Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

August 20, 2008

I found a nice site today and am going to start another thread, not just for the ladies, but that is the title and I will leave it as such. I will see just how much we like this.....let me know your feelings......Hugs and God bless, Judy

I Want, I Need, God Wants Me to Have
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"But godliness with contentment is great gain," (1 Timothy 6:6 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Mary Elizabeth was strolling down the cookie aisle at Wal-Mart with her three-year-old daughter, Sarah, who was riding comfortably in the "front seat" of the shopping buggy. Suddenly, Sarah spied a box of sugar cookies that were coated with pink icing and decorated with multi-colored sprinkles.

Her eyes brightened with enthusiasm as she put on her best cherub face.  "Mommy, I want those cookies."

"Oh, Sarah," replied her mom, "we don't need any cookies today.  We have plenty at home.  Maybe another time."

Ten minutes later, as Mary Elizabeth passed through the checkout line, Sarah tried again. "Mommy, I need those cookies."

"No, Sarah, you don't need those cookies.  We have plenty at home, and I'm not buying cookies today."

Finally, as they pulled out of the Wal-Mart parking lot, Sarah gave it one last try. "Mommy, I think God wants me to have those cookies."

I laughed as my friend told me her story. It was a nervous laugh because for just a moment, I saw myself riding through life in a shopping buggy, pointing at first one thing and then another whining, "I want...I need...God wants me to have."

Sarah had already learned our mechanism for justifying our whims.  Whether it's sugar cookies with sprinkles on top or a new red convertible, given enough time we can justify our wants following that same progression. For Sarah, she went from I want to I need to God wants me to have in a matter of minutes.  For us, it may take a little longer, but the tendency is still there.

However, God is very clear in His promise to supply everything we need which may be a far cry from everything we want.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me when I act like a child and want more.  Forgive me when I go from "I want" to "God wants me to have" in the blink of an eye.  I know You desire me to have a thankful heart - a contented heart that wants only one thing...more of You.  I say with the Psalmist, "The Lord is my Shepherd.  I have everything I need." In Jesus' Name, Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Have you ever justified your wants by saying that God wants you to have them?

Ouch!  That hurts, doesn't it?

Ponder these two verses today:

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3 NIV).

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new devotional book, Extraordinary Moments with God.  Come with Sharon as she dusts for God's fingerprints that change ordinary days into extraordinary moments.  As you explore this treasury of stories highlighting "God moments" in the lives of fellow travelers, you too will begin to sense His presence in extraordinary ways.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Catwoman]

This appears interesting...I'll have to look into it further.

[Judy Harder]

August 21, 2008
Check Your Heart
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
James 3:3-4 (NLT) "We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.  And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong."

Friend to friend
With just two words, "meat loaf", Dan will immediately suggest that it would be a great night to eat out.  The kids run for the car, willing to eat anywhere without the usual argument. Words are powerful and affect how we live!  In today's power verses, James compares the tongue to a bit in the mouth of a horse and to the rudder of a ship, two small things that exercise great power. A small bit enables the rider to control the whole horse as a small rudder enables the pilot to steer a large ship. With one word, a life can change direction because words lead to deeds.

In a small country church, an altar boy who was serving the priest at Sunday mass accidentally dropped the glass of wine. The priest struck the boy and shouted, "Get out and don't come back!"  That boy became Tito, the Communist leader. In another cathedral, an altar boy who was serving the bishop at Sunday Mass, accidentally dropped the glass of wine. With a warm twinkle in his eyes, the bishop gently whispered, "Someday you will be a priest." That boy grew up to become Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

The power of the spoken word is great! The bit in a horse's mouth and the rudder of a ship must be under the control of a strong hand in order to accomplish what they were created to accomplish. So must the tongue.  When God controls our tongue, He controls us!  I once heard someone say that we should pray "Lord, keep your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth."  The guidance you give or the direction your life takes is strongly related to the words you speak or refuse to speak. Your tongue directs your life.

A minister was making a wooden trellis to support a climbing vine. As he was pounding away, he noticed a little boy watching him. The youngster didn't say a word, so the preacher kept on working, thinking the boy would leave -- but he didn't.  Pleased at the thought that his work was being admired, the pastor finally said, "Well, son, trying to pick up some pointers on gardening?" "No," the boy replied. "I'm just waiting to hear what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer." 

What is inside our heart will eventually work its way out in our character. Matthew 12:34-35 simply and clearly states, "The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart. Good people have good things in their hearts, and so they say good things. But evil people have evil in their hearts, so they say evil things."  When Jesus Christ is the Lord of the heart, then He is Lord of the lips as well. Check your heart.

Every time I go to the doctor, the first thing he asks me to do is to stick out my tongue.  The last time I went, he asked me that same question, but I was ready. "Why does every office visit begin with sticking out my tongue?"  His answer surprised me! "The health of the tongue is a strong indicator of how healthy the whole body is!"  The control of the tongue begins in the heart.

Proverbs 10:20 "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value."

An obedient heart is under the control of Jesus Christ.  In order to tame the tongue, we don't need to turn over a new leaf. We need a new life, and there is only one who has the power to give us a new life -- Jesus Christ.  When Jesus Christ comes into our life, He makes everything new and He starts with the heart.  A new heart produces a new mouth.  Is it time to check your heart?

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for Your power to change a life. I praise You for the changes You have brought about in my own life.  Please examine my heart for any contamination!  Make me aware of how the words I speak and write come across to others.  Help me learn how to use my words as a tool for encouragement and growth in the lives of those to whom I speak.  Today, I choose to make a new commitment to speaking right words from a right heart.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Think back over your day. How would you rate the health of the words you have spoken today?  Were they destructive or helpful?

Think back to a time when the harsh words of someone wounded you. How did those words make you feel? 

Is there someone who has suffered at the hand of your words?  Are you willing to make it right?  Make a time this week to contact that person, asking for forgiveness. 

More from the Girls
This one is tough for me because I seem to enjoy filling the empty air space with the sound of my own voice. How about you?  I have seen so many circumstances in which the hurt and pain all started with one cruel word.  Each word we speak to our children either builds them up or tears them down.  A marriage can be saved or destroyed by the words that spill out of our heart. Time to check your heart!  Mary's book, Sandpaper People, is a testimony of God's power to change a life by changing a heart that will produce words of health and strength. You may also be interested in Mary's free online Bible Study, Light for the Journey.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

August 22, 2008
Adopted
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will..." (Ephesians 1:5 NIV)

Friend to Friend
Debbie took her 13-year-old son to the dermatologist to have a few suspicious moles examined.   The doctor asked her, "Is there anyone on your or your husband's side of the family who has had melanoma or any other types of skin cancer?"

"No, I can't think of any," she replied.  Then he proceeded to ask a few other questions about their family history.

After the exam, her son, Jason, looked up at her and said, "Mom, when the doctor asked about your family history, it doesn't matter. I'm adopted!"

"You're right, Jason," she said.  "I totally forgot."

Debbie went through five years of infertility treatment and two years of waiting to adopt a child.  Eight months after she adopted Jason, she found out she was pregnant with Jordan.  Amazingly, these boys have looked almost like twins for much of their lives.  As the boys have grown into young men, I cannot even tell them apart.

It was an extraordinary moment for Jason as he realized that his mom had totally forgotten he was adopted. He was simply her son, period. Ephesians 1:5 says that we have been adopted as sons through Jesus Christ.  God has chosen us to be His own, adopted into His family, co-heirs with Christ.  I think that God, like Debbie, probably forgets we're adopted.  He just sees us as His children.

Let's Pray
Dear Abba Father, how precious it is that we can call You "Daddy."  Thank You for choosing me to be Your child.  I am so grateful that I belong to a big loving family of believers and I can't wait until we have our family reunion in eternity with You.  In Jesus' name, I pray, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What does it mean to you to know that you are adopted into God's family?

What does it mean to you to know that He chose you?

Read the following verses and note what else you learn about your adoption.

Romans 8:17
Galatians 4:7
Ephesians 1:11
Ephesians 2:19
1 John 3:1-2

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's new devotional book, Extraordinary Moments with God.  Come with Sharon as she dusts for God's fingerprints that change ordinary days into extraordinary moments.  As you explore this treasury of stories highlighting "God moments" in the lives of fellow travelers, you too will begin to sense His presence in extraordinary ways.  If you would like a handy laminated card with more verses like the ones in today's devotion, click on Sharon's resource page and look at the Identity in Christ prayer card.

[Judy Harder]

I guess, I don't get a daily devotional from Girlfriends.....but in searching around I found these I thought you would like.
If not, don't read them.........LOL.....
Have a Great weekend and God bless you all.
Judy

TODAY'S LAUGH

Express Lane Payback
It was a Saturday afternoon, and Ray had rushed down to the local supermarket to hurriedly pick up some hamburger rolls, chips and a few condiments. The big college game was going to be on, so he was having a few friends over to watch it.

The store was loaded with shoppers and as he headed for the six item express lane, the only one that didn't have a long line, a woman completely ignoring the overhead sign slipped into the check-out line just in front of him pushing a cart piled high with groceries.

Ray was quietly fuming at the anticipated delay. But the elderly cashier beckoned the woman to come forward, looked into the cart and asked ever so sweetly, "So Dearie, which six items would you like to buy?"

(Don't you wish they would!)



The Homeschool Moms who Can't Do Everything
Joelle White and Maura Light

Sung to the tune of Veggie Tales "The Pirates who Don't Do Anything."

All 3 Moms:
We are the home school moms who can't do everything We just stay at
home and plan a lot And if you ask us to do everything We'll just tell
you We can't do everything

Mom2:
Well, I've never been to Boston and I've never shot a musket, and I've
never built a cabin using nothing but an axe, and I've never skinned a
possum, and I've never staged a battle, and I've never started home
school before fall!

All:
We are the home school moms who can't do everything We just stay at
home and plan a lot And if you ask us to do everything We'll just tell
you...

Mom3:
We can't do everything!

And I've never distilled water, and I've never banded birdies, and
I've never built an ant farm 'cuz I can't stand things that crawl, and
I've never dug a fossil, and I've never owned a test tube, and I've
never started home school before fall!

All:
We are the home school moms who can't do everything We just stay at
home and plan a lot And if you ask us to do everything We'll just tell
you We can't do everything

Mom1:
And I've never slaughtered chickens, and I've never milked a go-oat,
and I've never gone to 4-H or the local county fair, and I've never
sewn a jumper, and I don't look good in denim, and I've never started
home school before fall!

Mom2:
Huh? What are you talking about? What's a milk goat and denim
jumpers got to do with being a home school mom?

Mom3:
Hey, that's right! We're supposed to sing about academic-y
things!

Mom1:
Oh...

Mom2:
And who ever sews school uniforms? That's impossible! Why even
bring it up? Am I right? What do you think?

Mom3:
I think you should do your laundry.

Mom2:
Huh? Why do you think that?

Mom3:
You should...

Mom2:
Don't wanna!

Mom3:
You wore that shirt yesterday!

Mom2:
That's it, you're going to help me!

Mom3:
Says who?

Mom2:
Says ME, that's who!

Mom3:
Oh yeah? Well I'm not picking up your socks! (pinches her own
nose)

Mom2:
Argh!

Mom3:
Yike!

Mom1:
And I've never done gymnastics, and I've never danced the polka, and
I've never painted daisies 'cause I cannot paint at all, and I've
never made a schedule, and my house is never perfect...

Mom2:
It'll never happen!

All:
And we've never started home school before fall!

We are the home school moms who can't do everything We just stay at
home and plan a lot And if you ask us to do everything We'll just tell
you We can't do everything

Mom2:
Pass the pencils! Who's got the teacher's guide?

Mom1:
Here it is! (holds up shredded paper)

Mom3:
(groans, then smiles with sudden inspiration) Time for recess!

Mom2:
It's definitely time for Scotch tape.

Mom3:
Oh, I don't like that stuff...

Mom1:
Hey, look! I found a crayon!

(Unknown author)

[Judy Harder]

August 24, 2008

Getting That New Apartment
A property manager of single-family residence was showing a unit to prospective tenants and asking the usual questions. "Professionally employed?" he asked.   

"We're a military family," the wife answered.   

"Children?"   

"Oh, yes, ages nine and twelve," she answered proudly.   

"Animals?"   

"Oh, no," she said earnestly. "They're very well behaved."  


The Top Ten Things Not To Say on Your Anniversary

10. I stopped caring about anniversaries when you stopped caring about cooking.

9. Today is our what?

8. Okay, let's celebrate, but do we have to celebrate together?

7. I thought we only celebrated important events?

6. You can celebrate anniversaries with your next husband.

5. You don't like what I pick out, so I thought why bother.

4. I got you a present worth a dollar for every time you were nice to me this year. Here's a $5 gift certificate for McDonald's.

3. If you want me to pretend like I care about our anniversary, I will.

2. You want to go out to dinner? Okay, okay, I'll take you to Pizza Hut if it'll shut ya up.

1. I thought you only had to celebrate anniversaries while you were still in love.


Thank You Dear

Tom was in his usual place in the morning sitting at the table, reading the paper after breakfast. He came across an article about a beautiful actress that was about to marry a football player who was known primarily for his lack of IQ and common knowledge.

He turned to his wife Linda, with a look of question on his face.

"I'll never understand why the biggest shmucks get the most attractive wives."

His wife replies, . . .

. . . . . "Why thank you, dear!"

[Judy Harder]

August 24

The Pathway to Sin Is Short
For reading & meditation - Romans 8:1-17
"To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (v. 6, RSV)

Although it may be impossible to prevent evil thoughts from entering your mind, make a conscious decision not to entertain them. A well-worn phrase puts the same thought in this way: you can't stop the birds from flying into your hair, but you can prevent them from building nests. Burns, the famous poet, said that when he wished to compose a love song, his recipe was to put himself on "a regimen of admiring a beautiful woman." He deliberately filled his mind with pictures that were extremely dangerous to his passionate nature. Shairp, his biographer, said of him, "When the images came to be oft repeated, it cannot have tended to his peace of heart or his purity of life." Augustine, one of the great early Christians, also trod this dangerous path. He came to Carthage with its tinseled vice and began at once to coax his own carnal appetites. He said: "I loved not as yet, yet I loved to love; and with an hidden want I abhorred myself that I wanted not. I befouled, therefore, the spring of friendship with the filth of concupiscence, and I dimmed its lustre with the hell of lustfullness; and yet, foul and dishonorableas I was, I craved, through an excess of vanity to be thought elegant and vain. I fell; precipitately then." Augustine's experience, like that of many others, goes to show the folly of entertaining evil thoughts and desires. Make up your mind, then, that although you may not be able to stop evil thoughts crowding into your mind, you will not play host to them.
Prayer:

Father, although I know what I should do, it is often hard - though not impossible - to do it. I give my will to You again today. Take it and strengthen it, so that it will do Your bidding. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
For Further Study
Pss. 119:1-11; 139:23-24; Prov. 23:7; Matt. 22:37; Phil. 4:8
1. When do evil thoughts become sin?
2. How can we use our thought life productively?

[Judy Harder]

August 25, 2008
Joseph Sees the Greater Purpose
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"You intended to harm me," Joseph explained, "but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Joseph was a man who experienced many bad things in his life.  His story is recorded in Genesis chapters 37-50.  While he was his father's favorite son, he was his brothers' least favorite sibling. Because their dad, Jacob, showed relentless favoritism toward this child of his beloved wife, Rachel, his brothers were jealous, mocking, and spiteful toward him.  Naïve Joseph didn't help matters.  He flaunted a special ornamented coat that his father had tailor made just for him, tattled on his brothers for bad behavior, and shared a dream he should have kept to himself.

"Listen to this dream I had," Joseph said to his brothers.  "We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it" (Genesis 37:6-7).

After this revelation, his brothers hated him even more.  However, the poor boy didn't catch on and told yet another dream.

"Listen to this other dream I had," he said. "The sun, moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me" (Genesis 37:9). This dream was the straw that broke the camel's back!

One day his brothers saw an opportunity to get rid of this dreamer once and for all. At first, they threw him in a cistern, bloodied his precious coat, and schemed to tell their dad Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.  Just as they placed the youngest brother into the cistern, a slave caravan headed to Egypt was passed by.  Seeing the opportunity to make a profit, the brothers decided to sell Joseph to the slave trader rather than leave him to die.  Off Joseph went to a life of slavery.

However, the hard times didn't end there.  He was falsely accused of attempted rape, thrown into prison by an angry husband, and betrayed and forgotten by his jail-mates. The first thirty years of Joseph's life were filled with more heartache and trouble than most of us will experience in a dozen lifetimes.

However, a few years later, Joseph's life took a different turn.  The Pharaoh had a disturbing dream that no one could interpret.  The cupbearer, one of Joseph's former inmates, remembered Joseph from his prison days and told the King about his ability to interpret dreams. Joseph interpreted the dream, saved Egypt from an impending famine, and became second in command to the Pharaoh himself.

Many years passed.  During the years of abundance, the Egyptians gathered more grain than they could count.  Then, when the seven years of famine hit, they had enough grain to sustain their country as well as the surrounding countries.  Joseph's deceitful brothers were among those who came to purchase food.  Joseph forged the path of forgiveness and set a standard unmatched until the cross.  He was reunited with his family, including his elderly father and younger brother whom he had never met.

Joseph's brothers were terrified at the punishment they feared would be heaped on their heads.  However, Joseph saw the hidden treasure in his painful circumstances. "You intended to harm me," Joseph explained, "but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph chose to see the good in the bad.  He saw a greater purpose in his seemingly terrible circumstances.  How about you?  Are there some seemingly bad circumstances that might hold undiscovered treasures?  Has a broken dream been restored to something more wonderful than you could have imagined?  Have you gone to a deeper level with God because of a difficult situation?  Are you a stronger person today because of pain from your past?

Today, let's look at the trials of our lives through the lenses of Joseph's words, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, there are people in my past who have hurt me.  Maybe they don't even realize the pain they have caused and maybe they didn't do it intentionally.  But I know that Satan wants to use that hurt to make me bitter.  I refuse to allow the enemy to use my past to make me bitter!  What Satan intends for evil, I know that You will use for good.  Help me to see the good in each dark situation and use it for Your glory!  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn   
Have you had times in your life similar to Joseph's where you were treated unjustly?

What can you learn from the way Joseph handled the offenses?

What was the outcome of those injustices in Joseph's life?

Can you believe that the hurts in your past can ultimately be used for your good and the good of others in your sphere of influence?

More from the Girlfriends:
Even thought Joseph had many bad things happen to him, he always seemed to find his purpose, whether he was in the pit, the prison or the palace.  Wouldn't you like to have that perspective on life?  If you would like to learn more about how to find peace and purpose in the hurts of your past, see Your Scars are Beautiful by Sharon Jaynes.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

August 26, 2008
Choose to Trust, Part One
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
(2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV)

Friend to Friend
The Old Testament book of Ruth is rich with examples of God's faithfulness. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz took place in a time when the people of Israel had strayed far from the Lord. Yet even in those dark days, some still chose to follow God. Naomi was one such woman. How do we know? We know that Naomi was a godly woman because there was something about her faith that attracted her daughter-in-law, Ruth, to God's heart.

Naomi was a woman who had to pack up her family and belongings and leave her home, her friends, and everything familiar to relocate to a foreign place. She moved due to a famine in her hometown of Bethlehem. Naomi and her family moved from Bethlehem to the country of Moab. But in Moab, things went from bad to worse.

"Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband" (Ruth 1:3-5).

Naomi was a God-fearing woman who endured some serious shattered matters. She had left her home in a desperate situation and experienced even greater loss in the deaths of her closest loved ones. Her circumstances were undesirable and her future looked bleak.  So...she made plans to head back home: to Bethlehem.

As they prepped to leave for Bethlehem, Naomi displayed loving kindness to her daughters-in-law as she released them from any obligation to relocate with her. She encouraged them to return to their mothers' homes (v. and nudged them toward new possibilities in their home country. She wanted them to have a fresh start, even though the prospects for her were grim.

Naomi knew that she was walking into uncertain territory as she headed home to Bethlehem. She had been gone for so long that she had no idea if there was any remaining family to care for her. Naomi was gracious and kind in not wanting Orpah and Ruth to endure the hardships she would probably face. What a selfless response! When shattered circumstances were all she could see, Naomi looked past her own need to the hopes, dreams, and needs of her loved ones. When you and I face complex circumstances, we have that same opportunity to bless others in spite of the pain.

Theirs was a goodbye filled with tears, hugs, and great pain.

Ruth refused to leave Naomi's side. Determined and loyal, Ruth held tightly to the woman she loved deeply. Not only did Ruth cling to Naomi, she held tight to Naomi's God, the One true God of Israel.

Though our natural tendency in hard times is often to try to go it alone, I've learned from Ruth, and from my own experience, that in turbulent times it's vital that we hold fast to the ones we love and that we choose to trust God regardless of the circumstances that surround us.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, You know exactly where I am right now and You know the circumstance of my life.  Please give me the courage to be gracious in my relationships, and help me to trust You today.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Are you dealing with a shattered matter?

Are there circumstances in your life that seem broken and irreparable?

Read the following Scripture verse out loud (over and over again until your heart hears it!), and commit it to memory: "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).

More from the Girlfriends
I've had a lot on my plate lately...you know the drill: "I regularly try to fit ten pounds into a five pound sack!" I'm learning over and over that when I pause to meditate on God's Word, and seek Him in prayer, rich blessings and better days follow.  Don't just read this devotion...seek Him in His Word personally today.  It fuels your soul's engine to trust!

Today's devotion is an excerpt from my new book, Broken Into Beautiful, which has just been released by Harvest House Publishers. To order the book, please CLICK HERE. To listen to some of Gwen's music, CLICK HERE!

Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. For more information, visit her website at: www.GwenSmith.net

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

[Judy Harder]

August 27, 2008
Choose to Trust, Part Two
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
(2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV)

Friend to Friend
Yesterday we learned that when the widow Naomi faced a very difficult season, she looked past her own need to the hopes, dreams, and needs of her loved ones.  In spite of her dismal circumstances, she chose to trust God and bless others.

Do you ever feel like a victim of circumstance?

There are times when life isn't ideal. There are times when life doesn't seem fair. As she entered Bethlehem, Naomi lamented to friends and family. She told them not to call her by her name. "Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter" (v. 20). Naomi didn't try to sugarcoat or hide her pain. Her circumstances were choking the life out of her, and for a time she allowed her situation to overshadow her trust in God.
Oh, how I've been there. I bet you have too. Perhaps you are there now. Be encouraged. In time, God did a work of restoration in Naomi's life that took her from bitter to better, and in time, He can do the same for you.

Though she displayed bitterness when she returned to Israel, Naomi continued to trust her Lord. Healing didn't come to her overnight. Naomi waded through a great deal of emotional baggage and disappointment. But Scripture shows us that even in her sorrow; Naomi maintained her faith in God. She praised Him for the kindness that Boaz showed Ruth and spoke of God's goodness even in her uncertain times (Ruth 2:19-20). She praised God in the hard times, and He restored her broken heart.

God breathed hope into the souls of Naomi and Ruth through their kinsman-redeemer, Boaz. The book of Ruth goes on to tell a fascinating story of how God lovingly cared for and blessed Naomi as He used the faithful friendship and kindness of Ruth to "renew her life and sustain her" (4:15). She went back to Bethlehem as a broken, hopeless widow and was restored by the loving hand of God.

Just as God did for Naomi, He wants to transform the painful pieces of your life into beautiful blessings. He has not forgotten you. He is intimately familiar with your pain. Don't turn away from Him. Continue to trust God. He will never leave your side, and He can bring restoration to your situation just as he did for Naomi and Ruth.

Like Naomi, when I've experienced difficult times, I've had to choose to trust God. Some days I choose well. Some days I don't. My courage to trust is bolstered by playing praise music, meditating on God's goodness, reading Scripture, and praying. Those things collectively renew my mind and strengthen my faith.

Take comfort that He knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Your challenges do not fall outside the scope of God's ability to intervene. God is mysterious, He is powerful, and He is able! When you lift your eyes from your situation and fix them on your Savior, you will find peace in the pain and strength in the struggle.

But in the darkest moments, I choose to trust and hang on to faith. When all else fails, all that's required of us is that we choose to trust and hang on to our faith.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, Your greatness is unsearchable and Your power is beyond what I can imagine.  Please help me to honor You with my life -- in every circumstance -- and to trust in Your ability and desire to intervene in my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is there something that has caused you to become bitter?  Reflect on this and spend some time in prayer.  Ask that God would reveal any hidden anger or bitterness in your life so He can deal with it and bring healing.

If you are in a difficult place right now, here's a promise from God's Word for you to memorize: "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy" (Job 8:21).

More from the Girlfriends
I recently heard it said that, "When we work, we work...but when we pray, God works."  I pray that you will seek Him earnestly today in prayer!!  If you'd like to be drawn into His presence through music, turn up your speakers and CLICK HERE!

Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen's book, Broken Into Beautiful. To order the book, please CLICK HERE. 

Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. For more information, visit her website at: http://www.gwensmith.net/

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com