still enjoy seeing your son's handprints on the glass and just can't bring myself to wash them off." Silently I thought to myself, "No, that doesn't sound funny at all. I never wash our windows either!" Then my heart allowed me to be touched by what she'd just said. Although she was an excellent housekeeper who liked everything neat and tidy, she looked past perfection and sought preservation of the moments her grandchild spent in her home, leaving his handprints behind as evidence of the happy times they'd shared.

Hmmm...I had a lot to learn from her. I was so busy trying to be a good mom and keep up with my tasks (which included wiping off all the sticky handprints I found), that I was overlooking precious "handprint moments" with my own son. I wasn't allowing myself to stand back and cherish them as my mother-in-law had so wisely done.

Psalm 127:3 tells me that children are a gift from the Lord. In the busyness of motherhood, I failed to see and cherish him as such. Wisdom spoke through the loving words of my mother-in-law to remind me.

I've learned many lessons from Jeanette's kind and gentle ways. She treated me as a daughter-in-love, not a daughter-in-law. I've never heard her raise her voice or speak negatively of others. Although Jeanette was a retired elementary teacher, she never stopped teaching the things that mattered most. She took pride in her duties as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother up until the day she lost her life to cancer.

She left handprints of love on my heart that will never be wiped away, evidence of deeds that publicly declare her praise (Proverbs 31:31).

Dear Lord, please help me to leave handprints of love on my loved ones hearts, just as You have done on the hearts of those who turn to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart and Home by Karen Ehman

A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado
Application Steps: 

Think about ways you would like to be thought of and remembered by your loved ones. Read Proverbs 31:10-27 for reminders of how the Bible teaches us to be loving women.

Reflections: 

Whose handprints of love are on your heart?

How might you live your life so that you can leave handprints of love on the hearts of others?

How can you honor those whose love-lessons have made a difference for you?

Power Verses:

Titus 2:1, "But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching." (NLT)

1 Peter 1:22b, "Love one another deeply, from the heart." (NIV)

John 15:12, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 6, 2008

Hiding My Junk
Whitney Capps

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)

Devotion:

My husband and I put our house on the market this week. We've been prayerfully considering moving closer to our families, but couldn't settle in our hearts the ideal timing for such a change. God answered our prayers for clarification when we discovered that we are pregnant with our third child. That means three babies, three pregnancies, three varied and growing sets of stretch marks in less than four years. God has been so faithful and gracious. So, we are moving closer to home. Here we grow...

We spent all weekend cleaning our house to get it ready to show it. It's amazing how much more junk I notice when I think about strangers walking through and evaluating our home. It was a full day's work. We cleaned out, threw away and hid an obscene amount of really unnecessary stuff (i.e. junk). I have watched enough HGTV to make this process a little bit easier. I knew ahead of time that less stuff equals more open space. Without the visual interruption of clutter, the eye can take in the full size of the room, the bones and beauty of the space. We all know that buyers appreciate a clean slate. It's easier to see the good stuff without all the junk around. I know this, but in the midst of all the cleaning out, I still questioned if people really care.

Let me be a little more specific. Could a buyer overlook the winter coats and hats dropped in the bottom of my pantry floor? Would they mind the empty video game boxes stacked neatly in the corner? I know they'll look in my junk drawer to see empty medicine bottles, matches, broken sunglasses, playing cards and takeout menus. But doesn't everyone have a junk drawer? Surely, visitors won't mind boxes of the boys' winter clothes clogging up the closet space.

During the process, I couldn't help but wonder if it was time for a spiritual open house. I sense that I've been storing unsightly clutter for far too long. It's a lot of junk really. I think I could make a better use of the space if I'd just let some things go. I'm afraid when people look at my life they see spiritual clutter (i.e. sin). Can they appreciate the bones and beauty of the work of God in my life or does their eye stop on all the junk? Do they see an overcrowded life that squeezes out the space God longs to fill with His peace, presence and holiness? Will they notice good but unnecessary things that fill the void?

Let me be a little more specific. Could someone look past my too-often indulged habit of gossip? Will they really mind the irritability I often display with my husband, and what about the petty jokes made at his expense? I know they will look at me and see gluttony, pride, a love of television and a lack of discipline. But doesn't everyone have stuff they struggle with? Do they wonder about a woman who leads small group, teaches women's conferences and disciples youth, but has a hard time regularly sitting and being still before the Lord?

My personal challenge for the next few days is to look at my life not the way a perfect stranger would, but the way a Perfect Savior would.  It's unlikely He will look past the things that I'm far too complacent about. Once I've taken a spiritual inventory I'm not going to just hide the junk. I don't know about you, but that junk always seems to reappear and at the worst possible time. No, I'm going to do my best to let my junk go.  Friends, I'm moving closer to my Father. Here I grow...

Dear Lord, I want to live free of the junk of sin. Forgive me and help me make the move to living according to your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life by Keri Wyatt Kent

Sanctuary, a Devotional Bible for Women (NLT)

Whitney Capps's blog

Application Steps: 

Look for examples of sinful clutter in your life.

Identify these trouble spots and make a plan to begin dealing with each area.

Reflections: 

Have you been avoiding dealing with areas of sin in your life?

Are there negative effects of sin keeping others from seeing the work of God in your life?

Power Verses:

Luke 12:15, Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (NIV) 

© 2008 by Whitney Capps. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 7, 2008

Little Noises

Marybeth Whalen

"You have seen many things, but have paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing." Isaiah 42:20 (NIV)

Devotion:

The squeaking that was coming from under the hood of my car was getting louder and louder, to an unavoidable degree. "Mom," my son said as he got out of my car in the carpool line at school, "Please do something about that. It's embarrassing." I had to admit he was right. Something was definitely wrong with my car. The funny noise was a warning sign to attend to the problem lest I end up stranded on the side of the road with smoke billowing from the hood. Even though the noise was annoying and embarrassing, I had to admit I was grateful for the chance to attend to a problem before it got serious.

Whether it's a squeak, a ping, a knock, or a rattle, we all have those little noises in our life as well. And even though they might drive us crazy, we have to admit that they can serve a great purpose. We need to be alerted to the more serious underlying problems that exist, lurking where we might not see them. God is gracious to provide those for us--if we will only learn to listen and respond. Those noises might annoy us, nag at us, and be most unwelcome sounds, but just think where we might end up without them!

There is that whiny sound that comes from a child who needs your attention and affirmation--an indication that perhaps a special day for just the two of you or a heart-to-heart conversation is needed.

There is that grumbling sound that comes from a husband who is feeling neglected--an indication that regular date nights need to be reinstituted in your marriage, and that less time should be spent on distractions and more time spent on him.

There is that rumbling earthquake noise that comes from a boss who has made one too many little comments about your job performance--an indication that it's time to pray for God's wisdom and for job security in these uncertain times.

There is that loud chainsaw noise that comes from bills that are stacking up and creditors that are calling--an indication that it might be time to get some help with managing your money.

There is that nails on chalkboard sound of all those little worries that nag at you--an indication that it's time to get intentional about turning your worries and doubts over to God, laying them at His feet and trusting Him to take care of the rest.

Most of all, there is the noise of a gentle, rushing wind that is God's constant whisper calling out to us--an invitation to draw close to Him and experience His presence, banishing the loneliness, hurt and rejection when we do.

What little noises are you hearing in your life? Do you need to attend to them now before a relationship suffers, or you lose something valuable? It's hard to stop in the midst of all our busyness and attend to things that aren't quite urgent yet. Still, those little noises are often big indicators of much deeper issues. Don't ignore the warning signs in your life. Ask God to help you hear them when you need to. I know I need to turn my ear towards those noises instead of away from them as I am prone to do. Ignoring them won't make them go away. I don't want to end up on the side of the road in my relationships, my job, or my life because I didn't pay attention to those little indicators that something was wrong.

Dear Lord, I need You to draw my attention to those little noises in my life. Sometimes I get so busy and forget to listen. And sometimes I hear them but I just ignore them because I don't want to deal with what's not right in front of me. Lord, I know those noises are little indicators of bigger problems lurking. Help me to hear them and respond before it's too late. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

When You're Running on Empty by Cindi McMenamin

He Speaks To Me: Preparing to Hear from God by Priscilla Shirer

Listen to today's Radio Show for more encouragement

Visit Marybeth Whalen's blog

Application Steps: 

Do you have a story of a time when you ignored one of those little noises and later wished you hadn't? Maybe you have learned good ways to deal with little noises in life that you could share with others. If so, drop by Marybeth's blog and leave a comment.

Reflections: 

What is a little noise in your life that you have been ignoring? Has God brought it to mind even as you have read this devotional? Take time today to pray for wisdom in how you can best address this little noise--and the need behind it--in your life.

Power Verses:

Isaiah 6:10, "Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." (NIV)

Jeremiah 6:10, "To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it." (NIV) 

© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 10, 2008

Clean House and Clean Heart

Tracie Miles

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

Devotion:

I was tired of tripping over shoes, left over belongings, stray hangers, and dirty clothes!

I finally admitted I had to clean out my closet. After hours of sorting clothes, I stepped back to admire my clean, neatly organized closet. I breathed a sigh of relief and reveled in my success. Although it took quite a long time, it was well worth the effort. I could hardly wait to get up the next morning and enter my tidy closet, looking for my clothes with a fresh, new perspective.

Cleaning is something we all prefer to avoid, but its something that is necessary. When it comes to cleaning house, the more we neglect doing what is needed, the worse things get, and the longer it will to take to get clean again. That was the case with my closet.

As I admired my coordinated closet, I considered how our hearts are like messy houses at times. On the outside we look in order, but on the inside our hearts are full of clutter -- clutter such as unforgiveness, bitterness, self-condemnation, sadness, lack of joy, worry and much more. All this clutter makes for a huge mess behind the closed doors of our hearts. Just as putting off cleaning our homes creates chaos around us, the longer we allow our hearts to stay cluttered and messy, the more messes our bad habits make in our lives. Think about the havoc negative self-talk, selfishness, or grumpy attitudes have caused in the past.

I felt God nudging me to do a little house cleaning, or should I say, heart cleaning. For example, in a house with two young teen daughters with changing hormones, busy social lives, and lots of drama, sometimes I have to remind myself that they need a happy mommy, not a grumpy mommy. They need a patient mom, not an impatient mom. They need a forgiving mom, not a mom who constantly reminds them of their mistakes. My husband needs a happy wife. My friends need a faithful friend. My church needs a willing servant.

The mentality of cleaning up our heart can apply to every area of our life -- marriage, family, work, relationships, and even self-image. Let's face it, as nice as a clean house is, it is more important to have a clean heart!

Today's verse reminds us how we should desire a clean heart. When David prays this prayer, he desires a new heart, a clean heart, and a spirit that desires to be like Christ. David knew that the only way he could achieve a clean heart, was through the power of Christ. So it is the same with us. Therefore, we must ask God to create a new heart, a clean heart, within us and believe that as a result, our spirits will be renewed.

Maybe you know you have some serious house cleaning to do, but could it be you have some heart cleaning to do as well?

Dear Lord, I seek Your face today and ask You to restore in me a clean heart. Help me to rid of all the clutter in my heart which is keeping me at a distance from You, and preventing others from seeing You working in and through me. Infuse me with a desire to maintain a clean heart throughout each day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Cleaning up the Clutter by Emilie Barnes

My Heart's At Home: Becoming the Intentional Mom Your Family Needs by Jill Savage

Visit Tracie Miles' blog

Application Steps: 

Pick an area of your home to de-clutter this weekend. As you clean, pray for God to purify your heart.

Reflections: 

What has been burdening your heart lately? Is there some unforgiveness there? Bitterness? Or doubts?

Ask God to renew your perspective and help you begin the cleaning process.

Power Verses:

Jeremiah 17:9-10, NIV "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

© 2008 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 11, 2008

"What If?"

By Susanne Scheppmann

"Then Esther sent this message to Mordecai:
'Go and gather together all the Jews of Shushan and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day; and I and my maids will do the same; and then, though it is strictly forbidden, I will go in to see the king; and if I perish, I perish.'"

Esther 4:15-16 (TLB)
         
Devotion:

"Are you afraid of snakes?" my friend's son asked with a smirk.

I felt a surge of fear at the question. Then I noticed his hands hidden below the kitchen counter. I swallowed hard as I realized he probably held a snake in his twelve-year-old hands.

What if I answered, "Yes"?

What if, he tossed it in my lap to watch my horrified reaction?

"Not much," I answered.

Sure enough, he came around the corner holding a wiggly, white and orange snake.

However, my answer had clearly deflated his mischievous intentions. He brought the harmless critter closer but held it tightly in his hands. Bored with the result, he left the room with the snake in tow to find a different surprised soul with a phobia of snakes. I breathed a sigh of relief and unclenched my sweaty palms.

Don't we often react in the same manner with God? We fear that if we decide to trust Him, He will allow something horrible in our lives. We ask ourselves all sorts of fear-filled questions. What if God sends me to be missionary in a remote country? What if I get cancer? What if He wants me to live a life of poverty? What if He takes one of my children? What if He desires I stay single? What if? What if? What if?

An ancient queen, Esther, faced a tremendous "what if" in her life. She was called upon to stand up to an evil man, Haman, at the risk of losing her life. At first, she reacted with a stout refusal. But her cousin Mordecai challenged her with these words, "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14 NLT). Esther overcame her fear and responded with the words found in our Key Verse, "though it is strictly forbidden, I will go in to see the king; and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:15-16 TLB).

I want that kind of courage. I desire to have God's Spirit to overcome all my "what if" fears. I desire to trust Him in every area of my life. Whether it is in overcoming a fear of a silly, wiggly snake or a terrible, malevolent tyrant, I need His peace in my life.

Dear Lord, help me to overcome my fears of "what if" and to trust in Your divine purpose in my life. Give me Your peace when my fears rise up. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

This devotion is excerpted from Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann.

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

List the "what ifs" that you fear. Browse through your Bible concordance to find Scriptures that will help combat your fears.

Reflections: 

Are my "what ifs" a result of needless worry or a likely reality?

How can I push through my fear?

Do I trust the Lord's sovereign will in my life?

Power Verses:

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

Daniel 3:17-18, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (NIV)

[Excerpt © Randall House Publishing, 2008. Used by permission.]

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 12, 2008

Home: More than Just a Word

Marybeth Whalen

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Devotion:

I opened up my email to discover another one of those forwards we all get from time to time. I almost hit "delete" but my eye landed on this acronym for the word "Home":

Honor the Lord

Obey His Word

Minister to one another

Establish walls of truth

I was glad I took a look at this forward, because it made me think about whether or not these four components are present in my home. When looked at it in this light, the word "home" means so much more than just a place to live. Isn't that what we want all of our homes to be? More than a place to sleep and eat and occasionally clean, we want our homes to be a place where lives are shaped into God's design. This little acronym zeroes in on four important goals we should have for our home. The exciting thing is, no matter who lives there, or what problems we are facing, or what limits we feel like we have, with effort and intention our homes can be places where these four things happen.

Honor the Lord: We can honor God with our lips, but yet our hearts can be far from Him (Mt. 15: -- and the people who live with us will be the first to know when we do this! Let's seek to honor Him behind the closed doors of our homes, living out our devotion to Him in a visible, gentle way as we realize that our families are watching.

Obey His Word: Obeying His Word at home is not always easy. The Bible tells us to be submissive to our husbands, to love others more than we love ourselves, and to pick up our cross (as we pick up after our children, or care for our elderly parents). When we do these things with humility, those we most want to impact will notice. More than that, they will file it away in their hearts, and our lives will echo in theirs in ways we can't possibly foresee.

Minister to one another: Ministry requires us to love others, to reach others, and to lay down our lives for the sake of those God has placed in our sphere of influence. This must happen at home first. And yet, if we're honest, it's usually the last place it happens. We go out and give the best of what we have to offer to others, then give our leftovers to the people we profess to love the most. Let's minister to those in our own homes first.

Establish walls of truth: When I first read this, I will confess that something prickled in me. Establish walls? How is it Biblical to establish walls? I questioned. However, I soon realized I was thinking of walls as a means to keep people out. When in actuality, we need to be building walls of truth--God's truth, designed not to keep others out but to guard our hearts and give us a safe place to retreat and to rest. These walls of truth make our homes into fortresses--a place to run to when our daily battles wear us out.

These are not things we can just do once and move on. They are daily requirements, regular sacrifices, and even personal struggles. We won't ever do it perfectly and there will be days we feel we are taking one step up and two steps back. But with God's help, we can keep working to make H.O.M.E. mean so much more.

Dear Lord, make my home a place that includes these four components. I want my home to be more than just a place to live in--I want it to be a place where lives are impacted and relationships are strengthened. Lord, I need Your help to do these things. Thank You for Your promise to always help me when I ask. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

Dwelling: Living Fully from the Space You Call Home by Mary Beth Lagerborg

A Life That Says Welcome, Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others by Karen Ehman

To talk about practical ideas for our homes, visit Marybeth Whalen's blog

Application Steps: 

Choose one of the four components of the word HOME and concentrate on it today. Ask God to show you creative ways you can live for Him within the walls of your home.

Reflections: 

How do you honor God, obey His word, minister to your family, and establish walls of Truth in your home? Can you share some practical ideas--even simple little things you have seen work? Pop over to Marybeth's blog today and share your ideas if you wish.

Power Verses:

Isaiah 32:18, "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." (NIV)

Proverbs 3:33, "The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous." (NIV)

© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 13, 2008

Even a Great Husband Makes a Very Poor God

Lysa TerKeurst

"Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'I am the LORD your God..."

Leviticus 18:2 (NIV)

Devotion:

I've often wished I could travel back 16 years ago and give my "young bride self" some advice. But since that's not possible, I love sharing what I've learned with others.

Recently, I had dinner with a 28 year-old friend who would love to one day be married. During our time together the conversation flowed freely about all sorts of things. Blogs. Writing. Leaving your comfort zone because God said so. Biscuits. You know, girl stuff. And then we moved on to the subject of relationships and marriage.

I shared with my friend that when I was single I thought marriage was all about finding the right partner. I thought if you find "the one," you'll be happy, secure, and fulfilled. I do think it's good to have a list of standards that you look for in a spouse. However, it can never be with the expectation that if you find that special someone, he'll right all your wrongs and fill up all your insecurities. The problem with this thinking is the pressure it will eventually put on your spouse.

To expect another person to make you feel happy, secure, and fulfilled will leave you disappointed at best and disillusioned at worst. Even a great husband makes a very poor God.

Only God can settle those deep heart-needs. A man can never do this. If a husband could meet every need his wife had, we'd have no need for God. Therefore, instead of just focusing on finding the right partner, let God work on your heart to help you become the right partner. The time to start working on becoming a wife is now. Before the white dress, delicate bouquets, unity candle, bacon wrapped shrimp, and reception punch, there is some heart stuff to consider:

Getting married doesn't instantly make you selfless... it makes you realize how very selfish you can be at times.

Getting married doesn't make you feel loved... it makes you realize love is more of a decision you make than a feeling you feel.

Getting married doesn't take away loneliness... it makes you realize true companionship comes not when you demand it but rather when you give it to another person.

So, what does marriage give?

A beautiful chance to make the choice to ...


Laugh whether or not the jokes are funny.

Love by folding his collar over his tie every morning.

Pretend like you don't need flowers, but delight when he buys them anyway.

Cheer him on through both failures and successes.

Tell him he's a great man everyday.

Thank God for the privilege of being his wife.

After our time together, my friend thanked me for our talk. She said it gave her a lot to think about. To be honest, it gave me a lot to think about as well.

Dear Lord, only You can fill my heart, right my wrongs, and make me feel loved. I pray that You would show me how to keep my expectations of my husband in check. Help me to be the wife he desires. And help me to remember that marriage was never meant to make me happy all the time. Marriage is a decision to honor You by honoring the one you've entrusted to me to be my husband. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Click here to visit Lysa's blog today and read about how she met her husband.

Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst... perfect for those married or those just thinking about marriage!

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Application Steps: 

If you aren't married yet, think of some ways God might want to work on your heart before marriage.

If you are married, think of a way you've tried to get your husband to fill a need that only God can meet. Pray and ask God how you can rely on God for this need instead of your husband.

Reflections: 

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I could be a great wife if only my husband would..."? Or, "If only I was married, I could really be..."

Remember, it is impossible to control what another person says or does. Therefore, waiting for your spouse to change in order for your relationship to get better, will only cause frustration. If, however, we take responsibility for our own actions and reactions, God can help us make real progress.

Power Verses:

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

Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (NIV)

© 2008 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

November 14, 2008

Psalm 131

Rachel Olsen

"... I have calmed and quieted myself like a little weaned child with its mother ..."

Psalm 131:2a (HCSB)

Devotion:

I found Psalm 131 curious at first read. It is very short -- only three verses long. (You can read it in the power verses section below.) In it, the writer David portrays himself as a child who has been weaned.

Several places in scripture God is depicted as a mother, even a nursing mother. This may seem jarring if you are used to His "God the Father" title, but it's a warm and nurturing picture of God. It conveys a loving life-giver who wants to see their child grow up healthy and strong. Psalm 131 shows us that weaning must take place in order for that to happen.

My first-born would rather nurse than do just about anything the first 12 months of her life. She was not interested in crib toys, stuffed animals, blankets, the baby swing, a pacifier, or a bottle. She only wanted to nurse, nearly all the time. She didn't need that much food -- all that nursing made her happy but it also made her chubby. Plus, she couldn't go on nursing forever. While she was getting more nutrition than she needed at the time, it wouldn't provide all she would need in the coming years. She had to wean and learn to eat the more mature food I put on the table.

Weaning caused some anxiety for my sweet daughter. She did not like having what was comfortable and familiar taken away. Sometimes she would even throw tantrums over it. However, once the weaning process was complete, she was content with her new reality. Through the weaning process, her appetites were changed. It also gave her more time to master walking and enjoy playing. She was now able and eager to stand at her mother's side and explore her world as a toddler.

Determining the right time to wean depends on the child and the parent but when the time comes, weaning involves withholding from the child what he wants, but no longer needs. God often withholds things we want but do not need, in order to change our appetites. This is not meant to inflict anxiety or pain, but to mature us and prepare us for the next level in our walk with Him. Too often we want life to be easy and comfortable. We don't want to grow up and face responsibilities. But that would lead to stunted development. We forget that growth and maturity are almost always forged through some type of hard work or difficultly.

Other times, however, we do want to grow up -- WAY UP -- and we get in a hurry to do so. We're like the toddler who assumes she is can do everything herself. Psalm 131 speaks to this tendency in us as well. David says in the first verse that he keeps his soul from being too proud or overly ambitious. Basically, David is saying he has to make sure he doesn't get too big for the britches God has given him!

The Message writer Eugene Peterson puts it this way: "God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain. I haven't meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. I've kept my feet on the ground, I've cultivated a quiet heart ..." (Psalm 131:1-2a).
   
Psalm 131 ends with David urging us to place our trust and hope in God. So today, I will not hope in my ambitions or grand plans for the future, nor will I desire an always-easy path so I don't have to face difficulty. Rather I will leave all that to Him and I will simply stand at God's side, ready to explore my day.

Dear Lord, remind me through Your Spirit to keep my ambitions and desires in check. May I grow and walk with You today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio

Visit Rachel Olsen's blog

Application Steps: 

Read Psalm 131 in its entirety below.

Click over to Rachel's blog to discuss today's reflection questions.

Reflections: 

Can you recall something you have "weaned" off of, and now your appetites are changed?

Is there something you are being weaned from now? Or something you know that God wants to wean you from?

Are you obsessing over ambitions or roles that you have created for yourself?

Power Verses:

Psalm 131, "My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." (NIV) 

© 2008 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org