Blog Archives

Psalm 2

6/28/2018

Good morning lovely ladies! Another new day. I hope you're doing well. Have a Thankful Thursday!

Psalm 2

"Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. 'Let us break their chains,' they cry, 'and free ourselves from slavery to God.' But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the Lord declares, 'I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.' The king proclaims the LORD'S decree: The LORD said to me, 'You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.' Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities--for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!"

"When You Used to Be Brave"

6/27/2018

Good morning ladies! How are you? Today is starting out quietly now that both "boys" are gone for most of the day. They both have bus charters. Like father, like son. It leaves me with some time to catch up around here. Molly had a good appointment yesterday. Our vet comes to our home and it makes it much easier. Her son came along also and he was so good with her. He held her the whole time that she needed a shot. She only needed one this time, but her veins are tiny and hard to find and he knew just what to do to roll her arm and provide a "tourniquet" on her upper arm. All the while, he was talking to her softly and comforting her. I was very impressed. I told him that he may want to consider a career with animals. Such a sweet kid. She made it through with flying colors and a good bill of health! Yay! I did get some advice from a few of you yesterday. Thank you for that. Great ideas! The vet recommended a collar that helps with anxiety. She wanted to start with the more natural remedies first before prescribing a medication. I feel good about that. So today, I'm waiting for the sunshine to peek out as I do some laundry and other household chores. What about you?

Devotion

Are you brave? It probably depends on what it is, right? The title today implies that we used to be brave. Somehow I don't feel that I ever was brave. I have learned through time and experience, however, that God is faithful and unchanging. Relying on Him gives courage and bravery. Have a Wonderful Wednesday ladies!

“When You Used to Be Brave”

“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:28-30 (NIV)

I’ve gone snow skiing twice in my life: the first time as a 24-year-old newlywed, the second as a 37-year-old mother of four. Oh, what a difference 13 years (and four kids) makes!

The first time, I skied with my husband, Kevin, on a short-but-steep North Carolina slope. We raced up and down that icy mountain all day. I never learned how to brake, but I had the time of my life, crashing at the bottom in a laughing heap every time. Kevin felt like the luckiest man alive because he’d unknowingly married an adrenaline junkie. Oh, what adventures we would have!

Fast-forward 13 years. In honor of our wedding anniversary, we took a ski trip to Canada. I had not snow-skied at all since that one glorious day.

Our first morning on the slopes, we got off the lift halfway up. Kevin gave me time to get ready — time to look down and realize that Canadian mountains are a gazillion feet higher than North Carolina mountains. Time to ponder the four children I left back home. Four children who enjoy having a mother who’s A) alive, and B) in full-possession of all four limbs.

I started down the slope, snow-plowing in the tightest S-curves imaginable, ‘til I was inching forward in tight-looping curlicues — sometimes making full circles. All. The way. Down. The mountain.

It took me about 1,000 hours to get down.

I wish I could say I got braver, that Adrenaline Junkie Elizabeth made her rip-roaring return, and Kevin and I zipped down the mountain in romantic bliss … but I didn’t. Instead, I cried my way down several slopes, begging God to get me home safely to my sweet babies.

What was so different that second time?

My life. I had lived more, hurt more, lost more. I had seen more accidents, heard more horror stories, experienced a waterskiing injury that taught me my body’s limitations. I had children now — I wasn’t just risking my own neck out there; I was risking four small people’s mother. Thirteen years later, it was harder to be brave.

Have you been brave for God in the past? Have you once pulled a Peter and leapt boldly out of the boat ... but then clambered back to safety, soaking wet and soaked in shame, because Jesus-or-no-Jesus, What kind of fool tries to walk on water?

“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14:28-30)

I want to walk bravely like Peter. Yet too many times, fear has kept a stranglehold on my life. Too many times I have given God less than my best because I was afraid of being hurt. Too many times I have huddled down in the boat, safe from the storm. Still alive, still faithful, but not walking on water. While I haven’t drowned, people can die in boats, too.

Ask yourself: What would it look like if I gave Jesus everything again? If I could be brave again?

Would you finally have the conversation you’ve been avoiding with your friend, your spouse, your child?

Would you unlock the door guarding your heart and let people in — in where it’s cobwebbed and messy, but where it’s also honest and real?

Peter teaches us that sometimes the greatest courage is in not giving up. It’s in rising from defeat, daring to walk with Jesus another day.

Sometimes the greatest courage is in strapping on skis with trembling hands, inching down the mountain, all the way to the bottom.

Sometimes the greatest courage is in standing again on shaking knees, saying, Here I am, Lord. Still Yours — all Yours. Trusting that though the waves may be wild, our feet will stand firm.

Father, please help me take my eyes off the storm and keep them on You. Please give me Your courage as I face challenge and change. I want to go all in for You at every stage of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Elizabeth Laing Thompson

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 71:5-6, “For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.” (NIV)

"The Power of a Praying Mom"

6/26/2018

Good morning ladies. My goodness! Where is this month going? Almost July! What have you been up to on these hot and humid summer days? Anything new? I am praying that your days are going well and you have been enjoying some family time. Today is a busy one here. My discipleship partner and I are finally meeting again after a long break, and then Molly has her annual veterinarian appointment. Oh yay..... At least we have a vet who comes to our house. Otherwise, it would be torture for all of us. We want to try to get something for her anxiety if we can. She's been struggling lately. Poor thing. Do any of you have advice or experience with an anxious dog or cat? I want to do the right thing for her.

Devotion

How strong and powerful prayer is! It is our personal line of communication to the Almighty God, Who loves us, hears us, and has compassion for us. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies!

“The Power of a Praying Mom”

“Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.’” 1 Samuel 2:1 (NIV)

I wanted to pinch myself as we drove home from the hospital. The police officer at the accident had said, “When we hear bike vs. car, we just cringe because of what it can mean.”

Hours earlier, my 7-year-old son Ethan was riding his bike with his little sister and my husband. As Ethan made a wide right turn in our quiet neighborhood, he expected the road to be empty. The approaching driver immediately stepped on the brake, but not before Ethan plowed right into his front bumper. The ambulance arrived before I could get there. Approaching that scene was one of the scariest moments of my life.

I began to pray.

Ethan was lying on the road softly crying, but his helmet looked normal, and he wasn’t bleeding anywhere. I told him not to worry because God was with him. By the end of that sobering day, my little second-grader was discharged from the hospital with a few bruises but nothing else wrong with him!

I praised and thanked God because He’d completely protected Ethan from injury. He answered my prayers for my son!

Hannah in the Old Testament was thankful too, because God answered her prayers, opening her barren womb, giving her a son. When God delivers us, we must remember to express our thanks. Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 focuses on God’s greatness, not her little Samuel’s cuteness. It reminds me that the God who blesses is greater than the blessing itself.

We read in 1 Samuel 2:1-2, “Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.’”

One of the best gifts we can give children is the gift of prayer. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. You have a Heavenly Father who’s eager to answer. I’m still praying for my son Ethan who now rides his bicycle to high school. It’s hard to believe he’s grown so much! The streets are much bigger than they were years ago, and his needs are much greater. As children grow into adults, they need our prayers more than ever.

Not only prayers for physical protection, but more importantly, spiritual protection for their minds and hearts. Most parents are filled with questions like: Will my child do well in school? Will they try drugs or have sex? What kind of person will they marry? Will they still choose to follow God after high school? Are they becoming addicted to video games or social media? Let’s take all our questions to God through prayer.

Exchange your worries about your child’s future for praise. The future may be uncertain, but God is unchanging and fully capable of taking care of your child. Hannah praised God in the temple where she was leaving young Samuel for a life of service to God. She’d promised if God gave her a child, she would give him to serve God in the temple. She made good on her promise because God had made good on His.

Can God be trusted with our children? Absolutely! Does God always answer our prayers? Yes — although not always in the way (or timing) we desire. When children are away from home, we can pray but we need not worry. After all, God can take care of them much better than we can.

Lord Jesus, You are good. Please protect my children and deliver them from evil. Use them as a witness to their friends. May they grow strong and mighty in You filled with Your joy and compassion for others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Arlene Pellicane

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Acts 17:28, “For in him we live and move and have our being.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV)

"Kill the Spider"

6/25/2018

Good morning ladies. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We did. PK and I went out "fun" shopping on Saturday. I still had a gift card to Christopher & Banks to use so I was able to pick up a few new things. My favorite clothing store. We also decided to go for a drive on Saturday evening and we discovered something pretty great, only a few miles from our home. It's a state park called Bunker Lake Park and it has a lot of fun things going on, including a pool and water park that looks very nice, bike and walking trails, campsites (some with cabins), Frisbee golf, horseback riding, many picnic areas, and nature trails. It's a beautiful, well-kept place. So, good for us! On Sunday, it was good to be back in church after missing last week. I didn't make it to the bonfire last night. It was just too humid, and I'm already having enough trouble with extra heat. Today, I will have the final check (hopefully) for my eyes, and if it's a good report, I can finally get my new glasses. Yay! What's going on for you this week?

Devotion

Don't let the title of today's devotion alarm you! It's a great message! Have a Marvelous Monday ladies!

“Kill the Spider”

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’”
Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

I was on my way to a week of therapy to find out why I just couldn’t get over “the hump.”

Seven days with 40 strangers and no cell phone.

Lord, come quickly. Seven days.

So I called my dad to tell him I’d be MIA for a few days while I was on this “retreat.” Retreat sounded so much softer than therapy.

“Can I tell you a story?” he asked.

“I have 10 minutes. Can you make it quick?”

Then, like a phenomenal voice-over in some epic movie, my dad spoke:

“When I was early in my ministry in Panama, I was preaching a three-day revival in a small church by the ocean. That first night I preached mi corazon [my heart] out. I preached hard and loud. Many were touched by God. Toward the end of the invitation, Ms. Ramirez stood up. She made her way to the center aisle and walked very slowly toward the front. When she finally got to me, I asked why she had come forward. Her answer was simple.

“‘Pastor, I need you to pray that the Lord cleans the cobwebs out of my life. I have so many cobwebs. Could you please pray?’ she asked me.

“And so I obliged. I prayed that the Lord would clean the cobwebs out of her life. She thanked me and went on her way. On night two of the revival I saw her get up again — Ms. Ramirez. And she came walking down the aisle with a little more certainty.

“‘Pastor, could you pray again? Could you please pray again that the Lord cleans the cobwebs out of my life?’ she asked.

“I reminded her I had prayed the night before for this very thing, and that the Lord would honor our prayer. But she insisted I pray again. And so I did.

“Son, listen to me. The last night of the revival — I couldn’t believe it — she got up again. She made her way down the aisle even faster this night. I wondered if she was going to tell me that her life had begun to take a turn for the better — that the Lord had begun to clean the cobwebs.

“‘Pastor Fermin, please, one last time? Can you please pray that the Lord cleans the cobwebs —’

“I stopped her mid-sentence. I stopped her because I realized we were praying the wrong prayer.

“And so I prayed, Father, we do not ask You tonight to clean the cobwebs from Ms. Ramirez’s life. In fact, Lord, keep them there for now. But tonight we ask for something much greater. Tonight we ask that You KILL THE SPIDER in Ms. Ramirez’s life. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

“Carlos, I have watched you your entire life. You are a professional at cleaning the cobwebs from your life. You are amazing at playing the part and being used by God in spite of your circumstances. But do not go to this place and try to clean up your life. That won’t work. You have to kill the spider. You must find the producer of all the cobwebs in your life and kill it. It is much more difficult, but that is why you are there. To kill the spider.”

And, my friends, find it I did. I imagine one of these things is running through your head right now:

1. I don’t think I have a problem with spiders, but how can I be sure?
2. I think I have 200 spiders, so how will I kill them all?

I define a “spider” as an agreement you’ve made with a lie. A cobweb is a medicator that brings false comfort to a lie.

We all have cobwebs. We all have spiders. But here’s the good news: We have all been filled with the same power that rolled the stone away on the third day. “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible’” (Matthew 19:26).

You CAN kill the spider.

I share my story to give you hope to face the spiders with the power of the God who makes the earth spin and float. Because with God, everything is possible.

Thank You, God, for being here. I invite You to come in and show me that place where I made an agreement with a lie that has kept me bound. Give me a memory or a word — something that will help me get to the root of the cobwebs I keep cleaning. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Carlos Whittaker

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

John 16:23-24, “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (NLT)

"When You're Stuck Not Loving Your Life"

6/22/2018

Good morning ladies and happy Friday! How are you on this lovely new day? It was a good night's sleep for us with the cool air coming in the window. It sure makes all the difference. This weekend is much less busy than last weekend, with the only extra thing being our church bonfire on Sunday evening. I'm looking forward to that. The last one had a lot of good food! And great fellowship too. What are you up to these days?

Devotion

Another good devotion today. I can understand how this feels if you don't keep the right attitude about life. It's so important to focus on our blessings and the things that God has entrusted to us. Have a great day and a Fabulous Friday!

“When You’re Stuck Not Loving Your Life”

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation …” Philippians 4:12b (NIV)

Life had not turned out the way I had hoped and planned. And I wasn’t happy about it.

In fact, I was discontent with everything. It’s not that I wanted “more,” I just wanted “different.” I found myself feeling stuck in a life I didn’t love and powerless to change it.

When life is hard, heartbreaking or even just disappointing, it’s easy to start disliking life altogether. Especially when we feel as if life should be one way, but instead it’s another way entirely, and it may not even be our fault. When this happens, we can easily get stuck in a negative mindset — not only about life, but possibly about God — both of which open the door for discontentment to settle in.

We can feel stuck when a difficult situation rages into our lives and we don’t like it one bit, yet can’t escape it. We can feel stuck when it seems we’ve done everything possible to bring about change of some sort — yet nothing seems to ever change. Or when we’re constantly trying to manipulate things to go our way, control things out of our control, or change people whom we have no power to change.

When our lives are filled with obligations we “have to” meet, or responsibilities we know we “should” or “must” do, we can feel as if there is no way out and be unhappy about the perception of being stuck.

In these moments, it’s easy to lose sight of all of the good things about our lives. Through faith alone, I’ve finally come to realize that even if it seems justified, I don’t have to let discontentment poison my heart and mind. I don’t have to let the things that are not perfect cause me to take life itself for granted. And I certainly don’t have to let unhappiness with some things blind me to all the wonderful things in my life God has given me that bring me true joy.

This is exactly what Paul was teaching in today’s key verse. In Philippians 4:12, Paul told the church at Philippi, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (NIV)

Considering the apostle’s difficult life, this is a pretty amazing attitude. He wrote these specific words while sitting in a prison cell. He’d been arrested on false charges by corrupt officials and faced the possibility of execution, yet he wrote that he’d learned to be content with whatever he had. Which at the moment was literally nothing, not even his freedom. How could he feel that way after all he’d been through … and while he was in prison?

In Philippians 4:13 we find the answer. Paul said, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV) Regardless of his circumstances and despite having endured much persecution and loss, Paul could live with peace and contentment because his heart was right with God. He knew his unwavering faith was the foundation for lasting contentment.

Life is not always exciting. It’s not always easy. It’s not always fair. It’s not always overflowing with opportunity and adventure. Consequently, we’re all going to feel a sense of unhappiness or discontentment from time to time. But we don’t have to stay stuck there.

The life we are living today, with all it includes (or doesn’t include), is the life God has given us. We can choose to be content and joyful in it, or choose to be the opposite.

Lord, help me be content with the way my life looks right now, rather than wishing it were different or better. Help me break free from feelings of discontentment and learn to live with a heart full of gratitude and love for the life You have given me, no matter what it may look like. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tracie Miles

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV)

"Surrendering Our Whys"

6/21/2018

Good morning ladies. Welcome to Summer! How are you doing? Sorry that I missed yesterday. We went to see one of our teens from church perform in a musical, actually one of my favorites, "The Music Man." It was a condensed version and they did such a great job! They've only been together for nine days and they produced a well done show. So, then we went out for lunch after that, and by the time I got home it was time to rest. Not too much planned for today; maybe picking up more sticks in the yard. We have some large trees so there are a lot of sticks. A little at a time. What are you up to today?

Devotion

When in the midst of a very dark and difficult time in your life, have you ever asked God, "Why?" You certainly wouldn't be alone. I've been there, many times. There is great comfort in today's devotion that we can just be at peace in God's presence. Have a Thankful Thursday ladies!

“Surrendering Our Whys”

“‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”
John 9:3 (NIV)

Have you ever found yourself asking God: Why would You allow this to happen?

I certainly have.

The last couple years of my life I’ve had to face one hardship after another. At many points I’ve wondered how I would make it through. It’s hard to feel confident in the goodness of God when circumstances don’t feel good at all.

We’re often left thinking that if we could just figure out the why, then life would make more sense. Especially in the face of pain or suffering.

This is where we find the disciples in the ninth chapter of the book of John — holding out the question of why. Jesus and His disciples had come across a man who’d been blind from birth. It was an encounter that left the disciples asking Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2b, NIV)

The disciples were looking for someone to blame for this unfortunate situation. If they could only figure out the reason why, then this man’s hurt would be more tolerable, they reasoned.

Being blind in Jesus’ time was often seen as a statement about the sin in your life. So, you probably didn’t have a whole lot of help from people. In their eyes, you were not only blind — people assumed you were a sinner God was punishing. Jesus turned this thinking on its head when He declared the words of our key verse to His disciples: “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him’” (John 9:3).

The reason this man was blind was so others could see the amazing power of God. Healing his physical blindness would lead others to spiritual sight. It would shine a light on the One who declared He had come to be the Light of the world.

Sadly, not all who witnessed this man’s healing were open to Jesus’s truth. In fact, it stirred up a whole mess with the Pharisees — a group of men whose lives prove we don’t have to be physically blind to only see darkness.

The Pharisees knew all about the prophesied Messiah. But when Jesus came on the scene, they couldn’t see He was the One. They knew all the right answers, but didn’t make the right choice.

Oh, how this makes my heart pause. What do I want most? What do I need most? Answers … or Jesus?

As much as I want answers for those things that break my heart, what I’m finding I want and need more is spiritual sight. I want to approach a situation that might look hopeless and see the spiritual potential. I want to read the Bible and see clearly what God wants to say. I want to know how to react to situations in a way that honors Christ. I’m guessing these are things you are wanting, too.

So how do we get this kind of spiritual sight? We ask God for it. Continually. And sometimes that means surrendering our “whys” and choosing instead to ask, “Will You help me see You, Lord? Even in this?” He is the One who can illuminate the dark places for us. His presence alone has the power to bring us peace in the midst of our unanswered questions.

Today, let’s be careful not to get stuck in our whys. Let’s not allow them to leave us blind to His presence, blind to His goodness, blind to His power, blind to the hope we have in Him. Let’s not be like the Pharisees — people who could physically see but were blind to the Savior standing right in front of them.

I know this isn’t easy. Trust me. I have situations where I've begged God to give me answers. But I’m realizing instead of answers, He's given me Himself. A way to come straight to Him, the One who already has it all figured out. The One who reminds me I don’t have to have His answers to have His comfort.

Father God, I might not have all the answers to my struggles, but I’m seeing more hope than ever. Jesus is my Light. And because of Him even my darkest of nights aren’t so daunting and confusing. Thank You for reminding me that this day holds Your presence, Your blessings and Your comfort. Give me eyes to see You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lysa TerKeurst

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (NIV)

"Waiting for Breakthrough"

6/19/2018

Good morning ladies. I hope you're all rested and ready for a new day. It's been a noisy one for us since 7:00 am. They are finally laying the blacktop on our road today. Yay! I think the whole thing should be done by the end of the day. It's amazing how fast this part goes after they spent days preparing/repairing. It kind of brings to mind the process of our own lives--how God allows us to go through some digging up to get out the rough and broken parts, and lay a solid foundation before we can become brand new. A little life analogy there. So, what's going on in your lives? PK told me that we have a fairly "normal" day. That's a good thing I believe. Since it's cooled down considerably, I would like to work at cleaning out the rocks that are part of the landscaping around the house. I kind of thought the Association was responsible for this, but I've seen others working on their own yards, so I'm thinking we need to do it. It won't require too much. Just some cleaning out of sticks and dead leaves. We also bought a pretty hanging pot of red geraniums the other day and I planted a few herbs, but that will be about it for this year. How are your gardens going?

Devotion

Today's devotion is a great comfort. It is so hard to wait for things, isn't it? She even uses the word "painful." I can relate to that and I'm sure you can too. But God wants us to keep asking and seeking Him. He is always listening to us, and today's key verse reminds us that we can keep trusting Him. Have a Tremendous Tuesday ladies!

“Waiting for Breakthrough”

“[Jesus] said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.”
John 5:6b-9 (ESV)

I have been praying for healing now for over 20 years — more than half my life.

And to be honest, I get tired of praying the same prayer over and over, asking the Lord to heal me from a medical condition. It’s emotionally exhausting and spiritually defeating. I’ve prayed. I’ve fasted. I’ve seen doctors and counselors — you name it, I’ve probably tried it. But here I am, 23 years later, still struggling.

Some days I wonder — what’s the point? Why keep praying? Why keep hoping? Why keep asking the Lord to heal me?

I know the Lord is more than able to heal me, but He hasn’t — at least not yet. So I wonder: Is it really worth it to keep pouring my heart out to Him? To risk feeling vulnerable again? To hope again?

The invalid we see in John 5:2-9 probably wondered the same things. He had been an invalid for 38 years. Thirty-eight! For nearly 40 years of his life — perhaps all his life? — this man had been unable to walk or move on his own, and so he spent his time waiting by the pool of Bethesda.

Why? Because occasionally the waters of the pool were stirred, and the first person into it after the stirring would be healed. While it seems like a crazy hope — to wait an indefinite amount of time for just the opportunity to receive a miracle — that’s what everyone around the pool was doing. Waiting. Hoping. Praying that today might be the day when the water was stirred and they could be the first one in. Praying for breakthrough.

But this man had been waiting for a long, long time without being able to claim the miracle as his own. Imagine how discouraging it must have been for him to see others healed — over and over — without receiving that healing for himself.

We all have areas in our lives where we feel that same defeat. The struggle we’ve been begging God to fix for years and years remains unresolved. The job we want slips through our grasp, the relationship we long for never materializes. We look around, and it seems that everyone else is getting what we are aching for — and there’s nothing we can do but wait.

Waiting is immensely painful at times. It reminds us we aren’t in control … and it is impossible for us to change our own circumstances. We need the Lord to move on our behalf. We can’t get ourselves into that pool. We can’t heal ourselves.

The good news is that Jesus always shows up. It’s not usually in our way or in our timing, but He doesn’t leave us alone — and He never ignores us.

The invalid waited 38 years, but the truth was Jesus knew his story and met him at just the right moment. As we see in John 5:6b-9, “[Jesus] said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.”

I’m not healed yet, but Jesus knows my story, and He has good for me up ahead — even if my healing doesn’t come until heaven.

Jesus knows your story, too. Whether you’re waiting for healing in your body, your mind, your relationships, your finances or something else — you’re not alone. Christ is with you. He isn’t ignoring your prayers. We might never fully understand His timing, but we can trust in His love for us — a love that took Him all the way to the cross for our ultimate healing and wholeness.

Lord, Your timing is difficult for me to understand sometimes, and I’m tired of waiting for a breakthrough. But I choose to trust You again today. I believe You are at work in my life … and You will bring about the answer to my prayer in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Ann Swindell

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

John 6:29, “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’” (NIV)

"Finding Help When We Feel Lost"

6/18/2018

Good morning! How are you doing ladies? Well, what a weekend! For those of us here in Minnesota, are you still afloat? Wow! It pretty much rained all weekend. On Saturday, while we were at the zoo, we got drenched. There was about an hour, though, that it stopped and that's when we went to see the outside animals. It was when we wanted to see the butterfly exhibit that we got so wet, because they had to take our umbrellas from us so that we wouldn't carry out any of the butterflies. I guess they can attach themselves to everything. We are definitely going to have to go back and see them on a sunny day. That's when they are all fluttering about. It was still fun to be with the group and get some nice pictures. Casey ended up changing his plans to leave for Chicago on Sunday, so on Saturday evening we had a nice Father's Day celebration and grilled steaks. Yesterday I didn't make it to church because I was pretty well exhausted. We had thunderstorms throughout the day, and since our road isn't finished yet and it's just dirt right now, it was completely flooded. What a mess! It has receded mostly now, but there could be more rain today. It might be toward the end of the week now until the blacktop is put down. Ah, the adventures! So, what did you do this weekend?

Devotion

A comforting devotion today about the Holy Spirit and how He is always there when we can feel lost and alone. Have a Magnificent Monday ladies!

“Finding Help When We Feel Lost”

“For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding].”
1 Corinthians 2:10 (AMP)

We hiked up the gorgeous trail. My legs ached. I could only imagine how it stretched the legs of the two little guys behind me. The 3-year-old and 5-year-old started the hike with energy and enthusiasm, which was now clearly lagging. Hearing a wail, I turned to check on them. The 3-year-old lay crumpled in a heap.

“You left me!” he wailed.

His father (walking behind him) had eyes on him, but for just a moment our little one lost sight of us. His dad knelt and scooped him up.

I heard him whisper, “Son, if you think you are lost, just stop. Don’t move even a step, and I’ll come to you as quick as I can.”

There are times I have felt like this little guy.

I’m trekking along in my faith, loving the journey, and suddenly I feel alone or uncertain. That can happen when my faith is challenged by those who don’t believe. It can take place when God asks me to do something new, and I want to hold on to the old. It can absolutely sneak up on me when I don’t feel Him holding me as close as I used to.

In the book of First Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church of Corinth. He had planted a thriving church, but things went wrong after he left. Believers were fighting among themselves. They were arguing about what was true … and what was not. The result was that many believers felt a little lost.

In his letter, Paul reminds them of what he has taught them. He reminds them of the foundational truths of their faith. And, in today’s key verse, Paul assures them of a Helper who knows the heart of the Father, and therefore who will help us know what to believe and what to do:

“For God has unveiled them and revealed them to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding]” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

Maybe you, too, feel a little lost sometimes. We all do at one time or another.

When that happens, it’s time for us to stop right where we are, so we can listen for the voice of the Helper. Sometimes that comes through Scripture or a godly friend. Sometimes it’s deep inside of us, and when we are still, we can hear that gentle voice.

Paul describes this Helper as a Counselor who knows the plans the Father has for you. He knows what you are trying to say as you cry out. (Romans 8:26-27)

He understands the difference between truth, almost truth, and lies, and He will always lead you toward truth. (John 16:13)

The Helper moves us beyond our own understanding. We are given a glimpse beyond our feelings. Beyond the circumstances. Beyond the chaos.

Whether we’re trekking uphill, loving every minute, or crumpled on the ground in uncertainty, we can trust there is a Helper who knows who we are and where we are going. We may not know the exact destination of our journey, but we can take the next step with assurance.

For God knows exactly where we are, for He has never taken His eyes off us. Not for a second.

Father, when I feel lost, remind me that my safe place is always You. May I come to You first. May I call out Your Name first. Thank You that You are near, and that You have promised a Helper all along the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV)

"More Than Anything" by Natalie Grant

6/14/2018

Good morning pretty ladies! I hope you're up and doing well today so far. Anything new to share? Any prayer requests?

I have a song to share with you today. Have a Thankful Thursday ladies!

More Than Anything by Natalie Grant

"What If I Truly Believed?"

6/13/2018

Good morning ladies. How are you today? The dew point and humidity dropped significantly last night and it's a beautiful morning! I think it will be like this for a few days before the heat comes back. I don't have anything exciting planned for today. Just the usual things. How about you?

Devotion

I really love the humor of some of these women! And many times it involves raising their children, like today. These little ones keep us humble, but they can also teach us things. Have a Wonderful Wednesday ladies!

“What If I Truly Believed?”

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.”
1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

My 4-year-old twins made it abundantly clear they were not interested in sitting on Santa’s lap — which may or may not have been related to the previous year not going so well.

Imagine my surprise when Ellie caught a glimpse of the new Santa and wanted a picture with him. Her hair wasn’t brushed, and she had paint on her leggings, but I figured I’d go for it before she changed her mind. Let’s just say our style choices differed from the rest of the line, and I was beginning to feel insecure. Just then, Ellie loudly announced that she was going to ask Santa to give all her toys to poor kids. I was elated. Take that, giant-bow kids. Mine is Kingdom-focused.

She hesitated when it was her turn, but her resolve quickly kicked in, and she boldly approached the throne.

This was going to be a glorious moment. Not just for her, but for me. I would be crowned Mother of the Year, despite the fact she looked unkempt.

“Santa … I would really love …” she looked at me, and I motioned her on. She paused. And then the floodgates opened.

“… the Barbie with the sparkly fish tail and the dress at the store and the pretend kitchen with the oven and the Rapunzel movie and …”

She didn’t take a breath for a solid minute, and I’m pretty sure I blacked out. I did the walk of shame away from the smug moms. I did not make eye contact with anyone. Or thank the elf. Or purchase the photo.

It was a dark day, folks.

But here’s the point: When she sat on Santa’s lap, she thought he had the power to give her the true desires of her heart.

The truth is that we ask in proportion to what we believe. Similarly, in our prayer lives … if we don’t believe God is able, we won’t pray as if He is.

When Jesus approaches a man who’s been crippled for 38 years, Jesus asks if he wants to be healed. (John 5:6) Given that the man had been sitting with other invalids for years, waiting for water from a healing pool to be stirred to get healed, we can assume the answer is yes. But that’s not what he says; in fact, he doesn’t even answer the question.

He tells Jesus he never gets a chance to go in because everyone goes before him, and no one helps him. He’s so caught up thinking about the reasons he hasn’t been healed that he doesn’t hear what Christ is asking.

When we allow our past experiences to dictate our future expectations, we spend our time sitting still by healing waters instead of trusting the voice of our Healer. We forget it’s not the natural that heals us; it’s the supernatural.

Consider the difference between the crippled man and Bartimaeus, who meets Jesus as He travels through town. He calls out to Jesus, begging for mercy while those around rebuke him and urge him to stop. He won’t — not until Jesus comes and asks what he wants.

Bartimaeus doesn’t hesitate: He asks for his sight back and is instantly healed. Jesus tells him it’s his faith that made it so.

Obviously Bartimaeus hasn’t been successful in receiving healing for his sight, but it doesn’t stop him from asking the One he believes is able. I wonder if I can say the same of my own prayers.

I think about Ellie sitting on Santa’s lap, looking into his eyes and believing this man had the power to give her what she wanted most; it changed the way she approached him.

Just like we read in today’s key verse: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Ellie didn’t get everything she listed that day with Santa, and we likely won’t either. But in that moment, she believed he was able, and that’s the magnificent place where hope starts to grow wild.

Lord, give us the courage to pray with expectancy and hope, to put aside anything in our past that makes us feel like it’s impossible. Give us the confidence that allows us to look past this world and steady ourselves in You instead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Angie Smith

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

John 20:31, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (NIV)