Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

November 27, 2012
God is Jealous for Me
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame (Song of Songs 8:6, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Shakespeare described jealousy as a "green-eyed monster." Mark Twain called it the "trademark of small minds." I once heard it described as "the gangrene of the soul." Not a lovely picture, is it? In fact, in human terms, jealousy is usually thought of as a negative trait we need to carefully guard against. However, when it comes to God, jealousy takes on a whole new meaning.

God is a jealous God. The root idea in the Old Testament word jealous is to become intensely red and refers to the way our face can change color with rising emotion when something or someone very dear to us is threatened. Been there? I have! In fact, both the Old and New Testament words for jealousy are also translated "zeal." In other words, being jealous and being zealous is basically the same thing in the Bible. God is zealous – eager about protecting what is precious to Him. It's the kind of jealousy that compels God to pursue each one of us relentlessly, no matter how we try to evade Him with our indifferent attitude or our propensity for sin. The jealousy of God is comparable to the jealous passion of a parent for their child. As a mother, I know what that kind of love is like.

When our son was only six weeks old, he developed a potentially serious medical condition. When the doctor told us to immediately bring Jered to the hospital for tests, I panicked. Dan rushed home from work, and we raced to the hospital where we were met by caring nurses and our wonderful pediatrician. After an extensive exam, the doctor said, "Okay. Let's get an IV in this little man and get him upstairs for X-rays." Seeing the look on my face, Dr. Schultz wrapped his arm around my shoulders and said, "He is going to be fine. We will take good care of him." Words of comfort, but they were not nearly enough to assuage my anguish as I pictured needles being thrust into my precious baby. And he couldn't eat in case they had to do surgery! Jered was all about eating. After his regular feeding time came and went, he screamed for food until he was hoarse. I cried along with him because I knew he was hungry, but I couldn't feed him or make him understand why I couldn't feed him.

The nurses were obviously accustomed to dealing with almost hysterical mothers like me and reassured me repeatedly that everything was going to be fine. I wanted proof! This was not just any baby they were dealing with. Jered was my baby! I fully expected the claws to pop out of the ends of my fingers at any moment because, for the first time in my life, I understood what a mama bear must feel like when her cub is threatened.

The nurse who was assigned to insert Jered's IV was wonderful. I held him tightly as she expertly and gently inserted the needle and quickly secured it with surgical tape. She then took a Styrofoam cup, cut it in half and taped it over the needle so Jered couldn't accidently kick it out. And let me tell you, he was indeed kicking at this point!

The nurse then left the room so I could rock my baby and try to calm him down. Just as he drifted off to sleep, the door slammed open as an X-ray technician wheeled a gurney into the room and sharply ordered, "Let's go!" He had no idea who he was dealing with. My husband did and quickly took charge, escorting the technician into the hallway and said, "We will carry him up to the X-ray floor and will be glad to follow you, but we will not need that gurney until we get there." The technician started to argue but evidently reconsidered when his eyes found mine and he caught my death glare. "Fine," he said and grabbed the IV pole and told us to follow him.

When we reached the X-ray unit, Dan gently pried Jered out of my arms and laid him on the gurney. The technician said, "We are really backed up today so let's make this quick!" He then jerked the gurney and the IV pole in opposite directions, yanking out the carefully inserted and securely taped IV. Blood spurted out of my son's leg and he began to scream.

I don't exactly remember what happened next, but Dan does. He said I scooped Jered up in my arms, stomped my foot so loudly that nurses came running as I growled at the offending young man. I guess the technician had reached his patience limit, too, because he glared back at me and said, "Lady, do you need to leave this unit?" Dan said he quickly began calculating how he was going to raise my bail money when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw me approach the doomed technician, plant my finger in his chest and whisper through clenched teeth, "Listen carefully to me, young man. I know you have a job to do, but you need to understand something right now! This is my baby! I am not going anywhere! And you need to watch how you treat him!" The young man quickly apologized ... as did I ... sort of ... but I meant every word I had spoken to him. Fortunately, Jered did not have to have surgery. He downed two full bottles in record time and I let the technician live – and we headed home instead of to jail. I was and still am a jealous parent who is passionate and zealous about her children.

Don't doubt for a minute that God is jealous for you, Girlfriend. He is standing right beside you, wrapping His arms of love around your wounded heart. Listen closely as He declares that you are His child. You belong to Him, and He is not going anywhere!

Let's Pray
Father, I want to thank You for loving me like no one has ever loved me. I cannot comprehend that kind of love, but I know it is real because it has changed me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and provision in my life. I praise You! In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Set aside time today to spend with God. Read and meditate on the promise of John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Record this verse in your journal.
Circle the action words. What do they mean to you personally?

More from the Girlfriends
The love of God is like no other love. Mary's MP3 download, Love That Never Fails, is a powerful message that will help you understand and celebrate the amazing love of God. Check it out.

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey and learn how to deal with the anger in your life. (Join now and have access to all lessons covered in 2012 including a study on the armor of God, how to tame your tongue and how to live a balanced life. Hurry! This offer ends December 1!) Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

November 28, 2012
Dancing with Jesus
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"In him we live and move and have our being," (Acts 17:28, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Over the course of several years, my husband and I traveled many times to Sea Island, Georgia and beheld art in motion as seasoned couples graced the dance floor to the sounds of a Big Band Orchestra. Mirrored steps, swirling dresses, and graceful twosomes moved around the parquet in a kaleidoscope of colors. Watching them stirred up a hunger in me to learn how to do the same.

So Steve and I signed up for a six-week introductory Ballroom dance class at a local studio.

"Steve and Sharon," the instructor began, "the first dance we will learn is the Fox Trot. Steve, extend your left arm. Now place your right hand on your wife's left shoulder blade. Cup it firmly in your hand. Let her know it's there."  Then she turned to me, "Sharon, you gently rest your left hand on your husband's right shoulder and place your right hand into his left hand. Keep your backs straight. Taut. This is called your frame."

So far, so good.

She then proceeded to teach us to make little boxes with our feet while counting one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four. This was not floating around the dance floor like the couples on Sea Island. This was not what I had in mind.

The instructor continued teaching as we marched in place. "Steve, you have the hardest part because it is up to you to lead. All Sharon has to do is follow your signals. With a gentle press to her back, she will know to move forward. With a slight release, she will know to move backward. When you raise your arm, she will know to turn under."

Sounded easy enough, but it wasn't. More than once, the instructor tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Sharon, you're leading again." The problem was, when I led, Steve wouldn't follow. Imagine that. Now I know a train can't have two engines, but I felt that I was the better dancer and that the lessons would go much quicker if Steve would just let me lead. But my tendency to take control only slowed us down and frustrated the entire process.

After we mastered tiny boxes, it was time for lesson number two. "Okay," the instructor continued, "now you are ready to begin moving around the room. This will be like making small boxes with a flap open."

We learned how to take two steps forward and two steps to the side, two steps forward and two steps to the side. Actually, Steve got to move forward, but I had to move backwards, which seemed very unfair to me. "I understood that we couldn't both move forward, but why am I the one who has to move backward?" I complained. The instructor took a deep breath and assured me that this was the way God planned it. (She didn't explain it exactly that way, but I knew that's what she meant.)

So the three of us marched and counted: "Slow, slow, quick, quick. Slow, slow, quick, quick." I felt more like a shopping buggy being pushed around the room than a dance partner. I was just glad no one was watching.

I had wanted us to be the next Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, but instead we looked more like Fred Rogers and Mrs. Frog dancing about the neighborhood. And all during our six week lessons, the instructor kept tapping me on the shoulder and saying, "Sharon, you're leading again."

Eventually, I did learn to trust Steve enough to let him lead. Did you catch that? I learned to trust him. As long as I didn't trust him, I would never yield to his promptings. As long as I thought I could do it better, I would never follow his lead. But when I surrendered to his tender tugs and gentle releases, we began to glide. When I began to heed his cues, I knew when to spin, roll out like a casted fishing line and be reeled back in again like a prized catch.

Amazingly, when I relinquished control and followed Steve's lead, I looked good. I was the one spinning, twirling, rolling out, and swirling back in. All Steve got to do was stay in one place and drive the machine.

And that is the joy and beauty of practicing a life of union with Jesus. In Him we live and move and have our being becomes a graceful dance in which we simply learn to follow Jesus' lead. When we learn to yield to Jesus' tender tugs and gentle releases, when we relinquish our tendency to take control, we move as one to the melody of heaven's Big Band and God's creative choreography designed uniquely for each of us.

Let's Pray
Jesus, forgive me for trying to take the lead. I want to be a good dance partner who yields to Your tender tugs and gentle release. Today, I will relinquish control and follow Your lead.
In Your Name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
The next time you watch dancers, notice who gets to do all the fancy moves. At the same time, notice who is leading.

Is there an area in your life that you tend to take the lead rather than follow Jesus'?

If you are willing to stop taking the lead away from Jesus, log onto this post on my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com and say, I'm letting Jesus lead!

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was adapted from my newest book, A Sudden Glory: God's Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More. Do you long for more in your relationship with God and in your life as a whole? Oh sister, God wants to fulfill that longing! He longs to lavish you with moments of SUDDEN GLORY where He makes His presence known. Life becomes a beautiful dance with Jesus when today's truth becomes a reality in your life. Are you ready to join Jesus in the dance of your life?

[Judy Harder]

November 29, 2012
No Room
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16, NIV).

Friend to Friend
I make room for things that are important to me. I eat two or three meals every day and sleep several hours each night even though my "to do" list is not much shorter today than it was yesterday. I will choose to play with a grandchild over cleaning the house any day of the week. I manage to find a place for that great piece of furniture I don't really need – but really like. After all, it was on sale. I like watches. Don't ask me why because I simply don't know. I only need one watch, but I own several inexpensive ones. I will have lunch with a friend instead of running errands. And there is always room for chocolate! Silly examples – right?

I wonder. I wonder what the innkeeper thought as he turned away the young man and his very pregnant wife that holy night so long ago. He had no room – it was that simple. Do we?

The Christmas season is here. Our calendars are already full, our bank accounts are closing in on empty and our hearts and lives are crowded with things we deem important. But have we made room for Jesus?

I simply cannot imagine a world without the presence of God and yet I often live my life as if He does not exist. A crisis hits, and I try to handle it on my own. I don't understand the trials in my life while those who could care less about God seem to prosper. Instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness. Financial stress fuels worry. Instead of turning to God, I rely on what I can see and understand. I settle.

When I do cry out to God, He lovingly fills each dark corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, Jesus Christ steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything – absolutely everything!

Jesus could have come to us in many ways. The simplicity of His birth is extraordinary and sometimes hard to grasp. Jesus could have been born in a mansion. He was, after all, a King. Instead, He came to a dirty smelly manger and His birth was announced by common shepherds instead of Kings -- the greatest of all miracles in the midst of total simplicity. Today, Jesus still wants to meet us in the midst of our simple daily lives. It seems too easy and too good to be true, doesn't it?

It was Christmas Eve, and the family was preparing to attend the special service of their local church. Everyone was going except Dad, who was an honest man, a man who could not seem to wrap his logical mind around the story of God come to earth as a baby in a manger. He didn't want to be a hypocrite, pretending to worship a Savior he wasn't sure even existed, so he stayed home, built a fire to dispel the bitter cold of that winter night and began to read the paper while waiting for his family's return. Hearing a knock at the window, he turned to see a tiny bird trying to reach the warmth of the fire. The man opened the window, but the bird refused to come in. Grabbing his coat, the man raced out to the barn and opened the barn doors wide – but still, the bird refused to come in. The man thought, "If only I could be a bird, for just one minute, I could lead the bird to safety." At that moment, he heard the church bells ring and finally understood why Jesus came to earth as a man - to become one of us - so He could lead us to eternal safety.

The very heart of Christmas is Emanuel, God with us – with me – and withyou. Christmas is not a date on a calendar. Christmas is a way of life that celebrates the presence of God in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go and what we do -- the smile we give the harried stranger or the patience we choose in the crowd of impatient shoppers -- the love that prompts the secret gift or the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit. God is with us – if we choose to make room for Him.

Let's Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. Thank You for sending Your Son to earth as a tiny baby in a manger. I celebrate the birth of Jesus and the gift of life that He brings. I choose to receive Your gift of love and forgiveness for my sins. I now surrender everything I am or ever hope to be to You. Please take control of my life and direct my paths. I promise to follow. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read John 3:16 once a day and look for ways to share God's love with the people in your life.
Give a gift to someone you don't know.
Invite a needy family into your home for a special "Friends" dinner.
Offer to take an elderly neighbor shopping.
Put your faith into action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.

More from the Girlfriends
I pray that your life is filled with God's peace and joy this holiday season. I know it has been a difficult year for many of you. Remember – God is with you.

Already feeling the stress of the approaching holidays? Get Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, for practical steps to dealing with and managing stress and check out her Christmas MP3 downloads, The Secret of a Merry Christmas and Giving the Perfect Gift.

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey and learn how to deal with the anger in your life. (Join now and have access to all lessons covered in 2012 including a study on the armor of God, how to tame your tongue and how to live a balanced life. Hurry! This offer ends December 1!) Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

Novembe 30, 2012
What's Your Top Priority?
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. (Psalm 57:2, ESV)

Friend to Friend
My heart plays ping-pong. It shifts focus from one affection to another faster than you can say, "Squirrel!" I have never been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD – or any other condition with scary capitol letters – but I've surely been known to major on some minors in my day. Practically every day. I worry about things that don't really matter... at least not eternally.

The other day started out great. In the wee hours of early, I poured some hot coffee, grabbed my prayer journal and my Bible, and headed to the couch to spend time with God. My heart spilled with worship as I fixed my affections on Him. I was prepared to start my day. Fueled and focused.

A while later, my son came downstairs ready for school. We exchanged tender morning greetings and hugs as he grabbed a bowl for cereal. But when he sat down to eat, I realized that he was wearing two different socks. As he ate his breakfast, I tried to lovingly influence him toward a matching pair... to no avail. Hmmph! When he left for the bus stop, I was horrified, so I lamented. Where have I gone wrong with this child? Why does his 13-year old brain not think it is inappropriate to wear un-matching socks? What will people think? Surely the teachers will have a juicy gossip session in the lunchroom about how awful and inadequate I am as a mother because my "it's-all-good" child went to school with two different socks!

AS IF it matters.
Ping. Pong.

My heart can turn on a dime. One moment it is fixed on the Lord and the next it prioritizes drama. Does God care if my son's socks match? I'm thinking No. Is it okay to want my children to wear matching socks? Yes. Surely I can speak into a practical matter, but the way I respond matters more – especially if things don't go my way. Let it go, already.

I really do need to let it go.

I need to let a lot of things go. I need to let go of reactions, emotions, activities or thoughts that don't honor God. He wants to be our top priority! That's why we were created. To love him above all things. He wants the details, activities and decisions of our lives to be prioritized around Him - not just our Sunday mornings and major decisions... but our every morning and our every decision. We must look to Him as our desire – our ultimate – our obsession. Then the rest of life falls into place.

God is El Elyon. This Hebrew term for God can be translated two ways: the Most High God or God Most High. Either way, they mean the same thing: He is to be preeminent in our lives. He is supreme. There is nothing above Him or beyond Him.

In her book Obsessed, author and speaker Hayley DiMarco said it this way, "If you claim two obsessions, then you are not truly obsessed with both. No one is obsessed part time."

God is jealous for us.
He wants us to be obsessed with Him and Him alone.         

God becomes El Elyon to us when our affections for Him and His ways are prioritized above all else. The Lord wants us to be focused worshipers. To have hearts that look to Him and His strength; seeking His face always. (Psalm 105:4) One of my favorite things about the Psalms is that they are honest. Refreshingly so. Like the psalmist, we need to allow God to filter our responses.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. - (Psalm 57:2, ESV)

I'm so encouraged by what Scripture says here: when I cry out to God and make Him my ultimate, He fulfills His purpose for me. Yes, please! That's what I want. His purpose – not mine. More of Him – less of me. You see, we don't have to try to find our happiness and purpose in other things. When we prioritize God and put Him as God Most High in our lives, He fulfills us in a way that none of these other things can!

A.W. Tozer wrote, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." He also listed off these telling "Rules for Self Discovery":

1. What we want most;
2. What we think about most;
3. How we use our money;
4. What we do with our leisure time;
5. The company we enjoy;
6. Who and what we admire;
7. What we laugh at.

Tozer summed it up beautifully: all of life needs to be filtered through our constant thoughts and yielding to our Most High God.

How can this be practical in our lives? What does El Elyon mean to your worries? Do you obsess about them? If you compare your fears to El Elyon, the Pinnacle of existence, do they still look so big? What does El Elyon mean to your busy life, your weight loss goals or your desire to please others? Which master leads? Are you more concerned about pleasing man or pleasing God?

This is where the rubber meets the roads.
Where your ping meet your pong.
You must choose what, or who, will be Most High in your life.

The psalmist chose what is best as he sang to El Elyon, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:2)

Will you allow Him to be your El Elyon?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, El Elyon, I really want to get this one! Help me to place You above all and before all. Show me what that looks like in the midst of my drama. Help me to yield to You when I want to take control. Be my Everything. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

·         How does today's devotion relate to your life?
·         Spend a moment in prayer about the things that distract you from prioritizing God above all and before all.

More from the Girlfriends
I love this name of God so much that I co-wrote a song about it called El Elyon with my friend, Dave Clark. Read the lyric below as a prayer. Read it out loud. Reflect on His goodness. Then swing over to my website at www.GwenSmith.net to hear the song:

El Elyon[ii]
Dave Clark, Gwen Smith
Psalm 91:1-2

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
He will rest in the shadow of the Lord Almighty
And I will say He is my Fortress
I will say in Him I trust
My Refuge, My Provider
My Righteousness

El Elyon
God Most High
Great and Mighty One
Holy Adonai
Merciful Provider
Sovereign majesty
You are El Elyon
God Most High to me

God, Jehovah, Creator, and the Great I Am
You invite us to join You in Your sanctuary
Even though we stand unworthy
Let our worship speak our heart
As witness of the covenant
And who You are

Obsessed, Breaking Free From the Things That Consume You. ©2012 by Hungry Planet (Published by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

[ii]El Elyon / CCLI # 5260548By Gwen Smith / Dave Clark

© Copyright 2008 New Spring, a division of Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing / Audio 31 Music / Callender Lane Music (ASCAP) (Licensing through Music Services) / Sunday Best Music (ASCAP) (Administered by Sunday Best Music, P.O. Box 2553, Hendersonville, TN 37077). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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[Judy Harder]

December 3, 2012
Can You Hear Me Now?
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" - John 10:27 (ASV).

Friend To Friend
Dan and I had been married one year when we moved to Fort Worth, Texas so he could attend seminary. I desperately wanted but could not find a school teaching job. Instead, I was hired to work in an insurance office - definitely not my idea of a dream job - but I had a plan. Every day, on my lunch hour, I called the school district's personnel office to ask, "Do you have a job for me yet?"

After several weeks of these annoying phone calls, a frustrated voice finally responded with the words I had been longing to hear, "Mary, will you teach anything anywhere?" Finally! I jumped at the job offer and made an appointment to visit my new classroom that afternoon. The principal escorted me up a flight of stairs, pointed to a door and said, "That's your classroom. Good luck!" With a knowing smile, he turned and walked away ... very quickly. Hmmm, interesting!

Stepping into the classroom, I froze at the astonishing sight before me. Children were jumping on desks while others crawled under tables, all screaming and yelling at the top of their lungs.  Paper and food littered the floor. In the corner sat an obviously frazzled substitute teacher who was desperately trying to gain control of her students ... uh, make that my students. The classroom was in total chaos! My first thought was "What have I gotten myself into?" The next few weeks certainly answered that question.

Each classroom was arranged in learning centers instead of desks. The students moved from center to center as they completed assignments, a plan that naturally invited noise. I learned that because of overcrowding, each teacher had been asked to select two children to form a new classroom and, of course, each teacher had chosen her two most difficult students to populate the new class.

The first few weeks were a nightmarish battle for control. After losing my voice twice, my sister, a veteran first grade teacher, gave me some great advice as she explained, "The louder you are, the louder the children will be. If you want to get their attention, speak softly so they will have to be quiet in order to hear your voice." I put her advice into action the next day.

As the children entered the classroom, I greeted each one with a silent smile. In my hands was a brightly wrapped box. Curious, they asked, "What is that, Mrs. Southerland?" I merely smiled and said nothing until every student was quietly seated. "I have a new plan for our classroom," I began. "Sometime during the day, I will call your name once. If you hear my voice, you may choose one prize from our new prize box. If you don't hear my voice, you'll miss the opportunity to select a prize and I will call another student's name." It worked like a charm! In a matter of days, my students learned to listen for my voice above all others.

It occurs to me that listening for the voice of God when I pray is a lot like that classroom. The children had not been trained to listen for a teacher's voice. The result was chaos and stress - with very little learning happening. I could not teach them anything until I had their attention, so when they began to tune out everyone's voice but mine, the atmosphere of that classroom was transformed into a peaceful, quiet place where students could focus and learn.

Is your heart trained to come to God in prayer, listening for His voice above all others? The only voice that matters is His. Come to Him in prayer. Listen as He speaks to you. He is waiting.

Let's Pray
Father, sometimes it seems as if my head and heart are filled with voices and each one is telling me something different. Help me learn to hear Your voice, to stop and listen for You above every other voice clamoring for my attention. I will seek You in the Scripture.   will seek You in prayer and in my daily walk. I am listening today for Your voice alone.
In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

·         Make a list of three "voices" that are frequently heard in your life.

Examine each voice to see if it lines up with God's plan and purpose for your life.
Strengthen your ability to hear God's voice above the others by reading and memorizing Scripture. Below are a few of my favorites:
Psalm 32:8 "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

Exodus 14:13 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Isaiah 42:16 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."

Already feeling the stress of the approaching holidays? Get Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, for practical steps to dealing with and managing stress. Be sure to check out her Christmas MP3 downloads, The Secret of a Merry Christmasand Giving the Perfect Gift.

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss the new study, Power Up With Proverbs, beginning January 14. Enroll before December 15 and have access to all 2012 lessons. Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

December 4, 2012
The Women of Christmas
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear" (Isaiah 59:1 NIV).

Friend to Friend
When the writers of the Old Testament penned the words to the long lists of lineages, the so-and-so begat so-and-so's, they always listed the males. Nary a time do you find a woman's name in the list.  But when we turn the page from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see God honoring women in a brand new way. Even in the lineage of Jesus recorded in Matthew chapter one, we see four women in addition to Mary in the list!  For that time in history, that was quite radical!

Now, if you were going to be part of this liberating radical movement to recognize women in the Holy Scriptures, whom would you pick? Oh, I'd probably include Mrs. Noah. She had to be a very patient, submissive wife to be able to put up with all those animals and Noah's wild ideas.

Or perhaps I'd pick Mrs. Moses. Zipporah must have been a very godly woman to allow her husband to travel about in the dessert for all those years. And besides, any woman who has a husband in leadership knows the sacrifices she must have made.

Or perhaps I'd pick Sarah. After all, she did bear a child when she was ninety.

But no. Those are not the women that God chose to be listed in the lineage of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He chose Rahab – a redeemed woman who had been a prostitute before she joined the children of God. He chose Tamar – who had an incestuous relationship with her father-in-law.  He chose Bathsheba – who had an affair with King David and bore a son. And He chose Ruth – a woman from a cursed nation.

Oh friend, do you see it?  I am so glad that these are the women that God chose. Through these women we see there is no place so far from God that He cannot save us, redeem us, and ultimately use us for His glory. His arm is not too short to save us from the deepest pit imaginable. That was true for those four women, and it is true for you and me. That, dear one, is the story of Christmas.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Redeemer, I am so thankful that you choose the weak things of the world to shame the wise.  I am one of those "weak things" and I am constantly amazed that You chose me and use me for Your glory.  Praise You, Lord.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Over the next few days, go back and read the stories of the women listed in Jesus' genealogy and see what you can learn about their lives.

Rahab: Joshua 2
Tamar: Genesis 38:1-30
Bathsheba: 2 Samuel 11

After reading about them, answer these questions. What did God take them from?  What did God take them to?

What does this tell you about the people that God can use? Click over to my blog page and tell me your answers. Let's get real and honest.

More from the Girlfriends

This is not your typical fluffy Christmas message – but it is why Jesus came. To save the lost, heal the sick, and use the redeemed.  If you would like to learn more about God's transforming power, see Sharon's book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Pain of your Past.  And for more ways to keep Jesus the focus of the holiday season, see Sharon's book, Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas, Ideas from A-Z.

[Judy Harder]

December 5, 2012
Ho! Ho! Ho! Help!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Luke 2:16-20 (NIV) "So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told."

Friend to Friend
Are you ready for the holidays? For some people, that question spurs exciting thoughts of beautifully decorated tables filled with scrumptious meals, festive shopping trips, extended family time, brightly wrapped gifts under a tree ... the "Walton" kind of holiday. For others, the holiday season is a very difficult and dark time that is to be endured rather than enjoyed. According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress-related causes each week. During the holiday season, another one million people battle what experts refer to as the "holiday blues." I am very familiar with depression and the pain it holds and must constantly battle to stay out of that pit. 

Depression is an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual disorder. Something is out of balance. We have buried some pain instead of confronting it or we have misplaced our trust and sought help from impotent sources. In order to deal with depression, we must first come to a place of total and complete surrender to God and His plan of healing, even if we cannot see or do not understand that plan. The bottom line of God's heart toward His children is always restoration and healing.   

While I am not a big fan of television, I do enjoy watching a few select home improvement shows. On a recent program, an interior decorator and homeowner were discussing a list of changes that needed to be made in order to update the home. "First, we have to do something about those windows," the decorator announced. I was surprised that she had listed this task first – until I saw the house. The existing glass was not only an ugly shade of gold, but it was thick and chunky as well. The windows let in no light and made it virtually impossible to see in or out. The result was a dark, isolated home. The distressed homeowner protested, "But I like my privacy. And if I thought anyone could see in, I would feel totally exposed." When it comes to dealing with depression, many people feel the same way. 

We construct walls over which no one can climb because the cost of friendship is too high. We fill the windows of our soul with emotional excuses in order to avoid dealing with pain. The result is darkness, loneliness and missed opportunities for restoration. We don't want to understand depression or find the treasures of that darkness; we simply want to be rid of it. Many people try to understand and deal with depression on a surface level – refusing to face painful experiences, difficult relationships and, in general, the broken places where darkness lives. We look for the nearest exit, hoping to bypass transparency because the price is just too much to pay.

Emotional integrity is an essential step to recognizing, understanding and dealing with depression. We must be real before we can be right, and until we are willing to risk being transparent, we can neither understand nor effectively deal with depression during the holidays or any other time of the year.   

The holidays seem to tug at the masks we carefully hold in place or push the emotional buttons we desperately try to hide. The arrival of family members can resurrect painful issues that have never really been resolved. Financial pressure opens up like a sinkhole, waiting to steal our joy and destroy our peace. Schedules demand every ounce of energy, and false expectations leave us empty and hollow. The dark, slimy pit waits for us to fall in. It is not supposed to be that way, girlfriend!

Make this Christmas season a time of praise. Choose to focus on the victories and joys you have experienced during the year, and then find ways to share that victory and joy with others. Christmas can be a true celebration of fresh starts and new beginnings if we choose to focus on a tiny baby born in a manger, come to save us and give us true life. The darkness can be destroyed if we choose to face and deal with whatever it holds. Right now, choose an attitude of joy by focusing your mind on the things of heaven – not earth, and by fixing your heart on Jesus Christ. 

Let's Pray
Father, I want this holiday season to one that is filled with light instead of darkness. Please help me discard my emotional masks and be real before You as well as with my family and friends. Give me the courage to be obedient to You in every holiday setting. Give me eyes to see those You bring into my life that need my encouragement because they are on the same journey. Father, prepare and enable me to make this holiday season an offering of praise to You. 
In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Luke 2:1-16. Answer the following questions after reading the Christmas story.

· What was the attitude of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem?
· How did the shepherds react to the news of Jesus' birth? What did they do?
· How would you describe the emotions and thoughts of Mary? How can your choice to
  "ponder" on the miracles of Jesus' birth change your perspective of the holidays?

Write a letter of commitment to Jesus, asking Him to empower the choices you have made. Make a plan or a list of "dos" and "don'ts" that will help you experience the best holiday season of your life. Include your family in making this plan and make the commitment to hold each other accountable.

More from the Girlfriends
Take a few moments to re-visit last year's holiday season. What was the best part of those holidays for you? What changes do you need to make this year so that the way you celebrate Christmas honors God? 

Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is the story of my journey out of spiritual bankruptcy into the rest of God and is based on Psalm 23. Bible Study guide included. Be sure to check out her Christmas MP3 downloads, The Secret of a Merry Christmas and Giving the Perfect Gift.

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss the new study, Power Up With Proverbs, beginning January 14. Enroll before December 15 and have access to all 2012 lessons. Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

December 6,2012
Grumbling Grumbling Grumbling
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Moses also said, 'You will know that it was the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling agaist him.  Who are we?  You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD" (Exodus 16:8 NIV emphasis added).

Friend to Friend
In my last devotion, we looked at Miriam and how she grumbled against Moses, but Miriam was not the only one who grumbled while heading toward the Promised Land.  The Israelites grumbled at every turn.  God cared for the Israelites by His own hand - providing water from a rock, manna from heaven, quail from the sky, clothes that never wore out, a fire by night and a cloud by day.  And yet...they grumbled. (See Exodus 15:24, 16:2,7,8,9,11, 12, 17:2,3)  Do you think they all started grumbling at once?  I don't.  I think it started with a few murmurs and grew like an approaching train.

Back in the late 50's, there was a movie called "The Blob."  The blob looked like a massive pile of silly putty that rolled along swallowing up everything and everyone in its path.  That's what grumbling and gossiping can do among believers.  It too rolls along swallowing up unsuspecting victims along the way.

God didn't take too kindly to Miriam's grumbling. While she started out whispering about Moses' choice of a wife, that was not really the issue at all. It was jealousy pure and simple. Actually, there was nothing "pure" about it.

"Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken as well through us?" Her words and attitude of jealousy were just as destructive to the cause of God as infectious leprosy that ate away at her fingers and toes. Why was only Miriam punished and not Aaron? I imagine that she was the principle instigator of the ill-spoken words and Aaron happened to be in the blob's path.

Let's back up to Numbers 12:3:  "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." Theologians suggest that the word "miserable" is a better translation of the Hebrew word than "humble."  "Ever since Numbers 11:1, one thing after another had brought pressure on Moses so that in 11:14 he whimpers to God that he is not able to bear the load any longer. He even asks that he might die to be relieved of the pressures. Now with this assault of his sister and brother, it was simply too much.  He was now the most "miserable" man on the earth. He had found his lot so difficult, his task so unmanageable, his pressure so intense that he called out to God saying, "It is too much!" (11:14) "Now the man Moses was exceedingly miserable, more than any man on the face of the earth!"

( Kenneth L. Barker & John  R. Kohlenberger III, Zondervan NIV Commentary Volume I: Old Testament (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), p. 198.)

When someone is bending under the pressure of trying to please God and the grumblers he or she is trying to serve, what is needed is not more booing and hissing from the crowd but cheers and holy pep talks from the team. "Do all things without grumbling," Paul encourages the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:14 NASB).  Timothy writes, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

So we have a choice. We can be like the prophetess Deborah in the Bible who dispensed encouragement from under the honey tree and walked side-by-side with Christian soldiers into battle. (See Judges 4-5).  Or we can be like the prophetess Miriam who stirred up strife and caused the march to the Promised Land to come to a complete stop.  The difference lies right under our noses.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, forgive me when I grumble.  I know that ultimately, when I grumble, I am grumbling against You.  Help me to be an encourager and use my words to minister to those around me.  Help me to build up and not tear down, to encourage and not discourage, and to fan the flames of hope rather than extinguish the sparks of a dream.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Just try saying the word grumble with a smile on your face.  It doesn't work, does it?  I'm sitting here trying now. I sure hope no one's looking.

Let's think about this. When we are grumbling about our circumstances, who are we really grumbling against?

Do you see yourself as a person who grumbles or a person who is grateful?

What do you need to do to change?

Make a list of things you are grateful for today! Click over to my blog post at www.sharonjaynes.com or my Facebook page and tell me at least 3 things you're thankful for today.

More from the Girlfriends
If you would like to learn more about how to be a Deborah who encourages others to walk into battle rather than a Miriam who stops progress, you'll want to read The Power of a Woman's Words.  And to go deeper into God's Word and learn about the incredible gift of words that He has entrusted to us, you'll want to read The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study Guide.  There is also a teaching DVD available. Check it out! It is perfect for individual or group study.

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 7, 2012
Taming the Evil Yes Monster
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said." (Luke 10:38-39, NIV)

Friend To Friend
Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew?  Have you ever said, "Sure, I'll be glad to do that!" when you should have said, "I'm sorry, but I can't commit to that right now"? Has an over-loaded schedule ever added stress to you, your family, or your relationships? I would think you've answered, "yes" to each of the previous questions.  I know I did.

I constantly try to make positive life adjustments. Two areas I evaluate regularly are my calendar and commitments. Trust me, I'm not the boundary queen. I won't even pretend to have all the answers about this topic, because I don't. I bow to the evil "yes monster" more than I care to admit.  I'm in the trenches with you, constantly struggling to find a healthy balance between faith, family, friends, fashion, and ministry.  (Okay, fashion doesn't really belong on that list, though it's terribly fun. I just wanted to see if you were paying attention!)

Jesus had some friends named Mary and Martha.  Martha was a busy girl who, at times, allowed her to-do list to keep her from worship.  Mary just wanted to be with Jesus.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her."(Luke 10:38-42, NIV)

As we face the holiday season and a new year, let's choose what's better! It's so important that we establish healthy boundaries in our lives to keep us from being too busy to sit at the Lord's feet. Over the years, I've been forced to grow in the area of setting boundaries in order to bless and preserve my faith, family, friendships and ministry. In an article called Setting Boundaries, Dr. Richard J. Krejcir wrote, "A boundary is a fence to ward of potential problems and to protect those in its guardianship."

What does that look like in real life? How can we possibly spend time with the Lord, keep our homes clean, run errands, go to meetings, serve on committees, change diapers, shower, get our Bible study assignment finished, find missing teddy bears, take Johnny to little league, run Sally to dance practice, and have a hot, healthy dinner on the table by six o'clock? I'm sure it will look different for each of us, but there's one basic parameter that applies across the board, whether you are married, divorced, single, or widowed, or with or without children: make time for God.

Jesus said that the highest call on your life is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Keep the main thing the main thing! Nothing should replace your personal time with God. Set aside time each day for Bible study, prayer, and worship.  Jesus tells us that we must remain in Him. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

And one additional thought: protect your passions. What do you love to do? Is there time in your life for it?  Make it a priority. Allow yourself time to refuel and relax by scheduling fun time. Whether it's taking a hike in the woods, playing the piano, having lunch with a girlfriend, reading a book, or bargain shopping, keep your heart fed with fun. You'll be a better you for it!

Once you've established faith boundaries that prioritize and protect your time with Jesus, you can freely say, "yes" to the opportunities that are in line with your passion and interests. You can also say "no" to the yes monster that tries to rob you of God's best and to dilute your focus.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, please forgive me for the times when I clutter my life with busyness and fail to put You first.  Help me to discern what is best for my schedule according to Your perfect will, and equip me with the wisdom and courage to make any changes that are needed. I love You and long to know you more with all my heart, mind, and soul.
In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you relate more with Mary or Martha? Why?

Are you saying yes to too many things? Protect you and your loved ones from the evil yes monster. Take a few moments to consider if any of your activities could be eliminated.

More From The Girlfriends
Friend, don't be discouraged if your calendar seems off-the-charts crazy.  I know what that's like. This devotion wasn't written to condemn, only to challenge. Let's choose the best together and clear a space everyday to sit and worship at the feet of Jesus. "Uncluttered" is a CD filled with songs that sweep you away from excess 'life-noise', this music focuses your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. As you ponder today's message, watch the Uncluttered music video here.

[Judy Harder]

December 10, 2012
Let Peace Rule
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Colossians 3:15 (NIV) "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts."

Friend to Friend
Peace seems to be on everyone's mind, which is nothing new. It seems to me that we have been chasing peace since time began. We want a peaceful world, a peaceful home, and a peaceful workplace – a peaceful life. I know people who would give everything they have for a few minutes of peace. Peace cannot be found in a treaty or negotiation. Peace is an inside job and can only be found in one place – a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we know Him, we can experience and know peace.

Peace is the condition of wholeness and the sense of wellbeing that comes from knowing God and being made right in His eyes. Peace is completely dependent upon His presence in us, and His gift of eternal life. We come into this world with an ache in our soul, a longing in our heart and a deep sense of being lost. When we find God, we find home. Peace immediately takes up residence in our hearts, and we are eternally "found."

When our son, Jered, was a little boy, he and his dad often went for a walk after dinner while I put Danna to bed. One night, Dan decided to test Jered's sense of direction. "How far are we from home, Son?" Dan asked. Jered answered, "Dad, I don't know." Dan then asked, "Well, where are you?" Again, Jered answered, "I don't know." Dan laughed, "Sounds to me like you are lost, Son." Jered looked up at his father, grinned and said, "Nope, I can't be lost, Dad. I'm with you." With God, we will never be lost and can experience peace.

However, understanding peace does not always guarantee the presence of peace. I am often guilty of filling my days with so many appointments, tasks, meetings, and activities that peace disintegrates before noon.  Paul encourages us to "let the peace of Christ rule" in our hearts. The word, "rule," is an athletic term meaning "to preside at the games and distribute the prizes." Sounds like a typical day to me!

In the Greek games, there were judges who rejected the contestants that were not qualified and disqualified those who broke the rules. Today, we would call them "umpires" and the playing field of peace would be our hearts. "Heart" refers to "the center of one's being." Peace begins its reign in the center of our being; it then works its way out into every nook and cranny of life - if we allow peace to rule. 

Admittedly, there are times when an umpire seems like a good idea because many of us relish a good fight.  We say we want peace, but not at the price of giving up control or surrendering personal agendas. We must stand firm in our resolve to pursue harmony and peace, even if it means giving up rights and yielding control.

Relationships must be committed to peace. It is difficult to wage war with someone who has laid down his or her weapons in an act of surrender. Ah, there's that dreaded word again - surrender. Surrender is the heartbeat of peace. The choice to surrender initiates the process of allowing peace to rule. I guess you could say that the peace of God is our "umpire," and in every situation stands ready to make the calls that will lead us to rest in and trust Him, but first comes the choice to "let" peace rule. The work of peace is always unleashed by our choice, our invitation.

Let's Pray
Father, I praise You today because You are my peace. Your presence in my life ushers in true peace and lets my soul rest. Forgive me when I cram my days with urgent things that are not always the important things.  Help me discern Your plan for my life each day so that I can walk in peace.
In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How would you define the concept of peace in your life? Is your heart and mind filled with chaos and stress instead of peace? Identify the main source of stress in your life and make any adjustments necessary to bring that area under control. Write out your own "Peace Treaty" with God and share it with a friend. When you feel as if your life is spinning out of control, remember to rest in Him.

More From The Girlfriends
How is the peace level in your life? I know that we live in uncertain times and can often fall prey to worry, doubt and fear. We don't understand what is happening or why. Solutions seem scarce while problems multiply.  What should we do? Stop! Take a deep breath and remember who you are and whose you are. You are a child of the King, friend, and He is fully aware of your circumstances. Where you are is no surprise to Him. God often allows His children to be cast into a fiery furnace, but His hand is always on the thermostat. Stand firm in your faith and choose peace.

Need help with your Christmas shopping? Don't miss Mary's biggest and final sale of 2012 going on in her online store right now!

Looking for a Bible Study? Check out Mary's weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss the new study, Power Up With Proverbs, beginning January 14. Enroll before December 15 and have access to all 2012 lessons. Be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.