Wonderful Counselor

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Melanie Chitwood

When life gets me really down, I need more than a friend. I need a Wonderful Counselor! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One morning as I read my Bible, God encouraged me that I was not alone as I faced different challenges. He reminded me that Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor.

I love that this is one of the names for Jesus in the Bible. When I don’t know how to be a good mom to my sons or more supportive of my husband, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. When I want to offer help to my friend or a family member whose life seems to be coming apart, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor.

He’s the one I can turn to to talk about these challenges and gain wisdom and insight.

So, maybe its time we get know Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor and take whatever concerns or challenges we face to Him. For more ideas on how to do this, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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White Noise, free devotion by Susanne Scheppmann

Women's Devotional Bible (NIV)

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The Next Dr. Phil

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I might be living with the next Dr. Phil. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have two sons that truly never argue. Now, before you paint unrealistic pictures of perfection for my household, know that I have other kids that more than make up for their brothers’ lack of disagreements. But Mark and Jackson don’t struggle with this. So, the other day I asked my son Jackson about how he and Mark get along so well.

His reply was quite simple. He said, “Mom, if Mark does something that gets on my nerves I just tell him that I don’t like him doing that. And then he says okay and stops doing it.”

Wow. That’s good advice. We seem to make all this relationship stuff so complicated. So, maybe I need to interject a little less complication- a little more gentle honesty- and some very basic listening skills. Thanks son.

For more relationship encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Me First!, free devotion by Karen Ehman

Dwelling by Marybeth Lagerborg

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Using Your GiftsRadio

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Has God given you a gift that’s still in its original packaging? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend shared how she was hesitant to volunteer in her church because she didn’t think she had any gifts to offer. I helped her make a list of her abilities. She likes to encourage people and work with details.

We brainstormed ways she could give those gifts away. Since she’s encouraging and likes details she notices little things people do well. So she started telling people when she saw things others may not notice. She also started sending a note each week to a leader in her church describing how God appreciates the way they serve their community.

Do you have the gift of encouragement? A little note can mean so much to someone who may feel forgotten or discouraged. No matter what gifts you have, God wants you to open them up and give them away! For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

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What Can I Bring, free devotion by Amy Carroll

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

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Your Dreams

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m an ordinary woman. Dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and carpools greet me every day. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Most days I wake up with peace in my heart because, despite the realities of daily life, I’ve found the purpose for which God created me. I’m living out the dreams He tucked in my heart.

God created me to be a wife, a mother, and a friend. He also created me to speak His truth and invite others to live a life that makes a difference for Jesus.

What’s your dream?

Maybe the day to start following the dreams God put in your heart is today. But, things may not change dramatically. The path to a fulfilled dream is filled with ordinary days brimming with ordinary chores… surrendered to an extraordinary God.

Oh, and if your dream has anything to do with speaking, writing, or leadership in women’s ministry, find some encouragement at Proverbs 31.org.

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Pursuing Jesus Above All, free devotion by Micca Campbell

Leading Women to the Heart of God by Lysa TerKeurst

Listening Out Loud

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I was trying to listen to God, but it was so quiet - I got distracted! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I listen to a friend, her voice keeps me focused on what she’s saying, but when I listen to God, I can’t hear Him audibly so my thoughts will often interrupt my listening.

The other day I decided to listen to God out loud. I asked Him questions out loud and then said out loud what I sensed His Spirit saying to me. I know it sounds crazy but it was powerful! The things I heard God speaking to my heart were verses I’ve read in the Bible, things Jesus said to His friends, and things that reminded me of God’s unchanging character. I didn’t say what I wanted to hear. I truly listened for God’s voice in my heart and then repeated it out loud.

I ended up having the most amazing day filled with joy and peace because His Words were etched in my memory. For more ways to listen to God, visit Proverbs31.org

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The Gift of Listening, free devotion by Renee Swope

Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

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Fear- LESS

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Having 5 kids I know the fear moms face on a daily basis that something might happen to one of their children. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know fear’s paralyzing affects; how it makes you want to tuck your kids under your wing and never let them leave your side. But I also know this isn’t how God wants us to handle our fears. It wouldn’t be healthy for my kids to never spread their wings and fly.

So, I read God’s truth found in the Bible. And, I use the words about His protection as I pray. I verbalize my trust in God. And I make the choice to rest in the assurance of His promises.

The minute fear starts to creep in and haunt my heart, I repeat this cycle. Does it mean that nothing bad will ever happen to my children? No. Does it mean that my heart can finally find peace past the fear that could consume me? Absolutely!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Fear-Less, Thank-Full by Lysa TerKeurst

Fear or Faith, free devotion by Melanie Chitwood

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Leading So Kids Will Follow

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Michelle Weber

I get so excited when I actually see God working! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other night my friend, Michelle, saw God work in her family.

As everyone sat down to dinner, the whining started. “I need a new notebook;” “When can I re-do my room?”

Rather than lecturing on needs vs. wants, Michelle started talking about the great day she’d had. It was nothing out of the ordinary but she simply talked about how thankful she was for each normal thing. Then she asked her daughters what they were thankful for.

There was a long pause at first, but after a little thought, they got on a roll: “I’m thankful Mom jumped on the trampoline with us,” “I’m thankful Bella didn’t get out of the yard again,” and, “I’m thankful Emily didn’t get hurt at practice.” Now they were getting somewhere!

You know, our children usually reject lessons they hear in our lectures so like my friend, Michelle, let’s lead the way and bring them along with us.

For more parenting encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Linger Just A Moment Longer, free devotion by Lysa TerKeurst

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Five-Star Families: Moving Yours from Good to Great by Carol Kuykendall