Encouragement for Today - Aug. 8, 2007

August 6, 2007

The Jesus Bling

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD." Exodus 34:29 (NIV)

Devotion:

If you have been a member of our Proverbs 31 family for any number of years, you have probably noticed some changes. Many things have changed: our devotions, our magazine, our team and staff members, as well as our colors and logo.

The changes I am talking about are what I refer to as the "what not to wear" change. A few years ago Shari Braendel joined our team. With her special gifts of grace, love, and humor, she begin to slowly teach us "what not to wear" by educating us on what looks good and what does not look good on us as individuals. Shari is a breath of fresh air and I have grown to love her very much. Her workshops teach women that beauty comes from the inside and that it is ok to "decorate" the outside.

After being around Shari, I have developed a love for "bling." “Bling” is a relatively new word added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2003 and it refers to jewelry. Apparently my love for bling shows as recently a friend gave me a bracelet she made for me. It is a witnessing bracelet. The colors of the delicate stones recite Psalm 23. I squealed with delight when I opened the box and immediately put the bracelet on my wrist.

As I showed my husband the bracelet, I recited the Psalm, pointing to each stone. He complimented the bracelet then walked out of the room, only to return quickly and say, "You love your bling, don't you? But Jesus is your bling." I agreed, with both statements and laughed out loud at the possibility of the phrase being the subject of a devotion that I would write.

The Lord took my thoughts straight to Moses and his face as he came down from Mount Sinai after meeting with the LORD. I pondered the question, "Does my face radiate Jesus? Do those who see me know that I have met with the Lord?" How about you? Are you wearing the "Jesus bling?" Can others see a difference in you - the Jesus difference? Ask God how you can shine brighter for Him today. The simple truth is this phrase I borrow from my friend Lysa, "Others will not want to know about your Jesus until they see the reality of your Jesus in your life."

Dear Lord, Help me to gladly put on a garment of praise today. I want the desire of my heart to be making You famous. I desire to boldly and unashamedly proclaim Your glorious name in all that I say, think, and do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George

Reinventing Your Rainbow by Tracie Miles

What Not to Wear Workshop by Shari Braendel

Application Steps:

Set your alarm clock 15 minutes before you normally get up. Spend that extra time for the next 21 days with the Lord before you go to work. When others ask about the change in you, tell them about Jesus.

Reflections:

Do you reflect the countenance of Christ?

What have others learned about Jesus by looking at you?

What is God whispering to your spirit now about the meaning of today's devotion?

Is the King my bling?

Power Verses:

Psalm 40:4a, "Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust." (AMP)

Psalm 42:11, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. (NASB)

Psalm 89:15, "How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance." (NASB)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

www.Proverbs31.org