Encouragement for Today

Nothing More and Nothing Less

tracie — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:01:36 +0000

January 27, 2012

Nothing More and Nothing Less
Rachel Olsen

“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5 (NLT)

Lord, how can I become content with just who I am, nothing more and nothing less?

I’m certainly prone to want to be more, or less than I am. To be smarter, prettier, funnier, fitter. To be more productive, happier and higher energy. And then also to be lower key, calmer, more level-headed and focused.

I want to have better self-awareness, and yet I want to be less concerned about what others think of me.

I want to be a better cook, to sing on key, and to keep the house neat without so much perceived effort. And did I mention fuller, thicker hair would be nice too?

I want to be a better writer – one that’s both highly creative and meticulously organized. And I want fewer propensities to run late, slack off or procrastinate.

Yes, I want to be both more and less of me.

Jesus shushes my endless listing of the things I want to change or improve about myself. Things I’m certain would give me be a better life. He asks me instead to humbly make peace with it all. To lay down my notions of a better woman and life by letting Him be the judge of that. To simply take what I’m given and offer it back to Him, in surrender and service.

Today’s verse in the book of Matthew is among several in the Bible that fuels one of my core convictions: When I stop striving to create a life for myself, I find the life God creates for me. This is a powerful truth, indeed a divine secret.

His life for me begins precisely where mine ends. My life ends in my sin and striving and begins again in God’s grace and power.

His empowering indwelling affords me everything I truly need and nothing I truly don’t.

Do you too long to be content with just who you are in Christ – nothing more and nothing less? Jesus addresses us both in Matthew 23:11-12. Eugene Peterson describes that passage this way: “”Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty” (MSG).

Amazingly, God’s grace humbles a woman without degrading her, and His favor lifts her up without inflating her.

The life she finds in Him makes her the proud owner of everything money can’t buy. As Jesus put it, “the whole earth.” What she gets with humility is a life of contentment. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Dear Lord, help me quiet my critical, striving spirit today and gratefully accept who I am and where I’m at in this moment. For You are here, ready to empower my life to count for plenty right where I am. Help me also to seek and hold Your definition of “plenty” – nothing more and nothing less. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do you know Jesus personally?

Connect with Rachel at her blog where she describes an everyday moment when she needed and learned to be contentment with who she is.

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.

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:
Am I content with who I am and where I’m at in life? What can I do to find that contentment when it is missing?

It is possible to improve and grow – with dreams, plans and goals – and at the same time still be content. Take time today to journal about yours – and schedule a time later this month to return and read those notes.

Power Verses:
1 Peter 5:6-7, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (NLT)

Matthew 5:5, “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” (MSG)

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

Easy Isn’t The New Good

tracie — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:01:09 +0000

January 26, 2012

Easy Isn’t the New Good
Lysa TerKeurst

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV 1984)

It’s good to invest wisely in my relationships. It’s easy to simply coast.

It’s good to go the speed limit. It’s easy to speed a little.

It’s good to make a healthy choice. It’s easy to grab junk.

It’s good to read my Bible. It’s easy to check my phone for texts and emails first.

It’s good to think about others. It’s easy to think about myself.

Several years ago I had a friend who decided to leave her husband for another man. Things were easier with this other man. The feelings were giddy. The fights were few. And they didn’t have years of issues that needed to be dealt with.

So she went with what felt easy over what was good. She divorced. She remarried. She started over with what seemed so much easier.

After all, she’d been slipping into the pattern of easy for years. When we set our heart on the pattern of choosing easy over good in the little things, we run the risk of using the same justifications with the bigger things.

I’m not saying if I don’t read my Bible today, I’m headed for divorce court tomorrow. But setting a pattern of choosing easy over good in my life is a slippery slope.

Easy isn’t the new good.

Just because the world waves a big banner that we deserve easy… do what feels easy… why stress yourself when there’s an easier way… doesn’t mean it’s good.

Eventually, my friend didn’t feel like her new man was so easy. The feelings weren’t so giddy. The fights were many. And over the years they too developed a whole host of issues.

One day she came home and her second husband was gone. He found it easy to leave.

Like the old cliché says, “Easy come, easy go.”

I think about this and I’m challenged. Where are little compromises sneaking into my life? Where am I establishing a pattern of choosing what is easy over what is good? And does it really matter?

I think it does.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

I so desire this “good” way. To treat others fairly. To love those in my life faithfully. And to live the way God wants me to live- choosing good over easy.

Dear Lord, please help me to see today the times where I may choose the easy way over the good way. My desire is to please You in all that I do. Help me to establish healthy patterns of living according to Your purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
If you are looking for a book to help you really get to know God in a deep and personal way, Lysa’s Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl would make the perfect resource for your personal or group Bible Study this year!

To learn more about the book or her DVD teaching series and accompanying Bible Study workbook, click here.

If you enjoy Lysa’s devotions, be sure to sign up for notes of encouragement she sends out from her blog by clicking here. They are free and great for passing along to friends.

Come see the downloadable Freebies on Lysa’s website! Encouraging articles for lots of situations to print and share with a friend! www.LysaTerKeurst.com

Reflect and Respond:
Just because the world waves a big banner that we deserve easy… do what feels easy… why stress yourself when there’s an easier way… doesn’t mean it’s good.

Where are little compromises sneaking into my life? Where am I establishing a pattern of choosing what is easy over what is good? And does it really matter?

Power Verses:
Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for good of those who loves him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (NIV 1984)

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

But I Really Don’t Like Her

tracie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:01:47 +0000

January 25, 2012

But I Really Don’t Like Her
Samantha Reed

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV 1984)

Guns were loaded. Ten paces taken. The showdown had begun. Her at one end of the table; me at the other. My plate a smoking gun; lima beans my bullets.

I wish I could say I was a two-year-old toddler, throwing a tantrum. Instead, I’m embarrassed to admit I was a 25-year-old adult, sticking it to a woman I couldn’t stand. Neither of us was backing down. Meeting her stealthy gaze I methodically slid one lima bean after another to the side. I would not take one bite of her potpie until it was clear of the offending veggies.

Oh, it’s not that I dislike lima beans. On the contrary. I like them. What I didn’t like was her.

Her, my boyfriend’s mother. Clinging tightly to her matronly apron strings. Sitting at the head of his table. Wedging herself between us. Serving his favorite meal.

Me, her son’s girlfriend. Building bonds meant to last a lifetime. Sitting by his side. Wedging myself between mother and son. Resenting her home-cooked meal.

My own mother’s voice grew louder in my head with each lima bean I pushed aside. “It doesn’t matter what she’s done, you eat the limas, Sam.” I held my challenger’s stare as I flicked another bean onto the growing mound. “Put down your disdain and put her above yourself, Samantha.”

With determined purpose I jabbed the last lima. Without a word I said it all: I will not honor your meal. I will not honor your feelings. I will not honor you. My mom’s voice shook my inner core. “Use your humility, Samantha Elaine!!”

After dishes were washed and guns put away, another voice resonated. The Lord spoke gently, yet firmly. Sam, I’ve asked you to not be selfish. This was a perfect opportunity to show humility. She took time to cook that meal; you should have put her needs above your desires and eaten all of it.

I was ready with my rebuttal. But I really don’t like her! She’s controlling and invasive. She doesn’t respect me or my relationship with her son. She’s impossible to get along with, much less honor.

As far as I was concerned, she was the enemy and it was my duty to draw the battle lines. Yet deep down I knew, my actions should not be determined by hers. After all, she had worked hard on that dinner. She was my boyfriend’s mom. And most importantly, she was my sister in Christ.

On that premise alone I knew God called me to be humble toward her. Not only that, but to go above—by eating (all) of her meal, and beyond—by complimenting her special dish. It would have been a small thing, but it would have been the right thing… and the God thing.

Though my relationship with my boyfriend and his mom has since ended, my relationship with humility has grown. And continues to grow as I challenge myself. It may be something as small as eating food I don’t care for, watching a television show that bores me, attending a function I’d rather not. Or maybe speaking kind words when I’m frustrated, praying for someone who has offended me, or taking a back seat when I want to be first.

And for the times my finger is on the trigger, I keep in mind that by being humble, I’m honoring God. There is joy in giving glory to the One who so humbly laid down His life so I can keep mine eternally. This truth gives me the grace I need to tuck my guns away and ask, “May I please have seconds of your delicious lima bean potpie?”

Dear Lord, thanks for being the best example of humility and honor. Please give me the grace to respect others, especially those who I find hard to respect. Thanks for Your Word and for reminding me to put others first. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Sharing Grace – Family Traditions – Gift ideas (E-Book) by LeAnn Rice

A Perfect Mess: Why You Don’t Have to Worry About Being Good Enough for God by Lisa Harper

Visit Samantha’s blog for a give-away of A Perfect Mess by Lisa Harper

Reflect and Respond:
We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. ~Matthew Henry

Who do I struggle to be humble toward? What is one thing I can do to “tuck my guns away” and show them kindness?

Power Verses:
Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (ESV)

Colossians 3:12-13a, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…” (ESV)

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

A Praying Momma

tracie — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:01:49 +0000

January 24, 2012

A Praying Momma
T. Suzanne Eller

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

When he first started drinking, she and her husband weren’t sure what to do. Then he was arrested. Soon after they discovered he was using drugs. For the first time in her life, Mickey felt helpless as a mom.

Mickey’s son was raised in church and he once served as a leader in his youth group. Their home was a safe place where faith was lived out. And yet her son continued to spiral downward, no matter what they did. The night he broke into their small business and emptied the cash register was the bleakest night of all.

Mickey looked around the church and realized there were other moms with similar struggles. She started a Prodigal Prayer Group that met on Tuesday nights. They prayed one year, two years and then three.

Mickey saw others’ children come back to their faith, but her prayers for her own son seemed to be going nowhere. Nonetheless, she continued to show up, joining in strength and support with other praying mommas.

I wish my sweet friend had a video camera recording her son through those dark days. I wish she could have seen Austin rediscover his faith, overcome his addictions, and see him grow into the godly man he is today.

But the reality is that Mickey didn’t have a video camera. All she had was her faith. Faith that was tested over and over.

She was aware of the realities of her son’s choices, but she continued to pray. She continued to believe. She had to make hard choices like setting boundaries. She had to listen to other moms whose children were not straying and who did not understand her struggle.

Mickey says that during that time she began to see Austin through the eyes of faith. She knew that it wasn’t in her power to change her son, but that God could be her source of strength as she stayed the course.

We often say we would do anything for our children. If someone had told Mickey that it would take years of praying and believing like she did without seeing any sign of change, I wondered would she still do it? Mickey says yes, she would.

Maybe you identify with my friend. You raised your son or daughter with love. You provided a safe place. You showed them Jesus, and yet somehow they lost their way. Today I want to encourage you. The Father loves you and your child. In Jesus’ story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32, NIV) we see a son who has hit rock bottom. He finally decides to go home and this is the reaction of his father:

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.” (verses 20-24)

Jesus told this story to illustrate the love of the Heavenly Father. The beauty of a praying momma is not lost in the chaos of your child’s choices. You are not alone as you pray, because He’s waiting, just as you are, to welcome your child in His embrace.

Dear Father, thank You that You love my child even more than I. I am not alone. You are with me. Walk with me today. Give me Your strength. Give me renewed hope and eyes of faith. In Jesus’ powerful, precious Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Jesus?

Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know by T. Suzanne Eller. For more resources from Suzie, click here.

Building a Bridge: To Your Child’s Heart Building a Bridge: To Your Child’s Heart (CD) by Lynn Cowell

Visit Suzie’s blog where Suzie shares five things to do when your child is in trouble.

Reflect and Respond:
“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” Soren Kierkegaard

How is my faith being stretched as a parent? What moms could I Invite to join together and commit to praying for our children?

Power Verse:
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” (MSG)

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

Treasured

tracie — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:01:44 +0000

January 23, 2012

Treasured
Amy Carroll

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 7:6 (NIV)

It changes your life to know you’re treasured. Grasping this truth transforms a woman. I know; I saw it happen right before my eyes.

Our little band of four women and one very brave man set off to India last November to lead two women’s conferences. We packed light, but our hearts were ladened with prayers, messages and plans grown over months of preparation. Although we dreamed big, we couldn’t fathom the God-sized outcomes.

We also couldn’t imagine the magnitude of the hurts needing to be healed. I was astounded and grief-stricken by the stories my new Indian friends shared.

One woman returned late the second day of the conference, bruised and cut by a beating with a fan blade by her husband, enraged because of her attendance at a Christian conference.

A gifted, young leader sobbed as she told us that her father wished her replaced with a boy or dead.

An exhausted pastor’s wife confessed that she and her husband were preparing to leave the ministry because of the extreme persecution they faced.

A beautiful, teenaged orphan solely supporting her grandmother and sister returned home one evening to the announcement of her arranged marriage.

A grieving young woman related how family members silently brushed by her after her conversion, as if she didn’t exist.

The stories of women with scars on their bodies and wounds on their hearts went on and on and on…

Our team passionately poured the truth God’s heart and the promise of today’s key verse into these hurting women. “You are treasured by God. You are created in His image. He could never love you any more or any less. He desires you so much that He calls you His own bride. Because you are His, He has a calling and a purpose for your life. You are chosen by Him.”

Slowly but surely, tears of sorrow transformed into tears of joy. Understanding began to light the faces around us. Confessions of God’s goodness abounded.

The beaten woman not only bravely returned, she came back with her precious son so he could hear he is God’s treasure.

The young leader cried through worship knowing she’s cherished by God and the women surrounding her.

The pastor’s wife testified she was excited to return and teach the women in her town.

The engaged teenager declared she would face marriage to a stranger knowing that Jesus is her true husband.

The “invisible” woman prayed that she would be Jesus’ love to her parents and brothers.

At the end of the first conference, one attendee approached my teammate, Peggy. She looked Peggy in the eyes and said, “Thank you for making us important.” Peggy quickly replied, “Honey, God made you important.” The woman answered, “But we didn’t know.”

Knowing we are God’s treasure is a transforming realization. If you know this truth, then rejoice and spread the news! If you haven’t heard or haven’t believed, then let me whisper to you…

You are treasured by God.

Let the truth transform you and free you to live the life of joy and purpose for which you were created.

Dear Lord, help me to really grasp that I am Your treasure. Once I’ve basked in the gift, help me pass it on. I want to join with You and experience the miracle of seeing others transformed by Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Visit Amy’s blog to hear more about her time in India and learn ways that you can pass on the truth to women next door and around the world.

Share this truth with a child in need through Compassion International.

Reflect and Respond:

Do I know and believe I am God’s treasure? If I believed this truth, how would it change me? My actions?

Who in my world needs to know God treasures them? How can I share this truth?

Power Verse:
I 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)

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