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"You Are Beloved"

7/31/2018

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Good morning ladies. I hope you're doing well. I am moving a bit slowly the last few days. I think the busy vacation might've caused me to "flare," which is just the illness throwing a tantrum on my body. The fatigue is the worst. I haven't dealt with that on this level for some time. I would appreciate your prayers. Thank you!

In other news....as I was sitting and crocheting yesterday, I heard that our church is having a craft fair on August 15th. Yippee! I LOVE craft fairs! The funds from purchasing a vendor table will go to support outreach ministries and our teens to go to LIFE 2019. I would just love to be a vendor, but I've never done a craft show before, and that's only two weeks away! On the other hand, doing a craft show at church would probably be a great place to start, in a familiar setting. But, do I have enough product?? We'll have to see. I'll keep you posted!

So, what are you up to today? How is August looking for you?

Devotion

What a great devotion today! We are God's "beloved" children. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies!


“You Are Beloved”

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1a (NIV)

You are not what you do.
 
You are not what you have.
 
You are not what people say about you.
 
You are God’s beloved daughter.
 
This is your only true identity.
 
Though we are many things — parents, ministry leaders, entrepreneurs, sinners and saints, God only sees us as one thing: His beloved.
 
We might believe we are the beloved of God consciously; maybe we hear it all the time. But many of us struggle to truly believe it unconsciously. Deep down there’s a self-talk we don’t always see driving many of our decisions and emotions; there are voices telling us we’re not enough, we need to be more, do more and be better. “Only then” will we be worthy of belonging.
 
I remember the first time I realized these unconscious voices were swirling around in my heart.
 
I was telling my wife a story how as a kid I did something clumsy. Consciously, the story was funny to me. It made a family relative freak out and call me a name. I’m laughing as I’m telling her the story and I say, “He got so mad he called me a …” Then something bizarre happened. My face, throat and chest locked up. I couldn’t even get the mean word out and started weeping.
 
I’m not one to cry often, but this night I cried like crazy, all the way home, and I could barely drive. Though painful, the experience was also cathartic and enlightening.
 
I realized something amazing. I’d been carrying those words in my heart for so long and had never noticed them. Deep down inside there was this kid, me, who wondered if in the end he was just the worthless name he’d been called.
 
We all do this. It might have been said by someone we love or someone we hated. Maybe it wasn’t blatantly said but expressed through an unloving action. We might say we are God’s beloved, but there’s often a deeper, self-rejecting voice. It’s this harmful voice we need to bring to the surface, think about, feel and give to the Lord. We can do that through training and replacing that voice with what Henri Nouwen called “the voice of the beloved.”
 
I once heard him give a speech about how we are not what we do, what we have or what people say about us. We who follow Jesus are God’s beloved daughters and sons. I decided I needed to believe this, deep down. I needed to train this into my heart. So I wrote it as a creed to practice. I said it slowly, as a meditation, every time I would pray. Over time as I spoke this creed over my life, I watched how more than any other discipline, it powerfully transformed my life into Christ-likeness. I’d like to share it with you:
 
“I’m not what I do.
I’m not what I have.
I’m not what people say about me.
I am the beloved of God.
It’s who I am.
No one can take it from me.
I don’t have to worry.
I don’t have to hurry.
I can trust my friend Jesus and share His love with the world.”
 
Friend, you are so loved. You do enough. You are enough. God’s Word reminds us to “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1a)
 
It’s easy to compare our lives to others and think, I’m not like her or him, but that’s not a fair perspective. Anyone you think is perfect certainly is not. (You just need to know them better to see this truth.) In the end, we do our best but then can give it to the Lord. We can relax and walk in the easy rhythms of grace. We can trust we are loved by God. We can let go of our fears of worthlessness and live every moment with joy in friendship with Jesus.
 
Father, I belong to You. I am the apple of Your eye, Your beloved child. Thank You that You know all my fears, worries and imperfections, yet You call me Your beloved. It’s not what I do, but what Christ did for me. There is no greater love than that. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Bobby Schuller
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 (NIV)

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"Why Have You Made Me Like This?"

7/30/2018

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Good morning ladies. Wow! So good to be back with you after a week (or more) away. We had a great time in Michigan visiting with family and friends, but it was the kind of vacation that you need another vacation afterward to rest! I'm sure you know the feeling. The activity and moving from place to place was certainly abundant! A lot of great memories were made and we have many pictures to prove it! And.....no drama, as can sometimes happen when families get together. We were able to see both my family and PK's family while we were there. We also saw some friends--some who live in Michigan, and also Pearl and her husband Alan, who live in Pennsylvania, but were in Michigan for a wedding. And, we spent a few days up at my parent's cabin in northern Michigan. That was the most relaxing part! So, how are you all doing? Any vacation stories to tell? I can hardly believe how the summer is flying! Almost August already! But, as my hubby reminded me yesterday, it's getting closer to State Fair time!  

Devotion

I think we can all use this reminder from time to time. That God created us in His image, unique and special just the way we are. It's so easy to compare ourselves with others and try to imitate someone we're not, isn't it? I think that accepting ourselves for who we are is a lifelong process. I like her suggestion, though, to help young girls to understand this early on in their lives. Is there someone that you can mentor in this area? Have aMagnificent Monday ladies! 


“Why Have You Made Me Like This?”

“No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” Romans 9:20 (NLT)

The high-level buzz told the story: The mothers and daughters were thrilled to be enjoying this special time together. My mom and I joined the retreat’s painting workshop, giving a try at something new. Enthralled by a table with several young girls, I wanted to be near their excited energy.
 
Following the teacher’s early instructions, there was chatter and even laughter as each painter created the simple background for our masterpieces. “I can do that!” I thought, studying the example the instructor held up. The storm began to swirl, though, as the easy part ended. Now it was time to try our hand at the details.
 
Trying to make light of a skill I don’t readily possess, I teased with my mom about how my painting was not a re-creation of our teacher’s. For a young girl nearby, it was no joke, though. Frustration began to take over; tears hung on her lower lashes as she tried to keep it together while her painting developed in a way she despised.
 
Suddenly, grabbing her paint brush, her tears became a pot of boiling water and overflowed. She scrubbed her canvas, her brush loaded with black paint, trying her best to ruin what she’d just begun.
 
Her creation was not like the model, and her little spirit could not take the disappointment in herself. She ran from the room. Rushing from her failure, she tried to escape the expectation she’d brought.
 
My heart broke for this dear, sweet little person.
 
If the expert’s example had not been placed in front of her eyes, I thought, she would have known the truth: Her painting was her own unique masterpiece.
 
Instead, she detested what she saw.
 
Don’t we do the same at times?
 
We look at our image in the mirror, the numbers on the screen or the scale, the things we’ve given our lives to that have not turned out the way we thought, and we come to this conclusion: I’m too far from the “model.” Too short of society’s expectations … and our own.
 
Yet our Creator, looking on, is saying to us, the ones He loves:
 
“No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Romans 9:20)
 
We’re not the only ones who struggle. So do the young ones who surround us. With perfection continually before their eyes, their tender spirits can’t take the continual scrutiny of the screen. Maybe this is why recent studies tell us 1 in 5 of today’s teens suffers from depression, and suicide rates practically double during the school year versus the summer.
 
Can’t we help them, friends? Can’t we stand up and say, “Put it down.” Put down the phone. Put away the continual cultural parade. Be done with the daily comparison. Put down society’s definition of ideal. Pick up God’s definition of flawless.
 
Jesus is calling to us all: “Open to me, my treasure, my darling, my dove, my perfect one” (Song of Songs 5:2b, NLT).
 
Let us respond with first putting down our own thoughts, too often far short of our Creator’s, and then model and teach those around us to do the same.
 
Oh, God, I need You. Help me choose to see myself the way You see me, and empower me to share this truth with another person in my sphere of influence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lynn Cowell
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (NIV)
 
Ephesians 1:4a, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (NIV)

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"When You Feel Like You Don't Know Who You Are"

7/17/2018

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Good morning ladies. I hope you're having a good day so far. Our road crew was out working by 7:30 this morning. The windows are wide open since it's cooled down, so we didn't need quite as much coffee to wake us up. The noise is enough! I thought we just needed a top coat put on to finish up the job, but they are digging another big hole through the new road that they already put on. So, I'm not sure what the problem is there. No notice or warning, so we'll see. Today, I'm going to start some laundry and packing for our trip. We leave for Michigan on Thursday and we'll be there for a week. We will celebrate two of our nephew's graduation parties while we're there, and see some of both sides of our families. Can't wait! I won't be sending out the devotions while I'm gone. We will be back and forth on the road a lot.

Devotion

It's so important to realize that our identity is who we are in Christ. We are daughters of the KING! Have a Triumphant Tuesday ladies!


“When You Feel Like You Don’t Know Who You Are”

“God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children — this was his pleasure and purpose.” Ephesians 1:5 (GNT)

​I arrived at my doctor’s appointment, walked up to the front desk to check-in and sat down to update the standard forms.
 
Address correct? Check. Age correct? Check. Medical history accurate? Check. Marital status? Stare at the wall.
 
Two little words stumped me completely.
 
As I sat there in a cold waiting room filled with other patients filling out their forms with ease, tears began to well up in my eyes as it had only been a few short months since my husband of 25 years had walked out of my life. I’d been thrust into a life of total confusion, chaos and pain, and now had no clue how to answer this seemingly simple question.
 
Was I single? No. Was I married? No, at least not in the normal sense of the word. Was I divorced? No. Was I widowed? No, although it felt like it. I was none of the options. So … who was I?
 
A new moan of emptiness echoed in the caverns of my soul. As I held the incomplete forms in hand, I was faced with the reality that I didn’t know who I was anymore. Insecurities and heartache had wreaked havoc on my self-confidence. The old me was gone, and this new me was now merely existing, trying to survive each day.
 
This new me was so broken she hadn’t even considered some of the shattered pieces yet. This new me was now unexpectedly having a full-blown identity crisis in a doctor’s office because she didn’t fit into any normal societal “box.”
 
I remember thinking, “Who am I now?” and “Where do I belong?” Not just on this medical form, but in society, friendships, church and life in general? Who am I if I’m no longer a “wife”?
 
As I drove home in silence after my appointment, I stared blankly at the road ahead, still struggling with this question of my identity. Suddenly the silence was broken when I heard a gentle, yet life-changing, whisper in my spirit:
 
“The end of your marriage is not the end of you.”
 
It was a startling thought that I believe could have only come from God, as He was the only One who knew my uncertain state. The only One who knew the depth of my struggle, and therefore the only One who could offer the exact reassurance I so desperately needed to hear.
 
Sweet words serving as a holy reminder my identity is not determined by a role, a title or a box to check on a form.
 
I was still me, just a new version of me in a new phase of life. Still a woman God created in His image, whom God had a plan and a purpose for, despite life’s disappointments. A woman who still had value, even if someone else couldn’t see it. A woman who was still a mother, daughter, sister, friend, Jesus-girl, writer, speaker, tennis player, coffee fanatic, beach-lover and more.
 
A woman who was a beloved daughter of the King.
 
I was reminded by God that although my worldly role/title had changed, my identity in Christ was secure and remained the same, which is the truth Paul shared with the church in Ephesus.
 
In today’s key verse, Paul explains the new identity given to someone in Christ. Ephesians 1:5 says, “God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children — this was his pleasure and purpose.” Paul wanted believers to know they would always be chosen, adopted, loved unconditionally and accepted by God and that it pleased Him to call them His own.
 
If we as believers don’t fully embrace our identity as children of God, we become vulnerable to allowing circumstances, changes in titles and roles, life transitions and other people determine our identity and self-worth instead. What we do or don’t achieve, what our title or role is or isn’t, and what others think about us does not define who we are. Only God does. He is the source of our identity.
 
Despite having felt for months that my marriage ending signified the end of me, I realized I was still the same me God created me to be. I was His. And that was enough.
 
Lord, help me always remember my identity is found in You alone, and I am Yours, no matter how my life changes. Help me see and love myself as You do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tracie Miles
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Romans 8:16, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (NKJV)

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"These Things Are Not Supposed to Be"

7/16/2018

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Good morning ladies. How are you doing on this beautiful Monday morning? A brand new week ahead and many things planned again, but the LORD is faithful. He gives us the strength we need for the tasks ahead. We had a great message in church yesterday about having faith the size of a mustard seed and God will use it in our lives in so many ways. We were each given a tiny mustard seed and told to carry it with us to be a reminder. Have you actually seen how small these are? PK even lost his in his Bible somewhere already. It was a great illustration. We also had a great turnout last evening for our Bonfire/Bible study fellowship. We had it at our place this time (minus the bonfire) and I think we had around 45 people. A lot of fun! Backing up a little, on Friday, Casey and Maria took me to Hobby Lobby for me to spend my birthday gift card, and because Maria had never been to one before. Can you even imagine?? And as creative as she is, she LOVED it! We were probably there for several hours, which is the way I like it. Just spending time being able to look at all the things! And ladies, if you're a crafter, the Fall stuff is already out...and even some Christmas. I spent most of my gift card on yarn (no surprise there!) On Saturday, we spent time doing household things and getting the house and yard ready for Sunday, and after that I was pooped, but I had wanted to go to the local craft fair. PK asked me if we were going and I said "no." It was intensely hot and sunny and I was already tired. Then, a few minutes later, I told him, "let's go!" We went for only about an hour and after that I was done in. There were so many booths and good things though, and we tried a neat little ice-cream shop called 'Two Scoops.' So, a busy but fun weekend. How was yours?

Devotion

There are many encouraging scripture verses in today's devotion, reminding us that God is always with us and the battle is His. Have a Melodious Monday Ladies! 

“These Things Are Not Supposed to Be”

“But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:3-4 (NIV)


They weren’t supposed to attend a country music festival and end up running for their lives.

 
He wasn’t supposed to take an anniversary trip with his beloved and end up shielding her from a bullet.
 
She wasn’t supposed to kiss her man in blue goodbye to protect and serve and end up never kissing him again.
 
She wasn’t supposed to be dancing and laughing with her best friend one minute and end up kneeling next to her lifeless body the next.
 
These things are not supposed to be.
 
I don’t have answers. I don't have explanations.
 
But I know the One who does.
 
The One who is “a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head” (Psalm 3:3a).
 
The One who promises that when darkness invades my happy space … when disaster turns my life upside down … when evil presses in on every side ... He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is always there.
 
His name is The Ancient of Days. (Daniel 7:9-10) The One who was, is and forever will be. (Hebrews 13:8)
 
The One who sent a young shepherd boy named David to speak words of hope we still need today.
 
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head … and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45b-46a, 46c-47, NIV).
 
Our world is a scary place. Shootings. Riots. Explosions. Natural disasters. It feels as if danger and uncertainty lurk around every corner. We don't know what each day will hold. But, friend, we do know the One who holds our days.
 
We can be fearful and discouraged or we can be confident and encouraged. The choice is ours.
 
It matters where we fix our eyes and on whom we fix our hope.
 
God is our hope … our only true hope. (Psalm 62:5)
 
Run to the One who is your strength and your shield. (Psalm 28:7) The One who fights for you. (Exodus 14:14) The One whose presence will never leave you. Who will never forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
 
The name of the LORD is a strong tower to which we can run and are safe, even in the most desperate of circumstances. (Proverbs 18:10)
 
Whether He stills the storm or invites us in. Whether He moves the mountain or helps us climb it. He will be with us.
 
God is our Rock. (Psalm 18:2) His love is steadfast. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
 
It’s true. You and I don’t have all the answers. Google doesn’t have all the answers. But, we know the One Who does.
 
Pray this prayer with me (based on Psalm 3:2-6):
 
Thank You, Lord, that You are a shield around me,
   my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to You, Lord,
   and You answer me from Your holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
   I wake again, because You, O Lord, sustain me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
   assail me on every side.
Lord, I will keep my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Wendy Blight
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

Psalm 28:7a,
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (NIV)


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"Waiting for the Shout"

7/13/2018

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Good morning ladies. Are you ready for the weekend? Anything special planned? We have our church fellowship at our home on Sunday evening, so there's just a little bit to do to get ready for that. Otherwise, not too much planned. If we have the time and energy, we might go to the local craft fair on Saturday. I haven't been to a craft fair in quite awhile. It should be fun!

Devotion

What a wonderfully encouraging devotion today! Are you waiting expectantly for the return of our KING? Have a great weekend and a Fantastic Friday!


“Waiting for the Shout”

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NKJV)

I’m waiting for my parents to come home.
 
No, they aren’t wayward or lost. Actually, they are happily on a long vacation while I am missing the greatest babysitters in the world (also known as grandparents). I can hardly stand the wait until they return. They live right in our neighborhood and shower our family of five with love … and feed us delicious dinners. (Bonus!)
 
Knowing they are coming back soon puts a smile on my face. My mom, who is constantly laughing, has a loud voice that I love and miss. I’ve never had to ask her to speak up or repeat herself. I can hear every word, crystal clear. People know when she has entered a room.
 
Friends, as much as I look forward to my parents’ return, there’s a day coming that’s even more exciting than being reunited with family. Jesus is coming back, and when He enters the atmosphere, everyone will know it. He will come back with a shout no one will be able to miss!
 
Our key verse describes His triumphant return, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This mighty sound is likened to a shout, a voice and a trumpet. Imagine what people will say about this thunderous noise piercing heaven and earth. Those who do not know Christ will no doubt wonder, “What was that???”
 
You will know.
 
It will be the ultimate sound of joy for every believer. It will be reunion-time! We will be with the Lord, with the dead in Christ who have gone before us.
 
Let’s take a closer look at two of the Greek words the Apostle Paul uses in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 to describe this event: “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor [epiphaneia] of his coming [parousia]” (NIV).
 
Epiphaneia means “appearance” or “visible manifestation.” We will hear the shout and we will also see His brilliance. Christ will destroy the antichrist with the brightness of His coming. Parousiameans “coming” or “presence.” This term was often used in secular Greek literature to refer to the visit or presence of a king or important dignitary. When the King of kings comes on the scene, you will see pomp and majesty beyond anything you’ve ever dreamed of.
 
So when you feel discouraged by the news or the circumstances of your life, remember His shout is coming. Paul exhorted the Christians in Thessalonica to comfort each other with reminders of their destiny: “We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18, NIV).
 
You are on the winning side. Just as Christ came as a baby, someday He will return as a victorious King. God doesn’t take vacations. He is constantly working behind-the-scenes on your behalf and mine.
 
Are you waiting expectantly, looking to heaven with hope? It’s easy to forget the promises and prophecies in the Bible when day-to-day duties scream for our attention. But let us remember — we are waiting for the Lord’s return with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. What a day that will be!
 
Lord, we’re so encouraged to know You are returning as the triumphant King. You will come and bring justice on the earth, and defeat Your enemies. I look forward to Your glorious return with hope and gratitude. Help me point more people to You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Arlene Pellicane
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 

1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (NIV)
 
Revelation 19:11-12a, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.” (NIV)

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"Treasures in the Darkness"

7/11/2018

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Good morning ladies. I am now wearing my new Smart Band, which I got for my birthday. It tracks my steps, my heart rate, any goals that I put in, and my exercise. I'm hoping this will inspire me to meet my goals, or at least get me moving in the right direction! Many days are too difficult to do much of anything, but I'm going to try. How are you today? Made it to the middle of the week already. I love summer, and I don't want it to just fly by, but it sure is HOT! We have another heat advisory today, which means that it will be in the 90's with a dew point in the 70's, making it feel like 100-105. And tonight is our kid's soccer camp at church. Whew! Lots of water! The dog days of summer....what does that mean again?? 

Devotion

I love the story at the beginning of the devotion today. Are you seeking the treasures that God has for you? Have a Wonderful Wednesday ladies! 


“Treasures in the Darkness”

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (NASB)

A rock collector named Rob once went on a dig and found a rock he described as "purdy and big." He tried unsuccessfully to sell it, and when that failed, he kept the rock in his closet in the dark.
 
Rob guessed the blue chunk of rock could bring as much as $500, but he would have taken less if something urgent came up like paying his power bill. That’s how close he came to selling for a few hundred dollars what turned out to be the largest, most valuable sapphire ever found. The blue rock that Rob Cutshaw had abandoned to the darkness of a closet two decades ago — now known as "The Star of David" sapphire — weighs nearly a pound, and could easily sell for $2.75 million.
 
How many of us have a treasure hidden in the darkness of our lives, unaware of its immense value? God wants nothing more than for you and me to have full access to all the blessings and rewards He’s already laid aside for us to have.
 
It’s easy to live life unaware that God has set aside this treasure to have. I can often live in desperation, wondering when I’m going to get a break, questioning when God’s going to finally come through.
 
So, how do we discover this fantastic treasure and let God take care of our needs?
 
Sometimes, in order for God to meet our need, we must first plant a seed.
 
Many years ago, our church ministry was about to be kicked out of a school where we’d been meeting for Sunday service. While we had no idea what would happen, we continued to teach the Word and take care of each other like brothers and sisters in Christ should.
 
I was still at Dallas Seminary, and one day I walked by a staff member there who casually said to me, “Oh, by the way, did you know that that small church on Camp Wisdom Road is getting ready to move, and they’re looking to sell?” Before the year was done, we moved to our permanent church home.
 
Because we stayed diligent in fulfilling our calling as a ministry, teaching the Word and caring for each other, God revealed a wonderful treasure that was mere blocks from the school we had been occupying.
 
God has called you to a mighty work as well. The hardships we face can be distracting, even paralyzing sometimes. But God wants to know whether our focus is on Him or on our hardships. When we stay diligent with what He’s given us, God will fill us to overflowing … with even more down the road.
 
Consider this example. If you wanted to purchase a particular amount of rice, the person behind the counter would pour that rice into a measuring pot or scale of some kind. But they would not fill it to the precise measure straight away; they would only go three quarters of the way up and then shake the pot and press on the rice. The reason for shaking is to both level out the rice and fill in any gaps that formed underneath. In other words, because of the shaking and the pressing, you get more rice.
 
That’s what God can do in the midst of your trouble; He lets life press down so He can “fill in the gaps.” Second Corinthians 4:8 reads, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing.” Most often, it’s in life’s darkness that God prepares us for His best.
 
Lord, I ask You to give me Your peace, so I might weather the storms and relax in dark times, knowing You are with me. Fill me with a greater measure of Your courage, that I might stand boldly against the enemy’s attacks. Finally, I ask for patience as I wait for Your great treasures, both here and in the life to come. 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)

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"When You've Lost the Will to Fight"

7/10/2018

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Good morning lovely ladies! How are you today? It's a new day that our LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be GLAD in it! His mercies are new every morning; Great is His faithfulness! Amen!

What are you up to today, as we settle into this middle month of summer? I'm sure some of you have gone on vacation or taken some days for adventure. Let me know what great things you've seen, or share a few pictures with the rest of us. I'm sorry for those of you who didn't receive the devotion yesterday. I think it was because I added the pictures and the file was too big. 

Devotion

There is great encouragement in the devotion today. We all struggle in life. Jesus gives us hope beyond our circumstances though. He is the giver of true joy and peace. Have a Tremendous Tuesday ladies! 


“When You’ve Lost the Will to Fight”

“You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.” John 16:20b (NLT)

I’d always been a positive, optimistic person who enjoyed life. Although life was never problem-free, I still tried to embrace each day with gladness and thankfulness. However, after years of distress, it seemed that person was now a distant memory.
 
Separation and divorce had taken its toll. Life had been hard for many months. I was worn-out in every way. At times, it felt like merely breathing was work. Some days, just forcing myself to get out of bed was a challenge, because all I wanted to do was stay buried in the dark and not have to deal with reality.
 
My spirit was crushed. My hope was failing. My prayers seemed unheard. I carried the weight of all my family responsibilities while also battling stress, insecurities, hurt and depression. I just wanted the struggles to end, and I literally thought they never would.
 
Although I looked fine on the outside and tried to wear a smile and keep going, I was dying inside. My brain couldn’t even entertain the thought of being happy again.
 
But I so desperately longed to be.
 
Maybe you can relate. When life is hard, tragedy strikes, rejection stings, or situations seem hopeless, true happiness and peace can become nothing more than a memory, and we can gradually lose our will to fight for joy.
 
But fast-forward two years. I walked outside early one morning to my mailbox, looking forward to the day ahead. The sun shone brightly, making the fresh morning dew shimmer. The air was crisp and smelled of sweet honeysuckles and gardenias from my yard. Birds were chirping. Two cute little bunnies munched on clovers in the grass. A neighbor waved and smiled as she passed by. Then out of nowhere, an unexpected sense of happiness welled up in my spirit, catching me off-guard and almost bringing tears to my eyes.
 
That’s when I truly realized the struggle had ended. Not the daily struggles of life because those always will exist, but the struggle for happiness and the ability to love my life as it was.
 
The fight was over. Joy had returned. Redemption had won.
 
In John 15, Jesus teaches the disciples the importance of staying close to Him and standing firm in their faith because He knew life was about to get hard. Difficulties often usher in doubts of God’s goodness, so He also warned them in John 16:1, “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith” (NLT).
 
Throughout John 16, Jesus prepares the disciples for the overwhelming sorrow they’d soon experience during His suffering and crucifixion. He knew the grief awaiting them would be unbearable and that their hopes would be crushed for three long, painful days.
 
So in today’s key verse, Jesus gives His disciples great hope, “You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy” (John 16:20b). The disciples didn’t fully understand, but Jesus knew His death would bring utter heartbreak and sadness. Then after He rose again, their mourning would turn to a joy which could never be taken away from them.
 
Jesus didn’t tell them they would now live trouble-free lives — in fact, He said exactly the opposite. (John 16:33) He promised that in due time, their weeping would convert to celebration, and their faith would become the ultimate source of their happiness.
 
We all have struggles, disappointments and heartbreak. They are unfortunately parts of life — which is why it’s crucial we ground our joy in Christ and not relationships, circumstances, jobs, health or achievements.
 
All those things are transitory, but joy from Christ is permanent. Holy joy gives us courage to smile when our hearts are broken, pushes us to persevere when we feel like quitting, fuels us to stand strong in faith when hope wavers, and equips us to trust He can always bring beauty from brokenness. Joy from Christ is life-giving.
 
Today, that positive, optimistic person I once knew is back, with a genuine smile on her face and steadfast joy in her heart. She now knows that faith is the key to having the willpower to fight for joy, even when we feel we have no fight left in us.
 
Because if we have the will, God has the power and redemption always wins.
 
Dear Lord, I trust in Your power in my life, and I will choose joy based on Your promises alone. Help me learn to love the life You’ve given me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tracie Miles
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY
 
John 15:11, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (NLT)

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"You Are NOT Enough and That's OK"

7/9/2018

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Good morning ladies! Welcome back! I hope you've all had a great week and a fun holiday. We certainly did. It was so much fun to have the kids here with us for almost a full week. And it didn't seem to rush by too quickly, as sometimes it can. We celebrated my birthday, Natalie's birthday, and Independence Day. All that, and on Friday and Saturday Nate and Natalie attended a wedding in Minneapolis, so we got to have some time with Elliott on our own. So fun! The little guy is growing and chattering and into everything! He's already starting to form words, knows some sign language, and understands a lot. And, of course, we got a million pictures! They headed for home yesterday. If you have the time, I would love to hear about what some of you did over the holiday.

It's off to a new week, and it looks like things aren't slowing down anytime soon. Back to appointments and meetings, and later this week, Maria will be arriving for a short visit. And today, it's "clean-up" and back to order around here. So, off we go! How about you?

Devotion


Sometimes it's hard to believe the very fact that we are enough because Jesus is enough, but it's true. Let's be intentional about reminding ourselves of this today. Have a Marvelous Monday ladies! 

“You Are NOT Enough, and That’s OK”

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” Colossians 2:9-10a (NIV)

Imagine if the honest cry of your heart declared, “I have enough. I need nothing more.”
 
Women today are bombarded with two diametrically opposed messages: Either we’re told all the ways we are not good enough OR our self-esteem is inflated with false empowerment narratives. Paul speaks to both of these errors, reminding us that our value and identity come not from ourselves (or our accomplishments) but from Christ alone.
 
When we focus on our own perceived value and worthiness, we lose our sense of awe and wonder at just how magnificent Jesus is. As we navigate this life we will quickly find that alone, we are not enough. But with Him and in Him, we have everything we need, because He is enough.
 
But do we really believe that He is enough for us today?
 
Let’s be honest, most of us live yearning for the next thing, me included. Whether it’s as trivial as trying the newest food trend or as spiritual as reading the Bible in a year (finally!), we all long for the next big thing. But before we get to work toward checking that “thing” off our list, we need to consider how we’re going to get there.
 
For the first-century believers in Colossae, one of the major things on their list was spiritual union with God. They wanted to be right with God, and there was no shortage of people willing to tell them exactly how they could do that. Some argued for religious observances like circumcision, holy days and rules about food. Others suggested angel worship and secret rituals, plus other mystical practices.
 
These might sound ridiculous to us today, but it’s tempting to hold on to a checklist of things to do — especially when it comes to our relationship with God — because it gives us the illusion of being in control. Paul speaks firmly against these checklist teachings, explaining that those who promote such ideas are not holding on to Jesus. It’s Jesus alone, Paul says, and He is enough. Watch out for anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.
 
Read that key verse again: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness” (Colossians 2:9-10a).
 
Here, Paul states that all the fullness of the deity dwells in Jesus in bodily form … and we have been brought to that fullness through Jesus. United with Him, we are complete, and that reality leads to a thriving life both here and now and also in the age to come.
 
But maybe you find yourself living in the land of “if only.”
 
It’s tempting to think that fulfillment in this life or “being enough” is just beyond our reach, if only we stretched our arm out a little farther, but Scripture tells us that the fullness of life is already ours in Jesus Christ, if only we recognize and receive it.
 
Did you catch that? You’ve been brought to fullness in Christ. There is no other “if only” that will fulfill you. Losing that weight, getting that paycheck, moving into that neighborhood … these things might make you feel better in the moment, but they don’t bring lasting satisfaction because they were never meant to.
 
The full life is not beyond our reach; it’s already ours in Christ Jesus when we find our satisfaction in Him alone. When we see that we are not enough, that’s OK — because He is enough.
 
Heavenly Father, I worship You today as the Most High God. You alone are worthy of all my honor and praise. Remind me that I will only ever find full satisfaction in You. Thank You that I don’t have to keep striving to be enough, for it’s only in You that I will have true fullness and joy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Asheritah Ciuciu
 
TRUTH FOR TODAY

Revelation 5:12b, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (NIV)

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