Encouragement for Today

[Judy Harder]

 June 21, 2012

There's No Way
Lysa TerKeurst


"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 (NIV 1984)

I wasn't in the mood to be messed up.

I put my head against my bedroom wall, closed my eyes, and whispered, "There's no way." It was late summer of 2003 when my world collided with what seemed like an impossible invitation from God: adopt two teen boys from war-torn Liberia.

All the reasons why this wasn't a good idea tumbled before me. Honest reasons. Understandable reason. Solid reasons.

Who would do such a thing?

Missionaries would be much more qualified. Missionaries with grown kids and multi-cultural experience. People much more spiritual than me. People much more gentle and patient enough to do this sort of thing.

Not this disorganized woman who originally thought Liberia was in South America.

Not this mom who already felt overwhelmed with her three kids. How in heavens would we add two more?

Not someone who couldn't find the video she rented a month ago and who paid so many late fees at the library they should have named a shelf after her. Maybe two shelves.

Definitely not me.

But it was me.

The invitation was mine.

And I knew it.

No matter how many times I whispered over and over, "There's no way," this nagging sense of possibility wouldn't leave me. It wove its way through every fiber of my being until I stood up and shifted everything I thought my family would be with one weak whisper, "Yes."

I can honestly say there were moments of sheer joy where I felt reassured I'd heard God right.

But there were many other moments where life felt chaotic, messy, and really hard. There were tears. There were moments where I loved my five kids but I didn't like them very much. There were moments I wondered if I'd heard God wrong.

And there were more times even after we adopted where I said, "There's no way."

There was no way we could overcome a medical diagnosis one of my boys got. There was no way two teenage boys who tested at a kindergarten level could catch up in two years and be ready for middle school. There was no way I could be patient enough to educate them at home during those two years.

But every time I said, "There's no way," I'd remember Jesus calling himself, "The way..." (John 14:6).

He was the way. He was the One to follow. He was the One who would guide me each day. He was the One I needed to pour out my heart to in prayer. He was the One to listen to. And He was the One who reassured me with so many promises in the Bible. One of those promises was Isaiah 58:10-11:

"... If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

I could be a light rising in the darkness. I could be full of life like a well-watered garden. I could be refreshing like a spring whose waters never fail. Me. Crazy, incapable, crying-in-my-closet me. If I let Jesus be my way, and do what He was asking me to do, these things could be true for me.

And they can be true for you as well.

Do you have a situation in your life where you are saying, "There's no way..."? Maybe you aren't called to adopt, but whatever you are being called to do, take heart. Look into the Bible and find some promises that apply to your situation. And follow Jesus' instruction for that promise.

Friend, there might not be a way if you look at your situation with only human reasoning and calculation. But if you let Jesus' truth and promises fill you, you'll find a different way. A good way. A sure way. His way.

Dear Lord, I'm taking a deep breath and diving into Your way. Lord, help me please as I put my trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
To see pictures and read more about Lysa's family story, click here. There's also a special surprise video you don't want to miss!

Sometimes we need a friend to walk alongside us when we feel like there's no way! Lysa TerKeurst does just this in her gut-honest new book Unglued. Click here to pre-order your copy, releasing August 1.

Reflect and Respond:
Do you have a situation in your life where you are saying, "There's no way..."? Look into the Bible and find some promises that apply to your situation. And follow God's instruction for that promise.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

June 22, 2012

The God Who Sees
Samantha Reed


"She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me.'" Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

It's common, everyday. He tells me it's nothing, but I know better.

This single parent single-handedly holds each strand of his small daughter's hair as her little brother stands by. It's getting late, but he must continue ridding the unwelcome "guests." Comb and wash and comb again until father, daughter and son fall into bed, exhausted.

I send him this message, "You're making great memories." Folded under their daddy's wings, they'll remember sleeping under his safety and care.

He dismisses my encouragement: his kiddos won't recall this vacation, his sacrifice of rising early and staying up late, or the tedious job of removing lice. He says the only thing his 3- and 5-year-old birds will remember is being zonked out.

What about him? Shins kicked by size 2 feet, hot milky breath in his face, and blurry eyes still open as the sun rises on the next day of their vacation. These are what he bets he'llremember, and no one else will ever realize.

But I know better. Common moments, built one upon the other, create great lifetimes. These moments are mostly free, yet costly. Their currency? Time, energy, selflessness, dreams and yes, sleep. All create a life of loving well and building deep.

Reminds me of a story I read years ago by Nicole Johnson. Opening the coffee table book about magnificent cathedrals, she paused to soak in the inscription. "With admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

This story hidden in the pages of her book is recounted. "No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for this work. The passion for their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A man visited the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He asked, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' The workman replied, 'Because God sees.'"

Yes, I knew better. Knew that my single-parent friend and his sleepless night were building something grand. Knew that even though he felt alone, he wasn't. God saw him just as He saw the woman in our key verse. In the desert, alone. Today's scripture reminds us that one of the names of the Lord, El Roi, means, "The God who sees."

Indeed, God sees each of our everyday efforts, whether with our kids or other children in our lives. Keeping watch late at night for them to arrive home safely. Folding the 11th basket of clothes . . . today. Cooking dinner with no "thank you" given. Dribbling the basketball with the neighborhood kids or volunteering at a summer camp. Though costly in many ways, these actions will pay off in building up a child's confidence of being loved, assurance of belonging, knowledge of being 'worth it.'

Whether you are investing in your own children, or someone else's, keep up the greatness in the common moments. It may seem like nothing, but it matters. It's building. It's seen.

Dear Lord, I can get so weary and tired persisting in building greatness in the everyday moments of life. It often feels like no one notices or appreciates me. Thank You for confirming that YOU see me. Help that be enough. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Always There offers an inspiring combination of real-faith mothering stories and Scriptures that assures you of God's abiding presence, written by authors such as Renee Swope, Ann Voskamp and more.

A Life that Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

Visit Samantha's blog to enter to win a copy of one of the above books . . . your choice!

Reflect and Respond:
Common moments, built one upon the other, create great lifetimes. These moments are mostly free, yet costly. Their currency? Time, energy, selflessness, dreams and yes, sleep. All create a life of loving well and building deep.

Click here to view Nicole Johnson sharing the story of "The Invisible Woman."

Power Verses:
Psalm 139: 2-3, "You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways." (ESV)

© 2012 by Samantha Reed. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 June 25, 2012

Saying Thank You
T. Suzanne Eller


"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

My girls once accused me of being the worst when it came to accepting a compliment.

"Mom, you look pretty today."

"Thanks, babe," I'd say, "You're kind to say that when my hair is kind of crazy."

Or I'd give that look. You know, the "You're just saying that" look.

Some might say that it was self-effacing. Maybe even humble. But it wasn't either of those things. It was a bad habit, one that was sending a not-so-great message to my two beautiful daughters.

I bounced back their sincere compliments with a negative. I sent a message that I just didn't measure up to their words.

One day I heard my daughter do the same thing and it stopped me in my tracks. She was beautiful. Intelligent. Insightful. How could she turn a compliment into a negative?

Oh, yeah. She had heard me do it.

From that day on I made a conscious effort to change my words. As I did, I began to listen to conversations among friends, women who were strong and beautiful. The conversations went something like this:

"Love those shoes."
"Oh, these? Bought them on sale. Cheap as dirt."

"You did a great job on that lesson!"
"I was so nervous. Couldn't you tell?"

"You look nice."
"Do you see this blemish? Right on my nose!"

Like a game of verbal ping-pong we often negate the good, bringing it down a notch . . . or two or three.

Saying thank you is a form of gratitude. Sure, it's acknowledging a compliment, but it's also accepting the thoughtful words of the person who gave it.

But can we take this deeper?

Recent stats say that our girls' self-worth takes a nosedive after the age of 9. It would be easy to point out other factors, but what about us? What do our daughters and the young women we influence hear us saying?

When someone offers a sincere compliment, what is your response?

When someone acknowledges a trait they value in you, do you remark on the things you wish you could change about yourself?

When someone tells you you're talented, do you point them to your imperfections?

It's been many years since my daughters' words made me stop and think. They are grown and they are beautiful, but what I love about them best is the women they have become. I tell them often.

You are beautiful.

I see God in you.

I love the way you love others.

And they simply say, "Thank you."

The next time someone gives you a compliment, whether it's as simple as, "Mom, those were great pancakes." Or as sweet as, "Hey hon, you look pretty today." Or as kind as, "Thanks, that was thoughtful." Receive it.

You might want to point out the messy kitchen, or your bed head, or your not-so-gracious attitude, but someone sees something they like in you and that's a gift.

Let's say it together.

Thank you.

Dear Lord, today I offer up a grateful heart for those who stop long enough to say something kind. Let me offer a gracious response in reply. Help my words lift up those around me, rather than point to the negative. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Suzie's blog for tips from Erin Webb of Beautiful You, Inc. on how you can encourage your daughter to embrace a scriptural view of her worth.

Making it Real: Whose Faith is it Anyway? by Suzie Eller

His Revolutionary Love by Lynn Cowell is a fantastic resource to share with your tween/teen girls!

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:
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you? ~William Arthur Ward, author of Fountains of Faith

We often collect things that are of interest or value to put on a shelf. Today collect the kind words, little and large, that are spoken to you. Write them down in a journal. You can come back to them on the days you need a little encouragement. Thank God for the people who say them, and ask for the grace to receive them.

Power Verses:
Proverbs 25:11, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." (ESV)

Colossians 4:6, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (ESV)

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

[Judy Harder]

 June 26, 2012

God Never Wastes Our Pain
Glynnis Whitwer


"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  2 Corinthians 12:9  (NIV)

She'd betrayed me again. Hurt and anger simmered as I walked away counting to 10, then 20. Lord, this assignment is difficult! I feel like such a failure.

Feelings of shame filled me as I thought about my reaction toward my child who'd taunted me. Shouldn't I be above this? I asked myself. Shouldn't I be able to deal with rejection and deceit without getting angry? Why can't I rejoice in my trials like those first followers of Jesus?

That day, as always, God let me vent. As I presented my hurt and angry emotions to Him, He poured peace over my heart. My circumstances hadn't changed, but once again my heart was restored, and I felt encouraged.

God and I have been through this before. Despite my battered heart, this assignment to care for my wounded girl is mine.

You see, seven years ago, God added to our family through an international adoption. We didn't know the trauma our beautiful girls had experienced, but God did. And although some people's adoption story seems almost effortless, ours has come with a high cost. And for most of those seven years we have walked a painful journey with our daughters while sharing in their suffering.

In those seven years I've learned more about living with pain and helplessness than in all my previous years combined. I've also had to make some hard decisions about what I believe about God.

Mostly I've had to dig deep into whether or not I believe God can truly bring good out of all pain, or if my daughters' suffering and ours is just a waste.

In that process, I've come to believe that God will never waste our pain, but I can.

• When I'm not honest about the reality of how hard life is, I waste God's offer of peace.

• When I try to do things in my own strength, I waste God's offer of power.

• When I keep the pain to myself, and pretend everything is perfect, I waste opportunities to minister to others walking a similar path.

But when I confess my feelings of inadequacies, when I admit I'm helpless to heal the wounded ones in my care, I get to a place of reliance - and that's just where God wants me. For in this place of helplessness, God takes center stage. And when I let God lead, miracles start to happen.

Although I'd remove the pain and trauma with a snap of my fingers if I could, I know God is working even in this.

Especially in this.

I can talk about God's power all day long, but experiencing it changes me. It changes those around me.

Like Paul said in our key verse today, I find my way to being glad for this weakness in me. I'm not glad for sin or what caused the brokenness my daughters and I are facing. But I see pain for what it is - a condition of this fallen world, and a place for God to do His best work. The evil one's plans don't succeed, because the battle isn't mine anymore. God's power takes over when I step back.

This perspective shift helps me face another day. My circumstances haven't changed, but hope has seeped in through the cracks. No pain is wasted when I submit myself to God's plans. And we are seeing God's healing power in the lives of two precious girls.

Dear Lord, we've been here before, with me asking for relief. Help me to accept my weakness in this situation, and to allow Your power to take over. I admit I don't understand how this works, but I'm choosing to trust Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis' blog for a discussion on how God uses hard times in our lives.

When Your Child Is Hurting: Helping Your Kids Survive the Ups and Downs of Life by Glynnis Whitwer

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

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

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:
Think about a painful time in your life. How was God's power revealed during that time?

It's easy to allow painful circumstances to bring us to a place of bitterness. If you are in that place today, write down 10 things you are thankful for. As you review that list, praise God for His work in your life to bring you these things.

Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 1:25, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (NIV)

1 Peter 2:20, "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." (NIV)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 June 27, 2012

Coming Back
Luann Prater


"'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'" Luke15:18-19 (ESV)

Kay was a prodigal. She had been stunningly beautiful, but now her beauty was hollow and worn. Downcast with shoulders slumped, she walked through the doors of her childhood church.

Heads turned and steely whispers followed her as she made her way to the front of the church during an invitation. She fell to her knees at the altar. A group gathered around her and prayed for what seemed like an eternity. She slowly rose to her feet and was asked, "Did you pray through?" to which the weary wanderer replied, "I think so."

I don't remember ever seeing Kay back in church again.

In my small town church the phrase "pray through" was synonymous with striving, straining, and working to find grace and deliverance. When I became a prodigal myself and wanted desperately to find answers and deliverance, I remembered the forlorn look of Kay and decided to keep wandering. It just seemed easier than trying to "pray through" somehow.

Have you been wandering through life looking for answers? Do you long to return to the Father after being far away but hesitate, wondering how you will make it back to Him and what it will cost you?

When coming "back home" we often have the same mentality as the prodigal son in our key verses, Luke 15:18-19: "'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.'"

Feeling worn down and unworthy, we come to our Heavenly Father thinking we have to work like hired servants to earn our place.

After many years, I discovered that forgiveness and salvation aren't chores for us to labor over. They are tremendous free gifts from an amazing God! How incredibly liberating to know that Jesus offers these to any and all who believe on His name.

Jesus says, "Come to me." Period. It really isn't any more complicated than that. He loves you. He has been waiting for you and He welcomes you with open arms. We don't have to work for forgiveness or "pray through" like those well-meaning people in my childhood church felt the need to do.

God's heart for us is the same as the prodigal son's father in Luke 15:20. "So he [the prodigal son] got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (NIV).

When you come to Jesus, or when you allow Him to walk through the doors of your heart, no pleading or striving is necessary, only faith that His salvation and grace are your gifts. No need to "pray through." He is watching, willing and waiting to receive you.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Today I come to You and believe that You are my Savior. I ask You to come into my heart and forgive me. Help me to live in the freedom that You promised to give. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

In her book, A Confident Heart, Renee Swope dives deep into the truths of God's grace and helps women know the difference between conviction and condemnation. If you long to live free from guilt-induced doubt and take hold of grace-induced confidence, find out more here.

Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman by Lyndell Hetrick Holtz

Visit Luann's blog and listen to her Encouragement Café radio show for loads of fun and spiritual application for real life!

Reflect and Respond:
Have you wandered away from home - even in some small area of your life - and need to return to the Father?

If you don't know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, ask Him into your heart today.

If you are a believer and have seen weary wanderers walk through the doors of your church, show them unconditional love. Be grace-filled to them.

Power Verses:
John 6:37, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." (NIV 1984)

Hebrews 10:22, "...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Luann Prater. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 June 28, 2012

What Our Pastors Wish We Knew
Lysa TerKeurst


"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." 1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV 1984)

My friend shocked me. She and her husband, a pastor, were not just resigning from their church, they were leaving the ministry all together. "It's just too much," she said with tears streaming down her face. "We gave all we could. But there were too many people who felt what we did was never enough."

My heart sank. Sadly, this pastor and his wife aren't alone.

According to research 40% of pastors and 47% of spouses are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules, and/or unrealistic expectations.

These numbers are heartbreaking and convicting. I'm passionate about understanding how to love and support those who lead my church. But I have to admit, I'm still learning how to apply the biblical principle of our key verse, 1 Timothy 5:17.

Paul knew that supporting and blessing the pastor was remarkably important when he said these words to Timothy and now to us all.

A wise, incredibly humble Texas pastor once told me, "Some would think double honor sounds excessive, but the reality is no one fully understands the pressures on your pastor at any given time as they carry with them the burdens of many in the congregation quietly and confidentially. This is not work that you can leave at the office, it weighs on you. I believe it is for this reason Paul calls us to double honor."

So, how do we apply this? Here are some insights shared with me from pastors and their wives all over the country:

Do the basics consistently.
The greatest way to bless your pastor is to be one of those faithful people who attends, serves and gives consistently. This offers such assurance to a pastor and their staff. One of the most well-studied pastors I know on church leadership said, "When people do the regular basics and never make a big deal about it, the other stuff you do for your pastor is so much more meaningful. Some people try to bless their pastor on their terms and they are loud about it. They don't tithe, but ... 'Hey pastor, you can use our lake house with strings attached.'"

Let's bless our pastor and his staff with the basics. Give gifts without strings. And don't toot our horn about doing so.

Let go of the unrealistic expectations.
Almost every pastor addressed the issue of inviting he and his family over for dinner. While it seems like something we're doing for the pastor, it usually isn't the gift they need. More than spending time with our family, they need to spend time with theirs. Bless them with gift certificates. Or schedule to drop off a meal — especially during those busy times like Easter and Christmas.

Of course, they'll have friends where a dinner with that family is completely comfortable and refreshing. Give them the freedom to have close friends and not feel guilty or exclusive in doing so. One pastor's wife said to me, "I think the thing that discourages me the most is people commenting on my friendships. Using the word clique to describe my friendships, rather than just being happy I have a community, is hurtful."

Let's bless our pastor and his family with freedom. They need friends. And it's okay if we're not dinner buddies.

Love the pastor's wife.
Two pastors wrote, "Please give my wife face-to-face affirmation," and "When my wife hears negative things about the church or me it crushes her."

Another pastor's wife gave insight into how to greet her so she doesn't feel like a heel for not remembering everyone personally. She said, "It's hard when people say, 'Do you remember me?' Instead, introduce yourself and remind me where we've met before."

Let's commit to our pastor's wife the gift of kind words. As a woman in ministry, when someone commits to saying kind and affirming things about me, my ministry, and my family, it makes me feel so safe.

Don't assume other people are encouraging your pastor.
Send notes of encouragement. Write the email telling what a difference that sermon made in your life. Don't assume they get plenty of positive feedback—usually they don't.

Let's commit to not just be someone who appreciates our pastor in our hearts, but let's let them know over and over.

Keep studying how to bless your pastor.
Become aware of how your pastor best needs to be blessed and step into that role. Make it a family mission to be one of those foundational families at church who stays out of the drama, seeks to give and not take, and stays for the long haul honoring him all the way.

And don't forget the other pastoral staff members who serve so faithfully as well.

It's biblical. It's good. And while I've got a long way to go, I'm committed to honoring my pastors with much more intentionality.

Dear Lord, thanks for the gift of my pastor, his wife, his staff, his time. Please show me ways to give them double honor, and help me follow through on it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Lysa's new book and six-week Bible study, Unglued - Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions — will be releasing August 1st, just in time for Fall Bible studies! Click here for more information.

For a chance to win a pre-release copy of Unglued, visit Lysa's blog by clicking here.

Click here to visit Lysa's Facebook page and tell us how you plan to bless your pastor this week. There are hundreds of practical ideas readers have already shared!

Reflect and Respond:
Sit down with the Lord and ask Him to show you a few ways to bless your pastor this week.

While in prayer, get honest with God. Have you had unfair expectations of your pastor, his wife and family, or his staff? Repent.

Power Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:12, "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you." (NIV)

© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 June 29, 2012

Recovering from Rejection
Tracie Miles


"Am I now trying to win the approval of man, or God? Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10 (NIV 1984)

If there is one thing that can make someone feel like they don't have a friend in the world, it's rejection. Whether it be a spouse's insult, a co-worker's gossip, a friend's betrayal, a boss's criticism, or a teenager who suddenly doesn't want to be seen with you anymore—rejection hurts.

Several years ago I was dealt a harsh blow of rejection from someone fairly close to me. In the midst of my recovery from the pain and shock, I became so focused on my hurt feelings that it was almost impossible for me to think clearly or rationally. I was consumed by thoughts about the rejection.

How could that person have done and said that to me? Do they know how much I have done for them? Have they taken a hard look at themselves?

My human nature wanted to get back at the one who hurt me. Maybe give them a taste of their own medicine. But God had a different plan.

He wanted me to handle this challenging and painful situation with understanding and compassion. He wanted me to pray for my "rejecter" and see them as His child who had made a mistake. As someone who didn't realize how their words and actions affected others. He wanted me to forgive them.

I didn't follow His lead at first. Instead, I chose to harbor anger. I filled the ears of my family and friends with all of my woes, forcing them to be an involuntary guest at my pity party. I chose to feel sorry for myself and shed as many tears as possible, as if that would drown out the hurt.

Despite my procrastination in handling things God's way, over the next few weeks He repeatedly intervened and reassured me of His love. I stumbled across Bible verses dealing with overcoming rejection. My weekly Bible study topic was on rejection, my daily email devotions touched on the same theme, and my pastor's sermon was about rejection that Sunday.

I knew God was trying to show me He cared about me and was with me during this time of turmoil. He gently reassured me of my worth in His eyes and reminded me that my value wasn't based on man's approval, but solely on His.

God's reassurance and words of encouragment helped wash away my pride and began to replace it with His mercy and grace. I was reminded that I am His and He loves me despite my flaws and insecurities.

As a result, I was able to take my focus off of my rejecter, and instead focus on my approver - Jesus.

Although Jesus may not always approve of our actions or choices, He always approves of us as a person whom He created, whom He loves, and whom He thought was important enough to die for.

Isn't it comforting to know we never have to try to earn Jesus' approval, and that we can live with a peace of mind knowing He accepts us no matter what?

Dear Lord, I pray for Your wisdom and comfort to deal with situations in which I feel hurt, rejected and worthless. Fill me with Your love so I can love others, even when I do not feel loved in return. Please help me to remember the only One I need to seek approval from is You, and that in You alone I can truly believe I am worthy and unconditionally loved. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Reinventing Your Rainbow by Tracie Miles

Visit Tracie's Blog to find more encouragement in overcoming the stress of rejection and embracing God's unconditional love.

Tracie's new book, Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World, will be releasing soon! Visit her blog to find out when it will be available and how to sign up for her upcoming 10 Day Stress Detox.

Reflect and Respond:
Are you allowing the opinion of one person to define how you feel about yourself?

Is rejection causing you to feel stressed and anxious?

Ask God for the supernatural ability to forgive your rejecter and to help you remember that who you are in HIS eyes is all that really matters.

Power Verses:
1 Kings 8:50, "And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy." (NIV 1984)

1 Thessalonians 2:4, "On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men, but God, who tests our hearts." (NIV 1984)

© 2012 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

 July 2, 2012

Another Chance
Samantha Reed


"My beloved spoke and said to me, 'Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.'" Song of Songs 2:10-11 (NIV)

These lyrics caught in my throat the first time I sang them: "I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon the cross."* I cried the ugly cry as I stared at my circumstances, ashamed.

I'd comprised big time in some areas and, until the warm truth of that song, I had turned a cold shoulder to the hope of forgiveness.

Shame convinced me I wasn't worthy of another chance.

Last summer I met a girl who needed a second or third chance. On a 75 degree, gorgeous-in-every-way-L.A. day, I served food on Skid Row with The Dream Center team. There I was, navigating pain and hypodermic needles. There she was, fidgeting outside the women's shelter of this concrete jungle.

She melded into the gray of her tattered sweatpants. Washed out and muted; buried under a cold world, away from the Light for far too long. Inching toward me, she stepped over others hibernating beneath cardboard boxes and frigid despair.

Try as I might, I couldn't catch her eye as she asked for help. Shame from past deeds had beaten her down. It made her doubt she was worthy of anything, much less another chance for a hot meal and cold drink.

This sweet woman had been pushed out of the food line. Unable to defend herself and in too much physical pain to stand in line again, she needed someone to make a way.

Together, we walked to the front of the food truck {not gonna lie, it was fun breezing past her bullies}. But I felt ridiculous handing her scrambled eggs and water. Cause surely, she needed so much more.

We all do at some point, don't we?

She needed to know this place didn't have to be her last stop. That what she'd done to land on Skid Row could be forgiven ... forgotten, even. This cold season could turn into a warmer one. I wanted to share this truth ...

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone." (Song of Songs 2:11 NIV)

Winter ... that gloomy season that should pass. But what if it lingers? What if one bad-for-us choice turns into 100 that beat us to our own Skid Row? What if mistakes convince us that we don't deserve another shot?

Been there? Me too. But letting the Light in melts our winter of doubt into a spring of hope.

What we've done doesn't dictate who we are. The truth is, what He's done makes us who we are: forgiven, hopeful and worthy of another chance. We may not feel we deserve a second shot. But Christ's sacrifice and our salvation through Him gives us one.

Never doubt, He'll always lead us past the bully of shame to the front of the line for so much more than eggs and water.

Dear Lord, it's hard to believe I'm worthy of another chance. But I'm taking a step of faith, choosing to accept that Your death means new life for me. I'll never know how much it cost, but I'm forever grateful. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Click here to read more about salvation through Jesus

Visit Samantha's blog for hope, encouragement and to enter to win The Cause Within You by Pastor Matthew Barnett, founder of The Dream Center.

Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman by Lyndell Hetrick Holtz

Reflect and Respond:
Is it difficult for you to believe you're worthy of another chance? It might be time to see a counselor or talk with a trusted Christian friend for help.

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
~Casting Crowns, East to West**

Power Verses:
Isaiah 12:1-2, "You will say in that day: 'I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.'" (ESV)

John 3:17-18b, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned ..." (ESV)

*Light of the World (Here I am to Worship) by Tim Hughes. © 2000 Thankyou Music.
**East to West by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms. © 2007 My Refuge Music/Club Zoo Music/SWECS Music (BMI).

© 2012 by Samantha Reed. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

July 3, 2012

Re-routed
Van Walton


"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths... I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." - Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)

A newly posted sign announced I couldn't make my normal, convenient left turn out of my neighborhood. Lined up on the road, snaking around the bend, was a neat row of orange and white barrels. Road construction had interrupted and re-routed my usual routine.

Faced with this disruption that would surely put a delay in my schedule for the next few weeks, I felt so agitated I hit my steering wheel. I'd have to design a new way, out of my way, to reach my destination and I wasn't happy about it.

Nearly a month later, when construction was completed enough to allow some through traffic, I turned left and surveyed the sights. I couldn't believe what I saw. No more lovely forest. Gone were the inviting trails into the woods. Decades-old wooden fences and bridges had disappeared.

The place looked like it had been ravaged by a storm.

Soon after, my life was more seriously interrupted when someone I deeply love experienced a horrible trauma. A disturbing phone call forced me to drop everything. The bad news exploded like a bomb - my heart and mind quaked with emotion.

Because my loved one's life was re-routed due to their circumstances, so was mine. Spiritual frustration filled my soul in the following months. I can't remember how many times I hit hard places. The results of this trauma carried me away from the direction I had wanted to go. I screamed angrily at God.

"How long will You take me out of my way?" I questioned.

I longed for the times before this re-routing. Yet, slowly I began to see how this detour of my own plans was really a spiritual reconstruction, just like the roadwork outside my neighborhood.

You see, once all the orange and white barrels were gone, I appreciated the full results. Smooth asphalt spread out before me. Two lanes of traffic moved steadily. The "earthquake zone" had been transformed into a park-like setting. A tree-lined sidewalk encouraged pedestrians to walk toward the ballpark and the neighborhood church. Admiring the new landscape, I reminded myself that even though I'd been inconvenienced, it was worthwhile.

Our key verse comforts me that God is there guiding us through the unfamiliar, making a way, calling to us: "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths ... I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16 (NIV)

My plans continue to zigzag through various unplanned circumstances. And I realize God allows me to experience these orange and white-barreled roads to illustrate a truth. He is at work up ahead rearranging the landscape of my life.

I may not be able to see what the new landscape will look like, but I believe He will guide me, make the road smooth, and be with me. With His help, I put my hand in His, traveling the paths He lays out for me, even though they may not be the familiar roads I'd prefer.

Dear Lord, You know how difficult life is right now. My interrupted life and the rough roads feel like they'll break me. Give me the capacity to trust You and graciously travel the paths You lay out before me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you know the One Who promises to lead you?

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton

A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Reflect and Respond:
How has my life been interrupted recently? How would God have me respond to this most recent disturbance?

Memorize one of the power verses below. Pray it out loud when disruptions threaten to interrupt your life.

Power Verses:
Psalm 25:4, "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow." (NLT)

Psalm 37:34, "Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land." (NLT)

© 2012 by Van Walton. All rights reserved.

[Judy Harder]

July 4, 2012

Establishing Moral Authority
Glynnis Whitwer


"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." - John 13:14-15 (NIV 1984)

Talking with my son one day, I mentioned I thought I might have made a good lawyer. I love discovering facts, proving my point and standing for justice. It wasn't a real longing, just a passing comment in an afternoon filled with incidental but pleasurable conversation.

At my observation, my son adamantly replied, "You would make a horrible lawyer!"

I looked at him with curiosity and surprise dressing my face. He continued, "You would never lie. In fact, you could boast the fastest conviction rates in your ads. I can see you standing before the judge saying, 'Your honor, my client is guilty!'"

We both laughed at that comment. And I completely agreed with his assessment of my lawyering potential. I guess it's a good thing I stuck with writing.

My son made an exaggerated comment that day to make an observation about my character. We both know there are lawyers with the highest integrity. That wasn't his point. His point was his mother doesn't lie.

His comment snuggled its way into my heart and has stayed there ever since. I make a lot of mistakes in my parenting, but apparently I've done something right. My son knows the real me - the good, bad and ugly. And in this one area of my life, my son has made a crucial observation of my character: it's consistent with what I say.

I've discovered that I'm influenced most by people whose lives match their words. Interestingly, for these people, doing what's right is a natural way to honor God. Their influence over me is a by-product of that devotion, and I'm changed by watching the unspoken alignment of their talk and walk.

Jesus had both authority and influence because His character and actions completely matched His words. Twelve disciples watched His every move. Because they found no inconsistencies, they grew to trust Jesus. This gave Jesus a moral authority that superseded the authority of any other religious leader of the time.

That's the type of mother, wife and friend I want to be. I want to be pursuing God with all my heart, and in so doing, establish moral authority in my life with those closest to me. You see, I understand that even though I have authority with my children, I don't have influence unless there is consistency in my life.

Having my life match my words is one of my highest desires in life. People will eventually notice inconsistencies in my life and when they do, it erodes my influence. Sometimes, I only get one chance to influence the people around me. Sadly, once lost, moral authority is very difficult to regain.

I don't always get it right. There are plenty of times when my actions don't match my words. But my son's comment inspired me to examine my life, and see where there are inconsistencies. As I find them, I am honest about my weakness, and seek God's help to deal with them. That's the only way I'll ever develop into the woman I know God wants me to be: one who doesn't have to shout to make her point, but whose quiet actions speak louder than words.

Dear Heavenly Father, I need Your help. I want to be a woman whose life completely matches up to her words. You know there are areas where I fall short. I submit those areas to You, and ask for Your strength to be the woman You want me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Need help with parenting? You might enjoy When Your Child is Hurting by Glynnis Whitwer

P31 Woman magazine

Reflect and Respond:
Why is moral authority so much more powerful than traditional authority? What are some of the reasons we say one thing but do another?

Identify one area of your life that doesn't match what you say you believe. (Examples might be honesty, patience, kindness, forgiveness.)

Power Verses:
Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (NIV 1984)

Titus 2:11-12, "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God." (NLT)

© 2012 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.