Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

March 5, 2009
King David's Demise
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"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).

Friend to Friend
Several of my devotions lately have been on guarding your heart.  I'd like to end the series with a look at King David.   

King David was a man in the Bible who was called a "man after God's own heart."  However, there was a point in his life when he let his guard down around that God fearing heart of his and he ended up committing adultery and conspiring murder.

David had gone from a mere shepherd boy to becoming the mightiest king in Israel's history.  One day, while all his men were off at war, he decided to stay back at the castle and lollygag around.  While strolling on the roof to get a breath of fresh air, he noticed his neighbor's wife, Bathsheba, taking a bath on the roof of her home (a very common occurrence during those days).  She was very beautiful.

David had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted and he wanted Bathsheba. One of his servants brought her to him for a forbidden night of passion. A few months later, she reported that she was pregnant with his child.  In a panic to cover his sin, David ordered Bathsheba's husband to the front line of battle and then ordered the other men to withdraw.  As planned, Uriah was killed and David took Bathsheba to be his wife. The story is much more convoluted and complicated, than I have just described, but I have just hit the high points...or should I say the low points.

From that time on, David's life took a downward spiral.

What can we learn from David's lack of control in guarding his heart?

He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.  The story begins..."In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war."  David was supposed to be off at war, but instead he stayed behind and shirked his duties.  In order to guard our hearts, we must make sure we are not putting ourselves in a situation to be tempted.  Have you ever found yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time - not by accident, but by choice?

He was lonely and vulnerable.  I've often heard the phrase, "It's lonely at the top."  But I can assure you it can be even lonelier at the bottom and everywhere in-between.  If you are lonely, seek out the company of a female friend.  Just as God sent Mary to Elizabeth and Ruth to Naomi, He continues to use women to encourage women.  Seeking companionship with a man is treading on dangerous ground.

He knew what was right and ignored his better judgment.  After David had sinned with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan came to him and told him about a wealthy man who had many sheep, but had stolen a poor man's one and only sheep.  David said, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die!" The prophet responded, "You are the man."  David knew what he was doing was wrong, but he proceeded anyway. 

God will always provide a way of escape.  There were many steps to the process of David's sin.  At any point, he could have stopped, but he didn't.  God will always provide a way of escape for any temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). The sooner we heed His warning, the easier it will be to turn and go in the opposite direction. The longer we toy with the idea, the harder it will be to stop. As soon as a tempting thought enters our mind, we need to press the mental ''delete'' and guard our hearts.

No one is above temptation.  David was a very godly man.  He wrote psalms and truly loved the Lord.  And yet, he still committed adultery and murder.  I wonder when he was praising God during his coronation if he ever imagined in his wildest dreams that he would fall in such a way.  We should never think that we are above any sin, but guard our hearts furiously.

The Holy Spirit will convict us.  David's downfall took place over at least a year's time.  How many times do you think the Holy Spirit warned him of his sin?  Nothing should frighten us more than to know that we have the choice to tune out God's warning and the Holy Spirit's convicting.  The Holy Spirit will convict us, but we must heed the warning.  It is our responsibility.  The devil never makes us do anything.

Honestly, I wish the story of David's sin was not in the Bible.  I'd much rather remember him as the giant slayer who loved God more than life itself.  But God wants us to know that no one is immune to temptation. David's fall is a picture of what can happen to anyone who does not guard his or her heart.  David's story, like so many others in the Bible, is recorded so that we can learn by example (I Corinthians 10:11).  "So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall" (I Corinthians 12:12).

We can pray as David once 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).

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I know that no one is above temptation.  Help me to be at the right places at the right times, to seek godly girlfriends to hold me accountable, and listen to the conviction of the Holy Spirit quickly.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
We all know someone who has fallen in similar ways to David.  But today, I don't want you to think about that person or persons.  I want us to keep the focus on ourselves. Let's go back to the main points.

Have you ever allowed yourself to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?  What was the outcome?

Have you ever sought the friendship of a man when you knew it was not a good idea?

Have you ever let loneliness cloud your thinking and decision making?

Have you ever ignored your better judgment and the conviction of the Holy Spirit and entered into a relationship that wasn't God's best?  What was the result?

These are tough questions.  No matter what you have gone through or what poor decisions that you have made, you can know this: God will forgive you!  Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins and God's mercies are new every morning.  This devotion is not to condemn you in any way!  It is to help us against future attacks.  God wants us to be prepared!  "We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!"  Amen?  Amen!

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion is taken from Becoming the Woman of His Dreams: Seven Qualities Every Man Longs For.  To learn more about how the enemy works to deceive us in our thought life, see Sharon's newest release, "I'm Not Good Enough and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves."

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 6, 2009
Practicing Our Baptism
Haven Parrott

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

Today's Truth
"Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life." Romans 6:4

Friend to Friend
Joshua Coghill gave his heart to Jesus at the ripe old age of 7 ½. After professing personal faith in Christ to his father and his pastor, Joshua was ready for the next step: baptism. He listened intently as the pastor explained that the physical act of immersion into, submersion under, and emersion from the baptismal waters would serve as the outward representation of what had already been inwardly transacted:  Joshua's personal identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Having covered the spiritual implications, the pastor moved to practical considerations by detailing just how it would all go down on the day of the dunking.

That Joshua was still processing the impending plunging became obvious one evening at bath time when he asked his father, Craig, if they could practice his baptism. Caught off guard by his son's curious (albeit serious) request, Craig recovered quickly, grabbed a dry washcloth  with which he covered Joshua's mouth and nose, then  carefully submerged his son in the bath-tismal waters.  Joshua was initially unsatisfied with his dad's dipping proficiency, so the pair practiced until Craig "got it right." Joshua eventually emerged from the tub, cleansed not only of the day's dirt, but of his nervousness about his soon-coming day of dunking.

When Craig told me about the family bathtub becoming a baptismal pool as young Joshua practiced his baptism, I grinned. Grinned at the child's sincerity, and at what the Spirit was whispering inside of me: practicing our baptism before we're dunked is a good idea. Practicing it afterwards, however, is when it really matters, for that's when it's obvious the day of our dunking was about way more than just getting wet. It was about getting dead. Dead to sin so we'd no longer be enslaved to sin; no longer held hostage to the ultimate penalty of sin. Dead to sin so we could experience resurrection in and with Him. Dead to sin so we could live again. Dead to sin so we could live a new life -- Christ's life.

Baptism is the announcement of our new, eternally-secure position: in Christ. Practicing our baptism - putting our position into everyday practice - is how we show we know that baptism isn't about getting wet, it's about getting clean.

Let's Pray
Lord, You died so that we might walk in a new way -- Your way. Yet too often, we want Your way without giving up our old ways. We want to claim You without crucifying us. We are guilty of spiritual laziness. We want an eternally secure position without the effort of putting that position into earthly practice. We want to be clean without getting rid of the dirt.  Forgive us, Lord, and thank You for Your graceful Spirit, Who is faithful to continue coercing our cooperation in His job of sanctifying us until we see You. Amen.

Now it's your turn
Consider James Montgomery Boice's explanation of the Greek word for baptize:   

"The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptised' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. Mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with Him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!"

Permanent change requires more than a dip in the baptismal pool; it requires immersion in the Word of God. It takes time in brine for a cucumber to become a pickle, and it takes time in the Word to transform a saved sinner into the likeness of her Savior. A daily bath in the water of the Word is the best way to recognize -- and be cleansed from -- the dirt of the world.

Would you describe your Bible-study habit as a quick dip or a deep cleansing? If it's more like a sponge bath than a soul-softening soak, it's time to make time for the One you've identified yourself with. Start with a slow, prayerful soak in Romans 6. After all, we're not likely to be agents of change for Christ in the world until we've allowed ourselves to be changed by the Word.

More from the girls
I wonder just how many people have been baptized with water, but do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  You can be a church member and involved in church work without knowing Him.  I played at being a Christian for years until the day came when playing wasn't enough.  I had to know Him!  Do you?

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 9, 2009
Bailing on God
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust God from the bottom of your heart." (The Message)

Friend to Friend
I absolutely love being a grandmother and wholeheartedly agree with the saying, "If I had known grandchildren were so wonderful, I would have had them first!"  Our fifteen-month-old granddaughter, Lelia Kay, sparkles with joy and has an infectious laugh that instantly captures your heart and compels you to laugh along with her.  Consequently, our son, Jered, is always looking for ways to make her laugh.  On a recent visit, he proudly demonstrated one of the new "tricks" he had taught Lelia. I was horrified!

Jered came home from work, scooped up his squealing daughter in his arms and gave her a big hug.  Lelia giggled, grabbed her daddy's shirt in both hands and looked up at Jered, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.  He looked over at me and said, "Watch, mom!"  Jered tightened his hold on his daughter's chubby little legs, and said, "Bail, Lelia!"  Surely, I had heard him wrong.  Nope!  My precious grandbaby immediately fell backwards through the air, hands dangling loosely over her head, swinging her little body through her daddy's legs, laughing hysterically.  My stomach fell and my mouth flew open as I watched her repeat this terrifying toddler version of bungee jumping.  Not once did Lelia seem to be afraid or even cautious as she totally abandoned herself to the security of her father's arms and heart. 

That picture of faith took on a whole new meaning as we replayed it over dinner. Jered said, "I have to be careful.  Lelia will sometimes bail on me when I'm not expecting it."  (Yes!  That statement did increase my prayer life.)  I looked at Jered and like so many times over the years, marveled at his strength, thinking of the countless hours he has spent lifting weights, playing football and now building and remodeling homes.  His massive arms and shoulders are a testimony of discipline and power.  No wonder Lelia feels safe and secure in those arms. 

I decided then and there that I want to be like Lelia.  I want my faith in God to grow to the place where I can bail on God and totally abandon myself to my Father's safe, strong arms, secure in the knowledge that He will catch me when I fall.  I want to obey God without fear, trusting Him to be all I need.  I want to depend on and experience God's power and strength as I plunge into His plan for my life, knowing that He is aware of every step I take, that He monitors every breath I breathe and sees every tear I cry. 

How about you?  Are you ready to bail into the arms of God? 

Let's Pray
Father, I thank You for the strength and power of Your love.  I praise You for Your faithfulness in my life.  I long to believe You wholly and want to walk in a radical obedience to Your truth.  Help me to choose faith over fear and trust over doubt.  Teach me to rest in Your arms and trust Your heart, even when I don't understand Your process.  I choose to rest in You and depend upon your power in my life today. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."  In your own words, describe the "chariots" and "horses" in your life.  Where do you place your trust?  In whom or what do you trust?  Are you satisfied with the results?

The New Century Version of the Bible translates today's key verse in Proverbs 3:5 as "Trust the Lord with all your heart and don't depend on your own understanding."  What part does human understanding play in the process of strengthening our faith in God?  What does the word "all" mean to you when it comes to obedience to God? 

More From The Girlfriends
It can be scary to step out in faith. We tend to focus on what we cannot see instead of choosing to focus on God and His promises.  We need to grow and mature in Christ but we also need to remain childlike in our faith.  Jered has never dropped Lelia.  It probably has not even occurred to her that her Father could or would drop her.  Lelia's trust in her daddy is complete and whole.  And I can tell you that Jered delights in that trust and will do everything he can to protect it.  God is like that.  He celebrates even our tiniest step of faith and rejoices when we abandon our self to Him.  Today, choose to trust God. 

I would love to help you on your journey. Stepping Out in Faith is now available as am MP3 download and will help you learn how to strengthen your faith in God.  Does stress try to sabotage your walk with God? My book, Escaping the Stress Trap, takes a fresh look at Psalm 23 and offers practical ways to manage the stress in your life.  Be sure to check out my weekly online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. 

[Judy Harder]

March 10, 2009
Chosen and Loved
Mary Southerland

Today's truth
John 3:16 (NLT) "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

Friend to Friend
"You will never be able to have biological children," the doctor said.  After years of painful tests, expensive treatments, frustrating procedures and desperate pleas and prayers, our hopes of having children were shattered by his harsh diagnosis. "Then we will adopt", my husband immediately replied. I wasn't so sure.  Could I love another woman's baby as much as a child I would give birth to?  I just didn't know. 

Months later, God called Dan to be the Youth Pastor of a church where we met Ron, a Christian attorney. "We'd like to talk with you about adoption," Dan said.  Ron's response wasn't encouraging. "I rarely do adoptions but come by my office and fill out the papers - just in case."  The following week, Ron called. "This is the stork," he said.  I laughed.  "I have a baby for you," he continued.  I stopped laughing.  "A young woman came into my office today.  She's seven months pregnant and wants to give her baby up for adoption," he explained.

Suddenly, I knew! Every doubt disappeared.  Every fear faded into the certainty that this was God's plan for us.  Six weeks later, our son, Jered Daniel, was born and three years later, his beautiful sister, Danna Marie, completed our family. Life was unbelievably sweet. We daily celebrated the fact that Jered and Danna were our chosen babies and wanted them to understand just how special they were. I knew the day would come when both children would have questions about their birth and adoption.  I just thought I had a little more time.

As Jered climbed into my arms for our daily "snuggle" time before bed, his question ripped through the darkness and my heart. "Why didn't she want me?" Jered softly asked. I cried out to God for just the right words -- for Jered -- and for me.  Instantly, it came.  Bruno!

When Jered was four-years-old, we were given a chocolate Labrador puppy that quickly outgrew our small yard, our not-so-understanding neighbors and our apprehensive children. We named this gentle giant Bruno! But it soon became clear to all of us that we were not the right family for Bruno.  After an intensive search, we discovered "Adopt a Pet", a remarkable organization that finds homes for animals whose owners, for one reason or another, cannot keep them. We were promised that Bruno would be placed in a home where he would be loved and well cared for. We talked and explained, struggling our way to the difficult decision that it was time to put Bruno up for adoption!  Still, when they came to pick up Bruno, we all cried! We knew it was the best plan for Bruno - for us - and for a very excited family that wanted and had the room for a Labrador. But it still hurt!  Sometimes, doing the right thing - the best thing - the highest thing - is also the most painful thing!

As I looked into the beautiful, blue eyes of the little boy I loved more than life itself, I prayed for wisdom. "Jered, do you remember Bruno?" At the memory of the dog, Jered smiled and sadly whispered, "I still miss him." I nodded in agreement, "I know, son! I know you loved Bruno and are sad that we had to give him away.  But do you remember why we gave Bruno away?" Jered thought for a moment, "Because we loved him so much and we knew we couldn't take care of him right ... and because he wasn't very happy 'cause he was so big here ... and because we wanted the best home in the whole wide world for him."

I paused for a moment, basking in the simple wisdom of my Father, spoken through the heart of my only son. "She did want you, honey. And she did love you ... so much, in fact, that she was willing to give you away, just like we gave Bruno away. Just like we wanted what was best for Bruno, your birth mother wanted what was best for you!" I fully recognize that it was an extremely simple illustration for a profoundly complex life circumstance -- but it was enough.

As Jered drifted off to sleep, tears of gratitude spilled down my face, and I thanked God for two courageous young birth mothers and for His extraordinary plan of adoption that linked our four chosen lives and hearts in love. 

Let's Pray
Father, I am amazed by the truth that You love and chose me to be Your very own.  I don't understand such love, but I embrace it as the precious gift that it is.  Help me to remember that in Your eyes, I am planned, wanted, loved and chosen.  In Jesus' name.  Amen. 

Now It's Your Turn
Do you battle feelings of insecurity? 

Read Psalm 139 once each day for a month and see how God changes your perspective.

Is your mind often filled with negative thoughts about who you are and what you do?

Read and memorize 2 Corinthians 10:5.  When those thoughts come, reject them with this truth

Do you find it hard to believe that God has a special plan and purpose for your life? 

Read and memorize Ephesians 2:10.  "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

More From The Girlfriends
For years, I battled insecurity and fear. God loved me through it all until the day came when I really could believe I am special because God made me in response to His plan for my life and not as an afterthought.  The same is true for you, my friend.  God is crazy about you!  And remember that Sharon, Gwen and I love you, too!  You are chosen and loved. 

Want more of the story? Check out Mary's CD, Love that Never Fails, a life-changing message that will lead you to experience and walk in God's love. Looking for a bible study?  Don't miss Light for the Journey, a weekly online bible study that will equip and encourage you to live each day to the fullest.  Visit our online store to find helpful books, CDs, MP3 downloads and E-Book Bible Studies.

[Judy Harder]

March 11, 2009
A Willing Heart
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, 'Come back to God!'" (2 Corinthians 5:20, NLT)

Friend to Friend
My husband Brad went on a mission trip to Guatemala last year. What he saw and experienced changed his life and increased his faith in a dramatic way. He was an eyewitness to the healing power of God. On that trip he prayed harder, believed more, and expected more from God each passing day--and as a result, God used their medical missions team as a conduit for miracles.

You and I have that same opportunity every day. We have a chance to be a witness of God's healing love to a world of wounded hearts. Did God need my husband and the other volunteers to heal Guatemalan villagers, treat their physical wounds, and share the hope of Jesus with them? No. Did God move in the lives of the villagers because of their willingness to go in His name? You bet!

Hector, the founder of that Guatemalan ministry, recently visited North Carolina, and my family and I went to hear him speak. When I heard him testify of the provision and power of God, my heart was stirred and my faith was boosted. But what moved me most was the story of the lesson he learned about his call after God led him to be a medical missionary.

Before he began the medical ministry that he devotes his life to now, Hector's main goal in life was to make lots of money. Back then he didn't even apologize for it. He was a Christian and figured that God could use his money to help others.

What happened to change the course of his life? Back in the late eighties, Hector and his wife joined a medical team on a mission to a mountain village. The team was blown away by what God did through them while they were there. On the four-hour drive back to the city, they worshipped and sang praises to God. As he worshipped and drove, Hector heard the Lord speak to his soul. This is what I've made you for. To medically treat My people, to pray for their healing, and to share the hope of Jesus with the hopeless and the lost.

Hector felt so overwhelmed that he pulled the truck over and told the team of his call from God to be a missionary doctor. They prayed over him, whooped it up in celebration, and then continued down the mountain with an even greater sense of purpose and excitement. Hector thought that God had called him to be a missionary because of his skills as a doctor. Later, he would think otherwise.

A few years into his work, while visiting a remote village, a woman with a large mass on her side came into their makeshift clinic. Her terrible pain was curbed only by her excitement that the medical team had come to help her. One glance at her tumor and Hector had a strong suspicion that it was malignant. Upon examining her further, Hector was convinced that she was terminal. He became very frustrated with God, to the extent that he didn't even want to share the gospel with her because he couldn't do anything to help her physically.

Hector sent up a few prayers of frustration, but felt God nudging him to share the gospel with this woman. So he reluctantly shared the good news of Jesus with her; and, to Hector's surprise, she wanted to pray to receive Christ! And as they sat on the floor of that makeshift med-center, this sweet woman trusted Jesus as her Savior. When they finished praying, the woman had a radiant smile and tears in her eyes. He hugged her and she began to cry.

"What happened?" Hector asked. "Why are you crying?"

"As we were praying," she said, "I felt a warmth that started on my head and spread to the tips of my toes." As she said this, she realized something had changed, and she screamed with delight. "My mass is gone! My pain is gone!"

Hector had her lie back down on his examining table. The tumor that had been there just minutes ago was gone. God had intervened. She was healed, both spiritually and physically!

In the amazing celebration that followed, God spoke clearly to Hector's heart. God told him that He had all the power needed for the work He had called Hector to, and it had nothing to do with his medical training. God impressed on his heart that He didn't need Hector's skills or his knowledge, He had all of that covered. He just wanted him to go in His name.

One of my favorite sayings is, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called." If you are His, then you are called. Not because of who you are or what you can do, but because God can and will do His work through you.

Did God tell Jonah to go to Nineveh because Jonah was a great leader with amazing vision? No! Jonah proved to be quite wimpy. When Jonah finally made it to Nineveh, did God bring a great wave of repentance and restoration because of Jonah's rhetorical gifts? No! God stirred the hearts and changed the lives of hundreds of Ninevites because Jonah finally had the courage to speak God's words.

God wants to do something similar through you. He wants you to stop fighting Him on this and be willing to speak for Him so others can know the same healing and hope that you know. He wants to bring beauty up from the ashes of brokenness all around you.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, I'm so humbled that You would call me to anything. You have all the power needed for every job, yet you ask me to join you. Thank you, Lord. Please make my heart willing to say yes to everything you want me to do.   

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do you have a willing heart? What is God calling you to do for Him? Spend a few moments in prayer and ask God to guide you and strengthen you for the task.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:11-21.

More From The Girlfriends
Hey girlfriend-I'm a woman who has hesitated to say yes to God in the past. It took many months of resistance before I conceded to release my testimony into His hands. I just didn't think anything good could come of it. Boy was I wrong! God doesn't waste a hurt, and He has a big plan for your life. Trust His heart... no matter where He's leading you!

Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith's book, Broken into Beautiful. In Broken into Beautiful, Smith invites you to hear the stories of women with shattered dreams, shameful secrets, and damaged souls...and of the loving heavenly Father who makes them beautiful again.

Are you into FaceBook?? Check out Gwen's MUSIC PAGE on FaceBook!! 

To listen to Gwen's music, CLICK HERE! 

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 12, 2009
Smiley
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Friend To Friend
I may not know which time zone I am in, but I do know that I am home from a mission trip to South Africa, India and Thailand. To describe the 19 day experience as life-changing is a colossal understatement. It will take me a long time to unpack the lessons, dreams and blessings of the trip.  Even now, I wake each morning around 3:00 a.m. to a replay of memories.  Smiley is usually one of the first faces I see. 

I don't know her real name, but Smiley is one of about 200 men and women who live in a leper colony near one of our church sponsored orphanages in a rural village of India. Leprosy has ravaged her body, leaving her with no toes, no fingers and a death sentence. Cows, chickens and goats roam the dirty, rugged road in front of her thatched roof shack.  This precious woman does not enjoy the luxury of running water and electricity and food is scarce. Personally, I could see very little that Smiley had to smile about but it was her radiant smile that caught my attention and tugged at my heart.  She sat in front of me in the dirt, waiting for a message from God.  I think the message was mine to hear.  We had come to bring her joy and hope -- but she already had both.

After the service, I wrapped this precious woman in as big a hug as I could possibly give because she was so rarely touched by others.  With the help of an interpreter, we celebrated the truth that one day she will once again have all of her toes and fingers.  One day, she would be well and whole.  She laughed like a little girl at the promise of being with Jesus and living with Him in heaven. 

Smiley has fixed her eyes on the unseen and found joy and hope in the process.  She does not depend upon the temporary things of this world for contentment.  Hope gives her the strength to get up each morning and begin her daily search for food.  The promise of Heaven comforts her each night when she lies down on a dirty mat to sleep.  Smiley has nothing -- yet she has everything because she has learned and lives out the truth that inner joy does not depend upon outward circumstances.  Joy is a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control -- no matter how it looks on the outside.  Joy is in inside job and can only be found in a personal relationship with God.  Smiley has joy.  Do you? 

Let's Pray
Father, forgive me for my shallow attitude about joy.  I confess that my version of joy is often nothing more than an emotion or feeling based on current circumstances.  Help me fix my eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of my faith.  I want to live my life against the backdrop of eternity, exchanging temporary happiness for eternal joy.  I pray that I will learn to choose joy in whatever lies ahead. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read the promise of Psalm 19:8.  "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."  What is our main source of joy? 

Read Habakkuk 3:17-19.  List three truths about joy in this passage.  How can you apply these truths to your life? 

More From The Girlfriends
Joy has taken on a whole new meaning for me.  Why do I continually let the irrelevant things in life rob me of joy? I am making a new commitment to constantly "fix" my eyes on what really is important -- my personal relationship with God -- and refuse to allow the tyranny of the urgent and the meaningless to dictate the attitude of my heart and the direction of my life.  Today, let's choose God and in doing so, choose joy.  Need help?  Check out my CD, Laugh More -- Live Better for ways to saturate your life with joy. (Also available as MP3 download)  Find encouragement as you participate with women across the world in my online bible study, Light for the Journey.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 13, 2009
Close to God's Heart
Cindi Wood

Today's Truth
"No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety."  Psalm 16:9

Friend to Friend
My friend Heather gave birth four weeks ago.  Caleb is a preemie; he's a tiny 3.9 lb miracle of joy to his mom and dad.  When Jonathan phoned to give us a progress report, he commented, "Caleb's heart-rate keeps dropping, but when we are sitting close to him and he hears us talking, it returns to normal."   My soul immediately swelled with gratefulness for the security of my Heavenly Father's love.  Just like little Caleb, who knows the sound of his parents' voices and finds security in their presence, my very being is connected to the heart of my Heavenly Father. I have no reason to fear, to worry, or to question the path ahead.  His Spirit lives inside of me and He's directing each step of my every day. The promise we can rest in is this; if we, His children really want to experience His peace, we can -- by listening to His voice!

Now, you say. I'm busy!  My days are filled with running after my family, taking care of things at home, and countless other errands that involve work, church, meetings and appointments, and well -- just living life.

Do you want to experience peace?  Are you listening for God's voice? 

If your mind is screaming: I'm stressed, I'm worried, I'm exhausted, I'm unfulfilled, I don't know what I'm going to do . . . and similar venting, then could it be you're not listening for His voice?

Dear Sister, if you are spending all of your energy in trying to get things done or on preventing a soon-to-be crisis, then perhaps you have no energy left simply to listen to the voice of God.  I want to remind you, as I often remind myself; when I put most of my energy on seeking God through His Word instead of trying to solve my problems,  it's a sure thing I'll experience His peace.  And not only His peace, but His direction, and His security.  If Jesus Christ lives inside of you, then you have everything you need to live quietly and sanely in the midst of chaotic daily living.  Just as surely as Caleb's mom and dad are right by his side, my Heavenly Father is with me every moment of every day!  But in order to experience His peace, His direction, His joy . . . I must intentionally listen for His voice through His Word and engage with His heart through worship, prayer, and meditation.

His promise is sure in Hebrews 13:5-6. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you, so we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper: I will not fear.  What can man, or stress, do to me?"   (Italics mine)

Let's Pray
Dear Father, thank You for the assurance of Your love.  Thank You that in You, I find security, peace, and joy.  Oh Lord, give me the fortitude today, to put my greatest energy into seeking Your presence instead of accomplishing my tasks.  Forgive me for getting so caught up in my TO DO list, instead of being caught up in You.  Right now, I sit quietly and thankfully listening for Your voice.  I love You.

Now It's Your Turn
1)  During the past several days, have you spent most of your energy seeking God's voice or in accomplishing your tasks?

2)  What is God speaking to your heart right now?

3)  Spend a few quiet moments offering Him your attention and your love.

4)  Make an intentional effort in the morning to listen for His voice before doing anything else.  Then thank Him for His presence in your life.

More from the Girlfriends
Friend, when I make a deliberate effort each morning to seek God's heart, then the busy-ness of the day ahead doesn't consume me.  The Frazzled Female Devotional Journal was written with that in mind.  I invite you to check it out at www.frazzledfemale.com  May the Lord bless you as you listen for His voice.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 16, 2009
Brokenness and Repentance
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV).

Friend to Friend
All through the Bible, we see amazing examples of God's grace and forgiveness extended to weak human beings like you and me. King David was one such man.  We've looked at King David's demise in a previous devotion, but I want to take us back there again.  There is more to learn.  For those that are just joining us, I'll give a quick recap.

God referred to David as a "man after my own heart" (Acts 13:22).  I can't think of a better endorsement than that.  And yet, David also got caught up in his own press and for a moment thought he was above the laws of God.

One spring, when the Kings went out to war, King David decided to stay behind and relax at the palace.  While walking on the roof to get a breath of fresh air, he caught sight of his beautiful neighbor, Bathsheba, taking a bath on her roof.  He looked.  He saw.  He wanted.  He took.

"Who is that girl?" he asked one of his servants.

"That, my Lord, is the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of your faithful soldiers."

"Send someone and bring her to me!" he commanded.

So one starry night, in the heat of passion, David slept with his neighbor's wife and she conceived a child.

When David received word that Bathsheba was pregnant, he panicked.  Did David confess?  No. Did David repent?  No.  Instead, he tried to cover his tracks. He sent for Uriah to come home from battle thinking that he would sleep with his wife, thus conceal the fact that the child she bore was his. But the faithful Uriah, would not indulge himself in such pleasure during a time of war. Rather than enjoy the comfort of his wife's embrace, Uriah slept outside the palace door.

So David went to plan B.

He sent a message to Joab, the commander of the army.

"When you go to war, place Uriah on the front lines.  Then when the battle ensues, have the men retreat, leaving Uriah exposed as a lone target for the enemy."

Joab followed the Commander and Chief's request.  Uriah was left alone on the front lines and killed.  After the proper time of mourning, David took the pregnant widow as his wife. 

Do you wonder how David, a man after God's own heart was feeling this time?  Was he afraid?  Was he remorseful?  Was he proud of himself for the great cover up?

Fortunately, God has allowed us to see inside this man's heart.  During this time of moral failure, David penned Psalm 51.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
(Psalm 51:1-17)

David was crushed in spirit -- and yet no one knew - or did they?

After David had taken Bathsheba to be his wife, the prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin.

David did not try to justify his actions, place blame on anyone else, or claim amnesty because he was king. Immediately he cried, "I have sinned against the LORD!"

After David repented, Nathan proclaimed, "The LORD has taken away your sin."

David was a broken man who repented of his sin, and immediately received grace and forgiveness from God.  He resumed his role as king and proceeded to become the most powerful king Israel had ever known.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father:  I come to you today confessing my own sin.  Help me never to hide or justify my sin, but to see it as the offense to You that it is.  I humbly repent before you and thank You for Your mercy that is new every morning.  Thank You for forgiving the truly repentant heart.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What strikes you most about David's story?

Write down five words that might describe David's emotional state during the time he was hiding his sin?

Why do you think God so quickly and completely forgave him?

Do you know that He will do and has done the same for you?

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Your Scars are Beautiful to God.  If you would like to learn more about how to find peace and purpose in the hurts of your past, then this is a great resource.  You can find it at www.sharonjaynes.com.  It also comes with a Bible Study Guide.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 17, 2009
Let Peace Rule
Mary Southerland

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

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

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

When our son, Jered, was a little boy, he and his dad often went for a walk after dinner while I put Danna to bed.  One night, Dan decided to test Jered's sense of direction. "How far are we from home, Son?" Dan asked. Jered answered, "Dad, I don't know." Dan then asked, "Well, where are you?"  Again, Jered answered, "I don't know."  Dan laughed, "Sounds to me like you are lost, Son." Jered looked up at his father, grinned and said, "Nope, I can't be lost. I'm with you."  With God, we experience peace. 

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

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

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

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

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

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

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

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

Do you need encouragement?  Maybe it's time for a refresher course in peace.  Check out this Special CD Set and hear two powerful messages, "Strength for the Storm" and "I Have a Hope," that will encourage you and help you lead a more peaceful life.  Remember, your greatest source of peace is God's Word. 

Need help studying the bible and learning how to apply it?  Join me in my online Bible study, Light for the Journey.

Need prayer?  We have a team of women who delight in praying for your needs. E-mail your prayer requests today!

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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

[Judy Harder]

March 18, 2009
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." (Dr. James Dobson, When God Doesn't Make Sense (Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale Publishing, Inc. 1993) 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). "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' 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 we do know that God has a plan for each and every one of us.  If you'd like to learn more about those plans and about how God fulfills them, you'll want to read, Dreams of a Woman: God's plans for fulfilling your dreams., In it, you will read about how God turns our shattered dreams into beautiful masterpieces ... when we let go of the pieces.

Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


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