time well spent

Mar

30

2 Corinthians 4:7-18 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves (v.7).

Read Psalm 116:12-14 to see the context in which we should offer our lives as a living sacrifice.

Is your to-do list made up of things you want to accomplish or things the Lord has called you to do? How can we discern the difference?

Her name is Mary Jane. Having married a steelworker, she’s seen the boom and death of a Pennsylvania steel town where they happily raised their children. When the town no longer held any promise for them, they moved to Florida to enjoy their latter years. Today, though, she misses her husband even though he’s been gone a while (she’s uncertain of exactly how long). As she sits gracefully in her wingback chair, Mary Jane understands why she now lives in an assisted living center. It’s because her memory has started to fail her.

Life is incredibly fragile. The apostle Paul reminds us of the great contrast that exists between the everlasting, transforming power of the gospel and our frail, finite humanity. Trials will come, with some seeming as if they will last forever while others appear merely as a blip on the radar of life. But this truth remains: We have but one life to expend for Jesus before we die (Job 14:5; James 4:14).

In the busyness of life, our priorities can seem to be so appropriate and necessary. So much so, with our to-do lists close to our eyes, we lose perspective—unable to see anything beyond the blurry ink on the page, much less the white of the paper in our hand.

For the believer, though, living a full life goes far beyond any “bucket list” of new hobbies or dream vacations. Knowing we were made for eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 2 Corinthians 4:18) should shape our present days so that our lives are not only transformed (2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Romans 12:2), but transformational (Romans 12:11-15).

Our purpose is not to live successful, happy lives. We need “to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Then our lives can truly be a means for others to learn about Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:13-15).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 20:1-42

Holiness or Hardness Toward God?

Mar

30

2011

He . . . wondered that there was no intercessor . . . —Isaiah 59:16

The reason many of us stop praying and become hard toward God is that we only have an emotional interest in prayer. It sounds good to say that we pray, and we read books on prayer which tell us that prayer is beneficial— that our minds are quieted and our souls are uplifted when we pray. But Isaiah implied in this verse that God is amazed at such thoughts about prayer.

Worship and intercession must go together; one is impossible without the other. Intercession means raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying (see Philippians 2:5). Instead of worshiping God, we recite speeches to God about how prayer is supposed to work. Are we worshiping God or disputing Him when we say, “But God, I just don’t see how you are going to do this”? This is a sure sign that we are not worshiping. When we lose sight of God, we become hard and dogmatic. We throw our petitions at His throne and dictate to Him what we want Him to do. We don’t worship God, nor do we seek to conform our minds to the mind of Christ. And if we are hard toward God, we will become hard toward other people.

Are we worshiping God in a way that will raise us up to where we can take hold of Him, having such intimate contact with Him that we know His mind about the ones for whom we pray? Are we living in a holy relationship with God, or have we become hard and dogmatic?

Do you find yourself thinking that there is no one interceding properly? Then be that person yourself. Be a person who worships God and lives in a holy relationship with Him. Get involved in the real work of intercession, remembering that it truly is work-work that demands all your energy, but work which has no hidden pitfalls. Preaching the gospel has its share of pitfalls, but intercessory prayer has none whatsoever.

Serve Him Today

Most of us have wanted something so badly that even though we knew it was wrong, we plunged after it anyway. Later we have felt sorrow for our spiritual stubbornness and stupidity. In the aftermath of willfully disobeying God, we may become angry with ourselves, numbed by regret, or resigned to the consequences of our foolish mistake. But there is another choice.

When the people of Israel insisted on having a king despite the warnings of Samuel the prophet (1 Sam. 8:4-9), God allowed them to have their way. But when they realized the tragic results of their choice, they asked for Samuel’s help and prayers (12:19). Samuel told the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart” (12:20).

We can’t undo yesterday, but we can act today to influence tomorrow. Samuel promised to pray for them and teach them the right way. He urged them, “Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you” (v.24).

God invites us to serve Him today, humbly acknowledging His forgiveness and His faithfulness.

Sins confessed you must forget;
Look not back to yesterday—
Full of failure and regret;
Look ahead and seek God’s way. —D. De Haan

Don’t let yesterday’s failures bankrupt tomorrow’s efforts.

Devotion for the day!!! : )

March 30, 2011

Fearing the Unknown
Micca Campbell

"Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."
Joshua 3:4a (NIV)

Devotion:
Do you ever fear the unknown? Perhaps it's your health or the uncertainty of your future. Maybe it's the decisions your children will make about following God or following their peers. Fearing the unknown can cause us to spend precious energy anticipating the worst-case scenario. There are two problems with this type of fear:

• The future is not here.
• The future is not ours.

While the future may be out of our hands, it is not out of the hands of our faithful trustworthy God. When we face a worrisome unknown situation, we can look to Joshua as an example of how to trust God in the face of uncertainty.

It's recorded in the first chapter of Joshua that before Moses died, God passed the baton of leadership to Joshua. The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for 40 years under the guidance of Moses. Now, their journey was almost over. Just beyond the Jordan River was their promised land -- the land that God had guaranteed to Abraham and his descendants.

Upon reaching the Jordan River, Joshua and the Israelites set up camp by the stream and awaited God's direction. Much like their meeting with the Red Sea, God had to make a way for them to cross over the river. On the third day, God told the officers to instruct the people that when they saw the Ark of the Covenant (where God's Presence abided) to follow it because they had "never passed this way before" (Joshua 3:4). In essence, God was saying: Follow Me and I'll see you through this unknown territory.

That's not all. The people were instructed on how closely they should follow the ark. Without this instruction, the people would have crowded the ark and God wanted every person to be able to see His presence faithfully leading them through the unknown valley. What greater encouragement could they have than this, that the Lord was their God, a God who was with them?

You see, friend, the Lord understands our fear of the unknown. He realizes that you may be in a situation that you've never passed through before and you're afraid. It may be the first time you've been without employment. Maybe you've just been diagnosed with an illness or your child is in rebellion. You've never been down this road before and you don't know which way to go or what to do. God will guide the way.

Joshua's life was unpredictable and full of unknowns much like yours and mine. Yet, he successfully resisted fear by keeping his focus on God rather than the events surrounding him. Just as God guided the Israelites through unknown territory, He will guide you and me, too.

As He promises in Isaiah 43, when we come to a place we've never passed through before, God is always present to help us. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (v.2-3a, NIV).

Even though the children of Israel were not told how they would pass over the river, the people went forth in faith. We too can move forward in faith sharing in the promised presence of God leading the way through our unknown circumstances.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your promised presence. It comforts my heart to know that I am not alone. Lead me, Lord, through the unknowns in my life. Make Your path clear and I will follow it. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Today's devotion was taken from Micca's book, An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger Than All Your Fears

Visit Micca's blog where she is giving away a copy of her book, An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger Than All Your Fears

Read about more of Micca's resources to encourage your faith

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!

Application Steps:
The Bible calls us to walk by faith not by sight. God doesn't always give us the details we desire, but He does give us Himself. We can trust He's laid out a path and He goes before us.

Write down three fears of the unknown and a prayer from your heart, committing to trust God with them.

Reflections:
Have I ever run from fear? Where and when?

Where did I find comfort from my fear?

How can God's promised presence soothe my fears?

Power Verses:
Psalm 32:8, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (NIV)

Question of the day!

Why Should Christians Live on Mission?

Charles Stanley

Paul and Barnabas set the standard for the church’s mission work when they obeyed God’s call to go forth. The local body of believers—those left behind to share Christ with neighbors and friends—equipped the men for their journey. They did so for the same reasons that apply today:

1. The spiritual condition of mankind. Romans 1:21–32 describes this sinful world. Unchecked sin leads people down a slippery slope toward a depraved conscience and, ultimately, a darkened mind that cannot perceive what is right. Every unbelieving person is sliding on that treacherous path.

2. God’s spiritual provision. The Father responded to mankind’s plight with grace: He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to save the world. On the cross, Christ bore the sin of every person—living, no longer alive, and yet to be born. The offer of salvation is for all; God’s grace is blind to race, creed, and color (Romans 10:12). Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven their sin, and they will spend eternity with the Lord.

3. The commission from Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 says we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. Notice that we don’t simply begin at home and work steadily outward. People everywhere are waiting for the Good News. The word is to be carried far and fast.

The purpose of the church is to worship and witness. Some will go and some will send, but all are called to the work of spreading the gospel. This is not a suggestion; it is a command (Matthew 28:19). Believers living in God’s will are all to be involved in missionary work.

Talk Low, Talk Slow

John Wayne, famous American actor and film icon, once said, “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much.” His advice is hard for me to follow since I’m a fast talker and I don’t always speak quietly or limit my words. However, this idea of controlling our speech can be a useful tool when dealing with anger. The Bible says we are supposed to be “slow to speak” (James 1:19), and that “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1).

Gideon gave a soft answer during a verbal scuffle with some fellow Israelites (Judg. 8). Just after his army defeated the Midianites, a group of his countrymen criticized him sharply (v.1). They were miffed because they missed out on the main part of the battle. Gideon did not fling back a rough response. Instead, he reminded them that they had captured and killed the Midianite princes. He also honored the men by asking, “What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Finally, “their anger toward him subsided when he said that” (v.3).

With the Lord’s help, we can defuse heated situations by reining in our words. Responding gently and carefully to angry people can promote unity, for God’s glory.

Lord, set a guard upon my lips,
My tongue control today;
Help me evaluate each thought
And watch each word I say. —Hess

Bite your tongue before your tongue bites others.

Devotion for the day!!! : )

March 29, 2011

Waging Kana

T. Suzanne Eller

"And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, 'Why could we not cast it out'
So He said to them, 'This kind can come out by
nothing but prayer and fasting.'"
Mark 9:28-29 (NKJV)

Devotion:
I didn't know how to fix it or make it better. I felt helpless, really. Someone close to me was battling a serious illness. One morning I sat in the stillness, just me and my Bible and the sweet presence of God as I prayed for this person. As I did, I felt strongly compelled to fast.

The Hebrew word for fasting is Kana, and it means to subdue or to bring low. It is the scriptural word for either bringing down an enemy in combat or subduing your own soul in an action of humility. Fasting twice a week was a regular practice in the first century. There were minor fasts (from sunrise to sundown) and examples in both the Old and New Testaments of fasting for many meals and even days. Jesus Himself fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.

But how long should I fast? Her treatment was expected to take several months, and that created a dilemma. No one can go without food for that long, nor should they. My Heavenly Father wasn't calling me to be foolish, but to bring low the enemy by waging Kana.

As I dug deeper I discovered that in addition to abstaining from food, Kana was practiced in other ways. Some sat in the "low seats" in the tabernacle as they offered the "high seats" to others. Some gave up simple pleasures. As I studied, I realized that I could fast traditionally, but also creatively throughout my friend's treatment.

Aren't you supposed to be quiet about fasting (Matthew 6:16)? Are you boasting? You might be wondering.

I'm not sharing this to boast, but because I quickly discovered the power behind fasting. When I wagedKana the gaping holes, those where I lacked discipline, were revealed. Some of those discoveries were surprising. Giving up sugar? Not too hard. Giving up complaining? Not a big deal. Giving up TV? Such a struggle that it shocked me.

One week I felt compelled not to abstain from something, but instead to immerse myself in Scripture. As each week passed, I began to invite God in to show me how to fast, and to shine His love in the areas where I needed to abstain so that He could fill them up.

Kana taught me where my strengths lie, and where my weaknesses flourished. It wasn't a legalistic pointing of the heavenly index finger, but an opportunity to take an honest look at where I was bound, and how to grow.

My friend is ending treatment soon, but I have come to embrace the process of Kana. My prayer is that it brings low the enemy as my friend continues to heal, but I know that fasting not only touches Heaven for my friend; it can't help but touch me, too.

Dear Lord, help me hear You more clearly, to bring low the enemy of my soul, and to open the gaps in my life to Your touch. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Suzie's blog for a giveaway or join her Live FreeFacebook group for community, encouragement and a weekly video Bible study.

The Woman I Am Becoming by T. Suzanne Eller

Life Unhindered! Five Keys to Walking in Freedomby Jennifer Kennedy Dean

31 Days of Prayer: Moving God's Mighty Hand by Ruth and Warren Myers

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!

Application Steps:
What or who might God be calling you to fast for? Write this down.

Commit. Will you fast one meal, one food item, some other personal sacrifice? For how long?

Pray throughout your Kana.

Reflections:
Fasting is not an exercise in abstinence, but in drawing close to your Savior.

Power Verses:
Psalm 35:13, "But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart." (NKJV)

Question of the day!

Are You a Growing Christian?

Adrian Rogers

Are you growing? Here are some ways you can tell.

What do you think about?

One of the first signs that you are growing in Christ is that you think about what Jesus has done on your behalf. You reflect upon it and you praise Him for it. Your sins are forgiven and you’re on your way to heaven. What a glorious thought!

What are you doing with your life?

You’re saved, but you don’t stop there. You develop muscles and become a strong warrior to the glory of God. You become an active member of the Lord’s army. Let me ask you: Is the devil afraid of you? Are you an overcomer or are you overcome?

If you are saved and still sitting on the sidelines, shame on you! Indeed, shame on all of us if we’re not exhorting and encouraging one another to lay down our lives to get into active service for our Lord!

Are you evangelizing and discipling others?

A father is one who has children. Do you have any spiritual children? This is a mark of a growing Christian—that you are multiplying yourself (what God did in you) by sharing it with others. When you appear before the throne of God, will you be standing there alone? Or will you be standing with children you have “parented” in Christ?

Do you know why we have so many flabby Christians? They come down the aisle of the church, get baptized, then come Sunday after Sunday and just sit, soak, and sour. They do not exercise. They don’t have daily quiet times; they’re not sharing Christ in their communities and neighborhoods; they’re not ministering in their church.

Running In The Right Direction

Mar

28

2011

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” —John 6:68

One of the most difficult experiences in my years as a pastor was telling a member of our church that her husband, her son, and her father-in-law had all drowned in a boating accident. I knew the news would shatter her life.

In the days following their tragic loss, I was amazed as she and her family responded with unusual faith. Sure, there was deep brokenness, haunting doubt, and confusion. But when nothing else made sense, they still had Jesus. Rather than deserting Him in the midst of their desperately difficult days, they ran to Him as the only source of hope and confidence.

This reminds me of the reaction of the disciples to Jesus. After some of them “went back and walked with Him no more” because He was hard to understand (John 6:66), Jesus turned to His inner circle, and asked, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67). Peter got it right when he responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Whatever you face today, be encouraged by the words of Peter and by the example of a family who went through the fire with their faith intact. As long as you’re running in the right direction—to Jesus—you’ll find the grace and strength you will need.

Jesus is the One to run to
When our lives bring grief and pain;
He provides His strength and guidance
With a peace we can’t explain. —Sper

When all is lost, remember that you haven’t lost Jesus. Run to Him.

the way

Mar

28

Isaiah 30:1-22 This is the way you should go (v.21).

Read Isaiah 30:23-26 to see the blessings God promised to shower on Israel if they would turn and “come to Him” (v.18).

How has God’s voice been calling you back to Him? How have you been pursuing God and His way?

I always assumed that Isaiah 30:21 had something to do with directions. My understanding was, if I stood at a crossroads and veered one way or the other, the Holy Spirit would let me know if I was going the right way. God would alert me if I was heading into trouble or beginning to venture outside of His will.

While I still believe that Isaiah 30 has application for steps we should or shouldn’t take in life, after digging deeper I now have a better grasp of what Isaiah was communicating. In this passage, the prophet was speaking to the wayward tribe of Judah, which had foolishly entered into a treaty with Egypt. “Without consulting Me, you have gone down to Egypt for help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh’s protection” (Isaiah 30:2). In so doing, Judah had:

• Made plans that were against God’s

• Made alliances not directed by the Lord

• Gone down to Egypt for help without first consulting God

• Put their trust in Pharaoh’s protection

It was Isaiah’s role as a prophet to warn God’s “rebellious children” (Isaiah 30:1) of the subsequent outcome that awaited them: humiliation, shame, disgrace, loneliness, and calamity (Isaiah 30:3-5). Isaiah also plainly stated that despite what they had done, God was waiting for His stubborn people to repent and return to Him. He longed to shower them with love, compassion, grace, and forgiveness (Isaiah 30:18-19).

Through Isaiah, we learn the very essence of God’s heart: to draw His beloved people close so that—despite their hideous sins—they could repent and receive His infinite blessings. Our God is so loving that when Judah strayed— and when we stray—God provides “a voice” to show us the way back to the Lord’s protection and eternal riches.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 17:32-58

Isn’t There Some Misunderstanding?

Mar

28

2011

’Let us go to Judea again.’ The disciples said to Him, ’. . . are You going there again?’ —John 11:7-8

Just because I don’t understand what Jesus Christ says, I have no right to determine that He must be mistaken in what He says. That is a dangerous view, and it is never right to think that my obedience to God’s directive will bring dishonor to Jesus. The only thing that will bring dishonor is not obeying Him. To put my view of His honor ahead of what He is plainly guiding me to do is never right, even though it may come from a real desire to prevent Him from being put to an open shame. I know when the instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence. But when I begin to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate enter into my mind, I am bringing in an element that is not of God. This will only result in my concluding that His instructions to me were not right. Many of us are faithful to our ideas about Jesus Christ, but how many of us are faithful to Jesus Himself? Faithfulness to Jesus means that I must step out even when and where I can’t see anything (see Matthew 14:29). But faithfulness to my own ideas means that I first clear the way mentally. Faith, however, is not intellectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can’t see the way ahead.

Are you debating whether you should take a step of faith in Jesus, or whether you should wait until you can clearly see how to do what He has asked? Simply obey Him with unrestrained joy. When He tells you something and you begin to debate, it is because you have a misunderstanding of what honors Him and what doesn’t. Are you faithful to Jesus, or faithful to your ideas about Him? Are you faithful to what He says, or are you trying to compromise His words with thoughts that never came from Him? “Whatever He says to you, do it ” (John 2:5).

Gold-Medal Effort

At the 2009 Kansas high school state track championship, an unusual thing happened. The team that won the girls 3,200-meter relay was disqualified. But what happened next was even more unusual. The team that was awarded the state championship by default turned right around and gave their medals to the team that had been disqualified.

The first school, St. Mary’s Colgan, lost first place because judges ruled that a runner had stepped out of her lane as she handed off the baton. That meant the second team, Maranatha Academy, moved up to first. After receiving their medals, the girls from Maranatha saw the downtrodden looks on the faces of the St. Mary’s girls, so they gave them their individual medals.

Why did they do this? As Maranatha’s coach Bernie Zarda put it: “Our theme for the year was to run not for our glory, but for God’s glory.” As a result of the girls’ action, their story was told throughout Kansas, and God’s name was lifted up.

When we set aside our own interests and accomplishments to recognize that it’s better to care for the interests of others (Phil. 2:4), we see God’s name glorified. Acting with grace and kindness toward others is one of the best ways to point people to God.

Love is not blind but looks
Abroad through others’ eyes,
And asks not, “Must I give?”
But, “May I sacrifice?” —Ziegler

When we love God, we will serve people.

Read: Philippians 2:4-11

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. —Philippians 2:4

Bible in a year:
Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44

Devotion for the day!!! : )

March 28, 2011

How Did I Get To This Place?
Melanie Chitwood

"For by grace you have been saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Ephesians 2:8, 9 (NAS)

Devotion:
One of the things I love to do is to recall the ways God has brought me to the place where I am in my relationship with Him. Have you ever done that? Have you ever reflected on the events and people God used in your past?

As I trace God's activity in my life, I recall important people and pivotal situations contributing to my love for God. I remember my mom and dad who made going to church a priority. My grandmother's gentle love spoke to me of the tenderness of God's love. I recall my Aunt Kathy who listened and cried with me through the tumultuous teen years. My youth leaders proved week after week, even when they knew my weekends were filled with more drinking than Bible study, they would not give up on me, and neither would God.

A week spent at Young Life camp Windy Gap opened my eyes and heart to God in a new way. Sitting on a rock with the dark sky and glittering stars above, I thought about some of the empty places in my life. I spent my days trying to be pretty, smart and popular. But no matter how hard I tried, I felt like I was "not enough" of any of these.

The only escape from these feelings was found in the thermos of wine I kept hidden in my bedroom closet. Enough sips and I'd be filled up enough to believe, at least momentarily, that I just might be all those things I longed to be.

While sitting on that rock at Windy Gap, I acknowledged that what I got from a drink was temporary and only a shadow of what I really desired. My longings for significance and love could only be found in Someone who loved me and accepted me unconditionally. I knew that someone was Jesus.

I prayed a prayer that went something like this: Jesus, I don't know everything about You, but I know enough to know You love me so much You died on a cross to take the punishment for my sin. Thank You for doing that. I want to be Your child, now and forever. Thank You for being my Lord, Savior, and Friend.

Remembering that defining moment and the steps which led me to Jesus fills my heart with gratitude. My love for Jesus is renewed, and I want to pursue Him once again as I remember the way He pursued me.

I encourage you to take time today or this week to remember the people and circumstances God placed in your life as He drew you to Himself. Will you pause at each place, thanking God for that person or situation? Thank Him that His love reached you and that His love will never fail.

Maybe as you read this devotion, you've remembered a time when you loved and followed God more wholeheartedly, but somewhere along the way you've pulled back or distanced yourself from Him. Will you pray today, recommitting your life to follow God?

I don't know what your story is, but I do know God is pursuing you. Isn't it amazing that even when we're not aware of God, He is aware of us? He's always working in our lives to draw us to His love.

Dear Lord, I am filled with thankfulness as I remember how You pursue me with Your love. Thank You for loving me first, even before I was aware of You. Thank You for each person and situation You put in my life that lead me to You. Reignite the fire of my love for You, causing it to grow stronger than ever. Let everything I am, do, and say point to Your unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

What a Husband Needs from His Wife and What a Wife Needs from Her Husband by Melanie Chitwood

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries,
you touch eternity! Your purchase supports many areas of hope-giving
ministry we provide at no cost. We are extremely grateful
for each and every purchase you make with us.
Thank you!

Application Steps:
Draw a staircase on a piece of paper. Ask God to remind you of the steps you took to get to this place with Him now. On each step, write the person or situation He used to bring you into a relationship with Him. Say a prayer of thankfulness for who or what you remember each step of the way.

Forward this email, write an email or write a letter thanking someone who God used in your life to draw you to His love.

Renew your commitment to spend time with God each day.

Reflections:
Do I need to remember that God loves me not based on what I do, but based on His grace?

Is there a friend who needs a relationship with Jesus? Can I forward this email to this person?

As you read this devotion today, perhaps you're not sure if you have a secure relationship with God. Will you pray a prayer like mine right now? Or click on this link for a prayer guide.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 2:4-5, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved," (NAS)

1 John 4:19, "...He first loved us." (NAS)

What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls?

John Barnett

In the spring of 1947 an Arab shepherd chanced upon a cave in the hills overlooking the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea that contained what has been called "the greatest manuscript discovery of modern times." The documents and fragments of documents found in those caves, dubbed the "Dead Sea Scrolls," included Old Testament books, a few books of the Apocrypha, apocalyptic works, pseudepigrapha (books that purport to be the work of ancient heroes of the faith), and a few of the books peculiar to the sect that produced them.

Approximately a third of the documents are Biblical, with Psalms, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah - the books quoted most often in the New Testament - occurring most frequently. One of the most remarkable finds was a complete 24-foot-long scroll of Isaiah.

The Scrolls have made a significant contribution to the quest for a form of the Old Testament texts most accurately reflecting the original manuscripts; they provide copies 1,000 years closer to the originals than were previously known. The understanding of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic and knowledge of the development of Judaism between the Testaments have been increased significantly. Of great importance to readers of the Bible is the demonstration of the care with which Old Testament texts were copied, thus providing objective evidence for the general reliability of those texts.

I'm Sorry lou po

Lou po, I'm really sorry for just now. Just want you to know that lou gong Joesinn Lim really love you lot lot my lou po Lock Keat Kuan. Mmuax Mmuax. Huggies

lambs on the lam

Mar

27

by tom felten
Posted under bible study, christian living, daily devotional, faith, God's Word, hell,Holy Spirit, Jesus, leadership, obedience, The Church
(one comment)

Matthew 7:13-20 Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions (v.20).

Read Deuteronomy 13:1-4 to read God’s instructions for how to avoid false prophets and to follow Him alone.

How can you spot a wolf in sheep’s clothing? What will you do to make sure the people who are spiritually influencing you are true believers in Jesus?

Last year, two convicts broke out of a maximum-security prison in Argentina, only to find that they could be easily spotted in the spacious sheep pastures surrounding the penitentiary. So what to do? The duo sneaked into a local ranch and stole some wooly hides that included sheep heads. The fake lambs remained on the lam by hiding among the thousands of sheep grazing around them. While still searching for the duo, one police officer deadpanned, “They can’t pull the wool over our eyes forever.” Groan.

As He concluded His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned His followers to beware of “false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). He wanted them to go through the “narrow gate” (Jesus Himself) and not head down the “highway to hell” (choosing not to believe in and follow Him, Matthew 7:13).

You might have kind, winsome friends and teachers in your life who appear to be as harmless as lambs. But watch and listen closely—are they actually denying the true teachings of Jesus and the authority of His Word?

Jesus told us to look at the “fruit” of each person who is influencing us spiritually (Matthew 7:15-19). He said, “Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions” (Matthew 7:20). One of Jesus’ close friends, the apostle John, had this to say about watching out for wolves in sheep clothing: “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God” (1 John 4:1).

Who’s influencing you these days? Are they pointing you to the true Shepherd and the narrow gate, or are they leading you down the highway to hell?

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 17:1-31