May 31, 2011
Purse, Bag, or Sandals
Marybeth Whalen
"Then Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' 'Nothing,' they answered.'" Luke 22:35 (NIV)
I am a champion list maker and detailed packer. I've learned when traveling to pack protein bars in case I get caught somewhere with no food. I've learned to take clothes and shoes that can be dressed up or down because you just never know. I've learned to pre-purchase travel-sized toiletries if I am flying. In short, I like to be prepared.
Being prepared feeds my illusion that I can somehow control my future.
In Matthew 10 Jesus calls the disciples, gives them authority in His name and sends them out, telling them to go minister to the lost sheep of Israel. He then tells them to take nothing with them — no money, no bag of belongings, not even sandals for their journey. Can you imagine being sent out like this? No time to pack. No time to shop. No time to make a list. Just go. The planner in me shudders at the thought.
And yet the disciples do just as Jesus asks. They return and later, in Luke 22:35, we get "the rest of the story." When Jesus sent them out with nothing they lacked nothing.
This verse jumped out at me when I read it. I thought of my own propensity to prepare. I thought of the panic that would rise up in me if I'd been asked by Jesus to just go. Then I thought of the many times I've let my need to prepare actually become a cover for simply not obeying.
Instead of taking action, I've stalled. My excuses sound really good — even biblical: I need more time to pray. I need to make a list of pros and cons. I need to talk to some friends, receive wise counsel. I need to spend more time reading the Bible. I need confirmation.
While these are all good things, I am not sure God means for me to do them all every time. Sometimes I think He just wants us to obey like He asked the disciples to do. But the truth is, the thought of venturing into Jesus' call and trusting Him to provide as we do feels... dangerous. It goes against our penchant for planning and our strong desire to control.
As His disciples, He wants us to have the kind of faith it takes to say "yes Lord, I will go." He wants us to fully trust in His ability to provide our every need, overcome our every complication, and supply every piece of information.
Perhaps God has asked you to do something that feels a bit like running out without purse, bag or sandals. Maybe He's asking you to go on a mission trip that scares you, to reach out to someone who frightens you, to tackle a problem that feels bigger than you... and you feel unprepared.
Jesus wants us to step out in faith, trusting that, like the disciples, on the other side of this adventure we will be able to say that we lacked nothing. Sometimes we don't need purse, bag or sandals. What we need most is faith in Him.
Dear Lord, I don't want to plan if I know You're asking for me to move. I want to listen for Your prompting and go where You say go. I don't want to rely in preparation as my comfort but in You as my provider. Help me to put my faith in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Visit Marybeth's blog for her "Top Ten Tuesday" that is sure to encourage your heart.
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman's life and said, "I want what she has." She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.
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:
Today instead of preparing and prolonging, accept whatever God's been whispering to your heart. Then take the first step towards answering that call.
Reflections:
Do I get caught up in plans instead of achieving God's purposes? Do I let preparation become a form of procrastination? Am I hanging back when He wants me to move forward?
Power Verses:
2 Peter 1:3, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us according to his glory and goodness." (NIV)
Nehemiah 9:21, "For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen." (NIV)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Question of the day!!!
How Can We Hear from God?
Jack Graham
If you go to any church this Sunday, stand up in front of the congregation, and ask, “Who here wants to do the will of God?” you’d probably see most of the people raise their hands. But if instead you asked, “Who here knows how to find the will of God?” you probably would see a lot fewer hands go up! There’s so much ambiguity among believers when it comes to knowing God’s will. But there are three ways I believe God reveals his will to his people.
First, God will show you his will by his Word, the Bible. The better you know your Bible, the better you will know the will of God. It represents the thoughts of God, the ways of God, and shows how God operates. So as you search the Scriptures, God will speak to you.
Not only does God speak through his Word, but God speaks through his witness, the Holy Spirit. You can pray and ask God to speak to you through his Spirit and reveal his will to you that way.
Number three is God’s wisdom. We’re told that we can ask of God if we lack wisdom and he will fully and freely give it to us. Now, wisdom may come from within us, or it may come from others around us. But God wants to give us wisdom in our decisions.
So as you navigate the difficult decisions of life, trust in God’s Word, his witness of the Spirit, and his abundant wisdom to guide your paths and reveal his will to you!
Jack Graham
If you go to any church this Sunday, stand up in front of the congregation, and ask, “Who here wants to do the will of God?” you’d probably see most of the people raise their hands. But if instead you asked, “Who here knows how to find the will of God?” you probably would see a lot fewer hands go up! There’s so much ambiguity among believers when it comes to knowing God’s will. But there are three ways I believe God reveals his will to his people.
First, God will show you his will by his Word, the Bible. The better you know your Bible, the better you will know the will of God. It represents the thoughts of God, the ways of God, and shows how God operates. So as you search the Scriptures, God will speak to you.
Not only does God speak through his Word, but God speaks through his witness, the Holy Spirit. You can pray and ask God to speak to you through his Spirit and reveal his will to you that way.
Number three is God’s wisdom. We’re told that we can ask of God if we lack wisdom and he will fully and freely give it to us. Now, wisdom may come from within us, or it may come from others around us. But God wants to give us wisdom in our decisions.
So as you navigate the difficult decisions of life, trust in God’s Word, his witness of the Spirit, and his abundant wisdom to guide your paths and reveal his will to you!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Question of the day!!!
Why Should We Take Part in Communion?
Charles Stanley
Jesus’ last meal with His disciples took place during the celebration of Passover. Giving them bread, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Next, offering wine from a shared cup, He told them, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Believers today observe the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of cleansing, consecration, and communion.
Jesus’ blood cleanses us of sin. Starting with Adam and Eve, God required a blood sacrifice to cover transgressions (Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 17:11). But this was just a temporary solution, as the next offense required another sacrifice. Jesus was God’s permanent answer to the problem: He took upon Himself all sin - past, present, and future - and died to pay the full penalty.
When a believer receives salvation, he is consecrated - or set apart to the Lord. His sin is forgiven, and he receives eternal life as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit. But if he at times forgets that he belongs to the Lord, he may give in to temptation. The bread and the cup provide an opportunity to remember what the Father expects of His children and to renew one’s commitment to obey.
The Lord’s Supper is also a time to be in communion. We are connected not only with the Lord who saved us but also with past and present believers. Among members of God’s family, we find comfort and support, just as the disciples and the early church did.
The Lord’s Supper is a good time to stop and recall what Jesus has given us. Partake solemnly and gratefully.
Charles Stanley
Jesus’ last meal with His disciples took place during the celebration of Passover. Giving them bread, He said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Next, offering wine from a shared cup, He told them, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Believers today observe the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of cleansing, consecration, and communion.
Jesus’ blood cleanses us of sin. Starting with Adam and Eve, God required a blood sacrifice to cover transgressions (Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 17:11). But this was just a temporary solution, as the next offense required another sacrifice. Jesus was God’s permanent answer to the problem: He took upon Himself all sin - past, present, and future - and died to pay the full penalty.
When a believer receives salvation, he is consecrated - or set apart to the Lord. His sin is forgiven, and he receives eternal life as well as the indwelling Holy Spirit. But if he at times forgets that he belongs to the Lord, he may give in to temptation. The bread and the cup provide an opportunity to remember what the Father expects of His children and to renew one’s commitment to obey.
The Lord’s Supper is also a time to be in communion. We are connected not only with the Lord who saved us but also with past and present believers. Among members of God’s family, we find comfort and support, just as the disciples and the early church did.
The Lord’s Supper is a good time to stop and recall what Jesus has given us. Partake solemnly and gratefully.
Question of the day!!!
Are the Gospels Reliable?
the ESV Study Bible
In comparison with the remaining manuscripts of any other ancient Greek or Latin literature, the NT suffers from an embarrassment of riches. It is almost incomprehensible to think about the disparity. When it comes to quantity of copies, the NT has no peer. More than 5,700 Greek NT manuscripts are still in existence, ranging in date from the early second century to the sixteenth century. To be sure, the earliest ones (i.e., through the 3rd century) are all fragmentary, but they cover a substantial amount of the NT. And Greek manuscripts do not tell the whole story. The NT was translated early on into a variety of languages, including Latin, Coptic, Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Gothic, and Arabic. All told, there are between 20,000 and 25,000 handwritten copies of the NT in various languages. Yet if all of these were destroyed, the NT text could be reproduced almost in its entirety by quotations of it in sermons, tracts, and commentaries written by ancient teachers of the church (known as church fathers or Patristic writers). To date, over a million quotations from the NT by the church fathers have been cataloged.
How does this compare with the average classical author? The copies of the average ancient Greek or Latin author's writings number fewer than 20 manuscripts! Thus, the NT has well over 1,000 times as many manuscripts as the works of the average classical author.
When it comes to the temporal distance of the earliest copies of the NT from the original, NT textual critics again enjoy an abundance of materials. From 10 to 15 NT manuscripts were written within the first 100 years of the completion of the NT. To be sure, they are all fragmentary, but some of them are fairly sizable fragments, covering large portions of the Gospels or Paul's letters, for example. Within two centuries, the numbers increase to at least four dozen manuscripts. Of manuscripts produced before A.D. 400, an astounding 99 still exist—including the oldest complete NT, Codex Sinaiticus.
The gap, then, between the originals and the early manuscripts is relatively slim. By comparison, the average classical author has no copies for more than half a millennium.
the ESV Study Bible
In comparison with the remaining manuscripts of any other ancient Greek or Latin literature, the NT suffers from an embarrassment of riches. It is almost incomprehensible to think about the disparity. When it comes to quantity of copies, the NT has no peer. More than 5,700 Greek NT manuscripts are still in existence, ranging in date from the early second century to the sixteenth century. To be sure, the earliest ones (i.e., through the 3rd century) are all fragmentary, but they cover a substantial amount of the NT. And Greek manuscripts do not tell the whole story. The NT was translated early on into a variety of languages, including Latin, Coptic, Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Gothic, and Arabic. All told, there are between 20,000 and 25,000 handwritten copies of the NT in various languages. Yet if all of these were destroyed, the NT text could be reproduced almost in its entirety by quotations of it in sermons, tracts, and commentaries written by ancient teachers of the church (known as church fathers or Patristic writers). To date, over a million quotations from the NT by the church fathers have been cataloged.
How does this compare with the average classical author? The copies of the average ancient Greek or Latin author's writings number fewer than 20 manuscripts! Thus, the NT has well over 1,000 times as many manuscripts as the works of the average classical author.
When it comes to the temporal distance of the earliest copies of the NT from the original, NT textual critics again enjoy an abundance of materials. From 10 to 15 NT manuscripts were written within the first 100 years of the completion of the NT. To be sure, they are all fragmentary, but some of them are fairly sizable fragments, covering large portions of the Gospels or Paul's letters, for example. Within two centuries, the numbers increase to at least four dozen manuscripts. Of manuscripts produced before A.D. 400, an astounding 99 still exist—including the oldest complete NT, Codex Sinaiticus.
The gap, then, between the originals and the early manuscripts is relatively slim. By comparison, the average classical author has no copies for more than half a millennium.
Question of the day!!!
Do Christians Need to Go to Church?
Mark Dever
When a person becomes a Christian, he doesn't just join a local church because it's a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. He joins a local church because it's the expression of what Christ has made him - a member of the body of Christ. Being united to Christ means being united to every Christian. But that universal union must be given a living, breathing existence in a local church.
Sometimes theologians refer to a distinction between the universal church (all Christians everywhere throughout history) and the local church (those people who meet down the street from you to hear the Word preached and to practice baptism and the Lord's Supper). Other than a few references to the universal church (such as Matthew 16:18 and the bulk of Ephesians), most references to the church in the New Testament are to local churches, as when Paul writes, "To the church of God in Corinth" or "To the churches in Galatia."
Now what follows is a little intense, but it's important. The relationship between our membership in the universal church and our membership in the local church is a lot like the relationship between the righteousness God gives us through faith and the actual practice of righteousness in our daily lives. When we become Christians by faith, God declares us righteous. Yet we are still called to actively be righteous. A person who happily goes on living in unrighteousness calls into question whether he ever possessed Christ's righteousness in the first place (see Romans 6:1-18; 8:5-14; James 2:14-15). So, too, it is with those who refuse to commit themselves to a local church. Committing to a local body is the natural outcome - it confirms what Christ has done. If you have no interest in actually committing yourself to an actual group of gospel-believing, Bible-teaching Christians, you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ at all.
Mark Dever
When a person becomes a Christian, he doesn't just join a local church because it's a good habit for growing in spiritual maturity. He joins a local church because it's the expression of what Christ has made him - a member of the body of Christ. Being united to Christ means being united to every Christian. But that universal union must be given a living, breathing existence in a local church.
Sometimes theologians refer to a distinction between the universal church (all Christians everywhere throughout history) and the local church (those people who meet down the street from you to hear the Word preached and to practice baptism and the Lord's Supper). Other than a few references to the universal church (such as Matthew 16:18 and the bulk of Ephesians), most references to the church in the New Testament are to local churches, as when Paul writes, "To the church of God in Corinth" or "To the churches in Galatia."
Now what follows is a little intense, but it's important. The relationship between our membership in the universal church and our membership in the local church is a lot like the relationship between the righteousness God gives us through faith and the actual practice of righteousness in our daily lives. When we become Christians by faith, God declares us righteous. Yet we are still called to actively be righteous. A person who happily goes on living in unrighteousness calls into question whether he ever possessed Christ's righteousness in the first place (see Romans 6:1-18; 8:5-14; James 2:14-15). So, too, it is with those who refuse to commit themselves to a local church. Committing to a local body is the natural outcome - it confirms what Christ has done. If you have no interest in actually committing yourself to an actual group of gospel-believing, Bible-teaching Christians, you might question whether you belong to the body of Christ at all.
Question of the day!!!
The Invisible God Made Visible?
Ray Pritchard
Nothing is more invisible than a thought.
You don’t know what I am thinking nor can I tell what you are thinking. But let a man speak and his words reveal his thoughts. Take the deepest thought and clothe it in words, and it will be visible to millions. Consider the plays of Shakespeare. They are but the thoughts of Shakespeare made visible through his words.
Jesus reveals God to us.
How fitting that Jesus should be called “the Word” for he communicates the very nature of God to us. John 1:18 reminds us that no one has seen the essence of God the Father, but the Son has “declared him” or “made him known” or “explained him” or “revealed him.” The underlying Greek has the idea of unfolding a truth step by step.
Jesus makes known what we would never discover on our own.
Without Jesus we would never know the fulness of God. We would know him as Creator and Designer of all things (Romans 1:19–20), but we would never know the depth of his compassion toward sinners.
Jesus is the key to the universe for “all things have been created through him” (Colossians 1:16).
He left his fingerprints everywhere. The galaxies shout out, “He is there.” The wildflowers sing together, “He is there.” The rippling brooks join in, “He is there.” The birds sing it, the lions roar it, the fish write it in the oceans—“He is there.” All creation joins to sing his praise. The heavens declare it, the earth repeats it, and the wind whispers it—”He is there.” Deep cries out to deep, the mighty sequoia tells it to the eagle who soars overhead, the lamb and the wolf agree on this one thing—“He is there.”
Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3).
If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. He is not some grimy, blurry image of the Almighty. He isn’t the sun peeking through the clouds. Jesus radiates the glory of God. Theologians have a word for this. They say the Son is “co-essential” with the Father. That means the Father and the Son share the same essence. The Father is God and the Son is God. Jesus is the blazing, magnificent revelation of God himself.
When Jesus speaks, God speaks. May we have ears to hear what he is saying.
Ray Pritchard
Nothing is more invisible than a thought.
You don’t know what I am thinking nor can I tell what you are thinking. But let a man speak and his words reveal his thoughts. Take the deepest thought and clothe it in words, and it will be visible to millions. Consider the plays of Shakespeare. They are but the thoughts of Shakespeare made visible through his words.
Jesus reveals God to us.
How fitting that Jesus should be called “the Word” for he communicates the very nature of God to us. John 1:18 reminds us that no one has seen the essence of God the Father, but the Son has “declared him” or “made him known” or “explained him” or “revealed him.” The underlying Greek has the idea of unfolding a truth step by step.
Jesus makes known what we would never discover on our own.
Without Jesus we would never know the fulness of God. We would know him as Creator and Designer of all things (Romans 1:19–20), but we would never know the depth of his compassion toward sinners.
Jesus is the key to the universe for “all things have been created through him” (Colossians 1:16).
He left his fingerprints everywhere. The galaxies shout out, “He is there.” The wildflowers sing together, “He is there.” The rippling brooks join in, “He is there.” The birds sing it, the lions roar it, the fish write it in the oceans—“He is there.” All creation joins to sing his praise. The heavens declare it, the earth repeats it, and the wind whispers it—”He is there.” Deep cries out to deep, the mighty sequoia tells it to the eagle who soars overhead, the lamb and the wolf agree on this one thing—“He is there.”
Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3).
If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. He is not some grimy, blurry image of the Almighty. He isn’t the sun peeking through the clouds. Jesus radiates the glory of God. Theologians have a word for this. They say the Son is “co-essential” with the Father. That means the Father and the Son share the same essence. The Father is God and the Son is God. Jesus is the blazing, magnificent revelation of God himself.
When Jesus speaks, God speaks. May we have ears to hear what he is saying.
Question of the day!!!
The Need for Consistency?
Greg Laurie
Imagine if I planted a tree in my front yard, but after awhile, I decided it would look better in my backyard. Then after a few months, I realized it would be better in the front yard. So I dig it up and plant it again in the front yard. Not only will that tree fail to flourish, but it also will struggle to just survive.
Yet some people are like that with God. They decide to go to church, read their Bible, and pray regularly. They do this for a month, and then they uproot themselves and disappear for a few months. Then they come back again. Then they uproot themselves and go back to the old life again. Eventually they come back and are at it again. But they never will grow spiritually that way.
Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). That is the secret of spiritual growth: to abide. To abide means to stay in a given place. For believers, it means to maintain unbroken fellowship with God. It is regularity. It is consistency. And it results in producing lasting fruit.
Another way of abiding is walking with God. As 1 John 2:6 says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” Walking speaks of consistent motion. That means making time for the Word of God and for prayer every day. If you are too busy, then get up earlier. Go to bed earlier. You will find time for what is important.
The true mark of conversion is the test of time and results in your life. Are you producing spiritual fruit?
Greg Laurie
Imagine if I planted a tree in my front yard, but after awhile, I decided it would look better in my backyard. Then after a few months, I realized it would be better in the front yard. So I dig it up and plant it again in the front yard. Not only will that tree fail to flourish, but it also will struggle to just survive.
Yet some people are like that with God. They decide to go to church, read their Bible, and pray regularly. They do this for a month, and then they uproot themselves and disappear for a few months. Then they come back again. Then they uproot themselves and go back to the old life again. Eventually they come back and are at it again. But they never will grow spiritually that way.
Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). That is the secret of spiritual growth: to abide. To abide means to stay in a given place. For believers, it means to maintain unbroken fellowship with God. It is regularity. It is consistency. And it results in producing lasting fruit.
Another way of abiding is walking with God. As 1 John 2:6 says, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” Walking speaks of consistent motion. That means making time for the Word of God and for prayer every day. If you are too busy, then get up earlier. Go to bed earlier. You will find time for what is important.
The true mark of conversion is the test of time and results in your life. Are you producing spiritual fruit?
Devotion for the day!!!
May 30, 2011
Facing the "What Ifs" with Courage
Glynnis Whitwer
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 (NIV)
Once a year I sit in the same waiting room. They've valiantly attempted to make it lighthearted and cheerful. But it's hard to do when every woman there knows life could change based on the results of her testing.
Despite the smile on my face as I check in, questions swirl. What if they see something worrisome? What if they call me back for more tests? What if this year it's not normal? What if?
I'm no stranger to the call-backs. And each time it happens they tell me the same thing: You are lumpy, bumpy and your kids say you are grumpy. Or something like that. But what if that doesn't happen this year? Now that breast cancer is in my family history, the "what ifs" loom larger.
Thankfully this isn't my first rodeo - I've dealt with fear in the past. In fact, at times I've been consumed with worry, unable to eat or sleep. A health scare a few years ago sent me into a tailspin of anxiety. Fear tried to debilitate me and it almost won. I had to admit that I couldn't manage the fear on my own. My human attempts at overcoming fear were weak; I couldn't think or reason myself out of the fear.
Fear isn't always logical. If it were, I could spout statistics and they would bring me peace as I wait for answers. Or, I could gain comfort from assurances spoken by well-meaning friends that "nothing will happen."
But deep in my heart, I know there's no promise I'll be free from trouble in this life. In fact, I'm usually either getting out of trouble, currently in trouble, or about to meet trouble around the next corner.
Thankfully, Jesus was waiting all that time for me to relinquish my feeble and ineffective attempts at finding peace. As I gave up my grasping attempts at control, He stepped in to the space between my heart and the lies, and wedged His truth there.
I was trying to find my own path to peace, when it was His I needed all the time.
Jesus made this promise in today's key verse: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27). This is the same peace the Bible describes as passing all understanding. (Phil. 4:7)
I've learned that peace and courage manifested in my own strength will NOT stand testing. My peace is determined on circumstances. It's determined by my ability to control the situation. With my peace, there's always that little voice saying, but what if?
Jesus' peace, however, silences that doubting voice. That voice knows the response it will get. I'll be her peace, Jesus replies for me.
I'm now better armed to face the "what ifs" of life. Instead of focusing on what I don't know, I focus on what I do know. Above all, I know Jesus' peace will be with me. The storms may come, the waters will rise, but I can have peace. This is a promise from One who has never lied.
I may not know the future, but I'm clinging to the One who does; the One who is prepared to face what may come. I'm confident Jesus will not abandon me, He still works miracles, and will make sure that I'm cared for. That's what I know.
I still have worries and concerns that pop up; it would be false to imply otherwise. Yet, they don't dominate me. When I feel them starting to crowd their way in, I stop and pray: Jesus, I need Your peace. Mine's not working again.
Dear Lord, even You said there would be trouble in this world. You see the trouble I'm facing and You see how fear is threatening to overwhelm. Even in the midst of my storm, I know You have the power to bring me peace. I ask right now for Your peace to flood my heart. Only with Your peace can I face the future with confidence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis' blog where she shares a way to pray that freed her from paralyzing fear.
Rest Assured (CD) by Renee Swope
Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman's Guide to Peace in Every Situation by Grace Fox
You are My Hiding Place, Lord: Finding Peace in God's Presence by Emilie Barnes
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:
Make a list of the benefits of having Jesus' peace in your heart. If you need to experience that peace, stop and ask Jesus for it now.
Reflections:
How is the world's peace different from the peace Jesus offers?
In the face of "unknowns," what are some things I know for sure about God?
Power Verses:
John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
Romans 8:6, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." (NIV)
Ephesians 6:14-15, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (NIV)
Facing the "What Ifs" with Courage
Glynnis Whitwer
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 (NIV)
Once a year I sit in the same waiting room. They've valiantly attempted to make it lighthearted and cheerful. But it's hard to do when every woman there knows life could change based on the results of her testing.
Despite the smile on my face as I check in, questions swirl. What if they see something worrisome? What if they call me back for more tests? What if this year it's not normal? What if?
I'm no stranger to the call-backs. And each time it happens they tell me the same thing: You are lumpy, bumpy and your kids say you are grumpy. Or something like that. But what if that doesn't happen this year? Now that breast cancer is in my family history, the "what ifs" loom larger.
Thankfully this isn't my first rodeo - I've dealt with fear in the past. In fact, at times I've been consumed with worry, unable to eat or sleep. A health scare a few years ago sent me into a tailspin of anxiety. Fear tried to debilitate me and it almost won. I had to admit that I couldn't manage the fear on my own. My human attempts at overcoming fear were weak; I couldn't think or reason myself out of the fear.
Fear isn't always logical. If it were, I could spout statistics and they would bring me peace as I wait for answers. Or, I could gain comfort from assurances spoken by well-meaning friends that "nothing will happen."
But deep in my heart, I know there's no promise I'll be free from trouble in this life. In fact, I'm usually either getting out of trouble, currently in trouble, or about to meet trouble around the next corner.
Thankfully, Jesus was waiting all that time for me to relinquish my feeble and ineffective attempts at finding peace. As I gave up my grasping attempts at control, He stepped in to the space between my heart and the lies, and wedged His truth there.
I was trying to find my own path to peace, when it was His I needed all the time.
Jesus made this promise in today's key verse: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27). This is the same peace the Bible describes as passing all understanding. (Phil. 4:7)
I've learned that peace and courage manifested in my own strength will NOT stand testing. My peace is determined on circumstances. It's determined by my ability to control the situation. With my peace, there's always that little voice saying, but what if?
Jesus' peace, however, silences that doubting voice. That voice knows the response it will get. I'll be her peace, Jesus replies for me.
I'm now better armed to face the "what ifs" of life. Instead of focusing on what I don't know, I focus on what I do know. Above all, I know Jesus' peace will be with me. The storms may come, the waters will rise, but I can have peace. This is a promise from One who has never lied.
I may not know the future, but I'm clinging to the One who does; the One who is prepared to face what may come. I'm confident Jesus will not abandon me, He still works miracles, and will make sure that I'm cared for. That's what I know.
I still have worries and concerns that pop up; it would be false to imply otherwise. Yet, they don't dominate me. When I feel them starting to crowd their way in, I stop and pray: Jesus, I need Your peace. Mine's not working again.
Dear Lord, even You said there would be trouble in this world. You see the trouble I'm facing and You see how fear is threatening to overwhelm. Even in the midst of my storm, I know You have the power to bring me peace. I ask right now for Your peace to flood my heart. Only with Your peace can I face the future with confidence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Glynnis' blog where she shares a way to pray that freed her from paralyzing fear.
Rest Assured (CD) by Renee Swope
Moving from Fear to Freedom: A Woman's Guide to Peace in Every Situation by Grace Fox
You are My Hiding Place, Lord: Finding Peace in God's Presence by Emilie Barnes
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:
Make a list of the benefits of having Jesus' peace in your heart. If you need to experience that peace, stop and ask Jesus for it now.
Reflections:
How is the world's peace different from the peace Jesus offers?
In the face of "unknowns," what are some things I know for sure about God?
Power Verses:
John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
Romans 8:6, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." (NIV)
Ephesians 6:14-15, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (NIV)
Question of the day!!!
Don't Judge?
Greg Laurie
Do you know what the nonbeliever's favorite verse is? It is Matthew 7:1: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged." This verse is usually quoted after we say something like, "Well you know what? I don't think that is right."
This verse, however, is not telling us that we should not make judgments, because in other passages we read that as believers, we are indeed to make evaluations, to be discerning, and yes - to even make judgments. In fact, the Bible asks, "Don't you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide even these little things among yourselves?" (1 Corinthians 6:2). We are also told in Scripture that "judgment must begin with God's household" (1 Peter 4:17).
We are to judge, but we are not to condemn. In fact, a better translation of Matthew 7:1 would be: "Do not condemn others, and you will not be condemned." I am in no position to condemn a person. But I am in a position to make judgments about things, situations, viewpoints, and even about people to some degree.
"Don't judge!" is said by people who don't like it when we dare to have a Christian worldview. In fact, I have found that the most narrow-minded people are those who claim to be the most broad-minded. Those who claim to be the most accepting are often the least accepting. Because when a Christian has an opinion, a nonbeliever will say, "How dare you say that! Who are you to judge?"
There is a living God, and He has revealed himself in the pages of Scripture. Therefore, as believers, we accept the fact that we have absolute truth from God. And we develop our worldview from what the Bible teaches.
Greg Laurie
Do you know what the nonbeliever's favorite verse is? It is Matthew 7:1: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged." This verse is usually quoted after we say something like, "Well you know what? I don't think that is right."
This verse, however, is not telling us that we should not make judgments, because in other passages we read that as believers, we are indeed to make evaluations, to be discerning, and yes - to even make judgments. In fact, the Bible asks, "Don't you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide even these little things among yourselves?" (1 Corinthians 6:2). We are also told in Scripture that "judgment must begin with God's household" (1 Peter 4:17).
We are to judge, but we are not to condemn. In fact, a better translation of Matthew 7:1 would be: "Do not condemn others, and you will not be condemned." I am in no position to condemn a person. But I am in a position to make judgments about things, situations, viewpoints, and even about people to some degree.
"Don't judge!" is said by people who don't like it when we dare to have a Christian worldview. In fact, I have found that the most narrow-minded people are those who claim to be the most broad-minded. Those who claim to be the most accepting are often the least accepting. Because when a Christian has an opinion, a nonbeliever will say, "How dare you say that! Who are you to judge?"
There is a living God, and He has revealed himself in the pages of Scripture. Therefore, as believers, we accept the fact that we have absolute truth from God. And we develop our worldview from what the Bible teaches.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Question of the day!!!
Two Different Ways of Trying to “Save” Ourselves?
Tullian Tchividjian
This seems to be a common misunderstanding in the church today. I hear people say that there are two equal dangers Christians must avoid: legalism and lawlessness. Legalism, they say, happens when you focus too much on law, or rules. Lawlessness, they say, happens when you focus too much on grace. Therefore, in order to maintain spiritual equilibrium, you have to balance law and grace. Legalism and lawlessness are typically presented as two ditches on either side of the Gospel that we must avoid. If you start getting too much law, you need to balance it with grace. Too much grace, you need to balance it with law. But I've come to believe that this “balanced” way of framing the issue can unwittingly keep us from really understanding the gospel of grace in all of its depth and beauty.
Some people avoid the gospel and try to “save” themselves by keeping the rules, doing what they’re told, maintaining the standards, and so on (you could call this “front door legalism”).
Other people avoid the gospel and try to “save” themselves by breaking the rules, doing whatever they want, developing their own autonomous standards, and so on (you could call this “back door legalism”).
... Both are legalistic in this sense: one “life rule” has as its goal the keeping of rules; the other “life rule” has as its goal the breaking of rules. But both are a rule of life you’re submitting to—a rule of life that is governing you—which is defined by you and your ability to perform. Success is determined by your capacity to break the rules or keep the rules. Either way you’re still trying to “save” yourself—which means both are legalistic because both are self-salvation projects.
Tullian Tchividjian
This seems to be a common misunderstanding in the church today. I hear people say that there are two equal dangers Christians must avoid: legalism and lawlessness. Legalism, they say, happens when you focus too much on law, or rules. Lawlessness, they say, happens when you focus too much on grace. Therefore, in order to maintain spiritual equilibrium, you have to balance law and grace. Legalism and lawlessness are typically presented as two ditches on either side of the Gospel that we must avoid. If you start getting too much law, you need to balance it with grace. Too much grace, you need to balance it with law. But I've come to believe that this “balanced” way of framing the issue can unwittingly keep us from really understanding the gospel of grace in all of its depth and beauty.
Some people avoid the gospel and try to “save” themselves by keeping the rules, doing what they’re told, maintaining the standards, and so on (you could call this “front door legalism”).
Other people avoid the gospel and try to “save” themselves by breaking the rules, doing whatever they want, developing their own autonomous standards, and so on (you could call this “back door legalism”).
... Both are legalistic in this sense: one “life rule” has as its goal the keeping of rules; the other “life rule” has as its goal the breaking of rules. But both are a rule of life you’re submitting to—a rule of life that is governing you—which is defined by you and your ability to perform. Success is determined by your capacity to break the rules or keep the rules. Either way you’re still trying to “save” yourself—which means both are legalistic because both are self-salvation projects.
What's the Secret to a Great Prayer Life?
What's the Secret to a Great Prayer Life?
Hank Hanegraaff
Quite simply, and without meaning to be glib, the secret to prayer is secret prayer!
The goal of prayer should never be the roaring approval of the crowds, but rather the approval of our Father who is in heaven. As Jesus so eloquently put it, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." The secret to prayer is secret prayer.
Jesus provided the ultimate example. As Dr. Luke puts it, He "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Unlike the religious leaders of His day, He did not pray to be seen by men. He prayed because He treasured fellowship with His Father. Hypocrites gain their reward through public prayer. They may be perceived as spiritual giants, but by the time they are finished, they have received everything they will ever get - their prayer's worth and nothing more.
Steeped in religious practices, these hypocrites tithed, fasted, and traveled "over land and sea" to win converts. They even prayed. And how! They prayed publicly in synagogues, and they prayed publicly on street corners. They even wore boxes on their foreheads containing pet prayers. Yet their motivation was not intimacy with God, but to be seen by men. Thus, said Jesus, "they have received their reward in full."
Hank Hanegraaff
Quite simply, and without meaning to be glib, the secret to prayer is secret prayer!
The goal of prayer should never be the roaring approval of the crowds, but rather the approval of our Father who is in heaven. As Jesus so eloquently put it, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." The secret to prayer is secret prayer.
Jesus provided the ultimate example. As Dr. Luke puts it, He "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Unlike the religious leaders of His day, He did not pray to be seen by men. He prayed because He treasured fellowship with His Father. Hypocrites gain their reward through public prayer. They may be perceived as spiritual giants, but by the time they are finished, they have received everything they will ever get - their prayer's worth and nothing more.
Steeped in religious practices, these hypocrites tithed, fasted, and traveled "over land and sea" to win converts. They even prayed. And how! They prayed publicly in synagogues, and they prayed publicly on street corners. They even wore boxes on their foreheads containing pet prayers. Yet their motivation was not intimacy with God, but to be seen by men. Thus, said Jesus, "they have received their reward in full."
Devotion for the day!!!
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." 2 John 1:6a (NIV)
Is there a summer camp for kids destined to become lawyers? If so, I'm ready to sign my daughter up. I'm kidding! (Mostly.) I love her dearly but she can wear me out with all her questions and challenges. She is a tweenager now but this started years ago.
About the time she turned four, she had been out past bedtime at a church event with her father. She's an extrovert so being out late around lots of other people had her really wound up and talking non-stop on the way home. The more she talked, the more animated she became. Finally my husband said, "No more words, honey, we're going to be quiet for the rest of the ride home."
"Why?" she asked.
"Because it's late and you are tired, and you need to let your body wind down and rest."
"I'm not tired at all," she insisted.
"You don't realize it but you are very tired; its past bedtime and you need to settle down."
After a moment of silence she said very matter-of-factly, "You can't know how I'm feeling."
My husband, who has a Ph.D. in communication, came through the front door saying, "Our preschooler just out reasoned me!"
She wants to understand our plans, motives, and reasons for everything. If she doesn't understand the logic of something she has a hard time accepting it. She loves us and truly wants to please us, but she wants to know why before she obeys. She's usually very obedient, once she's heard our reasons. Nonetheless, in response to her questions I'm sometimes tempted to use that infamous parental phrase: "Because I said so!"
I wonder if God ever wants to use that phrase with me?
I sometimes challenge His rules. Do not murder — check. Do not take the Lord's Name in vain — got it. Honor your father and mother — OK. Do not gossip — hum, not even in the form of a prayer request? Do not lie — You mean, not ever? Do not envy — is this even possible?
Other times I question His ways. Can't You just feed the poor by making crops grow? Why do unbelieving drug addicts conceive babies, but my own girlfriend who follows You cannot? Why didn't You give me more organizational skills if You were going to have me marry this man and do this job? Are you sure You got the formula right when You made me?
God is infinitely more patient a parent than I, and He is abounding in grace and love. He can easily handle all my questions without exasperation. But I wonder if He wishes I would just simply trust and obey — just because He is God. I know I wish I would!
The scriptures say: "Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience. Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours. The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, 'What are you doing?' Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately." (Ecclesiastes 8:2-5, MSG)
I want to be that wise person.
The Bible further assures me of His capable hands and creative purposes saying: "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" (Romans 9:20-21, NIV)
Yes, He certainly does. I want to be the fancy vase but I have to trust I will find the greatest joy when I accept the purposes He 's designed me for.
So my goal today is not to question God but simply to trust and obey...even if I don't understand why and even if it's hard to do. I will accept the way that I am made and the plans that He has set before me.
Yes, I know I can take all my questions to the Lord and He will lovingly sift through them, but today I want to obey His commands in swift, willing obedience — just because He said so.
Dear Lord, help me to show my love for You and others by knowing Your commands and obeying them. Give me the mind and attitude of Christ today and help me be a woman who says "yes" to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Pick up a copy of It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olsen and learn what God asks of His girls.
Has God tugged on your heart to help the poor and bless others in His Name, because He said so? Consider sponsoring a needy child.
Visit Rachel at her 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 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:
Pray, declaring your intention to obey God and ask for His help in this.
Reflections:
Have I challenged the Lord lately about the way He made me?
Or about a task He has set before me?
Are there commands I'm not obeying right now?
Will I leave this place of questioning and doubt and move forward in obedience?
Power Verses:
Romans 6:16, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (NIV)
Is there a summer camp for kids destined to become lawyers? If so, I'm ready to sign my daughter up. I'm kidding! (Mostly.) I love her dearly but she can wear me out with all her questions and challenges. She is a tweenager now but this started years ago.
About the time she turned four, she had been out past bedtime at a church event with her father. She's an extrovert so being out late around lots of other people had her really wound up and talking non-stop on the way home. The more she talked, the more animated she became. Finally my husband said, "No more words, honey, we're going to be quiet for the rest of the ride home."
"Why?" she asked.
"Because it's late and you are tired, and you need to let your body wind down and rest."
"I'm not tired at all," she insisted.
"You don't realize it but you are very tired; its past bedtime and you need to settle down."
After a moment of silence she said very matter-of-factly, "You can't know how I'm feeling."
My husband, who has a Ph.D. in communication, came through the front door saying, "Our preschooler just out reasoned me!"
She wants to understand our plans, motives, and reasons for everything. If she doesn't understand the logic of something she has a hard time accepting it. She loves us and truly wants to please us, but she wants to know why before she obeys. She's usually very obedient, once she's heard our reasons. Nonetheless, in response to her questions I'm sometimes tempted to use that infamous parental phrase: "Because I said so!"
I wonder if God ever wants to use that phrase with me?
I sometimes challenge His rules. Do not murder — check. Do not take the Lord's Name in vain — got it. Honor your father and mother — OK. Do not gossip — hum, not even in the form of a prayer request? Do not lie — You mean, not ever? Do not envy — is this even possible?
Other times I question His ways. Can't You just feed the poor by making crops grow? Why do unbelieving drug addicts conceive babies, but my own girlfriend who follows You cannot? Why didn't You give me more organizational skills if You were going to have me marry this man and do this job? Are you sure You got the formula right when You made me?
God is infinitely more patient a parent than I, and He is abounding in grace and love. He can easily handle all my questions without exasperation. But I wonder if He wishes I would just simply trust and obey — just because He is God. I know I wish I would!
The scriptures say: "Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience. Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours. The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, 'What are you doing?' Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately." (Ecclesiastes 8:2-5, MSG)
I want to be that wise person.
The Bible further assures me of His capable hands and creative purposes saying: "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" (Romans 9:20-21, NIV)
Yes, He certainly does. I want to be the fancy vase but I have to trust I will find the greatest joy when I accept the purposes He 's designed me for.
So my goal today is not to question God but simply to trust and obey...even if I don't understand why and even if it's hard to do. I will accept the way that I am made and the plans that He has set before me.
Yes, I know I can take all my questions to the Lord and He will lovingly sift through them, but today I want to obey His commands in swift, willing obedience — just because He said so.
Dear Lord, help me to show my love for You and others by knowing Your commands and obeying them. Give me the mind and attitude of Christ today and help me be a woman who says "yes" to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Pick up a copy of It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know by Rachel Olsen and learn what God asks of His girls.
Has God tugged on your heart to help the poor and bless others in His Name, because He said so? Consider sponsoring a needy child.
Visit Rachel at her 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 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:
Pray, declaring your intention to obey God and ask for His help in this.
Reflections:
Have I challenged the Lord lately about the way He made me?
Or about a task He has set before me?
Are there commands I'm not obeying right now?
Will I leave this place of questioning and doubt and move forward in obedience?
Power Verses:
Romans 6:16, "Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" (NIV)
Question of the day!!!
When Will Jesus Return?
Dr. Ray Pritchard
During a radio interview two days after an earthquake and tsunamis wreaked so much devastation, the host asked if this could be a sign of the Second Coming of Christ. It is a relevant question in light of what Jesus said in Matthew 24. When the disciples asked, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (v. 3), Jesus offered six "signs" of the Second Coming (vv. 4-14). We can call the third one Natural Disasters (vv. 7b-8): "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
When a woman is pregnant, she knows from the calendar the general time when the baby is due. Her body begins to send specific signals as the day approaches. Those signals are called labor pains. They begin with low intensity and low frequency. Sometimes they can go on for several days and then suddenly stop. They may start and stop several times (so-called "false labor"). But eventually the labor pains start in earnest. Even then the tempo is slow and steady. As time passes, the pains come more frequently and with greater intensity. In the end the pains come rapidly and finally in one great burst the baby is born.
Something like that will happen at the end of this age. The coming kingdom of Christ will be preceded by an unprecedented period of seven years of suffering and worldwide travail. The clearest picture of that seven-year period is found in Revelation 6-19.
The "signs" we see around us remind us that there is much evil in the world. And the picture of the "birth pangs" teaches us that there is a flow or tempo to world events that is controlled by our Heavenly Father. We simply cannot be certain how the current tragedy fits into the larger prophetic picture. To say "I don't know" may not satisfy our curiosity, but it is far better than pretending to know something that God alone knows.
Dr. Ray Pritchard
During a radio interview two days after an earthquake and tsunamis wreaked so much devastation, the host asked if this could be a sign of the Second Coming of Christ. It is a relevant question in light of what Jesus said in Matthew 24. When the disciples asked, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (v. 3), Jesus offered six "signs" of the Second Coming (vv. 4-14). We can call the third one Natural Disasters (vv. 7b-8): "There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
When a woman is pregnant, she knows from the calendar the general time when the baby is due. Her body begins to send specific signals as the day approaches. Those signals are called labor pains. They begin with low intensity and low frequency. Sometimes they can go on for several days and then suddenly stop. They may start and stop several times (so-called "false labor"). But eventually the labor pains start in earnest. Even then the tempo is slow and steady. As time passes, the pains come more frequently and with greater intensity. In the end the pains come rapidly and finally in one great burst the baby is born.
Something like that will happen at the end of this age. The coming kingdom of Christ will be preceded by an unprecedented period of seven years of suffering and worldwide travail. The clearest picture of that seven-year period is found in Revelation 6-19.
The "signs" we see around us remind us that there is much evil in the world. And the picture of the "birth pangs" teaches us that there is a flow or tempo to world events that is controlled by our Heavenly Father. We simply cannot be certain how the current tragedy fits into the larger prophetic picture. To say "I don't know" may not satisfy our curiosity, but it is far better than pretending to know something that God alone knows.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Lessons We Teach
"In your anger do not sin." Ephesians 4:26a (NIV)
"You're worthless!" he shouted. "Why didn't you check under your seat?"
"I'm sorry, Dad," the boy said quietly, his face red with embarrassment. "You said we would miss our plane. I left it behind because I was rushing. I apologized, but there's nothing I can do now. What do you want me to say?"
"Stop shouting at me!" the father screamed.
I felt trapped in the tram. A teen stood, angry and quiet while a father raged. What could have happened that made this father so mad?
Those of us who were witnesses to this scene looked away, or wished that the doors would open so we could get away. I wanted to say something, and maybe I should have. I was afraid I would only make it worse, but my heart hurt as I observed this scene.
The teen had left a hat and sunglasses under the seat. Maybe they were valuable. Maybe the dad's nerves were frayed because of a missed connection, or circumstances that I didn't understand. But all I could see was a relationship, something of great value, unraveling over a hat and sunglasses.
It's not fun when a child is irresponsible, or when you have to pay for items only to have a child lose them. But I wonder if the father was missing a real opportunity to teach his son a lesson? Not to show him that he was lazy or irresponsible, but a lesson in what to do when you make a mistake.
The boy could simply replace the items with his own money, or perhaps do a few extra chores when they got home. But it became personal instead with words like "you're worthless" that mark the heart of a child.
And the lessons that were taught? How to lose control. How to shout unkind words. Saying one thing while you do another. The lesson that if you mess up and you apologize, it's not enough. That you are worthless compared to the loss of a material item. Parenting is hard, especially in stressful situations. All of us have experienced that moment when we lost it, and regretted it deeply. I know that I have.
But how can we learn from it? Will we step back and reevaluate our response and actions, or lash out and mark our children with words and actions that we can't take back? Will we teach them out of anger, or pause and ask God for help to show them how to meet life's challenges head on with consistency and calm?
What lessons will we teach?
Dear Lord, You are so patient with me. I make mistakes. I fail. And yet You continue to love me, to teach me, and to show me how to grow. Help me teach my own children in the same way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Visit Suzie's blog for a great giveaway and for "4 Ways to Help Your Child Grow."
The Mom I Want to be: Rising above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future by T. Suzanne Eller
Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know by T. Suzanne Eller
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:
Rather than react in the moment, pause and prepare.
Pray for your children daily.
Actions speak louder than words.
Use words that lead to positive action, rather than condemnation.
See your child as a work in progress. Show them what to do.
Encourage your child. Catch them doing something right.
Reflections:
Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance. — Ruth E. Renkel
Power Verses:
Matthew 19:14,"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.'" (NLT)
Psalm 4:4, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah." (NIV)
"You're worthless!" he shouted. "Why didn't you check under your seat?"
"I'm sorry, Dad," the boy said quietly, his face red with embarrassment. "You said we would miss our plane. I left it behind because I was rushing. I apologized, but there's nothing I can do now. What do you want me to say?"
"Stop shouting at me!" the father screamed.
I felt trapped in the tram. A teen stood, angry and quiet while a father raged. What could have happened that made this father so mad?
Those of us who were witnesses to this scene looked away, or wished that the doors would open so we could get away. I wanted to say something, and maybe I should have. I was afraid I would only make it worse, but my heart hurt as I observed this scene.
The teen had left a hat and sunglasses under the seat. Maybe they were valuable. Maybe the dad's nerves were frayed because of a missed connection, or circumstances that I didn't understand. But all I could see was a relationship, something of great value, unraveling over a hat and sunglasses.
It's not fun when a child is irresponsible, or when you have to pay for items only to have a child lose them. But I wonder if the father was missing a real opportunity to teach his son a lesson? Not to show him that he was lazy or irresponsible, but a lesson in what to do when you make a mistake.
The boy could simply replace the items with his own money, or perhaps do a few extra chores when they got home. But it became personal instead with words like "you're worthless" that mark the heart of a child.
And the lessons that were taught? How to lose control. How to shout unkind words. Saying one thing while you do another. The lesson that if you mess up and you apologize, it's not enough. That you are worthless compared to the loss of a material item. Parenting is hard, especially in stressful situations. All of us have experienced that moment when we lost it, and regretted it deeply. I know that I have.
But how can we learn from it? Will we step back and reevaluate our response and actions, or lash out and mark our children with words and actions that we can't take back? Will we teach them out of anger, or pause and ask God for help to show them how to meet life's challenges head on with consistency and calm?
What lessons will we teach?
Dear Lord, You are so patient with me. I make mistakes. I fail. And yet You continue to love me, to teach me, and to show me how to grow. Help me teach my own children in the same way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Visit Suzie's blog for a great giveaway and for "4 Ways to Help Your Child Grow."
The Mom I Want to be: Rising above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future by T. Suzanne Eller
Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know by T. Suzanne Eller
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:
Rather than react in the moment, pause and prepare.
Pray for your children daily.
Actions speak louder than words.
Use words that lead to positive action, rather than condemnation.
See your child as a work in progress. Show them what to do.
Encourage your child. Catch them doing something right.
Reflections:
Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance. — Ruth E. Renkel
Power Verses:
Matthew 19:14,"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.'" (NLT)
Psalm 4:4, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah." (NIV)
Question of the day!!!
How Did Jesus “Empty Himself”?
James MacDonald
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but madehimself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. — Philippians 2:5–8
This passage is so rich; we only have space to examine one jewel. It’s the phrase, He “made himself nothing” (v.7a). Notice, Jesus “made Himself.” He didn’t get a memo. He wasn’t pushed out of heaven. He was fully engaged in God’s whole plan!
That phrase there, “made himself nothing,” is actually the basis for a lot of false teaching. Some translations rightly put it, “He emptied Himself.” Then the question becomes, emptied Himself of what? Some falsely suggest that Jesus emptied Himself of Deity and that He literally became a first-century Jewish man; that there was no God, just Jesus, the man. But the Bible teaches the Incarnation of Jesus, 100 percent God; 100 percent man, undiminished Deity dwelling in humanity.
You ask, “Well, what did He empty Himself of then?”
Answer, at least five things:
He emptied Himself of glory. In John 17:5, Jesus prayed, “Glorify me...with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” He gave up the adoration of the saints and angels when He came into this world.
He emptied Himself of independent authority. In John 5:30, Jesus said, “I can do nothing on My own.” He brought Himself into a different relationship with the Father, where ALL of His activities and actions had to be cleared in that unusual way. Though equal with the Father, now uniquely submissive to Him.
He released the voluntary exercise of His divine attributes. Compare John 1:43–51 with Matthew 24:36 to see how Jesus sometimes was omniscient and sometimes not.
He gave up eternal riches. I just want you to try to imagine for a moment the treatment that the Son of God, the King of the universe, gets in heaven. Yet 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “...though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
He gave up His intimate relationship with the Father. Who can describe the fellowship that exists between the first and second Person of the Trinity? And to hear Jesus on the cross in Matthew 27:46 shouting, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He made Himself nothing—for you and me.
James MacDonald
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but madehimself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. — Philippians 2:5–8
This passage is so rich; we only have space to examine one jewel. It’s the phrase, He “made himself nothing” (v.7a). Notice, Jesus “made Himself.” He didn’t get a memo. He wasn’t pushed out of heaven. He was fully engaged in God’s whole plan!
That phrase there, “made himself nothing,” is actually the basis for a lot of false teaching. Some translations rightly put it, “He emptied Himself.” Then the question becomes, emptied Himself of what? Some falsely suggest that Jesus emptied Himself of Deity and that He literally became a first-century Jewish man; that there was no God, just Jesus, the man. But the Bible teaches the Incarnation of Jesus, 100 percent God; 100 percent man, undiminished Deity dwelling in humanity.
You ask, “Well, what did He empty Himself of then?”
Answer, at least five things:
He emptied Himself of glory. In John 17:5, Jesus prayed, “Glorify me...with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” He gave up the adoration of the saints and angels when He came into this world.
He emptied Himself of independent authority. In John 5:30, Jesus said, “I can do nothing on My own.” He brought Himself into a different relationship with the Father, where ALL of His activities and actions had to be cleared in that unusual way. Though equal with the Father, now uniquely submissive to Him.
He released the voluntary exercise of His divine attributes. Compare John 1:43–51 with Matthew 24:36 to see how Jesus sometimes was omniscient and sometimes not.
He gave up eternal riches. I just want you to try to imagine for a moment the treatment that the Son of God, the King of the universe, gets in heaven. Yet 2 Corinthians 8:9 says, “...though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
He gave up His intimate relationship with the Father. Who can describe the fellowship that exists between the first and second Person of the Trinity? And to hear Jesus on the cross in Matthew 27:46 shouting, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He made Himself nothing—for you and me.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Devotion for the day!!!
"Then Jesus said to him, 'Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.'" John 5:8 (NIV)
Do you ever feel paralyzed by fear, despair, isolation, or self-pity?
Do you have a physical or emotional pain so deep that nothing can soothe the hurt?
If your heart cried "yes, that's me!" as you read these questions, come meet the man on the mat found in John Chapter 5.
As the story opens, we find Jesus entering Jerusalem, walking towards a dirty, smelly pool of water. Every day the lame, weak, and sick gathered at this pool, believing an angel would come down, touch the water, and fill it with healing powers. Whoever entered the pool first received instant healing. As Jesus wandered through the crowd, His Father drew His eyes to an invalid lying on a mat.
Jesus looked deep into the man's soul and asked, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6b, NIV)
"'Sir,' the invalid replied, 'I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.'" (John 5:7, NIV)
Did you hear the man's excuse? He remained on his mat because no one would help him.
Friends, I lived like that invalid for over a decade. In June 1986 at age 21, just days after my college graduation, I was raped by an armed, masked stranger hiding in my apartment.
I had enjoyed four incredible years at Baylor University where I pledged a sorority, dated and eventually became engaged to a wonderful man, was voted a Baylor Beauty and homecoming princess, graduated with honors, and had an amazing job waiting for me. After that day, those worldly blessings seemed meaningless. My attacker's vile and cruel act stole my dignity...my worth...my security...my life. He forever shattered my hopes and my dreams.
I lived paralyzed on a mat of fear and despair. For years I could never stay alone. I suffered from panic attacks that often landed me in the emergency room.
Then I encountered Christ in this story. The words He spoke to the crippled man leapt off the page and into my heart. They literally pierced my soul. I was the man on the mat. I enjoyed being the victim. I had become accustomed to my place of sorrow. Worse, I was comfortable there.
Read Jesus' next words to this man: "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." (John 5:8, NIV)
Through this story, I came to know the truth of Hebrews 4:12 (NIV): "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
I surrendered my heart and all that held it captive to God. He whispered in my ear, "Wendy, I have a most beautiful and abundant life for you, but you will never know that life until you have the courage to get up off your mat and walk." God's Word came alive. He spoke personally to me, and in that moment, I committed to take a first step off my mat.
Are you on a mat? Sweet friend, will you join me and take your first step off of your mat?
Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, my Creator and my Savior. I love You and thank You that You love me with an everlasting and unconditional love. I give myself to You now, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I deeply desire for you to come into my heart, heal my hurt, and take away my pain. Remove anything in my life that hinders my relationship with You and keeps me from living the abundant life You have for me. Fill me with the fullness of Your Spirit. Enable me to take the first step off my mat. Show me the great plans You have for me. I ask this in the powerful name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Related Resources:
Take the first step off your mat by joining us for Melissa Taylor's free online study of Wendy's book Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: the Transforming Power of God's Story. Click hereto sign up on Melissa's blog.
Visit Wendy's blog to hear more about her story and share a bit of yours.
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight
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:
Are you stuck on a mat? What is keeping you there?
Commit today to take a first step off your mat. Identify your first step. As part of your plan, we'd love for you to join us for Melissa Taylor's free online study and let God bring His hope and healing into your life.
Reflections:
Spend some time in God's Word and in prayer. Listen for God's direction for your next steps.
Power Verses:
Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." (NIV)
Psalm 40:1-2, "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)
Do you ever feel paralyzed by fear, despair, isolation, or self-pity?
Do you have a physical or emotional pain so deep that nothing can soothe the hurt?
If your heart cried "yes, that's me!" as you read these questions, come meet the man on the mat found in John Chapter 5.
As the story opens, we find Jesus entering Jerusalem, walking towards a dirty, smelly pool of water. Every day the lame, weak, and sick gathered at this pool, believing an angel would come down, touch the water, and fill it with healing powers. Whoever entered the pool first received instant healing. As Jesus wandered through the crowd, His Father drew His eyes to an invalid lying on a mat.
Jesus looked deep into the man's soul and asked, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6b, NIV)
"'Sir,' the invalid replied, 'I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.'" (John 5:7, NIV)
Did you hear the man's excuse? He remained on his mat because no one would help him.
Friends, I lived like that invalid for over a decade. In June 1986 at age 21, just days after my college graduation, I was raped by an armed, masked stranger hiding in my apartment.
I had enjoyed four incredible years at Baylor University where I pledged a sorority, dated and eventually became engaged to a wonderful man, was voted a Baylor Beauty and homecoming princess, graduated with honors, and had an amazing job waiting for me. After that day, those worldly blessings seemed meaningless. My attacker's vile and cruel act stole my dignity...my worth...my security...my life. He forever shattered my hopes and my dreams.
I lived paralyzed on a mat of fear and despair. For years I could never stay alone. I suffered from panic attacks that often landed me in the emergency room.
Then I encountered Christ in this story. The words He spoke to the crippled man leapt off the page and into my heart. They literally pierced my soul. I was the man on the mat. I enjoyed being the victim. I had become accustomed to my place of sorrow. Worse, I was comfortable there.
Read Jesus' next words to this man: "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." (John 5:8, NIV)
Through this story, I came to know the truth of Hebrews 4:12 (NIV): "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
I surrendered my heart and all that held it captive to God. He whispered in my ear, "Wendy, I have a most beautiful and abundant life for you, but you will never know that life until you have the courage to get up off your mat and walk." God's Word came alive. He spoke personally to me, and in that moment, I committed to take a first step off my mat.
Are you on a mat? Sweet friend, will you join me and take your first step off of your mat?
Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, my Creator and my Savior. I love You and thank You that You love me with an everlasting and unconditional love. I give myself to You now, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I deeply desire for you to come into my heart, heal my hurt, and take away my pain. Remove anything in my life that hinders my relationship with You and keeps me from living the abundant life You have for me. Fill me with the fullness of Your Spirit. Enable me to take the first step off my mat. Show me the great plans You have for me. I ask this in the powerful name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Related Resources:
Take the first step off your mat by joining us for Melissa Taylor's free online study of Wendy's book Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: the Transforming Power of God's Story. Click hereto sign up on Melissa's blog.
Visit Wendy's blog to hear more about her story and share a bit of yours.
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight
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:
Are you stuck on a mat? What is keeping you there?
Commit today to take a first step off your mat. Identify your first step. As part of your plan, we'd love for you to join us for Melissa Taylor's free online study and let God bring His hope and healing into your life.
Reflections:
Spend some time in God's Word and in prayer. Listen for God's direction for your next steps.
Power Verses:
Luke 18:27, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." (NIV)
Psalm 40:1-2, "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (NIV)
The Divine Healer
The Divine Healer
About a dozen years ago, I began to apply Romans 12:1. It urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. The apostle Paul also tells us twice in 1 Corinthians that our bodies are God's temples. He draws two powerful images: living sacrifices and temples.
To me that means God is concerned about us caring for and protecting our bodies. After all, our bodies are the essence of what we work with. Our minds may be more important, but they surely don't function independently. If our bodies aren't important, why would we have a resurrection that promises some form of physical substance?
Then why do we tend to discount the body or pay too little attention to its care? I've begun to realize the answer-for me, that is. If we acknowledge our responsibility to care for the temple of God, then we're held accountable for how we treat it. And if we misuse our bodies or offer God blemished sacrifices, what does that say about our commitment?
So first off, I acknowledge I'm a temple abuser. I have offered my badly-taken-care-of and less-than-perfect body to God. For years, I was among the sleep-deprived generation. I ate a lot of foods that harmed my body. Until I faced some serious physical problems, I didn't think much about exercise. I allowed stress into my life when I could have found healthy ways to correct it.
I confess to all of those sins; I've battled physical illness as a result. But God, being ever merciful, allows us to bring our battered, torn, worn-out, and abused bodies to the place of prayer. We can talk to God about our health. We can ask for healing. I won't say we always get it, but I do believe it's available.
Although I've noticed them before, the words of Jesus in instances of individual healing have taken on new meaning for me. He heals and sometimes adds, "Go, and sin no more."
What a tag-on that is! Is Jesus actually saying to us, "You have high blood pressure because you have mishandled your body?" "Your emphysema comes from your mistreating the holy temple of God?"
In most cases, I think so. I'm not writing this to bring condemnation to anyone. It's my personal attempt to come to grips with issues in my own life and to discover a fuller, richer commitment to the Healer of All Diseases.
For me, a fuller, richer life simply has to involve our bodies. We know the stereotype of the sweet, elderly woman who is confined to bed and spends her waking moments interceding for others. Maybe so, but I wouldn't fit into that category.
When I'm sick, I am s-i-c-k. I don't do much except think about how miserable I am. I pray for healing and beg God to make me well so I can get back to my normal energy level. When I'm sick, I assure you, I do little praying for anyone other than poor Cec Murphey.
That then leads me to realize that when I pray for healing, I am asking the Divine Physician to make me healthy. If I'm healthy, I'm better able to be in touch with God's presence. My mind is not on my wretched condition and I can concentrate on other things.
I don't like to be sick. If I'm sick, I pray for healing. That part is fine, but it's not enough. Here's a theory I live with, but I wouldn't try to force it on anyone else. I believe that the Creator God made our bodies to serve us, and also to teach us.
When I was twenty-years-old, I tasted shrimp for the first time. It was also the last time. Within an hour, I was miserable and vomited. It would be stupid of me ever to eat shrimp again. My body taught me something. I believe our bodies talk to us all the time, but we don't always listen. They tell us when we're tired, but we boost ourselves with caffeine instead of resting (my confession again).
Here's the philosophy I now embrace: When I am sick, there is a reason. So I pray, "God, show me why I need to be sick." Bold? Crazy? Perhaps. In the past, it has been my unconscious way of dropping out of the action or pushing away pressure.
This awareness came into being when I was a pastor. Every year during December we had many festivities and special services at church that I attended, besides my own family functions. I took Communion to every shut-in. All adult Sunday school classes invited me to their Christmas parties. By the end of December, I was worn out.
Could I acknowledge my tiredness? Not me. I took a day off, and started pumping up again for the new year. Then I noticed that for five years in a row I came down with a nasty cold early in January. That cold was so bad that no matter what medication I took, I had to go to bed.
The sixth year it happened, I got the message. I had brought my physical sickness on myself. When I get sick, I need to listen to my body and ask the Divine Doctor, "What is happening that makes me need to be sick at this time?"
When I listen, it's amazing the answers I get. Unfortunately, I haven't always wanted to hear those answers. Part of my growth as a disciple of God is to ask God tough questions about myself and listen to the answers.
Do I call on the Healer? Without hesitation. However, when I pray, it's more than for just physical relief, it's also to help me understand what I've done to make my body this way. "Divine Healer, this is an issue of obedience," I say. "You're speaking, but I'm not hearing. Speak to me and help me hear what I need to know. Heal me and then enable me to go and sin no more."
As I pause to reflect on the Divine Healer, I feel such gratitude. Isn't it wonderful that God cares about every aspect of life? God doesn't limit divine intervention and interest to only "spiritual" things, because every facet of my life is spiritual.
That's where my prayers to the Divine Healer have led me. God wants to heal every part of me-the outer temple of the body as well as the inner temple of my mind and emotions.
We can pray to the Healer who is a caring, wonderful God.
If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on your which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD God who heals you. --EXODUS 15:26, NKJV
Divine Physician,
heal all my diseases,
all my waywardness,
and all my hardness of heart,
so that I worship you in my body and in my inner being.
Thank you for caring about every part of my life. Amen
About a dozen years ago, I began to apply Romans 12:1. It urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. The apostle Paul also tells us twice in 1 Corinthians that our bodies are God's temples. He draws two powerful images: living sacrifices and temples.
To me that means God is concerned about us caring for and protecting our bodies. After all, our bodies are the essence of what we work with. Our minds may be more important, but they surely don't function independently. If our bodies aren't important, why would we have a resurrection that promises some form of physical substance?
Then why do we tend to discount the body or pay too little attention to its care? I've begun to realize the answer-for me, that is. If we acknowledge our responsibility to care for the temple of God, then we're held accountable for how we treat it. And if we misuse our bodies or offer God blemished sacrifices, what does that say about our commitment?
So first off, I acknowledge I'm a temple abuser. I have offered my badly-taken-care-of and less-than-perfect body to God. For years, I was among the sleep-deprived generation. I ate a lot of foods that harmed my body. Until I faced some serious physical problems, I didn't think much about exercise. I allowed stress into my life when I could have found healthy ways to correct it.
I confess to all of those sins; I've battled physical illness as a result. But God, being ever merciful, allows us to bring our battered, torn, worn-out, and abused bodies to the place of prayer. We can talk to God about our health. We can ask for healing. I won't say we always get it, but I do believe it's available.
Although I've noticed them before, the words of Jesus in instances of individual healing have taken on new meaning for me. He heals and sometimes adds, "Go, and sin no more."
What a tag-on that is! Is Jesus actually saying to us, "You have high blood pressure because you have mishandled your body?" "Your emphysema comes from your mistreating the holy temple of God?"
In most cases, I think so. I'm not writing this to bring condemnation to anyone. It's my personal attempt to come to grips with issues in my own life and to discover a fuller, richer commitment to the Healer of All Diseases.
For me, a fuller, richer life simply has to involve our bodies. We know the stereotype of the sweet, elderly woman who is confined to bed and spends her waking moments interceding for others. Maybe so, but I wouldn't fit into that category.
When I'm sick, I am s-i-c-k. I don't do much except think about how miserable I am. I pray for healing and beg God to make me well so I can get back to my normal energy level. When I'm sick, I assure you, I do little praying for anyone other than poor Cec Murphey.
That then leads me to realize that when I pray for healing, I am asking the Divine Physician to make me healthy. If I'm healthy, I'm better able to be in touch with God's presence. My mind is not on my wretched condition and I can concentrate on other things.
I don't like to be sick. If I'm sick, I pray for healing. That part is fine, but it's not enough. Here's a theory I live with, but I wouldn't try to force it on anyone else. I believe that the Creator God made our bodies to serve us, and also to teach us.
When I was twenty-years-old, I tasted shrimp for the first time. It was also the last time. Within an hour, I was miserable and vomited. It would be stupid of me ever to eat shrimp again. My body taught me something. I believe our bodies talk to us all the time, but we don't always listen. They tell us when we're tired, but we boost ourselves with caffeine instead of resting (my confession again).
Here's the philosophy I now embrace: When I am sick, there is a reason. So I pray, "God, show me why I need to be sick." Bold? Crazy? Perhaps. In the past, it has been my unconscious way of dropping out of the action or pushing away pressure.
This awareness came into being when I was a pastor. Every year during December we had many festivities and special services at church that I attended, besides my own family functions. I took Communion to every shut-in. All adult Sunday school classes invited me to their Christmas parties. By the end of December, I was worn out.
Could I acknowledge my tiredness? Not me. I took a day off, and started pumping up again for the new year. Then I noticed that for five years in a row I came down with a nasty cold early in January. That cold was so bad that no matter what medication I took, I had to go to bed.
The sixth year it happened, I got the message. I had brought my physical sickness on myself. When I get sick, I need to listen to my body and ask the Divine Doctor, "What is happening that makes me need to be sick at this time?"
When I listen, it's amazing the answers I get. Unfortunately, I haven't always wanted to hear those answers. Part of my growth as a disciple of God is to ask God tough questions about myself and listen to the answers.
Do I call on the Healer? Without hesitation. However, when I pray, it's more than for just physical relief, it's also to help me understand what I've done to make my body this way. "Divine Healer, this is an issue of obedience," I say. "You're speaking, but I'm not hearing. Speak to me and help me hear what I need to know. Heal me and then enable me to go and sin no more."
As I pause to reflect on the Divine Healer, I feel such gratitude. Isn't it wonderful that God cares about every aspect of life? God doesn't limit divine intervention and interest to only "spiritual" things, because every facet of my life is spiritual.
That's where my prayers to the Divine Healer have led me. God wants to heal every part of me-the outer temple of the body as well as the inner temple of my mind and emotions.
We can pray to the Healer who is a caring, wonderful God.
If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on your which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD God who heals you. --EXODUS 15:26, NKJV
Divine Physician,
heal all my diseases,
all my waywardness,
and all my hardness of heart,
so that I worship you in my body and in my inner being.
Thank you for caring about every part of my life. Amen
Question of the day!!!
Did Paul Undermine Slavery?
John Piper
The historic and contemporary reality of slavery is never far away from how we think about the Bible. Instead of a frontal attack on the culturally pervasive institution of slavery in his day, Paul took another approach, for example, in his letter to Philemon.
Onesimus was a slave. His master Philemon was a Christian. Onesimus had evidently run away from Colossae (Colossians 4:9) to Rome where Paul, in prison, had led him to faith in Jesus. Now he was sending Onesimus back to Philemon. This letter tells Philemon how to receive Onesimus.
In the process, Paul does at least 11 things that work together to undermine slavery.
1. Paul draws attention to Philemon's love for all the saints. "I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints" (1:5). This puts Philemon's relation with Onesimus (now one of the saints) under the banner of love, not just commerce.
2. Paul models for Philemon the superiority of appeals over commands when it comes to relationships governed by love. "Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you" (1:8-9). This points Philemon to the new dynamics that will hold sway between him and Onesimus. Acting out of freedom from a heart of love is the goal in the relationship.
3. Paul heightens the sense of Onesimus being in the family of God by calling him his child. "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment" (1:10). Remember, Philemon, however you deal with him, you are dealing with my child.
4. Paul raises the stakes again by saying that Onesimus has become entwined around his own deep affections. "I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart" (1:12). The word for "heart" is "bowels." This means, "I am deeply bound emotionally to this man." Treat him that way.
John Piper
The historic and contemporary reality of slavery is never far away from how we think about the Bible. Instead of a frontal attack on the culturally pervasive institution of slavery in his day, Paul took another approach, for example, in his letter to Philemon.
Onesimus was a slave. His master Philemon was a Christian. Onesimus had evidently run away from Colossae (Colossians 4:9) to Rome where Paul, in prison, had led him to faith in Jesus. Now he was sending Onesimus back to Philemon. This letter tells Philemon how to receive Onesimus.
In the process, Paul does at least 11 things that work together to undermine slavery.
1. Paul draws attention to Philemon's love for all the saints. "I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints" (1:5). This puts Philemon's relation with Onesimus (now one of the saints) under the banner of love, not just commerce.
2. Paul models for Philemon the superiority of appeals over commands when it comes to relationships governed by love. "Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you" (1:8-9). This points Philemon to the new dynamics that will hold sway between him and Onesimus. Acting out of freedom from a heart of love is the goal in the relationship.
3. Paul heightens the sense of Onesimus being in the family of God by calling him his child. "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment" (1:10). Remember, Philemon, however you deal with him, you are dealing with my child.
4. Paul raises the stakes again by saying that Onesimus has become entwined around his own deep affections. "I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart" (1:12). The word for "heart" is "bowels." This means, "I am deeply bound emotionally to this man." Treat him that way.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Devotion for the day!!!
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Devotion:
I am a magnet for strange.
Seriously.
Recently I was outside with my three dogs soaking up the sunshine. After being in snowy Pennsylvania the weekend before, I needed the warmth of the Carolinas to soak deeply into my bones. Southern girls don't do snow in the spring.
Anyhow, back to the sunshine and dogs. We got a new puppy named "Willow" for Christmas. Well, our other dogs Champ and Chelsea aren't sure what to think of precious, little three-pound, Willow.
She annoys them. In every way.
I thought it would be a good investment for the dog relations in our home if I spent time with them outside to help them all feel the love. So, I sat on the ground and loved on each dog.
They enveloped me in a flurry of wet kisses, fur, and stinky dog breath. I was having a ball. And they were all getting along. Bliss.
Until...Willow came and sat on my lap. Claiming the prized location of closeness with me, I don't think she realized the signal she was sending. Champ suddenly backed up and growled. His tail stopped wagging. And he was not happy.
"Oh Champ," I reassured him, "Willow is a baby. Be nice."
More growling.
"No sir! Champ, be nice. Come here. I can love on you while Willow sits in my lap," I reassured him once again, while rubbing behind his ears.
He seemed to be happy again, and licked my cheek.
More bliss.
But then, out of the blue, he walked beside me, looked straight at Willow, lifted his leg, and drenched me in tee-tee!
What in the world!? I couldn't believe what was happening.
After recovering from my shock and changing my clothes, I Googled it.
Some say Champ was marking his territory. "That's MY mama!"
His strong expression of "MINE" was a stark reminder to me of just how disgusting a heart bent on self can be. Champ couldn't enjoy all he was experiencing in the moment, because he was so laser focused on the one way he felt slighted.
SELFishness! ME! MINE! MINE! MINE!
Several years ago, God challenged me to recognize and refute selfishness by seeing — really seeing all that I've been given. And never looking at a blessing I was given as something just for me. I always make myself think two things...
1. Thank You God for entrusting this blessing to me. I know it is a gift from You.
2. How can I use this as an opportunity to bless someone else? The blessing will be more rewarding if it's not all about me.
Do these things come naturally? Not at first. Not in a 'me first,' Mine! Mine! Tee-tee on others kind of world.
But we aren't called to live according to the norm, doing what comes naturally.
We are called to rise above. Be set apart. Be different. Be pure in every way. "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).
What blessing do you have that might need to be shared today? What blessing do I have that might need to be shared today?
Right in the midst of what we're doing today, how can we graciously and purely represent Christ as we RE-present Him everywhere we go?
Good stuff to ponder as I washed my smelly outfit that day.
Dear Lord, thank You for every good and perfect gift You have given me. Help me to put others before me and to have a heart to see them as You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa's blog by clicking here and register to win a Bible Study kit for What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.
If this devotion resonated with you, don't miss Lysa's new 6 week DVD teaching set, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. For more information, click here.
The accompanying Yes to God Bible Study workbook can be found by clicking here.
Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.
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 opportunity has been given to you recently that you can in turn pass on to others? Will you take the initiative to do that today?
Reflections:
The journey will be more rewarding if it's not all about me. Do I agree with this statement? Have I done this before? How will I plan to implement this going forward?
Power Verses:
Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (NIV)
Romans 12:3, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (NIV)
Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (NIV)
Devotion:
I am a magnet for strange.
Seriously.
Recently I was outside with my three dogs soaking up the sunshine. After being in snowy Pennsylvania the weekend before, I needed the warmth of the Carolinas to soak deeply into my bones. Southern girls don't do snow in the spring.
Anyhow, back to the sunshine and dogs. We got a new puppy named "Willow" for Christmas. Well, our other dogs Champ and Chelsea aren't sure what to think of precious, little three-pound, Willow.
She annoys them. In every way.
I thought it would be a good investment for the dog relations in our home if I spent time with them outside to help them all feel the love. So, I sat on the ground and loved on each dog.
They enveloped me in a flurry of wet kisses, fur, and stinky dog breath. I was having a ball. And they were all getting along. Bliss.
Until...Willow came and sat on my lap. Claiming the prized location of closeness with me, I don't think she realized the signal she was sending. Champ suddenly backed up and growled. His tail stopped wagging. And he was not happy.
"Oh Champ," I reassured him, "Willow is a baby. Be nice."
More growling.
"No sir! Champ, be nice. Come here. I can love on you while Willow sits in my lap," I reassured him once again, while rubbing behind his ears.
He seemed to be happy again, and licked my cheek.
More bliss.
But then, out of the blue, he walked beside me, looked straight at Willow, lifted his leg, and drenched me in tee-tee!
What in the world!? I couldn't believe what was happening.
After recovering from my shock and changing my clothes, I Googled it.
Some say Champ was marking his territory. "That's MY mama!"
His strong expression of "MINE" was a stark reminder to me of just how disgusting a heart bent on self can be. Champ couldn't enjoy all he was experiencing in the moment, because he was so laser focused on the one way he felt slighted.
SELFishness! ME! MINE! MINE! MINE!
Several years ago, God challenged me to recognize and refute selfishness by seeing — really seeing all that I've been given. And never looking at a blessing I was given as something just for me. I always make myself think two things...
1. Thank You God for entrusting this blessing to me. I know it is a gift from You.
2. How can I use this as an opportunity to bless someone else? The blessing will be more rewarding if it's not all about me.
Do these things come naturally? Not at first. Not in a 'me first,' Mine! Mine! Tee-tee on others kind of world.
But we aren't called to live according to the norm, doing what comes naturally.
We are called to rise above. Be set apart. Be different. Be pure in every way. "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).
What blessing do you have that might need to be shared today? What blessing do I have that might need to be shared today?
Right in the midst of what we're doing today, how can we graciously and purely represent Christ as we RE-present Him everywhere we go?
Good stuff to ponder as I washed my smelly outfit that day.
Dear Lord, thank You for every good and perfect gift You have given me. Help me to put others before me and to have a heart to see them as You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Lysa's blog by clicking here and register to win a Bible Study kit for What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.
If this devotion resonated with you, don't miss Lysa's new 6 week DVD teaching set, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. For more information, click here.
The accompanying Yes to God Bible Study workbook can be found by clicking here.
Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.
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 opportunity has been given to you recently that you can in turn pass on to others? Will you take the initiative to do that today?
Reflections:
The journey will be more rewarding if it's not all about me. Do I agree with this statement? Have I done this before? How will I plan to implement this going forward?
Power Verses:
Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (NIV)
Romans 12:3, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (NIV)
Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (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.
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.
Devotion for the day!!!
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Devotion:
The temperature was pushing 100° Fahrenheit on that hot summer evening. Golden sunshine tinted the trees and shadows lengthened, as the lone runner caught my eye. He looked like one of the high school boys on my sons' wrestling team. But what was he doing running now?
With wrestling season still months away, his dedication to training impressed me. Training in-season is common; training off-season, rare. And yet the off-season warriors consistently push themselves to their personal best, out-performing those who begin training in-season.
Readiness characterizes these highly trained athletes. They are ready at a moment's notice to face the next opponent. Seldom surprised, they move with grace and assurance. Their discipline pays off when needed most.
I've watched this same principle lived out in the lives of godly men and women I've known. They apply themselves to spiritual training, are committed to learning God's Word, and pursue a life of faith. Day in and day out, they discipline their minds and hearts to stay in alignment with the truth. They strengthen their devotion to Christ in spite of circumstances. They take false thoughts captive.
Then, when they least expect it, their training is called into action.
There's usually no warning. It's a phone call. A medical test. An email. In an instant, their "opponent" is raging. Fear, grief and despair threaten. But they aren't overwhelmed.
Shaken? Maybe. But not devastated.
These past few years I've faced events that have shaken me. From losing our savings due to the economy to having kids make choices far from how they were raised, life has rocked me a few times. I've faced things I never thought I would face, and no one gave me a map to navigate the details of these circumstances.
In the darkness of these times, I've held on to what I know to be true in the light. When my flesh wanted to panic and run screaming, God's truth told me He will provide. When I wanted to despair that I'd lost my child forever, God's wisdom reminded me that everyone sins. Without training, I'd have collapsed on the floor in a confused puddle of fear.
Being a woman of faith is easy when life is smooth. It's easy to love others, be a good steward and make wise decisions when everything is going great. It's when there's no warning and a storm hits that we need to be well-trained.
No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can study God's Word. We are the only ones who can push through a dry season and spend time in prayer. We do this in-season (when circumstances are rough) and off-season (when circumstances are smooth), so that when the battles of life strike, we are ready.
The good news is you can start your training today. In fact, you already have by reading this devotion. Take time to read the scriptures below and answer the questions. Pray and ask God what He wants you to learn. Ponder the truths you find and let them burrow in to your heart. Each time you do this, you'll be stronger.
And when you face a battle, this discipline and training will pay off in peace, confidence and joy in spite of your circumstances.
Dear Lord, I praise You as the source of all truth. Help me to have the discipline to read and study the Bible on my own, so that I'm ready when faced with trouble. I ask for more of Your wisdom and discernment to build my life on a solid foundation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
P31 Woman magazine General Editor, Glynnis Whitwer
Visit Glynnis' blog for a discussion of how to train in and off season.
When Your Child Is Hurting 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!
Application Steps:
Identify one truth you've learned from the Bible that has helped you stay strong in the tough times. Visit Glynnis' blog and post your answer or just your thoughts on today's devotion. She's doing a drawing and giving away a copy of the One Year Chronological Bible to one person who comments.
Reflections:
What kind of mindset do we need to be able to train off-season?
How does knowing the Word of God equip us for "every good work," as our key verse mentions?
Power Verses:
John 8:31-32, "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (NIV)
1 Timothy 4:7, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourselves to be godly." (NIV)
Devotion:
The temperature was pushing 100° Fahrenheit on that hot summer evening. Golden sunshine tinted the trees and shadows lengthened, as the lone runner caught my eye. He looked like one of the high school boys on my sons' wrestling team. But what was he doing running now?
With wrestling season still months away, his dedication to training impressed me. Training in-season is common; training off-season, rare. And yet the off-season warriors consistently push themselves to their personal best, out-performing those who begin training in-season.
Readiness characterizes these highly trained athletes. They are ready at a moment's notice to face the next opponent. Seldom surprised, they move with grace and assurance. Their discipline pays off when needed most.
I've watched this same principle lived out in the lives of godly men and women I've known. They apply themselves to spiritual training, are committed to learning God's Word, and pursue a life of faith. Day in and day out, they discipline their minds and hearts to stay in alignment with the truth. They strengthen their devotion to Christ in spite of circumstances. They take false thoughts captive.
Then, when they least expect it, their training is called into action.
There's usually no warning. It's a phone call. A medical test. An email. In an instant, their "opponent" is raging. Fear, grief and despair threaten. But they aren't overwhelmed.
Shaken? Maybe. But not devastated.
These past few years I've faced events that have shaken me. From losing our savings due to the economy to having kids make choices far from how they were raised, life has rocked me a few times. I've faced things I never thought I would face, and no one gave me a map to navigate the details of these circumstances.
In the darkness of these times, I've held on to what I know to be true in the light. When my flesh wanted to panic and run screaming, God's truth told me He will provide. When I wanted to despair that I'd lost my child forever, God's wisdom reminded me that everyone sins. Without training, I'd have collapsed on the floor in a confused puddle of fear.
Being a woman of faith is easy when life is smooth. It's easy to love others, be a good steward and make wise decisions when everything is going great. It's when there's no warning and a storm hits that we need to be well-trained.
No one can do this for us. We are the only ones who can study God's Word. We are the only ones who can push through a dry season and spend time in prayer. We do this in-season (when circumstances are rough) and off-season (when circumstances are smooth), so that when the battles of life strike, we are ready.
The good news is you can start your training today. In fact, you already have by reading this devotion. Take time to read the scriptures below and answer the questions. Pray and ask God what He wants you to learn. Ponder the truths you find and let them burrow in to your heart. Each time you do this, you'll be stronger.
And when you face a battle, this discipline and training will pay off in peace, confidence and joy in spite of your circumstances.
Dear Lord, I praise You as the source of all truth. Help me to have the discipline to read and study the Bible on my own, so that I'm ready when faced with trouble. I ask for more of Your wisdom and discernment to build my life on a solid foundation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
P31 Woman magazine General Editor, Glynnis Whitwer
Visit Glynnis' blog for a discussion of how to train in and off season.
When Your Child Is Hurting 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!
Application Steps:
Identify one truth you've learned from the Bible that has helped you stay strong in the tough times. Visit Glynnis' blog and post your answer or just your thoughts on today's devotion. She's doing a drawing and giving away a copy of the One Year Chronological Bible to one person who comments.
Reflections:
What kind of mindset do we need to be able to train off-season?
How does knowing the Word of God equip us for "every good work," as our key verse mentions?
Power Verses:
John 8:31-32, "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (NIV)
1 Timothy 4:7, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourselves to be godly." (NIV)
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Devotion for the day!!!
"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
Devotion:
Looking back, it seems like I'm viewing the story of another person. I hardly recognize the little girl I became in that dark moment.
I was walking home from the bus stop. The walk took about ten minutes unless I stopped to talk to a friend or neighbor, which I usually did. Mr. Parks, a retired man, was sitting in his driveway waving to all the kids walking by. He was so friendly. On this particular day, he invited me into his garage. He said he had some candy to give me.
I walked in that garage an innocent trusting little girl. I walked out scarred for life.
Mr. Parks sexually violated me. I didn't understand what was going on. I didn't know what to do. He became someone else; I didn't recognize the man he changed into once that garage door was closed. He did things to me and made me do things to him that I never imagined existed. I was absolutely terrified. When he was done, he said, "Come back tomorrow." And for some reason, I did.
The experience of being sexually abused left me devastated. I felt stained and ruined.
In my mind, what I had done was so bad, I couldn't tell anyone. And because it happened more than once, I felt like it really was my choice; my fault. That's what he told me. I felt dirty and filled with shame.
Shame is a joy stealer. My joy was completely gone.
Over the years I perfected the art of pretending everything was okay. I was good at wearing masks.
On the outside, I looked great. However, on the inside I felt completely unworthy of any good thing. When I experienced success, I would usually sabotage myself or quit. I apologized for being good at something and downplayed my God-given strengths.
It must break God's heart when we allow shame to steal our sense of worth.
Jesus gave His life to prove how very valuable we are. Our key verse tells us, "By his wounds, we are healed." Jesus became stained and ruined on our behalf. And because of His promise, we don't have to live in fear or condemnation over anything that has taken place in our lives, whether it was our fault or not.
When I accepted Christ as my Savior, I also accepted freedom from my past hauntings. Still, I have to remind myself of this every day. My thoughts must center on Jesus or they can easily slip back to the darkness of that garage. Yes, even 38 years later, I still have flashbacks of what happened to me.
That's when I look up to heaven and say, "By Your wounds I am healed. Thank You, Jesus. I am not stained and ruined. I am clean, pure, and precious. Mr. Parks has no hold on me anymore."
My final triumph in this horrific ordeal was the most difficult: forgiveness.
I claim forgiveness for my sins everyday through Jesus. In doing that, I'm faced with the fact that I'm called to forgive. "Mr. Parks, I forgive you. I know you must have been very sick and your heart was stained with sin. I hope and pray you accepted Jesus before you died. What you did to me was the worst thing anyone could do to a little girl. I want to hate you. Instead, I choose to hate what you did, but forgive you."
I can only do this with Jesus at my side. I'm not capable any other way.
No longer do I believe I am stained and ruined. I am clean. I am worthy. Jesus has set me free. "By his wounds we are healed." I believe that. I hope you do too!
Dear Lord, I need You every day of my life. Please remind me that I am worthy and delete the lies that haunt me. Help me live to the fullest for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Melissa's blog to sign up for her free online Bible study of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. Join Melissa as she leads a community of online friends to come closer to God, find hope and healing, and move from victim to victor. All are invited! Today she's giving away an autographed copy of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner written by Wendy Blight!
Words by Ginny L. Yttrup. This is the She Reads pick of the month. It is a compelling story that deals with the heart wrenching topic of sexual abuse. This story offers hope, healing, and truth.
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: the Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight. All books purchased through Proverbs 31 Ministries will be autographed by Wendy!
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:
If you are suffering due to your past, seek Christian counseling in your area.
Stop by Melissa's blog today and sign up receive her "Top Ten Ways to Know you are Worthy" list. Also, sign up for her next online Bible study.
Spend at least a few minutes each day reading God's Word, His love letter to you. Begin each day by saying, "Lord, because of You, I am healed and valuable."
Reflections:
Is there something in my past keeping me from living the life God intended?
Do I believe Jesus has washed me clean?
Have I shared what Christ has done for me with anyone lately?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 14:2, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession." (NIV)
Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, in thirsty lands." (CEV)
Isaiah 45:3, "I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." (NIV)
Devotion:
Looking back, it seems like I'm viewing the story of another person. I hardly recognize the little girl I became in that dark moment.
I was walking home from the bus stop. The walk took about ten minutes unless I stopped to talk to a friend or neighbor, which I usually did. Mr. Parks, a retired man, was sitting in his driveway waving to all the kids walking by. He was so friendly. On this particular day, he invited me into his garage. He said he had some candy to give me.
I walked in that garage an innocent trusting little girl. I walked out scarred for life.
Mr. Parks sexually violated me. I didn't understand what was going on. I didn't know what to do. He became someone else; I didn't recognize the man he changed into once that garage door was closed. He did things to me and made me do things to him that I never imagined existed. I was absolutely terrified. When he was done, he said, "Come back tomorrow." And for some reason, I did.
The experience of being sexually abused left me devastated. I felt stained and ruined.
In my mind, what I had done was so bad, I couldn't tell anyone. And because it happened more than once, I felt like it really was my choice; my fault. That's what he told me. I felt dirty and filled with shame.
Shame is a joy stealer. My joy was completely gone.
Over the years I perfected the art of pretending everything was okay. I was good at wearing masks.
On the outside, I looked great. However, on the inside I felt completely unworthy of any good thing. When I experienced success, I would usually sabotage myself or quit. I apologized for being good at something and downplayed my God-given strengths.
It must break God's heart when we allow shame to steal our sense of worth.
Jesus gave His life to prove how very valuable we are. Our key verse tells us, "By his wounds, we are healed." Jesus became stained and ruined on our behalf. And because of His promise, we don't have to live in fear or condemnation over anything that has taken place in our lives, whether it was our fault or not.
When I accepted Christ as my Savior, I also accepted freedom from my past hauntings. Still, I have to remind myself of this every day. My thoughts must center on Jesus or they can easily slip back to the darkness of that garage. Yes, even 38 years later, I still have flashbacks of what happened to me.
That's when I look up to heaven and say, "By Your wounds I am healed. Thank You, Jesus. I am not stained and ruined. I am clean, pure, and precious. Mr. Parks has no hold on me anymore."
My final triumph in this horrific ordeal was the most difficult: forgiveness.
I claim forgiveness for my sins everyday through Jesus. In doing that, I'm faced with the fact that I'm called to forgive. "Mr. Parks, I forgive you. I know you must have been very sick and your heart was stained with sin. I hope and pray you accepted Jesus before you died. What you did to me was the worst thing anyone could do to a little girl. I want to hate you. Instead, I choose to hate what you did, but forgive you."
I can only do this with Jesus at my side. I'm not capable any other way.
No longer do I believe I am stained and ruined. I am clean. I am worthy. Jesus has set me free. "By his wounds we are healed." I believe that. I hope you do too!
Dear Lord, I need You every day of my life. Please remind me that I am worthy and delete the lies that haunt me. Help me live to the fullest for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Visit Melissa's blog to sign up for her free online Bible study of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. Join Melissa as she leads a community of online friends to come closer to God, find hope and healing, and move from victim to victor. All are invited! Today she's giving away an autographed copy of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner written by Wendy Blight!
Words by Ginny L. Yttrup. This is the She Reads pick of the month. It is a compelling story that deals with the heart wrenching topic of sexual abuse. This story offers hope, healing, and truth.
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: the Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight. All books purchased through Proverbs 31 Ministries will be autographed by Wendy!
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:
If you are suffering due to your past, seek Christian counseling in your area.
Stop by Melissa's blog today and sign up receive her "Top Ten Ways to Know you are Worthy" list. Also, sign up for her next online Bible study.
Spend at least a few minutes each day reading God's Word, His love letter to you. Begin each day by saying, "Lord, because of You, I am healed and valuable."
Reflections:
Is there something in my past keeping me from living the life God intended?
Do I believe Jesus has washed me clean?
Have I shared what Christ has done for me with anyone lately?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 14:2, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession." (NIV)
Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget what happened long ago! Don't think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, in thirsty lands." (CEV)
Isaiah 45:3, "I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name." (NIV)
Question of the day!!!
How Did Christianity Spread?
The earliest Christians did not have church buildings. They typically met in homes. (The first actual church building so far found is at Dura Europos on the Euphrates, dating about 231.) They did not have public ceremonies that would introduce them to the public, and they had no access to the mass media of their day. So, how can we account for their steady and diverse expansion over the first three centuries?
After the Apostle Paul, we do not run across many "big names" as missionaries in the first few hundred years of Christian history. Instead, the faith spread through a multitude of humble, ordinary believers whose names have been long forgotten.
Early Christianity was primarily an urban faith, establishing itself in the city centers of the Roman Empire. Most of the people lived close together in crowded tenements. There were few secrets in such a setting. The faith spread as neighbors saw the believers' lives close-up on a daily basis.
And what kind of lives did they lead? Justin Martyr, a noted early Christian theologian, wrote to Emperor Antoninus Pius and described the believers: "We formerly rejoiced in uncleanness of life, but now love only chastity; before we used the magic arts, but now dedicate ourselves to the true and unbegotten God; before we loved money and possessions more than anything, but now we share what we have and to everyone who is in need; before we hated one another and killed one another and would not eat with those of another race, but now since the manifestation of Christ, we have come to a common life and pray for our enemies and try to win over those who hate us without just cause."
In another place Justin points out how those opposed to Christianity were sometimes won over as they saw the consistency in the lives of believers, noting their extraordinary forbearance when cheated and their honesty in business dealings.
The earliest Christians did not have church buildings. They typically met in homes. (The first actual church building so far found is at Dura Europos on the Euphrates, dating about 231.) They did not have public ceremonies that would introduce them to the public, and they had no access to the mass media of their day. So, how can we account for their steady and diverse expansion over the first three centuries?
After the Apostle Paul, we do not run across many "big names" as missionaries in the first few hundred years of Christian history. Instead, the faith spread through a multitude of humble, ordinary believers whose names have been long forgotten.
Early Christianity was primarily an urban faith, establishing itself in the city centers of the Roman Empire. Most of the people lived close together in crowded tenements. There were few secrets in such a setting. The faith spread as neighbors saw the believers' lives close-up on a daily basis.
And what kind of lives did they lead? Justin Martyr, a noted early Christian theologian, wrote to Emperor Antoninus Pius and described the believers: "We formerly rejoiced in uncleanness of life, but now love only chastity; before we used the magic arts, but now dedicate ourselves to the true and unbegotten God; before we loved money and possessions more than anything, but now we share what we have and to everyone who is in need; before we hated one another and killed one another and would not eat with those of another race, but now since the manifestation of Christ, we have come to a common life and pray for our enemies and try to win over those who hate us without just cause."
In another place Justin points out how those opposed to Christianity were sometimes won over as they saw the consistency in the lives of believers, noting their extraordinary forbearance when cheated and their honesty in business dealings.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Question of the day!!!
Faith or Works?
Greg Laurie
The Book of Acts records the story of a man named Simon, who had been misleading people in Samaria with his cultic practices. But one day Philip, a follower of Christ, showed up and began to do miracles by the hand of God. The people turned from Simon and began to follow the God whom Philip proclaimed.
Simon could see that Jesus was bad for business. He needed to do something. So we read that Simon believed and was baptized (see Acts 8:13). But it would appear that this was not a genuine conversion, because later the apostle Peter said to Simon, “Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness…” (Acts 8:21–22).
This shows us that you can believe in the power of God, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that the Bible is God’s Word, that Jesus is coming again, and can even be baptized, yet not really know God in a personal way.
So what does it mean to believe? The word believe is made up of two words: be and live. Faith helps us to “be” spiritually. But then it is expressed in Christian works and deeds. “Be” and “live.” I put my faith in Christ, but then I live it out.
Some might argue there is a conflict between faith and works, even pitting the teachings of Paul against the teachings of James. But that is not the case. James was addressing those who claimed to be believers, but didn’t show any real evidence of it in their lives. He was saying that if it is real faith, then there will be evidence.
Greg Laurie
The Book of Acts records the story of a man named Simon, who had been misleading people in Samaria with his cultic practices. But one day Philip, a follower of Christ, showed up and began to do miracles by the hand of God. The people turned from Simon and began to follow the God whom Philip proclaimed.
Simon could see that Jesus was bad for business. He needed to do something. So we read that Simon believed and was baptized (see Acts 8:13). But it would appear that this was not a genuine conversion, because later the apostle Peter said to Simon, “Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness…” (Acts 8:21–22).
This shows us that you can believe in the power of God, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that the Bible is God’s Word, that Jesus is coming again, and can even be baptized, yet not really know God in a personal way.
So what does it mean to believe? The word believe is made up of two words: be and live. Faith helps us to “be” spiritually. But then it is expressed in Christian works and deeds. “Be” and “live.” I put my faith in Christ, but then I live it out.
Some might argue there is a conflict between faith and works, even pitting the teachings of Paul against the teachings of James. But that is not the case. James was addressing those who claimed to be believers, but didn’t show any real evidence of it in their lives. He was saying that if it is real faith, then there will be evidence.
Devotion for the day!!!
May 9, 2011
Bring It to Me
Marybeth Whalen
"Bring them here to me." Matthew 14:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
"Mo-om," my six year old son called from the den where he was working on math, "I can't do this!"
I was in the kitchen washing dishes. "If you can't do it," I called back, "Just bring it to me."
In a whoosh, I heard God's still small voice, coming in on the heels of what I have just spoken aloud. "Isn't that what I say to you?" He reminded me.
When I am overwhelmed: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am angry: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am hurting: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am confused: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced a situation they couldn't do. They couldn't feed 5000 men and their families lunch even though the people were hungry. They knew that allowing them to leave would mean missing a great ministry opportunity... but their resources were sorely lacking.
Then one little boy stood up and offered his lunch. Jesus responded, "Bring them here to me." He took that meager offering — the tiniest bit offered in faith — and multiplied it beyond anyone's expectations.
I need God to do that for me every day. When I think that I can't do something, I need to faithfully take what little I can do and place it in His hands. And then I need to stand back and watch Him multiply my humble offering into something amazing.
What are you feeling like you can't do today?
Take on a challenge God is calling you to?
Respond to a ministry opportunity even though it is scary?
Stay in a marriage that looks over from where you're standing?
Persevere in your efforts to pay off debt?
Offer forgiveness to someone who hurt you?
Whatever it is, know this: you are right. You can't do it. So bring whatever it is to Him. Picture yourself offering it up, just like that little boy's lunch. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.
Dear Lord, I praise You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for always taking my "I can'ts" and transforming them through Your power and Your blessings. Help me to remember not to be anxious or worried when I face difficulties, but to simply bring my issues to You again and again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Becoming a Woman of Influence (Audio) by Marybeth Whalen
Visit Marybeth's blog or click here for more of her resources.
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman's life and said, "I want what she has," She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.
Application Steps:
In your journal, list all the reasons why you can't do some aspect of your life — paying off debt, staying in your marriage, homeschooling, getting a job, etc. After you list all those reasons, take a red magic marker and write over top of the list: "Bring it to Me." Rejoice that these are Jesus' words personally to you today!
Reflections:
Is there something I am telling God I can't do? I'll spend some time today telling Him to take my pitiful efforts and multiply them as only He can. Every time I start to worry, I'll go back and bring it to Him.
Power Verses:
Psalm 115:11, "You who fear him, trust in the LORD — he is their help and shield." (NIV)
Psalm 116:7, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." (NIV)
Bring It to Me
Marybeth Whalen
"Bring them here to me." Matthew 14:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
"Mo-om," my six year old son called from the den where he was working on math, "I can't do this!"
I was in the kitchen washing dishes. "If you can't do it," I called back, "Just bring it to me."
In a whoosh, I heard God's still small voice, coming in on the heels of what I have just spoken aloud. "Isn't that what I say to you?" He reminded me.
When I am overwhelmed: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am angry: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am hurting: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
When I am confused: "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."
Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced a situation they couldn't do. They couldn't feed 5000 men and their families lunch even though the people were hungry. They knew that allowing them to leave would mean missing a great ministry opportunity... but their resources were sorely lacking.
Then one little boy stood up and offered his lunch. Jesus responded, "Bring them here to me." He took that meager offering — the tiniest bit offered in faith — and multiplied it beyond anyone's expectations.
I need God to do that for me every day. When I think that I can't do something, I need to faithfully take what little I can do and place it in His hands. And then I need to stand back and watch Him multiply my humble offering into something amazing.
What are you feeling like you can't do today?
Take on a challenge God is calling you to?
Respond to a ministry opportunity even though it is scary?
Stay in a marriage that looks over from where you're standing?
Persevere in your efforts to pay off debt?
Offer forgiveness to someone who hurt you?
Whatever it is, know this: you are right. You can't do it. So bring whatever it is to Him. Picture yourself offering it up, just like that little boy's lunch. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.
Dear Lord, I praise You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for always taking my "I can'ts" and transforming them through Your power and Your blessings. Help me to remember not to be anxious or worried when I face difficulties, but to simply bring my issues to You again and again. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Becoming a Woman of Influence (Audio) by Marybeth Whalen
Visit Marybeth's blog or click here for more of her resources.
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman's life and said, "I want what she has," She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.
Application Steps:
In your journal, list all the reasons why you can't do some aspect of your life — paying off debt, staying in your marriage, homeschooling, getting a job, etc. After you list all those reasons, take a red magic marker and write over top of the list: "Bring it to Me." Rejoice that these are Jesus' words personally to you today!
Reflections:
Is there something I am telling God I can't do? I'll spend some time today telling Him to take my pitiful efforts and multiply them as only He can. Every time I start to worry, I'll go back and bring it to Him.
Power Verses:
Psalm 115:11, "You who fear him, trust in the LORD — he is their help and shield." (NIV)
Psalm 116:7, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." (NIV)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Devotion for the day!!!
May 6, 2011
Last Things First
Karen Ehman
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
Devotion:
As a woman, do you wear a lot of hats? During the course of your week, you may place on your head any of the following hats: wife, mother, worker, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma, cook and bottle washer, chauffer, nurse, maid, counselor, referee, PTA member, committee chair, oh, yeah... and a woman of God.
Sometimes these hats are stacked so high that trying to balance them all on our pretty little heads sends us toppling completely over!!!
And sadly, often the last hat we place on top is the crown we wear as a daughter of the King.
I love the simple, straight shooting words of our Lord in Matthew 6. He cuts to the chase, breaking commands down into bite-sized chunks. He simply tells us gently, but firmly, what must be done for our lives to get in order. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well."
However simple these verses may be, sometimes fleshing them out into reality in our lives isn't always easy. Especially in today's society, a climate of frenzied activity breeds busyness.
Years ago, success was determined by where you lived and what you drove. Now it seems that success is measured differently — by how busy you are.
We have no white space left on our calendar; our kids are carted from one activity to the next; why we hardly even eat dinner as a family anymore. Something in us longs to "do more" by painting our lives in a bright, bold shade of busy.
Although we live in a much different time than the original recipients of Jesus' words, we can learn from them nonetheless. They were concerned about where their food and clothing would come from. While we may still have those concerns, there are other issues we fret over as well. Like how we will get the house cleaned, the kids bathed and dressed, the laundry done, the kids chauffeured, the marriage prioritized, the relative visited, the work project completed...and on and on it goes.
While our tasks may shriek at us at every turn, Christ stands whispering... Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well.
Perhaps His words will prompt us to do a little hat-reduction, ridding our schedules of some of the activities that clamor for our attention and draw us away from time spent with Him.
Whatever set of hats God directs you to keep in your wardrobe, remember to don them in proper order. They will only stay standing when the crown you wear as a daughter of the King is placed on first!
Dear Lord, I'm sorry for the times that my hats are completely out of order. May I seek You and the righteousness You offer me first every day before I attempt to carry out any of my God ordained responsibilities. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
To enter to win a busy moms giveaway including 5 Sanity-Saving Tips for Maxed-Out Moms and information about an upcoming online book & Bible study on organization visit Karen's blog.
The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized by Karen Ehman
What does it mean to "leave your first love"? And more importantly, how can followers of Christ return to it again? Be inspired with First Love - a message on (DVD) by Karen Ehman
Application Steps:
Take a piece of paper and spend time alone with God for a few moments. Write in order what you would say your priorities are. An example might look something like this:
1. God
2. My husband
3. My children
4. My extended family members
5. My job
6. My friends
7. My commitments at church and in the community
Next, take a painstakingly honest look at how you spend your time. Does it accurately reflect what you say your priorities are? Are you allowing a number 6 or 7 to take precedence over a 1 or 2?
Reflections:
What are some commitments that I could bow out of in order to make more white space on my calendar and more time for God and my family? I'll have a friend hold me accountable to do so.
Power Verses:
Psalm 31:14-15a, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God. My times are in your hands...'" (NIV)
Psalm 70:4, "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, 'Let God be exalted!'" (NIV)
Last Things First
Karen Ehman
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
Devotion:
As a woman, do you wear a lot of hats? During the course of your week, you may place on your head any of the following hats: wife, mother, worker, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma, cook and bottle washer, chauffer, nurse, maid, counselor, referee, PTA member, committee chair, oh, yeah... and a woman of God.
Sometimes these hats are stacked so high that trying to balance them all on our pretty little heads sends us toppling completely over!!!
And sadly, often the last hat we place on top is the crown we wear as a daughter of the King.
I love the simple, straight shooting words of our Lord in Matthew 6. He cuts to the chase, breaking commands down into bite-sized chunks. He simply tells us gently, but firmly, what must be done for our lives to get in order. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well."
However simple these verses may be, sometimes fleshing them out into reality in our lives isn't always easy. Especially in today's society, a climate of frenzied activity breeds busyness.
Years ago, success was determined by where you lived and what you drove. Now it seems that success is measured differently — by how busy you are.
We have no white space left on our calendar; our kids are carted from one activity to the next; why we hardly even eat dinner as a family anymore. Something in us longs to "do more" by painting our lives in a bright, bold shade of busy.
Although we live in a much different time than the original recipients of Jesus' words, we can learn from them nonetheless. They were concerned about where their food and clothing would come from. While we may still have those concerns, there are other issues we fret over as well. Like how we will get the house cleaned, the kids bathed and dressed, the laundry done, the kids chauffeured, the marriage prioritized, the relative visited, the work project completed...and on and on it goes.
While our tasks may shriek at us at every turn, Christ stands whispering... Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well.
Perhaps His words will prompt us to do a little hat-reduction, ridding our schedules of some of the activities that clamor for our attention and draw us away from time spent with Him.
Whatever set of hats God directs you to keep in your wardrobe, remember to don them in proper order. They will only stay standing when the crown you wear as a daughter of the King is placed on first!
Dear Lord, I'm sorry for the times that my hats are completely out of order. May I seek You and the righteousness You offer me first every day before I attempt to carry out any of my God ordained responsibilities. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
To enter to win a busy moms giveaway including 5 Sanity-Saving Tips for Maxed-Out Moms and information about an upcoming online book & Bible study on organization visit Karen's blog.
The Complete Guide to Getting & Staying Organized by Karen Ehman
What does it mean to "leave your first love"? And more importantly, how can followers of Christ return to it again? Be inspired with First Love - a message on (DVD) by Karen Ehman
Application Steps:
Take a piece of paper and spend time alone with God for a few moments. Write in order what you would say your priorities are. An example might look something like this:
1. God
2. My husband
3. My children
4. My extended family members
5. My job
6. My friends
7. My commitments at church and in the community
Next, take a painstakingly honest look at how you spend your time. Does it accurately reflect what you say your priorities are? Are you allowing a number 6 or 7 to take precedence over a 1 or 2?
Reflections:
What are some commitments that I could bow out of in order to make more white space on my calendar and more time for God and my family? I'll have a friend hold me accountable to do so.
Power Verses:
Psalm 31:14-15a, "But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God. My times are in your hands...'" (NIV)
Psalm 70:4, "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, 'Let God be exalted!'" (NIV)
Question of the day!!!
What's the Purpose of Testimony?
Greg Laurie
When you tell other people about what God has done for you, you are sharing your testimony. A testimony is when you share your story of how you came to faith. Every Christian has a testimony.
Some Christians have dramatic testimonies where they tell of being delivered from a life of drug addiction or crime or some sordid deeds. Other Christians don't have testimonies that are quite as dramatic - but they are just as significant.
I like to hear how people came to Christ, but I don't like it when people go into gory details about their past. Then there are testimonies where people tell how much they have given up for Jesus. They'll say things like, "I gave up this and that for Jesus. I have made such sacrifices for the Lord. I have done it all for Him!"
Your testimony is not about what you gave up for Jesus. It's about what He gave up for you. Don't share what you have done for Jesus. Share what Jesus has done for you. Jesus is the one who has done the work. It is Jesus whom we are proclaiming.
A good, strong testimony will lift up what Christ has accomplished. The fact of the matter is that all of us were sinners hopelessly separated from God, traveling in the same boat on our way to hell; and the same gospel came and transformed us. That is the testimony we all have.
Greg Laurie
When you tell other people about what God has done for you, you are sharing your testimony. A testimony is when you share your story of how you came to faith. Every Christian has a testimony.
Some Christians have dramatic testimonies where they tell of being delivered from a life of drug addiction or crime or some sordid deeds. Other Christians don't have testimonies that are quite as dramatic - but they are just as significant.
I like to hear how people came to Christ, but I don't like it when people go into gory details about their past. Then there are testimonies where people tell how much they have given up for Jesus. They'll say things like, "I gave up this and that for Jesus. I have made such sacrifices for the Lord. I have done it all for Him!"
Your testimony is not about what you gave up for Jesus. It's about what He gave up for you. Don't share what you have done for Jesus. Share what Jesus has done for you. Jesus is the one who has done the work. It is Jesus whom we are proclaiming.
A good, strong testimony will lift up what Christ has accomplished. The fact of the matter is that all of us were sinners hopelessly separated from God, traveling in the same boat on our way to hell; and the same gospel came and transformed us. That is the testimony we all have.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Question of the day!!!
The Gospel: A Daily Need?
Tullian Tchividjian
The gospel isn’t simply a set of truths that non-Christians must believe in order to become saved. It’s a reality that Christians must daily embrace in order to experience being saved. The gospel not only saves us from the penalty of sin (justification), but it also saves us from the power of sin (sanctification) day after day. Or, as John Piper has said, “The cross is not only a past place of objective substitution; it is a present place of subjective execution.” Our daily sin requires God’s daily grace—the grace that comes to us through the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Churches, for example, have for years debated whether their worship services ought to be geared toward Christians (to encourage and strengthen them) or non-Christians (to appeal to and win them). But this debate and the struggle over it are misguided. We’re asking the wrong questions and making the wrong assumptions. The truth is that our worship services should be geared to sinners in need of God’s rescue—and that includes both Christians and non-Christians. Since both groups need his deliverance, both need his gospel.
Christians need the gospel because our hearts are always prone to wander; we’re always tempted to run from God. It takes the power of the gospel to direct us back to our first love. Consciously going to the gospel ought to be a daily reality and experience for us all. It means, as Jerry Bridges reminds us, “preaching the gospel to yourself every day.” We have to allow God to remind us every day through his Word of Christ’s finished work on behalf of sinners in order to stay convinced that the gospel is relevant.
Tullian Tchividjian
The gospel isn’t simply a set of truths that non-Christians must believe in order to become saved. It’s a reality that Christians must daily embrace in order to experience being saved. The gospel not only saves us from the penalty of sin (justification), but it also saves us from the power of sin (sanctification) day after day. Or, as John Piper has said, “The cross is not only a past place of objective substitution; it is a present place of subjective execution.” Our daily sin requires God’s daily grace—the grace that comes to us through the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Churches, for example, have for years debated whether their worship services ought to be geared toward Christians (to encourage and strengthen them) or non-Christians (to appeal to and win them). But this debate and the struggle over it are misguided. We’re asking the wrong questions and making the wrong assumptions. The truth is that our worship services should be geared to sinners in need of God’s rescue—and that includes both Christians and non-Christians. Since both groups need his deliverance, both need his gospel.
Christians need the gospel because our hearts are always prone to wander; we’re always tempted to run from God. It takes the power of the gospel to direct us back to our first love. Consciously going to the gospel ought to be a daily reality and experience for us all. It means, as Jerry Bridges reminds us, “preaching the gospel to yourself every day.” We have to allow God to remind us every day through his Word of Christ’s finished work on behalf of sinners in order to stay convinced that the gospel is relevant.
Devotion for the day!!!
May 5, 2011
A Three Things Wife
Lysa TerKeurst
"Marriage should be honored by all..." Hebrews 13:4a (NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with expectations you perceive other people have of you?
When I first got married I was determined to figure out how to do this "wife" thing well. I wanted to truly honor my marriage like Hebrews 13:4 encourages. So, I made note of what I perceived other 'good wives' did.
• She cooks meatloaf.
• She vacuums every day so there are lines in the carpet indicating its cleanliness.
• She sticks love notes in her husband's brief case.
• She buys and wears lingerie.
• She likes wearing lingerie and wears it three times a week.
• She gives her husband his space when he gets home.
• She hangs up the phone when he walks in the door.
• She learns facts about football and watches games with him.
• She prays for her husband every day.
And the list grew and grew.
Eventually, the list in my head of what a good wife does so completely overwhelmed me I cried. I felt inadequate. I started to shut down.
I assumed the list in my head was in my husband's head too.
I grew bitter. And in a moment of complete exhaustion, I yelled, "Your expectations are ridiculous!"
To which he replied, "What expectations?"
"The list... the list of hundreds of things I need to do to be a good wife," I sobbed.
His blank stare dumbfounded me. He had no such list.
I had so broadened my scope of things to do, I had diminished my vision of simply loving him.
Can you relate? I knew I needed to do less so I could be more. But, how do we figure out which things to keep and which to let go of? We ask.
"Honey," I said feeling the entanglements of expectations loosening their grip on me, "I can't do everything good wives seem to do. But I can do three things. So, tell me your top three things and I will do those well."
After all, I could spend a whole marriage doing a hundred things half-way with a bitter attitude and an overwhelmed spirit.
Or, I could do three things whole-heartedly with a smile on my face and love in my heart.
His three things were simple... Be an emotionally and spiritually invested mom with our kids, take good care of my body and soul, and keep the house tidy. (Notice it says tidy — not perfectly clean.) That's it.
He could care less about so many of the things I'd been running myself ragged doing. And he was more than happy to take care of some of those things I can't stand doing like balancing the check book and getting the cars inspected. Whew... what a relief.
Of course, I do more than three things most days. But, if I don't have time to cook or vacuum, I don't feel like I'm letting him down. It's not one of his top three.
Now, he didn't say anything about lingerie. But, he could argue that's a subplot of me taking good care of my body. However, that's a topic for another day entirely.
For today, I've narrowed my scope to doing three main things really well which has broadened my vision for a great marriage.
I am a three things wife who really desires to honor her marriage. It's simple. And simple is good.
Dear Lord, I want to have a great marriage. Help me to see Your vision for my marriage so that I can honor You and love my husband well every day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Click here to visit Lysa's blog and read a fun interview with her husband Art. You don't want to miss this!
Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.
If you want more simple tips to improve your marriage, you'll want to read the marriage books Lysa has written — Capture His Heart (for wives to read) and Capture Her Heart (for husbands to read).
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
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:
Spend some intentional time with your spouse to find out what his three main things are. It may surprise you!
Reflections:
How did this devotion challenge me? Encourage me? Equip me?
What do I predict will be on my spouses three things list? How will I plan to honor him by knowing this?
Power Verses:
Romans 12:9a, "Love must be sincere..." (NIV)
1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Psalm 26:3, "For your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." (NIV)
A Three Things Wife
Lysa TerKeurst
"Marriage should be honored by all..." Hebrews 13:4a (NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with expectations you perceive other people have of you?
When I first got married I was determined to figure out how to do this "wife" thing well. I wanted to truly honor my marriage like Hebrews 13:4 encourages. So, I made note of what I perceived other 'good wives' did.
• She cooks meatloaf.
• She vacuums every day so there are lines in the carpet indicating its cleanliness.
• She sticks love notes in her husband's brief case.
• She buys and wears lingerie.
• She likes wearing lingerie and wears it three times a week.
• She gives her husband his space when he gets home.
• She hangs up the phone when he walks in the door.
• She learns facts about football and watches games with him.
• She prays for her husband every day.
And the list grew and grew.
Eventually, the list in my head of what a good wife does so completely overwhelmed me I cried. I felt inadequate. I started to shut down.
I assumed the list in my head was in my husband's head too.
I grew bitter. And in a moment of complete exhaustion, I yelled, "Your expectations are ridiculous!"
To which he replied, "What expectations?"
"The list... the list of hundreds of things I need to do to be a good wife," I sobbed.
His blank stare dumbfounded me. He had no such list.
I had so broadened my scope of things to do, I had diminished my vision of simply loving him.
Can you relate? I knew I needed to do less so I could be more. But, how do we figure out which things to keep and which to let go of? We ask.
"Honey," I said feeling the entanglements of expectations loosening their grip on me, "I can't do everything good wives seem to do. But I can do three things. So, tell me your top three things and I will do those well."
After all, I could spend a whole marriage doing a hundred things half-way with a bitter attitude and an overwhelmed spirit.
Or, I could do three things whole-heartedly with a smile on my face and love in my heart.
His three things were simple... Be an emotionally and spiritually invested mom with our kids, take good care of my body and soul, and keep the house tidy. (Notice it says tidy — not perfectly clean.) That's it.
He could care less about so many of the things I'd been running myself ragged doing. And he was more than happy to take care of some of those things I can't stand doing like balancing the check book and getting the cars inspected. Whew... what a relief.
Of course, I do more than three things most days. But, if I don't have time to cook or vacuum, I don't feel like I'm letting him down. It's not one of his top three.
Now, he didn't say anything about lingerie. But, he could argue that's a subplot of me taking good care of my body. However, that's a topic for another day entirely.
For today, I've narrowed my scope to doing three main things really well which has broadened my vision for a great marriage.
I am a three things wife who really desires to honor her marriage. It's simple. And simple is good.
Dear Lord, I want to have a great marriage. Help me to see Your vision for my marriage so that I can honor You and love my husband well every day. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Click here to visit Lysa's blog and read a fun interview with her husband Art. You don't want to miss this!
Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.
If you want more simple tips to improve your marriage, you'll want to read the marriage books Lysa has written — Capture His Heart (for wives to read) and Capture Her Heart (for husbands to read).
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
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:
Spend some intentional time with your spouse to find out what his three main things are. It may surprise you!
Reflections:
How did this devotion challenge me? Encourage me? Equip me?
What do I predict will be on my spouses three things list? How will I plan to honor him by knowing this?
Power Verses:
Romans 12:9a, "Love must be sincere..." (NIV)
1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Psalm 26:3, "For your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth." (NIV)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Devotion for the day!!!
May 4, 2011
Sometimes I Just Wanna Quit
Renee Swope
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35 (NIV, 1984)
Devotion:
I love my kids, but I haven't always liked being a mom.
Once my boys became toddlers who wouldn't listen to me or do what I told them, I kind of panicked. I looked around at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, "What is wrong with me?"
Their children seemed to listen when they told them no. Why wouldn't my child keep his hands to himself or stay in the cart at the grocery store? Why did he not understand when I told him I could not buy everything his little hand could touch? And how come no one told me that being a mom would be so hard?
I felt like such a failure.
Almost every day I would compare how I felt on the inside to how other moms looked like they had it all together on the outside.
I held up my feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of insecurity in contrast to moms who dressed their children in matching outfits and adorned themselves with attitudes of grace and wisdom. I wondered how in the world they pulled it off with a smile. I could barely get a shower, get my kids dressed and get us out the door before lunch.
I just wanted to quit.
One day I came home from running too many errands with two very tired and fussy kids. I put them down for an early nap and started looking for pink construction paper so I could write "I QUIT" on it. I'd decided to turn in my "pink slip" to my husband when he came home from work that day.
It was just too hard, and I was tired of feeling like I would never be "good enough" as a mom.
But instead, I needed a new place to start.
I didn't really start becoming the mom God created me to be until the day I was ready to quit. That afternoon I fell on my knees before God and choked out the words, "I can't do this."
And in that place of surrender, His peace came over me. His gentleness calmed my nerves. I felt like God bent down before me and spoke to my heart: You are right, Renee. In your strength and through your perspective, you can't do this. But with My promises, My presence and My power — all things are possible. I will help you become a great mom.
Looking back on that day, I'm reminded of our key verse in Psalm 19:35, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."
When we acknowledge that on our own we are a mess, God rushes to our side to help us. He bends down to show us that with His grace, wisdom and guidance, we can become the mom He is calling us to be, the mom our kids need us to be, and the mom we want to be!
Dear Lord, I need Your shield of victory to protect me from discouragement. I pray that You would extend Your right hand to sustain me; Your grace to strengthen me; and Your wisdom to lead me. Thank You for Jesus, who stooped down to make me great because of Your great love for me. Today, I want to find a new starting place with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Click here to find out what God did next to give Renee new direction and purpose as a mom, and also as a child of God.
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Character Chart Positive and practical ways to connect spiritually with your kids. By Renee Swope
The Power of a Purpose Driven Mom message on CD by Renee Swope. Personal stories, practical ideas and inspirational truths, this 45 minute message will help you discover your purpose as a mom and develop a plan to live it out each day!
Enter to win a "Purpose-Driven Mom Gift Pack" that includes Renee's parenting message on CD, her Character Chart and her favorite busy mom's Bible tool — the GoBible®. You don't want to miss all the great stuff she's giving away on her blog today!
Application Steps:
Write a letter, telling God how you feel. Be honest and open. Sharing your heart and thoughts with Him is the first step toward freedom and hope.
Ask Jesus for His perspective of you as a child of God, so that you can start becoming a Godly mom. We've got to receive His love before we can give it.
Visit Renee's blog to find out how she did these things, and for a list of practical ways to shape your children's hearts, not just their habits.
Reflections:
As I read today's devotion, what struggles are similar to mine?
Have I ever wanted to quit? What got me to that hard place and what do I need to do to rely on God's perspective instead of my own?
Power Verses:
Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV, 1984)
Psalm 113:5-7, "Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap." (NIV, 1984)
Sometimes I Just Wanna Quit
Renee Swope
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35 (NIV, 1984)
Devotion:
I love my kids, but I haven't always liked being a mom.
Once my boys became toddlers who wouldn't listen to me or do what I told them, I kind of panicked. I looked around at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, "What is wrong with me?"
Their children seemed to listen when they told them no. Why wouldn't my child keep his hands to himself or stay in the cart at the grocery store? Why did he not understand when I told him I could not buy everything his little hand could touch? And how come no one told me that being a mom would be so hard?
I felt like such a failure.
Almost every day I would compare how I felt on the inside to how other moms looked like they had it all together on the outside.
I held up my feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of insecurity in contrast to moms who dressed their children in matching outfits and adorned themselves with attitudes of grace and wisdom. I wondered how in the world they pulled it off with a smile. I could barely get a shower, get my kids dressed and get us out the door before lunch.
I just wanted to quit.
One day I came home from running too many errands with two very tired and fussy kids. I put them down for an early nap and started looking for pink construction paper so I could write "I QUIT" on it. I'd decided to turn in my "pink slip" to my husband when he came home from work that day.
It was just too hard, and I was tired of feeling like I would never be "good enough" as a mom.
But instead, I needed a new place to start.
I didn't really start becoming the mom God created me to be until the day I was ready to quit. That afternoon I fell on my knees before God and choked out the words, "I can't do this."
And in that place of surrender, His peace came over me. His gentleness calmed my nerves. I felt like God bent down before me and spoke to my heart: You are right, Renee. In your strength and through your perspective, you can't do this. But with My promises, My presence and My power — all things are possible. I will help you become a great mom.
Looking back on that day, I'm reminded of our key verse in Psalm 19:35, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."
When we acknowledge that on our own we are a mess, God rushes to our side to help us. He bends down to show us that with His grace, wisdom and guidance, we can become the mom He is calling us to be, the mom our kids need us to be, and the mom we want to be!
Dear Lord, I need Your shield of victory to protect me from discouragement. I pray that You would extend Your right hand to sustain me; Your grace to strengthen me; and Your wisdom to lead me. Thank You for Jesus, who stooped down to make me great because of Your great love for me. Today, I want to find a new starting place with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Click here to find out what God did next to give Renee new direction and purpose as a mom, and also as a child of God.
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Character Chart Positive and practical ways to connect spiritually with your kids. By Renee Swope
The Power of a Purpose Driven Mom message on CD by Renee Swope. Personal stories, practical ideas and inspirational truths, this 45 minute message will help you discover your purpose as a mom and develop a plan to live it out each day!
Enter to win a "Purpose-Driven Mom Gift Pack" that includes Renee's parenting message on CD, her Character Chart and her favorite busy mom's Bible tool — the GoBible®. You don't want to miss all the great stuff she's giving away on her blog today!
Application Steps:
Write a letter, telling God how you feel. Be honest and open. Sharing your heart and thoughts with Him is the first step toward freedom and hope.
Ask Jesus for His perspective of you as a child of God, so that you can start becoming a Godly mom. We've got to receive His love before we can give it.
Visit Renee's blog to find out how she did these things, and for a list of practical ways to shape your children's hearts, not just their habits.
Reflections:
As I read today's devotion, what struggles are similar to mine?
Have I ever wanted to quit? What got me to that hard place and what do I need to do to rely on God's perspective instead of my own?
Power Verses:
Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV, 1984)
Psalm 113:5-7, "Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap." (NIV, 1984)
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