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"Stop the Scary Marriage Mash-Ups"

1/29/2019

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Good morning ladies. Working our way down to the end of this month! Yay! Every day closer to Spring. Imagine with me the soft, green grass, the warmth of the sun, and a bed of yellow tulips. Ahhh. Not to mention baseball!! Anyway, in the meantime, enjoy and be thankful for the sunshine, our warm homes, hot food and hot chocolate, and layers of clothing to wear. I know there are many that aren't so fortunate. If I could bring them all in and feed them soup, I would. What are you up to today? Be careful out there if you need to go out.

I have a question for you. Are there any thoughts about the devotion going out just three days a week? I've recently gotten a work-from-home writing job and it will take up some time. Probably morning time, since that's when I can think and write most clearly. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Devotion

Good words today, as we consider all of our different relationships. It can be so easy to dwell on the things that are wrong, but God's Word (in our key verse) tells us otherwise. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies! 


“Stop the Scary Marriage Mash-Ups”

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (CSB)

When they were younger, our kids loved to watch Mary Poppins. Their eyes were riveted to the television screen, watching Mary magically tidy up the toy room or Bert and the chimney sweeps twirl and leap over the rooftops of London. And of course, when that part of the movie came on the screen, they had to try to “step in time!” right along with them, all over our living room furniture!
 
Recently, I discovered an online video which was a collection of scenes from this classic movie. The way the scenes were spliced together completely changed the vibe of the movie.
 
Dubbed Scary Mary, this version looks like a trailer for a horror film with Mary Poppins sometimes peering out windows or with dark gloomy skies overshadowing the screen. At one point, the children appear to be running for their lives! Mary’s voice can be heard singing what’s actually a lullaby from the movie, but to hear her slowly and almost inaudibly vocalizing the words, “Stay awake, don’t rest your head” sounded creepy!
 
By choosing only the seemingly dark and dreary parts of the film, the video made you believe something totally untrue — that Mary Poppins is actually a horror flick!
 
Often, when we think about our marriages, we selectively retrieve memories of difficult events and interactions and then string them together in a mash-up of memories that paints the entire relationship in a ghastly light.
 
We all have bad times. Times of underlying tension. Heated conflicts. Cold shoulders. All-out disagreements. We’ve experienced hurt feelings, dashed hopes and seasons of intense sadness. But let’s not allow our minds to play tricks on us, fooling us into believing our entire relationship has been horrendous, crafting our own Scary Marriage movie.
 
Today’s key verse states, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
 
Instead of looking only for the bad in a relationship, let’s implement a powerful practice that will enable us to focus on what God is doing, even within our marriage. Let’s look for and dwell on the good rather than the bad.
 
The Greek word for dwell in Philippians 4:8 means “to consider, to take into account, to calculate.” We can be deliberate to take into account and add up all the aspects of our marriages — and of our spouses — that are honorable, commendable, lovely and worthy of praise.
 
If we look hard enough, refusing to dwell on what frustrates or even infuriates us, and instead mentally add up the admirable qualities, we are best positioned to allow God to gift us with a fresh and healthy perspective. We can obtain a renewed commitment to that man we fell in love with. (Likewise, dwelling on good things can help us gain a strengthened relationship with a best friend, a sister, a close co-worker, etc.)
 
Every marriage is a unique blend of awesome and awful. However, we get to choose where our thoughts will dwell. When we dwell on the awful, we craft our own horror flick and want to run away — or at least cover our eyes. But it doesn’t have to be that way if we resolve to deliberately focus on the awesome instead.
 
Father God, help my mind dwell on the good aspects of my spouse and my marriage, rather than focus on whatever falls short. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Karen Ehman
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Philippians 2:5, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
 
Ephesians 4:32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (NLT)
 
Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." (NIV)

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"Just Say Thank You"

1/28/2019

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Good morning ladies. How are you? It's a lovely morning here, with about 5-6 inches of fresh snow, and wind-chills below zero. Winter is definitely here!  No school in most of the greater MSP area today either.  I'm guessing that there won't be school tomorrow or Wednesday either. Wednesday morning is supposed to have the coldest wind-chills in twenty years, coming in at 55 to 60 degrees below zero. The great news, though, is that, by Saturday, it will be 37 degrees above zero. So, there's that..... Keep looking forward ladies. And if you love the snow, then get out and enjoy it! 

In other news... it was a good weekend. We got our shopping done, as well as some other chores. And the service at church yesterday was excellent. I did have to leave after church, due to everything aching because of the cold, so I missed Discipleship Hour and a lunch that we had scheduled, but I'm still glad that I was able to make it to church.  How about you? How was your weekend?

Devotion

I don't think anyone likes to be disciplined, corrected, or told they are wrong, but today's devotion tells us how to respond in these times. Not in a defensive way, but with a "thank you." Have a Monumental Monday ladies!


“Just Say Thank You”

“If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.” Hebrews 12:8 (NIV)

Have you ever had a piece of broccoli or salad in your teeth, but no one told you about it? It takes a caring friend to whisper, “You have something stuck in your teeth.” That tooth tip is meant to be helpful, not harmful. We are wise to recognize correction -- either big or small -- as a chance to improve, instead of a challenge to be rejected.
 
When you’re corrected, what’s your immediate response?
 
I recently learned a new way to respond when I’m corrected, revised, amended, rectified or reformed. I learned this response from my friend who serves alongside her husband in youth ministry at my church. Over lunch, she repeated to me what she teaches the students:
 
“When we ask you (the students) to put away your phones, or when your parent says something to correct you, it may feel like a flick on the cheek. It hurts in the moment a little bit. But what you need to say is, ‘Thank you.’ You’re being corrected because you are loved.”
 
I love that dialogue. When someone corrects you, simply say “Thank you.” You’re being corrected because you are loved.
 
This isn’t always easy. But I got the chance to practice this response soon after.
 
At a small neighborhood exercise class I’ve been attending for years, I was lifting weights. My instructor corrected my form in front of everyone. Instead of being embarrassed or offended, I said, “Thank you.” I was amazed at how that simple response helped me accept the correction (I was using the weights incorrectly), and it diffused my self-consciousness.
 
I don’t know about you, but I’m naturally defensive when corrected. Yet the Bible teaches us not to be discouraged when we experience divine correction. Hebrews 12:5b-6 says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son” (NIV).
 
Do not lose heart.
 
When the Lord nudges, “Child, you need to go apologize to your friend …” or “You spoke very rudely just then …” we can learn to respond with the words “Thank you.” Thank You, Lord, for correcting me because You love me. Thank You for helping me become more like You.
 
Today’s key verse says, “If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.” Being a child of God means God loves us too much to allow us to continue uncorrected in sin. Reading Hebrews 12:9-11, we learn that if human fathers discipline us and are respected, how much more should we submit to God?
 
Earthly parents aren’t perfect, and we can correct incorrectly, but God always disciplines for our profit. God’s correction is not condemnation. This is an important distinction. God corrects to prevent the death and destruction of our souls. At the time, discipline doesn’t feel joyful. It’s painful. But later it “produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (verse 11b, NIV).
 
One way we can spiritually train is by responding with a sincere “Thank you” when God (or other people) correct us. But what if someone gives you a mean-spirited or ridiculous correction? You can still say “Thank you” and leave it at that. You don’t have to pay attention to corrections from people who don’t care about you and seek your harm.
 
However, Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (NIV). In other words, let’s respond with grace, even when others don’t say something gracious. This sets us as Christ-followers apart from the world.
 
So the next time someone gives you a piece of advice, corrects you, or points out the broccoli between your teeth, just say “Thank you.” And when the Holy Spirit nudges you about something you need to change, try saying, “Thank You, God, for caring enough to tell me about this because I am Your daughter.”
 
Heavenly Father, I struggle with sin and need Your loving correction. Thank You for intervening in my life over and over again. Thank You for working on my character and behavior so I can look more like You. Help me welcome Your discipline in my life. I submit to Your will in my life. Give me a gracious attitude toward others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Arlene Pellicane
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Job 5:17, “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” (NIV)
 
Psalm 119:67-68, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (NIV)

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"Praying Like a Superhero"

1/25/2019

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Good morning ladies! How are you doing today? Are you warm enough? Oh my, winter has officially arrived!! And we were still up north when it decided to, so we got in on the snow and below zero temps before the Cities did. But, the fresh snow up there with the sun shining....beautiful! And the sun is shining on this Friday too. After Molly and I went for a walk yesterday and her feet were in so much pain from the cold that she was limping, it is my goal today to go buy some baby socks to put on her feet. We have tried everything else, even the expensive dog shoes, and nothing stays on her feet. I even crocheted some booties and that didn't work either. We have a second hand baby store right at the end of our block, so I'm going there to load up! She desperately needs something! And you dog owners surely know how I feel. I thought I might have to carry her, but at 25 pounds, that wasn't happening. It's all I can do not to fall down already. So, that's one goal for today. I also need to make a grocery list. How about you? Any interesting plans for the weekend?

By the way, the Pastor's and Wives Retreat was excellent! It touched me right where I needed it. I highly recommend the speaker's book, Soul Care, by Rob Reimer. So, so good. And we had a great time meeting new people in our district and connecting with friends we haven't seen in awhile. And, of course, always good to see our kids.

Devotion

We are reminded in God's Word how to pray. And I never thought about it in this way before. Have a great weekend ladies and a Fantastic Friday!


“Praying Like a Superhero”

“But you, when you pray, enter your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret.” Matthew 6:6a (MEV)

Oh, to be like Superman. To step into that phone booth as mild-mannered Clark Kent and step out as Superman — fit, flamboyant, ready to fly off and change the world!
 
But here I am, weary and worried, stepping into my prayer closet and later stepping out — same old me, still weary and worried. Clark Kent is transformed. I’m not.
 
Forget the closet. I want a phone booth.
 
Friends, it’s not the closet. It’s me.
 
I’m not in there alone. I’m with God Almighty, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and I play the part of Clark Kent, the reporter.
 
I report the news. I tell what’s happening. I provide all the details. I fill the closet with words.

  •  They’re broke, God. They need money. He’s gotta find a job.
  • Dear Jesus, she’s terribly sick. There’s so much she should be doing.
  • It’s the big game. The team has worked hard, Lord. They really want to win.
 
Good little reporter that I am, I don’t just describe what’s happening. I tell God what needs to happen.

  •  This job is perfect for him, Jesus. They have to hire him.
  • Heal her, Lord. Get her back to work.
  • Dear God, give them the victory. They deserve it.
 
One day, I step into the closet, more distressed and dejected than usual.
 
This is such a mess! I don’t know what they should do. You’re the all-seeing, all-knowing God. You tell me.
 
I sense God’s response:
 
Ah, you’re catching on.
 
Who am I to tell God what to do? He’s omniscient and omnipresent. I can’t tell Him anything He doesn’t already know.
 
I learn to check my Clark-Kent self at the closet door. I speak less and listen more. God grants me glimpses from His perspective.

  • He loves money too much.
  • She needs to be still and know that I am God.
  • They want that trophy more than they want Me.
 
I’ve been stepping into my prayer closet and asking God to save the day Superman-style, to provide the quick fix, the happy here-and-now. But God looks at the long term, what’s best for eternity. An easy life produces flabby souls. Temporary trouble can be a stepping stone to godly character.
 
I learn to pray God’s plan over the names on my prayer list.
 
  • O God, teach him to store up his treasure in heaven.
  • Surround her hospital bed with Your presence, Jesus.
  • Win or lose, Lord, may they play for Your glory.
 
And that hopeless mess?
 
Almighty God, plant them deep in Your love. Fill them to overflowing with the fullness of You!
 
Whatever the problem, they’ll be better off filled with the fullness of God. We find this truth when Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray. He instructs them, “But you, when you pray, enter your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:6a).
 
I don’t step out of my prayer closet with a flashy cape and bulging muscles. But I’m transformed. I have God’s eyes and heart. And my prayers fly off in power to change the world.
 
I’ll take my closet over a phone booth, all the time.
 
O God, teach me to pray Your way, not mine. Change me, change my prayer focus, and change others through my prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Shirlee Abbott
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Ephesians 3:14-19, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would give you, according to the riches of His glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (MEV)

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"No More of Those Stories"

1/21/2019

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Good morning ladies. I trust you had a lovely weekend. I'm sure that some of you are busy digging out of a huge amount of snow.  I know that the storm was mentioned last week. I also saw on the news some of the crazy amounts that fell. We dodged it completely here, but we are in our normal January temperatures of sub-zero.  The sun is shining! Yay! Were any of you able to stay up for that Super Moon last night? We are just getting too old to stay up that late, haha!  And you couldn't stand outside that long anyway with that wind chill! If you do have any pictures, I'd love to see them!

Just so you all know, PK and I are leaving this afternoon for (of all things) the NORTH! We are going up for a Pastor's and Wives Retreat. I'm really looking forward to it. Also, since our son and daughter-in-law are in our District, they will be there as well. So, I will miss a few days on the devotion. Have a great week! 

Devotion

Does your heart need comforting today? Be assured that God will answer you and give you peace as He has the perfect timing for the things that concern you. Have a Mighty Monday ladies! 


“No More of Those Stories”

“When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’” John 11:4 (NIV)

Lord, I don’t want to write any more of these kinds of stories.
 
I knew this was not the “Sunday School” response to my Savior, but after hearing news that left my heart broken, I just had to shoot straight with the One who loves me most. He has proven that when I am hurting, He will comfort me, and that is exactly what I needed. I knew I could go to Him in the rawest moments of my life, and He would take me in.
 
One thing I’ve learned in loving Jesus: It doesn’t mean we get to skip hard things in life. It takes only a day to find this is true. Disappointments sometimes replace dreams. Unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others crowd out the happiness we hoped to experience.
 
Maybe Martha in John 11 felt similar feelings as she looked at her brother Lazarus’ lifeless body. She could have thought, If Jesus loved us, why would He have allowed this? He knows we need our brother. This tragedy could have easily been prevented if Jesus would have simply come when the sisters called for Him.
 
Jesus hadn’t followed their plan or met their expectations when He stalled in coming to their rescue. But He had His reasons for waiting, and clearly explains it in today’s key verse, John 11:4b: “… it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
 
“God’s glory.”
 
Jesus gave His purpose for Lazarus’ illness and subsequent death, but Mary and Martha were not there to hear His answer. Sometimes, even if we do hear His words, they are not the ones we want to hear.
 
We just want our pain fixed.
 
Jesus wanted them to learn that His “no” now is not always a no forever; He has the perfect timing and perfect answer to our needs. He wants our faith and confidence in Him alone, and often a no when we want a yes helps us reposition our confidence and trust when it’s gotten off track.
 
If Jesus had come to this family’s immediate rescue, there would have been no reason for the sisters to develop and exercise confidence. Often, He will build this type of confidence in uncomfortable environments.
 
The sisters had sent for Jesus and had offered a prayer of sorts. “Lord, he whom you love is ill” (v. 3b, ESV). They had confidence He would hear them, and they were right: He heard and answered their request in His way, in His time.
 
My heart needs this hope and comfort today — this faith-booster. Confidence that we can ask anything according to His will and He hears us is what powers our prayers. Matthew 7:7-8 reminds us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (NIV).
 
Jesus leaves no room for doubt. The answer to our prayer … will come.
 
Period.
 
Ask … and it will. Seek … and it will. Knock … and it will. This is the faith-push that empowers us. When disappointment and discouragement deplete me, God’s directives restore me.
 
Dear Lord, thank You that whenever disappointment and discouragement deplete me, You will restore me. When life knocks me down, I will choose to draw closer to You still. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lynn Cowell
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

​John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

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"When God Cried"

1/18/2019

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Good morning ladies. How are you today? Are you glad that it's Friday? I always am. Even though I don't work outside of the home anymore, I still look forward to the weekends. I think it's just the change of pace, along with having my family home. I also like the openness of Saturdays and the opportunity to do things as a family. And Sundays are always special for me, especially since I don't see many people during the week. I mean, most days I'm talking to Molly! She is a good listener though.  So, I may be rambling a bit, haha! What are your plans for this weekend?

Devotion

A very comforting devotion today. When we are in pain, we know that Jesus feels our pain too. Have a great weekend and a Fabulous Friday! 


“When God Cried”


“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NIV)


I was sitting on a hotel bed when the text arrived. Though I’d steeled myself for bad news, I still wasn’t prepared. My hands shook as I read the words, “Lizzie, dear, your brother left this world at 6:27 p.m. Mountain Time …”

 
There was more, but I couldn’t bear to read it. A great sob poured out as I threw the phone across the bed. Not in anger but in despair. It can’t be true. It can’t be.
 
Every emotion flooded through me as I tried to stem my tears, pressing a washcloth to my face. The thought of never seeing my brother again was more than I could bear. I wept until I could weep no more, and then I wept again.
 
Perhaps that’s how Jesus responded 2,000 years ago in Bethany. Not just one tear running down His cheek, but a steady stream flowing from the depths of His heart, as He watched Martha and Mary mourning the loss of their brother Lazarus.
 
When a loved one dies, “if onlys” often haunt our thoughts for weeks, months, even years after the funeral.
 
“If only I’d called that morning …”
 
“If only I’d insisted on a second opinion …”
 
“If only I’d stopped by on my way to work …”
 
Having now buried both my parents, both my in-laws, all three of my dear brothers, and far too many friends, I would offer this gentle advice about giving in to “if onlys”: Don’t go there, beloved. God knows the hour of each person’s passing. Whatever we did or didn’t do for someone we loved, the timing of his or her departure was God’s alone.
 
Mary of Bethany surely knew this truth, yet she fell at Jesus’ feet that day, unable to hold back her tears.
 
Jesus could hardly ignore her profound grief or the crying and sobbing of her friends. “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (John 11:33, NIV).
 
There’s more going on here than meets the eye. Jesus was visibly distressed — not from angst as much as anger. Jesus was mad? Yes, He was. The Bible tells us He became “enraged in the Spirit” (John 11:33b, JUB), and “a deep anger welled up within him” (John 11:33b, NLT). Almost like a horse showing its displeasure.
 
Was He frustrated with Mary’s tears? Disgusted at her lack of faith? Not our compassionate Savior. He was angry with death itself and the grave’s power to rob His people of hope, of joy, of peace.
 
When He asked Mary and the others, “Where have you laid him?” (John 11:34a, NIV), Jesus followed them to Lazarus’s tomb, prepared to put an end to their suffering.
 
What happened next was tender, sacred and unexpected. Captured in a verse with only two words, famous for its brevity but far more for its depth of emotion, "Jesus wept” (John 11:35).
 
He did, friend. The Son of God wept. A great sadness swept over Him, moving Him to tears, as He felt their sorrow in a deeply personal way, just as He feels ours.
 
However much we’re hurting, we can take comfort in this: When we suffer, He suffers with us. When we grieve, He grieves.
 
The witnesses that day said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:36, NIV). Yes, see how He loves each one of His followers. Wanting us to live with hope, rather than fear … with joy, rather than sorrow … with peace, rather than regret.
 
Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us right where we are, even in the depths of our pain. For shedding Your tears, reminding us we’re never alone. For shedding Your blood, assuring us we will live with You forever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Liz Curtis Higgs
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Matthew 5:4,
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (NIV)

 
2 Corinthians 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” (NIV)
 
Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (ESV)

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"When You Need a Little G-R-A-C-E"

1/15/2019

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 "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." - Psalm 9:1


Good morning ladies! It's the middle of January already and we're surviving! It has been a rather up-and-down winter so far. A little bit of everything....variety. What kind of weather do you like? Many of you love winter and others don't so much. I am learning to be blessed by whatever God gives us each day, but I have to say, the SUN is my favorite!  No matter what the temperature is. I try not to discuss the weather with you every day, but there are some who are affected by it. It's a very real thing. So, what are your plans for today? I have some studying to do, for my discipleship class at church and also for my discipleship meeting with my girl Sarah today. I also have some writing to do for a sample to send to the National Office. They need some blog writers for the CMA Kids. I would love to participate in that! Beyond those things, I plan to take a nice, long walk with Molly.  

Devotion

I just love the way that God has a promise for us in His Word because He knows that we will need it. We will face temptations in life. He says that He will show us a way out. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies! 


“When You Need a Little G-R-A-C-E”

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

There it was.
 
Carved in wood.
 
The evidence could not be denied.
 
Anna dropped her kids off at school and then went home to clean up a bit. She removed a hairbrush, school papers and yesterday’s jewelry from her dresser. And there it was. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
 
A nail.
 
And a name.
 
L-i-l-l-i-a-n … carved into the top of her dresser’s walnut surface.
 
Seven-year-old L-i-l-l-i-a-n hadn’t even bothered to hide the weapon used to commit the crime. The nail lay just where she had left it. Right on the dresser by her name.
 
It was a tough six hours as Anna waited for her 44-inch, 49-pound lump of love daughter to get off the school bus. This was not a good day.
 
“Come with me,” Anna said to little Lillian. “I want to show you something.”
 
“What’s this about?” Anna asked, pointing to L-i-l-l-i-a-n carved into the wood.
 
Lillian’s rosy lower lip quivered, her green eyes filled with tears, and her face turned autumn red.
 
“I’m sorry,” she whimpered with bowed head.
 
“What were you thinking?” Anna asked sternly.
 
“Well,” she began, “last night I was waiting for the boys to finished their shower so I could take my turn. I saw the nail and picked it up. At first, when I thought about carving my name on the dresser, my mind said ‘No, no, no, don’t do it,’ But the longer I waited, and the longer I thought about it, the ‘No, no, no, don’t do it’ turned into ‘Yes, yes, yes, do it.’ And I did. I knew it was wrong, but I just had to do it.”
 
Anna got down on her knees and held Lillian’s guilty cherub face in her hands. “That’s how the devil works,” Anna said. “He creeps in when we don’t expect it and tells us to do bad things — wrong things — but it is up to us to say ‘No.’”
 
“I’m sorry, Mommy,” Lillian cried. “I’ll never listen to the devil again.”
 
Anna is my niece. As she told me this story, I saw myself in young Lillian. I wonder if you did, too.
 
Temptation lies right in front of us — like a nail just taunting us to scratch an itch. At first we say “No, no, no,” but the longer we wait around and fiddle with it, the more likely the “No, no, no” will turn into a “Yes, yes, yes.”
 
What’s the answer? Don’t wait around and fiddle with it! Walk away. Right away.
 
Paul wrote: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
 
That’s true whether the temptation is flirting with that married man at the office, having one too many glasses of wine, searching for an old boyfriend on Facebook, sharing a juicy morsel of gossip with a friend, or carving your name in your mom’s dresser with a nail.
 
I love that Lillian said, “I’ll never listen to the devil again.” Oh, don’t you wish that were true? For Lillian. For me. For you. But we will.
 
That’s when I thank Jesus for the nails — not one, but three — that pierced His hands and feet so we can be forgiven. Jesus forgives us when we fail and restores us when we fall.
 
It’s called G-R-A-C-E … and we all need it.
 
Dear Lord, when I encounter temptation today, help me walk away right away. Give me the wisdom not to fiddle with it, the strength not to give in to it, and the courage to turn my back on it. Thank You for always providing a way out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

www.proverbs31.org

Sharon Jaynes
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
 
Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (NIV)

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"For Such a Time as This"

1/14/2019

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Good morning ladies. I hope you all had a great weekend! The highlight for me was Sunday, being back at church for the first time in this new year. Whenever I miss, I miss out on so much. How about you? What was your highlight?



Devotion

Wow! A powerful devotion today. We are encouraged to live out the calling that God has for us, not for our own pleasure and purposes, but because there are people that need deliverance in this world. Have a Magnificent Monday ladies! 


“For Such a Time as This”

“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?’” Esther 4:13-14 (NASB)

“For such a time as this.”
 
It’s a phrase tossed around frequently, often without much thought to the original meaning or context in which it was said. It can mean: special, chosen or royal. Many people even quote Mordecai’s rebuke to Esther as a life-verse representing power and favor. You’ll see shirts, hats, mugs and social media posts that proudly ring out, “for such a time as this.”
 
But what did this phrase really mean?
 
When we look at the life of Esther throughout the book titled in her name, this phrase actually refers to Esther being scolded for her self-indulgent, self-preserving mindset. In today’s language, we might call that being “shot down” for having narcissistic tendencies! Mordecai reproved Esther for living large and embracing royalty over righteousness — selfies over service. Through those telling words, he reminded her she had been chosen to set her own interests aside, let go of her own ambitions, and face an enemy full-on.
 
She was to risk her life and her legacy with no guarantees of a positive outcome. That’s the “for such a time as this” Mordecai challenged Esther to accept.
 
“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?’” (Esther 4:13-14)
 
And that’s the “for such a time as this” God also sets before you and me.
 
God has given each of us a job, position, resources, education and more. God has opened opportunities to optimize His kingdom purposes. He didn’t place you or me where we are so we could eat figs all day long or post pictures on social media. He’s placed us wherever we are because we are in the midst of a battle, a war. You and I are in the midst of a seismic conflict involving good versus evil.
 
To miss a kingdom assignment because we’ve become too caught up in our personal kingdom is one of the greatest tragedies we could ever face. An entire nation was grateful for how Esther responded to Mordecai’s rebuke. Their lives were spared. How many souls can be spared in the culture where we live today when we choose to step up to service, even if it involves sacrifice?
 
Lord, turn my heart and my mind toward You and toward the role You have chosen for me to live out. Help me to put Your will and Your purpose ahead of my own. I humbly bow before You and ask for Your direction and guidance, as well as Your courage to live out the calling I’ve been given for such a time as this. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Dr. Tony Evans
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Isaiah 33:6, “And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” (NASB)
 
Proverbs 16:4a, “The LORD has made everything for its own purpose.” (NASB)

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"How to Live Poured Out for a Marriage That Fills You Up"

1/9/2019

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Good morning ladies. Are you bundled up this morning?  Because it's COLD out there! At least for today anyway. It started yesterday afternoon when I took Molly out for a walk. Um, the wind was gusting up to fifty miles an hour. And you would think that would motivate her to do her business faster, but no. She acts like she doesn't even notice the difference, as my face is hurting from the intense cold. Whew! But after today, we are warming up again to the 30's. So, hang in there!

Devotion


"How to Live Poured Out for a Marriage That Fills You Up"

“… but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:7-8 (ESV)


“It wasn’t perfect, but it was intentional.” Those are the words I spoke to my counselor after my wife, Wynter, suddenly passed away in my arms 15 years and one month after we made our marriage vows.

Her death was sudden. It was unexpected. And it was the last thing I was thinking about when I repeated back to the minister, “until death do us part.”

I knew that day would come, but I would never have imagined, nor would I have been able to comprehend, that it would arrive so soon. My daughters, ages 14, 11 and twin 9-year-olds, and I were left in a world of pain with a depth of loss that was unimaginable. They lost their wonderful mom. I lost my best friend.

The only thing that carries us daily is the grace of God manifested in different ways and through His people.

“It wasn’t perfect, but it was intentional” were words I uttered for a very specific reason. I was acknowledging the reality every married couple faces on a daily basis — imperfection. Wynter and I entered into our marriage with pretty glaring blemishes.

We were 23 years old when we married. We brought our past and all its layers of complication right in to our first apartment. The more time we spent together and the more we weighed our marriage against God’s Word, the more we realized things would have to change.

And that’s what I meant by the second half of that phrase — “we were intentional.” Our imperfections received season tickets into our new life together with free renewal every year, unless together we decided differently.

We weren’t naïve to think we could obtain perfection on our own, but we were both committed to pursuing what God had in mind when He created marriage in the first place. Oneness was our goal, and teamwork was our strategy.

I thank God now for the Holy Spirit’s strength to carry out those intentions, day by day, as His perfect grace covered our failures and honored our desires.

Intentionality looked different every day. Some days, it was me apologizing. Another day, it was Wynter telling me to go play a round of golf because she knew I needed the rest. Or I might tell her to go lie down while I cooked dinner or took the kids out to give her a few quiet hours. There were even days when she chose not to overreact to my grumpy and tired attitude, giving me grace to apologize before she brought it to my attention.

Among our most memorable moments were when we shared sushi on the couch for a TV binge session after the kids were in bed.

In every instance, it looked like deference. In every purposeful act, we chose to honor one another above ourselves, committing to lay down our own desires for our spouse’s needs. Often, it looked like giving up what we wanted for the good of each other. In our intentionality, we grew up together in Jesus and in friendship.

The day Wynter died will forever be stamped as a day of great paradox. Wynter passed from death to life around 7:45 p.m. that Tuesday evening, but in God’s great sovereignty, at 3:45 p.m. earlier that same day, I hit send on an e-mail to our publisher to approve the final, edited manuscript of the book that would document our marriage story. In it, we describe the only word that adequately explains the intentionality we sought in our marriage: emptied.

In Philippians 2:7, the Bible says Jesus “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.” With perfect intentionality, in His love, Jesus gave up everything for you and me, even to death. His intentional emptying of Himself resulted in our perfect filling. Because He died, we now live. Because He emptied Himself, you and I can now be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Imperfectly but consistently, Wynter and I attempted to model our Savior. We daily chose to empty ourselves for each other. We gave up what we thought we were owed to give the best of what we had to offer. In that consistent intentionality, our me became we.

I’m reminded that only God gets to decide when our “book” will end. I’m not sure how long your book is, but I encourage you to make it a good one. Remember each day that the next is not promised … and the one you have right now is the best one to experience the fullness of a poured-out marriage.

Heavenly Father, most days I’m more concerned about being filled than being emptied. Help me to see the great joy found in emptying myself for my spouse. I pray You would use my emptying to fill them up. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Jonathan Pitts

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Hebrews 12:2, “… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV)

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"Cut Free"

1/8/2019

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Good morning! How are you today? Are you starting to settle back into the normal schedule yet? Some of us take longer than others.  I got quite a bit done yesterday after I sent the devotion out, but then my body kind of rebelled and I crashed for awhile. Not surprised. I might've been over-doing it just a wee bit. I am trying to organize things better around this place, especially in the storage department. Miriam, your story inspired me yesterday. Oh, how I wish I had a pantry/room like this. But, I don't, so I have to work with what I have. How about you? Have you done any cleaning or reorganizing lately?

Devotion

It's been a very long time since I've worked out hard enough to experience this feeling that the author talks about today in her example, but I can remember back to those days. She makes a good point though. We can get so entangled in the things of life and we need to cut ourselves free. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies! 


“Cut Free”

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)

There’s a common struggle among women: the exhausting and unbearable task of removing sweaty gym clothes after a good workout.
 
Yes, I realize men sweat too — but it’s not the same; their clothes are so loose and stretchy. Ours are tight, contoured, made to hold it all in. That’s all fine and well until you’re exhausted, and the added layer of sweat adheres your top to your poor, fatigued body.
 
Recently at my gym, a few of us were lamenting this shared frustration when my friend Jill came around the corner, saying, “One time, I was so tired of trying to wrestle my sports bra off that I just grabbed the kitchen scissors and cut myself out.” Jill is not a woman to be trifled with, friends.
 
I was still giggling about this as I walked home. I was also a bit in awe. It was a bold and admirable move. Though I would wrestle and sweat and contort and curse my sports bra, I would never, ever, consider chopping the thing off.
 
In fact, I do this with more than just my gym clothes.
 
I tend to engage in this on-again, off-again battle with cultural expectations. I hate feeling all this pressure — pressure to look a certain way, dress your children a certain way, act like this, decorate your house like that, travel here, work out there, DIY everything, get promoted, hire out help, eat this, never eat that, educate your children at home, at a public school, at a private school, at a Christian school, be Wonder Woman.
 
Some days, I resent trying to keep up with such a demanding lifestyle and appearance. The expectations are unending. I wrestle with them, fight them, and for a time, may temper them. But no matter how frustrating, I can’t seem to just cut them off. No matter how much I want to leave it all behind, I keep sweating through it. You’ve done this too, right?
 
What’s worse is that when we don’t measure up on any of these fronts, we feel ashamed, guilty, unworthy. When there’s a pile of unfolded laundry or our wardrobe is “lacking” or we’re passed up for a promotion, it can actually begin to shape how we view ourselves. And while we may blame culture for perpetuating unrealistic and unhealthy expectations, we can only blame ourselves for choosing to abide by them.
 
The question is: Why do we wrestle with these pressures when we could simply refuse them? I wonder if there’s a part of us, deep down, that’s still searching for worth … yet feeling plagued by the shame of our own imperfection. We can’t let go because we just aren’t sure we’ve found true love, true acceptance, true security. But, dear friends, we have.
 
Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved.” Our worth is set high, off the charts, determined by Jesus’ great act of love, not some image of perfection we try to scrape together.
 
We can trust that we are wholly loved and fully valued, just as we are. We have nothing to prove. We can cling to what we know is true and believe it with our whole hearts, even deep down where fears and insecurities try to linger.
 
Sometimes, our greatest act of faith is ignoring the dust and the pile of unfolded laundry. Sometimes, our greatest act of faith is ignoring our chipped nail polish and two-day-old ponytail. Because it’s hard not to give in to the prevailing thought that our picturesque home and expert style determine our value.
 
We know who we are and to whom we belong. Our identity, value and worth are not up for grabs. A messy kitchen doesn’t make me a bad person, or make you a bad person, either. A bad hair day doesn’t diminish your status as a daughter of the King.
 
We don’t have to measure up to some arbitrary standard to earn love, acceptance or worth; we already have it. If you’ve been trying and trying, wrestling and sweating, why not just cut yourself free?
 
Dear God, thank You for Your unfailing love and unconditional acceptance. Help me to trust in it, to find rest in it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Jen Wise
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

​Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

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"I Need a New Spiritual Wardrobe"

1/7/2019

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Good morning ladies! Happy New Year!  I trust that you all had a great holiday season and are ready to get into the things that God has for us this year. I missed you and I'm ready to get back into the swing of things again. We had a wonderful Christmas, with several different celebrations (as I'm sure you did as well). It was a blessed time with family! The only unfortunate thing that happened was the vicious flu bug  that ran through our family. Ugh. It really started with PK about three weeks ago when we were out visiting our kids. He thought at the time that he had food poisoning, but as our story progressed, I really think it was a virus (our son had been sick). It turned into a bad respiratory and ear infection for him, and he still isn't himself. Very weak and can hardly make it through a day. While we were traveling, our grandson threw up twice, but he seemed to still be happy and okay. Um, of course we held him and played with him a lot! Our daughter-in-law also felt sick for a few days. I was fortunate that we made it back home, but that same night, it hit me. All I can say is, be careful, wash your hands, and spray the Lysol! It's bad this year!

So, what are you up to today? Do any of you want to share any plans that you made for this new year? Any goals or resolutions?

Devotion

Have you been carrying heavy weights around with you? Weights like grief, worry, regret, and others? It's time we replace these "garments" for garments of praise. Have a Marvelous Monday ladies!


“I Need a New Spiritual Wardrobe”

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

I was flying out of town for a week of work. A few minutes before leaving for the airport, I glanced at my airline ticket and saw a code I didn’t recognize. I did a quick check, and to my dismay, discovered the code meant I couldn’t bring any type of luggage with me. I was limited to a small backpack that could fit under the seat.
 
What could I do?
 
Tucking what I could in a small backpack, I then started improvising. I put on two pairs of pants. One camisole. Two shirts. A sweater and a jacket. Two pairs of socks. My hope was to mix and match and wash each day’s outfit in the hotel sink.
 
An hour later when I climbed on the small plane, it felt suffocating. I expected TSA to pull me from my seat at any moment for being a rule-breaker. When I finally arrived at my destination, I couldn’t wait to get to the hotel room and throw off the burden of the extra clothes.
 
That was a one-time experience, but there are times I sometimes wear heavy spiritual garments like disillusionment, a critical spirit or an overwhelmed heart.
 
These “garments” don’t serve a purpose. They aren’t what I want to wear, especially for years at a time. Thankfully, I don’t have to keep them on because my heavenly Father offers something so much better.
 
In Isaiah 61, God notices the Israelites’ affliction. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises that one day they would exchange mourning and sadness for something new.
 
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).
 
Mourning would be replaced with the oil of joy. Sadness would transform into a garment of praise.
 
When I was on the airplane struggling under the weight of so many clothes, I wished I had paid a higher price for a regular ticket. It would have been a sacrifice, but it would have also brought relief.
 
When we carry the weight of unresolved grief, pain, hurt or disillusionment, the price of freedom has already been paid for us. Though we may have worn these heavy garments for a season, we’re not required to wear them forever.
 
Our heavenly Father paved the way, through His Son, Jesus, to throw off those weights and receive an exquisite covering of forgiveness, healing, wholeness and love. As we receive that gift, Jesus exchanges our hurts for joy.
 
Are you ready to exchange those unwanted garments for a garment of praise? You are invited to walk freely into His presence, for He is your Source.
 
Dear Lord, we hold up these weighty garments that are ill-fitting and unwanted. Replace them with joy, with comfort and Your anointing. Thank You that You have paid the price so we might live un-constricted and free. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

​Isaiah 61:1-2, “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.” (NIV)

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