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Tuesday Devotion

10/24/2017

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Good morning ladies. How are you doing today? I know it's a busy time of year as we get closer to the holiday season. It seems there are 'things' almost every night of the week lately. Today I will be starting to get some preparations done for tomorrow night's dinner at church. PK and I signed up and it's our week, with some others helping out of course. We are doing soup, and with the weather we're having currently, I think that turned out to be a good choice. We're still having beautiful fall days, but you can definitely feel the cold in the air now. No more windows and doors open...well.... maybe an inch. It's been windy and damp, so it feels even colder. Plus, I'm getting older.

In other news... Casey's Turkish Delight candy turned out great. Unfortunately, he doesn't care for it, but PK and I like it. He added a lemon flavor and it's not nearly as sweet as I thought it would be, even with all that sugar! The problem now is that we have a LOT of candy but no one to eat it. Kevin's been on the low-carb diet and I'm trying a Mediterranean diet that will hopefully lower my inflammation. This means-- very limited sugar consumption for both of us. Anyone interested in some candy??

Devotion

Another example today that our belief doesn't depend on our circumstances or even our outcomes (things that didn't go quite as we planned.) Our belief is resting in the promises that God has given us. Have a Tremendous Tuesday ladies! Don't forget-- the World Series starts tonight! Who are you rooting for?

“What Is True Belief?”

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:45 (NIV)

It’s only 61 days until Christmas, but who’s counting?

Me! I’m one of those obnoxious people who starts blaring Christmas carols at the start of October, and I don’t mind seeing Christmas decorations already on the store shelves.

I’ve always loved the Christmas season, but this year, it means even more than any year in the past. That’s because I’ve been soaking in a Christmas-y verse for two full years like, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Each year as I pray for God to give me a key word for growth that next year, I also ask for a key Scripture. This verse contains both my 2016 word, “fulfill,” and my 2017 word, “believe.” I’m thankful for second chances, because 2016 was pretty much a failure as far as learning from my word.

“Fulfill” is a word packed with promise! I perceived it full of sweetness and light, so I was excited to see what the year would hold.

But “sweet” and “light” didn’t accurately describe the kind of year I had at all. Instead, it was tough in many areas of my life. By Christmas, instead of being thankful, I was confused and disappointed. That’s not the kind of fulfillment I had in mind at all, Lord, I thought.

A month later, God started to show me my disappointment was born from my misconceptions, not from His failure to fulfill. Take a look at Elizabeth and Mary’s story again, He whispered into my heart.

The women of the story in Luke 1:26-45 are two unlikely pregnant ladies — one too old and the other too young (and unmarried). Despite our heroines’ improbable beginnings, our good God gave them each other. They each played a key role in the Christmas story: Mary carried baby Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth was expecting John the Baptist.

In their first moments together, Elizabeth, inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit, affirms Mary’s calling as the mother of our Savior, finishing with this exclamation, “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45, NIV, emphasis added).

Mary was blessed because she believed … with a belief fastened to the right foundation.

Her belief wasn’t built on her circumstances. It was based on the Baby. Her belief wasn’t focused on a specific outcome (little did she know the pain she’d endure as she followed her Son to the cross). It was founded on the Overcomer.

In looking at Mary’s story through fresh eyes, I finally saw the truth God’s been trying to teach me for two long years:

Belief is confident resting.

Mary’s belief led to confidently resting in her calling to be the mother of our Savior. Just like the order of the words in our key verse today, fulfillment follows belief.

What are His promises for us that we can confidently rest in, even when our outcomes are unsure and our circumstances shaky? They’re the words inspired by the Holy Spirit recorded in Scripture:

“Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b, NIV)

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3b, NIV)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b, NIV)

These are just some of the promises God always fulfills. So, when we get the unlikely phone call, when plans fail, when outcomes shift, when healing is delayed and when the dreams in our hearts shatter, we can confidently rest in God’s truth.

Belief is a blessing, but only when we believe in the right things. Only when our belief is based on God’s sure promises.

It’s just two months until we celebrate the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises — Jesus. So, dust off your decorations, and turn up the music. I believe this is going to be the best Christmas yet!

Lord, help me believe in Jesus above all else. My hope is in Him! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Amy Carroll

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

John 12:46, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (NIV)
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Monday Devotion

10/23/2017

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Good morning ladies. How are you doing on this Monday as we begin a new week? Anything new to share? How was your weekend? I would say that mine was fairly quiet, but the more I think about it, I don't really think that's true. In reality, it was supposed to be a quiet one, but on Saturday I got busy trying to do some things around the house and I wore myself out. Who knew that dusting could be so exhausting? And, I had so many other things on my to-do list, but they didn't get done...yet anyway. On Sunday, I woke up still feeling tired but wanted to get to church because it was part three of a message on healing. God has been working in me through these messages and I knew that I had to be there. By the time we got home and finished with dinner, I was done for the day...or so I thought. Casey gets in these funny moods from time to time, and last evening was one of those times. He loves to cook and bake and he also loves to try new recipes. Not just the type you might see on Pinterest or something kind of 'normal.' No, he actually looks up an idea that has popped into his head...something very unusual. So last night it was Turkish Delight. I'm sure many of you have heard of it from the Narnia series. It's a type of candy. We also had it when we were in England. PK and I didn't care for it at all. But I'm thinking, "Candy??" Making candy is something that I've always wanted to try, but haven't because it just seems so complex. And another thing...I don't have all the 'stuff' that you need to do it. But he was determined. He went to the store, actually several stores, and got everything he needed. At that point, I knew that we were deeply into this. I say 'we' because Casey always likes to have someone involved with him. I told him right away that I couldn't do anything to help him since I was so tired, but he assured me that all I had to do was read the recipe as he worked. Okay, I could do that. Let me tell you something. It was a long, grueling night with this candy making. He had to have two different pans going and he had to be stirring constantly. Also, the temperature of the liquid in the first pan had to go up to an exact point and not beyond, so that pan had a candy thermometer in it. So he was stirring and checking for what seemed like a very long time. The second pan had ingredients so thick that even Mr. Muscles was getting tired! It was all so intense. Not to mention the kitchen was a disaster. Sticky. Gooey. Ah, well, everything cleans up, right? He got it done and the pan of candy had to sit out overnight, so I went to bed with the mention that part of his adventure included cleaning the kitchen. I have this 'thing' about the house being all picked up and clean when I head for bed at night, so I didn't really know what to expect this morning when I went in there. Surprisingly, the dishes had been done, the counters wiped off (mostly), and his candy was sitting there looking pretty good. There's one last step for him to do today before we can all try it. Funny kid. I asked him where he found this recipe and what made him even think of it. His answer was that he wanted to try some things from around the world. I never told you, but last week he made churros, a fried dough pastry that is traditional in many Spanish speaking countries. I assumed the Turkish Delight was a British candy, but he told me that it's actually of middle eastern origin. So that was last night. Things certainly do stay interesting around here!

Devotion

Do you need more "quiet" in your life? Well that fits right in! Today's devotion tells us of the need to be quiet before the LORD and to listen for His voice. It also reminds us to be still. Have a Marvelous Monday ladies!

“The Sound of Silence”

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

According to interruption science, we’re interrupted every three minutes. Sound familiar? (Or maybe three minutes is the most you’ll have today between interruptions!)

The very fact that we have a field of science dedicated to interruption is evidence of how bad noise has gotten in our world.

Consider this: For the past 30-plus years, an acoustic ecologist named Gordon Hempton has compiled what he calls “The List of the Last Great Quiet Places.” It consists of places with at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted quiet during daylight hours. At last count there were only 12 quiet places in the entire United States! And we wonder why the soul suffers.

It’s hard to tune out the voices of others, the call of social media, and the constant demands to do more and be more. But silence helps us hear God’s voice and sing His song.

Silence is the difference between sight and insight.
Silence is the difference between happiness and joy.
Silence is the difference between fear and faith.

Have you ever tried to quiet a loud room? Attempting to yell above the crowd usually doesn’t work. It’s far more effective to hush the crowd with a shhh. That’s the method God employs. His whisper quiets us, calms us, stills us. As we see in today’s key verse, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’” (Psalm 46:10a).

The “white noise” of the world might be the greatest impediment to our spiritual growth. By definition, white noise is a sound that contains every frequency a human can hear. And because it contains every frequency, it’s very difficult to hear any frequency — especially the still, small voice of God.

When our lives get loud, with noise filling every frequency, we lose our sense of being. When our schedules get busy, we lose our sense of balance, which is a function of the inner ear.

Can I go out on a limb?

Your life is too loud.
Your schedule is too busy.

That’s how we forget that God is God. And it takes very little to distract us. “I neglect God and his angels, for the noise of a fly,” said the English poet John Donne.

Over the past decade, I’ve recorded a dozen audiobooks with a brilliant sound engineer named Brad Smiley. During our last recording session, Brad told me about standard operating procedure for sound mixers in his industry. Before going into the studio, they let their ears relax and recalibrate through absolute silence. Only then are they ready to listen, really listen. Acoustic ecologists call the process ear cleaning.

If you want to hear the heart of God, silence is key.
If you want the Spirit of God to fill you, be still.

The psalmists referred to God as their refuge, their fortress, and their ever-present help in time of need. But my favorite descriptor might be the “hiding place.” “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7, NIV).

The voice can reproduce only what the ear can hear. My prayer is that you’ll learn to discern God’s voice. When you do, His songs of deliverance can set you free.

Simply put, God often speaks loudest when we’re quietest. Silence is so critical to our spiritual vitality that it’s worth meditating on one word or phrase of Scripture at a time:

Be.
Be still.
Be still, and know.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10a

Lord, I want to hear Your whispers louder than the noise of the world surrounding me. What do You want to say to me today? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Mark Batterson

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 5:3, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (NIV)

1 Kings 19:11-12, “The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” (NIV)
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Friday Devotion

10/20/2017

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Good morning! The weekend is coming. It should be a fairly calm one around here. Good thing, because I have much to catch up on. We did get grocery shopping done yesterday and that's always a relief to me, but today I need to fold some laundry, dust, and clean off my desk. How does that desk get so messy? And I've been wanting to change my clothes around to get ready for the cooler/cold weather, but we are going on vacation to Arizona at the end of the month so I'll still need summer clothes out for that. I heard it was still in the triple digits there last week. Phew! I'm hoping for a lot lower than that while we're there...such as 80's??? This time we go, we're staying with some friends so I'm really looking forward to that. They actually just got back there recently themselves. They are 'snowbirds' from Minnesota! So, that's the tentative plan for me. How about you? Any fabulous weekend plans? I know that some families may be on little vacations because of MEA. Not sure what this is all about, but I know the kids are off school for a few days.

Devotion

Today's devotion is about being generous, and surprisingly, not just with our 'things,' but also with our emotions and moods...who we are to others. Have a Fantastic, Fun Friday and a Winning Weekend ladies!

“LORD, I Feel Stingy Today”

“Freely you have received; freely give.”
Matthew 10:8b (NIV)

My son said something that hurt my feelings. I can’t remember what he said (it was that minor), but I remember how I felt.

Stingy.

At that moment, the hurt side of my heart took over. I could have brushed off the comment, assumed the best or tried to understand. But no, I didn’t choose a loving approach. Instead, I decided to withdraw myself emotionally.

I expressed my displeasure with a frosty, rather than heated response. And instead of being emotionally generous, I became stingy.

Have you ever withdrawn the welcome mat and slammed the door emotionally?

That’s how I tend to respond when I’m hurt. It’s easy to justify that kind of response, I figure, because after all, Why should I open myself up for more hurt? But the Lord has been convicting me of my ungenerous heart.

As I’ve looked at myself a little more honestly, this stingy part of me has been there for years. I was able to put a name to it when my friend Nicki wrote about being emotionally generous. Many times I feel the opposite.

I find it hard to overlook an offense … or celebrate when someone gets what I secretly want … or be patient when I’m feeling stressed. Rather than being generous in my response, I can feel selfish.

But that’s not the woman I want to be. That’s not the mother, wife or friend God wants me to be.

Years ago, I met a woman who modeled generosity. I was a young mom and had just taken on the role of children’s ministry director at my small church. There was a larger church nearby, and I made an appointment with their children’s director, Jody. Jody took time out of her busy schedule to talk with me, and when I thanked her she responded: “Freely we have received, freely we give.”

I figured those words were in the Bible, and I found them later in Matthew 10:8b. In fact they were spoken by Jesus Himself as He sent the 12 disciples out to minister in His name. As Jesus gave instructions, He told them: “Freely you have received; freely give.”

Jesus was sending His disciples into territory where they would surely be rejected. He knew people would criticize them, possibly even persecute them. He wanted His beloved friends to remember how much they’d been given when faced with rejection, and to respond with love and generosity.

I need my heart to remember this truth the next time stinginess creeps in. God has given and forgiven me so much, so why would I ever keep His love, forgiveness and grace to myself?

And yet my stingy heart grasps at the idea that I deserve more.

But I already have everything I need! I have the unconditional love of my heavenly Father, and He has unlimited resources. I have unlimited acceptance, unlimited opportunity and unlimited provision. There’s no need to hold on tightly to anything.

I want to live generously! In every setting and circumstance.

So what does it look like to have a generous heart? It means extending grace and seeking to understand. It means letting go of expectations and initiating acceptance. It means letting the Holy Spirit do His job, and loving unconditionally — even when I wish someone had made a different choice.

That day with my son, I remembered these words of Jesus; I remembered my commitment to live generously. And before I could make a mess of things, I made amends. All praise to God.

This is a truth to live by: Freely I have received, freely I should give. It positions me to bless rather than grasp.

Lord, thank You for being so generous with me. I didn’t deserve Your forgiveness and yet You sent Your son to die for me. Help me live generously, forgive freely and love with abandon. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Glynnis Whitwer

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Deuteronomy 15:10, “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” (NIV)

Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (NIV)
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Thursday Devotion

10/19/2017

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Good morning ladies. It's a 'top 10 weather day here.' Which I think the weather man said sunny and 70ish. I will definitely be spending some time outside. Today marks the 6-week point post-surgery. I'm walking around the house without a cane, although still limping a little, and when I go out I still use the cane, mostly for security. I will have this limp until I get a lift on my left side, which we think is an insert for that shoe. My right leg is longer now, which is sort of frustrating. Definitely noticeable. I'm just anxious to be walking normally again. I'm very happy with how far I've come in a short time though. Thank You LORD!

Please pray for my sister Amy. She leaves today for India for a short-term (10 days) missions trip. Pray for safety for her team, good health, and a great ministry. Thank you.

Devotion

There are many times that we look to things--external things--to make us happy, but only Jesus can fill that longing and bring us true joy. Have a Thankful Thursday ladies!

I’d Be Happy If . . .

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”
John 4:13-14 (NIV)

My husband, Steve, loves to golf. When he was invited to play one of the area’s most prestigious courses, he jumped at the chance, knowing it was a rare treat.

As they pulled the cart up to the sixth tee, Steve scanned the tree-lined fairway. Gorgeous azaleas lay in full bloom. Several mansions surrounded the green. Sparkling swimming pools, manicured lawns, and luxury cars were all around. Steve’s host began to unfold the stories behind those walls.

“See that first house? Those folks are separated. The wife had two affairs, and her husband finally left. And that second house? The wife has caught her husband with a prostitute twice. She wants to divorce him, but she’s recently inherited millions from her father and doesn’t want her husband to get any of the money. She’s trying to figure out the best way to get out of the marriage and keep her money.

“And that third house, the one with the yard that looks somewhat unkempt? That couple also got a divorce, and their house has been for sale for seven months.” (Yes, he was gossiping. A topic for another day.)

Steve was struck by the broken lives surrounding him. Later he told me, “These were people who had achieved everything they thought would make them happy, and they were miserable.”

“Do you think they wanted more?” I asked.

“No,” he replied. “I think they wanted something different, but they don’t even know what that different is.”

The Samaritan woman at the well had the same problem. She wanted something different. She was thirsty and didn’t even know what she was thirsty for.

We all come into the world thirsty. From that first cry in the delivery room, babies long for something to drink. God planned it that way.

We also come into the world spiritually thirsty. After the nourishing umbilical cord is severed, we begin our journey to discover living water to satisfy the soul. Oh, we don’t know it yet, but God’s placed the desire for something more in every one of His image bearers.

Until we meet Jesus, we fumble about trying to quench the God-given thirst with anything and anyone who offers temporary relief. But it’s just that … temporary.

Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13b-14).

It is only in a relationship with Jesus that we discover what we’re all truly longing for.

I’ve been like the Samaritan woman — drinking from shallow streams. Maybe not the same shallow stream, but unsatisfying ones nonetheless. All of them left me thirsty for more — or at least something different. Jesus offers us what He offered her: freely flowing, resplendently refreshing water from the indwelling Holy Spirit that quenches every thirst, washes away every sin and flows into every nook and cranny of our beings.

It’s like being near a lake. I can look at the lake, swim in the lake, even stand in the lake and still die of thirst. The only way for the water to enter my system is to actually drink it.

Likewise, we can read about Jesus, hear sermons about Jesus, even believe He was a good man. But until we actually believe Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah, who died for our sins and rose again … until we partake of Jesus and make Him Lord of our lives, we’ll remain thirsty.

“I’ll be happy if …” How would you finish that sentence? If I had a man? A baby? A bigger house? A smaller waistline? If it’s anything other than a personal, growing, intimate relationship with Jesus, your water bucket will remain riddled with holes.

Today, I’m honored to sit by the well with you. Let’s fill our buckets and drink deeply.

Lord, so many times I falsely think people, possessions or position will make me happy. But I know all those externals won’t bring true joy and contentment. Thank You for waiting for me by the well today. Remind me to come often. Show me how to drink deeply from Your living water. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Sharon Jaynes

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

John 7:37b-38, “Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” (NIV)

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)
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Wednesday Devotion

10/18/2017

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Good morning ladies. How are you on this Wonderful Wednesday? There are some days that I'm not sure what to write because not too much has changed since yesterday. Which is okay. Just plugging along here, one day at a time. How about you? Anything new?

Devotion
Another great devotion today. Do you ever feel alone in the fact that you are too far gone in a mess that is your life? Maybe things aren't quite that drastic, but you still feel very isolated. God sees you. He sees me. And we matter to Him. And if we do have this confidence, it is our mission to let others see the love of God. Have a great day ladies!

“I See You. You Matter”

“The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”
Acts 16:14b (NIV)

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Twenty years ago, my life was a red-hot mess.

I attempted to numb childhood hurts and rejection with anything and everything — food, men, shopping, alcohol, drugs. You name it, I tried it. But nothing worked.

My wounds screamed falsehoods: I wasn’t good enough or pretty enough or thin enough. Soon the police were involved, threatening to take away my son. My life was a disaster, and I didn’t know what to do.

So in the midst of my mess, I called Carole, a regular customer at the restaurant where I worked. I didn’t know her well, but there was something different about her. While other customers looked for a refill of coffee, read newspapers, or focused on their own problems, Carole looked at me. Something in her eyes and smile said: I see you. You matter. You are not alone.

That day, Carole listened to my story and then spoke four simple words: “Cindy, you need Jesus.”

Since I’d tried everything the world had to offer and still felt empty inside, I figured I didn’t have anything to lose. On July 26, 1996, I invited Jesus Christ to take control of my life.

Everything changed for me at that moment, starting with Carole. She noticed this lost girl and introduced me to the One who opens His arms wide — no matter the size or scope of the mess.

Today, my life gives testament to the fact that no one is too far gone from God’s amazing grace. This former drug addict now leads a global ministry focused on telling girls about God’s amazing love.

But what if Carole had been too busy or distracted? What if she’d looked away?

The Apostle Paul also knew the power of seeing others — not just as who they were, but who they could be. Paul understood the transforming power of Jesus, which made him the perfect ambassador to share God’s love and light everywhere he went.

In Acts 16, as Paul passed through Macedonia, he took time to see Lydia and her friends sitting by the river.

Lydia was a successful business owner. But selling purple cloth didn’t fill the void as she searched for spiritual purpose and potential. All the money and connections couldn’t satisfy her deepest need for love and belonging.

That day on the riverbank, though, everything changed.

Three ambassadors of God sought His lost children. I bet Paul, Silas and Luke were gentle in their demeanor. I bet they smiled and made eye contact that said: I see you. You matter. You are not alone.

The Bible tells us the three men did not ignore the women sharing the scenic riverbank with them. (Acts 16:13)

Paul stopped. Sat. Shared. Unintimidated by the fact that not one single person for miles around believed in Jesus Christ. Not one.

Then there was a miracle on the fishy-smelling, breezy shore. One of God’s lost girls was found! “… The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to respond to Paul’s message” (Acts 16:14b). She listened, and her heart was opened to the Good News of Jesus.

Because Paul and his friends looked up from their lives and really saw Lydia, she was saved. In fact, she was the first European convert in all of history. Today, all over Europe, Lydia’s spiritual descendants praise the name of the One who notices every lost daughter and son.

What about you, friend? How often do you look up and really notice people God places in your life? How might you break out of your comfort zone and engage with someone?

Let’s remember: We might be the difference between someone being lost and being found.

Dear God, I acknowledge You as the God who sees me. You know me and understand me when no one else does. Forgive me for the times I’ve missed girls and boys, women and men, here, near and far who need Jesus. Give me Your eyes and heart to seek the lost and show them Jesus and His love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Cindy Bultema

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV)
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Tuesday Devotion

10/17/2017

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Good morning pretty ladies. Have you had a good night's sleep? I actually did and I'm very thankful for that. It makes all the difference. So, what do you have planned for the day? Work maybe?  I was telling PK this morning that maybe sometimes it would be easier to have a set schedule like I used to have when I worked, because then I would just do what I needed to do and check it off at the end of the day. But, in reality, I like being home and having the flexibility to do things as I can. It just takes a lot more motivation! Nothing special going on today really, but maybe making some soup later. The weather this whole week looks so beautiful...like a warm Fall week with a LOT of sunshine! Yay! I'll probably take Molly out for a walk. Yesterday was the first time that I was able to take her out again by myself. I'm making progress.

Please let me know if I can pray for you today.

Devotion

The title says it all. Are there things in your life that leave you saying, "If only?" I love the key verse that assures us that our God cares for every detail about us. Our confidence is in Him. Have a Terrific Tuesday!

“If Only, If Only, If Only…”

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)

I chose her register not because her line was short, but because of her smile. The cashier’s beautiful skin and sparkling, dark-colored eyes only added to the light she was shining.

As I scooted my cart to her check-out lane, she said something sweet about my outfit. Soon, we were swapping “sweatpants stories” — the outfits we’re both most comfortable in — she in school and me working from home. Within seconds, our conversation took a turn, landing on the topic of confidence.

Suddenly, her bright eyes lost their twinkle, and in a bit of a whisper, she confided that she wished she’d been more confident a few years ago. Before the opportunity slipped away, I asked, “Did you go through a hard time when you were younger?”

This gorgeous young woman shared how she grew up where there hadn’t been many people who looked like she did. How she was told if only her skin were different, she would be pretty. But … it wasn’t. Then she hesitated, adding, “But I got over it.” She handed me my bags and receipt, and our interaction ended.

Heading to my car, I longed to continue our chat. I had so many questions. What happened in her heart during this confidence-crushing time? Did she really just get over it?

Because it will happen again. To all of us. Our confidence will be challenged repeatedly.

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you my confidence is challenged almost daily. Unlike the cashier, it’s not because I’ve been put down or slighted. No, my struggle comes from within. My heart- and mind-messages continually work against me: “If only” you had more experience. “If only” you were more gifted, more talented, etc.

“If only … ” These words, whether from others or from within ourselves, intensify when we attempt to make our move with God.

Is there a part of you that says me too? Each time you’ve attempted to step in a direction where you feel God’s calling you, your confidence was challenged. Do you have your own set of “if onlys”?

If only I hadn’t made that unwise choice as a teen …
If only I had gone to college …
If only I didn’t marry so young …
If only my marriage would have worked out …
If only I’d done a better job raising my kids …
If only I had gotten my temper under control …
If only I sought treatment …
If only, if only, if only …

And somewhere, in this breakdown, we began to believe we simply didn’t deserve to follow or have our God-instilled desires and dreams fulfilled. What do we do now?

God’s Word reminds us of what’s true. We move forward confidently in Christ, because we know God cares for us.

He sees us.

On days when I’m just going through the motions, dragging myself out of bed, into the perpetual rush of life, my weary self wonders: Do I even matter? Does anyone see me?

Jesus absolutely does, and His care can give us the confidence and strength we need to press forward. We have to impress this truth on our hearts: He cares for us.

Yes, life delivers harsh, painful blows, but we can change those “if-onlys” around.

If only my parents had stayed together, I wouldn’t have experienced that hurt, but now I share my testimony with children going through the same pain. If only we hadn’t moved, maybe I wouldn’t have felt so insecure. But now because we did move, in this new city I’m sharing Jesus with people here.

If only, if only, if only … but God!

Friend, the King of the Universe sees you and calls you worthy. As Matthew 10:29-31 reminds us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

You have what you need to reframe your “if onlys” and make the move God calls you to make. Let His word fill your confidence gap today.

Lord, I want to move forward. May Your truth that I am worthy empower me to do so. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lynn Cowell

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 121:3, “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (NASB)
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Thursday Devotion

10/12/2017

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Good morning ladies. How are you today? I kind of feel like the night of sleep was just a few minutes. Maybe that's a good thing because I didn't wake up at all, but then, it went much too fast. We had our Wednesday night activities at church last night....dinner, followed by discipleship groups. Nate, Natalie, and Elliott joined us for dinner so that our church family could meet them. That was fun! Elliott is so good with other people holding him. Yesterday morning, Natalie went to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). I think I mentioned this to you a week or so ago. Well, I went that week and got registered and even went to a welcome class and the morning lecture...all to find out that there was a waiting list of 69 people and I would get a call when there was an opening. I think I was in shock actually. Yes, there were a LOT of women there, but not once did I think I wouldn't be able to go. Apparently they opened up two satellite classes, one in Maple Grove, which was also already full, and the other in Rogers, which is a bit of a drive. That location had 2-3  openings, but they are probably filled by now. It looks like I will be doing the study online this year, which is a bit disappointing. I asked them if I could at least attend with Natalie when she was in town and they told me I couldn't. Natalie was able to go because she is established in a group in Vermillion. She did have a lot of fun since this is the group she attended several years ago when they lived out here. She was able to connect with three or four friends. So, that's that. I'll keep you posted if I get into a group. The study is on Romans this year.

Devotion

It always amazes me, but my discipleship partner and I were talking about this topic a bit last night. About stepping out in faith and obedience, just one step at a time as God leads us, protects us, and provides for us. Have a Thankful Thursday ladies.

“Dangerous” Hospitality

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
John 17:15 (NIV)

Although some friends supported us, others told us we were crazy to voluntarily open our home to children we’d never met.

Doubts swirled around us. What were we thinking? Could we afford it? We have three daughters. Would they be OK? Were we putting them at risk?

Despite our concerns, other questions weighed mightily on us as well: How do we teach selflessness to our teens unless we model that in everyday life? What might happen if we ask them to live it out directly in their world?

After lots of prayer and family conversations, we felt certain God had asked us to welcome these children, and He would guide us through it. It took months to be trained and background-checked, but within an hour of getting approved, we said yes to our first placement.

As a result, we invited three young siblings into our home through a ministry that’s a precursor to foster care — offering short-term housing for vulnerable kids whose parents are in crisis, but haven’t done anything to lose their parental rights.

Through the training process, we were intrigued by the notion of true biblical hospitality, which in the original Greek means “loving strangers.” Our trainers explained that sometimes “hospitality is dangerous.” Biblical hospitality is risky because it’s inconvenient and occasionally even uncomfortable to truly love a stranger.

In the midst of the unknowns and potential risks, I’ve found encouragement seeing how Jesus boldly prayed for His followers in John 17. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed this prayer in today’s key verse:

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).

Notice Jesus didn’t pray for fame, wealth, safety or even that His disciples get a pass and go directly into Heaven. Instead, He begged His Father to protect them from our enemy, Satan, the “evil one.” Right here in this world.

Two of our enemy’s most powerful weapons are doubt and fear. If he can plant seeds of either in our minds, we can be dissuaded from stepping out in faith.

Jesus knew we would need “protection,” because every time we say yes to God, we step a bit further into enemy territory. Yet when we take risks for God, He will protect and preserve us from the evil one.

How did that play out in our scenario? We realized following God doesn’t always mean knowing every step along the way, but in finding the courage to take the next one before us. And we watched in awe as the Lord granted reassurance from all our doubts about whether He would provide for us during the placement.

After taking in twin 6-year-old boys and their 5-year-old sister, we shared a brief request for some hand-me-down clothes and were inundated by the response. Not just neighbors and friends … but people we didn’t even know who’d heard about what we were doing and wanted to help.

Clothing. Furniture. Bicycles. Medical care. All provided free-of-charge. God brought exactly what we needed to move forward in faith.

Obedience can be risky. There will be doubt and possibly even fear. And yet we see Jesus, praying for our protection. When we know God has called us, and we say “yes” to what feels scary, we’ll see God’s hand of protection in miraculous ways.

Heavenly Father, guide me and direct me as I seek to love strangers the way You love them. Help me take risks in this world which require Your protection from the evil one. I want to live “dangerously” for Your glory, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Stephanie Raquel

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

1 Peter 4:8-10, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (NLT)

Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” (NLT)
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Friday Devotion

10/6/2017

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Good morning ladies. It's finally here! Retreat weekend!! I'm so excited and all packed and ready to go. Even though I tried so hard to pack as lightly as I could, it still seems like a lot of stuff. Casey asked if I was moving out, haha! But, when you're going to a camp, you need towels and bedding, besides the usual stuff like suitcase and backpack. And, let's not forget the snacks! I hope you all have a great weekend and a Fun Friday!

Devotion

“He Sees the Gift in You”

“‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’”
John 1:48 (NIV)

When my brothers were small, they’d often tiptoe into my room and climb in bed with me at night. Home was hard at that time for all of us. We found sanctuary as we huddled close, and I told stories.

“Say a word,” I’d prompt.

“Dragon!” one little brother whispered.

“Forest,” said my other little brother.

Off we went on an adventure, as I wove a story about a fierce dragon caught in a forest, with two sweet boys hanging on every word.

I didn’t know it back then, but storytelling was a gift God placed in my heart. It wasn’t just a knack for telling stories, but something He would use for His purpose. On the nights when my little brothers and I snuggled in for a good story, He used my gift to calm their anxious hearts. Little did I know God would continue to use this throughout my life.

Likewise, Jesus knew a thing or two about gifting and purpose.

In John 1, we find Jesus in Galilee. Nathanael is walking toward Him, and Jesus calls out, telling all within hearing distance that Nathanael is a good man.

“‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked.

“Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’”

Long before they met in person, Jesus knew all about Nathanael. He knew of his character. He knew his giftings. He knew this man had a purpose.

Jesus knows us. Isn’t that incredible?

Years ago, when I was telling stories to my brothers in the midst of a chaotic home life, I didn’t know it was a talent God had given me. I didn’t understand — until much later — that Jesus not only recognized those gifts but desired to help me mature them.

Maybe you can point out others’ gifts, but not your own? You don’t always recognize them, or they seem ordinary. Take heart, friend! Jesus recognizes them because His Father put them inside of you.

Nathanael (also known as Bartholomew) went on to become a disciple and friend of Jesus.

He traveled across India, Armenia, Ethiopia and Southern Arabia, sharing the gospel and drawing many to Christ. When he encountered Jesus, he stood under a tree minding his own business. As he trusted that Jesus knew him inside and out, it changed the direction of his life.

What gifts are inside of you?

They may seem ordinary, but not to your Creator. He sees your gift of hospitality. He sees your deep compassion. He listens as you create music or string together words with care. He delights that you are good with kids, a dreamer and planner, or that you have a natural ability to lead others.

Jesus sees those gifts, but we also play a part. I was a storyteller, and I could hide that gift away or hold it up to the One who loves me best.

I want to challenge you today …

  • Acknowledge your gifts, even if they are in the beginning stages.
  • Hone your gifts, even if there’s a learning curve.
  • Then, use your gifts to draw others to a Savior who sees and knows them, and loves you as His own.

Jesus sees you, right where you are. He knows you and delights in the gifts unique to you. Hold your gifts up to Him today and trust He’ll use them in ways you may not even comprehend.

Dear Jesus, although my gifting seems small or rough-hewn, I will no longer hide this gift. But instead, I’ll hold it up to You, asking You to use it in ways that delight Your heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (NIV)
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Tuesday Devotion

10/3/2017

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Good morning ladies. Third day in a row of rain and we got quite a bit last night because it's flooded outside in the low spots. I think just yesterday alone we got three inches of rain. Just a part of what to expect in the Fall season. How are you all today? I think I fell asleep last night contemplating everything I have to do and remember in the next few days as I prepare to leave for the retreat. And whenever I think of something else, I try to write it down, so I was probably driving my husband crazy when all of a sudden I would turn the light on and scribble something! I really want to pack lightly since it's just the weekend, but then I think of something else that I need to bring! Isn't that always the way it is? I might have some creative solutions to this problem; I'll keep you posted. So, what are you up to today?

Devotion

This devotion is packed with so many thoughts! A life very different from mine, and maybe yours, but the message is for all of us: God will be all we need in every circumstance in our lives. Have a Tremendous Tuesday ladies!

“Daring to Hope”

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

I was tired.

In five short years, I’d become a mother to 13, grown a ministry of 60 staff members which provided schooling and discipleship to over 700 children, and learned to function in a completely different culture.

I sat at a school and watched children dance as they sang in a language I still only half-understood. My mind wandered back over the years:

The day I moved halfway around the world, from Nashville to Uganda, thinking I’d only stay a year.

The day God planted in my heart to begin Amazima, with the goal of teaching His truth to families in my village.

The day a house collapsed on a little girl I had adopted. What started as a short-term foster situation became a permanent adoption as she and her siblings filled up my heart and home following their grandmother’s death.

The joy when, with a few friends and a few dollars and a lot of faith, Amazima sent 40 children to school for the first time.

I shifted in my rickety chair as the students recited a poem, but instead of their words I heard a whisper, “Let’s do it again.”

I knew it was from the Lord, as the thought rose from a place deep inside.

Recently, Amazima staff leadership and I discussed opening a secondary school in Uganda. We felt it would simply be too much. We were already spread thin. But as the idea persisted, we committed to spend a few days praying and fasting over it together. Today was the last day before we’d make a decision.

“Let’s do it again,” I felt the whisper a second time.

Later that day, I haphazardly flipped open my Bible, still mulling over the words I felt the Lord had spoken to me. My eyes fell on 2 Corinthians 9:8, and tears filled my eyes as I read, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

All things. All times. All that we need.

The next morning, I told the leadership team I felt God leading us to build the school. It would require more than we had, but I was confident He wanted to use it to make disciples. Thus began years of research, planning, dreaming and praying.

Another five years have passed, and in our first year operating The Amazima Secondary School, 72 students received a Christian education from compassionate, Jesus-loving teachers. As I listened to parents describe how this school is changing lives, I blinked back tears and remembered His words to me.

“Let’s do it again.”

He’s spoken those words many times, calling me out of my comfort zone to places where I would not have enough time or resources and would have to lean on Him. And each time He has been all things, in all times, and given everything I needed.

When I was joyfully preparing to marry the most wonderful man, but also grieving the life of “just me and the girls,” He whispered, “Let’s do it again. Come with Me again to this place of uncertainty where you lean on Me to be all you need.”

When we wondered about opening our home to addicts, AIDS patients and homeless people, He spoke softly, “Let’s do it again. And I will be with you, and where you don’t have enough, I will be enough.”

When I was pregnant with our first son, excited yet terribly worried he’d alter our family dynamic, that our girls might draw comparisons between the way they entered our family and the way he did, those same words rose up, “Let’s do it again.”

In the past decade, God has drawn me to places of uncertainty, trepidation, even hardship. Time and again, He’s asked me to trust Him, and He’s given me all I ever needed. Maybe you agree, or you’re still uncertain whether God will provide. I’ve been there.

But today, I sat on the other side. I saw clearly that even in the most difficult times, God always provides, always uses all of it for my good and His glory as He draws me closer to Him.

Whatever your circumstance, God will be all things in all times. He will be all you need.

Father God, thank You for always drawing us closer. Give us eyes to see Your work in and around us, and increase our faith so we can trust You more. Thank You for being faithful to us again and again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Katie Davis Majors

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
2 Corinthians 9:10-11, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (NIV)
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Monday Devotion

10/2/2017

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Good morning ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was certainly a full one, but a good one. As I mentioned, we started our Missions Conference, and, as always, I am loving it. We have a family from Germany, and as it turns out, they were at our installation service when we were at a church in northern Minnesota. At the time, he was the pastor of a 'sister' church up there. They've been in Germany for five years now and have many interesting stories to tell. I'm looking forward to the next three days with

It's a busy week for me. Besides the Missions Conference through Wednesday, our Fall Ladies Retreat for our district is this weekend, plus Maria (Casey's girlfriend is coming in for the weekend from Chicago, and Nate, Natalie, and Elliott are arriving on Sunday (when I get home from retreat). So, there is a lot to plan and do. I can't wait though! All the fun things.

Prayer & Praise

This may be true for you too, but when I woke up, I saw the terrible news of the shooting in Las Vegas last night. Horrific. Please pray for the many families and loved ones that have been impacted by this. We are living in such uncertain times in our world. LORD, please bring Your peace and comfort to these people today.

Psalm 91:2 "This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.

Devotion

Wow, I knew that the being in the ministry was similar to being in the military, as far as moving is concerned, but I never even thought of professional sports team players in the same way. What a story today! But there is much encouragement in our key verse...short, but TRUTH. Cling to it today ladies. Have a MARVELOUS MONDAY!

“When You Face Change, Remember This”

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

The sound of my steps bounced off the walls as I moved from room to room. Though this place sat empty, my hopes and dreams seemed to saturate every corner.

This home would be my very first place with my husband, Luke. Just a few weeks before, two major life moments unfolded. First, my husband began his career in professional football. Second, Luke and I held hands and shared vows before God and each other.

So, with our dog and our dreams, we packed the trunk with wedding gifts and headed north.

The fall brought news of yet another change: We learned we’d be adding our first child to the family. By springtime, nursery prep was in full swing. After a long weekend of work, I plopped down in the rocking chair.

I envisioned raising my boy in this room. Oh, the stories we’d read and lullabies we would sing. The hugs and snuggles we’d share. I shut my eyes happy that night with a heart brimming with expectation.

If only I could press the pause button right there. But life doesn’t have a pause button, does it?

The next morning I opened my eyes to the news we’d be moving … effective immediately.

Less than one year after our future felt so full, we packed all those expectations into boxes and sealed them with packing tape.

We scrambled to relocate and rebuild in a city on the other side of the country. But just as we hit our stride in this new city, we found ourselves facing the same reality again. A late-night phone call bore the news, You’re moving again … tomorrow.

Fourteen years, six teams and six kids later, it’s safe to say the road has been anything but predictable.

Those first years of football taught me how quickly a game can rise and fall. A score’s only exciting until a mistake positions the other team to tie the game. A mistake’s only disappointing until a score puts your team right back in the game.

At first, I watched Luke’s games on pins and needles. I soared with successes and fell apart at failures. Whether we won or lost, I left every game exhausted from the roller coaster ride of emotions I experienced.

I think life can be like a football game. Rises and falls, highs and lows, sometimes every day. In the midst of these uncertainties and surprises, we have two options. We can filter our view of God through our ever-changing circumstances, or we can filter our circumstances through the unchangeable character of Christ.

Today’s key verse reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Our circumstances may rise and fall, but we don’t have to go with them. When we cling to the unchanging character of Christ, we can weather the winds of change.

I’ve started to watch games differently now. Sure, I celebrate the successes. But I don’t hang on the high points and assume it’s all smooth sailing from there. I also don’t dwell on the low moments. I might sigh. I might even scream. But I don’t let the low moments determine the next moment.

Let’s celebrate the highs in our lives, but not let them soften us to hard work and perseverance. Let’s learn from the low points, but not let them sour us to expectation and anticipation.

Most of all, let’s choose to fix our eyes on the One who never changes, the One who steadies our souls, no matter what we face.

Thank You, God, that You are sure. I can always count on You, because You will never change. Thank You for a safe place to fix my eyes when everything else seems unstable. Only You are my Rock and my Fortress. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Katy McCown

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
2 Corinthians 1:20, “For every one of God’s promises is ‘Yes’ in Him. Therefore, the ‘Amen’ is also spoken through Him by us for God’s glory.” (HCSB)

Psalm 102:26-27, “They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.” (ESV)
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