Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

July 13, 2009
The Advocate
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16).

Friend To Friend
During Jesus' last supper discourse, He reassured the disciples that He would not leave them as orphans. "And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth" (John 14:15).  The Greek word, which is also translated Helper (NASB) and Comforter (KJV), is parakletos and means a "person summoned to one's aid." Originally it was a term used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, counsel for the defense, an advocate; then, generally, one who pleas another's cause, an intercessor, an advocate.

I love the image of being in a court of law. In the Bible, Satan is referred to as the "accuser of the brethren."  (Revelation 12:10).  He points His gnarly finger in our faces and says things like, "You aren't a very good Christian," "Jesus doesn't really love you," "You were a mistake when you were born," "You've really blown it this time,"  "What makes you any different now than before you accepted Christ,"  "I don't see much fruit in your life,"  "You're a pitiful excuse as a wife, as a mother, as a child of God," etc.

Now tell me, have you ever heard any of those statements before?  Perhaps you've always assumed these were your own musings. That's exactly what Satan would have you believe.  However, I believe those accusatory statement are words from Satan that he whispers in our ears.  It sounds like us, it feels like us, but it's from the accuser himself.  It is always amazing to me that while I might have trouble hearing God's voice, Satan's usually comes through loud and clear.  Why, we even think they are our thoughts.

On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is our counselor, our attorney, who comes along side us and repeats, "Not guilty!  Not guilty!  Not guilty!" He says, "You, God's child, have been set free!"  The Holy Spirit is our advocate, empowers us, walks along side us, and helps us through life's journey.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to be my parakletos: my Helper, my Comforter, my defender.  I know that through the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, I can do all things that You have called me to do.  As Paul directed in Ephesians 5:18, I pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit today.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Turn to John chapter 15 and write down everything you learn about the Holy Spirit. 

Write down what He does in the life of a believer.

To comment on today's devotion, visit Sharon's blog at www.sharonjayes.com/blog

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God.  To learn more, visit www.sharonjaynes.com. While you're there, check out the summer resource sale -- Building an Effective Women's Ministry.  In it you'll find everything you need to know to make your ministry powerfully purposeful!

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]

July 14, 2009
Beautiful Irritations
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Isaiah 45:3 (NIV) "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places..."

Friend To Friend
Life can be so irritating!  More often than not, it is the little things that annoy me the most.  The lost set of keys.  The misplaced cell phone.  The ice-maker that refuses to do its job on a hot summer day.  The empty tea pitcher stuck back in the refrigerator.  But then there are times when people are the problem.  They show up uninvited or call when I am running out the door, late for an appointment I don't have time to keep.  Been there?

I am convinced that these tiny irritations are a tool in the hand of a loving Father who uses them as "heavenly sandpaper" to rub off some of our rough edges. 

I was invited to speak for a women's conference based on the theme, "Pearls of Wisdom."  When I arrived at the conference center, I was greeted by women wearing pearl necklaces, pearl bracelets, pearl pins, hats covered in multicolored pearls ... you name it, and they wore it.  Each table was beautifully decorated with treasure chests overflowing with strands of pearls.  Oyster shells held candy mints that looked like pearls and each name tag was decorated with a single pearl.  It was amazing! 

I was warmly welcomed and then promptly introduced to the event director and leadership team who were excited and ready to go - except for one problem.  I was "pearl-less." I was quickly told that the speaker had to wear pearls of some kind. However, this creative group of ladies was not easily deterred and before I knew it, I was wearing a stunning pearl necklace - and it was real!  I could just see that necklace breaking while I was speaking, but before I could utter one word of protest, the owner of the necklace said, "Don't worry!  You can just give it back to me at the end of the conference."  And off we went!

I am what you might call an "active" speaker in that I cannot stand still and talk at the same time.  I get excited, pace the stage, arms waving and usually work up quite a sweat ... literally!  The "Pearls of Wisdom" conference was no exception.  In fact, it was a blistering summer day and the air conditioning was having trouble keeping up with the size of the crowd.  By the time I finished speaking, I was indeed "glowing."  I forgot all about the pearl necklace until its owner quietly slipped up beside me and said, "I have to leave and need to retrieve my necklace."  As she began to undo the necklace clasp, I apologized for perspiring all over her beautiful pearls.  She laughed and said, "Actually, it is good for them.  Human perspiration helps the pearls keep their luster." 

I am constantly amazed at the profound truths God has tucked into the simple things of life.  Pearls are formed when a piece of grit, sand or shell get trapped inside an oyster. It protects itself from irritation by secreting a nacreous liquid around the particle which eventually builds into a pearl.  In other words, what begins as an annoying irritant eventually becomes a valuable treasure.  The same is true in life.

Looking back, I can honestly say that the greatest treasures in my life have been discovered during the darkest times of my life.  A battle with clinical depression stripped away years of fear and doubt, leaving me with a new identity in Christ and a ministry I never thought possible.  The inability to have biological children made it possible to adopt our son and daughter, Jered and Danna, giving us a gift beyond measure.  Weaknesses have given way to strengths and failures have led to successes ... and God has used it all for His glory and my good. 

In God's economy, a mess is the perfect setting for a miracle, my friend.  At the center of every dark moment are a sliver of hope and a seed of victory.  God has gone before you, and in every trial or difficult circumstance you will face, He has buried a treasure. When the tough times come, look for the pearls.

Let's Pray
Father, I am so sorry for the way I complain about my circumstances.  Please forgive me for my bad attitude when things don't go my way.  I want to see Your hand in every part of every day - good or bad.  Help me to face every storm with confidence, knowing that You really are in control.  May others see You in my life. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read James 1:2-4 and answer the following questions:

What does the word "consider" suggest as a response to difficult circumstances?

What should our first response be to trials?

What does the testing of our faith produce in us?

What promise does James give us when we are faithful and choose to stand strong when life is hard?

How do these truths relate to your life today?

More From The Girlfriends
I don't know about you, but I tend to look for the nearest exit when a storm hits.  Avoiding difficult people and complicated circumstances tends to be one of my most common goals.  But what I really need to do is cultivate an attitude of "But God..." in my heart.

"My husband has lost his job, but God will provide." 

"The doctors have said there is no hope, but God is the Great Physician."

"I don't know what to do, but God will lead me in the right way."

We live in uncertain times which demand a certain hope that can only be found in God.  Right now, choose faith over feeling.  Don't doubt in the darkness what you learned in the Light.  God is with you, friend.  Look for the pearls!

Need help? Check out Mary's book, Sandpaper People for ways to handle the difficult people in your life who rub you the wrong way.  Mary also has an online Bible Study, Light for the Journey that offers encouragement and tools for spiritual growth.  Visit Mary's online store for MP3 downloads and E-book Bible Studies, CDs and special gift items.

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]

July 15, 2009
God's Grand Finale
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14 NIV).

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

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

I remember as a little girl sneaking into my mother's closet and slipping my child-size feet into her size seven high heels.  I'd also stand on my tiptoes on a chair, pull a hat off the top shelf, and plop it on my head like an oversized lampshade.  Her satin evening jacket with sleeves that hug eight inches below my finger tips gave a nice elegant touch to my outfit.  A lady going to a party would never be caught without "putting on her face," so I crept into the bathroom, opened the forbidden drawer, and created a clownish work of art on the palette of my face.  Red rouge circles on my cheeks, heaps of blue eye shadow on my munchkin lids, and smeared orange lipstick far exceeding the proper border were finished off with a dusting of facial powder with an oversized brush.

From the time a little girl stretches on her tiptoes to get a peek in the mirror, she desires to be beautiful -- perhaps like her mommy.  As the girl moves into the teen years, she experiments with makeup, delves into fashion, and attempts various hairstyles.  Then it's on to makeover ideas in magazines and on talk shows.  If one idea doesn't work -- well, there's always next month.

I believe the dream to be beautiful is not cultural, but at the very core of womanhood.  John Eldredge, in his book Wild at Heart, describes three longings that lie at the heart of every man:  a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue, an adventure to live.  He also ventures to say that women have three longings of the heart as well: to be fought for, to share in an adventure, and to have her beauty unveiled.  "Not to conjure," Eldredge explains, "but to unveil.  Most women feel the pressure to be beautiful from very young, but that is not what I speak of.  There is also a deep desire to simply and truly be the beauty and be delighted in.  Most little girls will remember playing dress up, or wedding day, or 'twirling skirts,' those flowing dresses that were perfect for spinning around in.   She'll put her pretty dress on, come into the living room and twirl.  What she longs for is to capture her daddy's delight." (John Eldredge, Wild at Heart (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2001) p16-17)

We should never be ashamed of our dream to be beautiful.  It is a travesty of the feminist movement that has tried to strip women of their femininity and make them more male.  It is as if those in the movement were saying that being a woman wasn't good enough and tried to make us into men. So they tried to make women tough, independent and rugged individuals who didn't need anyone or anything.  But those who were banking on the tenants of feminism were left spiritually and emotionally bankrupt.

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

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

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

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

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for making each and every part of my being.  For eyes that see, ears that hear, legs that move, fingers that feel, arms that hug, feet that run, a heart that beats, a brain that thinks, a tongue that tastes.  Oh Lord, forgive me when I complain about Your workmanship and wish for something different.  Help me to always remember that I am Your workmanship ... and that You make no mistakes.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

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

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

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

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

2 Corinthians 3:18

Psalm 45:11 

I Peter 3:3-5 

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

To comment on today's devotion, visit Sharon's blog at www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More From The Girlfriends
All little girls have dreams, but for most of us, life doesn't turn out like we thought.  But did you know that God has great dreams for you?  Yes, He wants to fulfill your little girl dreams in His own way.  And that's not all, He has greater plans for you than you ever imagined.  Put your hand in His and dare to dream again!  To learn more, see Sharon's book Dreams of a Woman: God's Plan for Fulfilling Your Dreams.

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]

July 16, 2009
Will Somebody Please Pick Me?
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 139:14-16 "I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother's body. When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old" (NCV).

Friend To Friend
I can still remember the terror I felt each time my elementary teacher announced, "Today, we will play softball at recess." My stomach clenched in dread as I contemplated the tortuous hour stretching out before me. I hated playing softball because I was a terrible athlete! Overweight, I huffed and puffed around the bases...if I ever got lucky enough to hit the elusive softball.  I had no idea how to wear a softball glove, so the thought of actually trying to catch the ball was terrifying. I was always assigned to the outfield where few balls came and where I had the least chance of doing any damage.

The most horrible part of the whole experience was the dreaded team selection process.  It was always the same.  Two captains were chosen, usually Sarah and Tim because they were slender, attractive and popular - everything I was not.  Sarah and Tim would step to the pitcher's mound and begin the process of choosing their teams. I can still remember trying to look as if I didn't care that everyone around me was defecting to the other side while I waited, praying that I would hear my name called by somebody ... anybody.  I was usually one of three or four children left standing, staring at the preferred ones already taking their positions on the field.  Sarah usually took pity on me and picked me before Jeff and Alicia.  At least I wasn't the last one chosen. 

We tend to find our identity and worth in the fact that we are chosen by someone.  Take sheep for example.  Every shepherd chose his sheep - one by one - with great deliberation, thought and care.  A choice implies ownership, pursuit and a deliberate action on the part of the one doing the choosing. 

Over the years, I have spent a great deal of my life energy and priceless time in an ongoing attempt to validate my identity. Much of the pain, frustration and stress I experienced could have been avoided by simply remembering whose I am - a chosen child, a daughter of the King, and an indispensable part of God's heart.  That's right!  I am indispensable to no one but God.  No one can take my place in my Father's heart. 

The knowledge that I am chosen frees me to serve Him whole-heartedly and boldly without bowing to the unrealistic expectations imposed by others and by my own fragile heart.  The knowledge that He created me allows me to embrace the gifts He has given me and encourages me to strain every choice, every decision through the filter of God's perfect plan for my life.  Knowing whose I am draws my attention away from both the critics and the cheerleaders in life and fixes my gaze on the only one I have to please ... God. 

God is an up-close and personal God.  He met Nicodemus at night; He met the woman at the well of Samaria; He met the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda and He touched the blind man, giving him sight. As He walked through Jericho, Jesus saw a little man perched in a tree and called to him, "Zacchaeus, come down. We have a lunch appointment." He met Matthew at the customs' table and told him, "Rise, and follow me."  We come to Jesus alone.  There are no "group rates" when it comes to knowing God.  It's always one-on-one and very personal. What you believe about Him in the silence and stillness of your own heart is what makes the difference in your life journey. The heart is where all spiritual transactions are made and the transformation process begins. 

Knowing whose we are settles our souls and directs our steps toward the path God intended when He shaped us. You and I were created as a living, fleshed out depiction of God's love. Just think of it!  God Himself supervised our formation.  We were created in love -- for love -- with a specific and holy purpose in mind.  We can rejoice with the Psalmist who wrote, "Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends" (Psalm 100:3 NCV).

Let's Pray
Father, I praise You simply because You made me.  Thank You for loving me unconditionally.  Help me to remember that love with every breath and every step.  When others reject me, draw my heart back to the fact that Your acceptance and love cancels out that pain.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 


Write down five positive things about who you are and how God created you.  Praise God for each one.
Choose one negative opinion that you have about yourself.  Hold that opinion up against the message of today's key truth.
Make it a habit of prayer that you will learn to see your worth in Christ alone.
Memorize Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.  Before you were born, I set you apart." 
More From The Girlfriends
Misunderstanding our worth in Christ is a foothold for the enemy to slither into our heart and mind, planting doubt and fear. Don't let that happen! Let's pray for each other, asking the Father to let us see ourselves the way He sees us.  Amen!

Need help? Check out Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, for ways to deal with the stress in your life.  Mary also has an online Bible Study, Light for the Journey that offers encouragement and tools for spiritual growth.  Visit Mary's online store for MP3 downloads and E-book Bible Studies, CDs and special gift items. 

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]

July 17, 2009
The Stinky Sour Sippy Cup
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life"
(2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, NIV).

Friend To Friend
Last summer, I flew to Nashville to record vocals for a CD project. My girlfriend, Kerri, and I had spent the last day of my trip in a studio, recording background vocals.  When we were finished, I had to high tail it to the airport in order to catch my flight home.

Kerri, a young mom, enthusiastically offered to take me to the airport, and I gladly accepted. I'm all about spending time with my friends and catching up on life!  As we made our way out to the car, Kerri apologetically mentioned that her daughter had dropped a Sippy cup of milk in her car the day before, and that she hadn't been able to locate it. 

"I will be more than happy to take you to the airport, Gwen," she said, "but there's just no telling what my car is going to smell like!"

"No problem!" I said.  "I'm a mom!  I've dealt with many-a-missing milk Sippy cup in my day.  How bad can it be?"

Did I mention that it was one of those "you can fry an egg on the sidewalk," dog days of August?  Yep.  It was! You know where this is going, don't you?

As we opened the car doors, Kerri and I were smacked silly with the stinky smell of sour milk.  Not just a subtle smell, mind you -- but a dominant, "been sitting in the 100 degree weather all day" smell.  It wreaked something fierce!  We laughed until we almost cried at how horrible it smelled as we made our way down the expressway to the airport. 

Sounds kind of funny, but smells matter.  Some smells, like a stinky, sour milk Sippy, are offensive.  They make you want to escape their presence.  While other smells, like fresh baked bread, or a freshly bathed baby, can be greatly pleasurable and inviting.  Which type of smell best represents your presence and persona?

We need to remember that our attitudes and conversations give off a smell as well. The apostle Paul said, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life" (2 Corinthians 2:14-16a, emphasis mine).

Does your attitude give off an aroma of Christ?  Are those around you drawn to Him as a result of the love and peace you display? Do your conversations consistently honor God, embody the fruit of the Spirit, and expel the fragrance of life ... or are they sometimes laced with bitterness, resentment, anger, complaining, and gossip?  It's time to locate and throw away our stinky, sour attitudes, and ask the Lord to renew our minds.  Let's run the race before us as women of honor who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give off an aroma of Christ.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, please forgive me for all of the times I've allowed sinful behavior to creep into my thoughts and conversations.  I ask that You will now, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read, write down, and commit to memory the following verse: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).

Spend some time in prayer right now.  Ask God to reveal to you any areas in your life that might not "smell" as they should.  Then talk to a trusted friend about what He brings to your heart, and ask her to pray for you and hold you accountable.

More From The Girlfriends
As I'm finishing up this devotion, I've got a pot of fresh coffee brewing.  Oh, how I love the smell of my dark roast!  :-)  It's important to understand that when we put love in, we will live love out.  Spend some time in God's Word today.  I have a GiG challenge for you: for the next 21 days, read one chapter of the New Testament book of JOHN per day and ask God to speak to your heart through His Word.

As you are in your home and about town in your car, play some worship music!!  Why wait?  Listen to some now!!  Download Gwen's live worship CD, Unsearchable, from iTunes, or order the CD from the store on her website. If you don't have the resources to invest in your worship library right now, listen to Gwen's music FREE on her MUSIC FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

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]

July 20, 2009
Pulling in the Welcome Mat
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)

Friend To Friend
I hate to admit it, but there have been times when I have pulled in my welcome mat from the front porch.  Once, a neighbor became furious with me for correcting her child.  She called and told me what a terrible person I was.  Who did I think I was for correcting her little angel?  I won't go into all the gory details, but let's just say she was less than flattering.  I did apologize but decided on a new no-nonsense policy for dealing with my neighbors.

"Lord, I have a plan," I said.  "Here's the deal.  I am not going to make friends with any of my neighbors.  I am going to keep to myself, stay in my own yard, and play with my own toys.  I am going to remove the welcome mat at the front door and make sure the alarm-system warning sticker is displayed in a prominent place.  No borrowing a cup of sugar.  No talking over the fence.  No anything!  I am even going to import my son's friends.  This "Just Say No to Neighbors" policy is in effect immediately."

The next day, I dropped my son off at a YMCA basketball camp.  At pick-up time, we moms were standing around talking while waiting for our sons.  There was a pretty blonde there, and I heard someone ask where she lived.  "I've just moved from the Myers Park area of town to Stratfordshire Drive in the Matthews area," she said.  Then she looked over at me and smiled.

That was my street!  She knew I had heard her, and she knew I lived on that street.  I politely returned her smile and felt panic creep in.  What was I supposed to do?  My new policy had been in effect for less than forty-eight hours.

I told God that I would introduce myself, but I reminded Him of my "Just Say No to Neighbors" policy.  After all, I did not want to be rude, just distant.  I introduced myself to Debi, welcomed her to the neighborhood, and chatted for a few minutes.  Then I grabbed my son by the shirt and scurried away.

That afternoon there was a knock at the door.  When I looked out the window, guess who was standing on my porch?  None other than my new cheerful neighbor, Debi who was just dropping by to say hello.  As I opened the door, I again reminded the Lord of my plan, just in case He had forgotten.  My guard stayed up for about five minutes after she strolled into my house. 

Debi walked into the sunroom and exclaimed, "Oh look, we have the same china pattern.  And I see you like to collect things with bunnies on them.  I just love bunnies, don't you?  I have them all over my house.  Oh, look, we even have some of the same bunnies!"

We discovered that we both enjoyed decorative flags and had one for each month of the year.  Then with a luminous smile, Debi said, "You know, when we moved in and I saw the cute flag with the firecrackers hanging by your porch, I just knew we would be friends."  And we have been ever since that day.  We go to flea markets together and reach for the same items.  We paint together, look for bargains together, and go on garden tours together.  And although I had been quite capable before, now it seemed I could no longer make any home decorating decision without first getting her opinion.

My "Just Say No to Neighbors" plan lasted less than two days.  Since then, I have opened my heart and home to other neighbors, and many have become my extended family.  I'm so glad that God ignores my silly resolves.  After all, it's His house too.

Let's Pray
Heavenly Father, may Your presence continually fill my home as I invite others within its walls.  May it be evident that You are the Great Host within who permeates every nook and cranny with Your grace and love. Help me to be faithful with the divine appointments You give with neighbors and friends each day.  Help me to keep the welcome mat of my home freshly swept and ready to greet all who come my way.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Take some time to pray over each room in your home.

Start with your doorway.  Pray that those who enter your house would not only find an open door for friendship and love, but an open door to know and experience Christ personally.

Consider what makes each room special and ask God to make His presence an active part of that room's environment.

Pray for each chair-that those who would sit in them would find great rest and fellowship in reclining there.

Pray over each bed-that those who would sleep in your home will find peaceful sleep and comfort during their stay.

Pray over anything else you feel is an important part of your home environment-that God would be glorified in each object and activity that takes place there.

To comment on today's devotion, visit Sharon's blog at www.sharonjayesn.com/blog   

More From The Girlfriends
Today's Devotion was taken from Sharon's very first book, At Home With God, a collection of stories of God's gentle nudges that turn ordinary days into extraordinary moments.  To learn more, visit www.sharonjaynes.com

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]

July 21, 2009
Rest in God
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) "Come to me all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Friend To Friend
We live in uncertain times. Where do we turn for rest, for hope, for peace and stability?  Jesus offers rest and hope and the promise of a better tomorrow.  How can we experience the peace and rest God so freely offers?

Admit your need for rest.  Many of us have bought into the lie that who we are is based on what we do or don't do.  We fill every waking moment with something or someone in order to prove our worth.  After all, we must be worthy if we are doing worthy things, right?  Busyness does not always equal productivity.  When we admit our need to rest, we are acknowledging the fact that we are imperfect and that our human power if limited.  We need to rest in Him.
Turn to Jesus to find rest. Recreation is anything you enjoy doing while relaxation is any activity that slows you          down. Restoration is an inside job and can only be found in a personal relationship with  Jesus Christ. We once had an Australian cattle dog named Dallas. Australian cattle dogs are extremely loyal to a master of their choice.  Dallas chose our son, Jered, to be his master.  When Jered came home from school each day, Dallas would greet him at the door and follow him wherever he went.  If Jered was doing homework in his room, Dallas  would find a spot under Jered's desk and lay down.  If our son was working in the garage, Dallas was with him.  When Jered ran an errand, Dallas went for a ride. Dallas knew that the only place he would find rest was at the feet of his master. The same is true in our life. 
Lay your stuff at Jesus' feet. The number one stress in your life is the burden you have assumed that is not yours to carry.  Exhaustion comes when we fail to take on a responsibility God never intended us to bear.  The twin of exhaustion is emptiness which comes when we fail to take on a    responsibility God does intend us to take on. God empowers His plan and agenda for our life.  When we step outside of that plan, we are stepping into our own power and depending on our own strength, both of which will soon be depleted. 
Realize you are not alone.  For years, our family vacationed in the mountains of North Carolina in order to escape      the brutal heat of South Florida where we lived. We all had our favorite thing to do while on vacation.  Dan loved to read and take long walks in the cool, green forests. The kids loved wading in creeks, looking for "gold."   My favorite activity was shopping for antiques. Now let me define "antiques" and "antique stores" according to Mary.  The best stores were nestled in the mountains on some remote dirt road and the "antiques" were what most people would call junk.  One year, I walked into a shop and stopped in my tracks when I saw the yoke. One of my husband's favorite passages of scripture is   Matthew 11:28-30 where Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you ... and you will find rest for your souls."  For years, I searched for just the right yoke to give Dan as a special gift. It seemed that every yoke I found was either too big or too small and in less than stellar condition. The yoke before me was in perfect condition and was just the right size and      price.  Upon closer inspection, my excitement faded. 
Yokes have two loops of leather or wood attached to a sturdy wooden frame. Two working animals wore the loops around their necks in order to bear whatever load they were given.  The loops on this particular yoke were not the same size - one larger than the other.  When I pointed out the flaw, the shop owner said, "It is supposed to be made like that. The stronger animal is placed in the larger loop to help the weaker animal pull the load.  A shared load is a lighter load.  Rest is found in a personal relationship with God and with others.

Are you tired and exhausted from trying to live life on your own?  Come to Jesus - just as you are.  Find rest in Him.

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

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn


Ÿ         Read Genesis 2:2. How does this verse apply to your life?   

Ÿ         Read Lamentations 5:5.  How does rest apply to the difficult people in your life?   

Ÿ         Read Job 33:26.  Notice every "action" word in this verse. What does God promise when we choose to apply the steps He outlines in this verse?   

Ÿ         Identify the areas of unrest in your life.  Bring them to God in prayer and seek rest in Him.

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

My book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is the story of my journey out of spiritual bankruptcy into the rest of God.  One of the most powerful sources of rest is in a daily time alone with God in prayer and in the Word of God. Check out my weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, for practical ways to tap into the power of God's Word. 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
``

[Judy Harder]

July 22, 2009
Circles in the Sand
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey" (Joshua 5:6 NIV).

Friend To Friend
One night, I was sitting on my sofa doing some paperwork when I noticed a large red fire ant crawling across my sand colored carpet.  Being that I was comfortably molded into the seat cushion, I didn't want to get up.  So I waited until the ant was within striking distance before I reached for my shoe to put an abrupt end to his journey.  The carpet was just a few months old and I didn't want Mr. Ant's remains to leave a permanent mark, so I just banged on him softly.  Just in case he wasn't "all the way dead," I left my shoe lying on top of him until I was ready to get up.

To my surprise, a few minutes later, a shaken ant eased his way out from underneath his leather prison and began to limp away.  I guess his vision, equilibrium, or left side was impaired, because instead of making a mad dash toward the door, he began to totter, making a series of left turns and going in circles.

Thirty minutes later, my husband, Steve, walked into the room.  "There's a big ant crawling on the floor."

"Yeah, I know," I nonchalantly replied.

"Why don't you get a tissue and get rid of him?" he asked.

"I will when I get up," I answered.

"Aren't you afraid he'll crawl away by that time?"

"Nope," I responded confidently.  "He's been going around in circles for thirty minutes.  I'll get rid of him when I get up."

Sure enough, forty minutes after the ant's trip to nowhere began; I finished my work, got a tissue, and sent him on a trip to visit the city's water treatment plant.

This scenario made me think about another creature that traveled in circles.  Well, a lot of creatures in fact: about two millions Israelites - and not for forty minutes, but for forty years.

The Israelites had been under the Egyptians' shoe for 400 years.  Then God called Moses to convince the Pharaoh that their brick making days were over and it was time for them to move on.  Moses was to lead this band of slaves to freedom - to a land flowing with milk and honey. With plagues that would excite any professional exterminator, God convinced the Pharaoh that letting the Israelite go would be a good idea.  He yelled, "Get those Israelites out of here!"

So they gathered up their belongings (not to mention a few belongings that weren't theirs) and left.  Led by a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, they moved forward.  After marching between the towering walls of the parted waters of the Red Sea, they sang for joy. "Hip, hip hooray!  Now we're on our way!"  Or so it seemed.

But they didn't joyously parade on to the land flowing with milk and honey.  They didn't continue in reverence and awe of a God who had already performed more miracles in their presence than most people see in a thousand lifetimes.  Instead they started to grumble and complain. "We're sick of this food."  They started to doubt God. "Did He bring us out here to die?"  They started to question Moses' leadership.  "What are we going to drink?"  They bickered among themselves, argued with Moses, and disobeyed God.  And each time they stiffened their necks, God told them to take a left turn.

For forty years, they wandered in circles in the sand, like my little friend the ant crawling in circles on my sand colored carpet.  An entire generation died out and a new generation was born.  One day the stiff necks' prodigy had a light bulb moment.  "Hey, we've got an idea," they reasoned, "let's try obeying God and see where that leads us."

Of course, we know where it led them, where obedience to God always leads, on a straight path to the Promised Land.

As I studied the Israelites' journey, I noticed a strange phenomenon.  As long as they were going in circles in the dessert, bickering among themselves, they didn't encounter many outside enemies.  They didn't fight many battles.  There was only one.

But as soon as they crossed over the Jordan and headed in the path called obedience, they were under attack left and right.  And so it is with us today.  Many have been led out of Egypt (saved from the bondage of sin) and passed through the Red Sea (Jesus' blood) only to continue their Christian walk going in circles going nowhere. And amazingly, in the circular walk, there are very few battles.  It's safe - not much action.  Satan doesn't need to spend his energy attacking this bunch because they're absolutely no threat to him.  But let God's children start walking in obedience and moving toward the Promised Land of spiritual maturity, and the battle's on.

Why didn't I get up from my comfy seat and dispose of the ant?  Because I knew he wasn't going anywhere, so why bother.  But if he had started heading for the door, I'd have taken care of him immediately.

Are you experiencing spiritual warfare in your life ... Jebusites, Amalekites, Hittites, Gossip-ites, Mocker-ites, In-law-ites, Neighbor-ites?  Well, praise the Lord!  It must mean you're headed in the right direction and someone's not happy about it.  Just keep obeying God and marching forward.  The Promised Land is just ahead.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I don't want to be like the Israelites who wandered around in the desert, going in circles for forty years.  My heart's desire is to hear Your voice and obey Your bidding. Lord, I let go of the things that keep me in a holding pattern, circling over the runway of life.  Lord, anything that keeps me from spiritual maturity, I give to You.  Like the obedient second generation Israelites, I step forward with the anticipation of someone headed toward her personal Promised Land.   

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Draw a picture of your spiritual journey over the past few years.

Are you going uphill, downhill, or in circles?

Which way do you want to go?

Write out a plan to get there.

To comment on today's devotion, visit Sharon's blog at www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More From The Girlfriends
Does your spiritual life need a "faith lift?"  If so, Sharon Jaynes invites you to visit God's Spa in Experience the Ultimate Makeover.  God's spa is always open and the Makeover artist is always in!

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]

July 23, 2009
Satan's Plan
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (NIV).

Friend To Friend
George Thomas, a pastor in a small New England town, came to church one Easter Sunday morning carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit.  Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak. 

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the boy and asked, "What do you have there, son?"

"Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time." 

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll let the cats have them." 

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh? Why, you don't want those birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing and they ain't even pretty!" 

"How much?" the pastor asked again.

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "I'll take ten dollars!"

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill and placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story. One day, Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap by using bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got them all!" 

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. 

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm going to have fun! I'll teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'll teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really going to have fun!" 

"And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. 

"Oh, you don't want those people. They are no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!" 

"How much?" Jesus asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life." Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price. 

The pastor then picked up the cage, opened the door and walked from the pulpit.

Today, my friend, consider the price Jesus Christ paid for you.  Go back to the Cross - to Calvary and the darkness that once filled your world.  Remember what it was like before Jesus Christ came into your life with His presence and power.  We forget.  We lose sight of where we were when He came and just how far He has brought us. 

Today is a good day to go back over the books and celebrate!  Celebrate an undeserved and stubborn love that has radically changed our lives for eternity.  Celebrate a forgiveness that covers every sin and shame.  Celebrate a hope that is found only in a crucified and risen Lord! 

Let's Pray
Father, thank You for paying the price for my sin and for taking my place on the cross.  Your forgiveness has changed my life and Your love has set me free. I don't understand why You would choose to love me like You do, but I celebrate that love today, Lord.  Forgive me when I take Your love for granted and help me share it with others - for Your glory.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Make a list of five things God has done in your life in the last month.   
Take the time to re-visit those blessings and examine the way(s) they have changed your life.   
Set aside time to celebrate God's power and presence at work in your life.   
Invite a few friends to join you for the party!  Let each person share the good things God has done for them as well. 

More From The Girlfriends
I pray that you are enjoying time with family and friends this summer.  I know you are probably spending more time in your car, at the pool or beach ... or simply enjoying a few quiet moments sitting in your own back yard!  Now is the perfect time to feed your soul and spirit.  Enroll in my weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey, and learn how to live out God's truth in your daily life as a wife, mother, friend, neighbor ... as a woman seeking God.

Visit Mary's online store and pick up a book, CD or to download an MP3 for summer travel.  Mary also has several E-Book Bible Studies that are perfect for your daily quiet time or even a small group bible study.  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]

July 24, 2009
The Wrestling Match
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

Friend To Friend
It was the end of the school year.  The sun was blazing in the sweltering high 80s with not a hint of shade to be found on the treeless playground.  The boys were stinky from their sweaty schoolyard endeavors and the girls were now wilted versions of the fresh flowers they had been that morning.  It was almost time for the big wrestling competition.  Electric excitement lingered in the air.  I was a fifth grader at West Hempfield Elementary School in Irwin, Pennsylvania and I had signed up to participate in the wrestling match. 

To this day, I'm somewhat amused and perplexed that I would've thrown myself into the middle of such a barbaric display.  Wrestling certainly wasn't my sport of choice, or even a faint interest of mine.  So, as we all gathered around the red and white striped gymnasium mats for the annual, end-of-the year wrestling tournament, I was sweating bullets...not just from the relentless, yellow ball of heat in the sky, but also from the nerves that consumed my body.

Before the match even began, I was a captive to the bully in my brain.  What do you think you are doing?  This is ridiculous!  Caroline is not only three inches taller than you, but she's meaner than you, and she's in the sixth grade!  You are going down, Gwen.  Prepare to be humiliated in front of every fourth, fifth and sixth grader in the school.

At the sound of the whistle, the match was on.  Caroline and I danced around like two alley cats with their backs raised high.  She had a confidence in her eye that was foreign to me at that moment.  A series of unskilled and ungraceful moves followed. (Cringe with me here!) She lunged and I retreated.  I lunged and she retreated.  Then came contact.  Within seconds we were on our hands and knees battling for control. Battling for the win. 

The sounds of the crowd were deafening as Caroline moved in to get the better of me.  All I could think was 'just DON'T let her get you on your back!"  Feelings of hopelessness and desperation flooded my heart as she and I exchanged move for move.  There were several points allotted and several restarts from Mr. Gordon's whistle.  In the midst of this primitive battle, my goal had changed from trying to win to just trying NOT to be pinned...therein lies the defeat. 

As the match came to an end and the final whistle blew, it was Caroline's victorious arm that was raised high in the sky.  I was defeated in front of half the school.  Cheers went up for Caroline as I shrunk back into the sea of students, longing for super powers that would render me invisible.  I was exhausted from the match, humiliated from my failure, and defeated by both Caroline and my own mind.

That was a dark day for me as a young girl.  But as dark as that day was emotionally, I was able to clearly see my opponent.  Ladies, when it comes to spiritual wrestling matches, we do not have the advantage of sight.  The Bible says: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  (Ephesians 6:12, NIV)

Many of the battles we contend with each day are spiritual.  We can't see our enemy.  And while at first glance this may seem disarming, look again at Ephesians 6.  The Bible clearly tells us that we can be equipped to stand firm with the Armor of God! 

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:13-18, NIV)

Though the wrestling match with Caroline seemed overwhelmingly daunting, the battles that I face now are so much greater.  I'm thankful that God's word clearly says the victory is ours if we are in Christ. If God is for us, who can be against us?

What are you wrestling with today?  Is the enemy speaking lies to you?  Do you feel weak?  Strength comes when we call on Jesus!  We can stand firm against the schemes of the devil when we put on the armor of God!   Suit up girls...a battle is going on all around you.   Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I thank you for being a mighty God who longs to cover my weakness with Your strength.  Please equip me for all that lies ahead today, protect me from attacks and schemes of the enemy, and help me to be strong in Your mighty power.  Cover me with Your peace, truth, faith, and salvation so I can stand firm in the battle.

I ask this in the powerful Name of Jesus,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
Make a list of the top struggles you are currently facing

Take each struggle to the LORD and ask that He would equip you for the battle 

Contemplate the advantages of putting on the Armor of God

More From The Girlfriends
Hey friend. I hope you're suited up and ready to do battle now. J If you are struggling to see how you can get from the wrestling mat to the winner's circle, be sure to get a copy of my book, Broken Into Beautiful. God delights to transform lives...including your own. Experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life. See how our gracious God is willing to eternally forgive and forget and to transform your life into something beautiful as you read Broken Into Beautiful; How God Restores A Wounded Heart.

Visit Gwen on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

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
``