November 9, 2004 "The Hurdle Race of Life" by Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor P31 Woman, Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, editor@proverbs31.org (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/glynnis.html)
Certified Speaker



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Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (NIV)

I watched the 100-meter Olympic hurdle race in stunned amazement. How could this happen? The favorite to win the race, and world’s top ranked woman hurdler, fell heavily upon the ground after tripping over the first hurdle. Her pain was evident, her frustration showing in every inch of her body.

My heart ached for this woman who had devoted her life to the sport. She was focused, competent, highly trained and had sacrificed much to get to the pinnacle of amateur track and field. Yet one mistake, one misjudgment, one miscalculation ended her chance of winning.

The similarities between a race and life are striking. In fact, the writer of Hebrews speaks of the Christian life in terms of a race in chapter 12, verse 1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

I believe for the Christian, life is like a hurdle race. Whether you face one hurdle or 10, to be effective in life you need to know how to get over the hurdles. Unlike a normal hurdle race where the barricades-like structures are specifically placed and obvious, hurdles in life pop up in the most surprising places and catch us off guard. Unfortunately, even the most spiritually mature woman can be surprised by her reaction to life’s challenges.

The good news is that the hurdles we face are no surprise to God. He’s not wringing His hands wondering how we’re going to get over the current challenge or finish our race. In fact, He’s already got the solution to every challenge we’ll face, and He even sent us a model for soaring over them.

Hebrews 12: 2 and 3 offer hope for those struggling with the hurdles in life. It involves keeping our eyes on Jesus and learning from Him. The verses say, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endures such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” To finish our race well, we need to cast off every weight and sin that hinders us from completing God’s call on our lives. This makes it sound like an easy task, simply shake off our leg irons of sin and other burdens. However, John Derby got it right when he said, “When we keep our eyes on Jesus, nothing is easier; when we are not looking at Him, nothing more impossible.”



My prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I rejoice in You and praise You for Your strength, kindness and love. You know how I struggle with the hurdles in my life. Thank you for not leaving me alone in my troubles. I ask for increased strength to finish my race well. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus. In His Name, Amen.


Application Steps: List some of the challenges in your life. Identify those that happen often. List specific ways you can overcome those challenges. Study the life of Jesus in the Gospels to identify how He dealt with the hurdles in His life. Memorize Scripture that will encourage you when you face the challenges in your life.

Encouragement for Today


November 10, 2004 "Please Pass the Lobster" by Rachel Olsen – ETC Editor, Member of Proverbs 31 Speaker Team (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/rachelolsen.html)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/index.php#)





Key Verse: God also said, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you.” Genesis 1:29 (CSB)

The other day I read in the newspaper of young woman eating 38 lobsters in just twelve minutes. Thirty-eight lobsters in one sitting! Why would a mere l05 lb. woman consume 9.76 pounds of lobster meat so rapidly? She was one of eleven contestants in a speed eating contest. In fact, according to the International Federation of Competitive Eating, she holds speed eating records for baked beans as well as boiled eggs. Yes, there is such a federation and yes, she is a world champion for eating beans, eggs and lobster.

After reading of this woman’s feat, I wasn’t sure if I was shocked, amazed or appalled. She won a trophy belt and $500 for her efforts. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “There is money to be made in eating a lot?” Some of us consider ourselves “gifted” at eating and are imagining a lucrative new career. I once ate an entire watermelon for dinner while pregnant with my first child!

God has made vast provision for us in the area of food. He says, "Look, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the surface of the entire earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. This food will be for you” (Genesis 1:29 CSB). God also says in Genesis 9:3 that “every living creature will be food for you” (CSB). I think it’s interesting that He tells us to “look” at the food He has provided us. Are we noticing His provision, or simply wolfing it down?

Jesus took note of His Father’s provision and daily gave thanks for it. In fact, in giving us a model prayer, Jesus made a point to include thanks to God for each day’s food (Matthew 9:11). Saying “grace” before a meal is a ritual for many families. However, this prayer is often said the same way, or by the same person every night. It can run the risk of becoming perfunctory. Sometimes it feels like an obstacle to eating the food while it’s hot and tummies are hungry. If this is happening in your family, try praying after the appetizer, after the meal or before desert. Try rotating who says the prayer. Switching things up a little can help us better focus on the ritual of giving thanks for our daily bread.

I wonder if the champion speed-eater tasted any of that delicious Maine lobster she downed so quickly. I also wonder if you and I take enough time to savor our food. God gives food its nutrients to nourish our bodies, and its flavor to delight our souls.

You’d be hard pressed to find a national holiday or family event that doesn’t have food somehow attached to its celebration. There’s a reason for that. Everyone – young and old – can find common ground over a plate of good food. Eating is a pleasurable activity and the breaking of bread is made more pleasurable when done with people we love.

How about you and I planning a quiet evening to enjoy dinner with our loved ones? I encourage you to put on some fun music and enjoy cooking up a favorite recipe that will fill the house with lingering scents. There is nothing like the anticipation good-smelling food creates! Set the table with something extra special – maybe cloth napkins, a fresh floral centerpiece or some candles.

Switch the music to soft, background instrumentals when it’s time for the meal. Give the family plenty of time to unwind by serving a cool drink and a simple appetizer like soup, salad or fruit. Strike up some friendly conversation while eating – taking care to avoid any sensitive topics or family “business.” My friends, I challenge you to a friendly eating contest. Let’s see if we can set a world record for the longest-lasting, most satisfying, and fully appreciated meal. Lobster, of course, is optional.



My prayer for today: Lord, I thank you for my daily bread. Thank for you for the many, tasty provisions you have made for your people. Help me to slow down and enjoy them today.


Application Steps: Get out your calendar and cookbook and plan a meal your family won’t soon forget. Gather your family around the table and celebrate God’s bountiful provision.

November 11, 2004 "Want to Come With Me?" by Ramona Davis, Proverbs31 Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/ramona.htm)

Certified Speaker







Key Verse: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (TLB)

“Want to come with me?” my Daddy would ask. I loved and adored my father. Where else in the entire world would I rather be! My dad earned a living as a carpenter. Many Saturdays he would do odd jobs for family and friends, the perfect opportunity to climb in his truck and accompany him. I didn’t care where we were going, I only cared that I was going with him.

These trips with my dad were not filled with constant conversation. My parents were deaf so I learned sign language before I learned to talk. We communicated when we needed to but a peaceful silence often filled the truck as we went on our merry way. He often had a purpose and plan for the stops he had planned but sometimes he invited me to get in the truck just for the pure fun of it.

Our mailbox was located at the bottom of the short, steep hill where we lived. I remember playing in the neighborhood and hearing my dad’s truck at the end of his workday pulling up to our mailbox. It was as if we were playing an unspoken game. I listened for the sound of his truck and he revved his motor to signal that he was home. I would run to the bottom of the hill, ecstatic to see him. Smiling, he would wait for me to climb in the back of the truck and sit down. Then he would give me a ride to the top of the hill.

I was secure in his love and protective care of me. I didn’t have to think about driving the truck. He had perfect control over where we went and how we got there. My purpose as his little girl was to love him, trust him and obey him.

Isn’t this like our relationship with our Heavenly Father? He desires that we love, trust and obey Him and asks us, “Want to come with Me?” We have a choice, we can refuse and miss untold blessings or we can “get in the truck”. We don’t need to spend our lives seeking our calling. Our calling will be fulfilled when we love and seek Him. We can then rest peacefully in His everlasting love and fiercely protective care for us. We can rest in the security of silence because we will communicate when it is necessary. He knows where we need to go and how we need to get there.

When we love and seek Him, He guides and directs. You won’t even have to worry about “driving the truck” if you trust Him to “sit in the driver’s seat”.

Oh, He will take you by the most beautiful places you will ever see. You will absolutely squeal in delight over some rides that are for the sheer fun of it. He will take you to people with gifts you need and He will take you to people who need your gifts. You will be amazed at His plans and be in awe over the purpose you both will share. When you hear Him ask, “Want to come with me?” Don’t hesitate. Say, “Yes!” Climb in the truck, roll down the window and sit close to your Constant Companion.





My prayer for today: Lord, I want to love you with all my heart, all my soul, my mind and my strength. I want to trust you fully and surrender myself to your plans and agenda each day. I want to cooperate with you in every way. Lead me Lord, to a closer relationship with you.






Application Steps: Prayerfully consider anything you may be withholding from Jesus. List in your journal what it is. Write a prayer asking Him to help you release it to Him.

November 12, 2004 "An Attitude of Gratitude" by Micca Campbell, Director of Outreach, Speaker Team Member, Certified Speaker (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/micca.html)
Certified Speaker

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Key Verse: Palms 107:1, Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Did you know that out of an estimated 1 million adults that were delivered out of Egypt, only two made it to the promised land?

Once freed, the Israelites experienced great blessings from God. He provided food, water, and victory over war. In fact, the Lord was their provision. On the other hand, while God supplied all their needs, He was not pleased with the majority of them, and He scattered their bodies over the desert. I don’t know about you, but I want to know why God wasn’t pleased, and why only two people made it to the promised land of Canaan. Could it be that we are making the same mistakes?

In 1 Corinthians, chapter 10, Paul warns us that the Israelite people had two problems that angered the Lord. First, they craved evil things which God had forbidden. Second, they desired good things which the Lord had not provided. Not only did they want what God had not given them, but when the children of Israel didn’t get these things, they grumbled and complained. They were discontent because of what they didn’t have and ungrateful for what they did have. Sounds a lot like me at times. The bad news is these sins are what kept most of them out of the promised land. I believe these same sins are why so many Christians today are wandering around a dry spiritual desert instead of enjoying the promised land Christ came to give them.

If we want to please the Lord, get out of the desert, and live the abundant life Christ came to give us, we need to heed the example given to us by the children of Israel. The natural solution to an unthankful heart is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

First, We Must Cultivate a Thankful Heart.

Have you ever noticed that thankful people are thoughtful people? They don’t recall the sacrifices that God has made for them only once a year. They are always grateful for their salvation, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. Thankful people never forget the kindness that has been shown to them. As a result, they become more attentive toward the needs of others. Thoughtfulness is the fruit of a thankful heart.

Second, We Must Cultivate a Trusting Heart.

People who trust God are content people. They have learned to say in troubled times, “Lord, this is not what I would have chosen or what I have planned, but I look to you in love and trust, knowing that You have my best interest in mind.” Psalm 61:8 states, “Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.” God is not on the job only during the holidays. He is our ever-present help in times of trouble. Our Father desires for us to trust His heart when ours are breaking or unsatisfied with His provision.

Third, We Must Cultivate a Humble Heart.

Humble people are happy people because they rely on God for everything through prayer. A humble heart runs to God for daily strength. We don’t capture the ear of God by grumbling and complaining. God is eager to listen to our cries when we humbly depend on Him through prayer. Here is an acronym to remember for praying with a humble heart.

P—Praise Him!

R—Remember and thank God for all He has done.

A—Ask God for His provision for others. Y—You may pray for yourself.

You don’t have to struggle in the desert anymore. The promised land is waiting! An attitude of gratitude is the path that leads the way.



My prayer for today: Dear Lord, forgive me for not trusting You to provide for my every need. Deliver me from the sin of grumbling and discontentment. Cultivate in me a grateful heart. Amen.


Application Steps: Purchase a journal. Begin recording every time God provides for you, answers prayer, or ways you have experienced Him. Then, when you’re tempted to complain, read your journal and thank God for all He has done for you.

"A Green-Eyed Saint" by By Susanne Scheppmann, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member ("")
Certified Speaker

Key Verse: Proverbs 14:30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (NIV)

I wiped the steam from the mirror. Leaning forward on the damp bathroom counter, I checked to see what color my eyes were today. Thankfully, two bright-blue eyes stared back at me. Relieved, I breathed a prayer of repentance and thanksgiving to God.

Have you heard of the green-eyed monster? Well, I took a slightly different angle on jealousy. I became a green-eyed saint. My eyes were emerald green with envy - envy of another sister in Christ who I perceived was more “spiritually blessed” than I. As she told of God’s immense blessings in her ministry and life, I could taste the bitter bile of envy surge in my thoughts.

Oddly, the root of my jealousy springs from my desire to please God. I want him to smile down and see just how wonderfully I work in his kingdom. I long to be a super-saint for God.

Unfortunately, it seems this malady runs deep within the Christian community. Do you remember the story in Mark 9 when Jesus’ disciples were strolling into Capernaum, arguing about who was the greatest? Mark writes, “When he [Jesus] was in the house, he asked them, ‘What were you arguing about on the road?’ But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.”

Now I find it interesting to see he allowed them to argue as they walked along the dusty road. He could have stopped the arguing before they reached Capernaum. Why did he wait? I do not know for sure; but it might have been that when they finished complaining at each other, they all realized how silly and childish they sounded. I believe the disciples faces flushed red when he asked them, “What were you arguing about?”

I have often felt like those disciples. Sometimes God lets me whine and fuss until I just plain embarrass myself. Jesus went on to explain how God views greatness. He said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." His words translate to me that I must humble myself and serve not only the needy; but also, the spiritually blessed that cross the pathways of my life.

Scripture tells us we are gifted and have a special place in the body of Christ. (See I Corinthians 7:7; I Corinthians 12:12; 27) Each time I become a green-eyed saint, I refuse to acknowledge God’s sovereignty in my life. As my envy begins to rot my spiritual bones, I become useless to him. Thankfully, God reminds me that I have my very own purpose in his kingdom that no one else can ever fulfill. He allows me to recognize and confess my sin of envy. He urges me to humble myself and be thankful for my own individual gifts and talents. Personally, I want to keep my blue-eyes. What color are your spiritual eyes today?





My prayer for today: Father, allow me to recognize any envy or jealousy that has crept into my life. Forgive my sin of coveting others for their spiritual blessings. Help me use my own gifts and talents to benefit your kingdom in my own special way.






Application Steps: Write a note to someone who you admire in God’s kingdom. Encourage her special gifts. Tell her how you have benefited from her service to Christ. Then say a prayer of blessing for her.

Encouragement for Today




November 18, 2004 "My Most Precious Treasure" by Micca Campbell, Director of Outreach, Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/micca.html)

Certified Speaker






Key Verse: Acts 26:18, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me (NKJ).

Not long after I married, I had a deep desire to be a mother. I wanted nothing more. My desire drove me to pray daily for a baby. Soon, God answered my prayers and blessed me with a beautiful baby boy. I dedicated him to the Lord and raised him in a godly home. Over the years, my child has been my joy and delight as I’ve watched him grow. He is so gifted and talented that I can’t help but dream big dreams for him.

Recently, those dreams were smashed. At eighteen, my son has chosen to live life his way. He has rebelled against our authority and God’s. In doing so, he has become a prodigal. I had dreamt about him becoming a doctor or lawyer, but never a prodigal. How could this happen? Where did I go wrong? This is the cry of my broken heart.

My first reaction to his behavior was grief. I blamed myself and felt guilty for having failed him. I cried out to God and I demanded to know, “Why haven’t You kept Your promise?” I had raised my son “in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). I couldn’t imagine why God wasn’t holding up His end of the promise. For the first time, as I read that verse over and over, I realized that it wasn’t a promise but rather a requirement for Christian parenting. Then, God spoke to my heart. “You have not failed. Your son has not yet chosen.”

Suddenly, my sorrow turned to anger. I was furious that my son had rejected our faith. More so, he had rejected God. These feelings led me to do what every parent of a prodigal does—panic. I began to condemn him for his choices. I confronted every attitude and action that didn’t line up with my faith with disapproval. I was determined to make him choose. He only got angrier and more rebellious.

Again, I ran to my heavenly Father for comfort and guidance. He spoke to my heart. “I, too, am grieved when my children reject me. While there are consequences I must administer for their rebellion, I never stop loving them and wooing them to Myself.”

The truth is we were all once prodigals. We have all, at one time, broken God’s heart like my son has crushed mine. However, while we were far off, living life our own way, Christ died for us. That’s when it dawned on me. If I become discouraged and give up, then the enemy wins. Yet, if I stand in the gap for my son and continue to love him even though he is rebelling, we all win. Christ’s sacrifice does provide the way home, but the choice to come is ours. Everyone has the right to choose; even those raised in Christian homes. My son’s choice to run after the world is only the evidence that he needs a Savior—not my nagging. This is spiritual warfare. The battle is still raging for my son. My job is not to panic and make him doubt further the Christian faith, but to respond with Christ-like character. I can’t make my son choose, but I can show him the way.

By putting this principle into action, his dad and I haven’t supported his bad decisions or paid his way with an easy ride, although we have begun to love him unconditionally. As hard as that is at times, our son needs our love and for us to maintain a relationship with him. Personally, I’m learning to meet him where he is and wait for those moments when I can continue to share Christ with him. Failing to share truth with my son would be failing in my God-given role as his mother no matter which lifestyle he may choose.

How do I know my actions are right? I know because Jesus was the friend of sinners. God’s Word tells me to go and do likewise. Therefore, from Christ’s example, you and I can keep a relationship with our disobedient children and love them unconditionally without accepting their sinful behavior. Arguing with our children will not draw them to the Savior. Provoking our beloved ones to anger will not lead them to Christ. And condemning their behavior will not direct them to the Lord either. God never called us to do any of that. Conviction is His job. The Lord commanded us to love our children and to lead them “in the way they should go”. How can we do that if we cut them off entirely from our lives? We can’t.

On the other hand, some teens and young adults may need to be removed from the home if they simply won’t comply with your authority. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t meet them for lunch, have regular dates, and show them in a loving and gentle way that you are for them while you are not for their lifestyle. Focusing on your child instead of his/her behavior will empower you to love them completely and enable you to remain connected. Keeping the relationship, while not condoning their behavior, is key to leading your child to maturity in Christ. I don’t know what the future holds for my child, but I know who holds the future. So, I hope. I hope as I reveal Christ’s character to my child with love and concern, not for what he does but for who he is, that my most precious treasure will one day choose Christ.





My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I pray that you will guide me with all wisdom concerning my child. Help me to love him/her with your love while not supporting his/her lifestyle. Open my child’s eyes and turn them from darkness to light, so that his/her sins may be forgiven and eternal life received. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Amen.






Application Steps: Maintain your relationship; plan a date with your child. Talk about subjects that interest him or her so that you can relate godly principles, when given the opportunity, to what they already know. Convey above all else that you love them and that you are for them.

November 19, 2004 "Trusting God in All Things" by Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/melissa.html)
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Key Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Lately, my faith has been challenged. Am I following God’s will for my life? Will my children ever quit being sick? Will there always be some problem to deal with? Am I going to cry again today? God, are you there?

While my words may seem like they come from someone who lacks hope, faith, and trust, I bet you can relate to them in one way or another. Today, I am overwhelmed with concerns for those closest to me, my children. One is having problems in school. One won’t sleep through the night. One seems so down on himself. In addition, one is having health issues that we just can’t seem to solve. Each time the phone rings, my heart pounds because I worry it is yet another problem that will be out of my control. As my good friend, Renee, says, “So what’s a girl to do?” Fortunately, I can answer that question.

The truth is, many of my problems are out of my control, but I do have faith, hope, and trust. It does not come from doctors, teachers, counselors, or even my pastor. It doesn’t come from the knowledge I have either. The trust I’m speaking of comes from the Lord. If I want to possess it, then I have to ask for it daily.

In the first chapter of James, we are told that if we want wisdom, then we need to ask for it. God won’t resent our asking and will gladly give us all the wisdom we need. I have found that in order for me to have the peace that can only come from trusting in my Heavenly Father, I need to go to Him for that wisdom daily. I can’t just ask for it once and then depend on it everyday thereafter. I have to meet with Him, talk to Him, listen to Him, and read what His Word, the Bible, has to say. Then I have to acknowledge that He is in control and put my trust in Him to direct my path. It is amazing the strength that I am filled with after spending time with the Lord. It is amazing that I can be filled with faith, hope, and trust even is the worst of circumstances. That is how I know it is from Him. It’s not possible any other way. Are you feeling empty? It may be because you are giving and pouring out your life to others daily and doing it all in your own strength and ability. If you find yourself asking, “So what’s a girl to do?”, then go to God, Who knows you best. Go to God, the One Who made you. Go to God and ask, just like Jesus did, for your daily bread. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) And remember to do it each and every day.



My prayer for today: God, You know me so well, and You know how I need You today. I confess that I cannot live a day without you. I cannot do it on my own. I need You. I give to You every area of my life and ask that You would fill me with spiritual wisdom, understanding and the direction You want me to take. I trust You with my life and the lives of those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Application Steps: Read Colossians 1:9-12 as a personal prayer for yourself. Then read it as a prayer for others in your life. Journal these prayers and the other verses contained in this devotion today.

November 22, 2004 "Chosen" by Mary Southerland – Director of Development, Speaker, Author (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/mary.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: Jeremiah 1:4-5 The LORD spoke his word to me, saying: "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. (New Century Version)

It had been a wonderful day! We were all tired after hiking Grandfather Mountain and stopping on the way home to picnic beside a pristine North Carolina creek. Bedtime preparation was proceeding amazingly well. All that mountain air and country cooking was a natural sedative for our two pleasantly exhausted children. I looked forward to joining my husband, Dan, in the front porch swing to cuddle, gaze at the stars and dream of what might be.

Danna, our three-year-old daughter, was out like a light! One down and one to go! Jered, our six-year-old son scrambled into bed, ready to recap the hiking adventure and make a plan for tomorrow. We snuggled under the fluffy down comforter, talking and laughing about how much fun the day had been, then settled into a cozy, comfortable silence.

His question ripped through the still, silent night and my heart, exposing every fear and insecurity carefully buried there. “Why didn’t she want me?” Jered softly asked. I knew immediately what he meant. After years of trying to have children naturally, Dan and I discovered that God had a wonderfully different plan for us. We adopted both Jered and Danna as infants and marveled daily at the precious gift of our two children. I knew this question was inevitable but was still caught off guard by Jered’s probing words. My uncertain heart cried out to my Father. I needed an answer – for Jered – and for me. Instantly, it came. Bruno!

When Jered was four years old, we were given a chocolate colored Labrador puppy that quickly outgrew our small yard, our not-so-understanding neighbors and our apprehensive children. We named this gentle giant Bruno! With each passing day, Bruno became an increasingly frustrated dog! Our postage stamp sized back yard offered little freedom or room for him to romp. Our elderly neighbors did not appreciate his early morning barking alarm and our kids soon refused to venture into the back yard because Bruno, who loved them and wanted to play, delighted in pinning them to the ground with his massive paws! It soon became clear to all of us that we were not the right family for Bruno.

After an intensive search, we discovered “Adopt a Pet”, a remarkable organization that finds homes for animals whose owners, for one reason or another, cannot keep them. We were promised that Bruno would be placed in just the right home where he would be loved, well cared for and have plenty of room to run and play. We talked and explained, struggling our way to the difficult decision that it was time to put Bruno up for adoption! Still, on the day they came to pick up Bruno, we all cried! We knew it was the best plan for Bruno - for us - and for a very excited family that wanted a Labrador. But it still hurt! Sometimes, doing the right thing - the best thing - the highest thing - is the most painful thing!

As I looked into the beautiful, blue eyes of the little boy I loved more than life itself, I prayed for just the right words. "Jered, do you remember Bruno?" At the memory of the dog, Jered smiled and sadly whispered, "I still miss him." I nodded in agreement and replied, "I know, son! I know you loved Bruno and are sad that we had to give him away. But do you remember why we gave Bruno away?" Jered thought for a moment and carefully answered, "Because we loved him so much and we knew we couldn't take care of him right ... and because he wasn't very happy ... and because we wanted the best home in the whole wide world for him."

I paused for a moment, basking in the simple and faithful wisdom of my Father, spoken through the heart of my only son. Now I was ready to answer his unsettling question. "She did want you, honey. And she did love you ... so much, in fact, that she was willing to give you away, just like we gave Bruno away. Just as we wanted what was best for Bruno, your birth mother wanted what was best for you!" I fully recognize that it was an extremely simple illustration for a profoundly complex life circumstance – but it was enough! We talked for a few more minutes and then prayed together for every family member, right down to the distant cousins.

I lay there in the darkness, holding this chosen baby in my arms, listening to him breathe as he drifted into a peaceful, trust-filled sleep. My heart filled with wonder and awe at the faultless plan and complete provision of God in our lives. With tears of gratitude spilling down my face I thanked God for two courageous young birth mothers, for the plan of adoption that brought our children to us and for God's perfect work through an unusual servant named Bruno! With a contented smile on his face, Jered sighed, turned over and whispered the precious words, "I love you, Mom."

We are all desperate to be loved and to love. We innately search for significance and are created with the powerful need to belong. We pursue worth in worthless places. We demand validation from invalid sources. In the darkness of that mountain cabin, I caught a new perspective of God’s stubborn love and the absolute sacrifice He made by giving up His son, Jesus Christ. It is only through a personal relationship with Him that we experience authentic love; a love that displaces thoughts of rejection and banishes feelings of abandonment. It is in this priceless gift we comprehend the amazing truth that even if we were never wanted or planned by human heart and mind, we were planned and wanted in the heart and mind of God! And that, dear friend, is enough!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16



My prayer for today: Thank you for loving me, God. I don’t understand that kind of love; a love that sent Jesus Christ to the cross so that I can live. But today, I celebrate your love. Help me to remember that I am chosen and that because of your love, I will never be alone or abandoned. Amen.






Application Steps: • In your bible, find seven verses that talk about the love of God.

• Write each verse on a 3x5 card. • Memorize one verse a day for the next seven days. • Share the verse with someone you love.

November 23, 2004 "Step it Up" by Wendy Pope (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/wendy.html)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/printable.php?id=345)





Key Verse: Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. Hebrews 6:1a(NIV)

I started exercising a few weeks ago. Something I had been able to successfully avoid most of my life. I have been blessed with a heritage of healthy women in my family and thought I did not need to exercise. But the Lord had a different plan for me, as He always does. First Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body,” fell fresh on me as I got winded running up the 16 stairs in my house. I decided then, I wanted God to be proud of His investment.

As I exercised each morning God began to show me similarities between physical exercise and spiritual exercise. Physical exercise, as well as spiritual exercise, demands a daily commitment. We need to be growing in God’s word each day.

I needed to increase my workout in order to receive maximum results from my efforts. I would eventually stop seeing results if I stayed with the same regimen each day. The same applies to our spiritual workout. We must deepen our study of God’s word and increase our Morning Prayer time. I didn’t realize how out of shape both physically and spiritually I was until I starting getting “into shape”. The Lord reminded me of today’s key verse and the need to move forward past Christianity 101.

I stopped exercising the other day. I hurt my neck while working out. I obviously did not follow the instructor correctly. It wasn’t long before I saw the benefits of my exercise fading away. After all my hard work and dedication, I was slowly beginning to look and feel like I did before I began my fitness program. The Lord spoke to me clearly saying, “Now do you see why you must keep it. You must pursue and increase our relationship with fervor and determination. You can’t just stop and you must increase the program in order to grow.”

My physical exercise experience has taught me some spiritual exercise basics:


I am not going to change without a little hard work.
I am not immuned to complacency.
I must take my spiritual growth seriously and be willing to step it up a notch.
I must follow my instructor precisely.




My prayer for today: Lord, forgive me today for treating our relationship as though it is not important to me. I love you and want you to put a burning desire in my heart to know you more intimately. Help me to never been satisfied with our relationship. Thank for giving your life for me. I want you to be proud of the investment you have made in me.






Application Steps: If you don’t already, set your clock 10 minutes earlier and get up to spend time in prayer with your heavenly Father. If you do get up already, step it up, and add 10 minutes to that time. Find someone to hold you accountable. Exercise is most successful with accountability

November 24, 2004 "My Attitude was Rotten!" by Sharon Glasgow, Speaker on Proverbs 31 Speaker Team (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/sharonglasgow.html)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/printable.php?id=346)





Key Verse: Romans 7:18-20; 25 I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can’t make myself do right. I want to but I can’t. When I want to do good, I don’t; and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don’t want to, it is plain where the trouble is: sin still has me in its evil grasp. 25 Oh what a terrible predicament I’m in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature? Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free.

“I’m rotten through and through, yep that’s me, rotten to the core.” Those were my exact words yesterday when everything seemed to be going wrong. The day was troubled from the start. I’ll spare you the details, I’m sure you’ve had many of “those” days yourself. I couldn’t seem to get a grip on my attitude. Everyone that walked in front of me fell prey to my emotional roller coaster. I have found that my outward attitude is a reliable gauge of what’s going on inwardly.

As soon as the words “rotten to the core” came out of my mouth, I remembered the rest of the verse that I had memorized years ago in Romans 7. Then, God reminded me of the victory plan for bad attitudes. I dropped to my knees and admitted my wrong attitude. I asked God to free me from the chains of a bad attitude. He reminded me through His Word that He had already freed me; I just needed to live the victory. The circumstances were still pressing against me, so I turned on praise music, asked God to help me have the strength to be positive in the midst of the turmoil, to do and say the right things. Everything in my flesh battled against the right attitude. The battle was won when I obeyed, praised God and reacted right!

Here is the emergency plan that I use when my attitude is showing my sinful nature. 1. Center on Christ and read His Word. His Word has living power that will fill your heart, soul and mind with answers when life is unbearable. Ask God to give you the ability to do right things.

2. Physically do what you know God is leading you to do, the right thing.

3. Be positive. It is hard to be positive in our own nature, that’s why God gives us His!

4. Be filled with praise. Praising God refreshes us, strengthens us to run and not be weary. Turn your praise music on!

5. Be flexible. Flexibility comes from placing our happiness in God’s hands instead of our circumstances. 6. Rebuke the enemy’s plan to defeat you in the power of Jesus’ name!



“Though my enemy plots evil against me and devises wicked schemes, he will not succeed if I am walking with You, O God. You will make him turn his back when You aim at him with drawn bow. Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength! I will sing and praise Your might!”

Psalm 21:11-13 The battle was won when I chose to react to my circumstances the right way. Victory is yours says the Lord! Remember the scripture in Ephesians 6: 12 when you’re being drawn to a bad attitude. It says that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against powers of darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness. So take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand the hard days, and having done all, stand! Your flesh may be weak but God will give you the strength to be strong!



My prayer for today: Lord, in my weaknesses you are made strong. Thank you for giving me your strength and wisdom when I stumble and fall. Thank you for never giving up on me when I react in the flesh. Help me, God, to be the testimony of your power to withstand the hardest days. In your holy name, Amen!






Application Steps: 1. Center your thoughts and heart on Christ.

2. Do what is right, be obedient.

3. Be positive in the middle of trials.

4. Praise God. 5. Be flexible. 6. Rebuke the enemy.

November 29, 2004 "Uncomfortable Skin " by Leigh Gray, Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/leigh.html)
Certified Speaker

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Key Verse: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” Declares the Lord. “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word,” Isaiah 66:1-2 (NIV)

Have you ever been uncomfortable in your skin? I mean wanting to jump out and be someone else? Maybe sin has found you out or caught up with you. Maybe you have been called on the carpet for a mistake and wanted to disappear. On a positive note, maybe you have been blessed immeasurably or been given an incredible talent. Whatever the case may be, it causes you to stand out and that makes you uncomfortable.

In the Old Testament times, the Spirit of God would come and go as the Lord pleased. Many times the Holy Spirit or glory of God would depart from the Israelites due to sin, broken communication, complaining and grumbling. If God was “uncomfortable”, He would not dwell where He was not being honored and glorified.

The scripture tells us we are the temples of the Holy Spirit. That means when Christ died for all people at Calvary, He left the Holy Spirit to comfort us in dark times and convict us of sin. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would never leave or depart. It makes me really consider what I must do to the Holy God, or as the originally language actually translates “tabernacling”, in me when I sin, quench, and grieve the Holy Spirit. “Quenching the Spirit means to say “no” to His presence or leadership in our lives. And grieving the Holy Spirit means to give over to sin, refuse to repent or experience true forgiveness,” writes Beth Moore in Living Beyond Yourself.

Is God ever uncomfortable in your skin? Everything God filters down in my life is for a reason. When things come into my life, things that are easy, hard, frustrating, exciting or even fun, I have a responsibility in my actions and reactions. Oh, and what about my thoughts? He knows and feels those, too! I can react and think in a way that brings Him glory or I can do the opposite that makes Him want to find somewhere else to dwell. But He is not that kind of God. He is there to stay and promises never to leave! He just has a hard time working through our lives when we are not allowing Him to lead and guide us each day. In Isaiah 66:1, God asks where He can reside or where he can tabernacle. In verse 2, we find that He longs to dwell in the place that is humble, contrite in spirit and with one that trembles at the Word. He longs to be in the skin of the one that is constantly seeking righteousness and forgiveness, one that is looking to bring Him glory. The tests may be rough; the blessings may be ample but is He comfortable in your skin?



My prayer for today: Father, I know and realize that you are living and working inside of me. My body is where you dwell. Please help me to make you comfortable there. Help me to do the things that honor and glorify you in my life! I love you Father; may my actions show it! Amen




Application Steps: 1) Help your thought life – Turn off the TV. 2) Confess sins immediately and turn away from them forever.

November 30, 2004 "You’ve Invited Me in, Now Spend Some Time with Me!" by Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Speaker’s Team (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/melissa.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8 NIV

I remember the day well. It was the day in my life I thought everything would change. I expected great things to happen. I expected to be surrounded by angels and be filled with lots of joy and few problems. I expected my circumstances to change. In looking back, I wanted a magician. “Abracadabra! Life is perfect!” It didn’t turn out that way.

I invited Christ into my heart back in 1979. I was watching a religious program on television, and I liked what these messengers from God had to say. They said my life would be different. They said I would experience a change, and that if I would ask Jesus into my life then it would be better than ever before. I wanted that. During the previous five years of my life, I experienced sexual abuse by a neighbor, witnessed my grandfather’s paralyzing stroke, moved several times, and now my parents were getting a divorce. Although I believed Jesus was real, I had never invited Him into my life or had a personal relationship with Him. I needed a Savior, because I was quickly learning that this world was a hard place to live. Add in the pressures of growing up, school, feeling fat, and maturing physically faster than my friends…well needless to say, I just didn’t feel like I measured up. I thought Jesus could and would fix all this.

Maybe you’ve been where I was. You finally made a decision, and a big one at that, to invite Christ into your life, but what happened next? Where do you go from there? That’s exactly what I wanted to know.

My circumstances did not change. In many ways, they got more complicated. If I was a changed person, then why did I still feel this way? Why did I continue over the next ten years to make decisions that were anything but godly? Guilt and shame filled my inner thoughts.

In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren assures me that God is far more concerned with who I am in my circumstances than my actual circumstances. That’s obvious now. At the time though, I was just continuing to struggle, trying to make it on my own. It was a hard lesson, but what I’ve learned is that I may have never known how much I needed God if He’d instantly changed my life the way “I” wanted Him to. Instead of investing in a relationship with the Almighty, I just wanted Him to fix me and do it quickly.

Just like they said on TV, Jesus is all about changing and transforming lives…from the inside out. God doesn’t ever promise that He will change or fix my circumstances. What He does promise is that He will bring me unfailing love and comfort (Psalm 119:76), that He will watch over me (Psalm 121:3), and that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). And you know what? I would have known all this if I had just spent a little time with Him.

Just like any other relationship, time needs to be invested in the One you are trying to know better. My life had so much more meaning when I began spending time with the Lord - praying, reading His Word, keeping my thoughts on Him, talking to Him just like I would a good friend, and listening to Him. My life began to make sense. I was able to find purpose in my circumstances because God’s Word spoke to my heart. I learned that I was chosen and dearly loved by the Almighty King (Colossians 3:12), therefore, being a daughter of that King, I am a princess. What girl doesn’t want to be a princess?

When I invite a friend into my home, I don’t just leave them there at the front door. I bring them to the center of my home. Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we cry. Sometimes we exchange gifts, meal ideas, or family stories. We often share secrets, ask for advice, or even pray together. We hug. We listen. We learn. We live life together.

So it is with God. I invited Him in, but I wasn’t spending any time with Him. I know now that He was carrying me through certain dark times in life and trying desperately to get me to hear Him say, “My Child, draw near to me and I will draw near to you (James 4:8). You invited Me in; now spend some time with Me!” I now make it a priority to start my day off with my Lord. He is my friend and I want to share everything that is on my mind with Him. Of course, He already knows, but loves it when I share my heart so willingly with Him. And I have learned that He will share His heart with me, too. Things are much different now than when I first asked Him into my heart. He was there then. He’s still there now. The big difference is that I seek Him. I trust Him. I ask Him what I should do, which way I should go. I then listen to see where He directs me. Today, I invite you to do the same.



My prayer for today: God, You made me and You love me. Please reveal to me how I can know You better. I need Your guidance and I need You to show me the way. Thank You for loving me without fail, each and every day of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen




Application Steps: First, have you invited Christ to live in you, to be the Lord of your life? If not, I encourage you to pray today, asking Him into your heart. Tell Him everything that you’re worried about, scared of, what you’ve done wrong, and the things you want to see Him change. Trust Him to lead you. If you’ve already taken that step, then don’t stop there. Get involved in a Bible teaching church. Read the Bible, beginning with the book of John, and get to know other Christians who can help you in your journey, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Above all, don’t forget Him. You’ve invited Him in. Now spend some time with Him!

December 1, 2004 "Three Lacy Hankies" by Susanne Scheppmann, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/susanne.html)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/printable.php?id=351)





Key Verse: Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (NIV)

As I watch the Christmas tree twinkle a myriad of colors, I recall past Christmas seasons. For most years, the holidays reflect a life of comfort and hope. Yet, each year I remember the Christmas of the “Three Lacy Hankies.” I flash back thirty-five years.

I remember how the bitter cold outdoors matched the bitterness in my young heart. At fifteen, I was all alone. I recall the hot tears that streamed down my face, as I yearned for a Christmas with my family. Memories of early childhood Christmases began to parade into my teenage thoughts.

My parents had always fashioned magical Christmas moments for me, their only child. I was spoiled with toys, treats and love, so naturally the Christmas season became my favorite time of the year. I longed for another Christmas to add to those memories.

However, this holiday held a bleakness that defied my memories. My adolescent heart screamed questions…

“Why did God let my mother die?”

“Does anyone care?”

“Why is my dad a drunk?”

The scene of trying to admit my dad to the hospital replayed before me. He had drunk himself into oblivion, and then collapsed on the floor. I called a friend for help. She came over, loaded him into the car, and drove straight to the detoxification ward of the hospital. He would spend Christmas there and I would spend it by myself.

The shrill ringing phone startled me. “Hello, Susanne? We were wondering if you would like to spend Christmas with us.” It was the pastor’s wife.

“Well, I guess so.” I replied, thinking to myself, “It would be better than spending it alone and eating cold cereal.”

“Wonderful! We’ll be over in about three hours to pick you up.”

Resting the phone against my tear-stained cheek, I wept once again. “They just feel sorry for me, a pathetic orphan. It’s the ‘Christian thing’ to do. Just like a Christmas movie,” I thought. Blowing my nose into another tissue, I prepared to spend Christmas in an unfamiliar home.

Even though I appreciated the gesture, I felt out of place. All of their traditions seemed strange. This was not my kind of Christmas. As they opened gifts, I felt tears well up again. Handing me a small package, they smiled with God’s love in their eyes. When I opened the gift and peeked inside, I spied three neatly folded white lacy hankies. This warm-hearted family knew my New Year would not be easy. They could not give me the gift of a happy family. Knowing that more tears would certainly flow, they pointed me to God who could ease my pain. Lying on top of the hankies was a small card written in calligraphy, which quoted Isaiah 25:8.

“…The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; … The Lord has spoken.”

Reaching for a white hanky, I began to cry.

Today, I feel tears of gratitude for the Christ-like behavior of that family. Their thoughtfulness didn’t make my life better, but it demonstrated the love of Jesus to a heartbroken teenager. Their concern provided a springboard for my accepting Christ as my personal Savior.

Each year at Christmas, I look for hurting people; maybe a woman who yearns for friendship; perhaps a teenager who longs for a turkey dinner; or a child who dreams of opening a wrapped present. There is always someone who needs Christ’s love extended. Do you know someone who needs a Christmas filled with three white hankies?



My prayer for today: Father, help me to look beyond the hectic schedule of my own holiday season. Give me the heart and courage to reach out in love to someone who desperately needs love, comfort, and companionship this Christmas season.


Application Steps: Take a moment and thoughtfully look through your address book as you address Christmas cards. Jot down the names of a few people who could use an invitation to dinner; a note of encouragement, or just of phone call of compassionate conversation. Then make an effort to contact each individual before the New Year.

December 2, 2004 "The Name" by Rachel Olsen, ETC Editor and P31 Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/rachelolsen.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: “Because of this [Jesus’ obedience to the point of death], God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name” (Philippians 2:9 NLT).

I remember spending hours pouring over lists of baby names. There are so many things to consider when choosing a name for your child: Is it easy to say? Does it go with your last name? What do the initials spell?

In the Bible, a person’s name often revealed a basic characteristic about them or their life. Similarly, a person’s name could be changed to reflect a change in their self or circumstances. For instance, Abram became Abraham in Genesis 17:5, and Jacob became Israel in Genesis 32:28. With this in mind, I decided to choose names for my children that would speak to traits I hoped they would develop or display in their lives.

The meanings behind the names I liked narrowed our list of possibilities considerably. For instance, one beautiful name I liked for my daughter actually meant “young attendant at a pagan ritual” – I crossed that one off my list of favorites in a hurry! We wound up choosing an Irish name for her that means “bright shining light.” We chose a biblical name for our son, meaning “faithful and bold.”

In addition to a positive meaning, I wanted names that were just a little uncommon. As I was growing up there wasn’t another Rachel in my grade. I don’t even think there was another Rachel in my school. I liked that – it strengthened my sense of identity. My brother David, however, often became David B. because there was also a David K. and a David W. I wanted to choose names that set my children apart a little from their peers.

Choosing an unusual name, however, can carry some risks. For instance, people may have trouble pronouncing it, or spelling it correctly. This is often the case with my daughter’s name. I’m afraid I doomed her to a life of spelling and repeating her name for people. Being an extrovert (to the point of being a ham), she doesn’t seem to mind this so far. She is also not likely to find pencils or barrettes in the store with her name already on them.

The most significant risk we faced in choosing an uncommon name was that it might lend itself to teasing. Children can be so cruel sometimes and I feared an atypical name might be used by bullies to torment my child on the playground. I certainly did not want my children to be ashamed of their own name!

There is another name I do not want my children to be ashamed of: the Name of Jesus. The Bible clearly states, “There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them" (Acts 4:12 NLT).

There is tremendous power in the name of Jesus. It has the power to wash our sins away (Acts 2:38). It has the power to heal our wounds (Acts 4:7-10). It has the power to repel evil (Mark 1:25-26, Mark 16:17). It also has the power to usher God’s will and blessings into our lives when we pray (John 15:16).

To the ancient Hebrews, the name of God was synonymous with God Himself. They understood His name and His being to be one in the same. God himself described His name simply as “I Am” (Exodus 3:13-14). Therefore, the very name of God is holy (Psalm 99:3; 111:9). As His people, we are to revere His name (2 Thessalonians 1:12), love His name (Psalm 5:11), praise his name (Hebrews 2:12), and place our trust in His name (Matthew 12:21).

As they become older, my children will learn that aligning themselves with the glorious name of Jesus will set them apart from their peers. They may even discover that persecution sometimes ensues for bearing His name. Paul writes in Philippians 1:29 that “it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him” (CSB). Jesus declared that “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:10).

Father God highly exalted Jesus “and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Phil. 2:9-11 NRSV). This is my ultimate goal as a parent: to live, love and parent in such as way as to encourage my children to bow in wholehearted agreement that Jesus Christ is their Lord. My heartfelt prayer is that the names you and I choose for our children are written in Jesus’ blood in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Philippians 4:3). For it is only through His Name that any of us can become citizens of Heaven.



My prayer for today: Father God - Thank you for my salvation, and for making the power of your Son’s name available to me. I pray that my children will receive salvation in Jesus’ name and that their names will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I lift up the name of Jesus and ask that you draw my children unto you Lord.


Application Steps: Praise His Holy Name throughout the day today.

December 3, 2004 "Finding Godly Rest at Christmas" by Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor P31 Woman, Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, editor@proverbs31.org (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/glynnis.html)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/printable.php?id=353)





Key Verse: Luke 5:15-16 “Yet the news about Him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (NIV)

Rest at Christmas time? “Ha, ha,” I can hear you chuckle. If you only saw my “to-do” list, you say. It looks something like this: bake cookies, frost cookies, eat too many cookies, buy presents, wrap presents, return presents, shop sales, spend too much money, and so on.

Most of us simply don’t get enough rest, either in the physical or spiritual sense. And the month of December is often the worst time of year. We can wear busyness as a badge of honor, and neglect the havoc it causes in our spiritual lives. I wonder if we shouldn’t pause in the midst of licking the mixing beaters, and rediscover God’s design for rest.

God modeled the importance of rest on the seventh day of creation, although He certainly didn’t need it. God showed us that it’s important to set apart a day from our normal routines. It’s so important, God made the day of rest holy.

We often think of rest as recreation, but that’s not necessarily the type of rest that refuels a waning spiritual life. When my friend Lysa gave up watching television, she told us it wasn’t that TV was bad. It was that she watched it when she was tired and drained. God revealed to her that when she was in this empty state, He wanted to fill her up.

Jesus knew the importance of true rest and often spent time alone in prayer. Luke 5:15-16 tells us, “Yet the news about Him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (NIV)

In another passage in Mark 6, Jesus invited His disciples to rest. "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, ’Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." (Mark 6:30-32 NIV)

My friend Lequetta Bramer, a leader in women’s ministry, taught on “Inspired Work, Inspired Rest” and observed this about Jesus: “One of the striking things is that Jesus withdrew from the crowds just when He was most in demand. There were thousands of people waiting for Jesus to heal them, to teach them, to bless them. They were ready. The opportunity and need was great. And yet, Jesus was nowhere to be found. Why? Wasn’t that irresponsible, to take a day off when there were so many people needing His help? Wasn’t that a bit self-indulgent? No. Not in the least. Jesus understood that the need was endless. But in order to accomplish the purpose for which God had sent Him, He had to remain spiritually strong. And that required regular times of prayer and meditation, regular times of rest and recuperation.” In this busy time of year, when there is much to be done, learn from Jesus how to rest. Take time to pray and bask in the love of your Heavenly Father. Set aside time to read God’s word, to yourself and to your family. Turn off the TV and enjoy the stillness of the night, or the laughter of your children. To make the most of this glorious Christmas season, remember to take time to experience God’s rest.



My prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your love and faithfulness. Forgive me when I rush through my days and neglect to pursue the rest You have ordained. Help me to discover Your purpose for rest in the busyness of this season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Application Steps: Review your schedule for the coming days. Identify time when you can withdraw and refresh yourself in God’s presence. Commit to taking a break, even in the busiest part of your day. Go to the Lord in prayer and read His word.

December 6, 2004 "Bride in the Box" by Sharon Jaynes – Vice President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author, speaker (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/Bride%20in%20the%20Box)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets” (2 Samuel 6:14-15 NIV).

Every little girl dreams of the day when she becomes a beautiful bride. At four years old, I was no exception. It wasn’t the dream of becoming a wife that captured my imagination, but merely the dream of the wedding day itself. I had visions of gliding down the red-carpeted aisle of my hometown church, adorned in a white flowing satin and chiffon wedding gown, studded with a million tiny pearls. My twelve-foot lace veil would fill the aisle from side to side just like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music and on my feet would be tiny satin sippers. In my hands, I would carry a large bouquet of white roses mingled with a spray of delicate baby’s breath. Who the groom would be was of very little consequence. This was clearly to be my show. On rainy days, I would wrap a towel around my head, a sheet around my small frame, and practice the wedding march down the long hallway of my parents’ home. I could almost hear the trumpets and organ blast with my processional.

Apparently, one of my uncles understood the secret longings of four-year-old little girls and presented me with a two-foot tall doll dressed in full bridal regalia. This was clearly the most beautiful doll I had ever seen. Along with her white wedding gown and veil, she had short cropped curly brown hair that felt as real as my own, soft plump pink skin, and movable eye lids lined with thick black lashes. Her eyes opened and closed with her changing positions so that when she lay down in her box, she resembled “Sleeping Beauty.” Her perfectly shaped lips were small and dainty and her crystal blue eyes appeared strangely real.

However, there was one problem with this delightful gift. Because she was so expensive, my mother wouldn’t allow me to play with her.

“You’ll have to wait until you are older,” she stated. “She’s too nice of a doll, and you might tear her gown. We’ll just keep her in the box until you’re big enough to know how to take care of her.”

The bride doll remained in her box, safely stowed away in the bottom drawer of my dresser. Day after day, I would slowly open the drawer and stare at the doll as she lay sleeping inside the dark drawer like a treasure in a safety deposit box. Sometimes I would remove the box lid and gently stroke her soft pink skin, but I knew “woe is me” if I ever took her out of the box and played with her.

Now that I am an adult, my thoughts have gone back to that special gift. After a time, I forgot about the bride in the dresser drawer, and today I don’t even remember what became of her. As a child, my relationship with the Lord was much like my relationship with the doll. God was Someone who was to be revered and feared, but certainly not Someone to be touched and enjoyed. I had the impression that God, like the doll, was to be kept in a box: a big brick building with a large steeple on top, that was only to be opened on Sunday and special holidays. But He was certainly not someone who would talk to you, or even wanted to.

The Shorter Catechism, written by the Westminster Assembly in 1647, states, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Enjoy Him! That was such a blinding revelation to me when I heard it for the first time. It took me years to understand what it means or how to go about the business of “enjoying” the Lord. David understood it meant to enjoy the Lord. He wrote, “In Thy presence is fullness of joy. In Thy Right Hand, there are pleasures forevermore. I delight in your decrees. I will not neglect your word. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. I delight in your commands because I love them” (Psalms 119:16, 35, 47). He even danced before the LORD.

First Timothy 6:17 says “God richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” Webster defines “enjoy” as “to take pleasure or delight in, to have the use, the benefit or advantage of.” Even though the bride doll was a precious gift to me, I didn’t enjoy her, delight in her, or have the pleasure of interacting with her. Likewise, if I keep God’s Word at bay, keep it in a box, or leave it on a shelf, I miss the enjoyment and the delight of entering into a relationship with Him and listening to His voice in the pages of Scripture. After reflecting on the bride doll, I decided to no longer keep God or His Word in a box for safekeeping. I will sing with Him, talk with Him, take walks with Him, and yes, even dance with Him. And I don’t have to wait until I am big enough to take care of Him because He is big enough to take care of me!



My prayer for today: Dear Lord, I just plain love You today! I rejoice and dance before You! I lift my hands and my voice to praise You! I am so glad that You aren’t sitting up there in heaven giving big red check marks or big red X marks. Thank You for creating us to enjoy You and be enjoyed by You! The chief end of “me” is to glorify You and enjoy You forever! In Jesus’ name, Amen.




Application Steps: If you’ve never danced before the Lord like King David, consider going in your room, shutting the door, and giving it a try. Write down the last time you really had a good time with God. If you can’t think of a time, purpose in your heart to do so!

December 7, 2004 "Are you my son?" by Leigh Gray – Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/leigh.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: “… so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

We recently adopted a three-year-old brown eyed, brown haired boy named Jeff. My biological son has enjoyed having a constant companion around. I must say that Jeff is the most well behaved child I have ever met. He will do whatever is asked without a moment’s hesitation. My only complaint would be that Jeff and my son talk and play too much at naptime, usually causing a scolding before all are settled in. I have had a blast standing outside my sons’ door listening to their conversations.

I must clarify one thing. I have never seen, heard, nor touched Jeff. Jeff is my son’s very real but imaginary friend. He will promise, with no fingers crossed, that Jeff is sitting right beside me on the couch or that we need to be quiet because Jeff is still sleeping in the closet. Jeff went to church with us on Sunday, but didn’t come home because he broke his foot and had to go to the hospital until Sarahjane, the baby in my belly, comes home from the hospital. Are you confused? Me too!

The most important lesson I have learned is that Jeff is so real to my son. Many times things seem so real to me, but for whatever reason, my reality is skewed. As a female, an especially very pregnant, hormonal one, I have to keep in check with Jesus and the Holy Spirit daily to make sure I am displaying actions, thoughts, reactions, and fruits that exemplify whom I claim to follow. It is so easy to get caught up in my own little world thinking that I am not a good mom or that no one really likes me, or that no one has it as hard as I do.

Whatever the thought and no matter how real it feels to me, I must go back to the Father for an inventory check on my reality. The easiest way to do that is to look at the day’s events along with my attitude and ask, “Jesus, did you see any fruit today? No matter what happened or what I perceived to happen, was I still able to allow You to shine through?” I am responsible for continuing in my Christian walk and showing God’s love to all even when I am stressed, too tired, or would rather just hide. It is my responsibility to get energized through the Holy Spirit, allowing that joy to flow. And then, I just keep pressing on!



My prayer for today: Lord, forgive me for not having an eternal perspective. Help me to see things through your eyes and heart. Thank you for being in control of all things. Amen.




Application Steps: Look for ways to see His hand in even small situations. Start journaling your daily thoughts to the Lord.

December 8, 2004 "Autumn Glory" by Van Walton, Certified speaker and Director of Spanish Ministries (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/van.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the (wo)man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but her delight is in the Lord… and she will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.

Every morning I take my dog for a walk. We step onto the driveway and stand for a moment to breathe in the new dawn’s freshness. Another day has begun and I am a part of it. Life begins again and I have new opportunities. Yesterday is gone. This is a new day! I tell God how thankful I am for his new-every-morning mercies; I ask Him to use me today for His purpose, and then habitually climb down the hillside by my house. I always enjoy these first moments. It seems God uses this time to teach me a lesson or delight me with His love. He points out the beauty of His creation or some humor in nature. My experience each morning sets the tone for the rest of my day.

One morning in particular stands out above the rest. It was a typical day in autumn. It was cool and clear. The temperature had dipped overnight giving me a sense of urgency. The year was ending. Had I done everything I had set out to accomplish back in January? As I noticed the colors of the leaves, God said, “Consider”.

He didn’t say consider the flowers how they spin nor did He say consider the birds how they toil. He drew me to consider the leaves on the trees. I noticed how many shades of color graced my yard. I couldn’t decide which red or gold, orange or bronze, was my favorite. As I rounded the corner, moving to the back of my house, I was met with a sight that took my breath away. The yellow of the maples literally shone like gold. Leaves dotted the forest floor and it was a dazzle of bright yellow. For one split second, I thought I had caught a glimpse of heaven. I had to shade my eyes because of the bright golden glow. Not only were the yellow maples blazing, but the reds and oranges were also dancing brilliantly.

What was it that had so suddenly changed? Yes, it was fall and with that came the tremendous show of color, a huge contrast to the first trees I had seen. What was it? I looked back at the trees on the hillside. They were colorful, but not brilliant like the ones in my back yard. I had walked past the yellow, red, orange, bronze, and copper trees. However, I stopped, when I looked at the same trees in the back yard. Unable to take my eyes off of the stunning masterpiece before me, I took in the entire scene. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the leaves that shone and danced did so because they were bathed by the sun’s rays, reflecting its brilliance. Whatever the sun touched was blazed with color. Elsewhere else, the leaves just blended in. I learned a lesson that fall morning. In order to shine, dance and attract, I need to place myself in the direct path of God’s brilliant glory. I found a new goal for my life that day: to be just like those leaves. I know I can do that by facing the Son and reflecting His glory. After all, that was His intention when He created you and me.



My prayer for today: As I wake today from a night of rest, let the first light I see, be Tours, Lord. Son of God, shine on me that I might serve You and glorify You today.


Application Steps: After reading Psalm 1:1-3, consider how differently your life would be lived if you bathed yourself in Christ’s brilliant glory each morning before stepping into your daily routine.

December 9, 2004 "Meet a Joyful Giver " by Rachel Olsen, ETC Editor, Speaker Team Member (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/rachelolsen.html)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/printable.php?id=357)





Key Verse: “You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

I get excited each time the catalogs arrive. Not the JC Penny’s, Sears, L.L. Bean or Sharper Image catalogs, but the Heifer International and Samaritan’s Purse catalogs. These catalogs are filled with practical gifts of food, medicine, livestock, blankets and building materials that can be purchased for needy children, families and villages around the world. You make the donation, they do the rest.

God has certainly done a tremendous work in my heart for me to get a kick out of giving. It’s not that I am a cold-hearted woman, mind you. I am actually very encouraging by nature. It’s just that in my “natural state,” I am rather stingy with my money. Oh, I can spend it like it‘s going out of style, but was once uninterested in handing it over for others to spend. Over the years, however, the Heavenly Potter has molded this area of my heart as I’ve prayed for the ability to give cheerfully.

Now, I love the fact that my money is making a difference in someone’s life that I otherwise could not have helped. The money I would spend on a restaurant dinner, for example, can train a young believer to win others to Christ in a remote area of the world. The money I would spend on a Starbucks Frappaccino can supply a hungry child with a week’s supply of milk. I can give up relatively little and provide someone else with so much more. Not only that, but God will measure back to me what I have given out (Luke 6:38). Don’t you just love God’s economy?

I’ll share with you my approach in deciding what to give once the catalogs come. First, I pray. Then I sit down with my children and let them pick what they’d like us to give. They usually pick the cute animals – furry goats for milk or fuzzy chicks for eggs. Then I decide what areas I feel a desire to “sow a financial seed into.” For example, I am a home-schooling mom and desire God’s help and blessing in this area, so this year I will give to third-world literacy projects. I lost my mom at a relatively young age, so I plan to give to orphans’ care. Don’t laugh… but I am not a great cook. I desire to improve in this area so I am giving to the Samaritan’s Purse hot meals feeding program. You are laughing, aren’t you?

If you are like me, you have a few people on your Christmas list that are hard to buy for. A few years ago, I began to donate to charities in their name as their Christmas gift. They receive a card from the charity letting them know of the gift and what it will accomplish in the lives of the needy. The first year I worried how these alternative gifts would be received by my family and friends, but they have all appreciated it. It sure beats another coffee mug, neck tie or wool scarf!

I do not want to pressure you into giving to any ministry, but rather to share with you the marvelous work God has done in my heart, and the joy giving has brought me. I honestly love giving gifts in Jesus’ name that meet the needs of a destitute child or a hopeless man or woman. I thrill to be partly responsible for someone saying in another language: “The Lord is good! He has been a refuge in my time of trouble” (Nahum 1:7). I take satisfaction in knowing that I am not only blessing my fellow man, but the very Lord I love.

Jesus, speaking of the future day of judgment, said:

Then the King will say to those on the right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' And the King will tell them, 'I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Matthew 25:34-40 (NLT).



My prayer for today: My Lord: Thank you for the opportunity to bless others by giving, and for the privilege of giving to You. Thank You for the joy it brings my heart. Please continue to cultivate in me a heart that gives cheerfully, in Jesus’ name.




Application Steps: Consider in what ways you will reach out to meet the needs of your community or world and show them the love of Jesus. Consider donating to Proverbs 31 Ministries so that women across the world can receive these daily devotionals.

December 10, 2004 "Zechariah’s Song" by Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor P31 Woman, Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, editor@proverbs31.org (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/glynnis.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.” (NIV)

Zechariah was the father of John the Baptist. He was a man who became a father at an advanced age, and because he disbelieved an angel of God, was mute until the birth of his son. But Zechariah was also a man of faith who declared the coming of the Lord, and the redemption He would bring.

When Zechariah’s son was born, God released Zechariah’s voice and filled him with the Holy Spirit. Soon after that, Zechariah prophesied about the promised Messiah – Jesus Christ. Although not a prominent player in the traditional Christmas story, Zechariah’s words still bring hope to a world that is in desperate need of redemption.

Jesus came to save the world, but first He came to save God’s beloved chosen people, the Jews. The Jews had been slaves, their enemies continually attacked them without mercy and they lived in fear. Redemption to the Jews would have meant being set free from bondage or buying back something that had been sold or lost – such as their freedom and hope. Zechariah was looking for relief from all his people had endured. Jesus was the answer to everything Zechariah needed.

Today, the coming of Jesus is the answer to everything we need. We too have experienced being slaves to sin and addictions, we too have experienced attack from enemies who show no mercy and we too have lived in fear. We need a Savior who will rescue us.

Although at Christmas, we celebrate the sweetness of God in the form of a baby, and we remember His gift of love – we also need to remember that Jesus came as our Rescuer. Although it’s hard to see this aspect of Jesus as a helpless babe, the power of God to overcome the world rested in that manger on Christmas Eve. Whatever you are facing this Christmas season, I invite you to consider Jesus as your Redeemer. As Zechariah sang, Jesus came “to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.” (Luke 1:72-74 NIV)



My prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your awesome power and love. Thank you for sending Jesus as my Redeemer and Rescuer. Help me to place my trust in Jesus to protect me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Application Steps: Identify the areas of your life where you need help. Offer those areas to God in prayer. Choose to trust Him to rescue you.

December 13, 2004 "“Genuine Faith” Part I" by Micca Campbell, Director of Outreach, Speaker Team Member, Certified Speaker (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speakers/micca.html)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:8, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe Him.”

Each summer my mother-in-law takes her grandchildren swimming at a huge park called Nashville Shores. It has every water activity you can imagine including big water slides, a wave pool, and a lake to ski in or take a boat ride. This fun-filled day with Me-maw has become a tradition that the grandkids look forward to each year.

One summer, I decided to tag along. While lounging at the pool, I was intrigued as I watched a little blind girl swimming. Well, she wasn’t just swimming. This little blind girl was jumping, turning flips, and diving into the water! I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Then, I noticed there was a man in the water with the child. He was her guide. His job was to communicate where her boundaries were so that she could swim, jump and dive safely. The little girl swam freely because she completely trusted her guide. It was a beautiful scene to observe. As I watched, I couldn’t help but think of my relationship with Jesus. I can’t see what’s ahead of me, but Jesus can. If I’m willing to trust the guidance of His unseen hand, then I can live as freely as that little girl lived.

Do you believe God is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do in any situation you face? If you do, it’s probably because you have experienced God’s faithfulness in your past. His faithfulness makes our faith strong and genuine. Faith that has been proven over time stands strong in future trials. I believe that is how David defeated the giant, Goliath. Since David experienced God’s faithfulness in the past, he knew he could trust God for future victories.

In this story of faith, found in 1 Samuel chapter 17, the Philistines were at war with the Israelites. The Philistines had a man in their army who was named Goliath, stood nine feet and three inches tall, weighing about 500-600 pounds and was known as a warrior of his youth. For forty days, Goliath challenged the army of Israel to a battle. Serving under Saul, the King of Israel, were David’s three older brothers. David, who was not old enough for war, was left at home to tend the sheep. One day when Jesse, David’s father, was concerned about his other sons, he sent David with some supplies for them and asked David to see how they were doing.

In the mean time, King Saul had devised a plan to conquer the giant. He offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to anyone who would defeat Goliath, but no one seemed interested. In other words, no one in Israel’s army believed the giant could be defeated. They feared what they could see instead of trusting God for victory. Fear will do that - causing us to look at the outward appearances of things instead of trusting the unseen hand of God.

David believed that nothing was impossible with God. What do you believe? Is God able to conquer the giant in your life? Do you trust only what you can see or do you rely upon the unseen hand of God at work in your circumstances? Trusting in God’s faithfulness will only increase yours. (Tomorrow we will continue Part II of “Genuine Faith,” one of Micca’s conferences.)



My prayer for today: Lord, I don’t know what lays ahead for my marriage, my children, or my job, and that makes me fearful. I want to trust you even when I don’t see you so that I can be free from a life of fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Application Steps: The acronym for fear is: False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. Make a list of your fears and determine if they are true or not. If they are untrue, throw them away. If you can validate your fears, trust them to God and watch your fear turn to faith.

December 20, 2004 "How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas" by Mary Southerland – Director of Development, Speaker, Author (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speaker_mary.htm)
Certified Speaker





Key Verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” John 3:16a

Christmas! My favorite time of the year!

Brightly wrapped presents
Houses draped in lights
The smell of cinnamon and pine
Secret shopping trips
Children whispering and giggling
Old movies that make me laugh and cry
Phone calls from friends miles away
Chocolate covered cherries.
Carolers


Something important is happening, a time of celebration. The literal meaning of “Christmas” is “Christ’s Mass”, the celebration of Christ. We all want a joy-filled Christmas that truly celebrates Christ. Yet, the holiday season often leaves us with very little joy and a feeling of emptiness. How then, can we have a joy-filled Christmas?

I believe that the secret to the celebration of Christmas is found in giving. Maybe we are giving the wrong gifts. Maybe we are giving gifts to the wrong people. Maybe we are not receiving the right gifts. Over the next three days, we will look at the truths surrounding a Christmas that is filled with joy and Christ Himself.

The first truth is that we must receive God’s gift to us.

Luke 2:8-13 “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them; and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

God gave the greatest gift of all when He gave Jesus, a gift that only eternity can measure. Across the manger is a shadow of the cross and an empty tomb. The very heart of Christmas can be found in a familiar verse, a verse we seldom associate with the Christmas season.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”

Christmas is not a date on the calendar but rather a way of life. Like the innkeeper, we are often guilty of posting a sign across the entrance of our hearts that reads, “No room!” We can participate in every festivity of the Christmas season, but until we receive the gift of Jesus Christ, we will never truly experience Christmas.

To have a Christ-centered Christmas, we must not only recognize Him as the center of a season, but the center of our entire life as well – every part of it – every day of the year. By human standards, Jesus could and should have been born in a palace, a mansion fit for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But He came to a manger, and His birth was announced by shepherds instead of Kings; the greatest of all miracles - in the midst of total simplicity. Even today, this extraordinary Jesus comes to us in the midst of our ordinary lives. He comes to be one of us.

It was Christmas Eve and the family was preparing to attend the church service. Everyone was going, everyone except Dad. He was an honest man, a good man, but he simply could neither understand nor accept the story of the baby in a manger. It was just too far-fetched for the human mind to conceive. How could God allow His Son to give up Heaven for Earth? Why would Jesus want to die for any man? The questions lingered and, not wanting to be a hypocrite, the man chose to stay home rather than sit in a pew with an unbelieving heart.

As his family went out into the cold wintry night, the man added a log to the fire and settled into his favorite chair to read the paper and wait for his family’s return. A knock at the window pulled him away from his peaceful reverie and glancing outside, he was stunned to see that the knocking sound was actually a small bird desperately trying to reach the warmth of the fire.

The man thought for a moment, contemplating a solution to the bird’s predicament. He opened the window but the bird wouldn’t come in. He tried opening the front door, but the bird refused his offer. Finally, the man grabbed his coat and stepped into the Christmas night and God’s plan. He trudged through the deepening snow, determined to save the tiny bird by opening the barn doors, convincing the little bird that the barn was safe and warm. Still, the bird refused his solution.

Frustrated, the man thought, “If only I could be a bird, for just a moment, I could lead the bird to safety.” Suddenly, the sound of church bells rang through the cold, dark night – and he knew. He finally understood the reason Jesus came - to be one of us – to lead us into the safety of His will.

“And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us.” Hebrews 2: 17-18 Wherever you are today, Jesus has been there and He understands. God has tucked a longing into Christmas, a longing for home. That longing can never be satisfied outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! That’s why He came. The first truth of a Christ-centered Christmas is to receive God’s gift - Jesus.



My prayer for today: Jesus, I am so tired of shallow and meaningless Christmas celebrations. This year, I want to experience you and a Christmas filled with your joy. Right now, I give myself to you and ask that you would forgive my sin and take control of my life. I invite you to reign as Lord and Savior. Thank you, Father, for your love and your mercy. I am yours. Amen.






Application Steps: If you prayed today’s prayer, I encourage you to read the following verses of scripture and consider the truths listed beside each one.

Romans 3:23 We all have sinned.

Romans 6:23 The price of sin is death, but God paid that price.

Romans 5:8 Jesus died for our sin.

Romans 10:13 When we call on God, He hears and saves us. Romans 8:38 Nothing and no one can separate us from God’s love. Share your decision with a friend. Begin reading your Bible, starting with the Gospel of John. Pray continually because if it is important to you, it is important to your God. Regularly attend a church that teaches the Bible. Seek out those who will encourage you in your faith walk.

December 21, 2004
"How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas", Part 2

Mary Southerland
Director of Development, Speaker, Author

http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/images/spacer.gifKey Verse:
Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (NIV)


Devotion:
Birthday parties are a lot of fun! Imagine with me a birthday party thrown in your honor. The house is decorated, the food is prepared, the festive music is playing and the guests arrive, arms filled with gifts, laughing with expectation and joy of the celebration ahead. The time comes to open gifts. Each person is seated as the brightly wrapped gifts are exchanged. Everyone receives a gift, everyone but you. I know, it is a ridiculous scenario. Yet, every year, thousands celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ by giving gifts to everyone in their lives but Him. What gifts does He want from us? What gifts are fit for the King? To answer that question, let's go back to that first Christmas to see what gifts Jesus received that first Christmas night.

Jesus received the gift of trust, found in the life of Mary, a young teenage girl who was engaged to Joseph. An angel appeared to Mary, telling her that she would bear a son called Jesus. She could not possibly have understood what the angel was saying, but she knew the One who sent him, and that was enough. Trust is a gift fit for a king.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus received the gift of obedience, found in the life of Joseph who was betrothed to Mary. In Jesus' day, a betrothal was legally binding. During the engagement, Mary became pregnant - and Joseph was not the father. His first reaction was to quietly divorce her but an angel delivered a message from God, "Keep her but do not sleep with her!" Joseph's response could have been many things, but the response he chose was obedience.

"If you love me, you will obey what I command."
John 14:15

Obedience is the choice to do what God wants us to do; not just an outward motion but an inner attitude. Father and son were on a mission - to find an ice cream cone. Scrambling into the front seat, the little boy stood beside his father, jumping up and down and yelling, "Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!" Before starting the car, the dad sat his son down and told him to buckle his seatbelt. The little boy stared at his father in rebellious silence. The determined father stared right back and finally said, "Son, we are not going anywhere until you sit down and buckle your seatbelt." Admitting defeat, the little boy sat down and buckled his seat belt, but through gritted teeth announced, "I may be sitting down on the outside, but I'm still standing up on the inside." Obedience is an inside job, a heart issue and is a gift fit for the king!

Jesus received the gift of praise, found in the life of the shepherds to whom the angels announced the good news of Jesus' birth. After seeing baby Jesus, they went on their own way praising God! Praise is a continual choice that we make again and again, until it becomes a habit. Don't allow anyone or any circumstance to steal your joy or keep you from praising God! Praise keeps us kneeling before the manger and is a gift fit for the King.

Psalm 50:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."

Jesus received the gift of sacrifice, found in the lives of the wise men that came, bringing costly gifts.

The wise men understood that worship always involves sacrifice. They brought gold, a precious metal, incense, a rare and costly product used in worship, and myrrh, an extravagant perfume like the one Mary used to wash the feet of Jesus.

"And I was a constant example to you in helping the poor; for I remembered the words of the Lord Jesus, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35

Sacrifice goes beyond what is required or expected. The best gift, the most precious gift should go to the One whose birthday we celebrate. This year, give a sacrificial gift in His name, a gift like trust, obedience, praise and sacrifice. In other words, the best Christmas gift we can give Jesus Christ is ourselves. The children's song says it beautifully:

"I'm gonna wrap up myself for Christmas
And tie me with a big red bow.
That's what I'm giving to Jesus.
It's a present He'll like I know."

To have a Christ-Centered Christmas we must receive the gift of Jesus and then give ourselves to Him.


My prayer for today:
Happy birthday, Jesus! I celebrate your birth and your life. Thank you for coming to earth as a baby, bringing life and hope to us all. I surrender to you. May each day be a celebration of Who you are in my life. In your name, I pray. Amen.

Application steps:
Have you ever given yourself to Jesus Christ? If not, right now, turn your life over to Him, knowing that He will transform it into more than you could ever dream. In your journal, record today's date and the step of obedience you just took. Then celebrate by baking a birthday cake for Jesus. Invite your family and friends, neighbors and strangers to join you in honoring the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Reflection Points:
What gifts have you given in past years, thinking they were gifts to God when, in reality, they were tokens of a broken life?

What gifts have you received from Him this year? What have you done with them?

What will you give Him this year?

Power Verses:
Luke 6:38 "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)

Luke 14:33 "Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." (NIV)

Acts 20:35 "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (NIV)

December 22, 2004 "How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas – Part 3" by Mary Southerland – Director of Development, Speaker, Author (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speaker_mary.htm)
Certified Speaker

(http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/devotions/printable.php?id=366)





Key Verse: Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (NIV)

Winston Churchill said, “We make a living through what we get, but we make a life through what we give.” The world would like us to believe that the success of Christmas depends upon how much we spend, how many presents we give or receive. While Christmas is about giving, budgets do not determine the success of our Christmas giving.

Giving is not dependent on the condition of your checkbook. Giving is dependent on the condition of your heart. Let me share some creative ways to give gifts that are straight from the heart.

1. A homemade gift

Giving something you make represents time and effort invested on the recipient’s behalf. Each year, we make hot chocolate for our neighbors, scoop it into decorated mason jars and deliver it to their doorstep. The best part is ringing the doorbell and the running like crazy! Our neighbors love it and it has become a prized family tradition.

2. Possession gift

Give something you already have, something that is of special value to you. Not your junk, but your treasure. Don’t ask the question, “What can I buy for Sally?” Ask the question, “What do I have that would mean a lot to Sally?” My pastor husband once mentioned in a sermon that he collects old Bibles. The next Christmas, one of our church members gave him an old and cherished family Bible. It is still one of Dan’s most precious gifts.

3. Gift of time

Time is a valuable gift because when we give thirty minutes of time, we are giving thirty minutes of life. When Dan was in seminary, we were always short on time and money. When Christmas came, one of our friends handed us a Christmas card with his gift inside, a coupon good for one afternoon of babysitting each week for the whole year. To this day, I still remember how thrilled I was when Scott handed us that card. Give a gift of time spent in prayer for a friend or an afternoon of errands run for an older friend. Time is a precious gift.

4. Gift of encouragement.

Tell someone what they mean to you. Write it down so they can read your encouraging words several times. Writing it down can help you say it better and requires more time and thought. You can also make a cassette tape of encouraging words and thoughts for those who can’t see well or for that hurried mom who spends much of her life in a car. In my bible, I have several notes tucked as bookmarks for special verses; notes of encouragement that have keep me on my feet during difficult times.

5. A blind gift

Give a gift to someone you don’t even know; a gift that is given in Jesus’ name, just because you love Him. I recently read an article about a millionaire who sets aside large sums of money at Christmas. Dressed in a disguise, he then walks the streets, pressing $100 bills into the hands of the needy. “It makes my whole year,” he says.

6. Secret gift

Give a gift to someone you know without them knowing who gave it. Give with no hidden motive and with no possible benefit to yourself. Like most newlyweds, Dan and I were on an extremely tight budget during the first years of marriage. At one point, we had no money for groceries, a fact we shared with no one but God. We wanted to see what He would do. Returning from church one Sunday night, we started up the steps to our mobile home. There, on the sidewalk, was a brown package. We hurriedly ripped off the paper to find a brick with two $100 bills taped to each side. We still don’t know who gave us that gift, but every time I think of them, I ask God to bless them for their secret gift. This year, make this Christmas your best Christmas by receiving His gift of Love, by giving yourself to Him and by sharing His love with others. Search for Him in every face. Watch for Him throughout each day and may this be a joy-filled Christmas and the beginning of a joy-filled year!



My prayer for today: May “God grant the light in Christmas which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ.” Amen.


Application Steps: Choose two of the creative gifts listed above and give them this holiday season.

"What Do You Want For Christmas?"

Micca Campbell
Director of Outreach, Speaker Team Member Certified Speaker

http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/images/spacer.gifKey Verse:
Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (NKJ)


Devotion:
If my children have been asked once, they have been asked at least a hundred times already. "What do you want for Christmas?"

So much of our focus this time of year is self-centered instead of Christ-centered. Our family is no different. As soon as a new catalog arrives in the mail, my children are flipping through the pages adding to their Christmas list. A list complied of all they wish for. Honestly, I find myself doing the same thing…making a list of things I desire.

When did Christmas become all about "me?" I think for most, we fall into this "me" trap and consequently miss Christmas altogether.

Christmas is about a person…God's Son. Our heavenly Father sent Him to us because He knew above all else that our greatest need was a Savior. That makes Christ the best Christmas gift ever! Our problem is that we seek Christ's blessings rather than seeking Him as if He were none other than Santa Claus. Why?

What about you? What do you want for Christmas this year…peace for your situation, joy for your sadness, assurance or comfort in your fears, or is it guidance for your future? Why not ask God for those things? His Word does say, "Ask, and it shall be given to you." The problem is we are asking for the wrong thing. Perhaps we haven't realized that all those things are wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ. If we have Him, we have it all!

God desires that we seek Him above all else, and then trust that He will provide whatever we need. Most of us tend to go about it in the wrong way - backwards. Our motive is for God to give us our longings, and then we will worship Him. We can learn an important lesson from the wise men that came seeking the Christ Child; not for what He could offer them, but simply to worship the King of all Kings. In doing so, they found the most valuable treasure of all…their Savior. God's Word says, "Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you." What is the "all else?" Anything you need, but it's Christ first!

How do we know we are seeking God? The Psalmist says it best in chapter 63:1, 3. "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Because your love is better than life itself." This Psalmist knows that nothing satisfies like a soul full of Jesus.

What do you want most this holiday season? Do you desire Christ's blessings more than you desire to know Him? Perhaps it's time to ask yourself why? On the other hand, if you desire to know the One who came to give you all you need, wrapped up in the person of His Son, then "ask, and it shall be given to you!" Begin with something like this, "Lord, more than anything, I desire You." That's all it take to experience Christmas the way it was meant to be…unforgettable!

My prayer for today:
Lord, I confess that I have sought your hand more than your heart. I have come to realize that what I desire the most is you. Please fill me with your presence so I may experience life this season and forever, the way you intended. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Application steps:
Take a self-examination test to determine if you are self-conscience or God-conscience. 1.) Am I a slave to dress, friends, or habits? 2.) Am I self-pitying, self-indulging, or self-justifying? 3.) Do I pray about how I spend my money or about the life decisions I make? 4.) Do I desire to spend time with God each day? 5.) Do I allow Him time to speak to me and then obey what He says? 6.) Does the Bible live in me so that Christ is real to others?
Reflection Points:
Do you spend most of your time asking God for things, or getting to know Him better?

Do you lack passion for God? Ask Him to give you the desire to know Him.

Are you apathetic to the things of God?

Is there any area of disobedience in your life?

Are you proud and self-sufficient, or do you live dependent on God?

Power Verses:
Revelation 3:16, So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. (NKJ)

Revelation 2:4, Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (NKJ)

Psalm 37:4, Delight thyself in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (NKJ)

Jeremiah 6:16, Thus says the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. (NKJ)

Matthew 5:6, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. (NKJ)

"Mary’s Heart" by Ramona Davis – Proverbs31 Certified Speaker (http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/speaker_ramona.htm)

Certified Speaker








Key Verse: And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” Luke 1: 46,47 (NIV)

I shuffled into my kitchen, plugged in the coffee pot then made my way into the den. The lights from the Christmas tree cast peaceful twinkles across the room where I was about to enjoy a special quiet time on this particular Christmas morning.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to read scriptures of our Lord’s birth. I snuggled up on the sofa and chose to read from the first Chapter of the Book of Luke. This account tells of Christ’s birth from Mary’s perspective. I did not expect God to open my eyes to so many truths all in one sitting!

The angel, Gabriel, was sent by God to deliver the wonderful message to Mary that she would be the mother of the Christ child. First, he told her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” Obviously, God had bestowed a special honor on Mary. She was a special recipient of His grace but I often wonder what God saw in the heart of Mary that caused Him to trust her with the Son of God. Why would she be called highly favored? The Bible says man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Mary’s heart was revealed by her response to this awesome encounter. I want to know what He saw in Mary’s heart. After all, my heart is the dwelling place for Jesus and I want my heart to be a place He wants to dwell.

Mary was very frightened to see this angel standing before her. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Fear - from one cover of my Bible to the other God tells me not to be afraid but I have been gripped with fear more times than I want to admit.

When my first son born was born prematurely, I was paralyzed with fear. When my first husband abandoned us, I was drowning in fear. I could go on and on. But I have learned that God is our Light and our Shield, a very present help in time of need. He desires that I trust Him and not be afraid, no matter what my circumstances. He asks that I cling to Him. My first response should be to pray and seek His direction, His comfort, and His peace. What are you facing in your life right now? Is fear threatening you like a heavy dark cloud? Seek Him through prayer, cling to Him, and Trust Him!

Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Gabriel told Mary that she had found favor with God. Favor (Charis) in the original Greek language means the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. Mary was obedient to the divine influence on her heart. Her life reflected her relationship with God.

Mary listened as Gabriel delivered the awesome message of Christ’s birth. Mary had a listening heart. Have you ever met anyone who talked non-stop? Always asking questions but not giving time to listen to the answers? Frustrating and annoying, isn’t it? I wonder if God feels that way when we come to Him in prayer, bombarding Him with our words. Do I take time to be still and listen to what God is trying to tell me? Do I slow down long enough to seek His voice? Am I spending quality time with Him daily in His Word and in prayer getting to know Him and learning to recognize His voice? Do I then make the necessary changes in order for my life to reflect my relationship with Jesus?

Mary asked a question in faith. In the 11th Chapter of Hebrews, we find the Hall of Fame of Spiritual Leaders. Noah got drunk, Abraham lied, Sarah laughed, Moses murdered and David committed adultery…. what did they all have in common? Faith! Are my questions to God cloaked in faith or unbelief? Gabriel answered her question and then said, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Perhaps you are facing a seemingly impossible situation – a problem that has you backed against a wall with no apparent way out. It doesn’t matter what problem, crisis, or challenge you are facing - God is able to do the impossible. We need to stop telling God how big our problems are and start telling our problems how big our God is.

Mary’s response to the astonishing message was, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Mary had plenty to worry about if she chose to do so. What would Joseph think? What would her parents think? What would other people think when her body would begin to show the new life growing in her? Mary didn’t ask God these questions. Mary was completely obedient and submitted to God’s plans because she fully trusted God. Mary had a heart ready to say, “Yes, Lord”.

My desire is to obey God quickly just as Mary did, without questioning, arguing or whining and in complete humble obedience. I want to always be ready to say, “Yes, Lord” to whatever Jesus asks me to do because I can trust in His goodness and plans. Is my heart pure? Am I seeking Him with my whole heart? Is fear or faith residing in my heart? Is it listening? Is it ready to say, “Yes, Lord”? Is my heart a place where He is at home?





My prayer for today: Lord, I want my heart to be a place that You are pleased to dwell. I open every room in my heart to You, Jesus. Where there is fear, replace it with faith in You. Help me make our relationship my first priority. I want to have a listening heart ready to obey You. I want to love you with all my heart. Amen.






Application S