Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

December 1, 2008



Joy to the World

Katherine R. Cottle, She Speaks Graduate

"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." John 3:16 (NIV)

Devotion:

Uh-oh, my son had begun the dreaded potty dance. He had gotten so engrossed in the beautiful, giant, Christmas ornaments suspended from the shopping mall ceiling that he totally ignored his almost 4 year-old bladder. It was warning him to get to the potty. We were only seconds away from an accident, without a change of clothes.

Doctors had recently given my little son a great big label: Pervasive Developmentally Delayed. Simple translation: he learns differently than most and things that "typically developing" children are able to do easily, he finds challenging. For example, being able to recognize that his body needs to go to the potty and communicating his need to me. I had 20 other things to accomplish in the mall and I was not prepared for this.

Thanks to a mother's ability to quickly maneuver through crowds and leap tall mounds of Christmas presents in a single bound, we made it to the restroom just in time.

Frustration began to overwhelm my heart. I wasn't just overwhelmed by the pressure of the things I had on my to-do list, but also by my son's struggle with being able to recognize and verbally acknowledge his needs. Lord, will he ever be able to tell me what is going on in his head? How are we going to reach him?

As we were washing our hands, he suddenly began to sing with all his heart, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King." Where was this coming from? I wondered. Quieting my frustrated mind, I slowed down to listen. The song was playing over the intercom. I had totally tuned it out.

My beautiful little boy with his great big label had heard what I had not. Women coming out of their stalls smiled and sang with him. I think the angels would have included us in their choir that day.

In that moment I felt the Lord assure me that He had created my son and knew his needs and exactly how to reach him. After all, this is what Christmas is all about. Our loving Father, knowing our need of the gift of salvation, reached the world through Jesus Christ. Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let us receive our King!

Dear Lord, Thank you for knowing my needs, sending Your Son and creating a way to reach me. This Christmas, please help me quiet my frustrations and busy to-do list and listen to Your song. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Can Martha Have a Mary Christmas? by Brenda Poinsett

31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers

Join us for more Everyday Life encouragement.

Application Steps:

Write down the names of two people to pray for this Christmas season. Pray that they will hear the message of the carols this season, and realize the full grace extended to them through Jesus Christ.

Reflection Points:

In a busy setting have you ever stopped to listen to what is being said

around you?

What is your joy level today?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."(NIV)

Matthew 6:8, "for your Father knows what you need..." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:15, "...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..." (NIV)

© 2008 by Katie Cottle. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 2, 2008

Handling Daily Frustrations

Lysa TerKeurst

"But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop" Luke 8:15 (NIV)     

Devotion:

Recently, I had a conversation with a customer service agent. I use the words "customer service" very loosely. There was not a lot of concern over me being a faithful customer nor any expressions of service.

Let's just say, I wasn't feeling the love. I remained calm, but it seriously took everything in me to do so.

I know the lady on the other end of the phone was just following procedure, but I wasn't getting anywhere with a very simple request. It made no sense. It wasn't right. And it certainly did nothing to make me fond of this particular company.

Later on, I started thinking about the woman on the other end of the line. After my call, she probably moved on to the next frustrated customer. And then the next. And then the next. Suddenly, I felt so sorry for her. I decided it wasn't her desire to not be able to help me. She was truly just following the orders of the higher-ups at her company.

I imagined her packing up her things at the end of another long day and heading home. A home where she is having to face her own daily aggravations and frustrations. That's when it hit me. While on the phone, I never pictured her as a person really. To me, she was just a voice on the other end of the phone that was causing me extreme frustration.

How might my reaction have been different if I'd stopped to think about her as a woman just like me? ...What might it be like to be her, to live her life, and to have to go to her job everyday?

I decided God was trying to get my attention to be more aware of those around me, those that He loves dearly. Those that I, sadly, sometimes don't even see. In Luke 8:15 Jesus reminds us, "But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." I want Jesus' message to fall on a heart that is humble and fertile enough to:

Receive God's word...

Retain God's instruction, and...

Reflect God's character in both my action and reactions.

When I stop to think about this I am challenged. Whether I am talking with a frustrating customer service representative that I don't know or interacting with those I know and love, I must work towards being a woman who displays godly character. Just like Luke 8:15 encourages, whether I'm having a frustrating conversation or a friendly one, may God's messages of truth have such an impact on me that my heart remains noble and good.

Dear Lord, It is easy to honor You with my carefully thought through actions but, sometimes much harder with my reactions. Even when I'm caught off guard, may Your love and patience be the spillover from my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog for an exciting Christmas Give Away today!

Do You Know Him?

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

Use this formula for studying God's word this week:

Receive God's word ... write out the verses you want to focus on.

Retain God's instruction ... memorize and internalize the truths you've been studying.

Reflect God's character in both my action and reactions ... focus on practicing the truths you've been learning.

Reflections: 

This week as you interact with many people, how can you prepare your heart for reactions that honor God?

Power Verses:

Psalm 37:30-31, "The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip." (NIV) 

1 Corinthians 13:1, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (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]

December 3, 2008

I Can't Believe My Husband Feels Dishonored
Renee Swope

"Then when the king's edict is proclaimed throughout all his vast realm, all the women will respect their husbands, from the least to the greatest." Esther 1:20 (NIV)
   
Devotion:

My son Andrew was having a rough afternoon; he was tired, he'd been disappointed by a friend and he had homework. He tried to hide the tears dripping down his cheeks as he gritted his teeth and completed his worksheet.

My husband JJ was sitting across the room watching football, occasionally glancing over at our son and me. I thought about something fun JJ could do with Andrew to cheer him up. Then I thought about how it would encourage Andrew if his dad recognized he was upset and "engaged" with him.

That wasn't happening. So, I invited JJ into the situation by suggesting he turn off the TV and come talk with Andrew. At this point, I was not thinking very honoring thoughts towards my husband. It got messy. JJ felt insulted. I felt frustrated. Finally JJ said, "Tell me what you want me to do."

So I did. Andrew loved my idea to go do something fun with his dad. In minutes, his homework was done. His tears were gone, and so was my husband. JJ was very frustrated. It wasn't because he had to miss football. It wasn't even what I said. It was how I said it. He felt dishonored by the timing and tone of my words. I couldn't believe he felt dishonored. I felt so misunderstood!

I calmed down and thought more about what had happened. I remembered that JJ's preference is for me to call him into another room away from our kids when I don't agree with him. He's also asked me to share my thoughts in a non-critical tone. It was very hard to admit, but I knew God wanted me to honor my husband's perspective and preferences.

Just a few months ago God had taught me the importance of honoring my husband through the story of Esther. Esther was chosen by the king to be his new wife because his first wife, Vashti, dishonored him. The king's advisers insisted the king remove the queen from her throne because they were afraid her decision to dishonor the king would influence other wives to dishonor their husbands.

That passage reminded me that, although I may not influence a whole kingdom, my daily decisions are far-reaching. As wives, our words, actions and attitudes towards our husbands influence many. We influence the kind of women our sons will marry. We influence how our daughters will speak to their husbands. We influence how our friends might talk to their husbands after hearing how we talk to ours.

So, now I had the opportunity to apply this truth to my marriage. I have to admit it wasn't easy. My pride insisted that I had the best of intentions. I thought so highly of my husband that I wanted him to be the one to speak into Andrew's hurts and right whatever was wrong.

Maybe Vashti had good intentions. Maybe she was trying to prove what seemed like a good point, but it lead to her downfall. Whatever the case, a bigger point was proven: a wife's influence is far reaching when she dishonors her husband.

I couldn't change what I'd done that day. But I could change how it was impacting my little kingdom. With God's help I told JJ, "I'm sorry for dishonoring you," and I said it in front of my sons. My pride was hard to swallow, but it went down a little easier knowing that honoring my husband honors God, and also influences my sons who I hope will one day look for wives who will honor them, too.

Dear Lord, I want to be a woman who honors my husband, but it's hard when that means giving up my desire to be right. Help me to honor You, my husband and others in my thoughts, actions, words and decisions. I pray that my life would have a Godly influence on those around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues

Visit Renee's Blog for practical ways to honor your husband and strengthen your marriage.

Application Steps: 

Ask God if you need to adjust the timing or tone of your words to honor your husband, your parents, your kids, your friends, or someone else.

Talk to your husband about what makes him feel most honored.

Reflections: 

Do I need to apologize for any thing I've done or said that dishonored my husband, or someone else in my life?

Power Verses:

Romans 15:5, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement, give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus ..." (NIV)

© 2008 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 4, 2008

Credit Crunch or Christmas Contentment?

By Lynn Cowell

"Owe no one anything except to love one another for he who loves another
has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8 (NKJV)
       
Devotion:

The TV blared the news: the economy is tightening and a credit crunch will definitely affect Christmas spending this year.

Credit card companies are lowering credit limits and raising interest rates. Gone are the days of zero percent interest for your first few months on a newly opened card. As I watched the news, I imagined many families would share similar concerns of mine. Will we have enough money to celebrate and give Christmas gifts? Can we be content with less than usual? Is there any possibility this could be a good thing?

Overspending during the holiday season winds up being a joy-robber. Many of us spend our December evenings and weekends searching frantically for that perfect gift or worrying over keeping everything "equal" (this is my personal worry with my three kids). The more I shop, the more I spend, and the less joyful I become. Sometimes, I find myself wishing the holidays would hurry up, get here and get over! There has got to be a better way to celebrate the birthday of Christ. Isn't there?

Yes, there is! Romans 13:8 encourages us to owe no one anything except love. This verse brought to mind my sister's special Christmas last year. Her family practiced the very gifts of love this verse speaks about. They all chose one family member to buy a gift for. In addition to this gift, they wrote a letter of love to the receiver. Their letters included words of encouragement and appreciation. They asked for forgiveness of past wounds and sought renewed relationship with one another.

My sister told me that reading these letters outloud before they opened gifts brought tears of love, healing, and restoration. She never gave the gifts a second thought after this wonderful experience. As the tears flowed from her family, in her heart she celebrated their best Christmas. The boxes may have been the fewest ever, but the love was the most! She was content.

My sister inspired me. How can I encourage my family to focus on spreading God's love to each other and those we come in contact with this holiday? How can I encourage others not to "keep up with the Joneses," but instead to "keep up" with Jesus' idea of extravagantly given love?

How about your family as this Christmas season approaches? Is the tight economy exactly what your family needs to prompt you to rein in your traditional spending and refocus this year? I know it is for me and my family.

Dear Lord, may the tough times so many of us are experiencing financially, point us back to You. Help me hear Your voice this season and truly demonstrate what this precious holiday is all about. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes

Pampering Gifts: Crafting a Ministry of Treating People Well for Less by Lara Krupicka

See Dave Ramsey's website for sound financial advice.

Application Steps: 

Sit down with your spouse and make a strategy for staying within a budget this Christmas. Check out financial expert Dave Ramsey's website. Follow this link and scroll down to find special savings on his "Budgeting Bundle."

Can you plan one gift for each of your children that costs very little, but says so much about how you love them?

Sit down with your kids and set the expectation for this Christmas if it is different than what your family has experienced in the past.

Reflections:

What motivates me to give at Christmas more than I can afford?

What is one thing I would like to receive this year that money can't buy? Is this something I can give to another?

Power Verses:

1 Timothy 6:6, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (NIV)

Proverbs 19:23, "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." (NIV)

Job 36:11, "If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment." (NIV)

© Lynn Cowell 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 5, 2008

Hope for the Holidays

Micca Campbell

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37 (NIV)

Devotion:

God gave each of us what we needed most--a Savior to save us from ourselves. Therefore, the holiday season should be a time of cheer. For some, however, it can be lonely and depressing. While the days leading up to Christmas should be filled with peace, joy, and hope, sadness over past mistakes can hover like clouds on a rainy day. We all have a tendency to define ourselves by what we have or haven't done.

We tend to label ourselves by our past mistakes, and then we wear these labels as if there were no alternative. Failure; Unfaithful; Unfit Parent; Liar; Gossip; Addicted; Bitter.

The Bible tells us that as a person thinks, so they become. Therefore, if you want to live an unhealthy life, you can. If you want to punish yourself, you will. However, being self-destructive is not God's plan for your life. In fact, to think this way is to see yourself outside of God's saving grace.

That's why the Christmas season offers such hope ... because God gave us what we needed most--a Savior to save us from ourselves. The key to putting your past behind you, and moving forward with a bright and hopeful future, is to accept Christ's forgiveness for you.

You'll find it comforting to know that you are not alone in your troubles. The Bible tells us, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, NIV). That means there is not one perfect person in the entire world. We have all made mistakes. I know I've made my share. Still, no matter how hard we try to do everything right on our own, we can't. So God gave His only Son as payment for our sins. In other words, Christ paid our debt. This payment is a gift of God which He freely offers to you and me.

The awesome thing is, we don't have to earn this gift. Through Christ's death on the cross, God simply says, "Your sins are paid in full."

All you and I have to do to receive His forgiveness is to agree with God about our sins. You might say something like this in prayer. Yes, God, I did that thing ... I receive your free gift of forgiveness for the wrong I have done, and I accept heaven as my eternal home. Cleanse me and change my life. Fill me with your love, hope, joy and peace.

If you sincerely mean what you've confessed, then you have been forgiven. Your slate is clean. God remembers your sins no more. It is as if they never were. That's the good news of Christmas and the open doorway to peace!

The next thing you must do is forgive yourself. You will stay in bondage if you continue to label yourself as a bad or unworthy person for what you have done instead of focusing on the changes God can bring about in you. You must stop defining yourself by your past and read the Bible to learn how God defines His people.

Just think; this could be a Christmas where you experience real peace, joy, and forgiveness. It's why Christ was born ... to set you free.

Dear Lord, I am a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose from the grave to forgive my sins and secure me a place in heaven. Come into my life and take control. Forgive all my sin and help me to forgive others. I'm now turning from my sin and I trust You alone for my salvation. Fill me with your love and peace, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Broken into Beautiful: How God Restores a Wounded Heart by Gwen Smith

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sherri Rose Shepherd

Micca's Blog

Application Steps: 

Whenever you start to define yourself by your past, recite Philippians 4:8 ... "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things"(NIV).

Reflections: 

Do you define yourself by your past mistakes?

Do you define others by their past mistakes?

What steps can you take to forgive yourself or others?

Power Verses:

Psalms 51:2, "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." (NIV)

Isaiah 43:25, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (NIV)

Mathew 18:21-22, "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (NIV)

© 2008 Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 8, 2008

Burnt Snowmen

Susanne Scheppmann

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,

which is in you through the laying on of my hands."

2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV)

Devotion:

The snowmen dressed in red mufflers and black stovepipe hats stood cheerily on the dining room table. Amidst all the Christmas decorations, their presence brought the most oohs and ahs. Everyone at the party asked my friend, "Where did you buy them?"

I smiled. I had bought the snowmen candles for my friend as her Christmas gift. I thought to myself, "You did well!"

A group of us chatted around the dining room table, nibbling on sugar cookies. Holiday gaiety floated through the room. We laughed together until, all of sudden, I noticed smoke emitting from all three of the wax snowmen candles. Before I could speak, flames spewed up and out of the stovepipe hats. The candles burst into flames, igniting the other table decorations! My friend shrieked for help. Her husband, a firefighter by profession, ran into the room and doused the candles with the bowl of fruit punch that sat on a side table.

We sat in shocked silence. Instead of feeling pride over my gift, I hung my head in embarrassment. Now everyone wanted to know where I had purchased the fire hazard, because they didn't want to buy anything of the same nature!

The apostle Paul encourages us "...to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you ..." (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV). Much like the candles burst into flames from a catalyst within, our gifts are to burst forth through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Our God-given gifts are to be used to bless others.

Maybe you're thinking, "That's great for others, but I don't have any gifts to share." My friend, God's Word promises "...each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that" (1 Corinthians 7:7, NIV). I encourage you to seek the Lord and ask Him to show you what gifts He's placed within you.

Consider Romans12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" (NIV).

So what spiritual gift do you have that Christ wants you to use this Christmas season? I encourage you to allow your spiritual gifts to burn brightly during the Advent Season. And, as we fan our gifts into flames, let's pray that others will see and recognize the glory of the Most High God.

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving me spiritual gifts. Please show me the gifts You've placed within me. Teach me how to use my gifts so that others may see You and desire to know You more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know the Giver of gifts?

Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

Walk With Me Today Lord by Emilie Barnes

Shaped with Purpose CD and companion Workbook by Renee Swope

Application Steps:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-30; Romans 12:3-8; and Ephesians 11-13. Read the Power Verses below and search your concordance for scriptures that speak of spiritual gifts. Then ask the Lord to reveal your personal spiritual gifts.

Reflections: 

Do I know what my spiritual gifts are?

How do I utilize the gifts that God has given to me?

Am I fanning my gifts into flame to burn brightly for the glory of God?

Power Verses:

Exodus 35:31, "And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts." (NIV)

1 Peter 4:10, "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (NASB)

© 2008 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

December 9, 2008

Let It Be With Me Just As You Say

Wendy Blight

"Yes, I see it all now: I am the Lord's maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me just as you say." Luke 1:38 (MSG)

Devotion:

Have you read the Christmas story yet this season? Join me today for a fresh look at this familiar story.

In Luke's first chapter, he introduces us to a young woman named Mary. We can glean from the gospels that she was an ordinary girl, much like you and me. Scripture tells us she was betrothed to a man named Joseph. Luke does not tell us much about her every day life, but we can beleive one thing...Mary knew and loved God. How do we know this? By the truths taught in her story.

In one moment in time, this ordinary girl who lived an ordinary life came face to face with an extraordinary God. The angel Gabriel greeted Mary with these words: "You will become pregnant and give birth to a Son and call His name Jesus. He will be great, be called 'Son of the Highest.'"

Mary asked Gabriel how this would happen since she had never slept with a man. He answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, hover over her, and place the child within her. He then told her, "...the child you bring forth will be called Holy, Son of God."

Considering the immediate impact this message would have on Mary's ordinary life -- she'd have to explain to her family and her fiancé that she was pregnant -- her response is powerful and such a witness for you and me. She told Gabriel, "Yes, I see it now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say." How could she have so quickly and easily put aside all that this surprising proclamation would mean and surrender her will to God's?

How did Mary come to that place? I believe that in her journey up to that point there were many small steps of obedience where she had experienced and witnessed God's faithfulness. Perhaps places where she said, "Yes, Lord," even when it was difficult or did not make sense. Choosing to say "yes" on ordinary days prepared her heart to say "yes" on this extraordinary day!

You and I have those ordinary moments in our lives too ... moments that in and of themselves do not seem significant but when weaved together create a heart of obedience. One day God will ask us to trust Him for something extraordinary. Where will our heart be? Will we be ready to say "yes" to God, even when what He is asking seems impossible?

My prayer for you and for me is that we use this day to prepare our hearts for those moments when our extraordinary God will invite us to join Him on an extraordinary journey. Say "yes" to Him today.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are my Savior and Redeemer. I pray I would know and trust You the way Mary did. Would You give me a heart of obedience and help me to say "yes" in the small, every day decisions? In the busyness of this season, please remind me to humble myself before You and hear Your voice. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make Your Presence known in real and powerful ways. Help me to be faithful in the ordinary, and in that, prepare me for the extraordinary. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know this extraordinary God? If not, click here to learn more about Him

Pre-order your copy of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight (available February 2009)

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Move Me Aside by Lindsey Kane

Application Steps: 

Spend some time alone with God this Christmas season, asking Him to reveal Himself to you in very personal ways. Pray for opportunities to say "yes." Listen for Him to speak. Expect to hear Him and expect great things to happen as you obey what you hear.

Reflections: 

Is something in your life keeping you from saying "yes" to God? Will you trust God with whatever it is? Ask Him to help you surrender it to Him so that you can discover the extraordinary and wonderful things God has in store for your life.

Power Verses:

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

Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." (NIV)

© 2008 by Wendy Blight. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 10, 2008

God Does Not Make Mistakes

Lara L. O'Brien, She Speaks Graduate

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

Devotion

Have you ever felt like one of those toys from the Land of the Misfit Toys in "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer?" Boy, I sure have! Growing up, an overwhelming sadness haunted me. Inferiority and worthlessness were constant companions and I wondered if God had been sleeping on the job when He created me. Those feelings manifested themselves in a deep depression.

By the time I was a teenager, anorexia consumed me and I was determined to destroy myself. Because my life felt so out of control I needed something I could control. In my case, it was what I did or did not put in my mouth.

Years spent in my anorexic prison molded my self-image into one of self-hatred. Why would anyone want to be with me? Why am I here? Do I even want to live anymore? These were just a few of the questions that constantly bounced around in my head. Feeling like a square peg in a round hole, I quite honestly wanted to die. The pain of day-to-day living was so hard for me.

Despite being surrounded by amazing family and friends who loved me, I believed many things that were not true. I whole-heartedly believed I was a mistake. I believed I could get the affirmation I desired from guys, most whom were abusive towards me. I believed I was worth nothing and deserved the hits, scratches, and horrible, hateful words. I thought they were my rightful punishment.

Growing up I believed something else too...I believed in God. But did I believe Him? Did I believe all His wonderful promises were meant for me personally? Did I believe God could love me when I was such an absolute mess?

After years of depression, suicide attempts, abusive dating relationships, and starvation, I had an encounter with my Savior. I met God with my pain and messy, mixed-up life and He met me with His love and acceptance. He showed me I was His child, made in His own image. The Lord also led me to an amazing Christian counselor. Revisiting my painful past through counseling was a hard journey, but well worth it. I felt God's infinite healing and love for me, and for the first time I began to believe that God had a plan and a purpose for my life.

The Lord is now using my life and experiences for His good. I have a passion to minister His healing and love through written and spoken words to those who suffer or have suffered as I did. How about you? Are you hurting? Do you feel worthless and like you do not matter? Please don't. You are not a misfit toy.

A friend once told me that if God had a refrigerator, my photo would be on it. Your picture would too! God loves you so much and created you in His beautiful image. His Word says you are made with love. Choose today to believe it.

Dear Lord, I pray for those who are hurting and who believe that they do not matter. Please meet them in the middle of their pain, and shower Your love and affection over them. Thank You that You created all of us in Your wonderful image. You never make mistakes. We praise You for that. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know the Healer of All Wounds?

Your Scars are Beautiful to God by Sharon Jaynes

Shaped with Purpose CD and companion Workbook by Renee Swope

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sherri Rose Shepherd

Application Steps: 

1. Dive into God's Word...His love letter to you, His child. Let His love for you

pour off the pages into your heart.

2. Keep a journal. Writing is a wonderful way to express your feelings.

3. Talk to God...He loves you and wants to hear from you.

4. Seek godly professional help if you need it. Please do not feel ashamed to do that.

Reflections: 

What experience or situation caused you to feel the way that you do (or did) about yourself?

In light of God's Word, do you now believe how special you are to Him?

Power Verses:

Psalm 139:13-14, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (NIV)

1 Timothy 4:4, "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." (NIV)

Colossians 1:16, "For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." (NIV)

© 2008 by Lara L. O'Brien. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org

[Judy Harder]

December 11, 2008

Does God Really Care about Me?

Lysa TerKeurst

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." Psalm 61:1-4 (NIV)

Devotion:

Do you ever feel lonely?

Recently, I was at an event full of people. Everyone else seemed gabby and like they were effortlessly making easy connections with others. I just felt out of sorts. Someone had said something to me earlier that day that hurt my feelings and knocked me off kilter. It was one of those, "I would really like to be at home alone, in a bubble bath, eating something chocolate" kind of nights. But I had to go to this outing, so here I was -- feeling lonely.

My shifting emotions caused me to get in such a down state, I even started wondering if God cared about me.

I politely smiled my way through the evening, and finally got to go home. As I crawled into bed that night, I asked Jesus, "Why am I letting some thoughtless comment made by someone affect me like this?"

There was no deep explanation. There was no Bible verse that instantly popped into my head. There was no sudden rush of peace through my heart. Only a very gentle reminder in the depths of my soul that Jesus loves me - insecurities and all.

Jesus loves me, that simple little song I learned all those years ago. Very simple, yet so powerfully profound, that one statement grounds me in the truth of who God says I am. Friends can't make you feel accepted all the time. Accomplishments will never truly make you feel secure. Having lots of people around you does not mean you won't ever feel lonely. And chocolate, while it is deliciously distracting, is just a little too temporary.

So, I turn to the One who is Everlasting, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel - God with us. I draw close to Him so He can help me separate solid truth from shifting emotion.

See if you can identify with any of the shifting emotions listed below. Then, rejoice as you read God's solid truths upon which we can find a firm place to stand and a sure place to park our feelings.

Shifting Emotion:

I don't always feel noticed by other people. Everyone just seems to be wrapped up in their own lives. Sometimes I even wonder if God notices me.

Solid Truth:

God not only notices us, He is with us at all times. We are to keep ourselves in God's love whether we feel Him or not. By praying, and filling our minds with God's truth, His love will grow in us and through us. Then we won't be so consumed with wanting others to notice us. We will become people who notice others and let God's love shine on them. Jude 1:20-21, "But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (NIV)

Shifting Emotion:

I don't feel very loved. Therefore, I don't feel like being very loving towards others.

Solid Truth:

We are dearly loved by God. His love enables us to display compassion, kindness and patience even when we don't feel like it. Colossians 3:12, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (NIV)

Shifting Emotion:

Does God really care about this situation I'm in?

Solid Truth:

God is with us. As we cry out to Him, we are reminded of His help. Proverbs 61:1-4, "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." (NIV)

Dear Lord, Help me rid my mind and heart of the doubts shifting emotions cause, and be filled with only Your solid truths. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog to enter to win a resource package

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps: 

Print these solid truths off and carry them with you. When shifting emotions start to tug at your heart, be reminded of God's truths that can turn around any situation.

Reflections: 

What are some other verses that might specifically apply to areas of struggle for you right now?

How might it help to keep these verses close at hand and reflect on them often?

Power Verses:

Matthew 7:24-25, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (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]

December 12, 2008

Anne's Devotion

Wendy Pope

"Nicodemus said, "But if a person is already old, how can he be born again?"

John 3:4 (NCV)

Devotion:

If there was ever a woman who fully displayed the hope of Jesus, it was my dear friend Anne Belk. Anne was a beautiful wife, caring mother, and gifted woman in ministry. Around Proverbs 31 Ministries, she was not only a beloved board member but she was also an inspiration to us all. Earlier this year, Anne received the fulfillment of her promise of eternal life. She went to be with Jesus after a painful battle with cancer. This month Anne would be celebrating her 46th birthday.

Even through her illness, Anne spent her life living with an eternal point of view. She did not focus solely on her own promise of eternal life. Anne longed for others to receive the gift of eternal life too and celebrate their own spiritual birthday. Her ways of sharing her faith were quiet and gentle, yet powerful and significant. Her influence carries on. It is the reason for this devotion, to celebrate Anne's devotion to her Savior. Anne had the hope she carried because she was born again.

Like Nicodemus in today's key verse, perhaps you are asking, "How can a person be born again?" Being born again simply means you experience a spiritual rebirth. Maybe you are making it more personal, "How can I, a woman with my past, be born again?" Maybe you believe the guilt of your past is too much. Or, that the Lord won't welcome you because of sin in your life. Friend, these are lies.

It is because of God's grace we can be born again. Grace is the unmerited kindness of God. This free gift was demonstrated on the cross, when God gave His only Son Jesus as a sacrifice for your sin. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that you might live free from the bondage of your past sin, the stronghold of present sin, and the allure of future sin. Later in today's key passage Jesus tells Nicodemus this, "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" (John 3:16, NLT).

Eternal life is our spiritual birthday gift from God when we are born again. How do we receive this gift? By following what God tells us in His Word: confess and believe. His Word says "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9, NIV).

As we celebrate our dear friend Anne today, we'd like to share a part of her eternal point of view,

"I woke up in the middle of the night Wednesday singing, 'This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.' I had not heard that song in a month or two so I know it was God reminding me of it. It is so important for us to recognize God's power. It is so important for us to recognize the Holy Spirit. That Holy Spirit is the light shining within us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us that light can be seen by others. They see it in the deeds we do...in our attitudes... in the way we share the gospel...in our care of others.... in the truths we speak...in our longing to be closer to Christ...in our desire to do His will. And the wonderful thing about letting our own light shine is that it encourages others to do the same.

(Excerpted from Anne's journal, used with permission.)

Anne would have no greater joy than knowing that our celebration of her physical birthday led to the celebration of your spiritual birthday. Today is your day! Will you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart He came to save you?

Dear Lord, Thank You for the promise of a future full of peace and contentment and free of pain and suffering. That You would sacrifice Your only Son for me takes my breath away. It is my desire to live my life allowing Your light to shine through me so that all may be drawn to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

Application Steps: 

We would love to celebrate this day with you. Please follow this link to share with us your decision to be born again, or to recommit your life to Christ.

Perhaps you already have the light Anne spoke of but you know someone who does not. Would you consider shining your light by forwarding this email to them? Like Anne, you can let your light shine and share the gospel.

Reflections: 

How do I let the light of the Lord shine through me?

What can I do to show my devotion to God?

Power Verses:

Acts 13:38, "Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you." (NIV)

Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV)

© 2008 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.proverbs31.org