Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

March 19, 2009
A Steady Diet of God's Word
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Friend to Friend
The lakes in Florida are beautiful, but relatively shallow as well. Over the years, they fill up with the silt and mire that wash off the shore.  In time, they accumulate two to three feet of mire and decaying vegetation at the bottom.  Soon that mire begins to deprive the lake, plants and fish of valuable oxygen and eventually the lakes literally die.  In order to halt this process, a program has been put in place to drain the lakes periodically and expose the mire.  After it is exposed, workers come in and dredge the mire -- restoring the lake bottom to its original condition. The lake water can then be raised and soon the lake, its vegetation and fish are thriving again. 

Our lives are much the same.  We need to regularly expose and eliminate the "mire" or sin in our lives, since peace is always realized in a right relationship with God.  The more we seek God and the more we nurture our relationship with Him, the stronger our peace will grow. When we have a personal relationship with God, we also have access to all of God's power and all of God's peace.  How much power we receive from Him and how much peace we experience in Him depends upon how right our relationship is with Him.  A right relationship with God depends on how much time we spend in His Word. 

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."

In this verse, "dwell" means "to feel at home."  The Apostle Paul is conveying the idea that God's Word should be such a natural part of our lives that it comfortably dwells with us and feels at home in us.  When a Soviet official was asked why a study of the Bible was frowned upon in his country and why those who dared to print and distribute the Bible were severely punished, he replied, "We find that the reading of the Bible changes people in a way that is dangerous to our state!"  When God's Word is "comfortable" in us, it not only changes our life, but the lives of others through us.

Our greatest source of power comes from knowing, embracing and applying the Word of God.  "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." (Hebrews 4:12 NLT) God's Word cuts away sin and heals the deepest wounds as it guides, directs and dispels darkness. How many times we have been through the Bible is not nearly as important as how many times the Bible has been through us.

If you visit Yellowstone National Park, you will be given a piece of paper by one of the rangers at the park entrance. On it, in big letters, is written the warning "Do Not Feed the Bears" but when you drive into the heart of the park, you will still see people ignoring the warning. When a ranger was asked what was so bad about feeding the bears, he answered, "You have only a small part of the picture." The ranger went on to describe how, during the fall and winter months, when few people visit the park, the park service personnel have to carry away the bodies of dead bears -- bears who can no longer feed themselves.  Frantic Christians obviously do not know how to feed themselves the Word of God because a steady diet of truth produces peace. 

Let's Pray
Father, I confess to You that I do not treasure Your Word like I should.  Please forgive me when I do not spend enough time reading, studying and meditating on the truth of the Bible.  Help me to learn how to feed myself and grow in Your truth.  I choose to cultivate the discipline of Bible study in my life.  Please give me a new hunger and fresh thirst for scripture and teach me how to live it as well as learn it. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Is bible study a habit in your life?  Do you know and apply the Bible each day?  What hinders you from reading God's Word each day?  What step(s) do you need to take to make Bible study a daily priority?  Make a plan for implementing those steps. 

More From The Girlfriends
I have been a Christian for many years, and being consistent in Bible study and prayer is still a struggle at times.  It is easy to be discouraged and want to give up when the struggle is hard.  Don't!  That is exactly what the enemy wants you to do.  He knows the power of God's Word and shudders when a child of God lives out the truths found in the Bible.  If you fail, begin again!  God will honor your heart.

Need help?  Consider joining my weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, to discover the power and relevance of God's Word.  You can also download E-Book Bible Studies for your personal use or even for a small group study.  We are praying for you as you seek His truth.

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 20, 2009
God Can Redeem Anything
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"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, NIV).

Friend to Friend
God is faithful. He can use all circumstances for His glory. Let's take a brief look at the life of Joseph (Genesis 37--50). Joseph was a man of integrity who did right in the eyes of the Lord, yet he faced hardship, betrayal, and temptation. As a young man, he was less than humble a few times with his ten older brothers. Okay. Straight up, he actually came across as a puffed up little braggart. His bragging fed the jealously of Joseph's brothers because he was clearly their father's favorite child. Now granted, Joseph threw gasoline on the fire of this jealousy when he bragged about the dreams God had given him, and may have deserved a good smack upside his head for being so insensitive, but imagine how he must have felt to be thrown into a cistern and sold into slavery by his very own brothers! It chills me to the bone. Through it all, however, "the Lord was with Joseph and he prospered" (Genesis 39:2).

He found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh in Egypt, and gained great position, privilege, and prestige. Not so bad for a guy who had been sold into slavery, huh? God was surely with him through it all. Joseph was trusted and placed over all that Potiphar owned.

His circumstances had taken quite a turn for the better ... until our man Joseph was wronged again ... this time by Potiphar's lying, lustful wife. Although he nobly resisted her sexual advances, Joseph was imprisoned when she falsely accused him of attempted rape. In the darkness of a dungeon, Joseph again experienced the lavish light of God's faithfulness as he was granted, "favor in the eyes of the prison warden" (Genesis 39:21). He quickly rose to a position of power and responsibility amongst his prisoner peers and was trusted by the warden.

While imprisoned, Joseph met a cupbearer and a baker who had been in Pharaoh's service, and when each of these two men had a disturbing dream the same night, God allowed Joseph to interpret their dreams. Joseph told the cupbearer that in three days he would be freed from prison and restored to his position in Pharoah's court (the interpretation wasn't quite so favorable for the baker). Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him to Pharaoh, but on the third day, at Pharaoh's birthday feast, the cupbearer was reinstated and Joseph was forgotten. How frustrating would that be?

Two years later, while Joseph was still in the dungeon for doing the right thing, Pharaoh had two dreams that troubled him greatly. "So he sent for all the magicians and wise men of Egypt. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but no one could interpret them for him" (Genesis 41:8b). Finally, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh of his ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who--with God's enabling--interpreted the dreams, and Pharaoh rewarded Joseph by placing him in charge of his palace and his people.

After Joseph was placed in charge of Egypt, he worked with integrity and fervor. He collected and stored all the excess food from the land in preparation for the famine that God had revealed, through Pharaoh's dream, would come. There were seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. The years of famine were severe, and during the famine, Joseph sold grain to both the Egyptians and to people of other lands.

Ultimately, the famine brought Joseph's brothers and father from the land of Canaan to Egypt for a God-reunion and restoration that only our amazing El-Shaddai could have arranged. In spite of all the pain he endured at the hands of others, Joseph was able to exclaim to his brothers in kindness, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good."

Joseph really got it.

He saw the big picture.

Though we've had to rush through this story, the take-away is clear. Joseph paid a high price for sins that had been committed against him, but through the trials, he was blessed richly as God eventually used each circumstance for His good. My dear sister, our God is able to redeem anything and everything that we face or endure. Anything! No matter what you've been through, not matter the secrets you've been hiding or accusations you've been listening to, God is able to redeem you.

Do you believe that? He is waiting to show you the big picture. If you've been holding something back from God or resisting His healing, then it's time for you to take your faith and trust to another level. No more safe living.

Let's Pray
Dear God, Help me see the big picture today.  I surrender my pain of __________ to Your greater purpose. You know what I've been through.and I know that You are faithful, compassionate, and able to redeem anything. Please turn my hurt into something that can be used for Your good!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Journal about what's been redeemed in your life ... or about what you would like God to redeem.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Write this on the tablet of your heart today. Commit it to memory!

More from the Girlfriends
I've heard it said that, "When we work, we work ... but when we pray, God works." Seek Him earnestly today in prayer.  If you'd like to be drawn into His presence through music, turn up your speakers and check out Gwen's MUSIC PAGE on Face Book!

Today's devotion is an excerpt from Gwen Smith's book, Broken into Beautiful. In her book, 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.

Gwen Smith is a worship artist, songwriter, speaker, and author. For more information, visit her website at: www.gwensmith.net.

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 23, 2009
Pride and Self Righteousness
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.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives" (1 John 1:9-10 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Yesterday we looked at King David's sin and repentance. Now let's go back a few years in history to David's predecessor, King Saul.  This was a time in Israel's history when God ruled the people through the prophets. It was known as a theocracy, but after a while, the people grew tired of being ruled by God.  They decided that they wanted a King to rule over them...just like all the other nations.  So God allowed them to have a King, and appointed a man named Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin.  At first, Saul was terrified of his new assignment.  In fact, at his coronation, they found him hiding among the baggage!  However, he eventually settled into his new role and began enjoying all the perks.

God anointed Saul with the Holy Spirit and he even received the gift of prophesy.  He led Israel into victory on several battlefields and depended on God for wisdom and strength...for a while.

But after a few months, Saul's confidence rose to the danger level, and he began to take matters into his own hands. Before going battle against the Philistines, Saul and his men were waiting on Samuel to offer the needed sacrifices to the LORD.  After seven days, the time set by Samuel the prophet himself, Saul grew tired of waiting and his men began to get restless.

Oh how hard can it be, thought Saul.  I'll just offer the sacrifice myself.

So Saul went against the commands of God and made himself a priest.

Samuel arrived just as Saul was putting the finishing touches on the altar.

"What have you done?" Samuel exclaimed!

"It's all your fault," Saul protested.  "When you didn't come, the men started shaking in their sandals and scattering like flies.  I had to do something!  So I offered the sacrifice myself."

Saul didn't admit that he had done anything wrong.  Rather he tried to justify his actions, placed the blame on someone else, and held his head high.

And that was the beginning of the end for Saul.

Did he learn his lesson?  Oh, no.  Just a few pages later, we see how he disobeyed God once again.  God told him to go into battle against the Amalekites and destroy every living thing -- taking no plunder for himself.  However, during the attack, he spared the Amalekite King and kept the best sheep, cattle, and everything that was good.

Once again, the prophet Samuel confronted Saul.

"I did everything the LORD commanded," Saul boasted. (Like God wouldn't know the difference.)

"Oh yeah," Samuel replied.  "Then what's that baah noise I hear in the background?"

"Oh that.  Well, we did take the best of the sheep and the cattle...to offer sacrifices to the LORD you understand."

Once again, Saul did not show any remorse for what he had done.  Once again he justified his actions, placed blame on someone else, and held his head high.

"Stop it!  Just stop it!" Samuel yelled in frustration.  "God doesn't want your sacrifices.  He wants you to obey Him.  Haven't you figured that out by now?"

Unlike David, Saul was not sorry for what he had done.  He was just sorry he got caught. 

As a result, God took his kingdom away.  He was finished.

Receiving God's grace and forgiveness has everything to do with our heart attitude toward the sin. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).

Let's Pray
Dear LORD, forgive me when I've been like Saul and justified or tried to hide my sin.  Help me be more like David -- truly repentant for the wrong I've done.  Thank You for forgiving me completely and wholly when I come and with a humble heart.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What do you see as the difference between David and Saul when confronted with their sin?

On a continuum from pride and brokenness, where do you fall in regard to your sin?

This is very important.  Today's lesson is not to make you carry around guilt.  It is to bring you to a place of repentance so that God can bless you.  Let me share one more section from Your Scars are Beautiful to God.

God wants us to be broken over our sins, but then He takes those broken pieces and binds us back together to make us stronger and more useful than ever before.  As long as we are clinging to the pieces of our broken lives, they remain just that...broken pieces. 

Won't you open your clenched fist and offer your shattered past as a sacrifice to the Savior?  He will heal you!  He will use you!  He will make you stronger than before!

(Ken Gire, Windows of the Soul (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1996), p. 194.)

I've learned that a broken bone that has mended is strongest at its place of healing.  Likewise, scar tissue is tougher and more resilient than virgin flesh.  God can take the wounds of our lives and make us stronger than before.

Saul's light was snuffed out.  David's shone brighter than before.

Before Jesus went to the cross, he served his disciples their last meal together.  He broke bread which represented his body and passed the cup of wine, which represented his blood.  This sacrament, often referred to as the Lord's Supper, has been celebrated for centuries. Isn't it interesting that both the wine and the bread are made through crushing -- both grain and grapes.  Could it be that our lives, through crushing and brokenness, serve as a living sacrament or testimony, as a reminder of what Christ has done in our lives?

The closest communion with God comes, I believe, through the sacrament of tears.  Just as grapes are crushed to make wine and grain to make bread, so the elements of this sacrament come from the crushing experiences of life.

More From The Girlfriends
Want to learn more about how God takes the broken pieces of our lives and turns them into a beautiful masterpiece of ministry?  Then you'll want to read Your Scars are Beautiful to God.  It also comes with a study guide.

[Judy Harder]

March 24, 2009
The Mad Board
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
James 1:19-20 (NIV) "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

Friend to Friend
Learning to control anger is a crucial life lesson -- one that we need to master and pass on to our children.  Up until my young adult years, I had a huge temper.  It took very little to make me furious.  In moments of anger, I would slam doors, hurl various objects across the room and yell a lot!   I don't remember anyone telling me what to do with my anger -- until I surrendered my heart to God.  And believe me, He had plenty to say about it in His Word. 

As the years went by, I married and became the mother of two amazing children who inherited my huge temper.  It was now my responsibility to train Jered and Danna in the ways of God, including controlling anger!

I prayed continually that God would not only give me practical ways to manage my own anger but that He would enable me to teach my children to control their anger as well. That is how the "mad board" was created. 

When Jered was nine-years-old, we realized that he frequently struggled with his little sister, Danna.  She had discovered each and every one of her brother's emotional buttons and delighted in pushing them. Jered's frustration grew until the day he retaliated.

My husband, Dan, and I came up with the "mad board."   Dan cut a long piece of two-inch plywood and drove over 50 nails halfway into the board.  He wrote "Jered's Mad Board" on the piece of wood and handed it to his curious son.  Dan explained that anytime Jered became frustrated with his sister or felt angry inside, he should pick up a small hammer and drive nails into the board instead of exploding.

Over the next few months, we watched Jered drive a lot of nails into a lot of wood, learning that anger can be managed. Today, as a junior in college, Jered is an even-tempered young man who has found constructive ways to manage his anger.  In fact, our whole family has learned some techniques you might find helpful:

Pray for the person or circumstance that caused your anger.   
Exercise strenuously for 20 minutes. 
Play a solo game of basketball.   
Run an errand for the purpose of a short silent retreat.   
Take a hot shower or bath.   
Breathe in to the count of nine.  Hold your breath for a count of nine and exhale to the count of nine.  Repeat three times.   
Memorize five Bible verses on anger and speak them out loud when angry.   
Journal your feelings. Even children can do this.   
Take a 15-minute walk.   
Buy a punching bag and use it to release destructive anger.
The people around us want to see what happens when life pushes our buttons and anger puts the squeeze on our emotions. While God created us with emotions, it is our responsibility to control them instead of allowing them to control us.  God's plan for anger management is a priceless gift you can unwrap in your own life as well as in the lives of your children.

Let's Pray
Father, please forgive me when I allow my anger to take control of my emotions and life.  Help me to be more balanced in the way I live so that I won't be such an easy target for the enemy when it comes to anger.  It is so easy to lose control of my emotions when I am not in the Word and not in prayer on a daily basis.  I want to make a new commitment to You by making a new commitment to spend consistent time studying the Bible and talking with You. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take a few moments to consider the following questions:

Who or what pushes your buttons the most? 

What are your present anger management skills?  How well do they work? 

What factors in your daily schedule make you more anger prone?

Read and memorize the following verses: 

Psalm 4:4  "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent."   
Ephesians 4:26  "In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."   
1 Corinthians 13:5  "It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
More From The Girlfriends
Unresolved anger is destructive and a favorite weapon of the enemy.  Learning to control anger is an important spiritual discipline we all need.  Need help?  Check out Mary's books, Escaping the Stress Trap and Sandpaper People for practical ways to control emotions and build healthier relationships.  Light for the Journey is Mary's weekly online Bible study that will teach you how to apply God's truths in your daily life. Check it out! 

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 25, 2009
Second Chances
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found,' so they began to celebrate" (NIV).

Friend to Friend
Perhaps one of the most memorable and heart touching stories of grace and forgiveness is recorded in Luke chapter fifteen.  It's what we've come to know as the story of the Prodigal son.  This young man demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive, spent it all on riotous living, and found himself dirty, destitute, and despairing.  As despicable as pigs were to Jews, this young man took a job taking care of pigs and eating their food just to stay alive.  Then he had an epiphany.  He came to his senses.

"How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death. I will set out and go back to my father and say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'  So he got up and went to his father (Luke 15:17-20).'"

And where was his father?  He was panning the horizon, hoping for a sign that his boy might return home.  While "he was still a long way off," the father spotted his son on the horizon.  Filled with compassion, he picked up the edges of his robe and ran.  He didn't wait for his son to come to him, grovel at his feet, and beg for forgiveness.  No, as soon as the father caught a glimpse of his son, he dashed toward his boy, smothered him with kisses, and welcomed him home. 

If you remember, not everyone was happy when the prodigal son returned.  His big brother resented the fact that he got another chance.  And you know what? There will be those who resent the fact that we get another chance as well.

"Big brother won't mind if you come back as long as you hang your head and wear your shame.  But when God has the audacity to give you a little dignity back and you dare lift your radiant face to heaven in liberated praise, big brother may be appalled!  Pride can't celebrate with a prodigal-come-home.  Folks who won't celebrate are still kidding themselves into thinking they did something right to be loved by their Father." (Beth Moore, When Godly People do Ungodly Things, (Nashville, TN: Lifeway Press, 2003), p. 145.)

I say, let him be appalled.  Nothing makes some people angrier than grace. Big brother is invited to the party too, and it's his decision whether or not he wants to join in the celebration.  I'm just glad he's not the one in charge.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming me back home when I go astray.  I don't deserve your grace, but then, that's what grace is...undeserved favor.  Help me always to remember the log in my own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else's.  I pray that I will never, never be like the big brother who did not celebrate in his brother's return.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Today, I want to focus on Big Brother.

Have you ever been like the big brother?

Have you ever resented someone being forgiven and restored?

Have you ever felt like some ought to "get what they deserve" rather than being forgiven?

These are tough questions and I love you too much not to ask them.  After considering the big brother's attitude, do you need to readjust your attitude toward any particular person in your life who has repented?

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Your Scars are Beautiful to God.  Another great resource to help you see yourself as God sees you is I'm Not Good Enough...and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves.  Whether you are struggling with mistakes from the past or believing lies of the enemy that tell you that you are a failure; the truth is that you are a chosen, holy, dearly loved child of God who is empowered by the Holy Spirit, indwelled by Jesus Christ, and enveloped in God.  And that's the truth.

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 26, 2009
Laugh it Up!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" John 10:10 (NKJV).

Friend To Friend
Jesus lived and died so that we can experience abundant life!  How often we pass over those words without stopping to grasp the amazing truth they hold.  Jesus did not come so that we can merely survive life.  Pagans can survive life.  God's plan is for us to thrive in the midst of the days, months and years we call life.  A continual feast of joy -- with every breath we take. 

John 10:10 clearly states the promise of God, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (NKJV)  In this verse, "abundant" literally means "going beyond; full or exuberant". In other words, an abundant life is a life filled with joy!  Even in the midst of a joy-less world we can live a joy-filled life for one simple reason -- God is in control!  And because He is in control, we are promised, "A cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15 NIV) 

Life, my friend, should be an ongoing celebration.

Now, be honest for a moment.  Is your life a continual feast, a daily celebration?  Would those who know you best describe you as a woman of joy? Laughter and joy are treasures from God, valuable to us for many reasons.

1.  Joy heals.

Proverbs 17:22 "A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength." (NCV)

Author and speaker, Barbara Johnson, says that "One laugh = 3 Tbs. of oat bran."  For many years, we lived in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area where hospitals and doctors developed "laughter programs".  I love it!  Doctors are actually prescribing laughter.  Why?  Because they have discovered what scripture has said for thousands of years - that laughter heals!  The documented benefits of laughter are:

·         Exercise for lungs
·         Increased circulation
·         Controlled pain
·         Reduced tension
·         Strengthened immune system

In other words, God created us to illustrate the truth, that if we laugh more days, we will have more days to laugh!  Joy heals!

B.  Joy makes us strong.

Joy -- humor -- laughter -- all cultivate inner strength that operates beyond our own human abilities.  His joy in us will produce His strength through us.  The joy of the Lord in us will produce His strength through us!  The words of Nehemiah say it beautifully, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

A life without joy is like a car without shock absorbers. It will be jolted by every bump in the road.  Laughter and joy are the shock-absorbers of life and can radically change our perspective of life and the tough times it holds. 

Several years ago, one of my friends underwent a mastectomy.  Sally was out of work for months, undergoing surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. All in all, it was a horrendous ordeal! She was not known for her inner strength and, in fact, often seemed fragile and frail in her handling of tough circumstances. Sally's battle with cancer was by far the greatest challenge of her life.  Anticipating her return to work, Sally's co-workers were a little tense, wondering just how this experience would affect her personally as well as her ability to handle the stress of her job.  They got their answer on her first day back at work. Sally walked in, smiling, wearing a poster-board sign around her neck.  On the sign was a huge black arrow pointing down.  The sign read, "It was this one!"  Yes, joy and laughter make us strong!

C.  Joy makes the ordinary special.

Someone said, "If you have to move ten inches from where you are now to be happy, then you will never be truly happy."  We need to celebrate the ordinary things in life because it is against the backdrop of the ordinary that God's work becomes extraordinary.  As we celebrate the ordinary - as we celebrate the little things in life - we build a life of joy!  We don't have trouble celebrating the big events in life.  Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries -- are celebrations we anticipate and execute with great planning and forethought.  We tend to place unrealistic expectations on these celebrations because there is no daily celebration of life.

So celebrate, my friends! Celebrate Tuesdays, half birthdays, haircuts, new jeans and report cards.  Celebrate the day braces go on -- and especially the day they come off.  Celebrate if Dad comes home early.  Hey -- celebrate if Dad comes home!  My husband is an absolute master at finding joy and laughter in the ordinary and often mundane things of life.  Now before I go any further, you need to know that I have his full permission to share the following illustration.  I believe his exact words were, "Go for it!"

Several years ago, our family was flying to Texas for the Christmas holidays. Before I could even begin packing, a mountain of laundry had to be done.  My sweet husband offered to help.  After the first few loads, we turned on the television to watch a Christmas special. Settling into the couch sitting under a wall of windows, we folded load after load of clothes. It was midnight and Dan was bored -- a dangerous combination. The drier buzzed and out he went to retrieve the final load. He came back into the room wearing a "hat" which turned out to be a pair of my sexiest underwear.  I burst out laughing -- and so did the people outside our family room windows! 

Each year, our church youth decorated Christmas trees and delivered them to the older members of our congregation - a wonderful act of service.  They also had a contest to see who could produce the ugliest tree, which was always delivered to the pastor's home on Christmas Eve.  However, since we would be out of town on Christmas Eve, they had chosen this particular night to deliver the prized tree.  Outside our windows stood youth workers, youth and the youth pastor -- laughing hysterically.  (Some of them are still in counseling today!)  That ordinary chore has become a favorite family story.  Joy and laughter make the ordinary special. 

I want it all!  I want everything that God has for me!  I want to celebrate life!  But I often get so wrapped up in the urgent things that I lose sight of the important things. A celebratory attitude is slowly siphoned from our souls by the countless "joy robbers" the enemy sends our way.  Guard your heart and mind!  Refuse to surrender your God-given joy to anyone or anything.  Join me this week as we celebrate Jesus!  Party on!

Let's Pray
Father, I celebrate You!  Thank You for bringing joy and peace into my dark world.  Thank You for a love that never fails and a peace that meets every need.  Help me to remember that because You are in control, I can have joy every step of the way. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Evaluate the joy-level in your heart and in your home.   
Identify any "joy-robbers" present in your life and make a plan to eliminate them.   
Plan a party, announcing that the flag of joy will be flying above your home from now on.   
Memorize the key verse today and make it one of your life verses.
Answer the following question:

More From The Girlfriends
Would your family describe you as a woman of joy?  I encourage you to examine your life to discover who or what you are counting on for joy.  I often wonder if it grieves the heart of God to see His children living joy-less lives when He came so we could experience abundant joy.  I truly believe that attitudes can be healed by joy and laughter.  To help you get started, check out Mary's CD and MP3, Laugh More ... Live Better and don't miss her weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey, as she begins a new study on joy and laughter. 

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]

Laugh it Up!
Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world" John 16:33 (NLT).

Friend To Friend
Not long ago, my husband said something that was profoundly simple and yet life changing for me.  "My first prayer each day is my confession to God that I want everything He has for me.  I want it all!"  I can just see the Father's face smiling at those words from a faithful heart.  Our thirst for God pleases Him. Our hunger for God's richest blessings brings Him pleasure.  God wants us to thrive -- not merely survive life.  A continual feast of joy -- with every breath we take -- that is His plan.  Laughter and joy are treasures from God, valuable to us for many reasons. 

Joy heals 
Joy makes us strong   
Joy makes the ordinary special.
4.  Joy eliminates tension.

Laughter and joy can take a tense situation and disarm it!  When I prepared my first lesson on joy and laughter, Dan was out of town.  The kids were young and bedtime was a major hurdle.  I knew that several hours of study were ahead of me and was desperately trying to get both children into bed and asleep in order to complete the lesson.  I had sweetly -- very sweetly - explained that I needed their help. I had made it very clear that I had to prepare a lesson and they could really help me by going to sleep. They were not cooperating! Before I go any further, let me just say I am fully aware that my behavior that night did not meet the criteria for being a successful mom. I have my moments.  With each giggle and whisper from the children who were supposed to be asleep, my frustration level rose higher and higher. Finally, I marched into their rooms, hands on hips, icy stare in place and demanded silence! My son's innocent question was a show-stopper, "Mom, what is your lesson about?" Through gritted teeth, I growled, "Joy and laughter, Son."  The words just dangled in mid-air, exposing my absurd heart motive.  Jered looked at me.  I looked at him.  We both turned to look at Danna. Like a volcano erupting, laughter spilled out of our hearts, washing away the tension, while covering the circumstance with joy.  When we had laughed it all out, they went to sleep and I wrote the lesson on joy - learned at the feet of my children.

Many times, tension comes when we face circumstances that are simply beyond our control.  Have you noticed how little control we really do hold?  How much energy we waste attempting to control that which cannot be controlled.  Joy is lost in the struggle for power and supremacy, and that, my friend, is the root of a joy-less life.  We battle for control of life instead of giving up control to God, the only one who can do anything about life.  I often wonder how our journey would change if we realized and practiced the truth that if there is no control, there is no responsibility, so we might as well laugh!

I read of a young mother who posted this sign in her home:

TICDAABGC

"Things I Can't Co Anything About But God Can."

Underneath these words, she made a list of each circumstance and problem that she could not change.  That is choosing a perspective of joy. Laughter and joy diffuse tension.

5.  Joy reproduces itself.

In his book to the Romans, Paul delivers a simplistic but powerful message to each one of us, "Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy" Romans 13:8 (NCV).

Joy spreads quickly!  People are drawn to joy!  Think with me for a moment about the people in your life who bring you joy.  If you are like me, when you need encouragement or just some plain old fun, there are certain people who come to mind.  What an honor!  To be thought of as a "joy builder".  Joy is the signature of a true believer.  Because we know God, our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outer circumstances. Joy reigns within us -- solid, unchanging and eternal, flowing from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is Joy!  And because He never changes, our joy is fixed. Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (NIV).

"Joyful believers have no trouble convincing people around them that Christianity is real and that Christ can transform a life.  JOY is the flag that flies above the castle of their hearts, announcing that the KING is in residence." (Author unknown)

These days, I find myself avoiding the whiners who love to sneak into my life, crushing and stealing my joy.  I am in the process of learning a very important truth.  Here it is, friends.   We set the joy level in our lives.  Unspeakable and immeasurable joy is available through the presence of Jesus Christ but is set free by our choice, our "life setting."  When it comes to joy, we need to be thermostats instead of thermometers!  What is the joy level of your life?  Maybe it is time to check that thermostat! 

Let's Pray
Father, I praise You because You are the author and finisher of my faith, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega!  You are my all in all, my light and my joy!  Because You came, I can celebrate life.  Lord, help me to feast on You and Your presence in my life. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Begin a joy journal.  In a spiral notebook, record the "joy-moments" in every day.  Start looking for God's hand in your daily life and record your praises each night.  I encourage you to, at the end of the week, look back to see God at work.  Consider the following questions:

What has been the focus of my life?   
How has that focus affected my life journey?   
What changes do I need to make in order to live a joy-filled life?
More From The Girlfriends
We pray these devotionals on joy have encouraged you for your journey.  I really believe that one of the marks of a maturing Christian is a joy-filled life.  The world can understand happiness, but joy -- real joy -- can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Don't miss Mary's weekly online Bible study, Light for the Journey.  Guess what new study begins March 30?  Right!  "Laugh More ... Live Better," a message that will steer your heart and mind toward joy and show you how to live the abundant life God has for 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]

April 1, 2009
It's All About Love
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Before God spoke the heavens and earth into existence - before His voice lit the sun, causing darkness to separate from light - before He decorated the sky with stars and called them each by name - before He commanded the waters to divide from land and established living creatures to inhabit the earth - before He breathed the first breath of life over the dust of the ground and into the lungs of Adam, the mysterious and mighty God of the universe loved you. Try to fathom that for a few minutes.

The mystery of God's love cannot be solved. The magnitude of God's love cannot be grasped. The measure of God's love cannot be comprehended. He loves you perfectly and eternally.

"But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him" (Psalm 103:17a).

His love is unavoidable for His children. If you are His through the blood of Jesus Christ, nothing can separate you from the love of God! The apostle Paul spoke emphatically about this to the Roman believers: "I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39, NLT). 

God loves you.   
God knows you. 
God wants you.   
God chose you.
How in the world can that be true? It's a mystery. God said through the prophet Isaiah, "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).

I don't even pretend to understand it. I just accept it.

God is truth. His Word is truth. His Word says He loves you and He loves me. We need to take Him at His word and trust His heart. That's faith, my friend. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). In order to believe that God, whom we've never seen, loves us, faith is essential and takes us right back to the basics, doesn't it?

Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so.

That song tells a simple truth. God loves you...because He said so. Believe it. Accept it. His love can't be earned. His love can't be bought. It can only be accepted or rejected. It's a choice. Do you accept His love?

Let's Pray
Praying Scripture is a powerful spiritual weapon.  Join me in praying Ephesians 3:16-21.

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!" In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
This one is easy! Print or write out one of the verses featured in the devotion that you want to permeate your heart today. Carry it with you wherever you go, reading it as many times as you can.

More from the Girlfriends
Trying to understand the love of God is like trying to capture the full force of the Niagara Falls with a teaspoon...you just can't do it.  But though we can't grasp it fully, we can embrace the mystery of our amazing God who bids us to come to Himself through Jesus Christ, so His love can transform us into a work of His beauty.  Turn up your speakers and CLICK HERE to hear Gwen's song "Broken Into Beautiful."

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 Face Book? Check out Gwen's MUSIC PAGE on FaceBook!

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]

April 2, 2009
Peter Gets Back in the Game
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31 NIV emphasis added).

Friend to Friend
I'm so glad Jesus picked Peter to be one of His disciples. Time and time again we see him with his foot in his mouth, his pride in his pocket, and his temper on his sleeve.  Satan knew Peter was going to have a big impact on the church at large, and he tried many times to get him off course.  During the last supper, Jesus warned Peter that he was about to be tested..."Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31 emphasis added).

Peter puffed out his chest, lifted his head and said, "I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."

I imagine Jesus thought, Sure you are, buddy.

Just a few hours later, the sifting began.  As Peter stood by the fire just outside where Jesus was being beaten and tried, a little servant girl asked if he was one of Jesus' followers.

"Woman, I don't know him," he said.

Then again...

"Man, I am not (one of his disciples)!" Peter replied.

And again...

"Man, I don't know what you're talking about!"

And just as the third denial slipped off Peter's lips, the rooster crowed to remind him of Jesus' words, "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

Peter went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus knew that Peter was going to deny him, and yet, before he even fell from grace, Jesus was picking him up. Yes, Peter was absolutely crushed at his weakness in denying Jesus three times.  But then, the ray of God's love reminded him of Jesus' words... "When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." 

After Jesus' resurrection, he reminded Peter to invest what he had learned in other people. Three times Jesus asked, "Do you love me?"  After each of Peter's affirmations, Jesus said, "Feed my lambs...take care of my sheep...feed my sheep."  Peter did exactly what Jesus asked and spent the rest of his life investing in other people.

Have you made some mistakes that left you feeling disqualified? Do you feel like you have been sitting the bench because of too many technical fouls? Oh dear friend, you are not disqualified.  Jesus has not put you on the bench. Just as we have seen with Peter, when we fall, Jesus is waiting for us to get back up on our feet and back in the game to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Listen closely. Can you hear it?  Jesus is whispering...Do you love me...take care of my sheep.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that you loved Peter...and that You love me.  I don't want to sit the bench when it comes to the game of life.  I thank you for forgiving me and putting me back in the game.  Help me to have the courage to get back on my feet when I fall, dust the shame off my face, and join the team on the field! 

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What came to your mind when you read... "And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32)?

Do you think Jesus knows when, where, and how you are going to fail?

What did he want Peter to do after he had repented?

What does God want you to do after you have repented?

More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was adapted from Your Scars are Beautiful to God. If you would like to learn more about how God turns our pain into purpose and our hurt into hope, see Sharon's amazing book that will turn your miseries into ministry!

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]

April 3, 2009
I Give Up!
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death" (NIV).

Friend To Friend
I will never forget the day I discovered that my son was a pagan, a sinner!  Jered was about six-months-old and crawling everywhere. I had just come back from running errands and was busy putting groceries away in the kitchen, which had a pass-through opening that enabled me to keep an eye on Jered while I worked.  He seemed contented as he played with his toys, occasionally taking a break to terrorize our two cats. 

When Jered first began to crawl, we had packed away anything that could hurt him, most of our breakables and everything of sentimental value.  We had, however, left a beautiful conch seashell on the living room coffee table and used it to begin the arduous but vital task of teaching Jered the meaning of "no".  Repeatedly we would point to the shell, touch it and say, "No, no!"  Of course, he was a brilliant child, but I was not sure if he had really grasped the whole concept -- until that momentous day.

With the last of the groceries put away, I dumped a bag of potatoes into the kitchen sink and began peeling them for dinner. Glancing up I saw Jered staring at the shell, a grin of anticipation on his face.  All of a sudden, he broke out in a fast crawl straight toward the forbidden shell.  I winced as the thought of what he could do to that shell and what that shell could do to his small hands.  I called out in a firm, confident voice, "Jered, no. Do not touch that shell!"  Immediately, in mid-crawl, he stopped, sat up and looked back at me while seeming to consider his options and weigh the consequences.  As I repeated the warning, he joyfully clapped his hands, flashing me the most adorable smile.  What a great kid!  He's got it!  I started around the corner to give him a hug and praise him for his obedience when he took off like a shot, crawling as fast as his chubby little hands and knees would carry him. Reaching the coffee table, Jered grabbed the shell and plopped it in his lap like a hard-earned trophy. I gasped in disbelief as his face reflected total triumph!  He knew exactly what he was doing and he was not one bit sorry!  My perfect little boy was a rebellious pagan, just like his mother.

Each and every one of us was born with a nature that loves to rebel and feeds a natural "bent" toward selfish, wrong choices.  However, when we come to Christ we receive a new nature that naturally desires to obey God.  The result is internal civil war.  The Apostle Paul struggled with sin just like we do today.  In his letter to the church at Rome Paul describes his frustration with his own sin: "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it.  Instead, I do the very thing I hate." (NLT)  Sound familiar?  I will never forget the first time I read those fervent words written by this man of God. I was so relieved! I often thought I was the only believer who still engaged in major battles with sin.  I was thrilled and encouraged to know that I was not in this battle alone. The reality is that as long as we live in this broken and fallen world, our sinful nature and our God nature will constantly be at war.

How do we win that war?  The solution is very simple, but very expensive.  In fact, it will cost you everything, beginning with the total control of your life. To win this war between the old and new nature we must constantly surrender to God, allowing Him to guide, direct and empower us to live for Him.  I love how one man described his own war against sin.  "It is like there are two dogs fighting within me, an old dog and a new dog.  The one who will win is the one I feed the most."

The old nature is fed by the world and encouraged to enjoy the sin it so freely offers.  But God lovingly urges us to strengthen the new nature He has given us by reading and studying the Bible, by praying and spending time with other believers and by serving Him.  Certain victory is ours when we constantly choose against the old nature while surrendering to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Join me in giving up!  Victory is on the way!

Let's Pray
Lord, I want to please you and obey you.  So many times, I make the wrong choice and give in to the sin that constantly draws me.  Today, I choose against that sin and give myself to you.  Thank you for the power of your word and for the precious gift of prayer, through which I find the strength to stand firm.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the sin in your life that you have refused to face.  Write that sin down, confess it and ask Him to forgive you.  Now destroy the paper on which you wrote the sin and thank God for His forgiving power. Consider the following questions:

What is the most powerful sin in my life?  Why?

How does this sin influence my everyday life?

Does this sin affect my relationship with God?  In what way?

What is the first step I need to take in order to free my life from this sin?

What specific actions can I take to strengthen the choice I have made to turn from this sin?

More From The Girlfriends
I have walked with God and served Him in ministry for a very long time!  One would think I had this "obedience" concept down pat.  I think I understand the concept but my very human heart simply doesn't like it and wants its own way.  Dealing with sin is an ongoing battle for us all but it is a battle worth fighting.  A clean heart before God is a powerful launching pad for life.  Don't give up, friend.  Don't get discouraged!  You are not alone.  In fact, I have an online bible study just for you, Light for the Journey.  Check it out!  You will also find E-Book Bible Studies on anger, stress and dealing with the tough parts of life along with MP3 downloads that will equip and encourage you on your journey.  Blessings!

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