Encouragement for Today

Abigail’s Choice

tracie — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:01:53 +0000

February 24, 2012

“Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.” Proverbs 18:12 (NLT)

Marriages were often arranged in Abigail’s era, and I wonder if this was true of hers. On paper her husband Nabal seemed like a “catch.” He was wealthy, a good provider, and he liked to have fun and throw parties. But behind the scenes his self-control and integrity was seriously lacking, causing those closest to him to suffer.

Here is what we know about Abigail’s husband Nabal from the Bible in 1 Samuel chapter 25:1-41.

He is wealthy — that’s partly due to David’s protection of his land and flocks. (vv. 2, 7-8)

He’s crude, and mean in all his dealings. (vs. 3)

He sneers at guests who come in peace, and questions their character. (vv. 10-11)

He shouts insults. (vs.14)

He’s stingy, not returning favors or repaying kindnesses showed him. (vv. 16, 21)

He is so temperamental that people dread talking to him. (vs. 17)

He thinks more highly of himself than he ought. (vs. 36)

He drinks too much. (vv. 36-37)

Basically, Nabal was a self-centered, ill-mannered guy who didn’t recognize God’s provision or blessings in his life. And if you read his story, you’ll see he was foolish enough to insult the most powerful man around (King David) but more importantly, he was foolish enough to insult the one true God.

God let Nabal face the ultimate consequence of his character — death (vv. 38-39).

Imagine yourself paired up in marriage to such a foolish, arrogant, sharp-tongued man as this. (I hope you have to imagine, and have not lived this.) How would you react towards him? What do you think living with him might do to your personality, or your character?

Might you grow depressed? Would you become withdrawn or timid? Would you nag him to do better? Would you grow bitter, angry and become argumentative back? Or, would you perhaps just “let yourself go” and decide not to care about anything?

Let’s look at Nabal’s wife Abigail, from that same passage in the Bible:

She is smart and sensible. (vs. 3)

People look to her for wisdom and leadership in times of trouble. (vv. 14, 17)

She is decisive and wastes no time worrying, pitying her situation, or fussing at those who cause her trouble — instead she takes action to improve the situation. (vv. 18, 23)

She is generous, (vv. 18, 27) even willing to lay down her life for others. (vv. 22, 24)

She is humble (vv. 24, 41) and quick to ask forgiveness. (vs. 28)

She speaks eloquently and tactfully — with a knowledge of God — as she gives one of the longest speeches by a woman recorded in the Bible. (vv. 24-31)

She looks out for the well-being and reputation of others — even Nabal’s. (vv. 25, 31)

She trusts God, holds her tongue, and waits patiently for the right timing. (vv. 36-38)

Abigail has always been one of my favorite women in the Bible. She has it all — wisdom, character, courage, faith, eloquence, graciousness. She possesses both inner and outer beauty. But her life with this man Nabal was no picnic, and that’s really why I admire her.

How many times did Nabal get drunk and say or do something demeaning to her? Yet she chose not to let her spirit die. How many times did she wish for revenge, though not seek it? How many times did he berate her, yet she wasn’t paralyzed by his insults?

How many times did his foolishness cost her greatly, or those she cared about? Yet she chose not to count the costs to herself when she put her life on the line to spare his life and the other men’s.

Abigail’s praiseworthy character ran deep, which tells me her reverence of God did as well.

After Nabal’s death, she married King David and they had a son. David would have seven other wives in his lifetime, but only Abigail earned his complete respect. Only she had a positive influence on him.

Abigail challenges me to choose differently — to be humble, wise and courageous. Her example teaches me that I can choose how I will allow my circumstances to shape my character. While Nabal’s life clearly shows that haughtiness goes before destruction, Abigail’s shows that choosing humility and wisdom allows God to shape my character and my circumstances. And it makes room for God to be glorified in both.

Dear Lord, today I humble myself before You. I confess my sins and ask You to help me develop and display the same wisdom and character as Abigail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
If you enjoyed this devotion, you’ll want to get a copy of Rachel’s book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

The One Year Women of the Bible: Then and Now Reflections on Women of the Bible and Women Today

Visit Rachel’s blog for more encouragement.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We simply can’t compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
Do your words and actions typically reflect haughtiness or humility?

Who is your “Nabal”? A boss? A parent? Your own sin-nature that combats your spirit?

In what circumstance or relationship can you choose wisdom, humility and courage this week?

Power Verses:
Proverbs 31:26, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (NIV)

Proverbs 15:33, “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom; and humility comes before honor.” (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Seeing Beyond The Dent

tracie — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:01:21 +0000

February 23, 2012

Seeing Beyond the Dent
Glynnis Whitwer

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

A close call with a truck on the freeway left rubbery black smears on my oldest son’s car. Unfortunately, Josh’s younger brother had borrowed it and caused the accident. Relief and annoyance mixed together in Josh’s heart.

Even though apologies and assurances to pay were offered, Josh knew his brother didn’t have the money to repair the damage. And since the cost of the repair was probably less than the insurance deductible, Josh decided to barter babysitting services for a friend’s detailing services. It was a smart and gracious solution.

His friend worked for eight hours painstakingly removing the black streaks, and we all thought the car looked great. Josh was proud of his decision to not charge his brother and find a creative way to repair the car.

At least, until he showed his car to some friends. Rather than see the good, all one person said was: “You can still see the dent!”

Later that day, Josh complained in private, “All that work, and she only saw the dent!”

I reaffirmed his generous choices and tried to bring back his joy in the repair. But the damage was done. My son left me standing in the kitchen pondering the careless comment. And wondering how many times I’ve only seen the dents.

There was a time when I could have made that comment. Too often I had neglected the efforts my children made and only seen the negative. Too often I had failed to acknowledge progress in others and only seen what remained to be done. Even in my own life I tend to focus on what isn’t instead of celebrating what is.

The critical spirit displayed in a careless comment flourished in me at one time. Yet I knew that disapproving attitude wasn’t compatible with the Jesus-follower I wanted to be. It was opposite to scriptures I’d read, like today’s verse in 1 Thessalonians which tells us to encourage and build each other up.

So years ago I asked God to remove any remnant of unhealthy pride from my heart. I begged His forgiveness for judgmental, critical thoughts and words, and asked for His spirit of love and mercy to fill all those unkind places. I wanted to stop looking at the “dents” and instead see the beauty of effort.

It took lots of honesty and confession to deal with my ingrained habit of seeing the problem. Even after I reined in my words, my heart still needed attention. Yet each time I faced the ugly truth about what was going on inside, criticism loosened its grip, allowing me to celebrate imperfect progress – in others and myself.

Do those critical thoughts still pop up? Yes they do. I’ll be honest, I saw the dent that remained on my son’s car too. But I immediately redirected my thoughts towards the generosity of a brother who forgave. I chose to focus on his creative solution and the kindness of his friend. And I thanked God my response that time had been to see the positive and to celebrate with my son.

Repairs are happening all around me. God is working in the lives of those I love; He is working in mine too. My prayer is to get to the place where I don’t even see the dents. Instead, I want eyes and a heart that rejoice with the smallest improvement, that praise potential and acknowledge effort. As I seek to live out Jesus’ request to love others, a critical spirit needs to die, and a loving one needs to take its place.

Dear Lord, thank You for seeing the good in me. Your thoughts are not critical and condemning, instead You celebrate every little bit of progress I make. Your belief in me makes me want to do better. Help me to give that gift to others and myself. In Jesus name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Glynnis’ blog for more on changing a critical spirit into a gracious and loving one.

I Used to Be So Organized by Glynnis Whitwer

It’s No Secret, Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olsen

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
A critical spirit is often rooted in underlying emotions. What are some of the reasons women are critical of others?

To start to change a critical spirit, commit to identifying and affirming verbally or in writing, positive progress in three people you know.

Power Verses:
Hebrews 3:13, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (NIV)

Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Please Don’t Judge Me

tracie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:01:22 +0000

February 22, 2012

Please Don’t Judge Me
Samantha Reed

“You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Mark 10:21b (ESV)

I had some priorities misplaced. Suppose I’d known for some time, but didn’t fully recognize them until a trip to El Salvador with Compassion International.

I met two children on a home visit. They lifted their tarp door and invited me in. Into mud puddles and dirt walls with just one bed where five rested their heads at night. One bed for dreaming dreams of being a doctor and police officer.

They filled my hands not with silver or gold, but with selfless love. Love shared in stories and smiles and what few tangible gifts they owned.

I’d come to extend gifts myself; gifts of detergent and food. But they exceeded anything I had to give. A tiny beaded bracelet smudged with dirt, drenched in love. They wanted it to be mine.

Feeling too shy to hand it to me herself, she nudged her brother. He presented it to me as if it were a royal crown and gently slid it on my wrist.

I declare, diamonds couldn’t match the worth of their hearts, their gift in that moment.

The next morning as I was getting ready I felt a nudge. Give your bracelet away like those children gave theirs to you.

You see, I had another precious bracelet with me. One my dad had given me over twenty years ago. Just a simple wooden bracelet from South Africa, but it meant the world to me.

How could I part with it? I wrestled with indecision. My heart soared, anticipating the moment I’d spot a little girl or mama to give my bracelet. But then my heart sank, anxious at the thought of giving up one of my most precious treasures.

And there lay the problem. My misplaced treasure.

Please, don’t judge me.

I’m embarrassed… more than that. Heartbroken. I’m sick to say I couldn’t give it away. Couldn’t? No; more like I wouldn’t. Both bracelets journeyed back to the United States.

One bearing selflessness; the other, selfishness.

I thought I was really something, bringing gifts to those kids in the form of beans and rice, soap and smiles. Little did I know, I was the one in need.

I needed God’s mercy {and I’m so glad it’s available}. I needed new perspective. I don’t want possessions if I’m not willing to use them to love others.

More than anything though, I needed the one thing I lacked… more love for the Lord than for my belongings. My heart held tighter to my bracelet than to what God had asked me to do. He beckoned, “give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” A seemingly simple request, yet so difficult for me to follow.

You know what the crazy thing is? I’ve since lost my dad’s bracelet. Isn’t that the way it is with earthly treasures? They’re meant to easily slip through open hands and giving hearts.

I’ve decided I don’t want to be lacking in love for the Lord or those He cares for. Next time I’m giving it all. I’m starting by opening my hands and heart and looking for opportunities today. Are you with me?

Dear Lord, You are the perfect example of giving. You gave Your Son, and He gave His very life on the cross. Thank You for giving new mercies, second chances and hearts that respond to Your prompting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Might you open your hands and heart with a sponsorship of a Compassion International child, like the two who blessed Samantha?

Click here to visit Samantha’s blog for pictures of these two generous children and enter to win a special bracelet.

Reflect and Respond:
“Sometimes love requires the sacrifice of your possessions, your time, or some other precious commodity.” ~John MacArthur

How can you respond to this beckoning by Jesus, “…give to the poor”?

Power Verses:
Matthew 6:20, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (NIV 1984)

Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616G MatthewsMint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

I Need Her

tracie — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:01:14 +0000

February 21, 2012

I Need Her
T. Suzanne Eller

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (NIV)

The text message read: I don’t care how busy you are, Suzie. Put me on your calendar. You need me.

Sometimes friendship gets last place in my life. My parents need me more than they once did. I have children and grandchildren in three states. I juggle ministry, relationships, and real life.

But my friend is right. I need her.

I love it when we get together over lunch. We laugh. We catch up with each other’s life. Often, we find ourselves talking about God. We dig deep, asking questions, praying and encouraging each other.

So why do I let this really great friendship slide to last place?

In John 13, Jesus commands the disciples to love each other. Jesus didn’t drop commandments lightly. There are only a few, rare instances in Scripture, but you see, He knew something they did not. They needed each other. One day soon He would return to Heaven. Though His love would always be with them, His physical presence would not. And hard times were ahead.

Persecution.

Suffering.

Mistreatment.

But it went even deeper than that. “As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” He said.

What did that look like?

When Peter denied he ever knew Jesus as his beloved Savior, he stumbled from the scene weeping. Can you imagine how he felt?

To love Peter “as Jesus did” meant that his friends wouldn’t give up on him. They would remind him of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. They would point him toward redemption and grace.

C. S. Lewis, author and professor, said, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.”

We were never intended to live our faith in isolation. God and girlfriends are not just fun. They are needed. In good times. In hard times. When we are living with purpose. When we falter.

You may be reading this and thinking, I don’t have a friend who texts or calls me. I wish I had a friend like that. If so, why not pray and ask God for one person you know who needs someone to reach out to them. Sometimes we have to be the friend we wish we had; taking the first steps toward the friendships we need.

I have made myself a promise today. I will work on this gift called friendship. I won’t allow a week or a month to go by without a lunch date, or at the minimum a conversation. In fact, I just texted my friend: I don’t care how busy I am, friend. Let’s make a date. I need you.

Dear Lord, thank You for my friend. I get so busy that I put her last. Give me wisdom to know how to nurture this part of my life. Help me to love my friend the way You love me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Suzie Eller as your next retreat / key note speaker.

Visit Suzie’s blog to discover three things that get in the way of God and Girlfriend relationships.

God, Grace and Girlfriends by Mary Snyder

Reflect and Respond:
“One thing I know for sure: We were never created to go it alone…If we attempt to face life’s complexities alone, our heart and hope will shrivel. God has created us for community—for belonging.” Julie Barnhill, Exquisite Hope

Have you lost contact with a friend? Why not send her a note or call her? Set a date and a time to get together.

Power Verse:
Philippians 2:4, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (NLT)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

God, Could You Please Hurry?

tracie — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:01:45 +0000

February 20, 2012

God, Could You Please Hurry?
Amy Carroll

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV 1984)

I completely lost my patience and started yelling, “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!”

Those of us who have lived in rural areas know that tractors on the road are a fact of life. However, just because they’re the norm doesn’t make them any less irritating if you’re in a rush! I followed a tractor down one of our narrow two-lane roads recently. I could only take the snail’s pace for so long before blowing up. But all that yelling, “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” didn’t speed up the tractor.

How often have I approached God’s timing the same way? And it never hurries Him up either.

When God doesn’t operate at a pace that pleases me, and I want Him to hurry, I’m reminded of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. I have feeling she felt the same way. After waiting ten years for a baby that God had promised (read Genesis 12-21 for the complete story), Sarah decided to “help” God.

Surely ten years was too long for anybody to wait. So Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to her husband, and the two of them had a child. Soon the two women were at odds. Talk about a soap opera!

Finally, fifteen years later, the child promised by God to Abraham and Sarah was born. God was not late. His timing was perfect. It was Sarah who was in a hurry and rushing things, but she found out there was a price to pay for manipulating her circumstances.

I know Sarah and I are not alone in our desire for God to hurry up. I once heard it said that we are people with gods on our wrists.

In Isaiah 55:9 God says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV). God’s timing is part of His ways. I may be tapping my watch, but He is never late. He may seem slow, but He is always right on time.

Has God made a promise to you that seems sluggish in coming? Has He planted a dream in your heart that has yet to come to fruition?

Don’t give up hope! God is faithful, and you can rely on His perfect timing. Fix your eyes on Him and enjoy the journey to your destination. There are things to be learned along the way that will enhance the joy of a promise fulfilled.

Dear Lord, sometimes I don’t understand Your timing. It’s often very hard to wait, but I trust You. I want to rely on Your ways and Your timing. Help me to learn what I need to learn as I wait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Amy’s blog for more encouragement.

What to do in the W.A.I.T., message on CD by Wendy Pope

Reflect and Respond:

What are some of the plans or dreams you believe God has placed in your heart?

Have you manipulated circumstances to try to see those dreams come true, or are you focused and committed to waiting for God’s timing?

What does God want you to learn in times of waiting?

Power Verses:
Psalm 130:5, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (NIV 1984)

2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org