The Funny Farm

Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer by Tara Furman

Self Talk, Soul Talk by Jennifer Rothschild

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Application Steps:

Write down three words to describe God. Find a Scripture verse to confirm that this characteristic truly describes God’s character. Try using Biblegateway.com to search for the verses. Write down the verses and reflect on them daily.

Reflections:

What relationships do you think have colored your view of God?

Think of some circumstances which have influenced your understanding of God.

Spend some time praying and asking God to reveal to you any inaccurate pictures you have of Him.

Power Verses:

Psalm 139:1, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.” (NLT)

Psalm 139: 14,15, “You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.” (Message)

Proverbs 31 Ministries www.proverbs31.org

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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Daily Devotional - On your Face

Posted in Devotions

Zoe Elmore

“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Devotion:

One morning as I was gazing into the mirror to “put on my face” for the day, I heard the Lord whisper to my heart, “Why do you spend more time ‘putting on your face’ than you spend on your face before me each morning?” Oh my goodness - what a powerful question!

My heart sank as I put the cosmetics away and went to my quiet place to spend time with Jesus. I had to confess out loud, “Lord, You are right. I have been spending more time gazing in the mirror than praying or gazing into Your Word and Your face.” Once again, I was living like the old person I was before receiving Christ and not the new person I had been transformed into. Once again, I had allowed my desire for outer beauty to take priority over my inner beauty.

Now don’t misunderstand me here; I’m not suggesting it’s necessary to put away my cosmetics forever and go through life looking frumpy. Honey, that is not likely to happen. I haven’t left the house without a little lip gloss and mascara since I was sixteen! But I need some balance. Maintaining balance is only possible if I remember to keep my priorities in the right order - prayer before primping.

I have to remember that as a believer, Christ has moved in and dwells within my heart and within my life. As I allow this relationship to grow, my life will demonstrate His presence and others will see past my make-up to the make up of my heart. Proverbs 31:30 is the perfect reminder of this fact, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting: but the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (NIV)

If you share my struggle of balancing the quest for outer vs. inner beauty, I want to encourage you to join me in memorizing four little words: “Pray before you primp.” I’ve put these words on my mirror as a daily reminder to keep Christ first.

Remember friends, while the temptation to consider outer beauty more important than inner beauty is ever-present in our culture; those who believe in Christ can be delivered from it. Because Christ lives in every believer, we have hope of overcoming our unhealthy obsessions. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live life in proper balance.

I invite you to join me as we get “on our face before we put on our face”. As we pray and gaze into His Word to seek Him first, we will experience a change from the inside out and our lives will become a beautiful reflection of His presence.

Dear Lord, forgive me for making outer beauty more important than inner beauty. Refresh and restore my desire to gaze into Your word and into Your face. I want my life to reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George

Authentic Beauty: The Shaping of a Set Apart Young Woman by Leslie Ludy

Visit Zoe Elmore’s blog

Application Steps:

Seek God’s face before you put on your face.

Print out the words “Pray before you Primp” and put them on your mirror.

Reflections:

Examine your inner beauty. Is it weak and lacking, or is it a strong reflection of Christ?

What has God stirred in your heart from reading this devotion and what will you do in response?

Power Verses:

Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (NIV)

Joshua 24:15, “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NIV)

I John 2:5-6, “But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

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Monday, May 19, 2008

Daily Devotional - Anticipation

Posted in Devotions

Micca Monda Campbell

“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”

Psalm 62:6 (KJV)

Devotion:

Children anticipate everything from birthdays to family vacations. Yes, they await good things with expectancy. There’s no doubt that we once did too. As we grew older, however, we lost some of our anticipation. Maybe it’s because we’ve been disappointed one too many times. Perhaps we don’t expect anything because we don’t feel worthy of receiving anything good. Or maybe, we just don’t believe it’s meant for good things to come our way.

Take prayer for example. How many times do you and I petition the Lord and then fail to expect an answer? John tells us, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask; because we obey his commands and do what pleases him” (1 John 3:21-22). You and I can have this confidence. In fact, as obedient children of God, we should be so confident in Him that we expect good things like answered prayer, a healed relationship, the home coming of a wayward child, forgiveness of sins—whatever we ask.

When my children ask something of me, they expect an answer. Then they anticipate the fulfilling of that answer. As children of God we should do no less. We should anticipate great things from our great God. We should expect Him to hear our cries and respond, so much so that we are looking with anticipation all around us for His answer and provision.

Bible teacher, Henry Blackaby says, “After we pray, whatever happens next is God’s answer.” Wow. I sometimes miss God’s loving response to my prayer because I don’t anticipate a reply.

The Bible teaches us that believing is seeing. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). We must believe in order to see God’s provisions. Let me ask you what I often ask myself: “Do you simply hope God will answer your needs, or do you see God’s generous hand at work in your life? Do you wait with expectancy or do you doubt His provision?” He may seem slow at responding, but He’s always right on time. While it would be nice if God owned the same watch as we do, you and I can always count on His perfect timing.

We will see God when we anticipate His involvement in our lives. We will see Him when we can say, “His answer and provision may come slow, but they are sure to come, and I will wait with expectation.”

Dear Lord, today I chose to anticipate Your work in my life. Show me great and mighty things that only you can do. And I will praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Intimacy with God Prayer Journal by Tara Furman

Prayers to My King by Sheri Rose Sheperd

Visit Micca Campbell’s blog

Application Steps:

Write your prayers in a journal and then record whatever happens next. Watch with anticipation as you record each response and see how God is working on your behalf.

Reflections:

Reflect on your answers to the questions within this devotion: Do you simply hope God will answer your needs, or do you see God’s generous hand at work in your life? Do you wait with expectancy or do you doubt His provision?

Power Verses:

Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (NIV)

Psalm 145:15-16, “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (NIV)

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

Reprinted with permission of Proverbs 31 Ministries

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Friday, May 16, 2008

Daily Devotional - Just Give Me the Truth

Posted in Devotions

by Lysa TerKeurst

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

I Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Devotion:

Do you know anyone who is trying out the latest New Age teachings entitled “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle? Beware. This teaching stands in stark contrast to the truths of the Bible. As Christians it is vitally important for us to be grounded in truth so we don't inadvertently get swept up in the lies, and so that we can talk intelligently to those who are trying this stuff out.

The most dangerous theme I've discovered in this book so far is this notion that you don't have to weigh your current religious beliefs against this new age awakening. Let’s look at what it teaches.

The Lie: Tolle teaches you can keep all your current religious beliefs but this will help you put them into proper perspective. Those elementary ideas are a step toward spiritual progress. But if you want real success in your spirituality's effectiveness, you have to make a leap into "true enlightenment.”

In true enlightenment you will discover that "the light of consciousness is all that is necessary" for a more fulfilling existence. Therefore, if Buddha works for you - great. If Hinduism works for you - great. If Jesus works for you - great. Tolle believes all these different avenues simply lead you to that first step toward awakening your consciousness.

According to Tolle, Jesus is basic. He was the light of your basic beliefs. But ultimately you, yourself, are the way... the truth and the life. No one comes to spiritual awakening but by reaching inside themselves and leaping to a higher consciousness of being.

The Truth: In John 14:6 Jesus gives us the truth which clearly refutes the notion that one can get to God through many avenues, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The Lie: Throughout the book, Tolle walks right beside Christian beliefs and uses just enough Christian lingo to make his writing appear, especially to the ungrounded Christian, truthful. For example, look at how he talks about sin:

"Sin means to miss the mark, as an archer who misses the target"... Yes! yes! I've heard this preached about at my church, a person might excitedly think. But wait, look at how he finishes this sentence:

"Sin means to miss the mark, as an archer who misses the target, so to sin means to miss the point of human existence."

In other words, this book has been promoted as the guide by which you can find your purpose, therefore not missing the point of your existence. So, if you ascribe to this teaching and find the point of your existence, then you will not be a sinner.

Dictionary.com has not caught up to this new definition of sin. It still defines sin this way:

1. transgression of divine law: the sin of Adam.
2. any act regarded as such a transgression, esp. a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle.

The Truth: A person who doesn’t consider themselves a sinner, is in no need of a Savior. Do you see the slippery slope here?

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

The truth is sin is that which separates us from God. But God has made a way for us to be forgiven of our sin through Jesus Christ... the one and only WAY.

Tolle's book is so popular right now because people want to find their way - they want to live a life that matters. They want to feel like they have a handle on their spirituality. The problem is “A New Earth” is false teaching that will not stand the test of time. It will fall apart at the seams when life strains against it, and quite honestly, Tolle paves a quick road to eternal separation from God.

Dear Lord, open my eyes to your truth. You say if we ask for wisdom then you will give it to us. Lord, I ask for Your wisdom and discernment to know the truth, so that I can stand firmly upon it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa TerKeurst’s blog

Application Steps:

Is there anyone in my sphere of influence that I need to discuss this message with? Along with your personal testimony, this could create a wonderful opportunity for you to share God’s truth.

Reflections:

Am I committed to studying truth on a daily basis?

Do I know what I believe and why?

Power Verses:

I Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord…” (NIV)

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

REprinted with permission by: Proverbs 31 Ministries

You can get this in your mailbox each day - subscribe at: www.proverbs31.org

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

Posted in Devotions

The Faith of a Child

By Kathy Lay, She Speaks Graduate

“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15 (NIV)

Devotion:

On a recent gorgeous afternoon my husband was eager to get out and enjoy the woods. The kids are always up for a hike and rushed to put on long sleeves, pants, and rubber boots so they could tromp around with Dad. My young son, Skylar, was bound and determined that he’d be in full camouflage and he found his camo pants with no problem. But his camo shirt wasn’t where it was supposed to be. He checked his pants drawer just in case it had found its way into the wrong spot, but to no avail. Then he did what any self-respecting six-year-old would do… “Moooooom!”

I went through the same procedure he’d already been through and even checked his closet in case I’d been really ambitious the day I’d put the shirt away, but it was nowhere to be found. I heaved a big sigh and said, “Buddy, just pick a different shirt. I can’t find that one.”

That’s when my boy, laying comfortably on the floor as he waited for me to search, said, “Can I pray to God and Jesus first, and then we’ll look again?”

Okay, here’s the part of the story that I wish could be different. This is the point I wish I could write that my response was an enthusiastic, “Yes, Skylar! That’s exactly what we need to do!” But instead, I actually hesitated. I mean, I had just looked through those entire drawers and that shirt was not there. So I ended up softly saying, “Go ahead, Buddy,” and biting my tongue so that I didn’t add, “but don’t be disappointed if we still can’t find it.”

I watched as my little man of faith rolled to his side, folded his hands, and prayed silently with his precious eyes screwed shut. I said my own little prayer that went something like this: “God, this could be a faith-breaker for this little boy. Please help us find that shirt!” But I confess I offered it up while already trying to decide how to phrase the lesson when the shirt still wasn’t there.

I can imagine Jesus shaking his head, saying to me “Oh, ye of little faith,” and smiling because he was about to astound me. When Skylar said "Amen" the shirt drawer was opened for a third time and...Voila! There was the camo shirt! How had we missed it? Sure it was buried, but I’d dug through the whole drawer. I told Skylar with much ado that Jesus sure did hear his prayer and see his faith. But he simply put on his shirt and said, “Yep! Thanks, Jesus” very matter of factly, but happily. He was not surprised. He expected it all along. And I really hate that I didn’t.

Why are we like that sometimes? We know we are to walk by faith, not by sight. We know to ask in expectation, right? Today’s scripture illustrates exactly what happened: I didn’t approach the throne as a little child and that prevented me from entering into a higher realm in my relationship with God. Instead of Skylar’s, “Thanks, Jesus, I knew you’d come through” approach—which just added another solid layer to his faith—I was lagging behind, stupefied at what seemed a miracle. My faith increased too, but Skylar was in camaraderie mode and I was just kind of a dumbfounded observer.

I never want to lose my sense of awe, but I guess I want to move from being surprised when my prayers are answered to simply being appreciative and grateful. Just like a little child.

Dear Lord, Your Word tells us that the love You’ve lavished on us is so great and we are Your children. Help us come to You with the faith of a child. Help us to pray in full expectation of Your power being manifested in our lives, so that when we experience it, we marvel at it and appreciate it, but we’re not surprised by it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Intimacy with God: Your Daily Guide to Prayer, by Tara Furman

Prayers to My King, by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Application Steps:

Think back to times you’ve been utterly floored by God - thank and praise Him for His faithfulness.

Reflections:

What is your reaction when God answers prayers so immediately? Does your reaction seem to match where you are in your faith journey?

Power Verses:

Luke 10:21, “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.’” (NIV)

Galatians 3:26, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Psalm 116:6, “The Lord takes care of the childlike. I was brought down, and He saved me.” (NLV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org

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Monday, May 5, 2008

Posted in Devotions

God’s Cleats

Rachel Olsen

“Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life.” Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NLT)

Devotion:

My husband grew up with a single mother, and very little money. In high school, Rick wanted to try out for track and field – he dreamed of running fast and long, and throwing a javelin. The problem was he didn’t have the right shoes, and couldn’t afford them. Thank God for good friends and a kind coach.

J.T. was a close friend of Rick’s. One day J.T. invited Rick over to his house and said, “Try these running shoes on. They just don’t fit my feet right and I’ll never wear them.” Rick wasn’t sure if J.T. was telling the truth, but the shoes fit him fine. Those shoes helped Rick qualify for the state meet in the 800 meter race.

Running shoes allowed Rick to run much faster than his old sneakers would, but he would slip and slide in them while trying to throw the javelin. One day after practice, Rick’s coach called him over and held up a big box of cleats. He said, “Here’s some unclaimed shoes students left in their lockers at the end of the school year. Find your size if you can.” Rick found some that fit and the cleats made all the difference. Even the “crunching” sound they made on the track sent shivers of confidence and purpose up Rick’s spine. Rick discovered it’s much easier to strive for the goal when your footing is secure.

Many athletes dream of standing atop a podium during an awards ceremony with gold medals around their necks. For most, it will take talent, hard work, plus some money to get there. But there is an ornament even more valuable than a gold medal. Proverbs 3:21-23 reveals:

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.”

Sound judgment and discernment are the medals we receive when we walk in wisdom. Money can take you places, for sure, but it can only take you so far. And it can only provide a measure of security. Wisdom is the footwear each of us needs to run the race God has set before us. Wisdom will help us make the important trek from this world into eternity.

When we walk in His wisdom – God’s cleats – He promises us solid footing. He does not promise a road that is always flat, or a route that is easy to run, but He promises us solid footing no matter the terrain. Wisdom, defined as a proper respect for the Lord, provides the ultimate security – it will save your life. Money can’t do that.

Rick went on to compete successfully in high school track, and also on his college cross-country team. He went on to gain godly wisdom as well. I’m so thankful for the friends and coaches that ensured Rick had what he needed to run his best.

God ensures – through the Bible, His followers, and His Spirit within us – that we also have all we need to run our best. He equips us to follow hard after Him. No money is necessary to be well heeled in God’s kingdom. Whether we’re wearing nursing shoes, work boots, high heels, hand-me-downs, or flip-flops, we can walk securely by walking in the wisdom that is from above.

Dear Lord, grant me wisdom and sure footing as I follow after You. Whatever my path, I trust You and Your principals are able to keep me from slipping today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

If you’d like some “coaching” in reading the Bible, visit Rachel Olsen’s blog

The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study by Lisa Whelchel

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:

Consider what you usually walk in… fear? anger? depression? doubt? discontentment? a big hurry?

Reflections:

Who in your life can coach you in the ways of wisdom?

Who can help you “find your size” and follow after Him?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 4:7, “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” (NIV)

Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (NLT)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

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Friday, May 2, 2008

Though He Slay Me I will Trust

Posted in Devotions

by Micca Monda Campbell

“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;” Job 13:15, (NIV)

Devotion:

Have you ever become a victim to your emotions? I have. Many times our circumstances stir our emotions and we respond inappropriately. While our emotions toward our situation are not entirely wrong; they are just not entirely reliable. But God is.

Adversity, trials, and sufferings are God’s greatest tools for growing us spiritually. However, our emotions can tell us otherwise, making it hard to trust God for a good outcome. I think the reason it may be hard to rely on God in hardships is because we forget who our God is. We are focused on what our eyes can see instead of the unseen hand of God at work in our lives.

During this past year, the doctor discovered a mass in my colon from a CT scan. Usually, I’m not one to worry until there is something to worry about. Although this time I was consumed with “what if.” What if it’s cancer? What if I’ve come to the end of my days and my kids have to grow up without a mom? What if this trial is a test of faith? Like Job, will I be able to say, “Though you slay me, I will trust you?” I hoped so.

God only eliminates the things in my life that don’t “look” like Him. If there is a characteristic in my life that needs to be put to death, I can trust God will do it and I’ll be better off without it. While my mind may acknowledge this truth, my emotions need God’s grace in order to trust Him in the process.

God’s grace is always sufficient. He is enough for whatever I face. Recalling God’s faithfulness in my past helps me trust Him in the present. Like David, Habakkuk and many others, I stir my faith in God by remembering those past victories. David was able to face and slay the giant because he remembered God’s faithfulness in his past battles. Habakkuk, as he prayed about his situation, remembered God’s history with the Israelite children and how He brought them triumph. Remembering our past victories reminds us of just how big and able our God is, and rescues us from any doubt in our present situation. It offers strength, hope, and the faith we need to endure.

In our human nature, we fear. But as children of God, we must remember how the righteous live. They live by faith. So I’m learning to say in my circumstances, “God, this is not what I want. It’s not what I planned for my life, but though you slay me I’m choosing to trust you.”

After further testing, the mass that appeared on my CT scan could no longer be detected. The doctors were stunned. At first, I was surprised, too. Then, I realized that God not only eliminated the mass in my colon. He eliminated another layer of doubt in my life. In the hollow of that place, a deeper faith in God took root.

Instead of trusting my feelings, I’m choosing to trust my God. He is enough both now and always for whatever comes my way. While my emotions my trip me up from time to time, still, I will trust Him. Why—because if something needs slaying in my life, I’m better off without it and God is just the one to make the change a success.

Dear Lord, I don’t understand what’s going on in my life right now. This is not what I planned, but I choose to trust You. Help me to see the good You are bringing out of my situation, and the good You can bring within me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Micca Campbell’s Testimony on DVD

Visit Micca Campbell’s blog

God’s Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional by Various P31 Writers and Speakers with Gen Eds. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

Application Steps:

Try to identify the wrong character in you that God is trying to replace with His. Do you need patience, humility, trust, or compassion? Let God fill you with His good character.

Reflections:

How does experiencing hardships reveal God’s love?

What is God trying to accomplish in your life through your trials?

Power Verses:

2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (NIV)

Proverbs 3:25-26, “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” (NIV)

Psalm 36:5, “Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

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Thursday, May 1, 2008

A Grandparent’s Faith

Posted in Devotions

A Note from Flossie - I love this devotional! My great grandmother had a quiet and steady faith. She influenced me to want to know more by her sheer example. I remember spending time with her and observing her at night on her knees saying her prayers. She did not attend church but every Sunday she would watch a tv evangelist on tv to have her time worshipping the Lord. My great, great Aunt Lizzie would give you quips of wisdom and later I learned it all came from the Bible. My Pop-Pop had a great faith and also my great grandfather, whom I saw set down by example of loving others. I love you Gram, Gramps, Pop-Pop and Aunt Lizzie and can't wait to see you in Heaven! (I have many other deposits there also, but will talk about in other posts :)

************************************

Glynnis Whitwer

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

Devotion:

My husband Tod’s family went to church faithfully. That’s what they had always done. But once inside the brick walls of home, the story was different. There the masks came off, and Tod and his little brother lived with the painful reality of their parents’ bad choices. Living a double life became the norm for Tod, and he learned early that Christianity was something you put on with your church clothes.

Summer, however, brought more than relief from school, homework and the daily routine of life. Summer brought with it a short relief from living in the craziness of his family, because summer meant time at his grandparent’s home.

Grandma and Grandpa Whitwer were humble people. They served alongside each other as ministers, sacrificially laying down their lives to travel from church to church in the northernmost reaches of our country. They served well into their retirement years, and never gave up ministering to others.

Throughout the years they saw the pain of their son’s choices; choices that drastically affected the lives of their grandchildren. But there was little they could do to intervene. At least it was little in the eyes of the world.

What they did had a lasting impact on Tod. Quietly and consistently, they showed love to Tod. Their never-wavering faith was an anchor. Their unconditional love was like water to a thirsty child. Their integrity was a light on a hill to a lost boy. Amel and Elise Whitwer gave hope to a young boy; hope that there was more to God and to this life than what he knew. Moreover, Tod learned from his grandparents that Christianity was something you lived out every day, not just on Sundays.

Through the faith of two grandparents, I learned that God doesn’t need dynamic preaching to convey His love. Nor does he need people with classy cars, big houses or fancy vacation plans to make an impression. God can change a life, and a generation of lives, using the gentle, consistent, sincere lives of people who love and serve Him.

The faith of a grandmother … the faith of a grandfather …. it changed my husband’s life. It changed my life. And it is changing our children’s lives. Never underestimate the power of faith to make an impact over generations.

Note from Author: Before Tod’s parents passed away, we were blessed to see both of them receive healing and restoration, to God and to their families.

Dear Lord, thank You for the model of faith You have given me through the lives of previous generations. Help me to honor those people who love and honor You. Like them, I long to be a woman who creates a legacy of faith to those who will follow in my footsteps. Help me be the woman You want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Zondervan Publishing has donated one beautiful Grandmother’s Bible to give away to a Proverbs 31 “Encouragement for Today” devotion reader! To enter to win, post your email address along with a comment on the Proverbs 31 devotion blog by May 3^rd. Your comment can include how one or both of your grandparents made a difference in your Christian faith, or how you have impacted your grandchild’s life or encouraged the next generation. Bonnie Schulte of Zondervan will select and announce the winner on May 5^th.

The Grandmother’s Bible

Building the Christian Family You Never Had by Mary DeMuth

Visit Glynnis Whitwer’s blog

Application Steps:

If your grandparents are still alive, take the time to write them a letter, or call them. If you are a grandparent, write your grandchildren a letter.

Reflections:

Think of an older woman who has been a model of Christian faith. What are some of her most memorable characteristics?

What can you do now to become a woman of faith who will leave a legacy?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 55:11, “… so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (NIV)

Daniel 4:34b, “His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 7:9, “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. (NIV)

REprinted with permission of Proverbs 31 Ministries

prayer

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Where Does Your Help Come From?

Posted in Devotions

Wendy Pope

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?”

Psalm 121:1 (NASB)

Devotion:

Where does your help come from? When crisis strikes, adversity hits, or sorrow shadows you, where do you go for help? How we answer this question truly reflects the depth of our belief that God is watching and waiting to come to our aid. I will be the first to admit that there are times when I struggle to look to the right source for my help.

Recently I have been studying the Psalms. Before I took an in-depth look at Psalm 121, I did not understand what the writer was seeing as he wrote this plea for help. The terrain surrounding him was mountainous. I’ve learned it was common for those walking by to look up in this mountainous landscape and see pagan worshippers worshiping their false gods on the mountaintops. When people had fears or needed a spell to ward off an evil spirit, they went to the mountaintops seeking help from the false gods, and pagan priests or priestesses.

After learning of these practices, I listened to the Psalmist’s cry with a different ear. He knew what help was held in the mountains surrounding him. He looked up and saw many receiving false help from false gods, and he cried out," I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?" Can you hear his plea?

Where does your help come from? What false help awaits you on the mountaintop of your horizon? In our day, there may not be a Baal, a sun priest, or a moon priestess on our mountains, but we turn to other sources of false help. Women all over the globe accept false hope from powerful media influences. Whether it is from a magazine purchased in the grocery checkout line, a book from the self-help aisle, or a popular channel on the television, we can see false help.

The next verse from the Psalmist’s pen is a declaration that I challenge us both to make. As women of faith, let's turn off the false help of powerful media influences and declare with the Psalmist, "My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” This declaration will no doubt make the enemy of our world angry. He wants to keep our attention focused on the false help we have grown accustomed to receiving. He wants to keep us from the real, authentic, and loving help that comes from trusting the Maker of heaven and earth.

Will you accept the challenge? Instead of choosing a familiar channel on the remote control, take the time you would normally spend watching television and find a quiet place to talk the One who offers real help for the problems you may be facing. Refuse to purchase a new women’s magazine to read while in line or on your lunch hour, or chose a more wholesome one instead like the P31 Woman. Pick up your Bible and read about God's perfect plan for your life, a plan to give you a hope and a future. Real help from a real God awaits you.

Dear Lord, forgive me for seeking false help from this world. I wait to seek You, my true source of help but I am afraid. Help me to overcome the fear and celebrate the future you want for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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