Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

Learning to Trust Again
Micca Monda Campbell


"Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'" John 11:40 (NIV)

After my husband died, I felt unloved and forgotten by God. I'd trusted Him and believed as His child nothing bad would happen to me. Yet when something tragic did happen, I bought the lie. "I knew it, God. I knew You really didn't love me!" He had promised never to leave or desert me, but there I was, alone. How could God betray me? I wondered.

Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus, were in Jesus' inner circle of friends. As part of the "in" crowd, Mary and Martha felt certain Jesus would come to them when Lazarus got ill. They had seen Jesus heal and minister to complete strangers. Surely, He'd rush to those whom He loved. However, we see in John 11:4-6 that was not the case.

Jesus indeed loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Yet, even after He heard Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days.

Let's pause here for a moment. It can be confusing. If Jesus loved His friends why did He wait to go to their side? These verses appear to validate a fear of rejection. "If Jesus ignored His friend Lazarus, then He can ignore me too."

Do you know that hollow, helpless feeling that accompanies the pain of rejection, loss and loneliness? It may be the loss of your home or of a pregnancy, too many weekends spent alone, or perhaps a loved one rejected you. That pain warns that trusting again is too risky.

The truth is, when we experience emotional or physical trauma, and God doesn't respond like we think He should, we have two choices. Either turn to God, trusting Him with the result; or run from God and feed on bitterness. It is possible for us to take the second choice out all together. We can learn to trust again.

Perspective is often limited by circumstances. God knows exactly what He's doing and it's always based on love. As a young widow, when I was overcome with fear, I wasn't really looking for answers. I needed the assurance that God was near, in control, and that He cared about my circumstances and me.

While others may reject us, you and I need not fear rejection from God. In the weeks and months after my husband's death, I began to understand God had not left me, but was in the pit with me. I started to see a deeper truth. Bad things are going to happen to me while on earth.

Sickness, abuse and death are part of life in a fallen world that God will someday restore. Until then, God may allow me to go through these things. It's not to cause me any undue pain, but rather He allows them and then uses them to accomplish spiritual growth. Charles Stanley explains, "Some things are so important to God that they are worth interrupting the happiness and health of His children in order to accomplish them."

This was true with Mary and Martha. Jesus told Martha that she would see the glory of God if she believed. If you and I choose faith over fear, we will see the glory of God turn our pain into life and blessings. Over the years, as I've turned to the Lord and away from my fears, I've seen His glory in the gifts of my new husband and three children.

As Mary and Martha believed, they witnessed the glory of God when He raised their brother from the dead. Their fears vanished and their faith was restored. If you and I want to exchange our fear for faith, we must believe that what Christ has in store for us is worth our present pain.

Dear Lord, even when I don't understand Your actions, help me trust that You have my best at heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears by Micca Campbell

Visit Micca's blog to hear more of her story and how she learned to trust God again.

Would you like to bring the message of Micca's devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Micca as your next retreat / key note speaker.

Additional Resources by Micca Campbell

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Jesus told them to remove the stone covering Lazarus' grave. The stone can represent our hurt, anger or pride. In order to see your miracle, you may need to remove the stone that has hardened your heart against trusting Christ.

Reflections:
Can looking at my circumstances from God's perspective lessen my anxieties?

Will I chose to trust God (again) today? Why or why not?

Power Verses:
Isaiah 54:10, "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (NIV)

© 2012 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

Why Shouldn't I Indulge
Lysa TerKeurst


"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

God made you wonderful. Psalm 139 says so. You are beautiful and loved just the way you are, whether you're a size zero or a size thirty. But, if your size is a struggle or a place of defeat, God loves you so much He doesn't want you to stay there.

There was a time when I felt utterly defeated in the area of food and health. I knew I needed to make changes, but not because of the number on the scale or my clothing size. I knew it because of the battle that raged in my heart. I craved, I desired, I thought about, and arranged my life around food.

Yet I was a Bible teacher, a woman who loved Jesus. Why couldn't I figure this out? I had found victory in so many areas of my life, but this area alluded me. I constantly asked, "Why shouldn't I indulge?"

One day, I looked up the definition of the word indulge, which means to act in an unrestrained way. For me it was unrestrained eating. You see, eating in its proper context is not the problem. God gave us food for nourishment, strength and even celebration. The problem comes when pleasure is unrestrained.

I had to get honest enough to admit that I relied on food more than I relied on God. I craved food more than I craved God. Chocolate was my comfort and deliverer. Cookies were my reward. Salty chips were my joy. Food was what I turned to in times of stress and sadness ... even in times of happiness.

I knew it was something God was challenging me to surrender to His control. Really surrender. Surrender to the point where I'd make radical changes for the sake of my spiritual health—perhaps even more than my physical health.

Part of my surrender was asking myself a really raw question. May I ask you this same question?

Is it possible we love and rely on food more that we love and rely on God?

Now before you turn your computer off, hear me out. This question is crucial.

We have to see the purpose of our struggle with food as something more than getting to wear smaller sizes and receive compliments. Shallow desires produce shallow efforts. These good things are nice, but not as appealing in the moment as a cinnamon roll, or those chips, or that brownie.

The process of getting healthy has to be about more than just losing weight and focusing on ourselves. It's not about adjusting our diets and hoping for good physical results. It's about recalibrating our souls so that we want to change for the right reasons: because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. And created to live in victory, not in defeat.

I discovered that pursuing a healthy eating plan for these very reasons was one of the most significant spiritual journeys I'd ever dared to take with God. Today, I invite you to journey with me.

Dear Lord, if I'm being honest with myself and You, I know sometimes I rely on food more than I rely on You. I want to recalibrate my soul and change for the right reasons. I want to see You in and through this entire process. Please be with me, Lord, each day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Related Resources:
If this devotion resonated with you, Lysa's book Made to Crave is just what you've needed. Click here to order your copy! This book can be a group Bible study by using these life-changing resources: Made to Crave Participant's Guide and Made to Crave DVD teaching series, also by Lysa.

Join a community of women who are doing a FREE Made to Crave online study led by Melissa Taylor. For more information, click here.

Visit Lysa's blog for a chance to win her book Made to Crave and her new 60 day Made to Crave Devotions book.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
There are many times when we feel utterly defeated in the area of food and health. What little changes can you begin to make starting today?

Reflections:
The process of getting healthy has to be about more than just losing weight and focusing on myself. It's not about adjusting my diet and hoping for good physical results. It's about recalibrating my soul so that I want to change for the right reasons.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 1:18-19a, "I pray that the eyes of your heart my be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 13, 2012

Being Perfect
Rachel Olsen


"Don't live under the control of your sinful nature. If you do, you will think about what your sinful nature wants. Live under the control of the Holy Spirit. If you do, you will think about what the Spirit wants. The way a sinful person thinks leads to death. But the mind controlled by the Spirit brings life and peace." Romans 8:5-6 (NIRV)

There's a moment I dread at the doctor's office. It's not putting on that tissue paper mistakenly called a "gown." It's not having my finger pricked - though I'm squeamish about blood. It's the moment right after the nurse finishes her questions, grabs her clip board, and announces the doctor will be in to see me shortly.

Pulling the door closed, she leaves me alone with it. I already know what it's going to say about me; I've read it before. It's going to tell me I don't measure up. I'm not reaching my potential. I don't equal my ideal. It's the chart that declares the perfect weight for my height - and I'm several pounds away.

It extends no mercy, offers no grace. It makes no allowances for how old I am, how many babies I've birthed, or that my husband can eat three plates of food every night without gaining an ounce. It demands perfection.

A few years ago I heard a verse that seemed to be the scriptural equivalent of the height/weight chart. A single verse to measure my worth against, and feed my expectations for perfection: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48, NIV 1984)

I figured this verse justified dressing my family in matching sweaters, in the middle of July, to take our Christmas card photo because I'd just gotten the perfect haircut. I figured it warranted pricey toothpaste because I drink coffee and tea, and it shows. And I figured it was my defense when I drove my family nuts about deep-cleaning the house because my new friend might stop by.

This verse helped me justify my quest for perfect photos, perfect teeth and a perfectly clean house. But it added to my disappointment, guilt and occasional loathing when my life, body or family didn't match my ideal notions. Rather than fostering contentment and satisfaction, it fueled self-criticism. Surely this is not what Jesus intended!

In the years since hearing that verse, I've embraced a core conviction that goes like this: If God created life, He alone gets to define it. This conviction drove me to find out what exactly Jesus meant by "be perfect."

'Perfect' used in the ancient Greek language in this verse means something a little different than Mr. Webster's definition. The Greek word here is teleos: "complete, full grown, developing."

The first two pieces of that definition indicate something already accomplished, while the third indicates an ongoing process.

So this perfection Jesus prescribes for us is already complete and yet still developing. Complete in Him; still at work in us. We're allowed to be a work-in-progress!

All parts of this definition, however, refer to maturity of character, rather than a flawless figure, immaculate home, or the faultless execution of a task. Jesus doesn't care so much if there's dust on our mantle, stains on our teeth or a scratch on our car. He isn't interested in how well our bedspread matches our curtains. He's interested in our spiritual maturity.

Jesus teaches that our worth is only found in reflecting His character. To graciously give and receive love. As John writes in 1 John 3:18-20, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything" (NIV).

Now that's good news for a recovering perfectionist.

Dear Lord, thank You for grace! Thank You for mercy! Thank You for empowering me to be like You as I submit to Your Word. And thank You for not caring about dust bunnies or stained shirts. Help me to care less about those things as well and focus my heart on You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Come to Rachel's blog and leave a prayer request for victory over perfectionism.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you'll want to get a copy of Rachel's book It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
Spend time reading through the gospels, noticing what concerned Jesus and what did not.

Reflections:
What surface-level thing(s) have I been worrying over lately?

If it's not about my character, I'm going to let it go as imperfect and rest in God's grace today.

Power Verses:
Philippians 3:8-9, "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith." (NLT)

© 2012 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 16, 2012

A Different Kind of Church
Holly Good


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

My normal carpool routine turned into a different kind of church one morning several years ago.

Twice a day, to and from school, we passed a tiny shack-like house. Surrounded by trash, old cars and unused items seemingly headed for the dump, it appeared neglected. It's front porch slowly detaching from the foundation made us wonder if it was uninhabitable.

The site of this dilapidated dwelling begged me to glance its way every single day.

After carpool, as I headed to the grocery store for my weekly shopping, I could not get this home off my mind. I walked the aisles, randomly loading my cart with many extra items.

Echoing repeatedly in my thoughts were the words from Romans 12:10, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." I knew I had to embrace this truth and live it out.

I had to do church differently that day.

For me, church had always consisted of four walls, worship songs, messages about the truth and love of God, and being surrounded by people. But a different kind of church was begging for my attention that morning.

On the way home from school, I casually told my teenaged daughter and her friends that we'd be making a quick stop. "We're going to do a different kind of church today," I quietly told them, hoping they didn't hear the nervousness in my voice.

My riders were not enthused as we pulled over at the dilapidated shack. They reluctantly helped me gather the bags of groceries from my trunk and timidly followed me to the leaning porch.

I apprehensively knocked on the worn screened door.

A middle-aged woman answered as I gently told her we had some groceries to share. She didn't welcome us into the dark room behind her, but eagerly accepted what we had to give.

"Thank you," she said. "They need this more than you know."

Not knowing any details or even who they were, I awkwardly told her we'd pray.

"Please do," she begged as she quickly closed the door on us.

As we headed back to the car, my anxiety began to subside. And God's peace filled my heart.

On our way home, I didn't wrap up our brief visit with a short sermonette or a confident 'well done' pat on our backs. We simply drove home in silence and reflected on our different kind of church that day.

And I couldn't help but smile as the verse in Romans continued to echo in my mind, "Be devoted to one another..."

Dear Lord, help me to always see where there is a need and look to fill it. Teach me to look beyond myself as I seek to represent You. Give me the boldness to show my children my love for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
To read other writings from Holly please click here.

Resources that may help you in your walk with God: Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl and What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond
Have I ever sensed God calling me to do church differently?

How can I step beyond my normal routine and be the hands and feet of Jesus for someone today?

Power Verses:
Romans 11:36, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." (NIV)

John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 17, 2012

She Stands Alone
Glynnis Whitwer


"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

I wiped beads of sweat from my forehead as I pushed the shopping cart towards my car. Unloading my groceries as fast as I could, I hopped in my car, hoping for quick relief. But the triple digit temperatures had seeped inside. Blasting the air conditioning, I pulled out of the parking lot on to a back street. That's when I saw her. Standing alone.

A petite figure stood on the sidewalk in front of a brick building. A black covering draped her head, leading to a black dress, black hose and sturdy black shoes. Though she faced the building, I could see she held a Bible. Her head bent over the cradled book as she stood in the sweltering heat. Alone.

It took but a moment to pass her, but the image of her standing alone branded into my brain. Oh, I've seen people standing alone in front of buildings. But this wasn't just any building. This wasn't a bank or a restaurant. There was no bus stop in front. The women entering this building were broken, and weren't going in for healing.

And on that hot summer afternoon one woman stood alone praying for them and the children they carried.

She stood alone for what she believed God told her to do that day. In the heat. Facing discomfort, odd looks and probably some derisive comments. Some might say her sacrifice made no difference. We'll never know.

We'll never know whose plans were changed by her prayers, by her willingness to stand alone.

Moments before I saw her, all I thought about was getting out of the heat. But her conviction challenged me to ask: For what cause am I willing to stand alone?

The sight of her touched me deeply because I know the exhaustion of battle fatigue. I've sat in frustration rather than standing firm. I know what weary feels like when it seems my efforts aren't making a significant difference. I've felt cornered rather than like a conqueror.

Some days, I'm tired of standing for what I believe in. I think others would stand taller, or with less exhaustion. They'd deal with discouragement better than me. They'd show mercy where I show frustration. Maybe someone else could ... maybe they should ... take over for me.

That's when the image of this humble woman comes to mind. And the Lord says to me:

You just think she's standing alone. She's not. I'm right next to her. And I'll be right next to you. Keep standing.

So I breathe in and breathe out. I picture the precious sister standing in front of the building. Only this time, she's not alone. In my mind I see Jesus standing beside her.

And on my own street, in my own life, in my own home, facing my own calling, wondering if I'm making any difference, I determine to stand another day. For a cause I believe in ... for the cause of Christ ... wherever He calls me to stand.

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that when I think I'm standing alone, I'm not. Thank You for being my hope in difficult times, and holding me up when I want to sit this one out. Help me to remember You are a very present help in times of trouble. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

P31 Woman magazine

Visit Glynnis' blog where she'll share a bit more of a challenge she personally faces in her own life.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Have I ever been tempted to give up on something because it seems too overwhelming? What difference would it make if I knew Jesus was standing right beside me?

Identify an area of your life where you have given up or want to. Perhaps you've stopped praying, or inviting, or asking to talk with someone. Commit to do one thing this week to move forward in this area. This could be pray for five minutes, invite once more or ask again.

Power Verses:
Romans 14:7, "For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone." (NIV)

Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 18, 2012

Listening to God
Renee Swope


"So Jesus explained, 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.'" John 5:19 (NLT)

I want to be a woman who listens to God. But, sometimes I'm not sure if it's God talking or just me thinking.

And if I'm really honest, when I do sense Him whispering to my heart, I'm not always crazy about what I sense He's telling me to do. Like the time I knew without a doubt God wanted me to share my testimony publicly. I pretty much ran from that assignment for a decade.

Yet, I've learned over the past twenty something years when I listen to God, I discover His best for me. And, I grow my trust in Him.

I've seen again and again that His ways lead to His goodness, and when I follow Him, His mercy follows me. At the end of my ten-year spiritual sprint away from what scared me most — sharing the story of my brokenness with others — I surrendered to what God was calling me to do.

I started listening closely to Him and trusting completely in Him, so that I could experience a day-by-day abiding in His presence and promises. From there, His plans unfolded day-by-day.

I honestly thought I had been listening to Him all that time. But one day while I was seeking God's direction in some decisions, the Holy Spirit showed me I had a habit of asking God what He wanted me to do and where He wanted me to invest my time. Then I went about doing it, without depending on Him for direction each step of the way.

Oftentimes, I would seek God for the larger plans in life, convinced that if I figured out what He wanted me to do then I could become the person He created me to be, and fulfill the calling He had for me.

Have you ever thought: "If only God would show me what job to take; what man to marry; what church to attend; what ministry to serve in — then my life would be complete and I could trust Him with my whole heart?"

The problem is, sometimes we get a glimpse of where God wants us to go and then assume we know how to get there.

Or we get a peek at what He wants us to do and think we know how He wants us to do it. How many times have I made that mistake and then wondered why I wasn't getting anywhere?

Over time, God has taught me that He wants my spiritual ears more than my spiritual efforts.

He wants daily dependence, interaction and intimacy with me. And He is more concerned with my character than what I schedule for Him on my calendar.

In today's key verse, Jesus tells us that He depended on the Father for the large and fine print written in His life plan. He listened closely and obeyed quickly: "...'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.'" (John 5:19 NLT)

Like Jesus, we will discover God's purpose for our lives through dependent hearts that seek to listen to His — day by day, moment by moment. Let's position our hearts, minds and souls to hear Him speak to us today.

Dear Lord, I want to become a woman who listens to You. I come to You today with a seeking heart, asking not only for direction but for discernment, humility and dependence on You -- each step of the way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Rest Assured: How to Rest, Be Renewed & Remain in God's Promises and Plans — a message on CD by Renee Swope

How do we know if God is speaking to us? Visit Renee's website/blog where she shares how we can learn to discern God's voice, and enter to win her "Listening to God" gift pack.

A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Start Living in the Security of God's Promises by Renee Swope

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity! Each purchase supports the many areas of life-changing ministry we provide at no cost. So, we are extremely grateful when you shop with us!

Reflect and Respond:
Do I read my Bible so God's words and ways are familiar to me? Do I intentionally listen for God's voice, or do I assume I know what He wants me to do?

• Take time to pull away from distractions and quiet your thoughts, even if it's just 10-15 minutes.
• Tell God you want to hear Him speak - through a verse, a song, a person or a whisper in your soul.
• Talk to Him about your plans for the day and ask Him to show you His. Give Him permission to interrupt your thoughts and agenda and lead you in a different direction if He wants to.
• Then get ready for a day filled with adventure and companionship as you walk hand in hand with your Maker.

Power Verses:
Psalm 119:16, "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." (NIV)

John 14:31, "...but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father." (NLT)

1 Samuel 3:10, "The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" (NIV)

© 2012 by Renee Swope. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

:angel:e

[Judy Harder]

 January 19, 2012

Triggers
Lysa TerKeurst


"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." Ephesians 3:17-18 (NIV 1984)

I was elated one day when the number on my scale dipped below the plateau weight I'd been stuck at for two weeks. I did a little happy dance and thought, "Finally, I'm making some real progress in this journey. It's going to be such a great day. I'm super motivated. Bring on the raw veggies. Nothing's gonna stop me now!"

Too bad things didn't stay that way. Life, like math, can be unpredictable. I'm no math whiz, but I do remember there being these things called polynomials. Polynomials are algebraic expressions that include real numbers and variables.

That's the way my food issues are—they contain real numbers and variables. I suspect yours do as well. And while we must pay attention to the real numbers by eating less and moving more, we would do well to consider the variables in our lives as well.

Variables are those daily triggers we didn't account for but will detour even the best of intentions. Triggers can be as large as the stab of loneliness from a broken relationship or the memory of a childhood trauma. Triggers can be as small as a discipline "chat" with a teen out past curfew or stumbling across fresh doughnuts in the office break room. They can prompt the thought, "Life will be better if I eat that."

Triggers have nothing to do with physical hunger or the need for legitimate nourishment. They are lies that we've thought so routinely they've become well-worn paths to careless eating. Life is not made better because we overindulge in an unhealthy choice.

The best thing we can do in these triggered moments is to pause. Pause and ask ourselves, "Do I want to eat this right now because I need nourishment or because I'm feeling empty emotionally or spiritually?"

If I need nourishment, I can choose a healthy option. If I'm just feeling empty, I must realize food can fill my stomach but never my soul.

The only way to negate an emotional eating trigger is to match it with truth. The truth is this: "I'm not physically hungry right now, but I need to be filled in another way."

The Bible tells us that we can be rooted in love, not emptiness; that we have power to choose truth; and that as we comprehend the love of Christ, we will be filled to the measure of all the fullness—not of that brownie—but of God (Ephesians 3:17-19). And here's the great thing about truth: it contains no variables! Truth is stable, secure and a surefire way to get me through the unpredictable moments of life.

Take time to pause and use God's truths to challenge your triggers. And, when you're truly physically hungry, that pause will give you the moment you need to choose a healthy snack. Then you will be truly full.

Dear Lord, please help me to battle each of my triggers today with truth. Your truth. Moment by moment. I understand that food can fill my stomach but never my soul. Only You can fill my soul and I am thankful for that. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Don't miss Lysa's NEW Made to Crave Devotional, 60 Days to Craving God, not Food. Expanding on the original Made to Crave, this book provides 60 new inspirational devotions for your weight-loss journey!

Consider doing Lysa's NEW 6-session Made to Crave Action Plan as a follow up to her New York Times bestselling Made to Crave book! This DVD series and Participant's Guide is based on extensive research of Dr. Ski Chilton who has identified the five best nutrition choices you can make. Each session is full of powerful teaching from Lysa, practical healthy living tips from Dr. Chilton and personal stories from others whose lives have been changed by Made to Crave!

Visit www.MadetoCrave.org for additional information, as well as fun, FREE and encouraging videos to help you overcome struggles and find lasting peace!

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Food can fill my stomach but never my soul.

This week I'll write down what triggers determine an unhealthy pattern with my eating habits. I'll pause and use God's truths to challenge my triggers. And, when I'm truly physically hungry, that pause will give me the moment I need to choose a healthy snack.

Power Verses:
James 1:3-4, "Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV 1984)

John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

What If I Were Broken?
Tracie Miles


"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." Micah 7:18 (NIV 1984)

His question made me stop and think. It was a simple comment, said in a teasing manner, but instantly struck a chord in my heart.

One afternoon I was cleaning out a kitchen cabinet full of items I rarely used when I found an old broken can opener. I handed it to my nine year-old son and asked him to throw it away. Instead of just tossing it into the trashcan, he asked if he could keep it.

Why in the world would a little boy want an old, dirty, useless can opener? I thought.

He insisted he needed to keep it. Finally I said, "Honey, it is broken. I don't want it or need it anymore, so throw it away please."

"Well if I were broken, would you just throw me away?" he asked.

Huh? Our conversation about a silly can opener had gotten way too complicated. I assured him I would never throw him away, no matter what, because he was too valuable to me. Then I gave him a hug and he skipped off into the den to watch TV, while I stood there stunned, pondering his question.

I remembered being like that can opener. Broken, dirty and useless - at least in my eyes. A horrible decision I made as a young girl convinced me for years that I had no redeeming value in God's eyes. Regret suffocated my heart for years, and plagued me with lies that God could never really love a sinner like me.

I stood there in my kitchen vividly remembering the overwhelming pain and regret of feeling broken, and void of worth, beauty or value. But then a smile slipped across my face as I remembered the day God healed my brokenness. Sitting alone on a pew during a worship service several years before, tears pouring down my face, I begged God to forgive me for my sins. I had asked before, fourteen years before in fact, but this time it was different.

I felt God's presence and believed His promise of forgiveness. For the first time, I heard His voice ring in the ears of my heart, reassuring me that I was too valuable to be thrown away. The following day I realized something was different. My past was still my past, but I was no longer broken.

The damaged pieces of my heart were mended, and I set out on a wonderful journey to discover my worth in God's eyes. Over time I read His promises and started to believe I really was valuable and that He not only loved me, He liked me!

Are you feeling broken today? Do you ever feel like God could love everyone else, but not you? Do you spend each day condemning yourself for past sins, current habits, damaged relationships, poor choices, or even self-harming behavior?

Do you ever feel like you are just too messed up to be "fixed?" Do you wish you could stop feeling broken, or break the cycle of sin in your life, but simply do not know how?

Despite what you think, you are not beyond repair. As a child of God, you are precious, beautiful and part of God's inheritance, just as today's verse says.

Whatever your situation, God can mend that crushing feeling of hopelessness and brokenness. With faith, ask Him to. Then delight in Him by accepting His grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Dear Lord, forgive me and heal me. Mend my brokenness. Give me hope. Help me to see myself through Your eyes only. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you know the Mender of broken hearts?

Reinventing Your Rainbow by Tracie Miles

Visit Tracie's blog for more encouragement about spiritual healing and the journey of discovering how God can turn your past into your purpose.

Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Tracie as a retreat / key note speaker.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Has something or someone ever made me feel worthless? How often do I think negative thoughts about myself?

When will I take time this week to ask God to mend my brokenness and help me truly believe He can and wants to?

Power Verses:
Matthew 9:12-13, "On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" (NIV 1984)

Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (NIV 1984)

Isaiah 54:11-12, 14, "O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you." (NKJV)

© 2012 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

January 23, 2012

Treasured
Amy Carroll


"For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)

It changes your life to know you're treasured. Grasping this truth transforms a woman. I know; I saw it happen right before my eyes.

Our little band of four women and one very brave man set off to India last November to lead two women's conferences. We packed light, but our hearts were ladened with prayers, messages and plans grown over months of preparation. Although we dreamed big, we couldn't fathom the God-sized outcomes.

We also couldn't imagine the magnitude of the hurts needing to be healed. I was astounded and grief-stricken by the stories my new Indian friends shared.

One woman returned late the second day of the conference, bruised and cut by a beating with a fan blade by her husband, enraged because of her attendance at a Christian conference.

A gifted, young leader sobbed as she told us that her father wished her replaced with a boy or dead.

An exhausted pastor's wife confessed that she and her husband were preparing to leave the ministry because of the extreme persecution they faced.

A beautiful, teenaged orphan solely supporting her grandmother and sister returned home one evening to the announcement of her arranged marriage.

A grieving young woman related how family members silently brushed by her after her conversion, as if she didn't exist.

The stories of women with scars on their bodies and wounds on their hearts went on and on and on...

Our team passionately poured the truth God's heart and the promise of today's key verse into these hurting women. "You are treasured by God. You are created in His image. He could never love you any more or any less. He desires you so much that He calls you His own bride. Because you are His, He has a calling and a purpose for your life. You are chosen by Him."

Slowly but surely, tears of sorrow transformed into tears of joy. Understanding began to light the faces around us. Confessions of God's goodness abounded.

The beaten woman not only bravely returned, she came back with her precious son so he could hear he is God's treasure.

The young leader cried through worship knowing she's cherished by God and the women surrounding her.

The pastor's wife testified she was excited to return and teach the women in her town.

The engaged teenager declared she would face marriage to a stranger knowing that Jesus is her true husband.

The "invisible" woman prayed that she would be Jesus' love to her parents and brothers.

At the end of the first conference, one attendee approached my teammate, Peggy. She looked Peggy in the eyes and said, "Thank you for making us important." Peggy quickly replied, "Honey, God made you important." The woman answered, "But we didn't know."

Knowing we are God's treasure is a transforming realization. If you know this truth, then rejoice and spread the news! If you haven't heard or haven't believed, then let me whisper to you...

You are treasured by God.

Let the truth transform you and free you to live the life of joy and purpose for which you were created.

Dear Lord, help me to really grasp that I am Your treasure. Once I've basked in the gift, help me pass it on. I want to join with You and experience the miracle of seeing others transformed by Your truth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Amy's blog to hear more about her time in India and learn ways that you can pass on the truth to women next door and around the world.

Share this truth with a child in need through Compassion International.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Do I know and believe I am God's treasure? If I believed this truth, how would it change me? My actions?

Who in my world needs to know God treasures them? How can I share this truth?

Power Verse:
I Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (NIV)

© 2012 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 January 24, 2012

A Praying Momma
T. Suzanne Eller


"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

When he first started drinking, she and her husband weren't sure what to do. Then he was arrested. Soon after they discovered he was using drugs. For the first time in her life, Mickey felt helpless as a mom.

Mickey's son was raised in church and he once served as a leader in his youth group. Their home was a safe place where faith was lived out. And yet her son continued to spiral downward, no matter what they did. The night he broke into their small business and emptied the cash register was the bleakest night of all.

Mickey looked around the church and realized there were other moms with similar struggles. She started a Prodigal Prayer Group that met on Tuesday nights. They prayed one year, two years and then three.

Mickey saw others' children come back to their faith, but her prayers for her own son seemed to be going nowhere. Nonetheless, she continued to show up, joining in strength and support with other praying mommas.

I wish my sweet friend had a video camera recording her son through those dark days. I wish she could have seen Austin rediscover his faith, overcome his addictions, and see him grow into the godly man he is today.

But the reality is that Mickey didn't have a video camera. All she had was her faith. Faith that was tested over and over.

She was aware of the realities of her son's choices, but she continued to pray. She continued to believe. She had to make hard choices like setting boundaries. She had to listen to other moms whose children were not straying and who did not understand her struggle.

Mickey says that during that time she began to see Austin through the eyes of faith. She knew that it wasn't in her power to change her son, but that God could be her source of strength as she stayed the course.

We often say we would do anything for our children. If someone had told Mickey that it would take years of praying and believing like she did without seeing any sign of change, I wondered would she still do it? Mickey says yes, she would.

Maybe you identify with my friend. You raised your son or daughter with love. You provided a safe place. You showed them Jesus, and yet somehow they lost their way. Today I want to encourage you. The Father loves you and your child. In Jesus' story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32, NIV) we see a son who has hit rock bottom. He finally decides to go home and this is the reaction of his father:

"So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.'

But his father said to the servants, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found." (verses 20-24)

Jesus told this story to illustrate the love of the Heavenly Father. The beauty of a praying momma is not lost in the chaos of your child's choices. You are not alone as you pray, because He's waiting, just as you are, to welcome your child in His embrace.

Dear Father, thank You that You love my child even more than I. I am not alone. You are with me. Walk with me today. Give me Your strength. Give me renewed hope and eyes of faith. In Jesus' powerful, precious Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know by T. Suzanne Eller. For more resources from Suzie, click here.

Building a Bridge: To Your Child's Heart Building a Bridge: To Your Child's Heart (CD) by Lynn Cowell

Visit Suzie's blog where Suzie shares five things to do when your child is in trouble.

Reflect and Respond:
"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays." Soren Kierkegaard

How is my faith being stretched as a parent? What moms could I Invite to join together and commit to praying for our children?

Power Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:11, "So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it." (MSG)

© 2012 by T. Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org