Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

December 25, 2008
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Luke 2:8-12 "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you:  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."  (NKJV)

Friend to Friend
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus!
Happy Birthday to You!

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ! I have always wondered why we typically celebrate His birth by giving gifts to everyone 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 and see what gifts He received that holy night. 

The gift of trust 

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was a teenage girl, probably fourteen or fifteen years old, engaged to Joseph when an angel appeared to her with the startling message that she would have a baby, a son named Jesus.  Since she was still a virgin she did not understand the message but she knew the One who had sent it -- and that was enough.  Trust is a gift fit for the King.  Proverbs 3:5-6 "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."

The gift of obedience

Joseph's engagement to Mary was legally binding. Imagine his shock and confusion when he learned that Mary was pregnant.  Knowing that he could not possibly be the baby's father, Joseph's first reaction was to divorce Mary quietly. An angel from God appeared and told Joseph to "keep her but do not sleep with her!" Now Joseph's response could have been many things.  But he chose obedience.  John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." 

A small child riding in the car wanted to stand in the front seat by his father.  The dad explained the importance of a seat belt and told the little boy to sit down.  He refused, crossing his little arms in defiance.  The father physically sat his son down and buckled him into the seat, bragging on the little boy for his obedience. With a glare his son said, "I may be sitting down on the outside but I'm still standing up on the inside."  Obedience is an active choice to do what God wants us to do.  Obedience is not just an outward motion -- it is also an inward attitude -- and a gift fit for the King.

The gift of praise 
When the shepherds heard the angels' news, they went to see Jesus for themselves. After they saw the baby, they left praising God!  Anytime we are in the presence of God, praise will result.  Praise is also a continual choice that we make again and again until it becomes a habit.  Psalm 50:6 "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."  Don't let anyone or any circumstance keep you from praising God!  Praise keeps us kneeling before the manger and is a gift fit for the King."

The gift of sacrifice 
The Wise Men came; bringing gifts that required sacrifice because they knew that true worship always involves sacrifice.  Gold, a precious metal, Incense, a rare and expensive product used in worship and Myrrh, an expensive perfume were the gifts they brought to Jesus.  Sacrifice goes beyond what is required or expected. The best gift - the most expensive and extravagant gift should go to the one whose birthday we celebrate.  Gifts of trust, obedience, praise and sacrifice please God and are gifts fit for the King.

In other words, the best gift that we can give God at Christmas is US!  May the words of this children's song be the prayer of our hearts this Christmas Day:

"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." 


Merry Christmas!

Let's Pray
Lord, today I celebrate Your birth.  Thank You for the gift of life and love I find in knowing You.  My Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, everything I hope to be.  I love You, Lord.  Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Have a birthday party for Jesus today.  Bake a cake, sing "Happy Birthday" and worship Him by surrendering to His plan and provision for your life. 

Leave one Christmas decoration out this year as a reminder of His birth and what His presence means every single day.

Consider the following questions: 

What is the meaning of Christmas in your life?   
How can you lead your family to celebrate the birth of Jesus?   
What has been the most meaningful part of this Christmas holiday?  Why?

More From The Girls
Sharon, Gwen and I pray that today is a true celebration of Jesus Christ in your life.  Carve out time today to spend alone with Him.  Praise and worship Him for who He is, Lord, King, Father and Shepherd.  He is Friend of the wounded heart and the Great Physician.  He is our Everything and He is Emmanuel -- God with us.  Merry Christmas! 

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]

December 26, 2008
Does Time Really Heal Everything?
Angela L. Craig

We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions.  We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends.  From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry.  We call them our "Friday Friends."  So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", Angela Craig. 

Today's Truth
"Jesus said, "'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of the sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.'"  Luke 4:18 -19 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
You have heard it said, "Time heals everything." I have two questions for you. First, who said that? Second, does time really heal everything? It boggles my mind to think of all the times that I have believed something because "they said it," not even knowing if "they" are a reliable source! I would like to believe that time does heal everything but I have come to realize the truth that time really does not heal everything. What about you, has time healed your wounds?

Think about the first boy who broke your heart or the husband that walked out on you. Did time heal that wound? What about the parent that disappointed you time after time or the boss who never saw your full potential? Did time heal your disappointment or make you believe that you had worth?

For me, time only puts a band-aid on the injury. All it takes is a memory of an offense or hurt to replace the band-aid with a dagger that goes straight through my heart.

What pain have you hoped time would heal? Is it fear, worry, anger or the inability to forgive? Are you trying to cover a broken heart of rejection or grief?

Have you been inspired or determined to change, only to find yourself living the same way, walking the same painful road, or feeling the same destructive emotions? If this describes how you feel, you are not alone! I have walked in those shoes and so has practically every other woman who is reading this devotional today.

I have discovered a significant truth in life. There is a huge difference between an "inspirational moment" and a "defining moment." An inspirational moment is when we feel motivated to change. A defining moment is when we actually do change. The difference between the two is enormous.

With best intentions and a willing heart, many of us have had inspired moments that failed to develop into defining ones. Our best human effort left us feeling defeated and doubtful that our lives would ever change for the better. That is why we need Jesus!

The birth of Jesus was a defining moment that changed the course of history for this world, but more importantly, it was a defining moment for you. Jesus came to earth not only to give you eternal life, but to give you freedom (Galatians 5:1) and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the things that hold you back from having the life for which you were created. The same power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead is available to you to break down ANY stronghold or hurt in your life (2 Corinthians 10:4). All you have to do is ask God to help you.

During this Christmas season, I pray that every time you are reminded of the birth of Christ, you will be reminded of the message that Jesus came to earth for you! He came to unchain you, to set you free so you could fly, and to open your eyes to your incredible worth! Jesus has special Christmas gift for you this year, a defining moment wrapped and waiting for you.  Will you receive it?

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I need a defining moment in my life. I don't want to stay the same anymore. I accept the gift You have given me to overcome the strongholds and hurts in my life by the power of Your Holy Spirit. I specifically give __________________ to You with confidence and eager expectation that my life will change! I believe that Your plan for my life is the best one possible and I thank You for walking with me every day as I take the steps to heal!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It Is Your Turn

Looking back at Luke 4:18-19, ask God to reveal to you any areas where you need freedom from bondage, clearer vision or release from oppression. 
Have you had any "inspirational moments" lately?  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, how could those moments be turned into "defining moments" in your life? 
What steps will you take to make sure you slow down enough during this Christmas season to recognize the defining moment Christ has waiting for you? 
More from the Girls
You may be surrounded by family and friends, are you may be alone today.  Either way, God is with you.  Take some time today to seek Him and to listen for His voice above all others.  Don't allow the "things" of Christmas to divert your heart gaze from that tiny baby, lying in a manger, come to earth for you.  Gwen, Sharon and I pray that your defining moment with Jesus Christ will come today.  Blessings!

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]

December 29, 2008
Winning Over Worry, Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
The holidays are a very difficult time for many people -- for many reasons.  Following the thrill of the Christmas holidays and New Year's celebrations, reality starts to sink in.  The credit card bills arrive.  The sun disappears and long, dark days string together like a heavy, suffocating blanket.  Already broken resolutions for the New Year mock our commitment to discipline and the darkness of depression makes us want to crawl back in bed, to pull the covers over our head and wait for a better life to come along.  Those feelings are all too familiar.

In 1995, I went through a devastating two year battle with clinical depression.  While sitting at the bottom of that deep, dark pit, I discovered many truths and learned many lessons. One of the most important lessons is that the pit of depression is always full of waters swimming with worry.  I worried about how I got into the pit and how I would or even if I could get out.  I worried that depression would affect my family and our ministry.  I worried about what people would think of me when they saw my weakness and failure.

In the darkness, worry made everything seem bigger and uglier than it really was!  Worry helped usher me into the pit and worry was now one of the prisons guards.  I desperately wanted to trust God, exchanging my worry for His peace.  I read countless books on the subject, described in detail my favorite worries to those who would listen and constantly begged God to take away the anxiety and fear. Nothing worked. I was losing the battle with worry while sinking lower into the grip of darkness.  There had to be a way to win over worry! 

The journey began with a strong, clear look at the affects of worry in my life.  It wasn't a pretty picture.  Worry permeates every area, invading peace, warping perspectives and impacting physical and emotional health.

I am reminded of the man hospitalized because of anxiety.  For hours, he pressed his ear up against the wall, listening intently.  When the nurse came in to check on him, he whispered a warning and called her over, motioning for her to be quiet. The nurse pressed her ear up against the wall and listened for a long time.  "I can't hear a thing!" she finally said.  "I know", the man replied. "It's been like that all day!"

Worry is wasted energy.  It is consuming, draining and unhealthy. Worry fits this world but certainly does not fit the picture of a joy-filled life, the life that Jesus came to give us.  Nothing will rob you of joy quicker than worry.  God came so that we would not have to worry and yet we continue to do so.  During those dark years, I sat at His feet dumping each fear and worry into His capable hands, resting and waiting for deliverance. It came.

In the key passage, Paul gives us the promise of peace.  However, there are conditions to be met and actions we must take in order to experience that peace and win over worry!

Action one: Choose joy

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!"  The Message says it this way: "Celebrate God all day, every day.  I mean, revel in him!"

The author, Paul, is serious about joy, telling us twice in this passage to rejoice!  The word "rejoice" means "to practice joy, to take delight in and be glad". Many times, life makes it impossible to be happy but we need to understand that happiness is not what Paul is calling us to.  Happiness is a cheap imitation of true joy and totally dependent on the circumstances of life.  Joy, however, is a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control no matter what the circumstances of life may be. Joy is a choice.

Paul's situation, while writing this letter, could make you wonder why he was even writing about joy, of all things.  He was in prison under Roman house arrest, awaiting trial and almost certain execution because of his faith in Jesus Christ.  Yet, he tells us to rejoice!  Don't miss this!  What Paul is really telling us is a life-changing truth!  Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances.  In other words, we cannot always find joy in our circumstances but we can always find joy in the Lord of the circumstances.

You have probably discovered that there is absolutely no way in this world to escape pain, but we can avoid joy. The pursuit of joy is a matter of choice.  Our first and most important choice is to come to the only source of true joy - Jesus Christ. We must also choose to rejoice in the midst of every circumstance - good or bad -- and keep our focus on God, gladly accepting His plan for our lives. We must choose a joyful perspective.  A little boy asked his friend.  "Wouldn't you hate to wear glasses all the time?"  "No-o-o," the other boy answered slowly, "not if I had the kind grandma wears.  She sees how to fix a lot of things.  She sees lots of nice things to do on rainy days and she always sees what you meant to do even if you mess things up!  I asked her one day how she could see that way all the time and she said, 'It is the way I choose to look at things.'  So it must be her glasses."  When we choose joy, we are choosing against worry!

Let's Pray
Father, I feel as if worry constantly nips at my heels, trying to steal my joy.  Help me to see life as You see it and to choose Your perspective instead of my own.  Lead me into Your peace as I learn to trust You wholly. 

In Jesus' name, I pray
Amen.

Not It's Your Turn 

Make a list of the five things you worry about the most.  Find a verse or passage of scripture that applies to these five areas of worry. Write the verses on a 3x5 card and place the cards in your purse so that when the worry comes, you are prepared.   
Look back over your life.   
What role have you allowed worry to play in daily life?   
What are some of the ways you have confronted worry in the past?  Were they effective?   
What is the first step you need to take in order to win over worry?
More From The Girls
The best way to win a battle is to prepare and stay prepared for that battle. We can get ready and stay ready to win the war with worry by saturating our life with God's Word and by a consistent prayer life. If you or someone you love has allowed worry to paralyze and imprison them, there is hope.  Read my story of God's deliverance from the pit of darkness in my book, "Hope in the Midst of Depression." If God can deliver me, He can deliver you. 

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]

December 30, 2008
Winning Over Worry, Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul gives us the promise of peace.  However, there are conditions to be met and actions we must take in order to experience that peace and win over worry.

Action one:    Choose joy 

Action two:     Be gentle

Philippians 4:5 gives an unusual directive concerning worry.  "Let your gentleness be evident to all."  "Gentleness" literally means "humility, softness and tenderness" and seems to indicate that part of dealing with worry is related to the directive that we must be gentle with everyone.  The Living Bible translates "gentle" as "unselfish and considerate".  Any way you look at it, this truth is in direct opposition to the viewpoint of the world in which we live.  Power and assertiveness gain respect while gentleness is often viewed as weakness.  In God's eyes, gentleness is harnessed strength, and a controlled power.  What does gentleness have to do with eliminating worry?  Paul is saying the way we treat people affects our peace.  Many of us have lives filled with worry because we have relationships filled with conflict.  When we are not gentle, conflict is the inevitable result.  Worry and anxiety thrive in the atmosphere of conflict.  What does it mean to be gentle in our relationships?

·         Gentleness is willing to give up control. 

James 3:17a "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others."  Gentleness can always find a patch of common ground, giving people room to grow and change.   

Gentleness doesn't control but is willing to yield or submit to one another in love.

·         Gentleness is love in action. 

James 3:17b "Gentleness if full of mercy and good deeds."  When gentleness sees a need, it does something about it.  It is compelled to take action!

·         Gentleness forgives. 

Colossians 3:13 "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Gentleness is quick to give and to receive forgiveness, always taking the responsibility to initiate forgiveness. 

·         Gentleness wages peace.   

      Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people."  "Gentleness" does not retaliate but pursues peace instead.  The goal of gentleness is unity.  I've read that when    thoroughbred horses are under attack, they stand in a circle, face each other, and with their back legs kick out at the enemy!  Donkeys do just the opposite.  They face the enemy and kick each other. 

We are called to wage peace.  When we practice gentleness and pursue peace in our relationships, there will be less conflict, more unity and fewer footholds for worry.

Action three: Be aware of His presence. 

Philippians 4:5 "The Lord is near."  We often pray, asking for God's presence when our prayer should be, "Lord, make me aware of your presence."  He is near but many times our lives and hearts are too crowded to see or hear Him.  The more we are aware of God's presence the less we will worry.  We become aware of His presence through:

·         Bible

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword."

The most powerful weapon against worry is scripture.  Read it.  Memorize it. Immerse your life in it.  The word of God grounds us, repelling worry.  When worry comes - reject it!  Deflect it with the shield of God's word.

·         Prayer

1 Peter 5:7 "Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."

Prayer is simply conversation with God and a powerful weapon against worry. I read of a widow who had successfully raised a large family of eighteen children, twelve of whom were adopted.  Yet, she never seemed to worry.  During an interview, a reporter asked the secret of her peace and confidence.  She said, "I'm not alone.  I'm in a partnership with God.  Years ago, I said "Lord, I'll do the work and you do the worrying!  I have had peace ever since!" 

·         Friends

Ecclesiastes 4:12 "And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

When you share your fears with others, they grow smaller because someone has gotten under the load with you.  A shared load is a lighter load.  We tend to hide our fears in darkness where they grow and strengthen, instead of bringing them out into the light where they will die.  When we try to be "lone-ranger Christians" and handle our fears on our own, we are susceptible to attacks that will defeat us.  When we stand together, our strength is multiplied and we are not easily beaten.   

·         Experience

James 1:17 "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow."

The more we know Him, the more we will understand that He really is who He says He is and that He is willing and able to work in our lives.  We will naturally begin to trust Him and soon discover that He is faithful. 

So much worry is buried in the unknown. The "known" victories of yesterday can destroy the fear of today's "unknown" circumstances because He is always the same.  What a security comes when we realize that we can truly count on Him.  God's presence empowers us to win over worry.  When you are tempted to worry, stop and go back over the books, remembering the victories and celebrating them once again.  The God who delivered you yesterday will deliver you today and tomorrow!  The experiences of life prove Him true and underline His presence within.

Let's Pray
Father, help me to handle the relationships in my life with gentleness.  When there is conflict, give me the strength to confront it in Your love. I long for Your presence in my life.  Help me to be more aware of Your hand at work. 

In Jesus' name, I pray
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Memorize these names of God and call on Him when doubt and worry come: 

Jehovah Shammah: "I am there"   
Jehovah Shalom: "I am your peace"   
Jehovah Jireh: "I am your provider"   
Emmanuel: "God with us"   
What one step do you need to take in the battle against worry?  We want to encourage you and walk with you.  Check out Mary's online Bible Study, Light for the Journey for ways to grow in Christ and live a life of victory instead of defeat.

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]

December 31, 2008
Winning Over Worry, Part 3
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
We stand on the brink of the New Year, 2009.  Some people are celebrating the end of the old year and are hopeful that the next twelve months will hold better things than 2008 did.  It is hard to know - and that is where the problem lies -- in the unknown.  The economy is struggling, a new administration is preparing to take the reins of our country, wars still rage and everyone seems to have a different opinion about how to correct every problem.  However, one thing is certain.  God has neither moved nor changed and when we know Him, the future cannot harm us.  How can we live in peace and win over worry?   

Action one:                Choose joy
Action two:                Be gentle
Action three:              Be aware of His presence
Action four:                Choose to trust

It is possible not to worry.  It must be.  God never asks us to do anything that He doesn't empower us to do!  In today's key passage, the Apostle Paul challenges us, "Do not be anxious about anything."

"Anxious" literally means, "to be pulled in different directions" and is based on the old English root from which we get our word "worry" meaning "to strangle".  Worry can strangle us but trust breaks the hold of worry in our lives!  The Comanche Indians tortured and killed their enemies by staking them to the ground.  They would take a wet leather strap and place it around the neck of their prisoner.  As the strap dried, it would gradually cut off the air supply, choking the victim to death.  This is the perfect picture of what worry can do to us. 

Worry is a control issue.  Its opposite is trust.  Choose to trust and you will not worry.  Choose to worry and you will not trust.  What a great promise is found in Isaiah 26:3!  "You, LORD, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you."  Be brutally honest for a moment.  Who is God in your life?  I ask that question because I have discovered that playing God is the root of worry.  When we play God, we are trusting in our own sufficiency.  God commands us to give Him first place and live - totally depending upon Him.  Every opportunity to worry is also an opportunity to trust God.  Choose trust!

Action Five: Pray about everything.

Philippians 4:6b "But in everything, by prayer and petition...present your requests to God."

"Prayer" is simply conversation with God.  "Petition" means to earnestly plea with or implore.  To "present your requests" is simply to "make known" or "tell" God specifically what it is that you need. Praying about everything shuts out worry because prayer invites God to be involved in every area of life, and when He is involved, we have nothing to fear!

I am not sure why we have a portable phone because I can never find it. While searching for the roving phone, I walked into the living room to find Danna on the couch with the missing phone in one hand and the television remote control in the other.  "Are you talking to Amanda?" I asked. Danna and Amanda were best friends and constantly on the phone. "Yes," she said. "We are watching T.V. together." I asked if I could use the phone but heard, "Mom, Amanda will be right back.  She is eating dinner but I want to keep the line open."  That is the idea of praying without ceasing - the idea of keeping the line open.  I have heard it said that "when your knees knock, kneel on them!" Prayer eliminates worry.

Action Six:  Practice the attitude of gratitude.

Ephesians 5:20 "Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

When our hearts and lives are filled with praise and thanksgiving, worry is a weed that will die from lack of attention.  Praise is a powerful weapon against worry and frees God to work in our lives.  Why?  Because when we praise Him, we trust Him.

The story is told of a young hippie who was sitting on a park bench reading his Bible.  Suddenly he began to shout, "Praise the Lord!  What a miracle!"  An older, very distinguished man walking by stopped and asked why he was so excited. The young man replied, "I was just reading how God parted the Red Sea and the whole nation of Israel walked on dry ground!"  The older man sneered, "Don't you know? That wasn't a real sea at all.  It was just a few inches of water."  The unbeliever turned in irritation, walked away, leaving the young man confused and discouraged -- for a moment - until his shouts once again filled the air. The angry cynic returned asking, "What are you shouting about now?"  "Well, sir, I just read how God drowned the whole Egyptian army in just a few inches of water!"  Don't let anyone keep you from praising God.  Don't let any circumstance deny you the joy of praise.  If you want to win over worry, praise Him!

A final thought:  Paul ends with the promise, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  "Peace" can be defined as "a state of untroubled, undisturbed well-being".  Paul says this kind of peace is beyond our understanding and our ability to comprehend.  The world cannot grasp it but would pay any price to have it.  Peace is a supernatural gift from God, given as a hedge of protection that will "guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  "Guard" is a military term, meaning "a garrison or stationed guard".  When we have met His conditions, God stations peace at the doorway of our life with the assignment, "Protect my child!"

What fear is gripping your heart?  What are you worrying about?  Give it up!  Take action!  Claim the promises and exchange your worries for God's gift of peace!

Let's Pray
Father, today I choose to face my fears with prayer and praise and in doing so, declare my trust in You.  Thank You for being Peace in my life. 

In Jesus' name, I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Ask a friend to be your prayer partner. Meet regularly to pray and praise God for the answered prayer.  Keep a prayer and praise journal.  At the end of each week, review your journal to see God's hand at work.   
What circumstance in your life is the result of worry?   
What affect does praise have on that fearful circumstance?   
Does worry keep you from praying?  Why?   
Is my prayer life powerful?  Why?  Why not?
More From The Girls
I pray that this series of devotions has been helpful to you and that you are walking in God's peace.  Winning the war over worry is a constant battle but we can win if the Word of God is our source of strength and power.  Would you like to have a plan that will help you study the bible consistently?  Check out my 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]

January 1, 2009
I'd be Happy If..., Part 1
Sharon Jaynes


Today's Truth
"The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" John 10:10 (DARBY).

Friend to Friend
I'd be happy if...  If you begin a sentence with those words, then beware.  Those little words of discontentment are the very words that Satan uses to draw us into his deceitful traps.  I'd be happy if I were married.  I'd be happy if I had children.  I'd be happy if I had a different husband.  I'd be happy if I had more money.  All these thoughts take our focus away from the blessings that we do have.

And it's nothing new.  This is the same old story that began in the Garden of Eden with the same antagonist deceiving the leading lady.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.  Let's start at the very beginning.

Five days after time began, the Creator of the Universe gazed at all He had made and was not completely satisfied.  Yes, as the sun set on each of the first five days on God's kingdom calendar, He said, "It is good."  But there was something missing.  Something more.  Someone more.

The stage was set for Act 6.  The curtain rose.  Everything had to be perfect for God's grand finale.  The angels gathered round as God announced the final scene on the grand drama of "In the Beginning." 

God began with an announcement..."Let us make man in Our own image."  This being will be different from all the rest.  With body, soul, and spirit, man will enter into a relationship with the Creator on a personal and intimate level.  He will be just a little lower than the angels and rule over the animals that creep on the earth, the fowl that soar in the sky, and the fish that swim in the sea.  Man will be God's friend.

So God knelt on the ground and gathered a handful of dirt.  He spat on the dust and began forming the most magnificent creation to date.  With His very fingertips, God fashioned man's inward parts: capillaries, nerve endings, brain cells, hair follicles, eyelashes, taste buds.  Meticulously and deliberately, the Artist created a masterpiece of divine design.

And as the lifeless form lay before the celestial audience, God placed His mouth upon the nostrils of man and breathed life into his waiting lungs.  A collective gasp ran through the crowd as man's lungs filled with holy oxygen and he took his first breath.  As if God flipped the breaker switch of life, man's heart began beating, the lungs began expanding, and the eyes began fluttering open to see.  And the curtain began to fall on this, the sixth day of creation.

"Wait!" the Creator cried.  "My work is not done.  It is not good for man to be alone!  I will create a helper suitable for him.  A companion like him, but yet, oh so different."

So, mid-air, the curtain rises to expose the day, and God -- the Us, the Three-In-One, began to fashion the grand finale...woman.

Can't you just see it now?  Can't you sense the excitement of the angels as they hovered low?  From the very beginning of time, man was set apart.  He was uniquely designed for a specific purpose as God's image bearer to rule the earth.

But there was one among the onlookers that day who watched with evil intent.  Yes, he was among the created angelic beings, one of the most beautiful, in fact.  But he wasn't happy with God's creation.  Earlier, this angelic being decided he didn't particularly like his position in the heavenly order.  He wanted to elevate himself above God.  And while he had been created to be a light-bearer, his rebellion resulted in being thrown to the earth to become known as the Prince of Darkness.

Now there were these...humans...created in God's image.  The enemy was not pleased.  As soon as Adam and Eve stood on the stage, the Prince of Darkness began to devise their demise.  If he was going down, he was going to take as many of these image bearers with him as possible.

Join me tomorrow as we look at the enemy's plan then and now.

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I know that the enemy wants me to fail and fall.  I also know that You want me to have abundant life filled with peace and joy.  Help me to listen to Your voice and turn a deaf ear to the enemy's taunting.  I stand on the truth of Who You are and Who I am in You...more than a conqueror.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Adam and Eve had it all...and they threw it away for a piece of fruit.

Have you ever known someone who has thrown away the abundant life for a mere piece of forbidden fruit?

What can we learn from Adam and Eve's example?  What would have been her response had she combated Satan with God's truth?

More from the Girlfriends
Sometimes it is easy to read about Adam and Eve and not see ourselves.  But we fight the same enemy with the same tactics.  If you would like to learn more about how to recognize the lies, reject the lies, and replace the lies with truth, see Sharon's new book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. It is packed with 72 common lies women believe and the truth that sets us free

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]

January 2, 2009
I'd Be Happy If..., Part 2
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers (and sisters).  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" James 1:16, 17 (NIV).

Friend to Friend
Adam and Eve lived in a perfect world.  All their needs were cared for.  They had perfect communion with God and each other.  They were "naked and unashamed."  The only restriction placed on them was that they were not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil located in the middle of the Garden.  God warned them, "If you eat of it, you will surely die."

As they basked in the light of God's love, darkness slithered into the Garden with his plan to kill, steal and destroy the image bearers.  And how did he do it?  He did it with the most powerful weapon of all...lies.

"Now the serpent..."  The great deceiver clothed himself as a serpent and slithered up to Eve with a game plan to destroy God's prized possession.  He didn't come with a sword, or gun, or even a knife for his attack.  He simply wielded lies.

The serpent knew Adam and Eve would not buy into a radical flamboyant denial of God, so he slithered into the garden with a twist and a turn of the truth.  He began by causing Eve to doubt... "Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?" (Genesis 3:1).

Satan knew exactly what God had said.  He was simply trying to confuse Eve.  Perhaps he was evaluating just how well she knew the truth.  He found out.

"We may eat fruit from the tress in the garden," Eve replied, "but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die'" (Genesis 3:3).

Bingo.  She didn't know the truth that well after all.  God never mentioned not touching the fruit.  That seems like a pretty good idea, but it was not what God said.

Second he denied God and lied about the consequences of disobedience.  Satan said, "You will not surely die" (3:4).   He didn't even try to disguise the deception. He told a flat-out lie.

Finally, he told her she could be like God: "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5).  In other words, "God doesn't know what He's talking about.  He's holding out on you.  You don't need Him.  You can be your own god."

Eve rejected the truth and believed the lie. She believed that she could be like God ... in control of her own life.  "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.  She also gave some to her husband, who was with her" (Genesis 3:6).

And as she sunk her teeth into the forbidden fruit of deception and the lie slid down her delicate throat, the temptation settled in her soul and fermented into shame and condemnation.  Her husband, who chose the woman over God, also felt the sickening rot of sin settle in his very soul.  Suddenly shame and fear entered the world, and Adam and Eve hid from God like wayward children.

All temptation is an attempt to get us to live our lives independent of God.  Satan is not very creative, but he is very effective.  And he has been lying to us ever since.  Why?  Because it works.

Every one of his lies springs from the idea that happiness is just a decision away.  Satan wants you to believe God is holding out on you; you can be like God; you can be your own god.  Rather than being thankful for what we do have, he points out what we don't have.  Think about it.  Eve had at her disposal every tree in the garden except one.  Every one!  That is a smorgasbord of goodness!  Rather than being thankful, she bought the lie that the one thing she couldn't have was the one thing that would make her happy.  I would be happy if...  Is any of this sounding familiar to you?  It should.  Satan uses the same tactics with us that he used with Eve. 

Eve believed the enemy's lie over God's truth.  His plan worked. But what the serpent did not know was that God's amazing plan of forgiveness and grace was about to unfold.  Satan did not win the battle for man's soul in the garden.  Jesus Christ won the war on Calvary's Cross.  When Jesus said, "It is finished," and then breathed his last, He made a way for all mankind to regain all that Adam and Eve had lost. 

Let's Pray
Dear God, help me to recognize the lies of the enemy.  I am so thankful for all that You have given me.  I commit, right now, that I will not entertain thoughts that "I would be happy if..." but rather praise You for all that You have given me: freedom in Christ, eternal life, access to You though prayer, salvation, redemption, purpose.  I love you.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
When was the last time you said or thought, "I would be happy if..."

What does that thought imply?

Where does true joy come from?

Go back to Today's Truth and write down what it means to you.

More from the Girlfriends
Are you ready to begin seeing yourself as God sees you?  Are you ready to begin living the abundant life that God planned all along?  Well, let's grab hands and begin the journey of walking in the truth together.  Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves, will open your eyes to the truth and set you free from the lies.  Just visit www.sharonjaynes.com and begin the amazing 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]

January 5, 2009
Inventory Time
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Friend to Friend
The tree is down, the decorations are packed away and the company has all gone home.  I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and have emerged, relatively unscathed, ready to face a New Year.  If you have ventured out into the malls, you have discovered those stores that were crammed full for a solid month are now almost deserted in comparison.  The store clerks that just days ago welcomed you with open arms and flashing smiles now ignore you as if you were an intrusion.  There's a reason.  They are busy taking their yearly inventory.  We need to do the same.

A spiritual inventory is an important tool of growth in our walk with God.  How can we know where we are headed if we don't know where we have been?  What lessons did we learn during the last year?  What do we want to keep and what needs to be tossed aside as we face a new year?  What changes need to happen and what needs to remain the same?  What new choices do we need to make in order to achieve new goals -- the right goals?

It is often so easy to keep on doing "the next thing."  We put one foot in front of the other, casually drifting through a life without purpose, only to wake up one day to discover that we have wasted much of that life on the "unimportant."  I don't know about you, but I have reached the point in life where I absolutely refuse to live in survival mode.  I want my life to count ... to make an impact.   

For several nights, I have found myself lying awake for hours, pondering the "next step."  I am on my knees asking God for His direction, and trusting Him to make those steps clear.  I have decided that when I can't understand the plan or see what's just ahead, I will choose to trust God.  It is a decision I make continually.   

This New Year, 2009, is not just another year; it is another chapter of life, filled with opportunities, challenges and fresh purpose.  I choose against my "old nature" that wants to just sit back and rest in the warmth of yesterday's victories or hide in the darkness of yesterday's defeats. 

Instead, I choose to strain both victory and defeat through the promise of Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good, learning the truths and lessons that need to be learned while embracing God's highest plan for my life.  We do not have to settle for anything less than knowing God and pursuing all that He holds in His hands for each one of us.  Right now, pick up that pad and pencil and get started on your own personal inventory.  May this be the most God-honoring year of your life.

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for all that You have done in my life this year.  There are so many times during the past year when I would not have made it through the day without Your power and presence.  Help me to apply the lessons of 2008 in this New Year so that I will grow and become more like You, leading others to seek and know You.  I love You, Father, and praise You for all that You have in store for me in 2009.  May my life be a trophy of Your grace, mercy and love. 

In Jesus' name, I pray
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Set aside a few hours this week to review 2008.

What lessons have you learned?  How did you learn them?   
What new truths has God given you?  How are you applying those truths in your daily life?   
What new perspective has God given you this year?  In what way will that perspective change habits and behaviors in your life during 2009?   
Make a step-by-step plan for implementing a daily quiet time alone with God.  Choose the place, gather your materials and select the time of day when you will most likely have a few minutes of uninterrupted time.   
When you fail, begin again.  God will honor your commitment. 

More From The Girlfriends
Around our house, the "after-Christmas" activity of choice is what one of my friends calls "purging".  Every year, she packs up the Christmas decorations and begins a diligent room-by-room, closet-by-closet, box-by-box search for anything she did not use during the past year.  Family heirlooms and items of sentimental value are the only treasures excluded.  Everything else is fair game, and if she hasn't used it in a year and doesn't foresee using it this year, out it goes!  We should apply the same tactic to the attitudes, behaviors, habits and disciplines of our spiritual journey.  We have hopefully learned valuable lessons, gained fresh truths and molded more godly perspectives during the past twelve months.  Now is the time to plug each truth and perspective into daily life.  Need help?  I encourage you to join my online bible study, Light for the Journey for encouragement and practical application of God's truth in your life.  Check it out! 

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]

January 6, 2009
A Desperate Faith
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, "My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." (Mark 5:22-23, NIV)

Friend to Friend
I had a painful phone conversation with a girlfriend this week. She's heavy with hurt.  Spiritually paralyzed by circumstances. Her faith has been greatly challenged and weakened. It broke my heart. I wanted to reach through the phone line and hug her. I wanted to lift her burdens and solve all her problems, but, of course, I couldn't.  So I listened, reminded her of God's love for her, and prayed. 

Back in the days of Jesus' ministry, a man, desperate for a miracle, approached Jesus and fell before him.  His daughter was dying. Jesus was his only hope. Here's how it played out in the Message version:

"After Jesus crossed over by boat, a large crowd met him at the seaside. One of the meeting-place leaders named Jairus came. When he saw Jesus, he fell to his knees, beside himself as he begged, "My dear daughter is at death's door. Come and lay hands on her so she will get well and live." Jesus went with him, the whole crowd tagging along, pushing and jostling him." (Mark 5:21-24, MSG)

Along the way, Jesus healed a woman who had suffered from a bleeding disorder for twelve long years.  Jesus said that her faith made her well. "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, an now you're healed and whole. Live well, lived blessed! Be healed of your plague." (Mark 5:34, MSG)

"While he was still talking, some people came from the leader's house and told him, "Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?" Jesus overheard what they were talking about and said to the leader, "Don't listen to them; just trust me."

He permitted no one to go in with him except Peter, James, and John. They entered the leader's house and pushed their way through the gossips looking for a story and neighbors bringing casseroles.  Jesus was abrupt: "Why all this busybody grief and gossip? This child isn't dead; she's sleeping." Provoked to sarcasm, they told him he didn't know what he was talking about.

But when he had sent them all out, he took the child's father and mother, along with his companions, and entered the child's room.  He clasped the girl's hand and said "Talitha koum," which means "Little girl, get up." At that, she was up and walking around!  This girl was twelve years of age. They, of course, were all beside themselves with joy." (Mark 5:35-42, MSG)

Like Jairus and the bleeding woman, I've found that when life is hardest, the best thing I can do is take my need to Jesus. In the times when I fall before Him in prayer, He sustains and strengthens me ... but in the times that I try to handle things in my own strength, I am weak and ineffective.

Desperate times call for a desperate faith. As Christians, we have faith in a person - God.  Faith in and of itself is meaningless, but faith in an all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful God means everything ... because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Faith is the core of our lives.  It is essential to pleasing God. He wants us to trust Him in every trial and through every trouble.  "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)

Are you desperate for a miracle today?  Is the declining economy, the burden of debt, or soaring unemployment rate affecting you or someone you love? Perhaps you bear the pain of a broken marriage, broken dreams, or a broken body. If you are desperate for healing, help, and hope, ask the Lord to increase your faith today, and make a determined choice to trust Him.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, You are a mighty God, and I'm in need of Your power in my life.  I beg You to move! Please fan the flame of my faith today. I trust that You are in control and ask that You would sustain and strengthen me to face every challenge.

In Jesus' Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Need encouragement? Allow this prayer song to lift your heart to God's. I wrote in a time when I was overwhelmed with hard times. Turn your speakers up and CLICK HERE.

Read and memorize Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

More from the Girlfriends
Beth Moore once said, "Desperation can be the sweetest gift God ever gave you." I agree. God longs to be our Refuge and Rest in the midst of every storm.  If you love music, order Gwen's CD, Unsearchable, and allow the songs to usher you into God's presence and fill your heart with praises. 

Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. 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]

January 7, 2009
What Am I Doing in This Pit?
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 40:1-3 (NIV)  "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord." 

Friend to Friend
It was the spring of 1995 and Spring Breakaway was just around the corner.  Normally this event was a highlight of my year.  I always looked forward to teaching at this very special retreat for women in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - not this year.  This year I didn't even want to go, and I certainly did not want to teach.

I felt completely empty and totally drained.  My energy was gone.  My heart and mind seemed paralyzed. I was exhausted in every way.  But then again ... I did have the right to feel that way, right?  After all, it had been a nonstop year for me.

My husband, Dan, was the pastor/teacher of Flamingo Road Church, a contemporary, seeker-sensitive ministry in Fort Lauderdale that had exploded in growth that year and begun meeting in multiple services.  I attended every service, going early to welcome newcomers and staying late to smooth any ruffled feathers that came my way.  We were in the process of transitioning from a very traditional church to a very contemporary one.  Change is always hard, but this experience had been a nightmare.  I had never encountered such opposition.  I had never been the target of such criticism.  I had never known such rejection as people I thought were my friends attacked my husband's integrity, heart, and vision.  It seemed as if there was always someone waiting in line to question and criticize what we were doing.  I felt like a walking wound.  I knew we were being obedient to what God had called us to do, but it seemed that many disagreed.  I was hurt and angry, and I did not know what to do with those emotions. 

My ministry as the church pianist had become more of a pain than a joy.  Singing was no longer the overflow of a daughter's full heart, but the hollow performance of a spiritual chore.  I had always loved being a mom, but, lately, even this role felt more like an unwelcome burden.  I was used to being the one who gave help.  I was the one others came to for strength and direction.  I was the great encourager -- the caregiver.  People who knew me well would describe me as a very strong woman.  All of my life, I was driven to excel in everything, and if I couldn't do it perfectly, I didn't do it at all. I was a raging perfectionist.legalistically disciplined...with little sympathy for weak people.  Now I, the strong one, couldn't get out of bed.  The simplest decision sent me into a panic. The great wisdom-giver could not compile a grocery list.  The woman who taught hundreds of women couldn't bring herself to face crowds of any size.  The large tasks of life were out of the question, and even the simplest tasks seemed like huge mountains. 

Meals, housework, and even shopping were all left undone.  If I managed to get out of bed and get dressed by the time my kids got home from school, the day was a success.  All I wanted to do was sleep and to be left alone.  I was paralyzed.  I had fallen into a deep, dark, nameless pit.  I had no idea how I got there.  And even more frightening was the stark reality that I had no idea how to get out. 

I decided I was just tired.  All I needed was some rest.  With that hope in hand, my family and I escaped the hot, humid flatlands of Florida to enjoy three weeks in the cool mountains of North Carolina, my favorite vacation spot.  That vacation is a complete blur.  My children knew something was terribly wrong.  They had never seen their mom so quiet...so still...and so sad.  Dan listened patiently as I poured out my fear and confusion night after night.  There seemed to be no answers...only questions.  In his eyes, I could see the growing fear that I felt in my own heart.  We had never been here before.  It was a foreign land.  We had no idea how to navigate those unfamiliar waters.  It was very simple.  I was in serious trouble, and I needed help. 

As each day grew darker, Dan and I both realized we had to come up with a plan -- quickly!  We decided I would see a Christian counselor Dan often referred people to and in whom he had great confidence.  My first appointment with Betty was uneventful as far as I could tell - and a total waste of time.  I was furious!  She was supposed to "fix" me in those few hours and had failed miserably.  She did, however, accomplish one thing.  She named my pit.

Clinical depression was a problem I knew little about.  Evidently, it was an enemy that strong, committed Christians were not supposed to encounter, because I had never heard anyone in the church even talk about depression, much less admit they struggled with it.  I recoiled at the thought of such blatant weakness in my life.  I felt ashamed of what was obviously a great failure on my part, but I was very desperate and willing to do whatever it took to climb out of that pit.  I also knew I could not make this journey alone.  Dan and Betty, along with many others, climbed down into that dark, slimy pit with me and became God with skin on.  They sounded the alarm and gathered the troops. 

Today, I can say with the certainty of an experienced pit dweller that there is a way out.  I have good news for you, my friend.  You are not alone!  I believe that one reason God allowed me to experience the pit of depression is to help others find the way out.  I want to say to those of you who are in that pit -- and to those of you who are peering over the edge of it wondering how to help someone you love -- you do not have to be a prisoner of the dark.  You do not have to stay in your pit.  You do not have to stand helplessly by while a friend or family member drowns in the darkness of depression.  We were meant to dwell in the light.  So lift up your head, open up your heart, and listen for the voice of the One who knows you best and loves you most.  He can and will bring you out of the dark.

Let's Pray
Lord, it seems as if my world has collapsed, hurling me into a deep, dark pit.  I come to you in complete surrender.  I am desperate for you, helpless and afraid.  Please lift me out of this pit and show me the way, Lord.   Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Pour out your heart to your God, asking Him to uncover the dark places in your life.  As He does, record them in simple, honest words.  Each day, read aloud Psalm 40:1-3 and claim it as a certain hope from God's heart to yours. 
Go back over your life.  When have you experienced the darkness?  How has it affected your life?  In what ways? 
What has been your typical response to the dark times in life?  Does that response line up with Psalm 40:1-3? 
Do you really believe that if you cry out to God that He will hear your cry?  What does that mean to you? 
Are you willing to face and deal with the darkness in your life? 
Ask a friend to be your prayer partner this week as you begin this journey to the Light!

More From The Girlfriends
Statistics show that more people struggle with depression during the month of January than at any other time of the year.  I know.  I have been in that pit, and if God can deliver me, He can and will deliver you.  Hope in the Midst of Depression is my story of desperation, brokenness and restoration.  I pray it will be a blessing to you.   

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