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Friday Devotion

9/29/2017

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Good morning ladies. I'm tired today after a lot of activity yesterday.  For those of you not on Facebook, I will tell you that I had a very good report from the surgeon. I'm 'free' to do any activity as my body allows me to. Praise the LORD! And I'm already using the cane around the house. I will still have a longer process of total healing since it was a revision and because of all the surgeries in that incision. The staples were removed though, the incision is clean, and the X-rays looked great! To celebrate, we found an found an apple orchard called "Apple Jack Orchard." Nice place! To those who might be interested, it's in Delano, MN. Look it up! There's nothing quite like the taste of fresh, warm, cinnamon apple donuts and cider. Yum! And they have a super nice gift shop!

Any fun adventures planned for the weekend? Our church missions conference starts tomorrow night with a German potluck. I'm looking forward to that, but still don't know what I'm going to make. Oh, the possibilities! And then the conference runs through the weekend and ends on Wednesday, with events of all kinds planned.

Devotion

We are assured today that when we just want to give up, God is there for us. We get our strength, peace, and joy from Him alone. Have a great weekend and a Fantastic Friday!


“Give Up or God-Up”


“Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.”
2 Corinthians 4:1 (NLT)

Problems kept piling up — many of which I had no power or resources to resolve. I was perpetually living in survival mode and found myself simply spent.

One morning, after another set of seemingly hopeless issues reared their ugly heads, tears began to roll. I let out a heavy sigh and in a quivering voice spoke out loud, “God, I literally don’t think I can take anymore.”

Maybe you can relate.

Maybe you’re a single parent, like me, and financial worries coupled with the emotional weight of parenting and being alone feels overwhelming …

Maybe you try to live frugally, yet money never seems to stretch far enough …

Maybe you’re unhappy at your job, but no other opportunities have arisen …

Maybe your heart longs for a husband, but you’re tired of the dating game …

Maybe you feel unloved or betrayed by someone close to you, and nothing seems to improve no matter how hard you pray …

Maybe your circumstances feel out-of-control and change seems hopeless …

The day I said “I can’t take this anymore,” I felt like giving up. Maybe you’ve felt that way, too.

But upon uttering those words and admitting my weakness, I felt a nudge to my spirit. I knew I needed to focus on God instead of my circumstances and worries. I needed to refocus on what He had done in my life, rather than what He had not yet done. I needed to believe instead of doubt Him, and place my trust in the only One who actually could fix things.

As I intentionally adjusted my focus, hope and peace slowly returned. Faith alone helped me to God-up instead of give up. Not because I had the strength to do so, but because I had God’s strength within me which pushed me forward in faith, just like the apostle Paul.

In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul encouraged the church at Corinth not to give up. He reminded the people they each held a treasure in their heart — the spirit of God — which was the sole reason they could persevere when they felt like quitting in the face of adversities, especially when it came to defending the gospel.

Second Corinthians 4:1 says, “Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.” We see proof that although he stumbled, Paul consistently focused on God. The “new way” he referenced meant we don’t have to follow endless laws like in the Old Testament, because we have His spirit within us since Jesus died on the cross. Instead, we can enjoy the gifts of grace, mercy, hope and strength.

We read throughout Scripture that every time Paul wanted to give up, he chose to God-up instead. He chose to depend on God’s power and strength instead of his own.

Paul’s faith equipped and inspired him to keep going to God, despite earthly, common-sense reasons to quit. Over his lifetime, Paul suffered greatly: He was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, chased mercilessly by enemies, and lived fearfully in caves.

He suffered mental and spiritual exhaustion in addition to physical pain, hunger, thirst and difficult living conditions. That’s enough to make anyone want to give up! Yet despite his weakest moments, he never did.

The choices Paul made each day to God-up instead of give up filled him with strength and perseverance he could have never found on his own.

Maybe for reasons only you and God know, you’ve found yourself saying “I can’t take anymore,” too. Maybe giving up hope about that difficult situation, problem or relationship seems easier than hanging on to it. It’s okay. Everyone struggles with those thoughts and feelings at times. But like Paul, the moment we catch ourselves feeling that way we can choose to give up or God-up.

We can let our thoughts and feelings deplete us of strength, hope and joy, or we can lean fully into God and ask for Him to carry us in our weakest moments.

When we God-up, instead of give up, God will always show up.

Lord, I’m tired. And I really do secretly want to give up. Please fill my heart with peace. Help me see You at work in the situations in my life and trust You are in control. Replace my hopelessness with happiness in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tracie Miles

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (NLT)

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Thursday Devotion

9/28/2017

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Good morning ladies. I have to get right to the devotion today because I have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon. I think I will get the staples removed today. Yay! Afterwards, PK and I are thinking about going to an apple orchard. It's that time of year again! I hope you all have a great day and a Thankful Thursday!

Devotion


“When God Isn’t Answering Our Prayers”

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Psalm 61:2 (NIV)

When God doesn’t seem to be answering our prayers it can be hard. Sometimes, downright awful.

One minute I’m determined to trust God.

In the next, I feel myself slipping. The “why” questions tumble in so hard. My heart hurts. My eyes leak.

Ever been there?

I don’t want to oversimplify what to do in these times. I know from prayer requests I’ve received over the years many of us are facing really tough issues. Situations where the answers aren’t easy or clear cut.

But I have discovered a few things that help me when God seems silent …

* Press in to God when you want to pull away.

When I really want to hear from God but He seems silent, I sometimes find I want to disengage from my normal spiritual activities. Skip church. Put my Bible on my shelf. And let more and more time lapse between prayers.

But our key verse, Psalm 61:2, reminds us that the best thing we can do when our hearts are growing faint is to call out to God, not pull away from Him: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

The Bible also promises we will find God if we seek Him with all our heart. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (NIV). All my heart includes the parts that are broken. Bring it all to God.

He can handle your honesty and will respond. But we have to position ourselves to go where truth is. Go to church. Listen to praise music. Read verses. Memorize verses. And keep talking to God.

* Praise God out loud when you want to get lost in complaints.

In the midst of what you’re facing, find simple things for which to praise God. I don’t mean thank Him for the hard stuff. I mean thank Him for the other simple, good things still in the midst. A child’s laugh. A bush that blooms. The warmth of a blanket. The gift of this breath and then the next.

Psalm 40:3 reminds me God will give me a new song when I make praise the habit of my heart and mouth: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him” (NIV).

* Put yourself in the company of truth.

That friend who speaks truth? Listen to her. Stay connected to her. Let her speak truth into your life, even when you’re tired of hearing it. Stand in the shadow of her faith when you feel your own faith is weak. Let her lead you back to God time and time again. Proverbs 12:26a reminds us: “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor …” (ESV).

It’s okay to feel hurt and confused. Our God is big enough to handle our honest feelings. But don’t let your feelings lead you away from God or away from His truth. Press into Him. Praise Him. And put yourself in the company of truth.

As you stay with God in these ways, you’ll become ready to receive His answer when it comes.

Dear Lord, thank You for hearing every “why” my heart sends up to You. Forgive me when I retreat from You and Your Word. I want to trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lysa TerKeurst

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 116:1-2, “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” (NIV)

Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (ESV)

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Tuesday Devotion

9/26/2017

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Good morning ladies. How are you doing? I can already tell that this week is going to race by. I'm not sure why; just a lot going on I guess. How about you? Are you feeling buried in the fall schedules, kids off to school, new programs, or anything else that this season tends to bring? Or are you one who welcomes the schedules and busyness? I think there is value in both the seasons of Sabbath rest, as well as the seasons of work. God provides us with a perfect balance; it's really up to us to make it work for our own lives, and I'm sure He is willing to help us.

Devotion

The title, the key verse (my life verse), and the "categories" at the end of today's devotion all touched me today....besides the story itself! Categories: Faith, Hope, Prayer. What a stirring story! And to know that someone can find the LORD in the most unusual place and through any medium. And beyond that, the Church came through in a life-changing way. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies!


“Whispers from God to a Hungry Heart”

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6b (NIV)

I heard the whisper of God in, of all places, a nail salon.

I was a young aspiring actor who’d come to Los Angeles with a dream. I barely knew myself and certainly didn’t know God.

To pay my bills I worked jobs I despised, hearing they might help me in the entertainment world. But I soon discovered it was far from satisfying. I was living alone and terribly lonely. There had to be something more in life — something better.

In the absence of meaningful relationships, I craved food, having struggled with an eating disorder for years. I’d sit at home alone, watch TV and eat.

I began to gain weight and then dove into reading hundreds of self-help books on health and wholeness, motivation, well-being and alternative medicine. Still, I felt empty.

I craved something more than fun, diversion and health … more than celebrity. But what? Looking back, I see my inner hunger drove me to search for ways to fill myself, but none of them worked.

Soul hunger or not, a girl can’t live in Los Angeles without getting her nails done — especially a wannabe actor. So I religiously took my place in a chair at the nail salon.

As I sat there, I read a Ladies Home Journal article which outlined a healthy eating plan with a spiritual understanding of our bodies and innermost person. The program incorporated daily prayer, confession, and — of all things — Bible reading. Something stirred in me. The article pulled back the curtain to peer deep into my soul, where my hunger originated. I knew I was reading truth.

Daily, I began to keep a journal, pray and read Bible verses — all completely new to me. As I did, I felt a deep awakening in my heart, and power was flowing into me.

One day, I started to panic about my upcoming car payment. My first instinct kicked in — I bolted to grab something sweet. Suddenly, I stopped and prayed, “God, if this prayer stuff really works, then I’m coming to You first.” The urge to eat passed. Within a day, a check arrived for a small job I’d recently done. Car payment covered!

Whoa. There really was something to this spiritual stuff. Through prayer and Bible reading, I began to understand how empty my heart felt for the first time. I was hungry to be filled.

Eventually, I got up my nerve and showed up to a local church small group. Most of the women there knew a lot more about God and the Bible than I did, but to my amazement, they were kind and welcomed me; I knew I’d be back.

I’d never sat in a circle and had people actually pray for me. Tears ran down my cheeks. Their prayers made me feel cared for and encouraged, as if I mattered personally to them and to God. Wanting to contribute to the group, I started to read my Bible more.

From reading, I finally realized I was hearing the whispers of God. God was accomplishing His purposes in me and whispering His love through two powerful means: His Word and His people. God had begun “a good work” in me and I knew He would “carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6b).

Today, I treasure those memories as major milestones on my faith journey. Far before I knew God, He knew me and loved me. He placed His word in my life at a nail salon and then sent me to the dear ladies at church to sow seeds of faith into my life — seeds that have grown into a vibrant personal friendship with God and that continue to grow ever-deeper roots.

Dear Lord, thank You for beginning Your good work in our lives and using Your Word and Your people to complete it. Stir our hunger for Your Word and stir our thirst for fellowship with others who carry Your love into our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Andrea Logan White

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Philippians 1:9-10, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (NIV)

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Friday Devotion

9/22/2017

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Good morning ladies. Happy Friday! Happy FALL! I hope you're having a great day so far. Do you have any fun adventures planned for this weekend? I think it will be a pretty quiet one for us. Maybe watch some movies. I'm still not cruising at full speed yet, although I've been getting out for walks, and yesterday we went to the store for a bit. That was fun. I didn't realize how much the leaves are changing color. Beautiful!

Devotion

Do you ever wonder if God is working on the prayers you offer to him, especially on behalf of another person? Maybe a friend or a family member? Our key verse today tells us that He is always working, even if we can't see it. Be comforted by this today ladies. Have a Fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend!


“When You Feel Like Prayer Isn’t Working”

“Jesus said, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.’”
John 5:17 (NIV)

I looked at his mug shot and felt my heart tear in two. I had prayed for this man my entire adult life. And now he was in jail.

From the outside, Richard’s (not his real name) life looked hopeless. Alcohol. Anger. Hate. Unemployment. Failed relationships. Richard’s rollercoaster life had fewer highs and more lows as time progressed. And now he was behind bars.

Two days after Richard’s arrest, I went online and read the details of the police report. It was the time of arrest that grabbed my heart … 8:32.

Oh friend, that was no coincidence. The officer could have easily rounded the time to 8:30.

But no, it was 8:32.

For 20 years, John 8:32 was my personalized license plate. Just a simple reminder of the importance of truth: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV) It’s what I consider to be my life verse. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at a digital clock on any given day, and it read 8:32. I take it as a God-wink from my Heavenly Father letting me know that He sees me and loves me.

And on this day, I just knew God was saying to me … I see him. I love him. I’ve got this. He’s not hopeless. Not by a long shot!

In 1 Kings 18:41-45, there’s a story about a prophet named Elijah. God had caused a 3-1/2-year drought in Israel because His people followed foreign gods. Miracle after miracle occurred during those years, but it’s what happened at the end of the drought that caught my attention.

Elijah sent a message to King Ahab to let him know that the 42-month dry spell was coming to an end, even though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

After delivering the news, Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground, and put his face between his knees.

“‘Go and look toward the sea,’ he told his servant.” (1 Kings 18:43a, NIV) (He wanted him to see if there was a cloud.)

“There’s nothing there,” (1 Kings 18:43b, NIV) the servant said upon his return.

Six times Elijah sent the servant back down the mountain to see if there was a cloud. Six times he returned reporting there was not.

Elijah said, “Go back.” (v. 43)

He observed the sky and came back to tell Elijah the news.

“A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea” (1 Kings 18:44b, NIV).

Here’s a question to ponder: Was God working the entire time the servant was running up and down Mt. Carmel, or did

God make the cloud appear all of a sudden on the seventh trek? I don’t know for sure, but I think God was working the entire time.

I’m not much of a meteorologist, but I do remember a little bit about rain cycles from elementary school. Water falls from the sky into oceans, rivers and lakes. The sun heats the water, and it evaporates as water vapor. The vapor rises from the earth into the atmosphere, cools, then forms droplets called condensation.

Little droplets get together and form bigger droplets. Eventually those droplets form clouds. When the droplets get too heavy, they fall back to the earth as precipitation into oceans, rivers and lakes. Then the cycle starts all over again.

So God was working on the servant’s first run down the mountain; the servant just couldn’t see it. As Jesus said, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17). Just because you can’t see God working doesn’t mean He’s not.

I don’t know what you’re praying about today, but don’t give up. God is always working … even if we can’t see it.

And Richard? He wasn’t in jail long. God is still working, and I’m still praying. I see a cloud about the size of a man’s hand.

Lord, I pray that You will open __________ eyes to see You and follow You. Even though I might not see You working, I know You are. I believe, and I will not give up hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Sharon Jaynes

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (NIV)

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Wednesday Devotion

9/20/2017

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Good morning pretty ladies! How are you today? 'Middle of the week slump' or 'refreshed and ready for a new day?' Hopefully the second. We had just a little bit of extra sleep and it really makes a difference. So, I didn't end up making the soup yesterday after all because I didn't have all the ingredients I needed, but PK came home and used the chicken to make a new recipe--Parmesan chicken. It was delicious! I can tell this recipe will be a keeper. And thanks to him for cooking dinner! I have a good man. And tonight we have dinner at church so that makes things easier. I'm so looking forward to going back to church and seeing everyone again. I was able to get out a little bit yesterday for a walk and that felt so good! Stronger every day. So, what do you have planned for today?

Prayer & Praise

"Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. If only you would listen to His voice today!"
Psalm 95:6-7

It's been heavy on my heart and I'm sure a lot of yours as well...all the storms, earthquakes, fires, war talk, and the devastating things going on in the world right now. It breaks my heart so much that I really just sit down to pray and can't even find the words to say. I told PK this and he shared a prayer with me from Pastor Jim Cymbala of The Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York. I'd like to share it with you and ask you to pray with me.

"The world is reeling from so many natural and manmade disasters, but as Christians we know that Jesus is a rock and that he remains the same yesterday, today, and forever! We can put our trust in him and pray about all of these situations in his name. We ask, Lord, that you bring comfort to the people of Dominica, whose homes have been wrecked by the hurricane; and to the people impacted by the earthquake in Mexico. We lift our voices for the Virgin Islands and for Puerto Rico as they brace for the impending storm. Protect life and give strength and provide comfort! Use these situations to bring people to you. We also pray for the situation regarding North Korea. We ask for peace, Lord! Nothing is impossible for you. We’re not going to be anxious. We’re going to bring these requests before you with thanksgiving in our hearts and we’re going to believe in you. Turn these situations around so the world will know there is a living God! In Jesus' name, Amen!"

We also have some people at our church going through health issues right now. I ask for prayer for them. Thank you.

Devotion

The assurance provided by the Truth in today's devotion met me today. We've been talking about being dependent on God alone in times of trial, and today's words remind us that there is nothing else that can provide the peace and assurance that God's Truth can. Have a Wonderful Wednesday ladies!

p.s. six boys??!!!


Meeting Our “Night Seasons” with Truth


“I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.”
Psalm 16:7 (NKJV)

I unexpectedly awoke at 3 a.m. and was quite unhappy about it.

Now that all six of my boys were older and sleeping through the night, waking up worried about things I couldn’t do anything about came as an indicator to my heart that my current season of strain and busyness was taking its toll.

As I tried to fall back asleep, my mind raced.

Uninvited thoughts and lists of all the unfinished and unwanted situations in my life rolled through my head. And, as it is with most middle-of-the-night awakenings, all the concerns seemed unfathomably difficult and impossible to reconcile. Incoherent sentences beginning with What if … and Don’t forget to … filled my mind as I tried to find solutions for …

The wayward child.
The wounded friendship.
The overwhelming inbox.
The routines still not implemented with the kids.
That thing she said that really hurt.
The unexpected prognosis.
The disappointment that remains.
The anxious heart. (Oh! To be anxious about having an anxious heart!)

We know where our anxious thoughts lead when our feelings and circumstances inform them, don’t we?

Nowhere productive.

Problems aren’t solved, tasks go unaccomplished and fears do not subside. Try as we might, we simply can’t worry or think our way to rest.

But, in those dark hours of the night, and other times since, I remembered God’s Word afresh …

  • There is no true rest apart from resting in who He is, our shield. “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:3, ESV).

  • There is no assurance apart from rehearsing the truth that we are His. “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his” (Psalm 100:3a, ESV).

  • There is no better response than to pray with thanks. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, ESV).

  • There is no safer place than to remember His provision. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8, ESV).

Sometimes the night reveals what we’re too comfortable to recognize in the light, and we admit our need. Those night seasons help me take God’s Word seriously, apply it to my life and realize God loves me enough to wake me up that I might draw close to Him and ask Him for help.

Sometimes the Lord allows difficult seasons that offer no answers or solutions, so we might find ourselves wholly submitted to Him, trusting in His care, dependent on His leading. Would we take the assurance of His Word as a lifeline otherwise? In the vulnerability of night, God draws our hearts to His when we have nowhere to run, nothing to distract and nobody else to hear us but Him.

What small or great need do you have today? Preach the truth of God’s Word to your own heart, friend … and trust that the restlessness or weariness in your current season is the very place He’s choosing to show you the relief and rest only He can provide.

Dear Lord, help me to want Your provision more than I desire my own solutions. Forgive me when I forget Your promise to both save and sustain me. Whether You remind me of Your Word in the night or by day, let me find rest in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Ruth Chou Simons

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (ESV)

Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (ESV)

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Tuesday Devotion

9/19/2017

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Good morning ladies. The birds are chirping and we have our windows open once again. So nice. Yesterday was actually downright cold. Not cold like we'll get in a few months or anything, but just chilling to the bones. Possibly because of the rain. Definitely a 'hot chocolate with extra marshmallows' kind of day! It also gets me in the mood to make soup. Minnesota chicken wild rice sounds good to me. Mmm. What are some comforts you look to in this kind of weather?

Devotion
 
No offense my Pennsylvania friends, but the story at the beginning of today's devotion brings back memories of driving in PA. You'll see what I mean. But I also like how she relates the key verse to us and gives us ideas of how to connect with lost people. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies! 

“Help Me Find My Way”

“But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with such scum?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.’”
Luke 5:30-32 (NLT)

I was a city girl who married a country guy. Though I had been married for nearly two years and lived on a farm, I still struggled with country directions.

Go north for about two miles. Turn where the old mill used to be. Go down the dirt road until you hit a fork, then turn back east.

I needed street signs and a city grid. And that mill? How in the world was that a helpful landmark when it was torn down 10 years earlier?

More often than not I’d miss a turnoff, then get hopelessly lost down a dusty dirt road. I’d arrive home in tears, telling my husband to forget forks and Y’s or north or south. Give me clear direction. Tell me to turn right or left, or give a street name or address. Tell me an approximate number of miles, because “as the crow flies” doesn’t mean a thing if you’re not a crow.

In Luke 5, we find a man named Levi (also known as Matthew) who’s also desperately lost — spiritually lost. Though Levi’s family had deep religious roots, he was tangled in sin.

Levi encountered Jesus earlier that day, and Jesus invited Himself to Levi’s home. The religious rulers were angry because they didn’t like Jesus sitting at Levi’s table. They believed there was a specific way to talk to sinners, and going to their house wasn’t included in that methodology. They angrily confronted Jesus’ disciples, demanding to know what Jesus was doing:

“But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with such scum?’” (Luke 5:30)

Though they aimed their question at His disciples, it’s Jesus who responds. Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do” (Luke 5:31b).

Jesus wasn’t following the Pharisee’s rules, but He was fulfilling His Father’s mission. Jesus was sent to rescue the lost, and Levi was sin-sick. He was so far down the wrong road that he couldn’t find his way back.

While the Pharisees saw a lost cause, Jesus saw a potential miracle.

There’s hope in this story for all of us, but by His example, Jesus reveals how we can help those who feel lost.

Break bread together.

“Breaking bread” is an old-fashioned term, but it’s talking over a cup of coffee. It’s inviting a mom to let your kids play together at the park.

It’s getting to know someone — who they are, what they’ve experienced — before telling them what you think they should be doing or not doing. Jesus broke bread with Levi, which opened a door to a relationship, which led to a life-changing conversation.

Be who you are.

The Pharisees worried that if they spent time with someone who was lost, they’d be less than holy. Jesus had no intention of being infected with sin. He wanted to bring medicine to those who were sick. When Jesus sat at Levi’s table, His love for those around the table was genuine, but so was His love for His Father.

When we’re authentic to our faith and who we are, God’s presence joins in. Our words and actions reflect who He is, no matter the situation or who’s with us.

Remember what it feels like.

History tells us Levi left his old life (Luke 5:28) and followed Jesus. He eventually mentored others, helping them find their way too. My guess is Levi never forgot how it felt when Jesus walked into his home and into his life.

When we meet someone who’s lost, let’s try to remember: What did we need when we felt hopelessly lost?

Rather than toss out a Scripture or a catchy statement, let’s slow down. Have a conversation. Learn a little more about that person whom Jesus loves so much. Let’s discover how she found herself in that lost place, and then walk toward Jesus together.

Dear Jesus, there are people who don’t know You, and You love them and reach for them. Thank You for the times You stopped to help someone (like me) find the way to a new life. Help me follow Your example. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Luke 15:5-6, “And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’” (NIV)

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Monday Devotion

9/18/2017

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Good morning ladies. Is it just me, or does it really feel like a Monday today? It could be because the days are getting shorter and the mornings are not quite so bright when I wake up, but it just seems like one of those days that might take awhile to get going. How was your weekend? Since we were here last I think the temperature dropped about 20 degrees! I'm actually enjoying the cooler air. How about you? My weekend went a little bit differently than planned, but that's how it is for now. I was able to get the training in on Saturday, since everyone else was nice enough to come here to the apartment. I thought I'd be able to make it to church on Sunday, but I still seem to forget how much exertion it takes to get ready and go out. My hip is still doing well, but my energy level has taken a beating. Like I said, it's so hard to rest all the time. I feel blessed though that God is healing me and I'll finally be back on track with my hip.

Devotion

Have you ever found yourself waiting for something in your life? Well, of course, we all have, but I mean something big, maybe something significant. We wonder why it is taking God so long to answer us, but He alone knows the perfect timing for everything in our lives. Have a Meaningful Monday ladies!


“When God Seems Late”

“Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
Genesis 18:14 (NIV)

I rubbed my eyes and looked again, but the scene before me hadn’t changed.

I had just pulled into a fast food drive-thru and now realized the cause of the long line and delay. There was a man driving a tractor ordering at the speaker!

Those of us who’ve lived in rural areas know tractors on the road are a fact of life. However, just being “the norm” doesn’t make them any less irritating if you’re in a hurry. Recently, I was in a rush as I followed a tractor down a narrow two-lane road. Once my patience was stretched to its limit, I completely lost it and started yelling, “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” Amazingly, my impatience didn’t speed up the procession at all.

How many times have I approached God’s timing the same way? God rarely operates at a pace that pleases me, and I want Him to hurry, hurry, hurry! I’ve prayed impatient prayers for a job, for marriage, for children and even a greater understanding of His Word.

Just this week, I found myself reminding God that I’m about to have a significant birthday … as if He’d forgotten. There’s a dream in my heart that feels like it has an expiration date, so I was pleading with God to fulfill it quickly, before my bones are too creaky to do what I know He’s called me to do.

There was a woman in the Bible who also felt past her prime and had trouble with God’s timing. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, felt impatient just like I feel impatient. After waiting 10 years for the baby God had promised her (Genesis 12-21), Sarah decided to help God hurry. Surely 10 years was too long for anybody to wait, she likely reasoned.

So Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to her husband, and the two of them had a child. Even our modern-day television dramas don’t hold a candle to what ensued! It turned out “helping” didn’t help, and the promise still wasn’t fulfilled.

Fourteen years later, Sarah and Abraham had a visitor who reminded them of God’s promise, causing Sarah to laugh out loud and say, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” (Genesis 18:12b, NIV)

Do you hear your disbelief and questions about God’s timing echoed in Sarah’s? I hear mine. Now, Lord? I thought this would happen years ago. Aren’t You just a little late?

God answered Sarah’s question in a way that answers ours, too. “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:14).

Less than a year later, Isaac, the child whom God had promised 25 years before, was born. God was not late. His timing was perfect. It was Sarah who had been in a hurry, but God called Isaac’s birthday “the appointed time.”

According to the dictionary, “appointed” means “predetermined; arranged; set.” Isaac’s birth came at the exact time God had planned all along!

God may seem like a tractor in the road, slowing down our dreams, but He knows the entirety of our story from beginning to end. He also knows how our story weaves into the lives of others. We may be tapping our watches, but He is never late. He may seem slow, but He’s always right on time. God Himself holds the appointed time in His hands.

Has God made a promise to you that seems delayed? Has He planted a dream in your heart that has not yet come to pass? You can see I’ve struggled with impatience too, but let’s stand together in confident hope! God is faithful, and we can rely on His perfect timing.

Dear God, sometimes I don’t understand Your timing. It’s hard to wait, but I trust You. I want to rely on Your ways, Your thoughts and Your perfect timing. Help me learn what I need to learn as I wait, and help me resist rushing Your plan. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Amy Carroll

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 130:5, “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (NIV)

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Wednesday Devotion

9/13/2017

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Good morning ladies. How are you today? Are you busy into the things of the new season? Our launch of the "Matthew 28:19 Disciple-Making Ministries Night" begins tonight. We start with dinner, followed by breaking off into groups. The kids and teens have their ministries, and the adults who want to be a part of a discipleship group ministry will have an opportunity. We've been using the book by Francis Chan called, "Multiply." Some of us have already been doing one-on-one discipleship, but this gives others, who might work better in a group setting, to be a part of this important aspect of ministry.

I would like to tell you I have a list of things that I plan to accomplish today, but it's back to sitting for awhile. Crocheting, reading, .... I get up and walk off and on too. This apartment is longer, so it's a bit easier to walk before having to turn around, but it doesn't have the advantage that the one in Maplewood had with its long hallways. I think maybe this afternoon I'd like to get out of the house for a bit.

Prayer & Praise

Let's be in prayer for all of those affected by the hurricanes, earthquake, and the wild fires. So many people are suffering right now. It's overwhelming to think about how we can even help, but we can all do something. And especially--PRAY!

Devotion

Although I love Psalm 23, it's not easy to face the fact that we will go through "valleys" in this life. The good part, however, is that God will personally be with us when we go through them. Have a great day and make it a Wonderful Wednesday ladies!

“Going Through Life’s Valleys”

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalm 23:4a (NLT)

In life, we all certainly like mountaintop experiences better than valleys — the air is clean, the sun is shining, and the view is amazing. But the truth is, we’re going to go through valleys. It’s inevitable. You’ve observed that, haven’t you?

Jesus didn’t want us to be surprised by difficult times, so just before He died on the cross, He warned us, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33b, NLT). “You will have …” means it’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that you can’t plan valleys or schedule them. Who’s ever had a flat tire or a root canal at a good time?

But be encouraged that valleys are temporary; they do have an end. And valleys have a purpose. God never wastes our pain.

The apostle Peter wrote, “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (1 Peter 1:6b-7, NLT).

When God assured Moses He would be with him as he led the Israelites to the Promised Land, God said, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest — everything will be fine for you” (Exodus 33:14b, NLT). I love Moses’ reply: “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place” (Exodus 33:15b, NLT). Amen, Moses — that’s exactly how I feel about going to strange, new places too.

What encourages me is that God never asks me to go through a valley alone.

Notice in our key verse that David, the one who wrote Psalm 23, refused to be filled with fear in the dark valleys, because God was with him in a very real and personal way: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” (Psalm 23:4a)

Earlier in this psalm, David’s comments about God are in the third person — the LORD is my shepherd … He makes me lie down … He leads me… He refreshes my soul … He guides me.

But when David gets to the dark valley, he switches to second person: “for you are with me” (v. 4). That’s oh so personal. It’s as if David sees the darkness ahead, and he reaches out for God’s hand. What a comfort to put our hand in God’s hand, as we take a step into the dark!

Pastor, writer and Bible teacher Andrew Murray once encouraged us to say: “I am here --

1. By God’s appointment.
2. In His keeping.
3. Under His training.
4. For His time.”

Thank You, Lord, for that truth!

Lord, help me keep my eyes on You, not the painful circumstances I’m facing — not on my problem but on Your power. Thank You that You are with me and will never leave me. Here’s my hand. Please hold it tightly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Darlene Sala

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Hebrews 13:5b, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”(NLT)

2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (NLT)

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Tuesday Devotion

9/12/2017

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Good morning ladies. I hope you're all having a great day so far. Thank you for your patience and understanding over the past few weeks. It certainly has been a bit of a whirlwind for me. The good part is that I feel like I was hardly even in the hospital. Compared to last time, this is a gift! I'm still doing well. The nights are a bit harder because of positioning. I have more pain when I lay down flat, plus I'm worried that I will do something wrong. I think I still have some fear of dislocating it. Even with the pillow between my legs, I can't get very comfortable. I've moved to the recliner a few nights, which helps me to be in a better position. Both the nurse and the physical therapist were very pleased with my progress. The PT told me that she rarely has a 'perfect' patient, but I was her perfect patient for this year! What?! I've never earned that title before but I'll take it. She was referring to my organization with my exercise charts and also liked how I was achieving everything. Okay....go me!! She didn't think I would need any more visits since I know what I'm doing, but she also wants to make sure I'm doing what my surgeon wants as well. At one point he told me we'd be taking things slowly in the PT department. So, we'll see. The nurse will continue to come out twice a week to draw blood and to get my vitals, at least for a few weeks. So, that's my little update.

Devotion

Today's devotion reveals the advantages of keeping a prayer journal. Are you someone who enjoys this kind of thing? I know I've kept a journal of this sort in the past and I can see how it's a helpful practice. I like her idea of leaving a blank space to come back later and write in how God answered that prayer. I'm excited to go on her website today to download the free journal pages. It's a good way to get started. Have a Terrific Tuesday ladies!

“3 Steps to Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness”

“He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:3 (NASB)

What would we learn? What would happen next?

Tears welled in my eyes and sadness overwhelmed me as I thought of the pain my loved one experienced just beyond the doctor’s doors. The emotional turmoil my youngest daughter was enduring not only caused her hurt; my heart was breaking, too.

Why were we experiencing this heartache? Our trouble made me uneasy. I second-guessed the decisions we’d already made as her parents, and I was even more unsure about those decisions we still needed to make.

Did my parenting play a part in all her pain?

My confidence was draining right onto the cold tile floor.

As I sat in the waiting room, I had another decision to make. What would I do with these defeating thoughts?

I reflected back to that morning when I’d opened my prayer journal.

I keep a diary of my prayers to the Lord. The pages are filled with names of loved ones as prayers to God go out for them. I write out my concerns, cares and confidence-challenging situations. I also write down verses that build my trust and faith in God. They remind me God hears me and will answer my prayers.

When the answered prayer comes, I write it and date it in red ink so the answer stands out boldly. Going back and reviewing my history with God reinforces my confidence in Him and reminds me I can keep going, no matter what challenges I face.

I remind myself of what David wrote in the Psalms: “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3).

Going against all the fears in my heart, I began to reflect on the faithfulness of God in my past. It felt completely unnatural, but slowly, as I reminded my spirit how God has been with me and with the one I love, my faith began to rise.

In that moment at the doctor’s office, God didn’t solve all of my daughter’s health issues. But He gave me a renewed sense of hope that I could trust Him no matter what we were facing.

So the next time you’re going through a challenge, grab your journal, and take these three steps to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness:

1. Write out the date and what’s going on to cause you to feel fearful. The Bible says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). For me, this was the doctor’s visit.

2. Next, write out a Bible verse or several, next to your fear to give you hope. If I use the doctor’s visit as an example here, a powerful verse is, “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures” (Psalm 119:90, NIV).

3. Now the hard part: Leave the third step blank. Believe in faith that God will answer your prayer … but trust it’ll happen in His time. And when He does answer it, come back and write it here with a bold red pen! Writing out faith-filled verses, along with your answers to prayer, is the simplest of ways to rehearse God’s faithfulness to you, too!

When we remind our forgetful hearts and minds how much God has proven His care for us, a bold trust builds. We can see how God has worked good into our lives and in the lives of others before, and we can fully trust He wants to do it again!

Remind your heart: What you’re facing is a challenge. It isn’t defeat, but challenges in life are an opportunity for God to show His faithfulness.

I’m ready to see it again. Aren’t you?

Dear Lord, when life is hard and my confidence is in question, help me remember to look back and see Your faithfulness to me in the past. No matter how I feel, may I remind myself, You will not allow my foot to slip! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lynn Cowell

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 86:15, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 7:9, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” (NIV)

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