Family Christian

Boyd Bailey

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

Satan is the original liar. Jesus branded him the “father of lies.” Yes, he is ever planning and scheming  how he can bring down devoted followers of Christ. Apathetic believers do not concern hell, but those with a fiery faith become targets of the tempter. Like an illusionist the devil and his demons play mind games on their prey. They paint pictures with an allure of reality, but when played out become foolish ploys. Only fools chase the false promises of evil spirits.

Moreover, the father of lies leads us to live in confusion and doubt. His goal is for us to reject  God’s existence. The pinnacle of pride is to think we are the center of the universe and we have no need to acknowledge a Creator. But, if we do believe in God, then “Lucifer the liar” wants us to think we become equal to God. If we believe this absurdity, we become an idol and fall into temptation in the process. Like a camouflaged snake he waits to subtly strike with a lie.

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

Another weapon in Satan’s arsenal of lies is to educate fools into believing he is a myth. He is like a stealth bomber, sneaking up  and destroying unsuspecting victims. A modern culture that rejects the reality of evil personified by the devil and his demons is an unprotected target of hell’s fury. Yes, lying is the native tongue of your enemy, but truth is the language of your Lord Jesus. So, be teachable to the Father of Truth, and He will set you free from the deceptions of the devil.

Lastly, be careful to not exchange the truth for a lie. The truth is, because you are loved and forgiven by your heavenly Father, you can love and forgive. The truth is you are beautifully and uniquely created in the image of God. The truth is Christ died and rose from the dead to forgive your sins and give you abundant life. The truth is humility qualifies you to grow in grace. The truth is greatness comes by becoming a servant. The truth is Jesus has defeated the devil...period!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Prayer: Heavenly Father by Your Spirit give me a discerning heart that resists the devil with truth.

Related Readings: Isaiah 14:12-15; Romans 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 15:23-25; 1 Peter 5:8-9

Post/Tweet today: Lying is the native tongue of our enemy, but truth is the language of our Lord Jesus. #truth

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry

info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com

Suzie Eller

"Love is patient. Love is kind." 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV)

I knew what it was like to sit on a curb and weep, wanting to run away. I knew how it felt to be locked in a closet by an older sibling. I knew what it meant to feel fear as a parent grabbed a gun and threatened suicide.

But when I became a Christian at 15, I didn't know anything about what it meant to live a Christian life.

I didn't understand Jesus or His love. Although far from mature in my faith, the Christian adults in my small church began to show me what His love looked like. Without knowing my story, they still reached out and touched my life.

I was drawn in to my faith by the presence of God and His spirit, but grew in faith because of caring and well-meaning people. They taught Sunday school and youth group. They shushed us when we talked too loud during service. They herded teens onto the bus every Sunday afternoon so we could go to the nursing homes and sing, letting wrinkled hands rest on our smooth ones.

Looking back, I know I was trying at times. Like the time I kissed the boy on the youth group hayride. Or when I shared my testimony for the first time and uttered a curse word in the middle. I ran out of the room in embarrassment, but a woman found me outside. "Maybe you could say it a different way next time," she said with a smile. Her hug made me feel safe and accepted.

Maybe there's a behaviorally challenged teen in your world. They act on impulse. They say things that make you cringe. They run hard after God, but fall just as hard in the process.

And yet you keep loving them, teaching them about God, and showing them their life matters to God. Maybe their home life is a secret, like mine was. Lots of teens need spiritual moms and dads because the only way they'll see Jesus is through you.

A few years ago I visited my old church. When I thanked a couple, now in their golden years, for all that they had done, the response was, "We didn't do that much. We just loved you kids."

What they didn't realize is their love helped that sometimes annoying teen with a very hard home life grow up to be a good mom, a loving wife, and a grandma whose life is wrapped in Jesus. I want them to know that every word I write, every message I speak, every time I kneel and pray with someone to know Christ, it is linked back to that group of faithful adults who loved me right where I was. Their patient example showed me Jesus. It inspired me to work with teens for years and to open our home to teens in crisis.

One day in eternity I know they'll understand. But for now I want them to know they transformed my life.

I'll always be grateful. Maybe you're grateful to someone too.

Dear Lord, help me to be faithful to show Your love to a teen or a child who needs it. Help me to be patient and serve as an example. We don't know every story but You do. Thank You that small acts of faithfulness can be multiplied in Your hands. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:
To impact a teen, you can:

• Open your home to your children's friends for a fun night.
• Pay a teen's way to youth camp or a mission trip (if parents aren't involved, they normally don't get to go)
• Ask your youth pastor if there is an at-risk teen in the church. Commit to pray for them daily.

Power Verses:
1 Timothy 2:1, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them." (NLT)

1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV)

© 2013 by Suzie Eller. All rights reserved.

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

Boyd Bailey

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

God’s armor is required for followers of Jesus to defeat the enemies of Jesus. Spiritual surprise attacks increase for those serious students of Scripture who decrease their status for the sake of the gospel. The devil is determined to deter disciples of Christ who wage spiritual warfare on their knees in prayer. However, the armor issued by heaven has never lost a battle. Like wooden arrows striking titanium, Satan’s schemes are no match for God’s defensive gear. He’s a loser.

Have you, by faith, put on the full armor of God? Or are you exposed to suffering wounds by wearing half the world’s armor and half heaven’s protection? Indeed, the armor of the world: financial security, status and autonomy all seek placement in your spiritual protection. However, these are pseudo protectors of your mind, body, soul and spirit. Temporal trusts facilitate a false sense of security, but only trust in the Lord’s protection provides eternal security. You stand firm in Him.

But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. Luke 11:22

Spiritual battles require spiritual resources. Furthermore there are evils forces behind our fractured relationships and the conflicting desires within our heart. Beyond the surface of our struggles are demonic spirits with evil intent. Therefore, we intentionally and prayerfully put on the full armor of God, so we are equipped to engage the enemy. We speak the name of Jesus and fluster Satan’s foray to get us to doubt. “In Jesus'name,” fuels our faith and frustrates the devil.

Lastly, God’s defense for you is an armor of light. Yes, His protection exposes and expunges the devil’s deeds done in darkness. The light of the Lord’s armor shines on your path, so you are able to confidently take your next steps in His will. You are a child of the light, thus, walk in the light as He is in the light. Awaken to Almighty God’s ability to resource you with His weapons of righteousness. Disrobe any worldly armor and cover your whole being in the full armor of God.

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12

Prayer: Heavenly Father by faith I put on Your full armor so I can stand firm in You.

Related Readings: Psalm 35:1-3; Jeremiah 46:3-5; Ephesians 4:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Post/Tweet today: When we speak and act in Jesus' name, it fuels our faith and frustrates the devil. #jesusname

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry

info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com

Van Walton

"He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross, ... refining them like gold and silver..." Malachi 3:3 (NLT)

I wasn't happy with the turn of events in my life. In fact "not happy" didn't begin to describe my emotional free fall.

Devastated. Petrified. Paralyzed. Lost. Angry. Disbelief. Even somewhat crazed. Now those adjectives described me.

"Not me!" I continually repeated. Never in my wildest imagination would I have dreamed that my life could end up here.

During this time of near inconsolable anguish, my cousin sent wise and comforting words: "Remember, either God sent it or He has allowed it."

Her words helped me understand God was in control and there had to be a reason behind this circumstance.

Either God sent it or He allowed it.

I found myself contemplating this phrase. It made total sense. Slowly, peace replaced anguish. Acceptance replaced anger. Submission replaced unbelief. Could God be allowing these circumstances to change something in me? Was God granting permission for me to go through this fire for a specific reason?

Malachi 3:3 is a picture of a silversmith purifying the precious metal. God shares this word picture to let us know that He is the silversmith refining us; He's who burns away the dross, which is something that is base, trivial, or inferior. In other words, not necessary or helpful.

Most of us would agree that life's trials can feel like a punishment. Major disruptions seem like they're meant to make us miserable. The truth is, God transforms us with each trial we experience. He is removing the "dross" or imperfections from us. Each time we survive a major ordeal we grow stronger, wiser, more prepared for the next challenge. We are conquerors and overcomers with God's help.

Ordeals, hardships, distresses are permitted by God for our perfection. Either He permits them or He plans them. If God has intentionally laid out a troublesome path for us, He has a purpose.

But it's not always about us. God might place pain, suffering or distraction on our path to teach others about His love, steadfastness, and mercies. The way we react to stress reflects what we believe about God, and allows others to see His faithfulness.

Few of us are immune to desperate circumstances. But sometimes they are the best way for God to perfect us. He wants to display us as His showpiece to give the world hope. We don't always feel good about God's higher ways. They hurt. They stretch. I know. I have felt the pain, the pull, the piercing agony.

However, if God plans my circumstances, then I have to trust He has a purpose. I believe He sends "assignments" so we can show the world that He is worthy to trust and has good plans. If I model confidence in Him, I'm announcing to the world, with my actions and attitude, our great God knows exactly what He is doing with my life.

Nothing compares to knowing and trusting the Lord is in control ... especially when everything around me feels unstable. He won't permit or plan something difficult for us to walk through without having a greater purpose behind it. One that will make us holier, more like Him, and shine His glory. Our experience is not in vain!

Holy Father, the anguish I feel when life slams me seems to be more than I can handle. Give me strength to push on. Remind me of Your peace and keep me focused on the truth that You have a greater plan and purpose. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Our hope is found in the truth of Scripture. Connect with God in the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible, featuring devotions from all our Proverbs 31 Ministries writers.

An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell

Reflect and Respond:
Think back to a time you faced a difficult hurdle. What was it? How did it affect you? What did you learn from the experience? Can you say today that God brought you through it and you learned deep spiritual lessons as a result?

Consider the lives of great men and women of God. Be reminded that the majority of them grew to greatness through trials and tribulations.

Power Verses:
Matthew 5:14,16, "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ...let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (NLT)

Romans 12:2b, "...let God transform you into a new person." (NLT)

© 2013 by Van Walton. All rights reserved.

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

Boyd Bailey

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

A body fails for lack of strength, but the human spirit is sustained by strength in God. Yes, God our Savior takes us from strength to strength. His strength gives spiritual discernment to dismiss temporal taunts of discouragement and provides insight to embrace eternal encouragement. Yes, the world offers weakness. Guilt and shame from sinful activity is exhausting, but prayer and perseverance in righteousness are rejuvenating. God’s strength gives focus to walk in wise ways.
Have the wiles of the devil worn you down? Has uncertainty rattled your faith? If so, lean into the Lord and tap into His everlasting strength. Belief in Him will get you through another day and He will arm you with courage to face future temptations. Jesus gives you enough strength for today and you can still trust Him with the cares of tomorrow. Hope in the Lord will renew your strength. Like an IV tube channels liquid nutrients to the body, so hope gives stamina to the soul.
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Those in power succeed well when they depend on Divine power for their success. His mighty power gives us wisdom to know the best decisions to make. His mighty power delivers us from disease and gives us determination to overcome injustice. His mighty power empowers us with inner energy to toil on when we are tired and say no to sin when we are tempted. Indeed, God’s tower of power suffers no outages, it's live 100% of the time! He gives us power to share Jesus.

Therefore, as a child of God you are not powerless, but you are empowered by your heavenly Father to be strong in Him. Satan shudders when he sees you in quiet contemplation with Jesus. The enemy knows his deceit and lies are exposed under the powerful light of the Lord. Wise are you to let your weakness become the Lord’s strength. Smart are you to submit your strengths to your Savior, so they are powered by His Holy Spirit. Yes, strong and mighty are you in Christ!

I [Paul] pray you will know his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead. Ephesians 1:19-20
Prayer: Heavenly Father you are my strength and shield. Thanks for empowering me for You.
Related Readings: Psalm 27:14; Haggai 2:4; Acts 2:24; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Colossians 1:29

Post/Tweet today: Jesus gives you enough strength for today and you can still trust Him with the cares of tomorrow. #strength

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry
info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com

Wendy Pope

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

Efficiency is my middle name. I like to get things done and get them done fast. Waiting for my computer to re-load a web page, or my kids to find their shoes, or even for God to come through on a prayer request isn't something I always do with patience.

In our hurry up, need it, gotta-have-it-now culture, it's easy to think we shouldn't have to wait. Think about it: within seconds we can know the weather in southern Mongolia, order a cute blouse from a trendy store, or move dinner from the freezer to the table in five minutes thanks to microwaves. We can instant message our mom or send a tweet to thousands in the blink of an eye. No wonder waiting is hard!

King David, the author of Psalm 27:14 was no stranger to waiting and knew full well of its difficulties. So when David wrote, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD," it was with experience honed through years of waiting to fulfill God's destiny for him. That destiny started in the humble home of his father Jesse, and in the pasture herding sheep.

It started when the prophet Samuel showed up at Jesse's home to anoint the next king of Israel who was to be chosen from his family. Only one of Jesse's sons would be anointed. That son was David.

Scripture tells us the Spirit of God rushed over David and was with him the remainder of his days (1 Samuel 16:13 ESV). With such an anointing one would expect David to run to take his seat on the throne. But the only running David did was back to the pasture and his sheep.

Thus his wait began.

In the wait, God prepared David to be king. However, the only vocation David had known was shepherding. He did not know the ins and outs of kingly protocol or the rules of royal deity. David did not have the support of the people or armies to defend him as king. He was only a lowly shepherd boy. Instead of taking the position he was promised, David waited for God to move him from the pasture to the palace.

In the wait, God readied David by teaching many lessons about waiting. By examining and applying these truths we can find hope in the difficulty of waiting, and see how waiting now can be beneficial to our future.

Even though we are anointed and appointed we may still have to wait. David waited 15 years to be king of Judah and even longer to be king of all Israel.

If we allow it, our waiting will bring us to an intimate knowledge of God that we would not otherwise have. Most of David's beautiful and poetic psalms were written while in caves, caverns, and the wilderness, waiting on God.

God does not ignore the cries of His children. David cried and begged God for help, intervention, and defense. God never let David down.

Our waiting has a purpose for someone other that ourselves. It's not all about us. Just think of how rich our lives are today because of the wait David endured. We have the comfort, compassion, hope, and healing of the Psalms.

What awesome instructions David's life gives for waiting! Waiting is less difficult and the future is brighter when we let God do His work in our waiting season. When we let our guard and defenses down, we're open to seeing how faithful He is to bring His plans for our lives to fullness.

Dear Lord, help me wait well. I want be patient as You bring Your plan in my life to its fullness. I can't do this without You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:
Read more about David's life starting in 1 Samuel 16.

What is your first response to waiting?

Do you grow closer to or further from God when waiting? Why?

What has God taught you in today's devotion about waiting?

Power Verse:
Psalm 27:4, "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple" (NIV 1984)

Isaiah 40:31, "... but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV 1984)

Lamentations 3:24, "I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'" (NIV)

© 2013 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.

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

Boyd Bailey

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.   Exodus 13:17-18

Shortcuts are seductive because they are appealing and inviting. Shortcuts caress our pride, stroke our ego, and garner immediate gratification. We sometimes seek shortcuts while driving, preparing for school exams, career advancement, marriage maturity, parenting skills, financial success, and spiritual development. Shortcuts are attractive to your clever side because you think that, with enough ingenuity and smarts, you can bypass the normal rite of passage. However, the downside of shortcuts is that their promise of a faster way may be short-circuiting God’s best. Just because it is easier does not qualify it as the will of God. In fact, ease of execution may be evidence against God’s will. Instead, a season of suffering may be His plan (1 Peter 4:19).

So, do not depend on circumstances alone as the compass of where God is leading you. You may feel pressure from people, pride, politics, or finances to take the most expedient route. But be careful because expedience can be an excuse for the impatient and the distrusting. If you miss this opportunity there will be others, for God is much bigger than this one deal. Do not underestimate His wisdom in taking you through this laborious and sometimes painful process. It will be worth the wait because it is the process that is preparing you for His next steps. If you rush through the process you may miss God’s best.

Many times, He is unconventional in His approach. This is the nature of God, for He will not be hemmed in or backed into a corner. Cut God some slack by giving Him the latitude to lead you however and wherever He desires. Just because a friend of yours went down a similar road does not mean you should follow. God’s will for you may be just the opposite. One thing is for sure: He will get the glory when you are patient to follow Him in trust and obedience. God’s glory is your goal (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Since the glory of God is your objective, keep God’s glory as your litmus test, and your other initiatives will take care of themselves. The shortcut is tempting, but it may be more complicated than you can comprehend for now. Its complexity will certainly compound if you have to backtrack from the shortcut and start all over again. It is much better to wait and do this once and for all. There will certainly be adjustments along the way, but have faith in God that He is facilitating His will even if some of your questions remain unanswered. He’s got your back even though the enemy may be breathing down your neck and whispering words of doubt. God is in control. It is much better to take the longer route with God than the shorter one without Him.

Travel instead, on the proven path of Providence. Faith in Christ rejects seductive shortcuts.

Post/Tweet: Have faith in God that He is facilitating His will even if some of your questions remain unanswered. #faith

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com

Boyd Bailey

“Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food” (Proverbs 12:9).

Unpretentious living is an invitation to down-to-earth interaction with others. Rest and relaxation attend to those who are true to themselves without acting like someone they are not. However, pretentious speech and behavior require extra energy to engage with their environment. Contentment is illusive and intimacy is an illusion. I become the most stressful when I feel I have to live up to something or be someone I am not.

Moreover, when you are real, not fake, your friends feel the freedom to be the same. You give off energy instead of forever sucking it from others. In honesty I often ask myself, “Am I being myself, or am I trying to dress, talk, drive a certain car, or live in a high-status neighborhood that is motivated by a need to be somebody I am not?” Pretense is birthed out of pride, but humility is the fruit of unpretentious living.

Jesus is clear, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11 nasb).  In Christ you are somebody. High or low net worth, small or large home, new or used car, prestigious university or common college, in Him you are somebody. You are somebody to your Savior Jesus.

The Bible says, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Out of your simple faith and modesty, the Lord takes center stage of your life. Humility positions you to point people to heaven. Therefore, keep your life unencumbered so people can see your Savior shine forth. Ask yourself, “Whom am I trying to impress, people I really do not know or the Lover of my soul, Jesus?”

The Bible says, “Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:12).

Prayer: How can I be more authentic and open with my spouse, children, and work associates?

Related Readings: 1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 13:7; Romans 2:28; 1 Peter 3:3

Post/Tweet: Pretense is birthed out of pride, but unpretentious living is the fruit of humility. #humility

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com

Boyd Bailey

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

Love’s failure rate is zero. It has never scored a grade of “F” on any life exam. There is a 100% guarantee when love is applied it will succeed. For example, love finds a person stuck in their sins and woos them back into a loving relationship with the Lord and their loved ones. It finds a way to work things out when a disagreement erupts over conflicting opinions. Yes, love by nature is set up for success, it is always reliable. Love is the default behavior for Jesus followers.

We love ourselves when we die to ourselves. Indeed, we are set up for success as servants of Jesus when our love is other centered. So in marriage we seek to out serve each other, we value our spouse’s needs above our own. Our selfless love brings out the best in our mates. Yes, we migrate from a motivation of having our way to a satisfaction in seeing it their way. Successful marriages are built on selfless love. We are blessed, when we choose to first bless our best friend.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. John 12:24-26, ESV

Is your language laced with love? Are your actions accompanied by love? If so, you are a raving success in God’s eyes. Look for ways to love and you will never lack opportunities to love. Be a successful lover of the Lord and people you will be energized by obedience to God’s greatest commands. Everyday you love is everyday you succeed for your Savior. Today, in Jesus name, love every human being you meet at their point of need. Why? Because He first loved you!

The Lord’s love doesn’t fail for one-second. You may feel like a failure, but His love lifts you up to live another day for Him. Your circumstances will not consume you, because Christ’s love is your protection. Like a fire retardant blanket the love of God shields you from the fiery flames of fear. If you run away, His love does not stay away. When you make mistakes, His mercies are new every morning. You succeed when you are loved by your Heavenly Father’s unfailing love!

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3:22

Prayer: Heavenly Father thanks for loving me to be a lover on Your behalf.

Related Readings:Numbers 11:23; Psalm 103:11; Romans 13:8; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 John 4:19

Post/Tweet today: Love migrates from a motivation of having our way to a satisfaction in seeing it their way. #love

© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry

info@mail.wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com

Amy Carroll

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

"How are you doing?" she asked. "I heard about the death of your grandmother and have been thinking about you." My eyes widened in surprise and pleasure as I recognized my friend Melanie's voice on the phone. She's a friend I dearly love, but we live long-distance and don't stay in close touch.

I told her about my sadness, but also my joy over the fullness of my grandmother's life. We chatted about old friends, kids and church with the ease that a long-time friendship brings. However, I started to wonder when we'd get to the reason for her call. Finally, there was a pause, and she explained that she needed to go back to her work.

I was stunned. That was it?

There was no other agenda or hidden need? No. Melanie had just carved out the time in her day to call and check on me.

A phone call from a friend is always appreciated. But for Melanie to call meant even more, because she is a young widow whose husband died suddenly. She is dealing with raising children, running a business they used to manage as a couple and all the other curve-balls life inevitably throws her way. Yet she made time in her day just to check in with me. I told her how grateful I was she had been so intentional and kind.

That’s when Melanie shared what happened after her husband's death. Worship time at church was when the floodgates of her grief opened. She would often stand and cry throughout the service, pouring out her heart to God and receiving comfort from Him. And there was one woman who often sat by Melanie and silently held her hand.

One woman.

In silence.

Offering the ministry of presence.

A profound gift.

Melanie continued, describing the impact this gesture made on her. "I've learned how much sharing time means. If I can only run by and take a cake to someone who is hurting, I do it. All of life's busyness can be overwhelming, but I make time for people now. People are the most important thing."

I thought of how my friend reflects Jesus—of how Jesus made people more important than His to-do list. There were so many He stopped for. Countless faces in the crowds who made Him pause, just because.

The woman rejected by others for her many husbands.

The despised tax collector.

The woman who had despaired of ever being healed.

The men who gave up everything to follow Him.

The list could go on and on.

I think about the day's to-do list. A long list. There are lines and lines of things to do that aren't checked off yet, calling for my attention and time. They're all important, but how do I process my list through today's key verse, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12)? How do I become more like Jesus, numbering my days aright so that I might gain a heart of wisdom?

I think I'll start a fresh to-do list and take a lesson from Melanie. My new first line on my checklist: "Be more like Jesus. Make people important today."

Dear Lord, I need Your help to plan my day with Your priorities. You know how task-driven I can be. Will You teach me to put people first? Sensitize my spirit to listen to Yours and to pause for people like You would. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflect and Respond:
Pray and ask God to reveal "just because" pauses that He's created as you go through your day.

When has someone reached out to you with no other agenda than to care for you? How did God reveal Himself in that act of kindness?

Have you ever reached out to someone when they were hurting with no other agenda than to care for them?

Power Verses:
1 John 4:19, 21, "We love because he first loved us ... And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." (NIV)

John 15:12-13, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (NIV)

© 2013 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

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