Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

February 19, 2013

What's in Your Love Pocket?

Sharon Jaynes

(My devotions will focus on marriage for the month of February. If you're not married, I encourage you to read them anyway! If you have a heart...then this one is for you tooJAnd while you're reading, pray for your friends that are married.  Believe me, they will appreciate it. Also, give a special blessing by passing these devotions along to them! Here we go...)

Today's Truth

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitternessgrows up to trouble you, corrupting many, (Hebrews 12:15 NLT).

Friend to Friend

One of the most common reasons for a wife to withhold love and affection from her husband is unforgiveness. A seed of resentment can grow into a well established root of bitterness that produces hurtful words and destroys a marriage like kudzu on a beautiful hillside. Maybe you've been hurt. Maybe you feel that your husband doesn't deserve encouraging words or affectionate touches. After all, what's he done to encourage you lately?

A young lady went to my friend, Florence Littaeur, with a tale of hostility toward her husband. As she poured out all his misdeeds, they seemed so trivial that Florence asked her when her feelings of hatred had started. She replied quickly, "I was mad at him before we even got married."

She went on to explain that her fiancé had written a letter instructing her to find a car for their honeymoon trip. She had answered that it was his responsibility to provide transportation and besides, his family had three cars while hers had only one. He made it clear: "If you want to marry me, you had better find a car!" She found a car, but she vowed she would never forget his injustice.

She looked up at Florence with bitterness lining her face and said, "In case you don't believe me, I'll show you the letter he wrote." She reached into her handbag and pulled out a worn and tattered envelope that had moved from bag to bag for ten years. As she handed it to Florence she said, "I always carry it with me so I won't forget."

I doubt that any of us carry around a letter in our purses or our pockets, but I wonder how many of us carry around a letter in our hearts – the real love pocket. The writer of Hebrews warns, "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many," (Hebrews 12:15 NLT). A bitter root is one that produces bitter fruit. A bitter heart is one that produces a bitter woman with bitter words.

Jesus reminds us: "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briars.  The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:43). What determines the fruit of a tree? The root – bitter or sweet.

So, what's in your "love pocket?" What's in your heart? Do you have any list of wrongs that need to be destroyed? Any past offense that needs to be tossed? Any sin against you that needs to be tossed into the deepest of seas where God has tossed yours? It's time to clean out your pockets. Are you willing to let it go?

Let's Pray

Lord, my love pocket is full of old messy stuff. That's just the best way to describe it. I'm cleaning it out today. Just like my purse gets full of gum wrappers, receipts, and to-do lists, my heart gets full of bitterness and resentment. So today, I'm cleaning it out. Particularly, I am cleaning out any resentment I've stored up against my husband – great or small. Out it goes. Hallelujah!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Just for fun, clean out your purse today. As you look at all that trash, envision cleaning out your heart.

Look up the following verses and note what you learn about forgiveness and unforgiveness.
Luke 11:4

Colossians 3:13

Matthew 6:14-15

Just for fun, click over to my blog page and tell me what trash you cleaned out of your purse at www.sharonjaynes.com.  I'll go first: gum wrappers (I'm a big gum chewer!), old grocery lists, 4 receipts that needed to be filed away.

More from the Girlfriends

February is the month of love and a wonderful time to contemplate our marriages.  Do you want to become the woman of your husband's dreams? The woman who makes him sorry to leave in the morning and eager to come home at night? Then you'll want to read Becoming the Woman of His Dreams for an insightful look at the wonderful, unique, and God-ordained role only you have in your husband's life. But today's devotion doesn't just pertain to marriage, it pertains to life! For more on the scope of forgiveness, see Your Scars are Beautiful to God to learn more about how to let go of past pain and embrace the present purpose.

And if you want to add a little spark to your marriage, join me for my 14-day Romancing Your Man Challenge. Click here to learn more, sign up, and to start receiving your 14-day challenge!

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

[Judy Harder]

February 20, 2013

The Potter and the Clay

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

But Lord, You are our father. We are like clay, and You are the potter; Your hands made us all (Isaiah 64:8, NCV).

Friend to Friend

When our daughter was in pre-school, one of her favorite activities was playing with clay. Danna often pulled her little step stool over to the closet where the clay was stored and almost ceremoniously hauled out the boxes of brightly colored clay. It was like watching a commissioned artist prepare his canvas for the beauty it was about to receive. With great concentration and effort, Danna's little fingers pried open each box. She then thoughtfully and deliberately chose several lumps of clay and then lined them up on the kitchen table where, with the seriousness of an experienced artist, she began to work.

For hours at a time, I would hear Danna singing while pounding, molding, stretching, and creating her unique clay world. Animals, people, flowers, and aliens emerged from the lumps of clay. When she was satisfied that her work was done, Danna announced it was time to "put them up." Translation: it was time to exhibit her clay masterpieces for her dad and brother to see when they came home. Danna met Dan and Jered at the door, took their hands, and escorted them to see her works of art. Then she waited for Dan and Jered to offer the mandatory "oohs" and "aahs" while applauding the artist who created them.

Danna's designs remained on display until they grew hard and brittle. Together, she and I then broke each creation apart, generously sprinkled every piece with water, and placed them back in their containers, allowing the clay to soften until she had another project in mind.

When it comes to spiritual matters, God is the Potter, the Creator, and we are the clay. Like Danna with her creations, He uses the circumstances of our lives to pound, mold, stretch, and shape us according to His vision alone.

God used the relationship between a potter and his clay to illustrate to the prophet Jeremiah His sovereigntyand how He works in the lives of His children to accomplish His perfect plan:

"So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the Word of the Lord came to me: 'Can I not do with you as this potter does?' declares the Lord. 'Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand'"(Jeremiah 18:3-6).

Just as in the days of Jeremiah, God still longs for His children to find and live out His mind-blowing plan for our lives—a plan that is far beyond anything we can possibly imagine or conceive on our own. And just as the children of Israel rebelled against God's plan, we tend to doubt His heart and think our frail human plans are better. We sometimes willingly submit to the gentle pressure of the Potter's hands, and other times, we dig in our heels and refuse to budge. Jeremiah understood that God was the Potter and had total control over the shape of the clay. "Can the pot say of the potter, 'He knows nothing'?" (Isaiah 29:16).  Of course not, but we often forget that truth. How foolish it would be for the clay to grumble or rebel, but we do! Still, the Potter is faithful and so patient as He continues to mold the clay. If the clay begins to harden in its unfinished state, the Potter loves the clay enough to let it be crushed by the pressures of life. He then sprinkles it with the replenishing water of His presence and power and begins to mold His creation again. The potter never tires of His work, and He never gives up on the potential that was lovingly tucked into our very being from the moment we were conceived in the heart and mind of God.

Because God is a loving father who is more committed to our character than He is to our comfort, godly discipline must often come into play. Although God has the ability to directly give us understanding, His usual teaching method involves more of a "hands on" approach. We gain wisdom as God teaches us His Word and then follows through with application in our daily lives.

The only way for us to become all God desires us to be is to remain pliable in the Potter's hands. When we try to shape ourselves, we fail miserably and often settle for so much less than God has in mind. The Potter wants to create something eternally beautiful. In fact, He wants to make us more like His Son, Jesus!

If we could only trust that His shaping is so much better than anything we could ever create! But in our pride, we honestly think we can do better. The world says we should never give up our rights because if we do, we will lose everything. God says if we surrender all to Him, we will gain everything that is eternally important.

All of us have rough edges that need to be removed. We may even need to be broken and crushed so the Potter's masterful hands can begin again. I have been there many times and can honestly look back and say that the beauty God eventually brought forth was worth the pain.

Total surrender demands that we place ourselves in the Potter's hands with no agenda, no pre-set conditions—giving Him permission to bend us, break us, and change us. As we give up control to Him, like a Master Craftsman He begins to work patiently and lovingly, with a specific plan and one-of-a-kind design in mind. He works through circumstances as well as people, through joy and pain, victory and defeat. He filters every part of our circumstances through His plan, to create in us a life of worth and meaning and purpose.

When we try to direct our lives according to our own agendas and plans, we experience only discontent and frustration. Our soul longs for more and our heart cries out, "Is this all there is?" The truth is that nothing and no one but God can bring us the peace and joy for which we are searching. Are you ready to become the clay and surrender your broken life to the Potter's loving hands? Today is the day!

Let's Pray

Lord, I am tired of trying to live life in my own power. I come to You as the Potter. I am the clay. Right now, I give up and surrender my life completely to You. I choose Your plan over mine. I give You permission to mold me and make me what You want me to be. I will wait before You and seek Your direction. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

What has been the plan – according to you – for your life up to this point?

What kind of results has that plan produced? Are you satisfied with those results?

Write a prayer of surrender to God and record it in your journal. Be sure to include the following steps:

·         Recognize that you have been trying to live life according to your plan – your agenda.

·         Admit that your refusal to surrender your life to God has brought only frustration and emptiness.

·         Right now – surrender to God.

·         What one of the following actions do you need to take in order to obey God?

_____Join a local church

_____Get involved in a small group or Bible study

_____Read the Bible daily

_____Pray constantly

_____Seek God in everything I do

More from the Girlfriends

Check out Mary's 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 Proverbs, and since each lesson stands alone, it's not too late to join.

Are you stressed out - facing financial problems, health issues, or dealing with difficult relationships? God will be your peace. Get Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, and learn how to transform the promises of the Twenty-third Psalm into easy-to-implement, practical steps that will hand you the keys to stress management.

And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebookor through email.

[Judy Harder]

Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12 NIV).

Friend to Friend

When God created man, He stepped back and said: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him," (Genesis 2:18).

The Hebrew word translated "helper" that is used for woman is ezer. It is derived from the Hebrew word used of God and the Holy Spirit, "azar." Both mean "helper" – one who comes alongside to aid, assist or rescue. Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Two times it is used of the woman in Genesis 2, and sixteen times it is used of God or Yahweh as the helper of His people.

The remaining three references appear in the books of the prophets, who use it in reference to military aid. Interestingly the sixteen times the word, ezer, is used of God, it also carries military connotations.  "O LORD, be my helper," David cried (Psalm 30:10 NASB). "My father's God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of the Pharaoh," Moses proclaimed (Exodus 18:4).  Clearly, the word "ezer" holds a place of great honor. It is a portrait of great strength.

Theologians William Mounce, in his Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words paints a poignant picture:

With so many references to God as our helper, it is obvious that an ezer is in no way inferior to the one who receives help. This is important because this is the word that God uses in Genesis 2:18 when he says about Adam, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." God then forms Eve as his ezer.  According to God's design, therefore, the man and the woman, the husband and the wife, have been designed by God to stand together and help each other fight the battles of life. And God is there as the divine ezer to fight with them."

I was surprised to discover that even the Proverbs 31 woman, this woman who has been showcased as a godly role model for centuries, was referred to in military terms. "An excellent wife, who can find?" the passage begins. "Her worth is far above jewels" (Proverbs 31:10 NASB). The New International Version calls her "a wife of noble character." The Amplified Bible describes her as "a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman." The Hebrew word that is translated "excellent" or "virtuous" can also mean "wealthy, prosperous, valiant, boldly courageous, powerful, mighty warrior." Did you catch that? "Mighty warrior."

I'm not suggesting you replace your jeans with battle fatigues, brooms with rifles, and stilettos with army boots. But I am suggesting that God has given you an amazing role as a prayer warrior on your husband's behalf.

There is a spiritual battle going on all around us, and Paul urges us to be prepared, armed and alert. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds," (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

In my book, What God Really Thinks about Women, I noted the following:

God did not create woman simply because man was lonely or needed a reproductive partner. He intentionally fashioned woman to complete man-to love with him, work with him, rule with him, live life with him, procreate with him, and to fight alongside him. She was a female image bearer in this mysterious union of marriage. Woman was and is a warrior called to fight alongside man in the greatest battle that was yet to come-a battle not fought on the battlefield with guns, but on our knees in prayer.

Through prayer, the enemy's plans are intercepted. Through prayer, the powers, principalities, and authorities of Satan's realm are defeated. Through prayer, the power and provision of God flows into the lives of His people.

Jesus said he has given you power and authority to "overcome all the power of the enemy,' (Luke 10:19). "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world," (1 John 4:4). You are an ezer, uniquely fashioned and supernaturally equipped to pray for your husband.

Let's Pray:

In today's prayer, I'll lead you through how to pray for your husband from head to toe.

Dear Lord, today I pray for my husband, from head to toe.

His Head –That he will look to You as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:13)
His Mind - That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
His Eyes –That You will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turn his eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47)
His Ears - That he will hear Your still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:
His Mouth – That his words will be pleasing to You. (Proverbs 19:14)
His Neck –That he will humble himself before You and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in Your Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9)
His Heart-That he will love and trust You with his whole heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5;  Proverbs 3:5)
His Arms-That You will be his strength. (Psalm 73:26)
His Hands-That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from You. (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19)
His Ring Finger – That he will be true to our marriage vows and that our love will never wane. (Proverb 3:3; Malachi 2:16)
His Legs – That he will stand firm in his faith and not waver. (Psalm 62:6)
His feet – That You will order his steps and that he will walk in Your truth. (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)
Now It's Your Turn

Consider asking your husband for some specific ways that you can pray for him today.

Look up each of the Scripture references above and make the prayer for your husband specific to his particular needs.

Find one friend with whom you can pray for your marriage. Commit to pray for each other's marriage on a regular basis.

If you prayed for your husband today, from head to toe, click over to my blog page and say, "I've got him covered!"

More from the Girlfriends

I don't think there is any other role for a wife than to pray for her husband. If you would like a laminated card of verses to pray for your husband from head to toe, click over to my webpage to check it out. It will fit into your Bible for quick reference.

14-Day Romancing Your Husband Challenge: How would you like to join your girlfriends in a 14-day Romancing Your Husband Challenge? Click over to www.sharonjaynes.com, click on the challenge sign-up button in the right column of the home page, and your 14-day challenge emails will begin. Come on girlfriend, February is the love month - it's time to spice up your marriage.

[Judy Harder]

February 22, 2013
God With Skin On
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Greater love has no one than this; that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13,  (NIV).

Friend to Friend

A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often. One night, the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but since the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light for practice. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board, arms extended outward. It was then that he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body was in the shape of a cross. The man felt as if someone was speaking to him. The words of his Christian friend filled his mind. In his heart, he suddenly realized the truth. Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked God to come into his life. As the young transformed diver stood to his feet, a maintenance man walked in and turned on the lights. The pool had been drained for repairs.

I often wonder how many desperate people cross my path each day; people who are one step away from certain destruction; people whose very life direction can be changed by the Light of God in and through my interaction with them.

If you are like me, every day is crammed full of tasks, errands, deadlines, demands and activities. I run headlong through each twenty-four hours from the minute my feet hit the floor until I crawl into bed each night. It is in those quiet moments before sleep that I hear Him ask, "Did you make a difference today? Is someone closer to the Light because you told him or her what I have done in your life? Did you recognize that "intruder" or "interruption" as a divine appointment from me instead of an inconvenience? Does what you did today really matter?"

Sadly, I have to confess that I often miss opportunities to participate in eternal business because I am so focused on earthly business. My agenda becomes my god and time management my idol. I could have been "God with skin on" to the frustrated cashier at the grocery store instead of brushing her aside because I was in a hurry to do something I deemed more important. I could have blessed the friend who called, needing an encouraging word, instead of preaching an unsolicited sermon in the name of compassion. I could have taken a few more minutes to listen when the elderly man struck up a conversation with me at the gas pump instead of walking away, leaving him just as lonely as he was when we met.

Jesus would have done things differently. With every breath, He was aware of the hurting and wounded, pursuing the broken people instead of avoiding them. Jesus carefully and deliberately invested every moment of His time on earth. And there has never been a life that made such a difference or mattered so much.

I want my life to really count, don't you? We are never more like God than when we are reaching out in love to meet a need, comfort a broken heart, encourage a weary soul or challenge the darkness with His Light. On your journey today, look for those desperate ones who need you to be God with skin on.

Let's Pray

Father God, I confess to You that I am often too busy to hear Your voice or determine Your direction for my life. Please forgive me for being self-centered. Help me see those who cross my path as You see them. Help me to love them with Your love, drawing them from the darkness into the Light.

In Jesus's name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

What keeps you from recognizing the need in others and then reaching out to meet that need?
Think back to a time when someone reached out to you. What was your response? How did their action change your life?
What difference can an awareness of hurting people make in your daily walk?  Identify one person in need today and look for a specific and timely way to meet that need.
More from the Girlfriends

I know this truth is hard to put into action. It is so much easier to just close our eyes to a need...turn away from hurting people...and grieve the heart of God. I challenge you to step out in faith and allow God to work in and through you. And if a difficult relationship is part of the problem, my book, Sandpaper People offers practical steps for dealing with those who rub you the wrong way.

[Judy Harder]

How Much of Your Marriage Do You Want God to Change?

Sharon Jaynes

(My devotions will focus on marriage for the month of February. If you're not married, I encourage you to read them anyway! This particular one applies to all areas of your life. Also, consider giving a special blessing by passing these devotions along to a married friend! Here we go...)

Today's Truth

Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water'; so they filled them to the brim, (John 2:7, NIV).


Friend to Friend

Shortly after Jesus was baptized, he attended a wedding reception in the town of Cana, in Galilee. Apparently Jesus felt very comfortable at such a party, and I imagine Him laughing, mingling, and having a good time with His friends. After a few days, Jesus' mother, Mary, noticed the host was running low on wine. To run out of wine at a seven day Jewish wedding celebration was an embarrassment and disgrace to the hosting family. Mary turned to her Son and said, "They have no more wine," as if she expected Him to do something about it (John 2:3 NIV).   I can almost see her raised eyebrow and the mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Jesus said, "Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come."

Mary turned to the servants and said, "Do what ever He tells you." Mary seemed to understand Jesus' power before anyone else.

Jesus told the servants to fill six large thirty gallon stone pots with water. So they filled them "to the brim." Then He told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.

When they did so, the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.  He then called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

I often wonder what would have happened if the servants had filled the stone water jars half full or three fourths full.  I imagine Jesus would have transformed exactly what they put in. Likewise, God will transform just as much of our lives as we give Him. As for me, I want to "fill it to the brim," give Him all of my life – every bit of it.

It is the same with my marriage. I want to give Jesus all of my marriage...to the brim. So in our winter years, my husband and I will agree...we have saved the best till now.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I pray that I will be like the servants who did exactly what you told them to do. My desire is to obey you fully...to the brim. Help me not to hold back anything, but give You all of me so that You can transform all of me.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

How much of your life do you want Jesus to transform? How much of your life have you given Him?

How much of your marriage do you want Jesus to transform?  How much of your marriage have you given Him?

How much of your attitude do you want Jesus to transform?  How much of your attitude have you given Him?

How much of your __________ do you want Jesus to transform? (You fill in the blank.) How much have you given Him?

Click over to my blog page and tell me what you put in the blank.

More from the Girlfriends

14-Day Romancing Your Husband Challenge: How would you like to join your girlfriends in a 14-day Romancing Your Husband Challenge? Click over to www.sharonjaynes.com, click on the challenge sign-up button on the right column of the home page, and your 14-day challenge emails will begin. Come on girlfriend, February is the love month - it's time to spice up your marriage.

Today's devotion was taken from Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For.  If there is one area of our lives that we need to give totally to Christ, it is our marriage. Perhaps that's why Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding. If you'd like to learn more, click over to the book and take a look inside.

[Judy Harder]

Jesus, Take the Wheel
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, NASB).

Friend to Friend

My husband, Dan, has battled high blood pressure since we first married over thirty years ago. Hmmm...now that I think about it, there just might be a connection there! Nevertheless, for several years, Dan struggled with an irregular heartbeat, a debilitating condition that drains energy and generally promotes a compelling sense of exhaustion.

Now you need to understand something very important about my husband. Dan Southerland is not accustomed to doing anything short of full speed ahead, so you can imagine his frustration and my concern. Little did I know that the opportunity for fear and worry would escalate to a whole new level when, at 2:30 am on March 15, Dan looked at me and said, "Honey, I think you need to call an ambulance." I already had.

Sweat was dripping from his body like rain, followed by waves of excruciating chest pain, dizziness and nausea. The ambulance arrived six minutes after I called and began to work on my now semi-unconscious husband. I heard one paramedic say, "I can't get a blood pressure reading, pulse or vein." Dan gained consciousness for a few seconds to say, "I love you. Go get Danna." I knew what he was saying and I was not having it! I climbed up on the bed beside my precious husband and in my kindest, most merciful voice said, "Honey, if you die, I will absolutely kill you! You are not going anywhere! You are staying right here! Do you understand me?" That declaration certainly grabbed the attention of the paramedics whose heads snapped up to see the lunatic wife in action. I then called for reinforcements. "Danna, get in here," I yelled to our 20-year-old daughter who was already dressed and standing behind me. If her eyes had not been twice their normal size, I would never have known she was terrified. "What's up, Dad?" she asked. That's my girl! The paramedics finally got an IV going and within minutes, Dan was feeling much better.

A quick sidebar: For weeks, I had been telling Dan how much I loved Carrie Underwood's song, "Jesus Take the Wheel."

The paramedics lifted Dan onto a stretcher and into the ambulance. Danna said, "Mom, you ride with Dad. I'll follow you so we will have a car at the hospital." As I climbed into the passenger side of the ambulance, the radio was on and the first words I heard were "I can't do this on my own. Jesus, take the wheel." God's peace settled around my heart and soul like a familiar friend and I celebrated the love of a God who cares enough about His daughter that He played her favorite song at the precise moment she needed to hear it. You see, when the paramedic climbed into the driver's seat, he said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Southerland, but we can't have the radio on during a call." I smiled and responded, "I didn't turn it on. It was on when I got in." His eyes said it all. "This woman is nuts!" But I knew the presence of God was in that ambulance, with my husband and whatever we were facing.

Why do we doubt Him? Why do we worry? Yes, He is Lord of the Universe, but He is also Friend of the wounded heart and Shepherd of every valley. He is Love. He is Peace.

Over the next nine days, Dan was in the hospital where I think they ran every possible test that can be run on the human heart. After a defibrillator was inserted in Dan's chest, he left the hospital and has been going full speed ever since. God was with me every step of the way and He will be there for you, my friend. No matter where you are, no matter how hopeless your circumstances may seem, no matter how deep and dark the pit – He is at work in and around you. Just give up and surrender the wheel of your life, trusting Him to make a way where there is no way.

Let's Pray

Father, please forgive me when I give in to fear and worry instead of stepping out in faith and believing You. I want to become a woman who trusts You – no matter what. My faith is small, but I now choose to place it in You.

In Jesus's name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Scripture tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Matthew 17:20 also tells us that even a tiny amount of faith pleases Him. (Jesus) replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

A mustard seed is tiny, but once planted, it grows into a huge tree. Jesus said a little faith has incredible results. We don't need a lot of faith - just as much as a mustard seed to produce great results. Why? Because our God is an awesome God and our faith depends on Him!

What is the greatest storm in your life today?

What step do you need to take to face that trial with faith instead of fear?

What is keeping you from trusting God and stepping out in faith?

More from the Girlfriends

Check out Mary's 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 Proverbs, and since each lesson stands alone, it's not too late to join.

Are you stressed out - facing financial problems, health issues, or dealing with difficult relationships? God will be your peace. Get Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, and learn how to transform the promises of the Twenty-third Psalm into easy-to-implement, practical steps that will hand you the keys to stress management.

[Judy Harder]

February 27, 2013

It's Not About Me

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens," (Psalm 148:13 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Some of my Girlfriends in God are not going to like this devotion. I'm not even sure I do. But I'm going to put it out there anyhow. During the month of February, I write devotions on marriage. It is the month of love, and marriages certainly are in shambles all around the world. It is a month when I celebrate marriage!

Each February, I am flooded with e-mails: some are appreciative for the reminders on how to love their husbands, some are hurting because they are in their own struggling marriage, and some are broken hearted because of shattered dreams. These women are so thankful for the balm of God's truth in a very tender area of their lives.

But I also receive e-mails from women who are not married, who do not like the attention to marriage at all. They are flat out angry and frustrated because the devotions do not pertain to them. The same type of complaints comes in during the month of May when I write about Motherhood. And girlfriend, some of those e-mails are not pretty.

I've seen the same thing in church. "I didn't like that sermon." "I didn't like the singing today." "I couldn't relate to that teaching."And on and on we go. You know what I've discovered...It's not about me. It is all about God. If the pastor is preaching on a topic that is not my struggle, I pray that God will open my eyes to new truths that I've never seen. If he is talking about losing a loved one, I pray for those who have lost a loved one recently...even though that not might not be my struggle at that particular time. Is the teaching on raising young children? I have a grown son, so I pray for those who are in the throes of raising the next generation.

One Sunday, I was singing in church. Barely singing, I might add. It was a dry old hymn and I just wasn't into it. Then I looked at an older women a few seats down and she had tears trickling down her wrinkled face. She was moved to tears by that old hymn and was taken to the throne room of grace. "Oh Father," I prayed. "Please forgive me. This is not about me. It's not about what I like or dislike. It is all about You. Truth is truth. Worship is worship. Help my focus be on You and You alone. It's not about me.

Listen to how David focused on God during worship:

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.Psalm 62:5-8

Teach me your ways, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Psalm 86:1112

So let's commit to remember together...it's not about me. It's all about God.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, please forgive me when I make worship and Bible study all about me. The purpose of my worship is to give glory to You and You alone, not to make me feel better. The purpose of Bible study is to learn what Your Word has to say about Your character and Your ways and to discover the truths that lead me into the way of righteousness. I praise You! I thank You! I worship You!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Now It's Your Turn

Here is a fun exercise.  Go back and pick out one of your favorite chapters in the Bible. Now, focus on the verses that you DID NOT underline.

Here is a wonderful Psalm to use for your extended prayer time today. Open your Bible to Psalm 136 and pray that prayer of praise with David. Don't skip over the repeated refrains...His love endures forever! He repeats it for a reason. David meant it. God wants us to get it!

More from the Girlfriends

I will be beginning a new on-line Bible study from my book A Sudden Glory: God's Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More. If you feel like something is missing in your spiritual life, then this study is for you. Here's a little good news: the answer is not found in what God wants from you, but what God wants for you. It's not too late to sign up. I'd love for you to join us. Click here to learn more and sign up. The sign up is on the right hand side of the page.

[Judy Harder]

February 28, 2013

A Place Called Home

Mary Southerland

Today's Truth           

"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come" (Hebrews 13:14, NLT).                                                 

Friend to Friend

It had been a wonderful evening with our daughter, Danna, and her sixteen-month-old son, Justus. We ate dinner at one of our favorite restaurants to celebrate Danna's graduation and the fact that we all survived the grueling schedule her school had demanded. Since our daughter is basically a party looking for a place to happen and can tell a mean story, we laughed until we cried as Danna described her encounter that day with a teacher who seemed to be preoccupied with blue cornbread. I am not kidding! Justus may not have understood what his mom was saying, but he joined in the family celebration with gusto - laughing and clapping his little hands. After a delicious meal, we climbed into the car and headed home.

When we pulled into our neighborhood, Justus began clapping and pointing ... at something. We were clueless until we pulled into the driveway and our sweet little man laughed and bounced with excitement in his car seat. Justus was glad to be home.

At that precise moment, a line from one of my favorite movies, Apollo 13, popped into my mind. "Houston, we have a problem" may very well be one of the greatest understatements of all time. The astronauts faced seemingly impossible odds of getting back to earth but refused to give up the fight until they splashed down in the waters of home.

We all long for a safe place to call home. When life brutally thrusts us into a world of fear and uncertainty, it is hard to trust God. Shaky circumstances rattle our faith. Relief seems like a remote possibility and that light at the end of the tunnel really is the headlight of another trial headed our way. The hits just keep coming and we wonder if our world will ever be right again.

We all come into this world with a sense of being lost. Tucked into the corner of our souls is a feeling of restlessness ... a longing for home, for something or someone eternal. That longing will never be satisfied outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He holds each today and every tomorrow in His hands. Nothing and no one but Jesus Christ can fill that "God-shaped" hole in our heart.

I have come to cherish that desperate cry of my heart that drives me to my knees and into the arms of God, my Father. Each and every time I come to Him, He whispers, "It will be all right. You are not home - yet."

No, this broken world is not my final home because I know God and He knows me. I have surrendered my life to Him and can face tomorrow because Jesus Christ lives. Yes, this world is just the beginning of the eternity for which I was created. I am just passing through, but while I am here, I have a God-sized job to do, an extraordinary mission to complete and a wonderful purpose to fulfill. So do you! It doesn't get any better than that, girlfriend.   

As you dive into your hectic schedule, remember that one day, we will be home - with Him - but until then, trust God here and now. Guard your hearts and mind by filling them with God's Word. Hold fast to the true meaning of following God and don't let go! Look for ways to share the message of God's unconditional love. Embrace that longing for home and trust God to get you there.

Let's Pray                   

Father, I love You and am so thankful for the hope that life holds because I know You. I praise You and celebrate the truth that I am not alone, nor will I ever be. I will lack nothing because You are my Provider. I can sing in the midst of every storm because You are sufficient. I praise You and long for Home, but until then, help me to be all that You created me to be.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Have you ever experienced loneliness or a sense of loss during or after the Christmas season? I encourage you to prepare for it beforehand. The best way to get ready for a difficult time is to stay ready for a difficult time.  In other words, now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for the holidays.

Make time each day to be alone with God.
Pour out your dreams and desperation to Him.
Read Psalm 23 once a day.
Invest at least 15 minutes in solitude each day, allowing your soul to "catch up."
Make a list of the top five joy thieves in your life and make a plan to eliminate them. 
Prayerfully choose five verses of Scripture about peace. Write these verses on a 3X5 card and carry it with you. Consider making this idea a family project. 
Do this for a month and then evaluate the difference it has made in your ability to trust God in every difficult circumstance. 
More from the Girlfriends

Check out Mary's 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 Proverbs, and since each lesson stands alone, it's not too late to join.

Are you stressed out - facing financial problems, health issues, or dealing with difficult relationships? God will be your peace. Get Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, and learn how to transform the promises of the Twenty-third Psalm into easy-to-implement, practical steps that will hand you the keys to stress management.

[Judy Harder]

March 1, 2013
Becoming More Fruitful
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 1:2, NIV).

Friend to Friend
On a family visit to the beach, our room had a balcony that overlooked the swimming pool. I sat on the balcony one morning and watched as a maintenance man for the resort approached a palm tree and pulled a brown, life-less branch from under the green leaves. Oddly, before he pulled the dead branch, I hadn't even noticed it was there. After he pulled it, however, I noticed that the palm tree looked fresh and vibrant. Healthy. The pruning made such a difference!

Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, thatyou bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8, NIV

The maintenance man at the resort didn't pull the branch off to hurt the palm tree. He pruned it to increase its beauty, health and vibrancy. God does the same for us. He prunes His children to increase our beauty, health and vibrancy for our good and for His glory - to make us more useful to Him and more fruitful.

Are there any dead branches hanging on the tree of you?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect love that longs for me to be fruitful and beautiful in You. Please remove any life-less branches in my life. As the psalmist prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How fruitful is your life?

Read John 15:1-17 and spend some time reflecting on God's plan for you to become more fruitful.

Click over to my Facebook page and tell me how today's devotion spoke to your heart. What lessons are you learning? I'd love to hear about it. Visit me at www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

More from the Girlfriends
It seems kind of weird that we should want to go through the pain of pruning, doesn't it? It reminds me a bit of the old workout saying, "No pain, no gain." When you allow the Lord to expose dead branches in your life and to strip them away, a simple, radiant beauty remains. You become a more vibrant reflection of Him and become better equipped to bear fruit. Trust Him, friend...no matter what or whom He may call you to give up.

Gwen has a new website filled with videos, posts, songs and resources that we believe will be a deep well of encouragement to you. Please swing by to visit: www.GwenSmith.net. (Get a FREE song download when you sign up for her newsletter!)

[Judy Harder]

March 4, 2013

Gratitude Changes Things

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

"Give thanks in all circumstances," (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Paul wrote the Thessalonians, "Give thanks in all circumstances," (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We read that verse and think it rather nice. So we slap a sloppy coat of thanksgiving on life and go about our day. In reality, most of us are thankful for very little.

Notice the Bible doesn't command us to feel thankful in all circumstances. Instead it commands us to "give thanks in all circumstances." When I begin to praise God in a difficult situation, even if I don't feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation like diamonds on black velvet. Sometimes I don't see glory in tragedy, but I still can praise God because I know He is there.

Gratitude changes the lens through which we see the circumstances in our little slice of time. Thanksgiving changes our perspective despite broken dreams, broken relationships, tumultuous circumstances, and unfulfilled longings. As you praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He's done, your perspective of Him grows larger and your problems grow smaller. As a result, you will experience a deeper sense of intimacy with God as the emotional gap between what you know to be true and how you feel at the moment closes.

On many occasions in the Psalms, David complained about his circumstances (Psalms 42, 57, 62). But more often than not, about midway through David's laments, he begins praising God for who He is and thanking God for what He's done. And you know what happens? All of a sudden David starts feeling better! Life isn't so bad after all! His problems grow smaller as his perspective of God grows larger, and he begins to see God's glory shining through the situation.

Why is that? In the writing of one little Psalm, David shifted from depression to rejoicing. He didn't wait until God changed his situation, solved his problem, or made him feel better before he began thanking Him. Oh friend, when we stop complaining and grumbling and begin speaking God's love language of gratitude, our perspective will change as well. We will begin seeing moments of sudden glory through the lens of praise and thanksgiving—glory moments that were there all along, but hidden from the grumbling eye.

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, I praise Your name. I exalt Your name forever. Even though I may not understand what is going on in my life, I trust that You are good and Your plans are good. In Jesus' Name, Amen.           

Now It's Your Turn

Today, read Psalm 145,146, and 147. Take note of all the Psalmist praised God for.

If you're really industrious, read Psalm 148, 149 and 150. How do each one of these Psalms begin.

Make a list of then things you are thankful for and share them on my blog page at www.sharonjaynes.com.

More from the Girlfriends

Seeing God through the lens of gratitude and grace is one of the themes of my book, A Sudden Glory: God's Lavish Response to Your Ache for Something More. It's a great book to help you experience God's presence on a daily basis. But if you have trouble with grumbling, complaining, and controlling your tongue, I'd suggest delving into my book, The Power of a Woman's Words. What a great New Year's Resolution: CONTOL MY TONGUE!  You can find them both on my website at www.sharonjaynes.com.