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Daily Devotion

10/26/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tim Tebow

“Knowing Whose You Are Changes Everything”


“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8 (NASB)

I remember that night like it was yesterday.

I sat numbed, staring at a powered-off TV, replaying a conversation that aired in real life that morning. One that sucker-punched me to the core.

“We’re letting you go,” said the coaches of the New England Patriots, guys I admired and respected. This wasn’t the first time I’d been cut. It was the third time I was told I couldn’t do what I’d dreamed of doing since I was a little boy--play quarterback.

That night, I stared into blank space pleading with God, “I thought we had this. I thought You had a plan in mind! What’s the deal?”

I had no job. No car. No home. And I didn’t have a clue what the future held.

I’m not saying getting cut multiple times from different NFL football teams is the end of the world or the worst thing that can happen to a person, but it shook my identity quite a bit. And it definitely made me wrestle with doubt about God’s plan and purpose for my life.

You may or may not relate to football, but I bet there was a time, or two, in your life when you faced a storm that turned your world upside down. Maybe a dream you worked so hard to fulfill flopped. Or your once rock-solid marriage starting crumbling. Or the cancer came back. Or something you were positive God put on your heart to do didn’t quite turn out the way you expected.

I’ve learned that in these times of disappointment, failure or loss we need to be grounded in our identity in Jesus Christ. Sometimes we cave into cultural or societal pressure and allow the things of this world to define us--like what we look like, what kind of car is parked in our garage, what title we hold at the office, how much money is in our bank account, our marriage, how well our kids are doing, how many followers or likes we have on social media.

But as Jesus followers, none of these things define us. If they did, each one of us would be left questioning our identity, because let’s be real … the material stuff doesn’t last.

Looks fade. Financial situations change. Jobs come and go, friends and followers, too.

So who are we? Maybe the better question is, Whose are we? We are children of God. We were created by Love, in love and for love. And because we belong to Him, we can endure even the toughest of times. This is what our key verse, Psalm 16:8, tells us, “I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

When life throws us curve balls or shatters into tiny bits before our eyes, it’s easy to doubt ourselves, God’s plan, even God Himself. But when we’re hurt, disappointed or frustrated by the negative side of thwarted plans, crushed dreams and painful losses, we can still hold on to God’s truth.

We can set the Lord continually before us. We can choose over and over to trust God and believe He’s still got a plan for our lives, even when we don’t have a clue what that is. We may feel shaken by emotions and circumstances, but we’ll always have Someone to hold on to. Someone who will never, ever let us go.

When you know Whose you are, it changes everything.

Dear Jesus, Thank you that You are my Father and I am Your child. Thank You that I am not defined by the world or by others, but by You. Remind me in times of doubt or confusion that You have a plan and a purpose for my life. And that no matter what comes my way, my faith will stand because You will never let me go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

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Daily Devotion

10/25/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Stacey Thacker

“When Lies Take Your Heart Captive”

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV)

Tolerable. This coffee will have to do today. I knew I was beyond the point of hoping for a better brew as I grabbed the Styrofoam cup and pushed the button on the coffee machine in the hospital waiting room.

I swirled an unusual amount of creamer and the contents of several tiny yellow packets into my cup and sipped twice before making my way back to my chair.

My daughter snuggled close as I wrapped one arm around her and held my lukewarm, barely tolerable cup of brown water at a distance. We were waiting, once again, for tests we prayed would give us solid answers. We were also waiting for the sun to come up; I wasn’t sure either was going to happen today.

My mind ran backward over days and weeks of discovering and managing her chronic illness. The intensity had been relentless. To top it off, I was worn thin from being awake all night and fighting a raging battle in my heart. The conversation went something like this:

How could you not know she was sick? What can I do to fix it? A good mom would know the answers. What is wrong with you?

I returned to the present moment when our name was finally called, and soon a group of nurses settled my daughter in pre-op. With a few seconds to breathe, I looked at my phone, which seemed like a safe place to rest my eyes. I was surprised to see multiple messages from friends.

First I heard Liz’s voice.

“Stacey, I believe the Lord wants me to tell you right now, ‘You are a good mom.’”

My hand went to my mouth and I lowered my head in disbelief. How did she know I needed to hear these exact words in this moment? I bit my lip to keep from dissolving into an ugly cry. It worked--barely. She couldn’t have known the enemy was ambushing my heart, working to convince me I should win the award for worst mom of the year.

Other lies had piled on as well. The accuser lied that my mess was too much for my friends … and too much for Jesus too.

While a current was pulling me under and away from shore, Liz’s words pulled me out and brought me in just in time. When I stopped to consider what she said, the Lord reminded me that even though I was tempted to hide in the middle of my fresh-out-of-amazing moment and let the enemy take my heart captive, Jesus was not having it. My mess was not too much for Him. He was right there with me the whole time.

And my friends? They were loving and supporting me as well.

I may not know what the future holds with my daughter’s chronic illness, but as we continue to make slow progress, I will hold these powerful truths close to my heart.

“Maybe you can relate on some level.” Do you think your mess is too much for Jesus? Are you wrapped in a bunch of lies about your own inadequacies that weigh you down and wear you out?

Can I encourage you with this thought? Jesus doesn’t sit across the table from you or me saying the situation is beyond His pay grade. He leans in close, looks into our eyes, and says, “I will not cast you off, sweet girl. Not ever.”

Jesus is our patient friend. Sometimes He speaks boldly through our sisters in Christ. Other times, He speaks directly to us with truth from His Word. Either way, when you’re tempted to believe one lie, or maybe three, charge back with God’s truth instead.

Every thought. Every emotion. Every lie. Take them captive to obey Christ. Replace them with truth. When we do, they have no chance.

Dear God, nothing is impossible for You. Thank You for speaking words of truth over our hearts in the most loving and compassionate way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Psalm 147:5, “Our LORD is great. Nothing is impossible with His overwhelming power. He is loving, compassionate, and wise beyond all measure.” (VOICE)

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Daily Devotion

10/24/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Leah DiPascal

“When the Struggles of Life Knock You Over”


“When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, ‘Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.’ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.”
Luke 13:12-13 (NIV)

She heard His voice but couldn’t see Him clearly. The surrounding crowds had blocked her view.

Bent over at the waist and unable to stand up straight, she strained to get a good glimpse of Him. Then, unexpectedly, He’d called her forward.

I imagine her heart was racing as she slowly shuffled her way to the front of the synagogue.

Why would Jesus single her out of the crowd? Was He going to make a spectacle of her brokenness? Or expose her deepest pain and darkest secrets?

As the crowds around her murmured, each step toward Jesus felt as if she were lugging the weight of the world behind her.

For 18 years, her body had been crippled. Eighteen long, exhausting years.

She certainly had plenty of reasons not to go to the synagogue that Sabbath morning. Why subject herself to the possible harsh stares and hurtful comments? Yet she was there, listening intently to the teachings of Jesus.

She didn’t say a word. She didn’t try to get His attention. She simply stood in His presence, soaking in the life-giving statements that gave her hope in the midst of her hopeless situation.

But Jesus saw her. Jesus had compassion for her. Jesus loved and wanted to heal her. And in one swift statement, those 18 long, exhausting years came to a screeching halt.

“Woman, you are set free from your infirmity” (Luke 13:12b).

With the gentle touch of His hands, warmth flowed through her body, and she suddenly realized she was standing upright. She no longer strained to get a glimpse of Jesus … she now saw Him face to face.

With a burst of joy, bondage gave way to freedom and she exhaled in worshipful praise and adoration to her Lord. Her healer. Her bondage breaker.

Scripture doesn’t tell us her name, but I think we all can relate to this woman in one way or another. Maybe you see a small part of her story that rings true in your own life, connecting you though years separate. Could it be:

  • An ailment that physically restricts your body and makes you feel weak?
  • A spiritual battle keeping you in bondage to the enemy?
  • An unwanted flaw that draws painful attention and hurtful comments from others?
  • A heavy heart filled with shattered dreams and stinging emotions?
  • A burden you carry, causing you to shuffle through life feeling alone, unwanted or disposable?

Whatever has made your life seem long and exhausting, Jesus can repair it by His powerful presence, His comforting words and His healing touch.

He loves you. He longs to be gracious to you. He rises to show compassion so you can stand upright again.

Assured. Secure. Enveloped in His comforting embrace.

You are never lost in the crowd because you have captivated Jesus’ heart. His gaze is always fixed on you.

He sees your pain. He’s aware of your affliction. He knows your struggles.

Like the woman in the synagogue, come as you are--with all that makes you feel less than. Draw near to Jesus, soak in His life-giving Word and wait expectantly to hear Him speak freedom over your situation:

“Woman, you are set free from your infirmity” (Luke 13:12b). Jesus did it for her … and He can do it for you too!

Lord, I come to You today and lay all my burdens at Your feet. Take the emotional and mental weight I’ve been carrying so that I can stand upright again. Draw near to me. Heal me. Free me. I want to live assured, secure and continuously aware of Your loving embrace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Isaiah 30:18, “The LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (NIV)

Psalm 145:14, “The LORD supports all who fall, and lifts up all who are bent over.” (NET)

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October 19, 2016

10/19/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Liz Curtis Higgs

“Still Learning How to Be Still”

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’”
Psalm 46:10a (NIV)


Here’s the truth: The word still--as in “don’t move”--is not in my vocabulary. Stand still? Sit still? Lie still? Nope. I shift from foot to foot or wriggle in my chair or flip back and forth in bed every two minutes, searching for a more comfortable position.

So when God says, “Be still,” I know I’m in trouble. The words may sound soothing, but in Scripture they’re a gentle but firm reproof. “Calm down” (CEV), He says. “That’s enough!” (CEB). At the time these words were written, God was speaking very pointedly to His battle-prone people. “Stop fighting” (ERV), He told them, “cease striving” (NASB) and “desist” (YLT).

Okay, then.

It’s clear that in our own daily battles we’re to lay down our weapons and trust God for the victory, believing it will come in His perfect timing and according to His flawless plan. In the meantime, He tells us to rest in Him and “let go of your concerns!” (GW)

We nod in agreement even as we hang on to those concerns with both hands. If we don’t fret over our children’s future, who will? If we don’t worry about our parents’ health, who will? If we don’t agonize over life’s disappointments, big and small, who will?

He will. That’s what God wants us to understand.

Only when we stop moving and stop striving can we recognize the truth about God: He is in control.

No matter how crazy our world gets--and it’s definitely getting crazier by the minute--God is still in His heaven, and His good and perfect will is certain to prevail.

When our verse continues, “know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a), He’s reminding us who He is and what He can do. The creator of all things--including all humanity--knows how to calm our hearts, ease our minds and guide our lives in the right direction.

In the meantime, our calling is simple. Be still. Believe. Be ready.

One autumn morning my husband and I breezed along a country road, taking my new car for a spin. It was a beautiful Thursday, not a cloud in the sky, not a troublesome thought on our minds.

Without warning, a car coming from the opposite direction swerved into our lane and headed straight for us. Several cars were in front of him, so he couldn’t get back in line. The road had no shoulder, no passing lane and no obvious way we could escape a head-on collision.

Three words pounded in my heart. Be still. Know.

With only a split second to act, I dove into the grassy embankment and steered around a telephone pole, a large electrical transformer, an enormous tree and one very long white fence.

When I finally braked to a stop without hitting any of the above, I was amazingly calm. No tears, no trauma, no trembling hands.

Another car that had also been forced off the road pulled up behind us. “Are you okay?” the anxious driver wanted to know.

“Fine,” we both assured her, blinking at each other in astonishment. We were fine. So was our car. Clearly, the Lord had spared us. While I was being still, He was steering.

Does this mean in our day-to-day lives we should take our hands off the wheel, kick back, take a nap, trust God? Not quite. Our hands must stay on the wheel, at the computer, in the laundry basket. Wherever our day finds us, we need to be fully engaged.

But when worries come, we can lift them up to God. When adversaries appear, we can let God handle them. For God to change how we live, He first must change how we think. Step one? Be still.

Lord, help us be still and not strive, to stand in place without pacing in circles. Help us sit calmly and wait for the promised victory that is in Your able hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (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)

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Daily Devotion

10/18/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Beth Moore

“RE”: The Most Beautiful Prefix in History

“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Isaiah 44:22 (ESV)

I have no memory of life before hearing the name Jesus.

I was in a crib in the church nursery by the third Sunday after I was born, just like my three older siblings. While our home rocked and quaked with systemic problems that could never get resolved, my parents refused to pull the rug of church out from under our feet.

Some might have called it hypocrisy to keep showing up while all that was going on at home. We would have called it survival.

My adolescence was a knot of inconsistencies. I had a heart for God and a bent for destruction that would tangle within me miserably for years. Because the Holy Spirit does His job, I could never stay in sin. But then I could never stay out of it.

Let’s just say sometimes both limbs have to be broken for the lame to learn to walk. By my early thirties--as blessed as I was, as much as I had, as many as I loved--I would’ve either destroyed my own life or taken it except for one thing: Jesus just kept picking me back up.

It was right there, curled up in a fetal position, bloody from the ugly birth of freedom, I finally gave in to the One who wouldn’t give up.

I could list you a thousand things I love about Jesus. A hundred things that still stir me with wonder but nothing pools tears in my eyes more often than His penchant for doing a thing again and again.

And again.

I don’t think any prefix in the English Bible could be more beautiful than “re.” Two little letters that simply mean: “again.” God appears to have a particular affinity for “re” verbs. For instance, “return to me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22, ESV). It looks like He’d just turn His back on us when we turn our backs on Him, but He doesn’t. Instead He echoes throughout Scripture, “Return to me!”

“Again, Lord? For the fiftieth time? Aren’t You sick of my coming and going yet?”

“Again!” He says.

Return. You’ll find that one “re” verb over 400 times in the Bible.

But that’s not the only fabulous “re” verb in the Bible. Here’s a list of some of my favorites (with emphasis added in bold).

There’s renew: “They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31a, ESV).

And revive: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15b, ESV).

And restore: “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3a, ESV).

And repair. Oh, and rebuild and sometimes in the same verse: “In that day ‘I will restore David’s fallen shelter--I will repair its broken walls and restore its ruins--and will rebuild it as it used to be’” (Amos 9:11, NIV).

And replant: “I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it” (Ezekiel 36:36b, ESV).

Astonishingly, there appears to be no limit to what God will lovingly and lavishly redo and refresh for those simply willing to return and repent.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago” (Acts 3:19-21, ESV).

Simon Peter is Exhibit A for those of us in Christ who could use a redo.

“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren’” (Luke 22:31-32, NKJV).

You might call that Pete and Re-Pete.

So, you blew it again? Been rejected again? Been broken again? Fallen in that trap again? Been foolish again? Faithless again? I know a Savior willing to put you back together again.

Go back to Jesus. Yes, you get to return, because “re” is the most beautiful prefix in history.

Our all-glorious God and Father, we are awed by Your grace, patience and love. Thank You for the endless power of resurrection because of the cross of Christ. Apply it to us lavishly this day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Zechariah 1:3 “Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (NIV)

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Daily Devotion

10/17/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller

“I Don’t Want to Forget”


“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3 (NIV)


When I walk through the door he points his finger at me, a confused smile on his face.

“And you are …?”

“I’m your favorite daughter-in-law, and don’t you forget it,” I say, laughing. It’s an old joke, but it’s new to him every single time.

My once strong patriarchal father-in-law has Alzheimer’s disease. It’s been a 10-year journey. Like a chalkboard that is slowly erased, his memories of us have faded away.

Recently we traveled to stay with him. As we were leaving, he pulled my husband, Richard, aside.

“Do I know you?” he asked.

“I’m your oldest son,” Richard said one more time.

His dad pulled a tattered wallet from his pocket and drew out a $20 bill. With tears he said, “Take this. You’ve been a good son.”

Richard left the money with his mom, but took something far more precious with him.

For a moment, his dad remembered.

My father-in-law’s struggle has taught us the power of remembering. Though my father-in-law’s memory has been stolen by disease, there are other things that rob us of that gift.

Sometimes I allow one painful moment to rob me of memories. A friend says something insensitive, or I argue with a loved one, and poof! All the good memories we’ve ever shared disappear, as I concentrate on that incident and build a case against her.

There are times I allow busyness to steal memories. I pile appointments on my calendar, forgetting that it’s just as valuable to play or talk with those around me.

There are seasons where I’ve wished away my memories: I can’t wait until they get older. I can’t wait until it’s spring. I can’t wait until I accomplish that goal. I can’t wait until things get easier.

In every season of life there are memories in the making. Like those of God’s faithfulness.

Memories I’ll treasure as I run a finger across a photo. Memories of trusting God in every step of a new adventure.

When the book of Philippians was penned, it was a letter. As was the custom at that time, the first few lines of Paul’s letter was actually the “wrap-up.” A writer would pen the letter, finish it and then go back and write the first few lines as a summary.

This was Paul’s summary of his beautiful letter to the church of Philippi:

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:1-3, NIV).

Many of the letters Paul wrote aimed to fix problems or remind a church to follow Jesus. This letter is different; Paul is in chains as he writes. The believers in Philippi offered support for Paul’s ministry during his imprisonment. They made a difficult time bearable, and that brought Paul joy.

The wrap-up was to simply say, “I thank God every time I remember you.”

I wonder what might happen in my own life if I focused on the wrap-up first.

Sure, we had an argument, but when I look at the big picture so many good memories are there. Let’s work through this.

Yes, life is busy, but when I look at what matters, memories will trump accomplishments. So let’s slow it down a bit and just enjoy the moment.

Yes, this season is hard, but maybe I’ll consider what God is doing in the midst of this season instead of wishing it away.

When we last saw my father-in-law, he was singing a song from his childhood. It was another rare moment. I’ll never forget his smile when we sang the last line with him.

Remembering is a valuable gift. Help us, Lord, to make, protect and treasure those sweet memories.

Dear Lord, help me remember the good in people. Help me remember what is important. Help me not to wish my life away, but to see the precious memories in each season. And, may I always remember Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Psalm 77:11, “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” (KJV)

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Daily Devotion

10/13/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lysa TerKeurst

“Where I Really Fall Short”

“LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”
Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)

Can I admit something to you on this cold fall day? It’s not pretty. It’s not something I’m proud of. And it’s certainly not something I want highlighted about my life.

But, I must share just in case it might help you: Sometimes I struggle trusting God with my kids.

There’s just something so hard about this for me. Though I say it with my mouth and I posture my attitude to give off the appearance of complete trust, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of fully living like I trust God with my kids, I fall short.

I worry.

I get incredibly anxious.

I make lots of suggestions to God on their behalf.

I try to keep things in their world calm, free of hurt and on track toward some “best plan” I’ve imagined for them.

It’s like I gather up my people in my arms and tell God, “See? I’ve got it all worked out. Now, if You’ll just bless all this. Don’t mess with it, just bless it. And life will be good.”

Like I said, I’m not proud of this.

I could go on a little tangent right here and justify the great love of a mother and how God has woven into our very DNA this fierce desire to protect our young and care for them at all costs.

But there’s this little prick in my heart because I know how very limited my efforts are. In every way my efforts are faulty and fragile.

Therefore, I’m learning, slowly, how to grab hold of the only plan that is foolproof with my kids--truly entrusting them to the Lord.

The very best thing a mom can ever do is to recognize only God is good at being God. I’m finally getting this. And it’s helping me get out of His way.

For example, if it were up to me, my daughter Ashley would have never ever gone to the college she chose. I could give you a list a mile long why she should absolutely, positively, never ever, under any circumstances go to that school.

But God.

He had a plan I never could have imagined.

He had a woman behind the scenes whom I didn’t even know at the school praying for my daughter.

He had friends waiting to love her.

He had small group leaders waiting to show her how to have a real relationship with Jesus.

He had a church family waiting to become one of the most favorite parts of her life. And He had a young man with the biggest heart and cutest hair you ever did see waiting to fall in love with her and make her a preacher’s wife.

When she left for college, I couldn’t have seen any of this. I couldn’t have imagined any of this. I couldn’t even sense the tiniest part of any of this.

That’s why it’s crucial for me to trust God. Because heaven knows He is much better at arranging things than I am.

My best job as a mom is to be obedient to God. God’s job is everything else.

I must trust Him to lead me as I lead them to trust Him. I know that’s a mouthful. But honestly, the best way to protect my kids is to show them what it looks like to trust God for themselves.

Almost two years to the day that I sat on my bed crying about my daughter going to this college so far away, I watched her walk down the aisle to marry a young man I love.

A young man she met because she walked in God’s plan. And His plan was so very good.

His plan hasn’t been without ups and downs. But through it all, God really showed me how much better He is at arranging life than I am. And He has moved me to a place where Isaiah 25:1 is truly the cry of my heart: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”

Yes. God is good.

And only God is good at being God.

Father God, You know all of the things I desperately want to control. I’m scared but today I’m ready to give You these areas and walk in trust. I know You won’t arrange things according to my plan. And I’m actually thankful for that. Because I finally recognize Your plan will be so much better. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Proverbs 19:21, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” (NLT)

Isaiah 46:9, “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.” (NLT)

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Daily Devotion

10/12/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Arlene Pellicane

“Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Tongue”

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
James 3:8 (NIV)


When I was in elementary school, I didn’t like recess. In fact, I dreaded recess because of a certain little boy.

I would be playing peacefully with other girls and out of nowhere, the brown-eyed-boy with the big mouth would appear. “China girl! China girl!” he yelled, chasing me around.

I’d quickly retreat to the girls’ bathroom to escape the embarrassment. There weren’t many Chinese girls in my elementary school. I didn’t want to be different; I wanted to fit in.

Recess reminded me I didn’t fit in. I used to think dyeing my hair brown would solve all my problems. I never tried it, but I thought about it a lot.

Because of those two words spoken to me--“China girl! China girl!”--I became insecure about my God-given race. I didn’t eat Chinese food; I ate pizza and hamburgers. At a young age, I was experiencing the power of other’s words to influence my thoughts and behavior.

The words we speak hold great potential, both to harm and to heal. Our key verse reminds us of the enormous power yielded by the tiny muscle, the tongue. The Bible tells us the tongue is untamable, restlessly evil, and full of deadly poison. My big thigh muscle hasn’t injured too many, but my tiny tongue? That’s another story.

In James chapter 3, James contrasts sizes in his three analogies about the tongue: a horse’s bit turns its whole body; small rudders direct large ships; and a little flame can ignite a great forest fire.

The recurring theme? Don’t be deceived. Although very small, the tongue is powerful and should not be underestimated in its ability to do harm.

If I am singing God’s praises Sunday morning at church but spreading juicy gossip on Monday morning, something is wrong with my heart, and it shows through the words that pass by my tongue. I don’t become saved by the words I speak (salvation is through Christ alone). But because I am saved, my words are supposed to reflect the presence of Jesus in my life.

The same mouth should not produce praise and cursing. For example, an apple tree produces apples. It doesn’t produce apples and oranges. Following Jesus is an “all-in” endeavor. You can’t produce apples and oranges, blessing and cursing when you’ve been made into a new creation.

Does that mean we’ll always speak righteous words at the right time, never lashing out in anger or impatience? No, James tells us in our key verse that “no human being can tame the tongue.” Verse 3:2 says “we all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect” (NIV).

What’s the use in trying if no one can be perfect or tame the tongue? The emphasis shouldn’t be placed on how far we fall short. Instead we can focus on how far forward we can progress. When we obey God’s Word to become more like Jesus, we are being perfected. We are getting closer and closer to what Christ is like. We are not expecting perfection from ourselves. But by the grace of God, we are striving toward perfection.

One little, wise word at a time.

A few weeks ago at bedtime, my 6-year-old daughter Lucy looked at me with her big chocolate chip eyes. “Mommy, I appreciate how you say nice things to me. I appreciate that you help me love God and to do the right thing.”

She spoke slowly in that little 6-year-old cadence, and I savored every syllable. It was like a big hug to my soul and in that moment, I felt fully appreciated and applauded. I pressed in tightly for a hug and thought in amazement, “My little girl understands the value of words of affirmation!”

Lucy used her tongue for good. When I was around her age, words spoken to me sent me running to hide. But now, my child’s words empowered me to mother strong another day.

How have you been using your words lately? Your words carry great potential to harm or heal.

Have you been building your loved ones up or pointing out their faults? Your tongue is a powerful weapon for good or evil; wield it wisely today.

Lord, I recognize my tongue is inherently evil and can easily be used to harm others. I give You my heart and ask You to refine my words. Help me speak life to those I see today. Give me specific words of encouragement to share with my family and friends. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Psalm 34:13, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” (NIV)

Proverbs 18:21a, “The tongue can bring death or life …” (NIV)


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Daily Devotion

10/11/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Holly Wagner

“Find Your Brave”

“She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.”
Proverbs 31:15 (ESV)

When my daughter, Paris, was in middle school, we participated in the school’s mandatory science fair. The teacher’s instructions stated that parents were not to help their children. I was elated; I had already graduated from middle school and felt no desire to do another science project.

Paris was interested in horses, so she chose to build a papier-mâché horse. And it did vaguely resemble a horse-- except it leaned significantly to the left, and we’re still not sure why.

I helped her carry her project to the fair and was interested in seeing all the other sixth grade projects. After we set up Paris’ display, I looked around the room and saw some amazing projects, including a giant set of lungs that breathed and a map of the United States that lit up according to how much power each city used.

I looked back at Paris’ leaning horse and quickly realized that either some parents cheated, or we had somehow ended up at a university science fair!

After I reassured Paris that her project was interesting, I began to walk around the room, mainly to give myself time to forgive all those cheater parents. As I perused the submissions, I encountered the most amazing project: a miniature re-creation of the Biosphere 2, which I’m not so sure was built by a sixth grader. But I’m not bitter.

In 1991, eight scientists lived for two years in an artificial environment in Oracle, Ariz., called Biosphere 2.

Inside the 3-acre closed system was a small ocean, a rain forest, a desert and a savanna grassland. The scientists produced every kind of weather pattern except wind. Eventually the lack of wind caused the tree trunks to weaken and bend over. It’s the pressure of wind that strengthens tree trunks and allows them to hold up their own weight.

As I stared at that project and thought about the lessons from the Biosphere 2, I realized something important about life. Like it or not, we have to admit that weathering storms builds our strength.

So as much as I hate challenges, I think we need them. Proverbs 31 tells us why.

At first, I was rather put off by Proverbs 31:15, the verse that challenges us to rise “while it is yet night.” But I believe that verse has less to do with the time of day we get up and everything to do with being women who rise up when chaos and heartbreak and calamity abound. In the darkest hour, she rises.

On a personal level, perhaps your world is shaking. Maybe cancer has struck your family, or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Perhaps divorce has torn apart your home. At times it seems there has never been more pain, disease, famine and heartbreak than now, and yet God has entrusted you and me with this moment in history!

When everything around us is in the midst of chaos, when our own world is quaking, we are to be “the she” who rises. She does not wilt; she does not complain; she does not blame. She finds her brave, and she rises.

She actually grows stronger in the midst of dark times when it seems the whole world is trembling. God is looking for a company of women who will find their brave and rise in the midst of any and every challenge-- and then be a force for good to help others find their brave.

We do not have to remain stuck in our trials! We grow through them, and as daughters of the King, we can rise in the midst of dark, shaking moments.

Lord, You know the trouble I face today. I need Your strength to face it bravely and be a woman who helps others be brave as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (ESV)

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (ESV)

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Daily Devotion

10/6/2016

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Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lysa TerKeurst

“Don’t Let This Heartbreak Destroy You”

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)


There’s a line from the prayer my father-in-law prayed over us at our wedding that I think of quite often: “Lord, give them enough hurts to keep them human and enough failures to keep their hands clenched tightly in Yours.”

There were many other lines of blessing in the prayer, but this part made me tilt my head, heavy with sprayed-up curls and a homemade veil.

My face flushed at the realization I’d forgotten to cross that part out.

I’d seen the prayer beforehand. It was all typed out. But in the rush of everything, I’d forgotten. And now, we had essentially asked God for heartbreak. At our wedding. Awesome.

But Art’s dad is a man of wisdom. And I’m thankful he didn’t take it upon himself to strike that part. I couldn’t have understood the prayer on that day full of white tulle, giddy whispers of love and my 3-year-old sister singing “Happy Birthday” during the lighting of the unity candle.

But as life has unfolded, I now very much understand the beauty of those lines.

Our life could have been very self-focused. Our marriage. Our home. Our kids. Our plans. Our life.

But God wanted so much more from us. He didn’t bring us together simply to build a life that would make us happy. He brought us together to be partners in the purpose He assigned. Our own strength would not have prepared us for kingdom assignments. It probably would have crippled us with selfishness and pride.

Heartbreak is a part of life.

It’s certainly been a part of different seasons of my marriage. And though every single hurt seemed like an exposure of weakness in our relationship, it actually brought out a strength we couldn’t have gotten any other way. The breaking of us has actually been the making of us … the God-strengthened us He could use.

I don’t know what kind of heartbreak you are walking through right now, sweet friend.

Maybe your marriage didn’t remain standing under the weight of life. Maybe you’ve never been married, but you long to be. Please don’t get stuck thinking these truths are only for couples.

Married or not, do not let the heartbreak you’ve experienced be wasted. God is still with you.

His promises still stand. Soak in His truths and let them seep into the deepest places of your heart rubbed raw with uncertainty.

Don’t let what breaks your heart destroy your life.

Hold fast to Jesus and remember: This breaking of you will be the making of you. A new you. A stronger you. Strengthened not with the pride of perfection, but with the sweet grace of one who knows an intimate closeness with her Lord.

And don’t miss out on the hope God offers in our key verse: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” (Psalm 34:18).

Using the original language for this verse, you could read it like this: The Lord draws near to the one who’s had her heart shattered and delivers her from exposed grief to victory.

He draws you near despite the sharp evidence of your grieving heart. The anger. The deep disappointment and disillusionment. The questions of why you, and why now? The comparisons that make you feel as though God loves other people more. How could He let this happen? The cussing and banging your fist on the steering wheel. The shame and anguish. All of these are shards of being shattered.

God isn’t afraid of your sharp edges that may seem quite risky to others. He doesn’t pull back. He pulls you close. His love and grace covers your exposed grief. And step-by-step He leads you to a new place of victory.

Father God, thank You for the way You tenderly minister to the shattered places in my heart. I’m so grateful You are able to use every heartbreak in my life for good. I am choosing to believe today that You are leading me to a place of strength and victory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:


Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” (NIV)

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