Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

August 7, 2013
You are God's Beautiful Masterpiece
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14, NIV).

Friend to Friend

I was sitting in a crowded restaurant with my family when she walked by in her full-length white satin dress delicately trimmed in lace and studded with tiny "jewels," crinoline that swished as she moved across the room, a rhinestone tiara upon her head, and pearl studded slippers on her feet. Golden ringlets framed her rosy cheeks and puckered lips glistened with a hint of gloss. She knew she was beautiful and glanced around at the admiring smiles of onlookers as she walked through the crowd. She was three-years-old.

I'm not sure when the dream to be beautiful enters a little girl's mind, but I do know when the dream ends – when the preacher says, "may she rest in peace."

I remember as a little girl sneaking into my mother's closet and slipping my child-size feet into her size seven high heels. I'd also stand on my tiptoes on a chair, pull a hat off the top shelf, and plop it on my head like an over-sized lampshade. Her satin evening jacket with sleeves that hung eight inches below my finger tips gave a nice elegant touch to my outfit.

A lady going to a party would never be caught without "putting on her face," so I crept into the bathroom, opened the forbidden drawer, and created a clownish work of art on the palette of my face. Red rouge circles on my cheeks, heaps of blue eye shadow on my munchkin lids, and smeared orange lipstick far exceeding the proper border were finished off with a dusting of facial powder with a fluffy applicator.

From the time a little girl stretches on her tiptoes to get a peek in the mirror, she desires to be beautiful – perhaps like her mommy. I believe the dream to be beautiful is not cultural, but at the very core of womanhood.

John Eldredge, in his book Wild at Heart, describes three longings that lie at the heart of every man: a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue, an adventure to live. He also ventures to say that women have three longings of the heart as well: to be fought for, to share in an adventure, and to have her beauty unveiled.

"Not to conjure," Eldredge explains, "but to unveil. Most women feel the pressure to be beautiful from very young, but that is not what I speak of. There is also a deep desire to simply and truly be the beauty and be delighted in. Most little girls will remember playing dress up, or wedding day, or 'twirling skirts,' those flowing dresses that were perfect for spinning around in. She'll put her pretty dress on, come into the living room and twirl. What she longs for is to capture her daddy's delight."

A woman was and is one of God's most magnificent creations. As a matter of fact, she was His grand finale. After He fashioned Eve, creation was complete and He took a rest! God has placed in our hearts a love for beauty and a desire to be beautiful – as He defines it.

In the New Testament, Paul writes, "For we are God's workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10). The Greek word for workmanship means a work of art. Listen to these words as David describes the Creator at work.

For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
When I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body. (Psalm 139:13-16)

Like an artist who sees the finished work in his mind's eye, God saw your unformed substance and then began to fashion you from head to toe. He made no mistakes but planned each detail of your being. You do not need to compare yourself to other works of art, but thank the Artist for how He chose to create the masterpiece called...you.

Now, click over to my Facebook page and tell me three aspects of your body that you are thankful for!

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, thank you for making each and every part of my being. For eyes that see, ears that hear, legs that move, fingers that feel, arms that hug, feet that run, a heart that beats, a brain that thinks, a tongue that tastes. Oh Lord, forgive me when I complain about your workmanship and wish for something different. Help me to always remember that I am Your masterpiece. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Make a list of all the parts of your body that you are thankful for. This could take quite some time and perhaps you'll need to come back to your list several times before it is complete.

Get out an anatomy book or visit a web page that shows the various body systems (the circulatory system, the nervous system, the skeletal muscles, etc.) and read about the intricacies of the human body.

If you have children, look at the various systems together and marvel at God's incredible creation.

Look up the following verses and note what they say about your beauty:

2 Corinthians 3:18

Psalm 45:11

1 Peter 3:3-5

Proverbs 11:22 (This verse describes a woman who is beautiful on the outside, but unattractive on the inside.)

More from the Girlfriends

All little girls have dreams, but for most of us, life doesn't turn out like we thought.  But did you know that God has great dreams for you? Yes, He wants to fulfill your little girl dreams in His own way. And that's not all, He has greater plans for you than you ever imagined.  Put your hand in His and dare to dream again! Learn how in my book 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Fulfills Them.

Beginning August 1, the content of my blog will be completely different from the Girlfriends in God devotions. So if you are not signed up for my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com, please do it today...and invite all your friends. I'm going to have more give-a-ways, more personal interaction, and more inspiration than ever before!

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

[Judy Harder]

August 8, 2013
The Perfect Storm
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Lord, you are my strength and my protection, my safe place in times of trouble (Jeremiah 16:19, NIV).

Friend to Friend

The comfort of God is faithful and strong - even during the fiercest storms of life. I enjoy movies that have a happy ending. My family constantly teases me about my surreal perspective of movie entertainment, but honestly, life holds enough reality. Why would I want to pay good money to see even more reality made bigger and more frightening on a gigantic movie screen? When the movie, "The Perfect Storm," was first released, the previews suggested it had a happy ending. I should have known better, but we love the water and really, how bad could it be?

We bought tickets, popcorn and drinks, found the best seats in the theatre and prepared to be entertained.  Wrong! Every scene showed tiny boats caught in the grip of frightening waves and fierce winds. I kept waiting for the storm to die down so everyone could go home with a boat full of fish to their anxious families who were confidently waiting for them on dry land. Crash!  Another monstrous wave belted the boat and crew. By the end of the movie, I never wanted to set foot on a boat again and was worn out from trying to get everyone home where they would live happily ever after. I was tempted to demand a refund because of false advertising. Believe me, there was definitely no happy ending but I did come away with a new fascination and deep respect for the sea.

I have a friend who loves to sail. When I asked him if he had ever been caught in a bad storm, he responded, "Many times!" I shook my head in disbelief concluding that my friend was obviously a glutton for punishment.  Of course, I had to ask, "Then why on earth do you keep sailing?" His answer was profound. "Mary, every sailor knows that there will be storms. You just learn what to do when the storm hits. In a severe storm, there is only one thing to do and only one way to survive. You have to put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."

The same is true in our lives. When the fierce storms of life overwhelm us, there is only one thing to do if we want to survive those storms. We must position ourselves in the right place – in the hands of God – and He will keep us there until the storm has passed.

The words of the psalmist are filled with confidence and hope when he writes, "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed" (Psalm 107:29). We really can trust God to bring peace and to reduce the fiercest storm to a mere whisper. The faithful provision and sustaining comfort of God at work in our life depends on the character and heart of God and our willingness to trust Him.

I love my children with all of my heart. Naturally, there are times when they make me very angry. They make wrong choices and sometimes even disappoint me, but if they are hurt, sick or in trouble, the anger, disappointment and even disobedience is overruled by my love for them and a driving need to comfort them. If my imperfect heart responds to my imperfect children that way, think about how the perfect heart of our heavenly Father responds to us.

Richard Fuller writes: "This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may -- winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightening, frowning rocks, roaring breakers -- no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and his everlasting love in Christ Jesus."

We can face every storm with confidence, knowing that God will redeem it for good. We can trust few things in this life, but God's faithfulness is one of them. When the hard times come, and the storms roll in, trust God and hold on. He is with you.

Let's Pray

Father, I want to thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Forgive me when I let fear and doubt take over my heart and mind instead of choosing to trust You. Give me eyes to see the treasure buried at the heart of every storm and help me to choose joy - even when I don't understand what You are doing in my life. Teach me, Lord. Let my life be an illustration of Your strength perfected in my weakness. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read Hebrews 12:12 (The Message) "So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs." What does it mean in your life to "take a new grip" and "stand firm" even on shaky legs?

Do you really believe we can experience joy – even in the midst of the fiercest storm?  Explain.

Looking back at the storms in your life, how would you rate your response to those storms? What changes do you need to make in order to experience victory?

Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 and record it in your journal. Share your decision to become a woman of faith with other women who have the same desire.

[Judy Harder]

August 9, 2013
The Everlasting God
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you (Deuteronomy 33:27a).

Friend to Friend
My curiosity begs to understand life. My mind longs for logic. I am not overly fond of ungraspable concepts. When I was a child I asked a million questions. Why is the sky blue? Are angels all men? Why do bad things happen? Why can't we send my brussel sprouts to the starving children in Africa? Who created God?           

I wanted answers.           

I still do.           

Give me a story that grabs my attention at the beginning. Fill it with intrigue. Throw in some high conflict and drama in the middle and then catch the bad guys, tie up the loose ends and call it done. Cue the applause. Bring down the curtain. But don't even think about leaving me hanging... and certainly don't ask me to tune in next week for the missing story-pieces.           

Now that you are clued in on a bit of my "crazy," you can imagine how I reacted as a youngster when the concept of infinity was introduced in math class. Suit me up for a straight jacket and take me to a rubber room. I thought my math teacher was nuts. You mean I'm supposed to comprehend, work with and accept something that has no beginning and no ending? Really? That's not neat. It's not simple. It makes my brain hurt to even think about it!     

Pure frustration, packaged in a sideways figure eight.     

A mind-maddening math mystery.         

Infinity.         

Once I rose above the psychological drama-trauma of this new math concept, I figured out how to solve problems with infinity: even though I couldn't wrap my brain around it. I completed my homework assignments and passed the tests – without so much as running my fingernails down the chalkboard in a defiant, adolescent tantrum of revolt. Miracle.     

There are a few characteristics of God that I find difficult to grasp. As you may have guessed, His eternal nature is one. It's not easy to understand. As much as my inner four-year-old would like it to, the Bible does not begin with once upon a time, and it does not end with and they all lived happily ever after. The love saga of God, written in crimson by Christ, is a mystery that began before the dawn of time and goes on forever. God's existence defies space, matter and time. It transcends it!

Let His eternal nature blow your mind for a minute...

Behold, God is great, and we know him not; the number of his years is unsearchable.(Job 36:26)

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.(Isaiah 40:28)

God is God.           

He is great.         

Unsearchable.         

There is no one like Him, not one. Not now. Not ever. He is uniquely and mysteriously eternal. El Olam: The Everlasting God, Olam meaning world, universe, everlasting time or space. His existence cannot be featured on a timeline because it does not come neatly packaged with a clearly defined beginning and ending. In fact, He is the Beginning and the End – the Alpha and Omega – the First and the Last.

Abraham called out to El Olam. In Genesis 21:33, we read, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. Moses referred to the eternal nature of God as well. Just before he died, Moses called God Elohei Kedem, the Hebrew name that means Eternal God, when he handed out blessings of strength and security to the people of the tribe of Asher.

There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. (Deuteronomy 33:26-27a)

I would guess that, like me, you love the thought of God as your refuge. My heart completely resonates with the concept of His everlasting arms beneath me. Holding me. Protecting me. Guiding me. Do I fully understand it? Not at all... but it sure does help me to accept the concept of God's eternal nature. More than that, it helps me to embrace His infinite nature.

When we allow the One who is beyond space, matter and time into our space, matter and time, we position ourselves to experience El Olam as a refuge for all eternity. You and I run out of energy. We grow weary. We lose heart. God never does. The Everlasting God does not faint or grow weary and when we call out to Him, He renews our strength and revives our hope.

Yeah. I'm the girl who wants life to make sense, but I've been learning that there are some things in life that we just need to accept, rather than understand. Things we need to take at face value... at faith value. For me, this is one of them. I worship El Olam – who was and is and is to come. Infinite Grace. I'm so grateful that on the day my lungs breathe my final earthly breath, and my eyes lift to see Jesus face to face all my questions will be not only satisfied, but also forgotten. Not just for a moment, but for all eternity.

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, El Olam, Everlasting God, You surely are great! You are the most amazing mystery I will ever know. Help me to trust You, beyond my understanding. Increase my faith, and help my life to reflect Your infinite grace. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Our problems are finite... they have a beginning and an end. God's ability to meet us at each challenge is not limited by space or time. Are there people or challenges with which you feel God is calling you trust Him deeper with? Let's take this conversation deeper. Leave a comment or response on my blog or on my facebook page.

Music Connection...I'm a worship girl, so I want to be sure to point you to a song that celebrates the ungraspable nature of our awesome God. The song is called "Unsearchable" and it is the title track to my "Unsearchable Live" CD. Hear a sample of the song on the music page of my site.

More from the Girlfriends

It's finally here! Sharon, Gwen and Mary's new book, Knowing God by Name, is now available. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and an ...this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.

Today's GiG devotion is adapted from Knowing God by Name by Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, & Mary Southerland by permission of Multnomah, division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

[Judy Harder]

August 12, 2013
Why Me?
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts' (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV).

Friend to Friend

There is nothing wrong with us trying to understand why the wounds of life occur; however, the Bible clearly tells us not to depend on or lean on our ability to answer the tough question...why.   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart," the writer of Proverbs tells us, "and do not lean on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Don't depend on your own mind to figure life out.

Ultimately, God is in control and His ways are higher than ours. God reminds us, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9). Dr. James Dobson, in his book, When God Doesn't Make Sense says "trying to analyze His (God's) omnipotence is like an amoeba attempting to comprehend the behavior of man." It is simply not possible.       

But one thing we can be sure of, "all the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful," whether we understand them or not (Psalm 25:10).

Paul wrote: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

It may not be until we cross over from the temporal to the eternal that we understand the many "whys" of life. Until then, we must trust in the sovereignty of God.

No matter what we have gone through or what we will go through in the future, God promises: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand: " (Isaiah 41:10).

God wants to know if we will trust Him no matter what our outward circumstances may be – even if it means death. Will we say with Job "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15)?

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, There are so many times when something happens in my life and I simply just don't understand. It is during those times that I cling to what I do know. You love me. You have a plan for me. All your ways are loving and all your ways are good. Help me to remember that song in my heart when the melody grows dim. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

When was the last time you asked God "Why?"

What one verse in today's devotion speaks the most to you?

Consider writing that verse on an index card and committing it to memory.  Then each time the enemy taunts you with doubts, you shoot that verse right back at him.

More from the Girlfriends

Life does not always turn out like we thought it would, but God has a plan for each and every one of us. If you'd like to learn more about those plans and how God fulfills them, check out my book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman and How God Fulfills Them. In it you read about how God turns your shattered dreams into a beautiful masterpiece...when you let go of the broken pieces and give them to Him.

Beginning August 1, the content of my blog will be completely different from the Girlfriends in God devotions. So if you are not signed up for my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com, please do it today...and invite all your friends. I'm going to have more give-a-ways, more personal interaction, and more inspiration than ever before!

[Judy Harder]

August 13, 2013
Learning to Abide
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:4-5, NASB).

Friend to Friend

It's that time of year again. Schools are recruiting parents to help with classroom duties, sports teams are looking for team moms, your church is asking for help ... and the list seems to go on and on. How do you react when an opportunity for service presents itself? Do you feel guilty saying "no" and end up saying "yes" because if you don't do it, no one will?

Why do women feel as if they have to do it all? Oh, I am certain that a woman can do just about anything she sets her mind to do. I'm just not sure she can or should do it all at the same time.

For years, I tried to earn the love and approval of God by doing everything I could find to do. If a position needed filling, I filled it. If a job needed doing, I did it. If volunteers were called for, mine was the first hand raised. After all, if I was doing all of these important things, I must be important - right?

The result was two dark years spent at the bottom of a deep, ugly pit called clinical depression. It was as if God allowed me to run to the end of myself, and then shut the door and turned out the lights. I heard Him loud and clear, "That is enough! It is time for you to abide in me." I knew very little about "abiding" but a whole lot about "doing." I soon learned that to abide in God, to rest in Him requires a balanced life with right priorities.

One of the main factors in my battle with clinical depression was that I didn't understand how to live a balanced life. I found it difficult to set boundaries, failed to establish margins of time for the unplanned or unexpected, and unwittingly surrendered my God-ordained priorities to the empty, vain addiction of just "doing the next thing." The loudest voice got my attention and my energy.

Balance can easily become a casualty of the ongoing battle of establishing right priorities. While sitting in the darkness, waiting on God, I discovered that the pit of despair is a very common destination for those who refuse to measure and balance the sometimes overwhelming demands of home, family, friends, work and personal growth. I had been running the race for the wrong audience and was relying on my own very limited power instead of God's power.

I wish I could tell you that I now lead a perfectly balanced life, but the truth is that I constantly have to examine and evaluate my priorities and goals in order to find the holy balance God intends. Many of you tell me that you have the same struggle.

Just like you, I have to make difficult choices between the good things and the best things. When I make the wrong choices, I can sense myself sliding toward the dangerous edge of that deep, dark pit. I don't want to go there again – so the battle continues. The good news is that I don't have to fight this battle alone and neither do you. God is with us, urging us toward the light and His restoration power that comes from a heart and life that rests and abides in Him.

I have decided that a perfectly balanced life was lived only once on this earth – by Jesus Christ. My chances of doing so are slim. It would be so easy to just throw my hands in the air or dive back under the covers and pray that the world will just go away and leave me alone. Been there? You are not alone, girlfriend. Gwen, Sharon and I fight the same battle every single day. We are all in different seasons of life, but the struggle is the same as we learn how to put God first and then allow Him to set our agenda for each day.

Let's Pray

Father, I desperately need Your guidance in setting priorities and goals. I am so tired of trying to please everyone in my life. I want to please You and do what You alone have created me to do. Help me learn how to listen for Your voice. Teach me how to see and do Your perfect plan for my life. I want to live each day abiding in You. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Set aside 30 minutes this week to spend alone with God.
Examine your life for areas that are out of balance.
Record each area in your journal.
Surrender that unbalanced area to God and ask Him to show you how to abide in Him instead of relying upon yourself and your own strength.
Set aside one day this month for a silent retreat. Go to the beach – a park – or even your back yard! Just get alone with God and take a spiritual inventory of your priorities, time management and goals. The results may surprise you. 
More from the Girlfriends

Looking for a Bible Study? Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, From a Mess to a Miracle. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2013 lessons from Proverbs. Check it out! And be sure to connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.

Seeking God?

[Judy Harder]

August 14, 2013
Bitter or Better – The Choice is Yours
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (Hebrews 12:15, NIV).

Friend to Friend

"She's just a bitter old woman!" Have you ever heard someone described in that way? I have. And amazingly, when someone uses the word "bitter," I know exactly what they mean. Webster defines bitter as "galling; exhibiting intense animosity, harshly reproachful, marked by cynicism and rancor." It stems from deep seated anger and unforgiveness that plants itself into a soul and is watered and fertilized by playing and replaying the video of the offense in the theater of the mind.

Paul warns us that having a "root of bitterness" can grow up and "defile many" (Hebrews 12:15).   James tell us that bitterness is from the devil (James 3:14-15). And Peter cautions that bitterness can keep us from being effective in ministry (Acts 8:20-23).

The only way to be free of bitterness is to let go of past offenses and refuse to collect them.  Collect antiques, Beanie Babies, or even shoes. But don't collect grudges. There's not enough storage space in your heart to bear the load. Grudges just tumble out every time the door to your mouth is opened.

"My mother used to be a bitter woman," Tim explained. "But then she got Alzheimer's disease and forgot what she was so bitter about. She actually became a very pleasant person to be around." Oh that we would forget while we are still well enough to enjoy the freedom!

Rather than growing bitter, choose to be better! Think on the words to this poem found in John Cook's book, The Book of Positive Quotations.

The Hard Way

For every hill I've had to climb,
For every stone that busied my feet,
For all the blood and sweat and grime,
For blinding storms and burning heat,
My heart sings but a grateful song-
These were the things that made me strong.
Those do not sound like the words of a bitter person but a better person.

Hurt is inevitable in relationships. We are sinful creatures living in a fallen world, and it is only by the grace of God that we can be a blessing to anyone. The only way to be better rather than bitter is to extend the same grace to others that God extended to us through Jesus Christ. The key to writing a beautiful life story is to have a pencil with a good eraser.

Let's Pray

Dear LORD, I choose to let the struggles of life make me better and not bitter.  I forgive those who have hurt me, and refuse to hold a grudge. I will look for the good in every difficult situation and think the best of others. I know that a bitter heart produces bitter fruit, and I refuse to allow my heart to get caught in that trap. Now, Lord, help me accomplish what I have just confessed. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Examine your heart and see if there is any bitterness lurking there.  If ever there was a person who had the "right" to be bitter, it was Joseph in the Bible.  He was thrown into a pit and left for dead, sold into slavery, falsely accused of attempted rape, forgotten by his friends, and unjustly detained in a prison cell for many years. And yet, after his release and subsequent appointment as governor of Egypt, he came face-to-face with the very brothers who caused his demise.

Rather than give them the punishment they deserved, he said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).  Joseph chose not to be bitter, but to allow his circumstances to make him better.  And with God's help, we can do the same.

What are you bitter about today? What do you need to do to turn "bitter" into" better"?

More from the Girlfriends

Forgiveness is tough. It is hard. But it is not impossible. If you would like to learn more about turning your bitterness into betterment, see my book, Your Scars Are Beautiful to God: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Hurts of your Past. You can do it!

[Judy Harder]

August 15, 2013
A Box of Socks
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21:22, NIV).

Friend to Friend

My sister loves socks. One day, we were shopping and happened to walk into a department store where neither one of us could afford to buy a single thing. We were just passing through, on our way to find the bargains we could afford. With a sigh and a wistful look on her face, Betty said, "I wish I could afford to shop in this store." When I asked her what she would buy, she immediately replied with a smile, "Socks! I want a big box of socks. I would wear a different pair every day." I could think of several things I would have liked to buy in that store and socks was not one of them. I guess it is a matter of perspective. What was important to her was not important to me.

I sometimes think my prayer requests are insignificant and unimpressive to God. After all, He is God. Does He really have the time or the desire to hear and answer my prayers? Yes! The truth is that if it is important to me, it is important to God.

Each Christmas, Operation Shoebox collects and sends over eight million shoeboxes stuffed with small gifts such as candy, school supplies, small toys, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo to children across the world. In Mexico, hundreds of boys and girls gathered at the church in a small village, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their precious shoeboxes.

Delightful chaos erupted as bulging shoeboxes wrapped in brightly colored paper and ribbon were passed into the small, eager hands of each child. Wrapping paper was hurriedly ripped into pieces and tossed aside, a smile spreading across the face of each child as the long awaited Christmas treasures were revealed. However, one little boy dissolved into tears as he lifted the lid of his box and peered inside to see what he had received for Christmas this year.

One of the Operation Shoebox volunteers spotted the little boy and hurriedly made his way across the church to see what the problem could possibly be. With the help of an interpreter, the volunteer asked the now sobbing little boy, "What is wrong? What is in your box?" With tears streaming down his face, the little boy said, "Socks!" The worker instantly understood and assured the little boy that he could trade his box of socks for another box that might have crayons or a piece of candy in it.

Alarm spread across the face of the child as he vigorously shook his head and quickly jerked the box away from the now somewhat confused worker. Clutching the shoebox to his chest, the boy began sobbing out an explanation to the interpreter who listened for a few moments and then, with tears spilling out of his own eyes, turned to the volunteer and said, "You won't believe this!"

Taking a deep, steadying breath, the interpreter explained, "This little boy has a rare skin condition with which he was born. It seems to affect his feet more than any other spot on his body. The doctors have tried various medications and treatments but finally told the little boy that nothing will work and his feet will never heal unless he begins wearing cotton socks. His parents cannot even afford food for this boy; much less provide socks for their son. So, all year long, he has been praying for socks."

Socks were at the top of the little boy's prayer list. As a matter of fact, they were his list. The mere sight of ordinary cotton socks brought tears to his eyes as he stared in awe at the priceless gift in his hands – socks. Those socks were more than just a gift. They were the profound answer from our extraordinary God to a child's simple prayer. One unknown and seemingly insignificant boy in Mexico prayed. God heard him and said, "Let me take care of you."

No matter how small or trivial your prayers may seem, remember God's perspective. If it is important to you, it is important to Him.

Let's Pray

Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You in prayer. I want prayer to be as natural to me as breathing out and breathing in. I refuse to believe the lie that my prayers are too small or unimportant for You to hear. You are my Father. You are my God, and You long to hear my voice. I will bring every prayer of my heart to You. In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Do you have your own "box of socks" for which you are praying? What is it?

Do you really believe that God will hear and answer your prayer?

Read Hebrews 11:6. How does your faith measure up to the faith described in this verse?

Today, pray in faith and see what God does!

More from the Girlfriends

Do you have your own "box of socks" story? I would love to hear it! Email me or connect with me on Facebook! Know that Sharon, Gwen and I are praying for you and asking God to increase your faith ... as you go. Blessings.

Looking for a Bible Study? Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, From a Mess to a Miracle. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2013 lessons from Proverbs. Check it out!

[Judy Harder]

August 16, 2013
Don't Say No
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father (John 14:13, NIV).


Friend to Friend

I was on my way home from running errands. As I approached our neighborhood, my cell phone rang. The call was from my tween-aged daughter.     

"Hi, Mom. It's Kennedy. Where are you?"

"Hey, baby! I ran some errands and will be home in just a few minutes. What's up?"   

"Well, I wanted to see if you and I could go shopping for a new bathing suit this afternoon, and— don't say no—I'd like to get a feather in my hair. Can we, Mom?"     

Oh. No. She. Didn't!           

I was taken aback by the bold expectations of my daughter. Don't say 'no'? I thought. Really? C'mon girl. I'm the parent. You're the child. Get a grip.

What I said to her was, "Honey, we are several weeks away from swim season. I'm not sure that today is a good day for all of this. And by the way, you're free to share your heart with me and to tell me your desires, but you do not get to tell me what I can and can't say no to. I'm pulling into the neighborhood now and will see you in a minute."

Later, as I considered her angle—the way she positioned her request—my heart leapt with conviction. How often do I approach God with a request wrapped up in a demand that He not to tell me no?         

Jesus told His disciples that they could ask for anything. He even said that when we ask in His name that what we ask for would be given to us.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:12-14).         

Let's consider the context here. When Jesus said "You may ask me for anything," it wasn't an open invitation for the will of man to reign. It was an invitation for man to participate in the will of God through prayer. It was about us asking for things that will bring glory to God the Father. Asking "in my name" is all about the will of God being done on earth as it is in heaven – not the whim of mankind.           

Then what about the "Name-it-and-claim-it" theology? Is God obligated to answer our prayers in the way we want Him to? No, He's not. Does God want you to have a million-dollar home and drive a Hummer? Not sure. Does God want you to be healed of that diagnoses, disease, or physical challenge? Possibly. I don't know His exact plan for your life. What I do know is this: God is a good and faithful God. "The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast forever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness"(Psalm 111:7-8).       

All throughout Scripture we see that God is faithful. When it comes to God's character, faithfulness doesn't mean that He will always come through for us in the way we expect. It means He will see His plans through to completion, that He will keep His promises, that He will continue to work in our lives for our ultimate good – not necessarily our immediate happiness.           

If we think that God can't say no to us, then we've put ourselves on the throne and not God. Prayer is not about getting God to do what we want Him to do; it is about releasing God's will on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). It doesn't change His mind and He's not a genie in a bottle whose wish is our command. God is God—and He is faithful, no matter which way He moves.           

I love my daughter. I mean, I really, really, really love my daughter. But just because she asks me for something doesn't mean that I'm going to grant her request. I love her too much for that. God is our heavenly Father. Our parent. He wants mature, wise children. Not spoiled children. He loves us too much for that.       

He even told His own son "no" in order to accomplish His great purposes. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus was distraught to the point of sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. Crying out to God, He "knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done'" (Luke 22:41-42, ESV).           

God said no to Jesus because the request of His Son did not line up with His will. And because God said no, you and I can experience grace, forgiveness, peace, and salvation. In order for God to be glorified in His life, Jesus had to submit to the will of the Father. In order for God to be glorified in our lives, we, too, must submit to the will of the Father—and His will is always what's best for us because He is faithful.         

Coming to terms with this truth is tough, no doubt about that. At times the wounds of life leave us reeling. At times God allows trials and temptations that seem unbearable. Even in those times, God remains the same and He can be trusted. It's a choice we have to make. And that choice is directly linked with the promise of blessing. Psalm 84:12 says, "O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."         

God's names reflect His character and He is our Faithful God. So no matter what you pray for or desire, you can trust Him, whether His answer is "No," or "Yes."

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, Faithful One, You are my Father and I know that you have a plan for me. Please bind me to Your will and teach me to desire Your heart above all else. Help me to hold unswervingly to the hope that I profess, because You who promised are faithful (Hebrews 10:23). In Jesus's name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." What hope does this verse encourage us to hold unswervingly to as we remember God's faithfulness?

God is faithful even when we are not. We all fail and have selfish tendencies. In spite of our wandering ways, God remains steadfast. Read and consider the following verse: "If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself" (2 Timothy 2:13).

How does this verse encourage you? Have you been praying for the Lord to answer according to His will or according to yours? Let's take this conversation deeper. Come over to my blogor my Facebook pageand leave a comment.

More from the Girlfriends

Today's GiG devotion is adapted from Knowing God by Nameby Sharon Jaynes, Gwen Smith, & Mary Southerland by permission of Multnomah, division of Random House, Inc. This is the perfect book for individual study or for gathering a group of friends in what we call GiG Groups. With impactful devotions, study questions, journal pages, free on-line video intros, and this book is a resource you'll refer to time-and-time again.

[Judy Harder]

August 19, 2013
Is Anything Too Hard For The Lord?"
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth

Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis18:14, NIV).

Friend to Friend

Do you need something from God today? That's a silly question. We all do! Every day! All the time. We can't do life on our own. And if we try, we will fail desperately. God is the only One who can meet our needs.

We see the all-sufficiency of God's power on display throughout Scripture. In Genesis 12:1-3 God gave Abram an incredible promise.

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.

I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.
And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

But time passed, and Abram and his wife Sarai had no children...no heir. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, and Sarai was eighty-nine, God came to him once again and reiterated His promise. In this scene we find the first declaration of His name El Shaddai.

I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers. (Genesis 17:1-2)

God then changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai's name to Sarah. But that wasn't the only thing that was about to change. God was about to perform a miracle by the name of Isaac. Sarah, He announced, was going to have a baby.

I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her (verse 16).

Can you imagine what Abraham must have thought? God, are You kidding? I am ninety-nine years old. My wife is eighty-nine. Her womb is as good as dead. I'm a shriveled-up old man. I know You mean well, but really? A child? From Sarah?

A short time later, two angels came to Abraham with a message from God: "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son" (18:10). This time, the eavesdropping Sarah laughed. When the angel questioned the reason for her laughter, he said, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (verse 14).

When God appeared to Abraham and introduced the name El Shaddai, God Almighty, Abraham believed that God was able to accomplish all that He had promised. God's words nourished Abraham's faith that the Almighty would do what He said He would do. It didn't matter that Abraham was ninety-nine years old. It didn't matter that Sarah was eighty-nine years old. The laws of nature do not apply to the One who created them. With God, all things are possible. With the revelation of His name, God let Abraham know that His power was all - sufficient and He could do anything He pleased. He was not bound by the realm of the physical world or fettered by the decisions of man. Nothing—not even a dried-up womb or a withered-up man—could stop His word from coming to pass.

So what about you? What about your situation? I ask the same question the angel asked Sarah: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14).

No matter what you're going through today, you can cling to the truth that God is El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One. He has within Himself the life-giving sustenance you need...the life-giving sustenance your heart longs for.

Let's Pray
Lord, I'll admit, sometimes I get tired of waiting for Your promises in my life. I get weary. I grow frustrated. I become doubtful. But today I'm choosing to believe You. I am not going to worry because nothing is too hard for You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Look up 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Ephesians 3:20-21.

What do these verses tell you about God's ability to meet your needs?

What in your life that is too hard for God accomplish? I want you to click over to my Facebook page and tell me the answer to that question. It will do your heart good!

More from the Girlfriends

Gwen, Mary, and I have a brand new book hot off the press. It is titled Knowing God by Name. The book is an eight-week devotional study of 40 names of God. To learn more, click over to our Knowing God by Name page to download a free sample chapter and watch free videos. We'll see you there!

Beginning August 1, the content of my blog will be completely different from the Girlfriends in God devotions. So if you are not signed up for my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com, please do it today...and invite all your friends. I'm going to have more give-a-ways, more personal interaction, and more inspiration than ever before!

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
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Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
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[Judy Harder]

August 20, 2013
Make Up Your Mind
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

You, LORD, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you (Isaiah 26:3, NCV).

Friend to Friend

As I stood on the sideline of the football field where my eighteen-year-old son was practicing for the South Florida All Star Football Game, I was not prepared for the hideous sounds and horrific sights that assaulted every protective sense I have as a mother. My baby - my six-foot, two hundred and thirty pound baby - was knocking padded giants left and right as he bulldozed his way toward the goal line.

Mixed emotions, foreign thoughts skipped through my heart and mind. On one hand, I was so proud of Jered that I felt like shouting to the college scouts and coaches standing beside me, "That's my boy!" On the other hand, I wanted to drag him off of that field, lock him in his nice safe room at home and never let him play the barbaric game of football again. The curious thing is that Jered is a gentle young man who loves every animal he sees, will do anything to help anyone in need, rarely gets angry and is a major hugger. So what happens when he steps on that football field? He turns into a growling, intimidating predator, who will bash heads and bruise any bodies that get in his way.

On the ride home, I shared my thoughts with Jered, describing my astonishment at his metamorphosis from the teddy bear I know to the bulldozing bear opponents fear. He laughed and said, "Mom, ninety per cent of football is mental. If you think tough you will be tough." I could buy that theory, in part, but looking at Jered's size, considerable bulk and bulging muscles, I had to believe that his physical attributes had something to do with his intimidating bruiser mentality on the football field. "Son, you are a hulk. Any player would be afraid of you!" He grinned, loving the compliment and then reminded me of a friend who had graduated two years before.

Chris was a short and lean but deadly running back known for intimidating players twice his size. I did remember Chris, as well as Jered coming home from several practices complaining, "I'd rather get hit by anyone on the team but Chris. He is brutal!" My son then said something I will never forget. "Mom, Chris was a great football player because he thought he was a great football player. I have seen so many guys who are bigger, stronger and better who could not begin to play as well as Chris played. In this game, success is not only in the body but the mind."

What a powerful truth – on the football field – and in the game of life.

The thought processes of a child are very different from those of a mature person. A child thinks only of himself and his desires, his wants and needs making up the heart of his world and completely occupying his focus. Certainly for the sake of survival, every baby comes into this world as a narcissist, thinking only of its own needs. But with healthy growth of the mind comes a natural change in focus from inward to outward. The thought life of a mature believer must be well trained because the greatest battlefield for the Christian is the mind.

Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (NASB).

What we think about powerfully influences who and what we will become. Our actions, our attitudes and habits are born in the mind, an offspring of the thought life we entertain.

We can literally change our life by changing how we think – but we cannot do it alone.  God's standard and guideline for the thought life is very clear and demanding. In fact, it's downright impossible without God's power at work in our life.

Philippians 4:8 "Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected" (NCV).

We choose what we watch and read, the conversations we have and the time we spend in the Word. If the mind is not filled with good, trust me, the enemy will fill it with bad. The human mind will always set itself on something. In this passage, Paul is challenging us to wisely choose that setting, taking charge of our thoughts by inviting the Holy Spirit to empower God's standard for the mind.

It is time for us to allow the Holy Spirit free reign in training our mind, harnessing our thoughts and measuring them by God's standard. If we don't make up our mind, our unmade mind will unmake us. In order to live right we must think right. How about you?  Have you made up your mind?

Let's Pray

Lord, I confess to You that my thoughts are not pure. I have allowed the world and outside influences to pollute the mind that should be set on You. Right now, I choose against my old ways of thinking and invite the Holy Spirit to stand guard over my mind. I commit to fill my heart and mind with Your truth. In Jesus' name, amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Recognize the power of your thought life.

Read Colossians 3:2.

Choose God's worthy standard for your thought life from this day on.

Read Romans 8:6.

In the past, how have your thoughts affected your decisions or actions?

Read Ephesians 4:22-24.

How can you control outside sources of influence?

Read Isaiah 26:3.

More from the Girlfriends

We have to make time to read and study God's Word. If we don't, we are left to our own wisdom and understanding. Scary! Join me in a new commitment to make reading, studying and memorizing the Bible.

Looking for a Bible Study? Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, From a Mess to a Miracle. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2013 lessons from Proverbs. Check it out! And be sure to connect with Mary by email or on Facebook!