Blog Archives

"When Your Heart Isn't Trustworthy"

10/19/2018

Good morning ladies. A bit of a crazy morning here! But, it's the weekend and it's beautiful outside! Enjoy your weekend and have a Fabulous Friday!

Devotion

“When Your Heart Isn’t Trustworthy”

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

Trust your heart.

That’s the advice we often receive, whether falling in love or making a weighty decision.

It’s what people say when we’re struggling with a big emotion.

The problem with that advice is that our hearts aren’t always trustworthy.

My heart may respond to short-term emotion and fail to weigh the long-term impact.
My heart may give me permission to do what I want, but fail to consider the hearts of those around me.
My heart might even lie to me to get what it wants.

Not too long ago, I was discouraged. It started when we received unexpected news that was hard and hurtful. I’m naturally optimistic, but this was challenging. I couldn’t fix it. I couldn’t make it better.

Days passed, and discouragement pecked at me. These were the messages resounding in my heart:

You have a reason to be discouraged, so just go with it.
There’s no way this will get better.
This is too hard even for God.

In today’s key verse, the psalmist Asaph recognizes he is both weak and strong. In his own power, he is a mess. Yet he’s not alone. He’s united to a powerful God and all the goodness this relationship brings to him.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

Yes, I was in a battle of discouragement, but my heart and my being aren’t tied to circumstances or emotions alone.

As a believer, my heart is attached to my relationship with an omnipresent, all-knowing, all-powerful Heavenly Father.

That means my heart is attached to truth, wisdom, strength, healing and so much more. It demands that the messages filtering through my heart must first pass through my faith.

It was OK for me to acknowledge my heart might not be trustworthy at the moment.

That isn’t weak. That’s strong.

It’s confessing we need more than emotion to fuel our well-being or direct our path. It’s saying we choose a stronger foundation than a temporary emotion or a temporary situation.

Trust your heart.

No. Not right now.

However, we can trust that God is aware of unexpected news. We can trust He is present. We can trust that God redeems what is lost or broken. We can trust He will never forsake us nor abandon us.

As we do so, we trust in God with all our heart, our soul, our being.

When we place our trust in Him rather than our fickle hearts, He anchors it. Trust doesn’t fix a momentary circumstance, but it grounds us to an eternal, unmovable source of strength.

Heavenly Father, I hold up my heart to You. I don’t want it to rule me. It does not have permission to lead me away from Your best. As I place my trust in You, my heart will follow. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Suzie Eller

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Psalm 31:24, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (NIV)

Ezekiel 36:26a, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” (NIV)

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"Living Like a Chosen Woman"

10/17/2018

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Good morning lovely ladies! It's good to be back with you. We had a wonderful visit with Nate, Natalie, and Elliott! I even got to spend an extra day with them because Nate and Elliott picked me up from our church activity, which was about 2 1/2 hours from them. So, instead of going all the way back and then travelling again on Sunday, I saved some travelling hours and also got to go to church with them. The weather was great and we did some fun things together. Elliott is so much fun and loves life! He is observant, smart, and chatty!! We got a million pictures, of course! How have you been? I know the kids are off school here for M.E.A. week, so Casey is in Chicago visiting Maria. Let me know what you've been up to. Also, if you have any prayer requests.

Devotion

Have you ever felt like you were missing something in your life? Maybe even feeling insignificant? I've been there, and still struggle with this at times. Today's devotion and the key verses give us encouragement because God "chose us and appointed us" for a high calling! Have a Wonderful Wednesday ladies!

“Living Like a Chosen Woman”

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16 (NIV)

Some days I live as if I’m still waiting for someone to choose me for something that will change my life and heal the ache in me to feel special and significant. I feel overlooked and rejected in large ways, like when other women receive promotions or awards, or in small ways, like when friends socialize without me.

Why do I still long to feel chosen by certain people? And why am I still waiting to feel chosen for some special calling that would make life more meaningful?

I asked God these questions as I walked around my snowy Pennsylvania neighborhood. My heart felt as cold and barren as the landscape around me. Even after finding a husband, having a career, and enjoying a relationship with Jesus for decades, I still lived like a rejected woman in so many ways. I often felt ignored and overlooked. I often felt confused about my calling. I often felt empty, like I was missing the abundant life God promises us.

Could Jesus heal this pain in me?

The words of Jesus flooded my soul as I remembered John 15:16. He says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” As a college writing instructor and lover of vivid verbs, I couldn’t stop thinking of those two actions of Jesus: He chose and appointed.

First, He chose us.

This personal chosen status means we enjoy the most intimate, privileged and joyful relationship with the One our hearts have been longing for all this time. This union with Jesus became possible because He rescued us from sin by dying for us. The infinite price Jesus paid made me realize how precious I am to Him, and He became even more marvelous to me as I pictured Him reaching down His hand to choose me.

I understood that no other kind of “chosen” could satisfy the need we have for Jesus — no prize, relationship, promotion or new circumstance. After all, the Bible tells us all things were made by Jesus and for Him. (Colossians 1:16) We’re made for Jesus. That’s why we exist. When we live as women chosen for Christ, we live in the security and clarity of who we truly are.

Secondly, Jesus appointed us to go and bear fruit.

What is this fruit our lives will bear? We know this with certainty: Jesus calls us to follow Him, and He will send us out to fish for people. (Matthew 4:19) Chosen women understand their calling; they are Christ’s ambassadors to those who do not yet know Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

What higher calling can we imagine for ourselves than participating in the greatest thing happening in the world today — that people are coming to know Jesus?

The snow fell around me, and for once, I stopped thinking of all the ways I’d been rejected. I stopped wondering about what would make my life matter. Instead, I knew I was chosen. And chosen women live appointed lives.

As I walked passed the homes of neighbors who haven’t yet met Jesus, I thanked God for sending me out to fish for people who needed to know about this God who chooses us.

Lord, whenever I feel rejected, help me realize You chose me. Thank You for the price You paid to bring me to You. Help me understand the great purpose You have given me today to help others know Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Heather Holleman

TRUTH FOR TODAY

1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (NIV)

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"Afraid to Turn the Next Corner"

10/9/2018

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Good morning! How are you ladies today? Are you still with me? To be honest, I know that some days can be long and tiresome. Even some months. Especially when the days get shorter and we wake up in the dark. And the last few weeks have been cold and damp. But, we keep going because we know that the God of our days and our nights is always with us. Amen! Don't be discouraged. His mercies are new every morning!

Devotion

I can relate to Lysa today when she says she doesn't like surprises. I like the assurance of what's coming. How about you? But she shares with us that it's between the comfort of knowing what lies ahead and the place where everything catches us off guard---that vulnerable place--where our faith roots grow deeper. Great devotion! Have a Terrific Tuesday!

“Afraid to Turn the Next Corner”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

You know how some people love the thrill of being surprised?

They love surprise parties. They would love to show up at work today and learn they are being whisked away from their desk for a surprise vacation in just a few hours. They would even love to have one of those makeover shows show up at their house with a film crew and learn they're getting a whole new wardrobe.

Surprises feel thrilling to them. Like how some people feel when a roller coaster ride they thought was over suddenly takes off again and starts doing upside-down loops. They throw their hands in the air and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

They call that fun.

I don't.

I can usually manage my dislike of surprises in all the situations I mentioned.

My friends know not to throw me a surprise party. No one is looking to give me a surprise vacation or new wardrobe. And before getting on a roller coaster, I thoroughly check it out and know its patterned route.

But life is different.

Life twists and turns and throws loops into those places we think will be flat and smooth. Because that's what life does. Sometimes it just catches us off guard.

And at the end of the day, I guess that's why I don't like to be surprised. I can't stand to get caught off guard. It makes me feel exposed and afraid.

But slowly, I'm learning it's not all bad to be surprised.

That vulnerable place reminds us we have needs beyond what we can manage. Feeling a little exposed and afraid reminds us we need God. Desperately. Completely.

And in that gap between what we think we can manage on our own — and what we can't — is right where faith has the opportunity to grow deep roots. Roots that dig down into the hope and joy and peace only God can offer.

My faith doesn't just need to grow big … it needs to grow deep. Yes, I need deep faith roots, like the believer in Jeremiah 17:7-8, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

And how do we get deep roots?

We grow deep spiritual roots the same way a tree grows deep physical roots. The roots of a tree will never go through the pain and effort of digging deeper until there isn’t enough water from the surface to satisfy it. There’s water to be found in the deeper places. But the gift of going through the hardship to get to the deeper water is that deeper roots can help the tree withstand thrashing winds from bigger storms when they come.

And they will come. A tree with shallow roots is in great danger of being knocked down and taken out.

We are much the same. Shallow seeking will produce shallow believing and leave us vulnerable to falling. But deep seeking will produce deep believing and equip us to stand firm, no matter what comes against us.

Deep roots keep us secure in God's love when fear comes.

Deep roots anchor us with the truth that God is in control when surprises blow like strong, unruly winds.

Deep roots hold us steady in God’s peace during the storm that didn't show up on the radar.

Deep roots find nourishment in God's grace when the surface gets awfully dry.

Deep roots allow for growth of faith in God not previously possible.

I'm learning to not be so afraid of what might be around the next corner. Even if it does catch me off guard. I close my eyes and whisper to the Lord … deeper still.

Dear Lord, deep faith roots are what I desperately need. Help me take steps each day that will deepen my roots — especially when I’m having to trust You in the midst of vulnerable places. When the unexpected happens … when the winds of change blow … when the fiercest storms try to uproot me … I want to be a woman found trusting in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Lysa TerKeurst

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Psalm 9:10, "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." (NIV)

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"I Have Every Right to Be Angry and Unforgiving"

10/8/2018

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Good morning ladies! How are you on this Monday morning? Yes, it's gloomy outside, drizzle and cold, but we can still be cheery on the inside, and thankful for our warm homes. What do you have planned for today? For me, it's getting the grocery list made, some laundry folded, and various other things. Not too exciting. What IS exciting is that we are going to see our kids and grandson after church on Sunday! So, we have that to look forward to this week! It will just be a few days, but we'll take what we can get. Can't wait!

Devotion

Have you ever felt so hurt by someone that you were/are unable to forgive them? Our emotions can be so strong when we get hurt that it's hard to let the pain go. Today's devotion tells us that we can only feel joy in our lives again when we are able to forgive our offender. So hard, but we can do this with God's help. His Spirit is in us. Have a Magnificent Monday ladies!

“I Have Every Right to Be Angry and Unforgiving”

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19 (NLT)

I had been lied to, betrayed, rejected and hurt. I was heartbroken, but after a while, that heartbreak turned to anger and unforgiveness, and I felt I had every right to both.

Day after day, the feeling of righteous anger would overpower the desires of my heart to forgive. Although I would ask God for the ability to give mercy and forgiveness, my long mental list of justifications for being angry would override my hollow prayer. It felt as if there were voices in my head arguing with each other, one trying to convince me I was justified in feeling angry, and the other trying to convince me forgiveness was the best choice.

For months, the loudest voice was the one partnered with my damaged human emotions, and unfortunately, it was the one I listened to the most: Yes, I have a right to be angry, and yes, I deserve to feel anger toward this person. Anyone would agree.

However, after listening to the wrong voice, my thoughts and emotions began to steal my peace and ability to be happy. Because my mind was consumed with what had been done to me, it made it nearly impossible to have positive thoughts and feelings, much less enjoy life.

Then one morning while doing my Bible study, I came across today’s key verse,

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry”(James 1:19).

In this passage, James is imploring God’s people to understand the damage negative thoughts and emotions can cause. Notice how he says “everyone” should be slow to speak and slow to anger, leaving no room for excuses or righteous indignation from those who feel they’ve been wronged.

From a worldly perspective, I did have every right to be angry and unforgiving, but from a godly perspective, my anger and unforgiveness held me hostage to a lack of joy. The longer I felt justified in my anger and the more I held onto it, the stronger a foothold the devil had in my heart, and the tighter the chains became.

I realized I’d been living in a state of oppression by the enemy, and it was affecting my every thought and action. Affecting how I lived out each day. Affecting my peace, joy and happiness. I wanted to be free, even if it meant forgiving someone I felt didn’t deserve my forgiveness and hadn’t even asked for it.

As I continued reading, I read James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (NIV). Through this passage, God softened my heart, making me aware that although I had forgiven with my words, I had not yet truly forgiven with my heart. As a result, my habit of justifying my anger caused an overflow of negative emotions to build inside me. It was choking my happiness and preventing me from living my life abundantly — with the joy of my salvation.

In every area of life, including managing strong emotions and practicing forgiveness, God calls us to be “doers” of His Word, not just “hearers” — even when nothing in us wants to.

But I learned something through that experience: Forgiveness had set the prisoner free. And that prisoner was me. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not our offender, and this gift opens the door to living with joy.

Dear Lord, please forgive me for harboring anger in my heart, even when it feels justified. Equip me with a supernatural ability to forgive those who’ve hurt me and to guard my heart when old emotions threaten to surface. Strip my heart of anger, and replace it with joy. Thank You for Your mercy and for forgiving my own sins. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Tracie Miles

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Ephesians 4:26-27, “And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (NLT)

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"When You're Afraid to Jump Into the Deep End of God's Will"

10/2/2018

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Good morning girls! Another cloudy day over here in Anoka. Pretty typical Fall day though. Tomorrow, however, will be anything but typical as the tropical depression Rosa affects us a bit and we have temps near 80 and a possible thunderstorm. On these days, Molly just wants to stay in bed. I can see why. There are just some days those comfy blankets urge me to stay in too! How about you? How is your morning going so far?

Devotion

How are you with water? As in....swimming and diving, that sort of thing. I remember being terrified of it and my Mom was the one to help me to learn to swim. The first thing we learned was to 'trust' the water by having her hold me under my back as she taught me to float. Much later in my life, my Dad, who wasn't even a swimmer, stood in the shallow end of a pool and taught me the basics of diving. Again....terrified! But I learned. The MAIN thing I needed at those times was faith. Today's devotion reflects on this same thing. A swimming example, but also three important stories from the Bible where God used people, weak....just like you and me....to accomplish His purpose for them. Have a Tremendous Tuesday ladies!

“When You’re Afraid to Jump Into the Deep End of God’s Will”

“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

I was sitting on the balcony, listening to excited squeals and splashes as children played in the swimming pool below.

One particular little girl caught my attention. She appeared to be about 6 years old, wearing bright yellow water wings around her arms like blood pressure cuffs. As she stood by the pool nervously flapping her arms, her daddy was poised in waist-deep water with his arms outstretched.

“Come on, honey, you can do it,” he coached. “Go ahead and jump. I’m right here.”

“But I’m scared,” she said, whining and flapping. “You might not catch me.”

“Don’t be afraid. I’m right here.”

“But you might move!”

“I’m not going to move. I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” he assured her.

This bantering went on for at least 15 minutes. I was amazed at the father’s patience and persistence. But finally, she jumped! Applause went up all around the pool! By the end of the morning, the little girl was swimming like a minnow and making her way across the once “treacherous” waters.

Then God began to speak to my heart: Sharon, sometimes you’re that little girl. And suddenly, I began to see myself standing on the pool’s edge with my heavenly Father beckoning me to jump in.

Come on, honey, you can do it, He coaxes. Go ahead and jump. I’m right here.

“But I’m scared,” I cry. “You might not catch me.”

Don’t be afraid. I’m right here.

“But You might move!”

I’m not going to move. I’m your heavenly Father. I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you.

First Corinthians 2:9 says, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” But in order to experience what He has prepared for us, we have to jump in.

All through Scripture, we read of men and women who were afraid when God called them to jump into His plan. Moses cried out to the burning bush, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God replied, “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 3:11b; 4:12, NIV).

Jeremiah struggled moving forward with the words, “‘Alas, Sovereign LORD,’ I said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am too young.’” But the Lord replied, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:6, 8a, NIV).

Gideon “flapped his water wings” and refused to jump in with several excuses. “But LORD … how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” And God replied, “I will be with you” (Judges 6:15b-16, NLT).

Moses, Jeremiah and Gideon finally jumped in the deep end of God’s will, and God did amazing works through each of them.

Did you notice the little girl said, “Daddy, what if you don’t catch me?”

The fear of “what if” holds me back sometimes. I wonder if it does you, too.

What if He doesn’t catch me? What if I heard Him wrong? What if I fail?

Allowing the fear of “what if” to mess with our mind and rule our heart will smother our confidence and courage with an avalanche of doubt. Fear has no choice but to leave the premises when we stand on God’s promises and say, “You are not welcome here.”

Here’s what I’ve decided: When God calls me to dare greatly, I’m going to jump in with both feet, but never let go of His hand. I hope you will, too. “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” Let’s jump in and experience those things together.

Heavenly Father, sometimes I am so afraid to move forward in faith. Sometimes I’m not sure if it is Your voice or my own I’m hearing. But I’ve decided I am going to err on the side of obedience. Give me the courage to move when You say move, to speak when You say speak, to jump into the deep end of Your will when You say “jump in.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Sharon Jaynes

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)

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"Thirteen Words That Changed My Life"

10/1/2018

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Good morning ladies. Welcome to OCTOBER!!! And Happy Fall! The cooler weather is lovely. How are you this morning? Sorry that I missed the devotions on Thursday and Friday, but I was rather sick. Unfortunately, I also missed going to the ladies retreat. So bummed, but I know I made the right decision because I got worse over the weekend. The good news is that I'm feeling a little bit better today. I guess it just takes time to work out of the body. I'm looking forward to a new week. How about you? Anything you'd like to share with us? Maybe some of the retreat ladies? Hint: I accept pictures too!

Devotion

Ooh. Tough devotion today. I'm sure we can all say that, at one point or another, we've struggled with the "mundane." God wants us to live the abundant life He's prepared for us. Have a Magnificent Monday ladies!

“Thirteen Words That Changed My Life”

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

That night did not differ from most other nights. I’d cooked dinner and cleaned up before my husband got home from work. Our kids, bathed and in their jammies, had gone to sleepy town already when Scott walked through the door. We exchanged our usual “How was your day?” banter before he headed upstairs to his man cave.

The words I’d rehearsed all day were playing like a symphony in my head. It was time to have a talk with my man.

Things had been silent between us for far too long. Something had to change. His overtime kept him away from our family. Our children and I needed him home more, and I decided it was time to let him know he needed to make some changes. I was poised and prepared for every comeback he could hurl at me — every comeback except one.

My heart pounded as I entered the room. I sheepishly sat down on the floor beside Scott and waited for just the right time to let him know how I was feeling. I asked questions like I was interested in what he was doing. Then, when the forced conversation lulled, I lunged into my lengthy, well-prepared diatribe, ending with what I thought was a showstopper: “You don’t act like you ever want to come home.”

Scott paused for a moment before he spewed a comeback that all my rehearsing didn’t prepare me to hear. Much to my surprise, Scott had the real showstopper: “You don’t make our house a place I want to come home to.”

Hanging in the air were 13 words that changed the course of my life forever.

For days, my emotions fought with Scott’s words. What he’d said messed with me in the worst — and best — way. Eventually the wrestling match ended; the words won. I hadn’t decided yet to agree with my husband, but the thought of his words being remotely true jolted me to my core. After mulling over his words for several days, I had to admit there was truth in it. My heart wasn’t happy, and therefore, my life wasn’t happy, and neither was my home.

I had succumbed to the power of every unmet expectation, unfulfilled dream, unanswered prayer, and unwanted situation. The “I thought God would,” “Why didn’t He?” “I longed for God to,” and “If only” scripts ran on auto-play, feeding my soul. The scripts played louder, and without realizing it, I began operating on autopilot, running life’s race, hurtling from one task to the next, all the while leaving behind an unpleasant atmosphere for those around me.

Facing this realization was very difficult. Desperate to change the trajectory of my life, I turned to God’s Word for new truths, new scripts, and a new way to run life’s race. His Word did not disappoint.

This new way of life started with my yes to God, which cultivated an unbreakable trust-relationship with Him. Then a no to self that revealed the person I was created to be before sin and shame entered my life, as well as truth to help me transform into His image. And it’s a maybe that welcomed freedom to spend my life serving God’s kingdom without being overwhelmed and overcommitted.

My old scripts have been replaced with new truths. These truths will help everyone who believes them experience life anew with the God of immeasurably more, which we find in Ephesians 3:20. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” — the life every believer was born to live.

Soak in these new scripts, friends. Say to your unmet expectations, “God will superabundantly exceed my expectations.” To your unfulfilled dreams, say, “God will superabundantly surpass my dreams.” Then to your unanswered prayers, “God’s answer will be superabundantly greater than I expect.” And to your unwanted situations, say, “God’s resolution will be superabundantly better than mine.” Let them be the beginning of your “yes, no, and maybe” adventure with the God of immeasurably more.

Oh, and about those 13 words? My husband says that, today, our home is a place he loves to come to.

Lord, I’m tired of going through the motions of the Christian life. I want a burning desire to know and experience You, the God of immeasurably more. Use today’s message to change the direction of my life so I might live the life You intended me to live. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
Wendy Pope

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (NIV)

James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (NIV)

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