Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

December 11, 2012
Ignored by Man, Chosen by God
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I havechosen you out of the world" (John 15:19 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Have you ever felt that you were overlooked or ignored ... like you were a nobody?  Well, take heart girlfriend. You are not alone.

In the Bible, we read the story of when the prophet Samuel went to anoint the next king of Israel. By God's instruction, Samuel traveled to Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse. He knew where to go and what family the king would come from. He knew the next king would be one of Jesse's sons ... he just didn't know which son.

Samuel arrived in Bethlehem and asked Jesse to bring all of his sons out for his inspection. Jesse brought out each of his seven sons, one-by-one. As Samuel prayerfully approached each young man, God said, "No, that is not the one...No, that is not the one...No, that is not the one."  Seven times God refused Jesse's sons. Finally, exasperated and confused, Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?"

"Oh yeah, I do have one more son," Jesse said. "I almost forgot all about him. Little David is out taking care of the sheep. I'll send someone to get him."

David was so insignificant to his own father, that when the prophet requested an audience with all of his boys, the dad didn't even think to invite him. However, David was the very one God had selected to be the next ruler of His chosen people.  How exciting!  You may have felt overlooked, disregarded, and ignored by man, but make no mistake about it, you are chosen by God!

Ponder these verses...

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
"In him we were alsochosen,  having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory" (Ephesians 1:11,12 NIV).
"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies" (Romans 8:33 NIV).
Let's Pray
Dear Father, thank You that I am chosen and dearly loved.  While there have been many times in my life where I was not chosen, I rejoice that You chose me!  Help me to be an encourager to others who may feel neglected or discarded by others.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
When was a time in your life when you felt rejected?

The Bible says that we have a High Priest, Jesus, who has felt all the pain and suffering just as we have. How was Jesus rejected?

At the same time, how was Jesus chosen by God?

Consider writing down the verses in today's devotion and post them somewhere you can see them often.

Click over to my blog page where this devo is posted and tell me what it means to you to know that you are chosen by God. www.sharonjaynes.com

More from the Girlfriends
You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. And that's just the beginning. If you would like to learn about who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, and where you are in Christ, then you'll want to read my book, Becoming Spiritually Beautiful: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You.  And for everyone that orders today (the date posted on this devotion only) you'll receive a free makeup mirror that says "See yourself as God sees you...Beautiful!"

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 12, 2011
Don't Miss Christmas!
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
The Christmas rush is on! I know many of you are still looking for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, baking your famous sugar cookies, packing the car for a long trip and wrestling with overly excited children. Ho! Ho!  Ho!

Stop right where you are! Take a deep breath and travel back with me to a time when there was no hope and no celebration. I can't imagine a world without Jesus and yet, many times I live my life as if He doesn't even exist. A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own. Loneliness floods my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness.

He then interrupts my life and fills each black corner with Light. His love flows over the pain like a soothing balm and once again, I experience the manger. Once again, He steps into the smelly, unlikely and very ordinary existence that is mine to change everything – everything!

Jesus could have come to us in many ways, but He chose to interrupt the very ordinary with the most extraordinary. He could have chosen to be born in a palace. After all, He was a King. Yet His life on earth began in a manger housed in what amounted to little more than a dirty, smelly barn. The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to me, and one of my most profound life lessons.

I often wish I had been there that holy night when Jesus was born, but then He reminds me that I have my own manger; my own holy moment when God became a reality to me, and I worship Him!

Every year I am reminded of the very heart of Christmas -- Emanuel, God with us. God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go and what we do, the smile we give the harried stranger and the patience we exhibit in the crowd of impatient shoppers, the love that prompts the secret gift and the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit.

Join me in this quest to celebrate Him and His birth in everything we do. Have a birthday party for Jesus. Bake Him a huge cake and invite neighbors to join in the celebration. Adopt a family in need. Reach out to the lonely. Look for Him in the crowd. Emanuel, God with us! Wow!

Let's Pray
Father, today I celebrate the reality of Your presence in my life. I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death and Your resurrection. And as I celebrate, Lord, help me to be "God with skin on" to those in need around me. Open my eyes and let me see them as You see them!  I love You. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Put your faith in action by making a step-by-step plan to keep Jesus at the heart of your Christmas season.  Give a gift to someone you don't know. Invite a needy family into your home for a special "Friends" dinner. Go through your closet and give the clothes you don't wear to those who have no clothes.

More from the Girlfriends
I pray that your life is filled with God's peace this Christmas. Don't let anyone or anything steal your joy. Guard your heart and mind and keep your focus on the birth of Jesus as you begin to prepare for the Christmas holidays. No matter what your circumstances may be, you can celebrate the Christmas holidays because God is with you, girlfriend.

[Judy Harder]

December 13, 2012
God Confidence
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Paul said that he "put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3).  In other words, he didn't think that he was good enough because of any particular talent or ability that he had on his own.  But his confidence came from his understanding of who he was as a child of God.  Someone once said, "A man wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package." But a man, or woman, wrapped up in God is an amazing sight to behold.

I believe we can change our inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy into unshakable confidence by understanding who we are, what we have, and where we are as a child of God. I am not advocating confidence in self, but confidence in God - confidence in who you are because of what Jesus has done for you and what the Holy Spirit can do through you.  Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5,6 TNIV).  Connected to the vine you can do everything God calls you to do (Philippians 4:13).

Paul knew what he could accomplish on his own...nothing.  Oh, he could be busy.  We all can do that.  But bearing "fruit that will remain" is another story.  This paraphrase shows how he viewed his own personal weaknesses:

I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations.  Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees.  No danger then of walking around high and mighty!  At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it.  Three times I did that, and then he told me,

            'My grace is enough; it's all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.'

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen.  I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift.  It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness.  Now that I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size-abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks.  I just let Christ take over!  And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

(2 Corinthians 12:7-10 The Message)

Paul had great confidence. The prefix, "con" means "with" and the root "fid" means faith."  So a confident person is one who walks in faith.  We walk in faith that we are holy, chosen, redeemed, dearly loved children of God who are empowered by the Holy Spirit, equipped by our Maker, and enveloped by Jesus Christ.  Now that's real God-confidence.

Let's Pray
Dear God, I know that I can do nothing of any true lasting value apart from You.  However, when I abide in Christ and He works through me, I can accomplish anything You have called me to do.  Help me to understand the power that is within me and to have unshakable confidence in Christ today.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take a look at what you have been trying to accomplish in your own life. Are you working in your own strength, or are you depending on Jesus working through you?

What do you think Jesus meant when He said, "Apart from me you can do nothing?"

I'd love to hear your thoughts about that!  Click over to my blog pageand tell me what you think Jesus meant by "nothing."

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, I'm Not Good Enough and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves.  If you need a confidencebooster, then this book is for you!  Begin seeing yourself as God sees you and discover the amazing potential you have to live the victorious Christian life!

[Judy Harder]

December 14, 2012
Holding Fast to the Faithful One
Gwen Smith

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

Friend to Friend
My husband and I were in a waiting period. His company had gone through a merger and was collapsing positions and territories, which left his employment in jeopardy. For months we didn't know if Brad would keep his job or if he would need to look for another one. During that time, God bid us to trust Him.

Choosing to trust God is so daily, isn't it? When I only looked at the "what-ifs" of Brad's job situation – the possible unemployment, the grueling process of job-hunting, the financial strain unemployment would bring, and the uncertainty of the economy – my faith and God-confidence shook and waned. Fear and doubt knocked on my heart, suitcases in hand, wanting to move in and take up residence. On the other hand, when I fixed my eyes on God, looked at His character and at the ways He had brought us through hard times in the past, my faith was strengthened. Courage, confidence and joy knocked on my heart! They are much better residents!

The Old Testament book of Ruth features the heart-warming story of Ruth and Naomi: two women who faced difficult circumstances and an uncertain future. Following the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decided to move back to her homeland of Israel. Though she freed her daughters-in-law to stay in their home country of Moab and re-marry, Ruth refused to leave Naomi's side.

Determined and loyal, Ruth held tightly to the mother-in-law she loved deeply and to the God of Israel whom she now called her own. Though our natural tendency in hard times is often to try to go it alone, I've learned from Ruth, and from my own experience, that in turbulent times it's vital that we hold fast to our faithful God and to the ones we love.

"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her" (vv. 15-18).

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

Like Naomi, when I experience difficult times - like the one Brad and I were facing a few years ago - I have to choose to trust God. Some days I choose well. Some days I don't. Choosing to trust is essential.

How can we choose to trust God? I've found that my courage to trust is bolstered by playing praise music, meditating on God's goodness, reading Scripture, and praying. Those things collectively renew my mind and strengthen my faith.

No matter what challenges you face today, take comfort that God knows every issue on your heart and is able to shoulder your burdens. Hold fast to the faithful One. Your challenges do not fall outside the scope of God's ability to intervene. God is mysterious, He's powerful, and He's able! When you lift your eyes from your situation and fix them on your Savior – when you choose to trust Him – you will find peace in the pain and strength in the struggle.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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

Now It's Your Turn
Go back and read the book of Ruth. (It's only 4 chapters!)

If you struggle with trusting God, know that you are not alone. Need prayer? Let's meet on my Facebook page – www.Facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic to PRAY for one another today.

More from the Girlfriends
To be honest, there are a million times that I feel like screaming instead of praising. What a crazy mess I am! Yet, I know the best response is to trust God and choose to praise Him...in and through it all. Music really helps me. My new CD, Uncluttered, is purposed to sweep you away from life-noise and to focus your heart and mind on the one thing that matters: your relationship with Jesus Christ. To get your copy, swing by www.GwenSmith.net ...or you can download the songs from iTunes or Amazon.

Ready to hold fast to the Faithful One on a whole new level?Order a copy of our GiG book, Trusting God, A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure.  (Today's devotion is an excerpt from Trusting God by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith and Mary Southerland.)

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 17, 2012
Making a List ... Checking it Twice
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope - (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).

Friend to Friend
Every year, I make a Christmas list comprised of every person for whom I am buying a gift.  Beside each name, I put a dollar amount, a limit of how much money I will spend for that gift, vowing not to spend one penny more than the set limit. (Somehow, the amount I actually spend rarely coincides with the amount I intended to spend. Can you relate?) With every purchase, I then draw a beautiful red line through that name. Done!

I carry that list everywhere I go because sometimes I find a gift during a random shopping trip but mainly because I can't afford to let it out of my sight. There are evil people lurking in my home who will go to any lengths to find that list. You see, I am the Queen of Surprise when it comes to Christmas, so I must guard my list with my life in order to keep my "Queen-ship" status secure. Consequently, the list is hidden in various and unusual places such as a random file on my computer, in my closet, in an old purse, in a sock drawer, in a flower pot – you get the picture. I know where that Christmas list is at all times because it is my gift-giving plan for the holidays.

I wish I were just as concerned about "God's list" for my life; carrying His life plan for me in my heart and mind as I live each day, constantly making choices and decisions in light of that list, guarding it like the treasure map of eternity that it truly is. Just knowing the plan God has for me does not guarantee success. I must do the plan. That is where the choice to obey comes in. An obedient heart is a "fixed" heart and may very well be the gift God wants from us this holiday season.

Psalm 108:1
"O God, my heart is fixed!"

Psalm 40:8
"I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your law is written on my heart."

A "fixed" heart is a determined heart, a steadfast heart that is rightly focused on God and His will, His plan. When we choose to follow God's plan, the desires of our heart will line up in obedience to that plan. We will find our greatest joy in pleasing God, in doing His will because that is what we were created to do.

Maybe today is a good time to stop, go back over the list, review those life lessons we have learned, checking to see where we really are in our walk with God. Maybe today is the perfect time to revisit the manger to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by giving Him the gift of obedience.

Let's Pray
Father, I love You. Forgive me for the times when I choose to follow my own will instead of Yours. Teach me how to fix my heart on You and give me the strength to do what You created me to do. I know Your plan is the highest and best plan for me and that I was created in response to that plan. Thank You for the purpose that doing Your will brings to my life. Today, I choose to seek You and obey Your Word.
In Jesus's name, amen.

[Judy Harder]

December 18, 2012
Remembering to Forget
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV).

Friend to Friend
As humans, we tend to remember what we need to forget and forget what we need to remember. God, on the other hand, forgets what He promises to forget and remembers what He promises to remember. God said, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17).

Paul tells us one of the secrets to his success as a Christian and in life. "But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13,14).

In the Bible, God tells us that He "forgets" our sins and remembers them no more.  But how does an omniscient, all-knowing God forget? Let's look at the antonym to get a better understanding.

There are many events in the Bible that begin with the words "God remembered": "God remembered Noah" (Genesis 8:1), "He (God) remembered Abraham" (Genesis 19:29), "God remembered Rachel" (Genesis 30:22), "God heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob" (Exodus 2:24). In each incident, God's remembering meant that He was about to do something - God was about to act.

Therefore, if God's remembering means He is about to act, then God forgetting means that He is not going to act. "For I will forgive their wickedness," He says, "and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34). He forgets our sins – He isnot going to act upon them. Likewise, while we cannot physically forget the details of the wounds of our past, we can choose not to act on them. We can choose to forgive the person who has hurt us and not allow the memory of the offense to control our lives. In that sense, we can forgive and forget.

When Paul talks about forgetting he does not mean that he will or even can wipe an incident from his memory. "Forgetting did not mean obliterating the memory of his past, but was a conscious refusal to let it absorb his attention and impede his progress."(Zondervan NIV Commentary: Volume 2: New Testament (Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1994),  pg. 806.) Paul refused to allow anything from his past control his present.  He could tell about it, but without pain, malice, or a hint of revenge.

But it's too hard,you might say. Friend, God will never tell us to do something that He will not give us the power to do. He has instructed us to forgive...so He will give us the power to do so. He has instructed us to leave the past behind ... so He will give us the power to do so. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). "All things" means all things that God has called us to do.

Isaiah wrote, "When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin?  Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field?" (Isaiah 28:24).

I think for many of us, we have been plowing and re-plowing the ground far too long. We've been telling and re-telling what was done and how it was done going over the same ground and stirring up the dirt into a giant dustbowl. But there comes a point when it is time to stop plowing up the ground and start planting seeds – until then, we will never see a harvest.

Today, ask God if there is someone you need to forgive, if there is something you need to "forget," or if there is some ground you need to cease plowing. Then give the memory to God and ask Him to plant good seeds for an incredible harvest!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I've been plowing up the soil of past memories for far too long. Today, I'm going to put away the plow and start planting seeds. When You see me reaching for the plow and going back to rehash old grievances and hurts, I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict me quickly. Today, the past is the past and I'm not looking back.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Are there hurts in your life that you keep stirred up?

Is there a "field" that you continue to plow?

What do you think God wants you to do with those past hurts?

Are you willing to "put the plow away?" If so, click over to my blog page and leave a comment that says, "I'm putting my plow away!"

More from the Girlfriends
Forgiveness can be one of the hardest things we ever do.  At the same time, it can be one of the most freeing things we ever do.  The holiday season is a time that stirs up past hurts in families. This might be the perfect time for you to be preloaded with the truth...before the families all converge. Want to learn more?  My book, Your Scars are Beautiful, Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Pasttakes you through the healing steps or forgiveness, both for forgiving others and forgiving yourself.

[Judy Harder]

December 19, 2012
Rest in God
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT) "The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul."

Friend to Friend
Life is so daily and often filled with uncertainty, a reality that can make me very nervous. I want to know what the plan is and how that plan is going to be implemented. Details! I need details! Instead, God calls me to rest. I don't want to rest. When I rest, I feel guilty. I have places to go, people to see and important things to do. I hear the quiet whisper of the One who knows me best and loves me most, "Mary, it is time to rest." I have tried to ignore that whisper on more than one occasion, but it is only a temporary maneuver on my part. The Lord is my Shepherd. He is used to dealing with stubborn sheep like me. He will lovingly make me lie down in green pastures and firmly lead me beside quiet waters. Why? He wants to refresh my soul and give me the peace that can only be found at His feet. Rest is not really an option. It is a spiritual discipline that needs to become a spiritual habit in our life.

Admit your need for rest. Many of us have bought into the lie that who we are is based on what we do or don't do. We fill every waking moment with something or someone in order to prove our worth. After all, we must be worthy if we are doing worthy things, right? Busyness does not always equal productivity. When we admit our need to rest, we are acknowledging the fact that we are imperfect and that our human power is limited. We need to rest in Him.

Turn to Jesus to find rest. Recreation is anything you enjoy doing while relaxation is any activity that slows you down. Restoration is an inside job and can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We once had an Australian cattle dog named Dallas. Australian cattle dogs are extremely loyal to a master of their choice. Dallas chose our son, Jered, to be his master. When Jered came home from school each day, Dallas would greet him at the door and follow him wherever he went. If Jered was doing homework in his room, Dallas would find a spot under the desk. If our son was working in the garage, Dallas was with him. When Jered ran an errand, Dallas went for a ride. Dallas instinctively knew that the only place he would find genuine rest was at the feet of his master. The same is true in our lives.

Lay your stuff at Jesus' feet. The number one stress in our lives is the result of bearing a burden that is not ours to carry. Exhaustion comes when we take on a responsibility God never intended us to have. The twin of exhaustion is emptiness that comes when we fail to take on a responsibility God does intend for us to assume. God empowers His plan and agenda for our life. When we step outside of that plan, we are stepping into our own power and depending on our own strength, both of which will soon be depleted.

Realize you are not alone. For years, our family vacationed in the mountains of North Carolina in order to escape the brutal heat of South Florida where we lived. We all had our favorite thing to do while on vacation. Dan loved to read and take long walks in the cool, green forests. The kids loved wading in creeks, looking for "gold." My favorite activity was shopping for antiques. Now let me define "antiques" and "antique stores" according to Mary. The best stores were nestled in the mountains on some remote dirt road and the "antiques" were what most people would call junk. One year, I walked into a shop and stopped in my tracks when I saw the yoke. Matthew 11:28-30 is one of my husband's favorite passages of Scripture where Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you and you will find rest for your souls." For years, I searched for just the right yoke to give Dan as a special gift. It seemed that every yoke I found was either too big or too small and in less than stellar condition. The yoke before me was in perfect condition and was just the right size and price. Upon closer inspection, my excitement faded. 

Yokes have two loops of leather or wood attached to a sturdy wooden frame. Two working animals wear the loops around their necks in order to bear whatever load they are given. The loops on this particular yoke were not the same size - one larger than the other. When I pointed out the flaw, the shop owner said, "It is supposed to be made like that. The stronger animal is placed in the larger loop to help the weaker animal pull the load. A shared load is a lighter load. 

Are you tired and exhausted from trying to live life on your own? Come to Jesus and find rest in Him. 

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for the promise of rest when we come to You. It seems like I am always tired and every step is hard. Please forgive me when I turn to You as a last resort instead of running to You first. Today, I turn to You, Lord, for rest.
In Jesus's name, amen.

Now it's Your Turn

•    Read Genesis 2:2. How does this verse apply to your life?
•    Read Lamentations 5:5. How does rest apply to the difficult people in your life?
•    Read Job 33:26. Notice every "action" word in this verse. What does God promise when we choose to apply the steps He outlines in this verse?
•    Identify the areas of unrest in your life. Bring them to God in prayer and seek rest in Him.

More from the Girlfriends
Rest has always been a struggle in my life. Seriously? Fatigue is not a spiritual gift. In fact, when I refuse to rest physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, I am choosing to sin. When I think I have the least amount of time to rest is when I need to rest the most. How about you, friend? Isn't it time to find rest?

My 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.

One of the most powerful sources of rest is in a daily time alone with God in prayer and in the Word of God. Check out my weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. The first study of 2013 is Power Up With Proverbsand begins January 14, 2013.

FREE MP3s on Mary's website in the Freebies Section!

Do you or someone you love struggle with depression? Mary's book, Hope in the Midst of Depression,offers practical steps you can take to get out and stay out of that pit. You can alsoconnect with me on Facebook or through email.

[Judy Harder]

December 20, 2012
Long Walk Part of Gift
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him" (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

Friend to Friend
An African boy listened carefully as his teacher explained why Christians give presents to each other on Christmas day. "The gift is an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus and our friendship for each other," she said.

When Christmas day came, the boy brought to the teacher a seashell of lustrous beauty. "Where did you ever find such a beautiful shell?" the teacher asked as she gently fingered the gift.

The youth told her that there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found. When he named the place, a certain bay several miles away, the teacher was left speechless.

"Why...why, it's gorgeous...wonderful, but you shouldn't have gone all that way to get a gift for me."

His eyes brightening, the boy answered, "Long walk part of gift."

I just love that story. During this holiday season, I watch as people scurry about swiping those plastic cards through the credit card machines faster than a speeding bullet. And yet, God has already shown us that the most precious gifts cannot be bought or sold. "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" (John 3:16 NIV).

The magi also knew about the joy of giving. While they gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child, they also gave another gift...a long walk. We don't know how far the magi traveled, but we do know that it was a distance that took months, perhaps years. Their long walk was part of the gift.

I wonder how far we are willing to go to worship Jesus...to bring our gifts to him. I wonder how far out of the way we will go to praise him. Do we only give to Him when it is convenient or easy? Or do we give what He wants most – a portion of ourselves, our very lives.

I think the little African boy had the right idea. The real gift wasn't the shell; it was the sacrifice he had to make to give it.

Let's Pray
Dear God, thank You for the gift You gave us through Your Son, Jesus Christ.  I pray that I will keep gift-giving in perspective this holiday season and give gifts from the heart rather than the pocketbook.  Help me to see that a "long walk," or a portion of myself, is the greatest gift of all.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now it's your turn
Describe a time when someone's sacrificial gift meant a lot to you?

Describe the feeling you had when you gave a portion of yourself, such as your time, to someone?

Try to imagine the teacher who received the shell. What thoughts do you think came to mind when she looked at it year after year? Do you think it was the shell itself, or the heart of the boy who gave it to her, that meant so much?

Now, imagine how God looks at our gifts we give to Him? Do you think He reflects on the gifts themselves or the heart of the child who gives it?

What is one of the most memorable Christmas gifts you have ever received (other than Jesus). Let's share on my blog page. Just leave a comment in the comment box under this devotion.

More from the Girlfriends:
It is easy to get caught up in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity and lose focus on what's important.  If you would like ways to keep Jesus the focus of your holiday season, check out my book, Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas. It's packed with helpful ideas and inspiration, and would also make a great Christmas gift. This book is officially out of print and I only have a few more copies left.

[Judy Harder]

December 21, 2012
Best! Story! Ever!
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"...a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11, NIV1984)

Friend To Friend
A few years ago my family and I went to the movie theatre to see a cute children's movie called Tangled. The film is a modern take on the classic story of Rapunzel. One of my favorite scenes of the movie was when young Rapunzel had just escaped from the dreadful tower that she had been locked in her whole life. For the first time she tasted freedom... and it tasted really good! At one point, unable to contain her joy, she raced around a tree and loudly exclaimed that this was her "Best! Day! Ever!"

I loved that movie moment!

A few days after seeing Tangled, I was sitting at my kitchen table preparing to speak and sing for a women's Christmas event for a church in South Carolina. I prayed that the Lord would give me fresh inspiration as I shared the sacred love story of Christmas. I opened up my Bible and read through Luke 1 and 2: that familiar story of the birth of Christ. The words leapt off the page that day and filled my heart with awe all over again. I was reminded of the joyful Tangled movie moment and was fully convinced that I was reading about the best day ever – when Grace came to earth as a snuggly baby. Compelled to respond creatively... I wrote a rap.

A Christmas rap.
Oh, yes I did!
Not my normal genre, but that day my heart responded to the Word in rhyme and rhythm!

Most of us have heard the Christmas story a thousand times. There's an old saying that familiarity breeds contempt. Surely we must guard against this! May we never become bored of the miraculous story of Christmas!

Are you ready to experience a fresh rhyming twist on Luke 1:26-56 and Luke 2:1-20? Then open your mind and ready your heart for the: Best! Story! Ever!

A Christmas Rap (When Sacred Love Came Down)
By Gwen Smith

A long time ago an angel told a girl
That she would have a baby and He would save the world
Now Mary was confused 'cause she hadn't known a man
But her innocence was a part of God's plan

The angel said the Spirit of the Lord would make it happen
"He'll be the Son of God. He will be a man of action!"
"May it be as you have said, I'm a servant of the Lord.
Blessed among women! I can't wait 'til he is born!"

So nine months later on the night the babe would come
A twinkle in the sky brought attention to God's Son
The shepherds, they were chillin' in the fields with their sheep
When the Angel of the Lord came and stirred them from their sleep

"Do not be afraid! I bring good and joyful news
That will be for every man, this will be a sign to you.
For unto you is born, in the town of David
The Christ! The Messiah! And He will be your Savior!"

"Now listen, there is more – and you might find it stranger
You will find this baby, lying in a manger."
Then suddenly the sky was filled with angels singin' praise
Joyful songs to celebrate the One who came to save

The shepherds said, "No way! Let's go and check it out!"
They ran to see the babe that the angels sang about
They came upon the child then ran to spread the word
And people were amazed at the story that they heard

O what a holy night, when sacred Love came down
To wear a suit of skin, to wear a thorny crown
For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son
To reconcile hearts. It is finished! It is done!

CLICK HERE to watch a live performance this Christmas rap!!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, You are so awesome! Thank You for loving us and for sending Your only Son, Jesus, to reconcile my heart. Surely, Your grace is amazing. In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Share Hope with your friends today! Forward this email and encourage them to remember the reason for the season. (You can share the devotion via Facebook by clicking over to my page and clicking the SHARE button on the devotion post.)

Re-live the best story ever as you read and contemplate the Christmas story found in Luke 1:26-56 and Luke 2:1-20.

More From The Girlfriends
Friend, don't be discouraged if you're the holidays have you running crazy. I know what that's like. Let's choose to have the: Best! Christmas! Ever! as we clear a space in our hearts 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. Order your copy today from iTunes or from www.GwenSmith.net.


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[Judy Harder]

December 24, 2012
The Fiery Furnace
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:2 NIV).

Friend to Friend

One of the most beautiful pictures of trusting in the sovereignty of God is in the story of three young Jewish men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  These three lads refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's idol. The punishment for such rebellion against the king was death in a fiery furnace. When the young men were taken before the king just before facing death, they respectfully explained:

The God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Daniel 3:17-18)

That is a faith that's real – truly tried by fire. God can deliver me, but if He chooses not to, I'll serve Him anyway. God can heal me, but if He doesn't, I love Him regardless.

The young men were thrown into the furnace. Their refusal to bow to the King's request infuriated Nebuchadnezzar. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie the young men up and toss them into the flames. The flames were so hot, the soldiers who took the bound boys to the furnace died in its heat. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked into the flames and the King stood by to watch.

"Didn't we throw three men in the furnace," the King asked in amazement.

"Look, I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods" (Daniel 3:25).

That was enough for the king to have a change of heart. He ordered the door opened, and the three young men walked out of that furnace without a singed hair on their heads or a hint of smoke on their clothes!

We can be sure of this, my friend - when walking through the fiery trials of life, we are never alone. Jesus is right there with us all the way. A little smoke and fire doesn't bother Him one little bit.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You that I never have to walk through the fiery trials of life alone. You promised that You will never leave me, and I cling to that truth today.  Also, thank You for sending friends to walk through the flames with me!  They are some of my most treasured gifts.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Describe one of the fiery trials in your life that you have had to walk through?

How was God's presence manifested in the "flames?"

Do you have a friend who needs someone to walk through a fiery trial with her?

Do you desire to have friends like the three young men in this story?  If so, ask God to send you one or two friends with a strong faith with whom you can lock arms.

Gwen, Mary and I are so thankful that you have allowed us to walk through life with you.  You are a blessing!

Click over to my blog page and tell me the name of one friend who is your fiery furnace friend. I'll randomly pick 2 and send you both a Starbucks gift card.

More form the Girlfriends
Fiery trials come in all shapes and sizes with varying degrees of heat.  But no matter what the trial, there is always a lesson to be learned.  God can use it for good (Romans 8:28). Let's not waste our sorrows, but turn them around and use them for good!  To learn more on how to do just that see Sharon's book, Your Scars are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of Your Past.