Girlfriends in God

[Judy Harder]

August 10, 2009
Friendship - God's Unique Design
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24 NIV).

Friend To Friend
I believe that God, our Father, understands a woman's desire to have close friends. He made us that way. He created us to be in relationship.

In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel delivered some pretty incredible news to young Mary.  While still a virgin, she was going to conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Savior of the world.  Before Mary could catch her breath, the angel continued by telling her, "Oh, by the way, your supposedly barren cousin, Elizabeth, is also pregnant with a child in her old age" (Jaynes version). He knew the young girl was going to need the encouragement of a friend who would understand, so before she could even ask, He sent her to Elizabeth.

So Mary, probably around sixteen years old, traveled one hundred miles from Galilee to Judea to spend three months with her friend.  When Mary walked into Elizabeth's home, the older woman gave her a blessing. "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!  But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! "(1:42-45).

Can you imagine the turmoil Mary felt as she traveled to Judea? "No one is ever going to believe me? Joseph could have put me away. And what will my parents think?"  Can you imagine how those words of encouragement were a balm to the young girl?  God divinely revealed His plan to Elizabeth and she in turn affirmed Mary before Mary even revealed her news to Elizabeth.  What a precious Lord we serve!

Mary was so encouraged, she broke out into song. She stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, no doubt helped with the labor and delivery of John and then returned home.

Jesus Himself had best friends.  Think of concentric circles with graduated smaller ones inside the larger like an archery target.  His first and largest realm of influence was to the multitudes. Next, He gave special attention to 72 men whom He sent out ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.   Smaller still, Jesus gathered 12 men to be His good friends whom He closely discipled, but then He chose an even smaller group of 3 to be His best friends -- Peter, James and John.  These three men were privy to Jesus' transfiguration (Mark 9:2), his deep sorrow in the garden (Mark) 14:32), and the joy of the empty tomb (John 20:3).  But then there was a "place of deeper still" -- the bull's-eye of friendship, if you will, that Jesus shared with no man.  It was a place reserved for God alone.         

Before His arrest, Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him to Gethsemane to pray.  However, He left the three and went a "little farther" to be alone with His Father. It was a place where no man could join Him, no man could calm Him, and no man could reassure Him.  He had to go alone. I honestly believe that is a place we rarely go, but a place where Jesus longs for us to join Him.               

Dee Brestin, in her book, The Friendships of Women, describes our relationships "like gently moving streams joining into one river, we round the difficult bends of life together, strengthening each other with a fresh water supply.  We are free and flowing and unconcerned with boundaries....We are afraid to run toward the ocean alone.  We feel a sense of panic in solitude." (Dee Brestin, The Friendships of Women, (Wheaton Illinois: Victor Books, 1988) p37.)

What a beautiful picture of the refreshing, refueling, and renewing power of friendship.  However, our friends were never intended to meet our greatest need to be in relationship.  No woman - or man- can fill all our emotional needs, and if we look to one friend for everything or even a few, we'll be doomed to disappointment. That is an empty place only Jesus can fill.

I have found that when I feel empty inside and try to grasp desperately at friends to fill the void, I come up emptier than before.  At those low points, friendships seem to elude me. The more frantically I grasp, the more elusive true friendships appear.  However, if I go to Jesus Christ, allow Him to fill me with His love, I move from needy to full, and from being a taker to a giver.  Then I find friendships are plentiful.

When God calls us to come "a little father" away to be completely alone with Him in the garden of our souls, but we go to others instead, we will be sorely disappointed.  People are a poor substitute for God.

However, I do believe that there are times when God gives us the wonderful gift of friendship with another.  When we find such a friend, we have found a treasure indeed.

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I thank You that You have created women to be in relationship with other women.  I pray that You will send me that special friend with whom I can share my deepest longings, dreams, desires, and struggles.  I pray that she and I will help each other grow closer to You each time we are together.  I thank You for the friends that I do have and pray that You will teach me how to be an encouragement to them.  Most of all, Lord, I desire that You call me Your friend.  Forgive me when I go to others, when I need to go to You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
How do you think Mary and Elizabeth spent their time together?

What common ties did they have during their lifetime?

Why do you think God sent Mary to Elizabeth, rather than some other relative?

Write a letter to a woman who has been a mentor to you, thanking her for her friendship and example.  Tell her specific ways she has been a mentor to you.

Make a list of younger women, or perhaps younger women in the faith, to whom you can be a friend and mentor.

If you do not have a close Christian friend, ask God to send you one, and then pay attention to those who cross your path.

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

More From The Girlfriends
Having friends is part of having a balanced life.  To learn more about the seven key areas of a woman's life and how to keep them in proper perspective and balance, see A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life, co-authored by Sharon Jaynes and Lysa TerKeurst.  Also, Sharon's book, Building an Effective Women's Ministry is greatly reduced for the summer!  It is the perfect resource for those just beginning in women's ministry or those looking for fresh ideas.

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]

August 11, 2009
The Worker
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Colossians 3: 23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Friend To Friend
A woman was at work when the baby sitter called to tell her that her daughter was very sick.  The woman quickly left work and she stopped by the pharmacy on her way home.  When she came out of the pharmacy, the now frantic woman discovered that she had locked her keys in the car.  Grabbing her phone, she called home only to hear that her daughter was worse.  Looking around for help, she spotted an old, rusty coat hanger lying on the ground.  She picked it up but had no idea how to use it.  By this time, the woman was in a panic so she bowed her head and prayed for help.  An old rusty car pulled up and out came a dirty, greasy, bearded man wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.  The woman was desperate so she decided to be thankful for answered prayer.  The man took the hanger and in less than a minute opened the car.  She hugged the man and through tears of relief said, "Thank you so much!  You are a very nice man!"  The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man.  I have been in prison for car theft and just got out an hour ago."  The woman hugged the man again and sobbed, "Thank you, God, for sending me a professional!"

We all want to be successful in our work.  Your office may be downtown or just inside your front door.  Your work clothes may be a Casper suit or jeans and t-shirt.  You may be paid in cash or with crayon drawings and sticky kisses.  None of these things makes us successful in the work place.  Success in the work place is not determined by where we work...but by how we work. 

The Worker's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.

He restores my sanity.

He guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies, unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget cutbacks, red tape, downsizing, gossiping co-workers and whining customers,

I won't give up, for You are with me.

Your presence, peace and power will see me through.

You raise me up, even when the boss fails to promote me.

You claim me as your own, even when the company threatens to let me go.

Your loyalty and love are better than a bonus check.

Your retirement plan beats any 401K, and when it's all said and done,

I'll be working for you a whole lot longer!

(Author unknown)

God is Lord of all -- or He is not Lord at all!  Yet, we often fail to yield certain parts of life to His control.  The reality is that 95% surrender is still 5% short.  God wants everything we are or ever hope to be.  Making Him Lord is the only way He can fully accomplish His plan and purpose in our lives.  And until He is Lord, we will never be contented. 

The workplace is a common area of life where we find it easy to live out our own agendas.  For some reason, we seem to think that once we sit down at our desk, report for duty or clock in, we enter a "No God Allowed" zone.  How sad -- when He stands ready and waiting to not only equip and empower us to be the best employee we can be, but desires to pour out His blessings upon our work. 

An even greater opportunity and blessing comes when God uses us in the workplace to share Him and His message of love and restoration with those who are seeking Him.  God strategically places us on a chosen mission field called "job".  A fellow employee needs to see a godly response to unfair criticism.  A boss needs to witness the quiet, gracious spirit of submission -- even in the face of a difficult job change.  A fully devoted follower may be the only person who reaches out and ministers to someone in need.  Make no mistake, friend.  Everyone on the job is watching to see if we are "the real deal".  It may be the most important "sermon" they ever hear. 

I challenge you to do your work "unto Him" and see what He does in and through a life committed to making Him Lord of all! 

Let's Pray
Lord, forgive me for my attitude about work.  Today, I choose to see my workplace as an altar upon which I lay my service as a sacrifice of praise for all You have done in my life.  Help me to love my co-workers in a way that makes them know there is a God.  Help me to encourage my boss when he/she is overwhelmed.  Use my voice and the words I speak to turn hearts toward You and Your love.  Build in me the discipline I need to be a stellar employee who honors You and pleases You in the workplace. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
What do you see as your main purpose in your present workplace?

Are you happy in your job?  Why?  Why not?

Examine your heart attitude about your job.  What changes need to be made?

Think of one person you work with that needs your love and encouragement.  Make a plan - this week -- to encourage that person in some way.

More From The Girlfriends
Isn't it amazing to think that God has fashioned a "work" for each one of us to do?  We often think God is only interested in "church work".  Nothing could be further from the truth.  When Jesus lived on earth, He spent most of His time outside the temple walls, with people.  He visited their homes, their workplaces, their parties...anywhere people were is where Jesus wanted to be.  We need to have that same attitude when it comes to the workplace.  God has placed you in your job for many reasons.  Today, celebrate the mission field called "work" and ask God to use you in a great way.  Amen.

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]

August 12, 2009
Which Character Will You Play?
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3 NIV)

Friend To Friend
One Saturday night, my family hunkered down on the den sofa with an oversized bowl of popcorn, tall glasses of soda, and an action-packed vide Raider's of the Lost Ark, starring Harrison Ford.  We were ready to be entertained by suspense, intrigue, and a touch of romance.  Like any good movie, there were three principal characters: the good guy, the bad guy, and the damsel in distress.  The good guy, Dr. Indiana Jones, who was a professor of archeology, obtainer of rare antiquities, and student of the world-renowned Dr. Ravenwood of the University of Chicago, quickly charmed us. The bad guy, a waxy-faced Nazi with a sinister grin and breathy laugh, who was always accompanied by an entourage of brutal, salivating, gargantuan, henchmen, quickly appalled us.   Then there was the damsel in distress -- the not-so-fair Marian, daughter of the now deceased Dr. Ravenwood and sole proprietor of a drinking establishment in the snowy mountains of Nepal.

In the opening scene, Dr. Jones is pulled from teaching his archeology class to meet with two agents from U.S. Army Intelligence.  It seems that Hitler is obsessed with religion and the occult and is on a mission to find the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant which has been missing since Solomon's temple was destroyed in 586 B.C.  Obviously, the government officials missed a few days in Sunday School, so Dr. Jones fills them in on the significance of this rare treasure.  The Ark contains the Ten Commandments and symbolizes the presence of God.

The government officials explain they have intercepted a German communication that reveals the Nazis are searching for the Ark of the Covenant in Cairo, but in order to determine its exact location, they need a map that is engraved on a gold medallion, once owned by Dr. Ravenwood.  Dr. Jones' mission, should he choose to accept it, is to locate the medallion, uncover the Ark of the Covenant, and bring it safely back to the United States.

Professor Jones, with the gleam of adventure in his eyes, whisks off his bow tie and wire-rim glasses and dons his suede Indiana Jones hat, leather whip, and trusty pistol.  Off he goes to Nepal to find the fair Marian and hopefully, the medallion (which she has been wearing around her neck for years).  Unfortunately for Marian, the waxy-faced Nazi also realizes that she is the key to finding the map and pays her a little visit just before Indiana Jones arrives.  In adventure film fashion, a fight ensues, a fire breaks out, and the damsel's life is in peril.  Just before the blazing walls come crashing down, the spy notices the gold medallion engulfed in flames and hanging from a pole.  Without considering the consequences, he grabs the metal disc from the flames, only to quickly drop it from his hot little hand, but not before it leaves a lasting impression.  One side of the map is forever burned into the palm of his hand.  Of course, Indiana Jones comes to the rescue.  The music soars; the hero cracks his whip, saves the damsel in distress, and recovers the medallion.

The Germans, thinking they have the map in the palm of their hand (actually the palm of Mr. Waxy-Face's hand) start to dig.  But what Professor Jones realizes is that the map is actually on the front and back of the medallion.  The Germans have only half of the map and thus are digging in the wrong place.

Now I have to tell you, this was supposed to be an evening of mindless activity and purely entertainment, but God spoke to me is a big way.  He used this movie to teach me about searching for God's presence, hearing His voice, and how different people go about it.  Many people would like to have the presence of God in their camp.  And just like in the movie, we could potentially play one of three roles.

Some people are like the damsel, who had been wearing the treasure map around her neck for years, but had no idea what it was.  She only wore it because her beloved father had given it to her as a gift.  Likewise, there are those who wear a cross around their neck, but don't truly understand the significance of the gift of sacrifice and salvation from their heavenly Father.  There are others who have a dusty Bible on a crowded bookshelf or displayed on a living room coffee table, but don't realize that it contains God's Words to them.  They don't understand that the Bible is the map to experiencing God's presence and hearing His voice in their daily lives.

Some are like the bad guy with only one side of the medallion burned into the palm of his hand.  They have heard parts of Scripture, read a few verses here and there, or visited a church on Holy Days such as Easter or Christmas.  They are searching for hidden treasure of life, but because they don't understand the whole truth of God, they are digging in the wrong place.

Finally, some are like the heroic Dr. Jones who possessed the whole map and knew exactly where to search for the treasure above all treasure -- The Ark of the Covenant -- the presence of God.  Oh the joy that comes from following God's map...not just parts of it...but all of it.  God has not left us alone to figure out this thing called life on our own.  He speaks to us through the pages of the Bible to tell us great and mighty things we did not know (Jeremiah 33:3).

The movie was over.  My popcorn bowl was empty, but my heart was full. As the credits rolled across the screen, God seemed to say, "There are three principal roles. Which character will you play?"

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You that You have given me the entire map of where to find the treasure of all treasures...eternal life.  Help me to unfold Your truth all the way, see the entire picture, and not simply look at one panel or one particular part.  Thank You, Lord, for loving me enough to give me a map with such clear directions.  I am looking forward to the day when I reach my final destination and spend eternity with You.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
In the above devotion, which character do you resemble the most?

Which character would you like to resemble the most?

Do you need to make any adjustments in your life in order to have the map readily accessible in your mind?

If so, what adjustments do you need to make?

I always love to hear from my girlfriends.  If you would like to comment on today's devotion, visit my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com/blog

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion was taken from Sharon's book, Becoming a Woman who Listens to God.  If you would like to learn more about how to hear God through the Bible, prayer, creation, circumstances and other people, then this book is for you.  In it, Sharon also teaches about Road Blocks that hinder hearing from God and how to remove them.  Also, make sure and check out the featured summer resource.

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]

August 13, 2009
Be a Joy-Giver
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Proverbs 10:28 "The prospect of the righteous is joy."

Friend To Friend
We all want to live a joy-filled life. Right? But it seems that everyone has their own definition of joy and their own plan of how to get it.  A pastor told the story of a beautiful lesson he learned one day when he casually wished one of his older church members a good day. The man remarked, "They're all good days, Pastor. It's what we put in them that changes them."

Joy is the deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control. When our life is under the control of God, priorities fall into place; life is simplified and is soon characterized by joy. Proverbs 10:28 says, "The prospect of the righteous is joy." In this verse, the word "prospect" means to view or to anticipate.  The word "righteous" mentioned in this verse refers to those who have given their lives to Jesus Christ, have been made righteous by His blood and have been given right standing with God. To experience joy, God must be the Lord or the boss of our life. As our Lord, He produces joy and makes it a reality in us.

Over the next two days, we are going to look at the life of Paul and the letter he wrote to the church at Philippi, which we now know as the bible book, Philippians.  Paul was a simple man but one who profoundly understood and experienced joy in its truest sense.  I really don't understand why, because Paul wrote the letter in the midst of brutal circumstances that were anything but joyful.  He was in prison, awaiting trial and facing his own execution.  Paul was old, alone, almost blind and in poor health, having suffered severe and constant physical abuse because of his faith in God. To me, Paul had no earthly reason to be joyful. But here's the deal.  Joy is not an earthly treasure.  Joy is a heavenly gift from a loving Father who is committed to the joy of His children.  Joy is a "God-thing."

I love the story of the little girl who misquoted her favorite bible verse: "...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have ever-laughing life." Exactly! Jesus not only came to give us life but to give us a life saturated with joy now and for all eternity.

If you are like me, there are many times when I look at myself and wonder how in the world God could possibly love me and want me to be happy. That thought just rocks my world because He does love me and He does want me to live a life that is filled with His joy. And He loves you the same way.  Why?

I believe the first reason is that Jesus loves us - not because we are so lovable - but because He is love.  However, there is a second and just as important reason - to give that joy away.  God wants us to be joy-givers.  Most of the time, we are focused on what will bring us joy when we should be focused on how to share God's joy with others. The paradox is that when we share our joy with others, we will have more joy ourselves.

Paul was a joy-giver. Paul gave to the church at Philippi and while he was there for a visit, the church at Philippi gave back to him.  In Philippians 4:15, Paul says "You people in Philippi remember when I first preached the Good News there."  Paul is basically writing a "thank you" note for their gift to him, but more importantly, Paul is thanking them for being "joy-givers" in his life.

To experience joy, we need to stop and remember what we have been given. We tend to think first of temporary things when our true wealth lies in eternal things such as the miracle of knowing Christ personally and having all of our sins forgiven.  A personal relationship with God brings purpose and meaning to life and His very presence will produce joy.  You cannot give what you do not have.  To be a joy-giver, you must first have joy. 

Let's Pray
Father, I want to be a joy-giver but often find it hard to encourage others when I am so down myself.  Please teach me how to choose Your joy instead of trying to create it on my own.  I want to know You more and experience the joy that only You can give. Today, please teach me how to be a joy-giver.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

·         Make a list of the things in your life that bring you joy.   

·         How many of the things on your list are earthly treasures? 

·         How many are eternal? 

·         Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16. How does this verse compare to your understanding of joy? What do you think "always" means in this verse?

More From The Girlfriends
It has taken me years to realize that joy is not an emotion or feeling.  Joy is a deliberate choice to enthrone Jesus Christ as Lord of my life.  Only then can I have the peace and confidence that God is in control - no matter what life looks like today.  I don't always understand the way He works but I do understand that His ways are higher than mine and His heart is filled with incomprehensible love for me.  And that is enough.

Be sure to drop by Mary's online store to browse through books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and even special gift items.  And don't miss her weekly online bible study, How to Find Your Missing Peace.

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]

August 14, 2009
Be a Joy-Giver
Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Philippians 4:12 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (NIV).

Friend To Friend
I once heard a story that offers a great prescription for joy.  A young believer came to a man who had followed Christ for many years with this complaint.  "I have lost my joy!" the young man said.  The older, wiser Christian responded, "Go out and do something for someone else.  Then repeat that act of kindness nine times.  Then you will find joy!"

When we develop the habit of looking for a need and then meeting it, we will experience joy as never before.  Many times, instead of looking for a need, we look the other way.

Once upon a time
There were four men named
Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done
And Everybody was asked to do it.
But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it. 
But Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about it
Because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it 
And Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody
And Nobody did the job
That Anybody could have done in the first place. (Author unknown)

It is a paradox in the Christian life that the more we give, the more we receive.  In Luke 6:38, we find an amazing promise, "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving--large or small--it will be used to measure what is given back to you." If you want joy, learn to invest your life in others. Be on the lookout for a need and meet it. God created us to share each other's load because a shared load is a lighter load.

F.B. Meyer once noted: "I used to think, that God's gifts were on shelves-one above another and the taller we grow, the easier we can reach them.  Now I find that God's gifts are on shelves, one beneath another and the lower we stoop, the more we get." The apostle Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 9:10, "For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat.  In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you."

·         Give materially.

·         Give your time.

·         Give encouragement.

·         Give a praying heart.

·         Give a listening ear.

·         Give yourself.

The more you give the more joy you will experience.  The more joy you have, the more you will want to give - but you cannot out-give God.  He rewards "joy-givers." 

Philippians 4:17 "Really, it is not that I want to receive gifts from you.  But I want you to have the good that comes from giving.  Your gift is like a sweet-smelling sacrifice offered to God.  God accepts that sacrifice, and it pleases him."  The idea of a sweet-smelling sacrifice is taken from the sweet-smelling incense that was burned along with the Jewish sacrifices. When we meet a need in the life of someone, it is a pleasing aroma to God and a sacrifice of praise to Him. In fact, when we meet someone's need, we are actually giving through that need to God Himself. In other words, that met need becomes a deposit slip in our kingdom account. Joy-givers please God and the perspective and heart behind the giving matters.

Three men were hired to work on a large building project.  One was asked, "What are you doing?"  He responded, "I'm mixing mortar. The second man said, "I'm helping put up this great stone wall."  When the third man was asked, he replied, "I'm building a cathedral to the glory of God." Perspective is a powerful thing.

In Philippians 4:19, Paul goes on to say that when we meet the needs of others, God will meet our needs.  "My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need."  When we give out of our limited resources, God gives out of His unlimited resources. What a solid foundation for a life of joy! We simply cannot out-give God.

I recently read the testimony of a man as he shared this story:  "I got off at the Pennsylvania depot as a tramp and for a year, I begged on the streets for a living. One day, I touched a man on the shoulder and said, "Hey mister, can you give me a dime?" As soon as I saw the man's face, I was shocked to realize that it was my own father. "Father, do you know me?" I cried. Throwing his arms around me, tears streaming down his face, he said, "Oh my son! I finally found you! You ask for a dime? Everything I have is yours."  Think of it.  I was a tramp who stood begging my own father for ten cents when, for 18 years, he had been looking for me to give me all that he had.

God stands today, arms open wide, ready to pour out His unspeakable gift of joy into our lives so that we can have joy; so that we can share that joy with others.  Our gift back to Him is to be a joy-giver.

Let's Pray
Father, please forgive me when I am so focused on what I can get that I ignore what I can give.  Help me to see others as You see them, to love others as You love them and to give like You give. May I be a vessel through which Your joy flows into the people around me.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn


Read 2 Corinthians 9:8. What does this verse promise to those who give generously?   
Would others describe you as a generous giver?  Why?  Why not?   
What do you think the link is between giving and joy?   
What change(s) do you need to make in your life in the area of giving?

More From The Girlfriends
I know it seems illogical to think that the more we give, the more we receive.  However, I have seen this truth become a reality in my own life.  Let me challenge you this week to concentrate on what you can give instead of what you can get and see what happens to your joy level.  I know you will be a blessing and be blessed.

Be sure to drop by Mary's online store to browse through books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and even special gift items.  And don't miss her weekly online bible study, How to Find Your Missing Peace.

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]

August 17, 2009
Unsearchable
Gwen Smith

Today's Truth
"I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable."  (Psalm 145:1-3, NASB)

Friend To Friend
I fell in love with my husband half-my-life ago, yet with sixteen years of marriage under my belt, there are still moments that I shake my head and wonder, "who is that man?" And while I may not have every mystery about him solved, I do know my husband. I know his voice, his touch, and his quirks. I'm a witness to his character, his personality, and his ways. The same is true about my relationship with God.  Over the years, I have learned to hear His voice, to recognize His touch, and to understand some basic truths of who He is.

There are so many revelations of God in His Word.  The Bible boasts of His greatness, glory, honor, and character.  We know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:, that God's grace is sufficient for every repentant heart, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  We know that His name is above all other names (Philippians 2:9), that there is no other like Him (Jeremiah 10:6), and that His wisdom holds secrets that are hidden from before time began (I Corinthians 2:7).  And for as much as we know about the LORD, our knowledge of Him is but a fraction of a grain of sand as held up to all the beaches on earth.

Though He is the mysterious master Creator who hung each star in the sky and calls them by name, He wants us to love Him, to trust Him, to know Him, and to worship Him.  That thought alone sets my mind to wonder! God invites us to participate with Him in a vibrant dance of abundant life through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Our amazing Heavenly Father bids each and every one of us to come to Him with questions, to be held by His love, to find peace, hope, and healing in His Son. He calls us to seek Him through prayer and to experience new revelations of Him through His Word and through the Holy Spirit.

The voice of all of creation shouts His praise! I encourage you to pause in this moment to consider Him...to respond to Him...to meditate on His glorious splendor.  As you do, He will increasingly become the all-satisfying desire of your heart, while at the same time, He will stir up a hunger in your soul to know Him even more.

Let's Pray
Holy Father, Your greatness truly is unsearchable! I pray that you will continue to stir up a hunger in my soul to know all the mystery of You that remains.  Please cause me to think bigger thoughts of You, and to acknowledge You in all my ways.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
This devotion was inspired by a worship song that I co-wrote called, UNSEARCHABLE.  Take a moment to read through the lyric.  Speak it out loud!

UNSEARCHABLE
By Sue Smith and Gwen Smith

Lord I know that your grace is sufficient for me
I know I am held by your love
And You're there when I call
You are strong when I'm weak
You delight over me from above

And You stir up a hunger that I can't explain
To know all the mystery of You that remains

Unsearchable greatness
Unsearchable wisdom
Unsearchable mercy to me
I am lost in the wonder of all that I know
Knowing there's much more to see
Cause you are unsearchable
You are unsearchable

Lord, I boast in Your glory that humbles the stars
Your name has such power and might
And Your goodness and kindness
Have captured my heart

Your Word keeps giving me life
And you stir up a hunger that I can't explain
to know all the mystery of You that remains

Chorus

Hear the voice of all creation crying out (4x)

Now... Go to my FACEBOOK MUSIC PAGE to listen to the song and respond in worship. (Turn on your speakers!)

Read Jeremiah 33:3.  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." What does this verse mean to you?  What does this verse tell you about the rewards of calling on our Lord?  Thank Him for hearing your prayers and for healing your pains.  Be lost in the wonder of Him.

More From The Girlfriends
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.

God delights to transform lives...including your own.  In her book, Broken Into Beautiful, Gwen Smith invites you to experience how the unconditional love of Jesus can change your life and then stand back and watch the wonder of grace at work.  He is willing to eternally forgive and forget and to transform your life into something beautiful. 

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]

August 28, 2009
I'm Finished Fighting!
Cindi Wood

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


Today's Truth

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14).

Friend To Friend 

I can't take it anymore, Danita said as she flopped down in the recliner in her den.  It was late afternoon, and plenty of evening duties still lay before her.  She felt like she'd been putting out fires all day long with no one to help.  Somewhere inside of her, she knew she shouldn't be feeling so irritated and helpless.  She was running out of energy, and not enjoying life the way she once did.  When she breathed her prayer of Lord, please help me ... it was more out of desperation than a sincere cry for help.

Have you ever felt like Danita?  Oh, I have!  Well, take heart frazzled sister!  Your God is strong and mighty to save and, He's longing to invade your daily circumstances and pull you out of the pit.  Only our God can bring stability out of the messes of life. As your Heavenly Father, it delights Him to comfort you and rescue you.  He understands your stress and knows how the events of daily living can leave you feeling haggard and depleted. If you will turn to Him and allow Him to do so, He will fight your battles, restore your joy, and usher you into victorious living.  He is waiting for you to be still.

As a small child, I escaped to the deep end of the pool one day and jumped into water way over my head.  I remember fighting underwater, trying to get back to the top.  The harder I fought, the deeper I went.  I didn't know how to swim.  Exhausted, I stopped fighting and expected to drown.  Still and helpless, I then floated to the top, where a lifeguard noticed me and quickly pulled me to safety.

Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in the stress-pool of life, struggling, doing everything imaginable to fight my way to the top, only to arrive nowhere, feeling exhausted and helpless.  Then, I finally remember to be still and fall into the arms of my Mighty Rescuer.  Not one moment during my frantic struggle does He turn His gaze from me.  In fact, He has already rescued me many times. I just don't realize it. In great patience (because He alone knows what's best for me), He waits until I give up my fight of self-sufficiency to demonstrate His power.                                             

Let's Pray

Dear Lord, why do I continually try to fight my way through my daily circumstances? Please remind me today, through Your Holy Spirit, to remember how much You long to help me, give me peace and rescue me from the stress I experience.  I love You so much and I want to thank You - once again - for being my Mighty Rescuer!
In Jesus' name,
Amen.


Now It's Your Turn

1)    What circumstance, right now, are you battling?
2)    Are you willing to step back, take a deep breath, and be still long enough to give the Lord opportunity to demonstrate His power?
3)    Take a few moments before leaving this devotion to sit quietly in His presence.  Ask Him to open your eyes to His involvement in your situation. 

More From The Girlfriends

Life can be so stressful and before you know it, you find yourself engaged in multiple battles.  Living like this can drag you and stomp you down bringing mounds of aches, pains, guilt, and helplessness on top of it all!  Please know, dear sister, this kind of life is not God's plan for you.  I assure you that He's in control and He longs for you to experience His peace.  If you'd like to understand more about His plan for victorious living, I invite you to check out the Victoriously Frazzled Bible Study on my web site at www.frazzledfemale.com.  May God bless you (and He will) as you give the battle to Him.

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]

August 31, 2009
Learning The Hard Way
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

"So do not be foolish with your lives.  But learn what the Lord wants you to do.  Ephesians 5:17" (ICB).

Friend To Friend

There is only one thing more painful than learning from experience - and that is not learning from experience.  Life is a journey, not a destination. It is through that journey that we are born, broken, changed and shaped. God is big on learning the lessons of life because life is His chosen classroom through which He teaches His children His truth.  One of the first and most vital truths we need to learn in our walk with God is obedience.

Truth does not change!  We must change in response to the truth!  A learned truth is an applied truth and when we apply truth, we are practicing obedience.  When we don't learn from our wayward steps, we are doomed to make the same mistakes again, falling back into disobedience.  It is like climbing the same old mountain again and again!

Dan served as Youth Pastor for many years in South Florida.  Each summer, we took the youth on a mission trip to the mountains of North Carolina where they conducted youth rallies in parks, taught back yard Bible Clubs and held worship services in local churches.  Everyone worked hard, but each afternoon was free time.  We all piled into a rickety old school bus and headed for the mountains to play.  Our favorite mountain activity was tubing.  One year a pastor told us about a tubing company tucked up in the mountains on Lake Lure, assuring us that the crowds were small, the price was right and the ride was incredible.  Off we went!

We soon discovered why it was such a great deal.  You couldn't find the place!  We got so completely lost - several times.  After two hours of searching, we finally found the tubing company and had a great, but short ride.  As we headed back to our hotel, one of the counselors wisely suggested that we write down the directions so that we would have them each year.  Great idea!

The next summer, everyone was excited about tubing at our new spot - until we discovered that no one had actually written down the directions - and once again, we got lost, wasting an hour of valuable tubing time. I took matters in hand, grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down detailed directions.

The following summer, we were half way to Lake Lure and the mapped out tubing spot when we discovered that we had indeed documented the directions but had left them at the hotel.  Once again, we went around that same old mountain, wasting time and energy until we found the tubing place.  I looked at Dan and said, "We must be slow learners!"

I am afraid that our Father looks at us many times and with a broken heart wonders, "Why are they so slow to learn and practice my Truth?"  In order to learn the ways of God we have to know the Truth of God.  Saturating our lives with Scripture is essential to finding and doing the will of God.  The Bible is the road map, the blue print and the ultimate plan for our journey. 

As we begin to walk in the right direction we must not only have the right directions for today, we must go back and destroy those paths of yesterday that once led us in the wrong direction.  Eliminating wrong choices makes the right choices much easier to make.  Some of those old paths are familiar and may be hard to uproot.  A friendship may have to be ended.  A behavior pattern may have to be changed.  A habit may have to be eliminated. But if it leads to sin, if it makes it easier to sin, if it entices or tempts you to sin, run from it now!  Don't go around that same old mountain of wrong choices again.  Learn the lesson and choose obedience.

Let's Pray

Father, I am so tired of going around the same old mountains of defeat and failure in my life.  I am afraid of being lost and without direction.  Right now, I choose Your ways.  Please lead me in them.  Help me to see and turn from anyone or anything that would keep me from learning and then obeying Your truth. 
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn 

Make a commitment to learn whatever lessons God has for you today. Right now, choose obedience and ask the Holy Spirit to give discernment and power to make the right choices. 
Ask God for the wisdom to identify the "old" ways and the strength to turn from anyone or anything that makes it easy to disobey the new ways.
What "new" ways do you need to put in the place of the old ways?
What part does the Holy Spirit and the Word of God play in our ability to be obedient? 
More From The Girlfriends

I pray that today's devotion will encourage you to take that step of obedience that you have been flirting with.  Don't waste another day of your precious journey by fighting the same old fights.  Step into a new land of victory!

Be sure to drop by Mary's online store to browse through books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and even special gift items.  And don't miss her weekly online bible study, How to Find Your Missing Peace.   

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
`

[Judy Harder]

September 1, 2009
Mixed Messages
Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers and sisters [and girlfriends] this should not be" (James 3:9-10 TNIV).

Friend To Friend
Catherine and I set out for a lazy summer stroll through the neighborhood just before the fireflies emerged to celebrate the setting of the sun.  We chatted about raising boys, working husbands, and decorating dilemmas.  When we arrived back at her house, she invited me to come in and look at some fabric swatches for a new sofa.  Before I knew it, a few minutes turned into a couple of hours.

"Oh, my!" I exclaimed.  "It's ten o'clock. I've been gone for over two hours!  I bet Steve's worried sick.  He doesn't even know where I am.  I'd better give him a call before I start back home."

When I dialed the number, the answering machine picked up.  After I listened to my sweet Southern greeting, I left a bitter message.

"Steve, I was calling to let you know I'm at Catherine's.  I thought you'd be worried, but apparently you don't even care because you won't even pick up the phone!"  Click.   I said my goodbyes to Catherine and left feeling somewhat dejected.  I'm wandering around in the dark all alone and he doesn't even care, I mumbled to no one in particular.       

As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I noticed someone coming toward me.  It was Sir Galahad riding on his steed...his bicycle! 

"Where have you been?" Steve desperately asked.  "I've been riding all over the neighborhood looking for you! Do you know what time it is?"

"Oh you do care," I said with a grin, giving him a big hug. 

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing.  Let's go home." I answered.

When we got back home, I quickly erased the message on the machine before Steve could hear my reprimanding words. "Whew," I thought, "That was close."

A few days later, Steve called me from work.

"Sharon, have you listened to the answering machine lately?"

"No, why?"

"Well, I think there's something on there you need to hear."

We hung up and I reached for my cell phone to call my home phone. The message on the answering machine went something like this.

(The voice of a Sweet Southern Belle)  "Hello, you've reached the Jaynes' residence.  We're unable to answer the phone right now... (enter the voice of Cruella de Vil) "I was calling to let you know I'm at Katherine's.  I thought you'd be worried, but apparently you don't even care because you won't pick up the phone! (Return of Sweet Southern Bell) At the sound of the beep, leave your number and we'll get back with you as soon as possible." Beep.

"Oh, my goodness!" I screamed.  "How did this happen!  How many people have heard this over the past three days?"

I called the phone company and they explained that sometimes during a thunderstorm (which had occurred three days prior), lightening strikes the wires and answering machine messages get scrambled.  The old message somehow got attached to the greeting.

I was mortified.  It sounded like Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde reincarnate.

"Lord," I prayed.  "This is so embarrassing."

"Yes, it is," He replied.

Well, He didn't really say that in so many words.  It was more like this. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water" (James 3:9-12 TNIV).

"OK Lord, I get the message." I prayed.  But unfortunately, so did a lot of other people.

As women, I am amazed how quickly we can flit back and forth between blessing and belittling, praising and putting-down, cheering and critiquing - all in a matter of seconds.  God has given us incredible power in our sphere of influence, and it begins with the words we speak. Few forces have as powerful an effect as the sounds that pass our lips.  Our words can spark a child to accomplish great feats, encourage a husband to conquer the world, fan the dying embers of a friend's broken dreams into a flame, encourage a fellow believer to run the race set before her, and draw a lost soul to Christ. 

My devotions for the month of September will focus on our words. I invite you to explore one of the mysteries of the feminine mystique - the power of a woman's words. Are words powerful?  Yes!  Just how powerful?  We'll learn together.  Let's take a look at one of God's most incredible gifts to mankind and consider the potential we have right under our noses...words.

Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, oh how I have a difficult time controlling my tongue!  I pray that you will put a guard over my mouth.  Help me to think before I speak. I pray the Holy Spirit will take control of my words and use me as an instrument of encouragement.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Now It's Your Turn
A word has been described as the smallest unit of meaningful linguistic communication.  But that little tiny entity has great potential.

Read James 3:2-6 and answer the following questions.

How is the tongue like the rudder of a ship?

Who is the ship? (There is not necessarily a right answer.)

On any given day, there are many travelers on our ship (our families and friends) or people we pass on the waterways of life.  How do our words carry people along the same route we are traveling?  How do our words maneuver or bump into those that are passing by?

To comment on today's devotion, visit www.sharonjaynes.com/blog.  You can read other Girlfriend's comments as well!

More From The Girlfriends
Today's devotion is taken from Sharon's book, The Power of a Woman's Words and The Power of a Woman's Words Bible Study.  There is great power in the words we speak and the people we impact.  If you would like to learn more about how to harness this powerful resource and use your words for good, this book will be a great resource.  Why not get a group of girlfriends together and learn about The Power of a Woman's Words together!

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]

September 2, 2009
The Blessing of Storms
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth
Psalm 46: 1 (NRSV) "God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble." 

Friend to Friend
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He feverishly prayed for God's rescue, but with every day that passed, his hope weakened. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. Everything was lost. Stunned with grief and anger, the man cried, "God, how could you do this to me!" 

The next morning, he woke to the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" the weary man asked. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. 

Storms are for our good.  When a storm hits, I usually look for the nearest exit, hoping to escape the high winds.  I am more than willing to give up my seat in a rocking boat in exchange for tranquil waters and blue skies.  I don't like pain.  I dread uncertain times.  When life spirals out of control, I often withdraw from friends and family in an attempt to hide.  Stress can paralyze me and make it difficult for me to function normally.  Small tasks become huge mountains as the clouds gather and the winds pick up speed.  To think that storms are for my good is a stretch to say the least.   

I know you have repeatedly heard and even taught the truth that we are strengthened by our storms.  Honestly, there have been times when I felt as if I would explode if one more person told me to praise God for my storm.  Looking back, however, there is absolutely no doubt that my greatest growth has come during my most fierce life storms.  Each storm has become a spiritual marker, a testament to the sufficiency and faithfulness of God.  It is from those markers that a powerful life is shaped and molded.

Storms will come.  Storms are a reality of life.  We will either become storm survivors or storm statistics. The choice really is ours to make.  We can stop telling God how big our storm is and start telling the storm just how big our God is. The key to enduring storms is to embrace each one that comes, knowing it contains and can yield a seed of victory.   

Let's Pray
Father, give me new eyes to see Your hand at work in the midst of my life storms.  I surrender my fear and disbelief to the certainty of Your truth.  I choose to trust You even if I don't understand You.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I ask that You strengthen me for whatever tomorrow holds and help me to remember that tomorrow is in Your hands. 

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Read and memorize Psalm 46:1 (NRSV) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." 

Read and think about the following statement:  Endurance is never passive. It is the picture of a soldier staying in the heat of the battle under terrible opposition but still pressing forward to gain the victory!  Then record any thoughts and/or fresh insights you gained from this verse in your journal. 

Examine the following list. How have the storms in your life promoted growth in each area?  Explain.

Purity   
Love   
Patience   
Forgiveness   
Kindness   
Understanding
Read and record the following promises of God and rest in their truth when the next storm hits:

·         Proverbs 10:25 (NIV) "When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone but the righteous stand firm forever." 

·         Isaiah 25:4 (NASB) "For You have been a defense for the helpless, a defense for the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat..." 

·         Psalm 57:1 (NRSV) "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by." 

More From The Girlfriends
While describing the events of the past week, a friend said to me, "You know, Mary.  People have to believe you when you describe your life.  No one could make this stuff up!"  I often say that my life is always like a helicopter landing.  Storms have become very familiar companions.  I am sure many of you could say the same.  The question is not if we will have storms, but when will they come.  The best way to get ready for a life storm is to stay ready for a life storm.  That means getting in the Word, praying and hanging out with other believers who have weathered a few storms of their own.

Light for the Journey is Mary's weekly online bible study and offers practical and powerful tools for daily living.  Check it out!   

Looking for resources to help you grow in Christ?  Visit Mary's online store for a great selection of books, CDs, MP3 downloads, E-Bible Studies and more! 

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
`